fall fashion trend report
SEPT/OCT 2019 | $5.95
Our Time
a new generation of thinkers, artists, leaders, athletes & changemakers powering down tech addiction helping teens transition to college Saige Kanik and Ella “Minnie� Seo of 10 Teens to Watch p. 78
new creative programs for kids
the art imperative of yayoi kusama
Photo by Ernst Haas. New York Windows, 1957.
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contents SEPT/OCT 2019 vol. 21 | issue 5
features
departments
68
18 EDITOR’S LETTER
by dia ne semb rot
FASHION FORWARD
STATUS REPORT
Fall in love with the biggest trends this fall and get tips on how to style them from Stephanie Trotta. Are you ready to make a statement and have fun doing it?
21 BUZZ Welcome One River School, a new arts education center; SFSK, a new center in Wilton that helps children with behavioral and sensory issues; talk about the transition to college with therapist Caroline Schiff; getting real about tech addiction with Nadja Streiter; private aviation for better business, with Lewis Liebert; Lyme disease; show off your college prep with Southern Tide; Earth Animal helps pets with anxiety; the new Sono Collection
78
CLASS ACT To meet these ten teens is know that the future is bright. Excelling in athletics, the arts, academics and more, this emerging generation will change the world.
34 GO Visiting Viceroy L’Ermitage; Buick Enclave
by joey macari
40 HOME TecKnow mixes smart-home automation and solar power
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42 FINANCE FIX
THE TRANSFORMER
Teaching kids about money management, with Traci Provost
Westport Arts Center became MoCA and moves into a new space. This is big—like Yayoi Kusama big. Now’s the time to see things differently.
45 PEOPLE & PLACES 111 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
by judy ostrow
68
correction: the photographs of paul simon’s house appearing in “to market we go” in our july issue were taken by lane coder.
WESTPORT SEPT/OCT 2019, VOL. 21, 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: 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. westportmag.com
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FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
c over photo gr aphy by: pamel a einarsen photo gr aphy
112 CALENDAR
jewels jewels
jewels
BOLD GOLD COLLECTION
digital content & MORE
sept/oct 2019
WESTPORTMAG.com
STYLE ON THE GO
CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS OF OUR CITY
PARTY PHOTOS
Visit our galleries for all the fun
THE CELEBRITY VISITS, FABULOUS FASHIONS AND MOVING MOMENTS FROM ALL THE HOTTEST EVENTS
SHOUT OUT TO OUR SOCIAL CIRCLES Good luck keeping up with Fairfield County social media influencers. These ladies are on the go! When working on a story about HAT ATTACK’s very fashionable accessories, we followed a few stylists and bloggers on Instagram as they posted outfit tips across Fairfield County. Photos by @juliadags Style finds @hatattackny.
PLUS! THREE TO FOLLOW NOW! 1. Stephanie Trotta @thegirlguide (below) 2. Elizabeth Ariola @mrsnipple_ (top) 3. Emily Lucille Sanders @emilylucillesanders
FOLLOW US ON:
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PARTY PHOTOS: GREENWICH YMCA GALA BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO • STYLE ON THE GO IMAGES BY JULIA DAGS
above: Elizabeth Ariola, the stylish wife and mom behind @mrsnipple_ on Instagram
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for example, is a new center in Wilton that helps children with behavioral and sensory issues. For another, therapist Caroline Schiff, who has experience working with youth at risk and adolescents in outpatient treatment, provides parents helpful advice with the transition from high school to college. And Nadja Streiter, of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction, gives a wake-up call about productive use of technology versus unhealthy overuse, dependence and addiction. Change isn’t always easy, it can even be scary. The trick to facing it just might be found in thin air. Consider Westporter Lewis Liebert, founder of Performance Flight, the largest Cirrus Training Center in the world. It started with him facing his fears with flight lessons. Now, offering them to others is his business. Cover to cover, we challenge you to consider right now as a new chapter in your story. It begins now.
Stay in touch! dianes@mofflymedia.com
WILLIAM TAUFIC
W
hen it comes to new beginnings, January is the obvious pick. Spring is a close second because of nature’s renewal. But some of us also feel the re-boot in September. When the month switches over from August, we’re counting down the days until we put away our flipflops and finish off one last tall glass of iced tea with fresh mint. As summer sets, it’s time to get back to work. Perhaps it’s because we’re getting the kids ready for another school year, and maybe even sending them off to college. In this issue, we introduce you to ten local teens you should keep an eye on. They’re taking advantage of their high school years— learning about, and excelling at, athletics, arts, academics and more and, thus, shaping astonishingly bright future for themselves. These students prove that the emerging generation is ready to take on the world. We spent our summer preparing for this issue. From one end of town to the other, we checked out resources to help families. For example, we dropped into One River School, the cool new arts-education center on the Post Road. It offers classes for every age and ability—and they’re taught by professional artists. Also, we talked to professionals who help address specific childhood issues. SFSK,
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buzz STATUS REPORT
In a bright, modern space SFSK provides multiple assessments, therapies, coaching, skills groups and more. To support clinic sessions, it will also create custom home-therapy gyms.
WORKING TOGETHER
A NEW CENTER SUPPORTS CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH BEHAVIORAL ISSUES by diane talb ot sembrot
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE NORTON
I
f your child has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism or a behavioral issue, you are not alone. Responding to local needs, SFSK—a new cutting-edge, multidisciplinary child-development clinic—has opened in Wilton (sensory-kids.com/sfsk). Its child-development specialists collaborate with one another to address emotional and social/behavioral issues associated with ADHD, sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression and learning and processing disorders. “Most issues are not onedimensional,” noted cofounder and Co-executive Director Christopher Bogart, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist. As executive director of The Southfield Center for Development (southfieldcenter.com) in Darien, he
has grown his company from three staff members to forty over the past ten years. “Studies show that clinicians with access to other professionals beyond their own area of specialization are better able to find the root of the problem and provide more effective treatments.” SFSK cofounder and Co-executive Director Melissa Kahn, M.S., OTR/L, a Westporter, is executive director and owner of Sensory Kids (sensory-kids.com), which offers multisensory and pediatric occupational therapy. It opened in Old Greenwich ten years ago and, to grow, moved to Stamford in 2013. “We also want to provide parents with a holistic picture of their child and a complete and thoughtful plan,” Kahn noted. Today, SFSK offers multiple therapies, assessments, skills work and group sessions. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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IN THE KNOW AGES 3–17:
7.4% have a diagnosed behavioral problem, 7.1% have diagnosed anxiety, and 3.2% have diagnosed depression.
AGES 2–17:
9.4% have an ADHD diagnosis.
AGES 6–17:
Depression and anxiety have increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2011–12.
Source: cdc.gov/ childrensmentalhealth/ data.html
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DRAW A CONCLUSION A
recent research study (taken from Americans for the Arts findings) has found that arts education in school has shown immense benefits to student life, positively affecting student motivation, attitudes and attendance. It’s also part of Westport’s identity, and the bustling local arts culture can expect a boost with the arrival of ONE RIVER SCHOOL OF ART + DESIGN (westport .oneriverschool.com) on the Post Road. Matt Ross founded it in 2012 in Englewood, New Jersey, and has since expanded the portfolio to more than ten additional locations across five states. Alyson Luck is director of the Westport location, which will offer such subjects as drawing, manga, painting, mixed-media, digital art, photography and Photoshop. “When I was about to have my second child, two years ago, living in New York City no longer seemed sustainable. I loved my job at the Guggenheim Museum and wanted to stay, but after a year of commuting, I wanted to be local. There was only one option: Westport,” she says. “My whole family still lives in Westport and there was no other place I wanted to be. I thought it was going to be impossible to combine what I loved about museum education and art
art teacher Mr. Wheeler’s yearly photography trips changed my life; they exposed me to the world of art, literally.” Now she offers “a new model for art classes by offering them year-round, having each project inspired by a living or recently living artist and incorporating twenty-first-century technology.” Professional teaching artists will offer art-making and digital experiences and the school will feature a gallery space for emerging artists, student work and community shows. –D.T.S.
education and find a place for it that was nearby. I saw a job posting for One River School of Art + Design, and it seemed too good to be true. Not only was it what I was doing already at the Guggenheim—exposing kids and adults to contemporary artists and then using that for art making—but it was in Westport. I was hired in January and never looked back.” She adds that Westport influenced her love for the arts, as her teachers integrated it into their lesson plans. “At Staples,
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Alyson Luck, director, oversees classes for all ages at Westport’s One River School. For inspiration, she reserves gallery space for professional pieces. Below, works by Brooklyn artist JJ Manford
PORTRAIT BY CAROLINA ZAMORA; INTERIOR BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA
STAPLES ALUMNI ALYSON LUCK TAKES THE HELM AT THE NEW ONE RIVER SCHOOL
buzz
TIME TO STEP UP
HELPING TEENS (AND THEIR PARENTS) THROUGH THE TRANSITION TO COLLEGE
How do parents help?
B
oth parents and teens can have a lot of feelings when the day to head to college finally arrives. So we turned to CAROLINE SCHIFF, LMSW (carolinehschiff.com), a psychotherapist in private practice. She’s worked in acute hospital and adolescent and adult outpatient settings and received a grant from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for working with Transitioning Youth at Risk. Here’s her advice. –D.T.S.
Why is transitioning from high school to college challenging?
“Young adults typically leave for college around age eighteen, which is years before the prefrontal cortex is fully developed. The prefrontal cortex is predominantly responsible for maturation; this includes focusing and organizing, controlling impulses and emotional reactions to stimuli, and processing information while adjusting behavior. These are essential components to a successful transition from high school to college, where, suddenly, the young adult is met with new
“It’s imperative to let your children try new things, challenge themselves and grow. You raised your children well and taught them to the best of your ability. Of course, you love them and want to help them every step of the way, but it’s time for them to discover who they are going to be.”
independence and increased responsibility. College students must identify who they are as individuals, who they are in the context of families, friends and the larger community, and who they want to be as they move through life. Self-esteem and self-concept are vulnerable to assessment by others, and further complicated by the formation of peer groups and social roles.”
What if your teen is struggling?
“If you find your child is seeking your guidance too often during this transition, it is possible he or she may be feeling insecure. You can remind your child of his or her ability to solve problems on his or her own or seek the assistance of college resources like peer tutoring, writing centers, health services, counseling centers, health services and more. Remember that this is new for him or her too, so your child’s communication may fluctuate while he or she adjusts to this new lifestyle. …I can imagine how painful it would be as a parent to worry about your child in any capacity. College can be difficult, but unless there is risk to safety, working through these obstacles can provide immense opportunities for growth and maturation.”911
Is it more challenging these days?
“Yes and no. It’s harder for today’s teens to transition from high school to college because the pressure to succeed is at an all-time high. Incoming freshmen enter school full of excitement but, typically, with anxiety about expectations as well. The preconceived notion that excellence is expected makes the transition more difficult. There are also greater distractions—such as electronics and social media— that detract from student focus on classes and assignments. While social media may play a positive role by offering a connection to home, the images of perfection prevalent across social media
Note: Answers edited for fit.
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HELPFUL RESOURCES parenttoolkit.com
Select ‘Life After High School,’ for articles offering advice to parents. “It also provides guidance on how to have difficult conversations relating to alcohol and substance use, mental health and the importance of consent in exploring their sexuality.” Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger: “It addresses the challenges parents experience when their children begin college within the context of today’s modern world.”
National Alliance on Mental Illness 800-950-6264, nami.org
“Be aware of the risks of loneliness, major anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, disordered eating, reckless behavior, self-harm, unprotected sex, depression and suicide.” In a crisis, you can text to 741741.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
“Trained counselors in crisis intervention can help.”
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-4673
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANGELO TUCCI
platforms increase anxiety and decrease self-esteem. Unfortunately, the discourse around the benefits and caveats of social media allows students to intellectualize and internalize the problems but fails to diminish the feelings and symptoms of anxiety. When this happens, college students’ mental health and wellness may suffer.”
Top-ranked children’s hospital. Just a hop, skip and jump away. U.S. News & World Report ranked Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital among the best in the country in nine out of ten specialties. We take tremendous pride in that recognition and in our doctors, nurses and staff who are dedicated to caring for the unique needs of children and their families. With pediatric specialty centers located in Greenwich, Norwalk, Trumbull, New Haven and Old Saybrook, families have access to top-ranked specialties nearby. ynhch.org
buzz
TEENS AND TECH WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW NOW ABOUT
ADAPTIVE USE AND UNHEALTHY USE
W
e look up from cooking or sorting mail and catch sight of our beautiful, brilliant, brimming-with-possibility child—who is, once again, staring deep into a phone. We take a breath and hope everything’s OK. We are traversing new territory as we raise our kids in a world gone tech. “Parents have it really tough these days,” says NADJA STREITER, LMSW, an internet and technologyaddiction therapist, advocate and speaker who also sees clients and lectures locally. “They are struggling to manage the pressure
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is no longer realistic to assume someone, including a teenager, is picking up a phone for frivolous use. Failing to recognize that and/ or screen shaming will only serve to increase conflict and alienate.” –D.T.S.
“modeling is a crucial element
in parenting, and teens will absolutely resist if a plan is set in stone or their parents are unwilling to examine and modify their own use.”
PORTRAIT BY MINDY BRIAR PHOTOGRAPHY; PHONE BY ©KASPARS GRINVALDS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Nadja Streiter
generation. Looking up from their phones, they might not see possibilities and seek comfort by simply looking down again. Streiter adds that “tech addiction” is not a formal term, but, for the purposes of discussion, look for a teen who simply can’t resist texting, checking social media or gaming. She says “problematic use” or “compulsive use” to better capture their experience and to dispel the punitive element—meaning “there is greater likelihood that teens are willing to admit they need help.” Watch for signs of anxiety, loneliness and depression, such as “increased avoidance of, and/or anxiety surrounding, face-to-face interactions; reduced ability to delay gratification; shorter attention span; a decline in grades; and reduced interest, if any, in non-tech based activities. In extreme cases, there might be physical aggression or threats of self-harm if a parent tries to restrict usage.” What to do? Take action. “Parents need to first educate themselves and their children about the predatory practices and addictive characteristics of tech. We live in an ‘attention economy,’ and everyone should know what that means,” she says. “Then they need to understand what needs tech is filling in their kids’ lives as well as their own. From there they have the basis to apply some critical-thinking skills and create a collaborative family plan—this means everyone—to use tech in a healthy and balanced way.” Also, accept that phones are here to stay; adjust how we see them. “It
of their own digital demands and distractions—and they get an enormous number of mixed messages about the need to be hypervigilant on one the hand, and harming their children with helicopter and lawn-mower parenting on the other. The rapidly changing world of tech use only adds to the conundrum.” Part of the challenge is to figure out when constant tech became the norm—and what to do if we find ourselves in a space that feels too close to tech addiction. “Although parents may describe themselves as ‘addicted,’ they are loathe to use that word with their kids,” says Streiter. “Mostly, they want to know what the long-term impact is going to be if the only thing their teens want to do is play video games or be on their phones, and how they can get their kids to stop.” Getting a teen to put down a phone takes their buy-in to reserve time out—and that’s if they know how to stop. “Teens recognize their tech use is frequently distracting and can negatively impact their well-being and school performance but often feel helpless about how to manage it,” she says. “In addition, they are often not highly motivated. Kids worry that they won’t fit in if they aren’t using tech in the same way as their peers, and they ask how they can cut down without losing connection with their friends and becoming invisible or forgotten. Some just want to know what else they would do with their time.” Clearly, what parents recall of their own teen years—how they filled their days—is foreign to today’s young
Heaven in ConneCtiCut Far from the madding crowd, in the Litchfield Hills, lies a quiet getaway. Set on 113 acres and bordering extensive woods and lakes, Winvian Farm was created to recharge and indulge. The five-star cuisine, the wines, the spa and the service are as unexpected as the experiences that one ultimately enjoys— and it’s just around the corner.
winvianfarm.com
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all goes at the student’s individual pace.” How have you positioned Performance Flight from its competition? “Since the first discussion about starting the company it’s always been about quality. I wanted the best planes, so we train only on brand new, fully loaded Cirrus airplanes. We hire only the best pilots—truly qualified experts. And we have an amazing and loyal operations team that always goes above and beyond to make each experience great. We encourage perspective clients to visit other flight schools and compare for themselves. We offer a very high-end solution.”
WHEN FLIGHT SCHOOL SERVES AS BUSINESS SCHOOL
C
an flying make you a better business leader? Just ask Lewis Liebert, founder of PERFORMANCE FLIGHT (performanceflight.com), the largest noncommercial Cirrus Training Center in the world. When he started taking flying lessons, he realized he could do this better than the school was doing. So the dare devil with a head for business founded his own organization (he started out with partners who had aviation experience, but he bought them out a year later). Since 2007, Performance Flight, located at Westchester County Airport, has provided flight lessons, jet charter and aircraft management and maintenance services. Its fleet of more than thirty aircraft range from Cirrus SR20s and SR22s for pilot training and rental, up to Gulftream and Citation Jets that travel around the globe. Its high-end Charter Division offers exceptional customer service for short and worldwide travel. Recently, we caught up with this jet-setting businessman and asked him to share his adventures up in the sky and in entrepreneurship. –D.T.S.
Why did you start Performance Flight? “I decided to take an introductory flight at Westchester Airport. I’ve always been an adrenaline junkie, and I was hoping to conquer my fear of flying as well. Surprisingly, we were about 200 feet in the air when my fear disappeared. The instructor appeared calm, and my wings weren’t falling off! That experience motivated me to take lessons. But I didn’t like the school, and there wasn’t another good option locally. With that in mind, I found office space that was designated for a flight school, along with a couple of guys starting a charter company who were looking to work with a flight school to share some resources.”
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What’s one thing new fliers should know? “The industry is known for the ‘$100 hamburger,’ although it’s really more like $1,000. It means you’ll spend that much money just to fly somewhere and have a lousy hamburger at a little airport in a remote location. There are so many cool little airports, often with fun local cultures, and never with good food. These are awesome trips to take while building experience.” What should people expect at the start? “The first lesson is in the air—isn’t that what this is all about? There is a lot to learn on the ground, but it’s done concurrently with the flight lessons. There’s a textbook and there’s real material to learn, but it’s not overwhelming and it
Anything you wish you had known at the outset? “I wish I’d had a better understanding on what the financials would really look like. I completely overestimated revenue in a few areas. Fortunately, this gave me the impetus to expand into other sectors and, ultimately, led to launching new divisions for jet charter, aircraft management and maintenance. No doubt, I was a little clueless about what to expect and got quite lucky surviving the first year. Everyone tells you how good things can be, but nobody seemed to help explain the realities.” Note: Answers edited for fit.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER GARBOW
Higher Thinking
Advice for start-ups? “Go for it! So many people talk and never take steps to make it happen. I think most people who’ve started companies will agree that the final decision to actually do it is the hardest step. Then the worries and fears evaporate and it’s go time.”
FALL FAVORS THE
bold BEDFORD SQUARE, 7 CHURCH LANE, WESTPORT CT 06880 + 203.557.8178 + NICANDZOE.COM
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TICK TALK
FIGHTING BACK
WITH LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES STILL ON THE RISE, FALL ISN’T THE TIME TO LET YOUR GUARD DOWN by christ y c ol asurd o
Tips to keep ticks away and prevent illness
SELF-EXAMINATION Perform self-checks especially after working or playing outside and shower with hot water right away.
WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS Wear white or light clothing when out on hikes or gardening. This can help you to identify a tick on your clothing, since they can blend in with dark colors making them hard to find.
WOOD-CHIP BARRIER Reduce tick populations by creating a three-foot-wide wood-chip barrier around your yard, planting plants and shrubs that don’t attract deer or ticks (no barberry bushes) and installing fences to keep deer off your property.
HARMFUL CHEMICALS? tick (black-legged tick) has an approximate two-year life cycle, and both the nymph (early life cycle) and adult can transmit the infections associated with Lyme disease. So, in short, always stay vigilant by checking yourself for ticks. Medical providers should also keep Lyme disease in their minds as a possible diagnosis when practicing in Connecticut, as people year-round can be affected.” D’onofrio notes that prevention, like most things in medicine, is the best way to avoid the infection. He advises, “If a person thinks they may have a tick-borne illness they should see their primary care provider to discuss the concern as soon as possible. Early-stage Lyme disease is easier to treat than latent-stage Lyme disease, so early identification is important.”
reports are concentrated in the Northeast and upper Midwest, with 14 states accounting for over 96 percent of all reported cases. With us living in Connecticut, which has an approximate population of 3.5 million, we are in a state with a lot of reported and unreported Lyme and tick-borne illnesses when compared to other states outside the Northeast.” When fall arrives and the temperatures dip, many are under the impression that cooler weather kills off ticks. Not so says D'Onofrio. “I wish the cold killed off ticks, but this is simply not true,” he says. “Ticks like to hide in leaf litter and yard brush when temperatures are low. During fall and early spring, the adult deer tick is more prevalent, which likes to attach itself to larger hosts (deer, dogs, humans). A deer
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Consider chemical sprays (organic and non-organic). They are not regulated, and it is hard to say what does and does not work. D’Onofrio advises to research local spraying companies, and be mindful as to not harm the environment or nearby water supplies.
DON’T FLUSH IT Don’t flush it. If you find a tick, put it in a sealed baggie and bring it to the Westport-Weston Health District (WWHD) for tick identification; they can also send ticks out for disease testing.
BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE Be your own advocate. Symptoms, including headache, dizziness, rashes, fever, brain fog, joint and muscle pain/ weakness, all mimic other diagnoses. Ask your doctor to keep Lyme disease in mind at any time of the year, and request a blood test by IGeneX, a leading testing lab for Lyme.
PHOTOGRAPH BY © GABORT - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
S
ummer is over, and you managed to end the season without being bitten by a tick. Lucky you. But before you pat yourself on the back or get too smug, consider that deer ticks don’t actually die off in the fall and winter, as some believe. Northeastern states, such as Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachussetts, are literally teeming with these little buggers, which spread Lyme Disease and a variety of other debilitating tickborne ailments. Out of the 300,000-plus new cases of Lyme Disease diagnosed by the CDC every year, a staggeringly high percentage come from our area. Louis D'Onofrio, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, PCCN, Director of Clinical Care Westport-Weston Health District, says, “Lyme disease
Shout Out GET WRAPPED UP IN SCHOOL PRIDE
Heading off to college and want the world to know? You can get official gear at the school store or prep up your school pride before even stepping foot on campus. Find collegiate collections of hats, polos, button-ups and more for Alabama Crimson Tide, Ole Miss, Kansas Jayhawks and Texas Tech at southerntide.com.
SAD EYES
HERBAL TREATMENTS FOR STRESSED-OUT PETS
by joey macari
CLOTHES PROVIDED BY BRAND; DOG BY ERICSAUSE@GMAIL.COM; OTHER CONTRIBUTED
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our college teens aren’t the only ones suffering from separation anxiety. While you’re glossing over baby photos and taking an extra-long look at your child’s empty bedroom, your dog or cat is going through the same heartache. You may find your pet pacing more than usual or chewing toys and objects in the house with more intensity, these are all signs of an attachment disorder. “Chronic anxiety has many symptoms and may be healed without potentially harmful mood disorder,” says DR. BOB and SUSAN GOLDSTEIN, founders of EARTH ANIMAL (earthanimal .com), a Westport go-to for pet food, treats, supplements and holistic remedies since 1985. “Everything is interconnected in your dogs’ or cats’ body, therefore if their emotions are out of balance, or if chronic anxiety is left untreated, the immune system or other parts can become compromised.” As the store settles into its new location at 925 Post Road East, they’re in a good place to understand change. “Never underestimate the power of emotions in your dog or cat. Protect them and treat them by using safe healing remedies such as Earth Animal’s Nature’s Comfort, Emotional Balance or Calm Down.” The emotional support brand incorporates flower essences and other herbal remedies that balance out neurotic or nervous behaviors. Active ingredients in Emotional Balance and Calm Down drops include echinacea, chamomile and elder flower and passion flower, made specifically for animals suffering from emotional stressors like thunderstorms or loneliness. The remedy soothes, relaxes and minimizes emotional behaviors like excessive licking, hyperactivity and overall anxiety. The dosage by weight for drops and sprays can be administered by mouth, is safe enough to use on fur or can be added to water once daily or every other day. Earth Animal’s staff nutritionist can advise you. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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ONE WITH NATURE Nature’s Comfort products infused with whole plant-hemp extract The new line, filled with the highest quality, fullspectrum oils from hemp grown in the United States treats pain and inflammation, arthritis and joint issues, anxiety, fear and stress. With the Zen-Pen, apply a wholeplant hemp extract gel to the inner flap of your dogs’ or cats’ ear, where it is then absorbed into the blood stream. (Boasting the mantra “We do spry, not high,” you won’t have to worry about your pet having a Big Lebowski moment.)
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URBAN RENEWAL IF YOU HAVEN’T EXPLORED SOUTH NORWALK, NOW’S THE TIME TO GO
by valerie foster
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hy spend a day (or a week) in South Norwalk? The better question: Why not? Let us count the reasons why hip, chic, eclectic SoNo should be on everyone’s must-do list. The obvious destination is the Maritime Aquarium, an up-closeand-personal experience featuring more than 2,700 marine animals. It also houses the largest Imax in Connecticut, more than six stories high. On the fringe of SoNo is Stepping Stones Museum for Children, a fun, creative place dedicated to early childhood education. But the big news is that within weeks, SoNo will become a shopper’s mecca when the SONO COLLECTION opens, a 700,000-square-foot retail center anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. You’ll also find J.Jill, Sephora, JCrew, Chico’s, Soma and Jarcy and eateries like Yard House Sports Bar and Pinstripes Bowling, Bocci and Beer. At press time, Nordstrom is scheduled to open on October 11 and the rest of the shops will follow. This is going to be big.
above: Renderings of the new SoNo Collection, opening in October. The mall will house Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's and other specialty stores like Sephora, Zara, J.Jill and Camp, a family experience store with a second location in Manhattan.
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LEARNING’S LIFELONG JOURNEY BEGINS WITH
Fairfield University’s College of Arts and Sciences
Explore our programs, spark your creative curiosity MFA in Creative Writing With low residency requirements— find your literary voice, transform dreams into published works
MA degree in Interior Design Announcing Connecticut’s first graduate degree leading to professional certification from American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) membership
MA in American Studies Pursue the ‘life of the mind’ in a unique interdisciplinary program offering expert mentorship from leading scholars in nine academic fields
Open MINDS Institute—A Community Partnership with the Pequot Library and the Quick Center Rekindle the excitement and awe of returning to the classroom; participate in these lively workshop discussion groups mentored by expert faculty—Fall 2019 course offerings include: • Opera and Us for Beginners: Exploring Live from the Met—begins September 26
• Fact in the Age of Fake News: American Democracy’s Stress Test—October 9 Sciences College of Arts and
• The Supreme Court: Its Greatest Cases— begins October 8
• Love, Lust, and Luxury; The Art of 15th Century Florence—begins October 16
Contact Elizabeth Hastings at ehastings@fairfield.edu | 203-254-4000, ext. 2688
College of Arts and Sciences
go CHIC MEETS WEST
The grand entrance to the Ritz-Carlton Boston, which opened in 1927
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hen you arrive at Viceroy L’Ermitage, positioned on a lush, residential street in Beverly Hills, it’s hard to believe you’re within walking distance of splashy Rodeo Drive. The property, originally opened in 1975 as the first all-suite hotel in the United States, embodies sophistication and privacy, despite its close proximity to Los Angeles’ finest restaurants, cultural attractions, entertainment complexes, shopping destinations and illustrious beach towns. I was greeted with a glass of Champagne, a welcoming staff and an A-List celebrity sighting—a sure thing if you hang out in the see-and-be-seen lobby bar. westportmag.com
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STAY
Enticing a selective clientele from all over the world, with the spirit of an exclusive club and a stately residence combined, the hotel’s design concept is Asian-influenced, with its European English Sycamore paneling, maple wood furnishings, inspiring artwork and high-tech amenities.
The Beverly Suites feature 1,200 square feet of space with a master bedroom/ vanity area, expansive walk-in closet, separate living room, full second bathroom and two step-out balconies with French doors. The One-Bedroom Icon Suites are slightly larger at 1,400 square feet and also have a pantry kitchen. The
PORTRAIT BY DREAMSCAPE STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF BRAND
A PEACEFUL RESPITE IN THE HEART OF BEVERLY HILLS by emily liebert
The best cancer care specialists in the world are also your neighbors. When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, you’ll go anywhere for the best possible treatment. Fortunately, superior cancer care is close to home, where patients have access to the most advanced treatment options and care specialists to guide them every step of the way.
MSKCC.ORG/WESTCHESTER
MSK Westchester West Harrison, NY
MORE SCIENCE. LESS FEAR.
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Traveling with a furry friend? Pets up to forty pounds are allowed and will be treated to special
book bag
new books by writers you should know. these stories will get your heart racing for one reason or another. enjoy the escape.
dining and pampering services.
DINE
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the on-site restaurant Avec Nous is a modern French bistro that draws its vision from the Mediterranean coast, with a splash of Spanish and Italian and a cool St. Tropez vibe. Local and seasonal ingredients, with unique European spices, will delight your palate. For breakfast, try the Lobster Omelette with asparagus, béchamel and parsley potatoes. At lunch time, I opted for the Pappardelle Pasta with mushrooms, Parmigiano, black kale and poached egg, which was exquisite. The dinner menu
does not disappoint with steak frites, lamb rack, and chicken coq au vin. I selected the seared duck breast with Swiss chard, cipollini onions and blueberry gastrique. To finish, I indulged in the Orange Millefeuille crispy puff pastry with strawberry coulis.
pumpkin extract and malic acid to smooth away rough skin and restore a youthful complexion. A cinnamon vanilla brown sugar scrub seals in the properties of the peel and quenches dehydration. While you’re cocooned in warmth, enjoy a luxurious scalp massage, and leave with skin that’s soft and luminescent. Attending a glamorous event? In-room hair, make-up and mani/pedis can be arranged in advance through the concierge. If you’re looking to sweat it out, check-in at the fitness center, which has all the equipment you’ll need to log a great workout. Classes are also available upon request.
RECHARGE When it’s time to unwind, visit The Pool Terrace, which claims breathtaking southern and western exposures and is open during the summer months. Or book a treatment at The Spa, which extends a wide selection of services, including my favorite: the ninetyminute Pumpkin Spice Body Peel and Wrap, an aromatic peel containing
THE FRIENDS WE KEEP BY JANE GREEN NYT bestselling author and Westporter, Jane Green, is back with her twentieth novel—a heartwarming tale of three estranged friends reunited and hopeful for a second chance at happiness, until a dark secret is exposed. With her eloquent storytelling and flair for creating authentic, three-dimensional characters, Green reminds us that it’s never too late to find a place to call home.
INTO THE JUNGLE BY ERICA FERENCIK Billed as haunting and pulse-pounding, this thriller, from the author of The River westportmag.com
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at Night, follows a woman who abandons everything she knows to take on the Bolivian jungle. When her expedition abroad turns into a fight for her life, she’s faced with a thirty-foot anaconda, puppysized spiders and vengeful shamans with unspeakable powers. This one will sink its fangs into you!
TEMPER BY LAYNE FARGO When Kira, an ambitious actress, finally lands the role of a lifetime, there are only two catches. It means working with Malcolm—a volatile director— and the theater’s co-founder, Joanna, who considers Kira a threat to her own foiled artistic ambitions, her perverse relationship with Malcolm, and the scandalous secret she’s been hiding. You’ll be breathless, as Kira and Joanna realize what they’re capable of.
COURTESY OF BRANDS
2,900-square-foot Royal Suite has even more room, with two bedrooms, an expansive living room with fireplace, formal dining area with seating for ten, two full and one guest bathroom, and four balconies overlooking the city. The pièce de résistance is the twobedroom Presidential Suite, which stands at 4,400 square feet and boasts a Steinway grand piano; dining for ten; a screening/ media room; a kitchenette stocked with fine china, glassware, crystal drinkware, top-shelf liquor, an espresso machine, a pantry and a full-sized, stocked refrigerator; two bedrooms, plus an adjoining third bedroom; two full and one guest bathroom; and hand-selected artwork throughout. Not to be forgotten are the five balconies with panoramic views of Beverly Hills.
COMMEMORATE YOUR CHILD’S
BAR OR BAT MITZVAH AMONG MAGNIGICENT
OPEN OCEAN EXHIBITS. Photo Credit: Gretchen Yengst
CELEBRATE IN A
FUN AND FESTIVE VENUE FILLED WITH
HISTORIC CHARM. Photo Credit: Justin Chauncey
DANCE AND DINE IN THE
COLORFULLY DESIGNED NEWMAN’S OWN HALL.
Photo Credit: Mark Leslie
203.852.0700 X2217
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MARITIMEAQUARIUMEVENTS.COM
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NORWALK, CT
@MARITIMEAQUARIUMEVENTS
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P H I L I P S T O N E C AT E R E R S
R E G A L K O S H E R C AT E R E R S
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PRETTY LUXE
BUICK’S ENCLAVE OFFERS BIG COMFORT IN A MEDIUM SIZE by chris hodenfield
you of its power till you ask. Its natural bailiwick is effortless cruising, whether down the highway or the Post Road. A solid positioning on the road is felt at all times; only Manhattan’s nastiest potholes gave it a surprise. On our twisty back roads, the Enclave was unstressed and stable. If it has the opulence of the bigger SUVs, what does it lack? Well, the second-row seats are not as magnificent as the front seats, and the third-row is thin. To get really expansive luggage hauling, the third seat needs to be stowed. That’s easy enough: Just push a
The Enclave is an easy vehicle to like. The doors close with a solid thunk. The Bose sound system is magnificent. The navigation system can be figured out in ten seconds, and it works very well. There are ports all over, even for the third row. And it can be optioned up to become a traveling WiFi hot spot. This new, second-generation Enclave has a more powerful V-6 and the transmission moves up three gears to be a nine-speed. This elevates the highway fuel mileage to 25 mpg, up from 22. It’s capable of quite healthy acceleration, but it doesn’t remind
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button and humming motors drop the third seat and flatten it out. So, for a combination of size and grace, it’s just right. Order it in “Ebony Twilight Metallic” and you have a Buick that actually looks sinister. Whatever the shade, it’s an urbane, highstyle ride.
STATS BUICK ENCLAVE AVENIR Base: $55,800 Drivetrain: 310-hp, 3.6-liter V6 AWD EPA mileage ratings: 17/25 mpg
CONTRIBUTED
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hen Goldilocks goes searching today for the SUV that is “just right,” she will find a vast, detailed list of choices ranging from extremely sporty crossovers to sumptuous luxury liners. The Buick Enclave embraces the comfort side of the ledger, all the while being nowhere near the size of the Escalade/Suburban bruisers. The Enclave is just the right size to be considered elegant. It’s handsome enough to have gained a good deal of approval in Fairfield County, especially the glossed-up Avenir version we tested.
SCAP CHRYSLER | JEEP | DODGE | RAM
W W W. S C A P C H R Y S L E R J E E P. C O M
430 Tunxis Hill Road | Fairfield, CT 5 Year/60,000 MILE
203-384-0005 EXT: 3102 Rick Hecker
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
TecKnow pairs solar power and storage with smart technology to offer homeowners a cheaper, smarter and more sustainable way to live. “We consider solar an integral part of our design of a ‘smart-living ecosystem’ to allow homes to be powered by the sun and controlled by your voice. Coupled with the automation, we create homes that can be optimized for energyefficient savings and reduce our carbon footprint. We partner with the best solar companies and work with Tesla for solarstorage options to design optimal energy-efficient systems.” While solar isn’t critical to smart-home automation, they do complement each other. The Tesla GROUNDBREAKING Powerwall proves HOME TECHNOLOGY This house on Old its worth after a Mill Beach features storm or high winds TecKnow’s smartknocks out power living ecosystem, with Tesla and Apple around town. “It technologies. It’s can be used in place efficient, voiceactivated and cool. of a generator for clean, efficient, quiet energy that can run your whole house whether hooked up to the grid or to a solar array,” HOME AUTOMATION THAT FEELS LIKE JEDI POWERS says Burke. “It allows you to store energy from the grid or solar. fter two decades of create efficiencies,” says business Solar can run the house during the professional experience partner Kim Burke. “Phil began day and store the excess energy taught him that tech integrating smart-home devices production into the battery, and can’t go it alone, Phil Levieff went into his own home utilizing then the house can run off the his own way. Two years ago, he Apple’s HomeKit platform and, at Tesla Powerwall at night.” founded TecKnow (tecknow.me). the same time, purchased his first Both solar and smart“Tech needs service, design, a electric car, a Tesla. He began to automation can be brought focus on privacy and the ability recognize that this was the new into any home, existing or new to leverage one platform to and better way to live.” construction. Consider TecKnow’s
USE THE FORCE A
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Old Mill Beach project. “MGA [Michael Greenberg & Associates] builders and the owner were conscience of maintaining the original footprint and contracted TecKnow to provide a wireless smart home and solar solution when they saw the amount of unnecessary wiring that was about to be installed in this small home through another smart-home automation company.” The project won the Sustainable Westport green award for the innovative use of technology to provide energyefficient solutions. Take a closer look at the system at the Bedford Square showroom and ask for a demo of the Apple HomeKit platform—your voice commands lights and music. “You can check on your home from anywhere in the world. It’s better than having a high-end security system because it can not only alert the alarm company, but also automate what should happen in case of intrusion and prevent the dreaded false alarms that bring the entire fire department to your home unnecessarily,” says Burke. “When the kids get off the bus, a smart home can open the garage doors and unlock the front door, and you can see who is entering or exiting…[and] a ‘Good Night’ scene shuts the house down to minimize energy usage, locks the doors, turns down the heat or A/C, shuts off the TV and turns off all those lights in the basement that your kids left on when they went upstairs.” —Diane Sembrot
JOHN VIDELER
home
BUYING? SELLING?
P U T T H E P O W E R O F E L L I M A N TO WO R K F O R YO U
Westport | $3,500,000 | Web# CT170138517 Beach living at it’s best with sweeping views. Jeannette Floto O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.570.7418
Southport | $3,499,000 | Web# CT170195296 Modern 6-BR, 5.3-BA home with pool and pool house. Jennifer Leahy O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.699.2783
Westport | $2,695,000 | Web# CT170193318 Sublime 6-BR, 7.5-BA estate with pool and elevator. Jennifer Leahy O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.699.2783
Westport | $2,695,000 | Web# CT170168988 Architectural masterpiece on Saugatuck Avenue. Jennifer Leahy O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.699.2783
New Canaan | $1,875,000 | Web# CT170200964 4-BR, 3.5-BA new construction close to town. Jennifer Leahy O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.699.2783
Norwalk | $1,095,000 | Web# CT170195572 4-BR, 4.5-BA classic modern Colonial home. Tommy Soto O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.557.3625
Middlebury | $995,000 | Web# CT170213982 Grand estate offers serenity, pool and pool house. Liz Forrest O: 203.622.4900 M: 203.651.9674
Wilton | $829,000 | Web# CT170192025 4-BR, 2.5-BA home with pool and approx. 3.5 acres. Michele Nichols O: 203.622.4900 M: 203.434.3713
Southport | $715,000 | Web# CT170216760 Charming 2-BR, 2-BA home close to town and beach. Jeannette Floto O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.570.7418
elliman.com/connecticut
CONNECTICUT | NEW YORK CITY | LONG ISLAND | THE HAMPTONS | WESTCHESTER | NEW JERSEY | FLORIDA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO |MASSACHUSETTS| INTERNATIONAL 88 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830 | 203.622.4900 © 2019 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
fınance fıx
MONEY / BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER
PAY IT FORWARD CHANGING THE WAY WE TEACH KIDS ABOUT MONEY
need a two-hour lecture with PowerPoint slides to get the job done. When the kids are young, a simple clear jar will do the trick. “As soon as kids can count to five, they can learn the concept of a piggy bank.” As your children grow up, you can increase the sophistication in your money talks. Around ten years old, turn that piggy bank into a bank account, and talk openly about your cost of living. How much does it cost for you all to watch TV for a month, to pay for the family’s cell phones, pay for soccer camp, buy all that takeout? You’re not scolding or preaching, Provost says, “you’re helping them understand what things cost.” Peer pressure kicks in in middle school, ratcheting up anxiety in our Fairfield County kids (and some parents), who “see what everyone else has and think, I’ve got to have that too.” What a perfect time to help kids understand impulse control and delayed gratification. “You have $50 in the bank. You want a video game that’s $30 and sneakers that are $55. You’re going to have to wait.” Suggest to your kids picking up a little babysitting job or yardwork, which introduces the concept of bartering time for money. Come high school, kids learn that attaining goals—whether financial or academic or athletic—requires investment and sacrifice. Part-time jobs can help pay for their goods and gadgetry. If you’re footing the bill for your overextended kids’ goods and services, talk about needs versus wants, and compare prices. “Otherwise, it’s a huge disservice to the family. What are you really teaching them—that they can have what they want?” By the time college comes along, talk freely together about interest rates on student loans and credit cards. By this point, you’ll be honest about what you know. And what you don’t W know, you can learn together.
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DIGITAL TOOLS FOR KID-FRIENDLY PERSONAL FINANCE PETER PIG’S MONEY COUNTER
ages 5–8
In this interactive game, players learn to identify, count and save money, then can head to a virtual store for a shopping spree. (Available online at practicalmoneyskills .com, in the App Store, and on Google Play.)
CELEBRITY CALAMITY
ages 7+ Players manage the purchases and finances of their favorite celebrities. (Free, available in the App Store.)
FAMZOO
ages 13+ Offers prepaid spending cards and a family finance app that makes spending, tracking, planning—even paying allowance— easy. (See more at famzoo.com.)
ERICH CAMPING
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hat back-to school backpack you just bought for the kids, their new clothes, that fridge full of snacks… You know that you had to work hard to pay for those things. Traci Provost And your kids? Well, if they’re like many in lower Fairfield County, they think you simply had to swipe a magic plastic card and abracadabra, the goods were yours for the taking. “One of the biggest hurdles I see with kids and money today is a lot of people aren’t using cash. The visual they have is the credit card for sneakers, for the burger at Duchess. Therefore, that element is a little more mysterious and hard to understand,” says Traci Provost, a financial analyst with Westport-based Catamount Wealth Management. If you want financially aware kids, Provost says, start by pulling out cash next time you make a purchase and ask your kids to help you count it. Only seventeen states mandate financial literacy in schools, and Connecticut is not among them. A T. Rowe Price survey found that 69 percent of parents don’t want to talk to their kids about money. But to help your children “connect saving, spending, earning and owning, you need to be a good model,” says Provost. “Some of the wealthiest people in Fairfield County are not educated in personal finance or raising financially responsible kids. With affluent families, there’s so much more [money] to lose.” Regardless of your family’s income, having a conversation about a “spending plan” (don’t use the word “budget”—it sounds restrictive, like a diet) can help your children measure savings, spending and earnings. You don’t
HOW YOU MOVE IS WHY WE’RE HERE. Wherever you live, how you move is how you are. For 10 straight years, HSS has been ranked #1 in the nation for orthopedics. That’s because our world-class physicians are dedicated to bringing the most personalized care and innovative treatment options to your neck of the woods. From season to season and year after year, we focus on the way you move because we know how crucial it is to your quality of life.
Services Offered:
Specialties Include:
Learn more about our approach,
After-School and After-Work Hours
Joint Replacement
and our leadership in orthopedics
Physician Office Visits
Spine
and rheumatology—and see a
Postoperative Care
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complete list of specialties and
Radiology and Imaging/MRI
services—at HSS.edu/Stamford
Rehabilitation
1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT 06902 Most major insurance plans accepted. Call: 203.705.2400
STAMFORD
Our Mission The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.
If you would like to learn more about BCA, please visit breastcanceralliance.org
ROUNDABOUT
Contact us!
COUTURE
Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue
NEW + RESALE
Greenwich, CT 06830
Since 1989
F 203.861.1940
P 203.861.0014
Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director
Greenwich, Westport New York City
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@BCAllianceCT
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people&PLACES by joey macari
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WESTPORT ARTS CENTER GALA / Shorehaven Golf Club
Paint the Town
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oasting the slogan, “Celebrating the Past, Envisioning the Future,” the Westport Arts Center surely did commemorate its annual gala in a truly progressive way. Not only did the event mark fifty years of arts showcase in the community, but the gala also grew anticipation and excitement for the relocation and expansion of the new facility on Newtown Turnpike, happening this fall. The fundraising event hosted more than 150 guests at Shorehaven Golf Club, honoring acclaimed photographer Spencer Platt. First Selectman of Westport Jim Marpe and Mary Ellen Marpe served as honorary cochairs for the evening. Moffly Media was the exclusive media sponsor at the event, which included a cocktail hour, dinner, silent and live auctions, artist engagement and energetic music from Hal Prince, which brought everyone to the dance floor. The event raised nearly $500,000 in support of arts outreach in Fairfield County. » 1 Past Board President Cindy Vaccaro and board member John Vaccaro 2 Board members Andy McGrade and Derdre Price with Danielle and Spencer Ogden 3 Board Co-President Laura Perese and Dogan Perese 4 Westport Editor Diane Sembrot with Board Members Jane Preiser and Shari Lebowitz 5 Event honoree, photojournalist Spencer Platt 6 Board Co-President Deborah Murtaugh with Matt Smith 7 Board member Tom Hofstetter and Board Chairman William D. Felton 8 Executive Director Amanda Innes SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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9 1 (front) Stuart Katz and Marni Smith Katz with Richard and Jenny DiMarco 2 First Selectman of Westport Jim Marpe 3 Beryl and Roger Leifer 4 Event programs featuring colorful pop art 5 Jennifer Bernheim 6 Fancy fare from Marcia Selden Catering 7 Kathleen Vita and board member Lucien Vita dancing to the Jay Prince Band 8 WAC tote bags given to event guests 9 Board member Shari Lebowitz with Erick Vittorino and Otto Dutra  westportmag.com
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BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE INVITES YOU TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER THIS OCTOBER ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21ST 11AM UNTIL 2PM HYATT REGENCY GREENWICH GUEST SPEAKER: CELEBRITY CHEF TODD ENGLISH FASHION SHOW AND MODELS OF INSPIRATION PRESENTED BY RICHARDS EVENT TICKETS: BCA2019.GIVESMART.COM RAFFLE TICKETS: 203.861.0014
Media Sponsor
BREASTCANCERALLIANCE.ORG
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1 Gabriella Mays, Donna Craft, Bill Mitchell and Dianne Auger 2 Lyn McCarthy, Marion Unangst, Ingrid Vit and Kim Pugh 3 Peter Kot, Nicole Simpson 4 John Brannelly, Caroline Crawford and Robyn Whittingham 5 Pete and Joan Massey 6 Laura and Lindsey Flavell 7 Matt and Amanda DeRosa and Ashley Gang 8 Dr. Anja Wagner 9 Emcee Dave Price
ST. VINCENT’S WOMEN AT HEART / Mitchells
Matters of the Heart
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t. Vincent Medical Center Foundation held its eighth annual Women at Heart Fashion Show and Auction at Mitchells store in Westport to benefit the center’s Regina L. Cozza Women at Heart program. The program provides free, lifesaving cardiac screenings and educational services to underserved women in and around Bridgeport. TV personality Dave Price from WNBC New York emceed the evening and guests got a sneak peak of all the latest fashion trends that will be making a statement this spring. The event also featured gourmet hors d’oeuvres and cocktails as well as a special auction on items such as a unique shopping experience at Mitchells and restaurant gift certificates. Cardiologist Dr. Anja Wagner and Laura Flavell, director of physician services at the hospital, served as the evenings cochairs. » westportmag.com
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO
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celebra ting
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2019 PANEL OF JUDGES
THE EMCEE
awards
JANE GREEN
BRIAN SAWYER Sawyer | Berson
MARA MILLER Carrier and Company
JESSE CARRIER Carrier and Company
KEITH WILLIAMS Nievera Williams
JENNIFER POST Jennifer Post Design
RICHARD HARTLAGE Land Morphology
EDWARD SIEGEL Edward Siegel Architect
JOHN MEEKS Aman & Meeks
JAMES AMAN Aman & Meeks
the premier home design competition
don’t miss the biggest night in design! Join us for the A-List Awards Networking Gala GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
for the A-List Awards event! September 11, 2019 at the Palace Theatre in Stamford.
athomefc.com/alist 5:30 PM START MORE NETWORKING!
PRESENTING SPONSOR LEVEL 1
PRESENTING SPONSORS LEVEL 2
PRESENTING SPONSOR LEVEL 3
GRAND PRIZE SPONSOR
EXCLUSIVE AWARD SPONSOR
EXCLUSIVE RECEPTION SPONSOR
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1 Molly and David McGrath with Joan and Steve Panagos 2 Fashion Show 3 Master of Ceremonies David Price with Andrew Mitchell-Namdar 4 Suzanne Jesse 5 Mindee and Paul Blanco
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Bright Futures
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ear & Far Aid captured the spirit of the season with its colorful spring gala titled “A Modern Ball.” Attendees at this year’s gala were encouraged to dress “bold and bright,” and they delivered in doing so. The posh event was held at Mitchells, which was the title sponsor that evening, and featured a vibrant fashion show along the runway; colorful drinks and delicious food fare, sponsored by Marcia Selden Catering; as well as live and silent auctions on luxury items. The gala, Near & Far Aid’s primary annual fundraiser, raised money for the nonprofit’s mission to bring families and individuals out of poverty in Fairfield County. WNBC-TV journalist and weatherman David Price served as master of ceremonies and Moffly Media was a proud media sponsor for the fun and stylish evening. westportmag.com
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY NEIL LANDINO
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6 David Price strikes a pose 7 Julie Logan, Dilma Dos Santos and Emily Gordon 8 Hands up during the record-setting paddle raise 9 Susan Ratcliff, John and Courtney Petti and Helena BurlinNichols 10 Specialty cocktails 11 Near & Far Aid President Kim Meier with Bob Mitchell 12 Paul and Jennifer Efstathiou with Vanessa and Miles Lewis Âť SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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1 Greg Parker, David Hyman, Eric Greifenberger, Marc Katz, Ron Offir and Seth Neckritz 2 Jill Greenberg, Mitchell Lester 3 Eric Greifenberger, Michael Wolfe 4 Kay Parmar, Anna Daytz and Georgia Fox 5 Graduating Seniors: Samir Mott, Jalen St. Fort, Nasir Wynruit, David Li, Darby Aurelian, Diego De Leon and Yoel Hooper 6 Staples High School Orphenians 7 First Selectman Jim Marpe and his wife, Mary Ellen 8 Master of Ceremonies Christopher Morales
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Better Chance of Westport celebrated the achievements of seven Westport scholars at its annual Dream Event at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton. The young men honored that evening represented more than a decade’s long legacy of outstanding students recruited to attend Staples High School (SHS) and make a difference in the Westport community. A Better Chance is a nationwide organization that helps young men of color from disadvantaged neighborhoods attend a nationally ranked day school and go on to a four-year college or university. Darby Aurelien and David Li were this year’s graduating seniors, who also spoke at the event. The event also featured a special performance by the SHS Orphenians, a cocktail party, dinner and live and silent auctions. »
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/ KRISTIN BURKE HYNES
A BETTER CHANCE OF WESTPORT / Rolling Hills Country Club
26th Annual Benefit
The Westy Guarantee‌
Golf Outing
WESTY guarantees that a Customer’s rent will not be increased for two years from the Agreement date.
Monday, September 16, 2019 The Country Club of Fairfield
WESTY guarantees that there will not be a registration or administration fee. WESTY guarantees your total satisfaction. If you are not totally satisfied for any reason within the first seven days of signing your Agreement, Westy will refund all your money and void your Agreement.
To register visit : www.habitatcfc.org/golfouting SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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ENDANGERED SPECIES
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 6-10 PM THE PATTERSON CLUB, FAIRFIELD
Join us in support of endangered species. Guests enjoy animal encounters, a seated dinner, and special guest speakers. All funds raised support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, recreation, and research.
V for isit c ad raft mi we ssi stp on or cou t.co po m ns
For more information, please contact: Jessica Taylor, Event Fundraising Coordinator jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org 203.394.6565 ext.115
PRESENTED BY THE WESTPORT YOUNG WOMAN’S LEAGUE
A thoughtfully curated shopping event featuring unique handmade items from 200 modern artists & craftspeople
Plus gourmet specialties, kids activities, a pop-up Marketplace & more!
@artridercrafts @wywlwestport
NOV 9-10
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The Fieldhouse at Staples High School • Sat 10 - 6 • Sun 10 - 5 Free Parking • Indoors • Service Animals Only • Cafe on Site
CraftWestport.com
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1 Allan Grossman, Lesley Osborne and Wesley Piexoto from OsteoStrong 2 Food fare from Green & Tonic 3 Paul Flynn from Total Wine 4 Porsche of Greenwich 5 Kirby and Company 6 The Merlin Band 7 Star 99.9 8 Representatives from Fairfield Theatre Company
500 Pequot Court | Southport, CT $715,000 | Web# CT170216760 Adorable jewel box of a house nestled in the quintessential coastal village of Southport. Close to the train station, village shops, restaurants and harbor. Newly renovated with 2-BR, 2-BA and top of the line finishes. Rare and special opportunity to purchase in downtown Southport.
BEST OF THE GOLD COAST CT / Hyatt Regency Greenwich
JEANNETE FLOTO
Going for Gold
THE FIELDSTONE GROUP AT DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE
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here’s only one place in Fairfield County you can taste food fare from more than one town, sit in a Porsche and get a manicure all in one night–Best of the Gold Coast CT. The community voted for their favorite businesses, restaurants and shops in the area who celebrated their wins in style. The fifteenth annual event was held at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich and welcomed close to 800 guests. This year, Moffly Media’s biggest party of the year benefited Kids in Crisis and saw a tremendous outpouring of support from sponsors representing food and drink, style and beauty and living and home. The event also featured live music, fun activities, a photobooth and much more. » SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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O: 203.622.4900 M: 917.570.7418
elliman.com/connecticut 88 FIELD POINT ROAD, GREENWICH, CT 06830 203.622.4900 © 2019 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
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he twentieth annual Rose of Hope Luncheon benefitting the Norma Pfriem Breast Center at Bridgeport Hospital was held at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, which drew in a large crowd of over 600 lively supporters. Academy Award–winning actress, director and philanthropist Helen Hunt served as keynote speaker, and singer/songwriter Sophie Beem was the musical guest at this year’s event. Dr. Emily Blair and Kassandra Savicki, a breast cancer survivor who was treated at the center, shared heartfelt words about their experiences with the hospital. All proceeds from this year’s luncheon directly fund health services and programs, such as mammograms, surgical and chemotherapy services and other wellness treatments for underinsured women in the area. » westportmag.com
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1 Lauren Fuchs, Helen Hunt, Sue Sherman, Melanie Shulman 2 Judy Nessel and Sally Wallace 3 Bob, Katie and Kelly Scinto with Helen Hunt 4 Keynote speaker Helen Hunt 5 Helen Hunt with corporate sponsors: Nik Totaro, Dr. Donna Twist, Gina Douvas and Bill Tommins 6 Honorees Cindy and Gabriela Citrone of the Citrone 33 Foundation with Heidi Taylor and Kim Meier 7 Bigelow family with Helen Hunt 8 Helen Hunt with event chairs: Lynne Taikowski, Finley Shaw, Dana Scinto, Leslie Noland and Lollie Mathews 9 Benefactor Roberta Conroy 10 Guest speakers Kassandra Savicki and Dr. Emily Blair 11 Singer Sophie Beam sings for a cure
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMIE COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY
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C O N N E C T I C U T
A U D U B O N
S O C I E T Y
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE OVER A CENTURY OF CONSERVATION Evening Reception • Friday, October 4th • 6:30 - 9 p.m.
FALL
NATURE FESTIVAL
SPECIAL GUEST: JAMES PROSEK, Renowned Artist, Author, Naturalist Cocktail Reception, Buffet, Music and Selections from John James Audubon Amsterdam Edition Prints - Exhibition & Sale
Family Fun Day • Saturday, October 5th • Noon - 4 p.m.
featuring Brian Bradley - ”Skyhunters in Flight” Birds of Prey Program at 1:00 and 3:00 pm • Live Animals & Touch-A-Tractor
Pied Piper Pony Rides & Petting Zoo • Food Trucks • Alene’s Ice Cream Truck & more
Fairfield Nature Center and Larsen Sanctuary 2325 BURR STREET, FAIRFIELD, CT
For tickets and more information: www.ctaudubon.org/fallnaturefestival2019 C E L E B R AT I N G O V E R A C E N T U RY
O F
Conservation O C T O B E R
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WE THANK ALL OUR SPONSORS INCLUDING MOFFLY MEDIA OUR EXCLUSIVE MEDIA SPONSOR
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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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
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1 The Autore family 2 Anne and Joe Larcheveque, Kim O’Rielly 3 Julie Andersen, Sheilah Smith 4 Laure Aubuchon, AC O’Rourke, David and Julie Genovese 5 Suzanne and Neil Store
LAUREL HOUSE / Delamar Hotel and l’escale
Our Heroes
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ore than 300 guests attended Laurel House’s “An Evening with Laurel House” at Delamar Hotel and l’escale in Greenwich and helped raise funds for the Stamfordbased nonprofit. Laurel House provides resources and opportunities for people living with mental illness to lead fulfilling and productive lives. All enjoyed outdoor cocktails, followed by an elegant dinner and the 2019 Champion of Recovery Award presentation to Dr. Andrew J. Gerber, president and medical director of Silver Hill Hospital. Recognitions also went to Nancy Herling of Darien, Adrianne Singer of Greenwich, Paul Reinhardt of New Canaan and Rey Giallongo and Cheryl Palmer of Stamford. W westportmag.com
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE, MARILYN ROOS
STOCK.ADOBE.COM
2013 JAVIER SÁNCHEZ MINGORANCE-STOCK.ADOBE.COM
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
faces of
WESTPORT 2019 Westport is filled with extraordinary professionals and businesses
that share their talent, knowledge and devotion with us every day. They are the essence of where we live and consistently strive to make our community one of the best in America.
Meet the 2019 Faces of Westport >
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
WESTPORT 2019
the face of
NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Westport Behavioral Health Dr. Diana E. Miner has spent over 20 years improving the quality of people’s lives. Everyone can use extra help dealing with life’s challenges. She is a clinical neuropsychologist with a background in neuroscience. She evaluates individuals and analyzes their unique profile of strengths and weaknesses, to provide tailored recommendations for a healthier life. She also combines her scientific background with the discipline of law, adding her expertise in human behavior to personal injury, criminal and divorce cases. Dr. Miner has recently partnered with a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist to provide a one-
stop shop for mental health services providing psychotherapy, neuropsychological and educational testing, medication management, forensic services, independent medical examinations, hardship evaluations for immigration and decisional capacity assessments all under one roof. Westport Behavioral Health exemplifies the best in continuity of care for mental health.
225 MAIN STREET • WESTPORT 203.231.1173 • WESTPORTBEHAVIORALHEALTH.COM
Bob Capazzo Photography
Dr. Diana E. Miner
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WESTPORT 2019
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ANOTHER WAY OF HEALING SINCE 1979 Earth Animal
Catherine Frost Photography
Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein Earth Animal, believed to be the first authentic health food store for animals in the country, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a move to the old Starbucks Building this fall. The store’s mission has always been to empower pet parents with education, products and services to support a healthy lifestyle, which promotes wellness and healing. Similar to Whole Foods, they offer another way to care for dogs, cats, and other animals. Their store is a go-to for folks seeking an alternative to products containing pesticides and chemicals that cause side effects, especially for flea and tick prevention. AGE- 124617(03/17)(Exp.03/19)
Founder, Susan Goldstein's partner, Veterinarian Dr. Bob Goldstein, has been at the helm formulating many of the nutritional products, which are sold in 6,000 U.S. independent pet shops, Canada and Europe. Earth Animal's success is attributed to "Earth animals who have inspired us as well as the ones with big hearts who work here." Goldstein says.
925 POST ROAD EAST • WESTPORT 203.557.3322 • 203.222.7173 • EARTHANIMAL.COM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WESTPORT 2019
the face of
EMPOWERING WOMEN’S FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE Georgette Geller Executive Vice President
AGE- 124617(03/17)(Exp.03/19)
Securities offered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. Annuity and insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC. AGE-146948(7/19)(exp.7/21)
Georgette has dedicated her career to helping women build their wealth, develop their careers and help to ensure they are well prepared for their financial futures. Grab a coffee with Georgette today and see for yourself.
OFFICES IN WESTPORT, STAMFORD, MILFORD, SHELTON AND RHODE ISLAND • 203.348.1000 GEORGETTEGELLER.COM • GEORGETTE4WOMEN.COM
Bob Capazzo Photography
Georgette understands how precious your time is. She too exhibits a case of “supermom” herself. Whether it’s chauffeuring her heavily active kids around or expressing her deep appreciation for all Westport moms by hostessing the Westport Mom’s Night Out, it could be said that Georgette multitasks with the finest. But, no matter what, she always makes time to have “the conversation” with you: the single most important conversation that can help you prepare for your financial future.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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WESTPORT 2019
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COURAGEOUS THINKING King School
Bob Capazzo Photography
Dr. Josh Deitch, Head of Middle School, Amy Vorenberg, Head of Lower School, Dr. Karen Eshoo, Head of School and Marnie Sadlowsky, Head of Upper School Dr. Karen Eshoo, Head of School at King School, seeks more than achievement from her students. She and the Division Heads, pictured in the school’s Innovation Lab, are committed to opening minds and sparking courageous thinking so their students discover and forge their unique paths to excellence. “Our students are at the center of everything we do at King School. Because when we set better standards for both the experience and outcomes of education, students cultivate the insights and heart to own their future,” says Dr. Eshoo. As an institution that evolved from the mergers of three founding schools, King School knows a thing or two about challenging preconceived notions about
what good education looks like. That’s why they prioritize teaching students how to think rather than what to think. At King, students ask for more of their education. They pursue meaningful research, boldly intertwine academic subjects, and share their learning in diverse formats. They deepen their understanding through the give and take of different perspectives to become active and nimble learners. King students discover a better way to be their best. Open House: Grades 6-11: Oct. 6. PreK-Grade 5: Nov. 3. 1450 NEWFIELD AVENUE • STAMFORD 203.322.3496 • KINGSCHOOLCT.ORG
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the face of
FARM TO FORK
Harvest Wine Bar
Long before they were American citizens, siblings Kleber, Nube and Vicente Siguenza developed Harvest Wine Bar, a Modern American Restaurant with a “farm to fork” concept and a generous wine selection. Influenced by their Ecuadorian roots, they have always used the freshest ingredients, including fish that are wild caught or sustainably harvested, meat raised on the green hills of upstate New York and wines produced naturally with biodynamic farming practices.
Their menus are inspired by local farms that provide their products, such as Sweet Tree Farms in upstate New York, for the Signature Harvest Burger and Short Rib Mac and Cheese. Their passion for fresh food, fine wine and hospitality has facilitated this family-oriented restaurant to become the American Dream. They tailor custom cuisine guest by guest and season to season. 36 RAILROAD PLACE • WESTPORT 203.221.0810 • HARVESTWINEBAR.COM
Bob Capazzo Photography
Nube Siguenza, Vicente Siguenza, Higinio Sanchez and Kleber Siguenza
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, December 5, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
2019
Photos by Melani Lust
Please join us as we honor the extraordinary work of our community heroes. Plus: Community Impact Awards, honoring two outstanding nonprofits Presented by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Become a Sponsor
Join us for
For more information & participant opportunities please contact Deb Ryan at 203-536-6027 • deb.ryan@moffly.com
Moffly Media’s 12th Annual Light a Fire awards reception and cocktail party at the Westport Country Playhouse
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A peek into Stephanie Trotta’s own closet
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a political science and international affairs degree from George Washington University). Trotta eventually nurtured her creative side working at Ralph Lauren before relaunching thegirlguide.com in 2016. Now she has joined us as guest fashion editor in order to recap fall 2019’s best trends. Here, her favorite picks of the season and a bit of advice on how to style them.
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE TROTTA
eet STEPHANIE TROTTA, a Darien mom, personal stylist and the brains behind The Girl Guide, a well-read blog giving advice and tips on style, shopping, travel and life in general. Known for her fab personal style (and lover of anything neutral), many are surprised to learn that this savvy creative was a self-proclaimed “nerd” in school (she graduated with
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TREND ONE
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1 DANNIJO Bow earrings; $320. dannijo.com
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2 CAROLINA HERRERA Black floral lace crop cardigan; $2,490. Mitchells, Westport; shop.mitchellstores.com
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3 MAX&MOI Camisole; $182. The Perfect Provenance, Greenwich; theperfectprovenance.com
4 THEORY Silk tie scarf top; $295. theory.com
5 NANUSHKA
Delicate and feminine details galore
BURBERRY
6 GIANVITO ROSSI Gold & black lurex lace pump; $945; Mitchells, Westport. shop.mitchellstores.com
7 LELE SADOUGHI
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“Spice up your off ice attire and trade in that traditional button-dow n for a silk bow blou s e.D ress it dow n tucked into black skinny jeans paired w ith a statement ear r ing.” —ST
Barrette; $125. shopmonarchmarket.com
8 ZIMMERMANN Lace poet-sleeve mini dress; $1,950. Saks Greenwich, saks.com
9 DIOR Cameo ring; $440. dior.com
10 ALICE + OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET Leila fit-and-flare pleated coat in soft white; $795. Greenwich; aliceandolivia.com
11 J.CREW Black leather kitten heels; $178. jcrew.com »
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TROTTA PHOTO BY JULIA D’AGOSTINO, FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
LADY LIKE
Croc-embossed shoulder bag; $365. intermixonline.com
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“O ne of the big gest access or y tre nd s last year was the retur n of the s cr unchie.Here, the 80’s classic trend gets an upg rade.”—ST
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ZIMMERMANN
LIKE A LADY TORY BURCH
“These feminine looks are not just for the royals; embrace your inner duchess with lace, ruffles and bows.” —ST
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TREND TWO
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1 SECRET GARDEN Dark florals blossom on the fall runways and into your closets
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MARC JACOBS
5 “Not your average black sweater—wear it casually w ith a pair of cord s for day or at nig ht w ith s ome leather leg g ing s and a low bun.” —ST
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1 TEMPERLEY LONDON
“Pair thi s dress w ith a lace up bootie and leather jacket or tur n thi s dress into a skir t w ith a neutral cashmere sweater once the te mpe ratures drop.” —ST
Magnolia jacket; $1,795. temperleylondon.com
2 ROBERTO COIN 18k rose gold and black diamond necklace; $7,500. Lux Bond & Green, Westort; lbgreen.com
3 BRIXTON Floppy wool hat; $58. nordstrom.com
4 VINCE Brushed floral funnel neck; $425. Greenwich, Westport; vince.com
MOODY ROMANCE “These pretty prints are not just for hotter temps. When styling dark florals, I love mixing patterns and textures. Try chocolate brown instead of black for a gorgeous, rich combination.” —ST
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5 BYTIMO Shirt dress; $555. Intermix, Greenwich. intermixonline.com
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VERONICA BEARD
English rose embroidered bag; $2,150. Neiman Marcus, The Westchester; neimanmarcus.com
7 HELMUT LANG Cable-knit wool sweater; $520. saks.com
8 SEE BY CHLOÈ
TROTTA PHOTO BY JULIA D’AGOSTINO, FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
Floral midi dress; $475. saks.com
9 MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION Belted coat, $3,250; Mitchells, Westport; shop.mitchellstores.com
10 STUART WEITZMAN Mona boot in black with gold stars; $895. Greenwich; stuartweitzman.com
11 RANJANA KHAN Hoop earrings; $175. netaporter.com »
SEE BY CHLOE
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TREND THREE
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Sorbet-like colors in elegant hues and sleek silhouettes
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5 COLOR PARTY “Whether you’re just looking for a pop or want to embrace your colorful side, this trend shows no sign of fading.” —ST
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TROTTA PHOTO BY JULIA D’AGOSTINO, FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
“I love that thes e elegant colors can easily be wor n together. If you’re mixing a yellow skir t w ith a mint sweater, opt for neutral access or ies in nude or beige.” —ST
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1 CHANEL Brooch; price upon request. chanel.com
2 HOBBS Tia coat; $400. Greenwich; hobbs.com
3 TEMPERLEY LONDON Akiko dress; $1,995. temperleylondon.com
8 “If I could buy one piece for fall it would be an investment coat like thi s one. It’s vers atile and makes a g reat statement at the s ame time.” —ST
4 DRIES VAN NOTEN Pleated midi skirt; $890. saks.com
5 JOIE Roshan sweater; $298. Greenwich, Westport; joie.com
6 CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Pumps; $895. christianlouboutin.com
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7 HERMÈS Cape Cod steel watch; $3,600. Hermès Greenwich, hermes.com
8 KATE SPADE NEW YORK Shearling coat; $2,298. katespade.com
9 MES DEMOISELLES Silk-satin maxi dress; $473. netaporter.com
10 PRADA Satin skirt; $1,560. saks.com
11 SENREVE Mini Maestra bag in coral; $695. shopbop.com »
LANVIN
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TREND FOUR
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1 LELA ROSE Checked woven peplum blouse; $990. netaporter.com
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2 MM6 MAISON MARGIELA Glen-plaid pleated midi skirt; $420. matchesfashion.com
3 ANTHROPOLOGIE Etta knotted headband; $20. anthropologie.com
PATTERN PLAY A little something borrowed from the boys
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4 TALBOTS Tweed jacket in ivory; $179. Stamford, Westport; talbots.com
5 CHARLES BY CHARLES DAVID Venus bootie; $119. Lord & Taylor, Stamford; lordandtaylor.com
6 VERONICA BEARD Emmeline jumpsuit; $695. veronicabeard.com
7 SOMETHING NAVY Single-breasted plaid wool-blend coat; $159. nordstrom.com
CHANEL
8 BALENCIAGA Ruffled checked twill midi skirt; $1,450. netaporter.com
9 VEJA V-10 leather sneakers; $150. modaoperandi.com
10 ISABEL MARANT ÉTOILE Vittoria plaid high waist trousers; $495. saks.com
MIX IT UP
“Keeping it casual? Pair thi s blaz er w ith your favor ite white tee tucked into a pair of mom jeans and f lats.”—ST
“Mix patterns and plaids for a clean and sophisticated statement.” —ST
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11 ANN TAYLOR Fringe tweed jacket; $179. New Canaan; anntaylor.com W
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“I love the vers atilit y of thi s coat. Take it f rom work to weekend by swapping out your pumps for a statement sneaker.” —ST
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BROCK
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class 10 TEENS TO WATCH
ACT by joey macari
p ortr aits by pamel a einarsen photo gr aphy
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hese Generation Z’ers, from a gifted art student to a set of brilliant twins, are intelligent, talented, forward-thinking and full of charisma. Proving their prowess in athletics, academics, the arts and charity work at some the area’s top schools, they make their hometowns proud. Their stories, which include the many sacrifices, years of determination and heartfelt gratitude to those who have helped them along the way, are an inspiration to everyone who hears them. As bright futures unfold for each of these amazing teens, we take a moment to celebrate all they have done so far. westportmag.com
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How did you get into foley? I actually had no intention to do any type of sound engineer or foley work until I met my former tech director, Evan Seide. He was a substitute for my drawing class in my sophomore year of high school and asked if anyone wanted to help with tech for the middle school play. I’ve always loved theater and did a lot of acting camps growing up, so I thought I’d try it out. What I really love about foley though, is the creativity of it all; I like that I can get hands-on with a project and have to figure out a creative way to create a sound.
Saige Kanik
Weston High School
What’s your animation style and what animation inspires you? I would describe my art and animation style as super colorful, fun and somewhat nostalgic with a mix of cute but crazy character designs. A lot of my animation and art style is based on cartoons I watched growing up such as Puffy Ami Yumi and My Life as a Teenage Robot. In addition to that, I love the Muppets and Sesame Street, so I try to incorporate the Muppets' style of comedy and silliness into my art.
“I would describe my art and animation style as super colorful, fun and somewhat nostalgic.”
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aige Kanik, a senior at Weston High School, is an aspiring animator and foley artist who wears her heart and her art on her sleeve. When we met Saige, she wore a Jim Morrison Doors t-shirt and had green hair accentuated by the bright, Amazonian green beetle enclosed in a tiny vial necklace around her neck. If her unique fashion sense doesn’t catch your eye, her résumé will. She is president of her school’s animation club, copresident of the school’s chapter of National Art Honor Society and holds the Oberlin College Book Award for excellence in the arts. Her paintings have graced the walls of the Westport Arts Center and she is active in the Weston arts communtiy. She exudes a sense of nostalgia rarely seen in teenagers nowadays that certainly adds a refreshing twist to this year’s group of teens. westportmag.com
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What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had to overcome? I’ve always had a lot of trouble with comparing myself with others. Recently a friend of mine said to me though, you’re only competing with yourself, which really changed my mind-set. If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? I would definitely want to have dinner with Noel MacNeal, who was the puppeteer for Bear, a character from a children’s TV show called Bear in the Big Blue House. I have a huge love for puppetry and Bear in the Big Blue House was one of my favorite shows when I was really little. I would also just have so many questions about puppetry and TV production in general. If you could time travel, what era/ place would you like to visit? I would definitely want to visit ’70s Disney World. There were a lot of really cool rides and attractions that made it such a magical place, which I would love to see. Favorite movie? Coraline.
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er blonde beach waves bounce lightly with every step, complemented by her nautical shell jewelry and flowy white blouse. Lilah McCormick, who graduated as valedictorian of Greens Farms Academy this past spring, gives off the vibe of an effervescent Californian. In many ways, this does ring true, as her cheerful personality and passion for ocean life have defined quite a few of her experiences, particularly in her work with the Island School in the Bahamas, tagging sharks and conducting research. However, Lilah is also someone who isn’t afraid to get dirty; sliding into the mud during big soccer matches and, most notably, coming to the aid of Syrian refugees in a Jordanian refugee camp. She and her family took two trips to the Za’atari village as UNICEF volunteers, treating patients in camp clinics and giving violin and English lessons to refugees. At one point, fighter jets in a nearby war zone could be heard during her time there. Back on the homefront, she is the example of a hard-working teen. She received the Wagner Award, the highest academic achievement in the upper school, played Carnegie Hall with the Vivace Ensemble and is on track to compete in a half Ironman triathlon this fall. Did we mention she’s attending Stanford this fall? Both brains and beauty, what makes Lilah standout is her ability to go above and beyond the standard for her age. What sparked your interest in the global politics? In junior year I took an International Relations class as a part of a graduation requirement, and suddenly current events and everything going on in the world around me grabbed my attention in a way it hadn’t before. For March break that year, my family took a trip to Jordan, so before that I did a lot of research on the Syrian refugee crisis, and after visiting refugee camps in Jordan the first time, I was hooked and returned that summer. Were you afraid? I think the first time I went to Jordan I was wary, because a lot of news I had read about the Syrian refugee crisis had been about immigration policies and national security concerns. But once I spent time with refugees and got to know them, all of that vanished so quickly, and any of the preconceptions I had about Syrian refugees were replaced by the incredibly moving and inspiring stories they shared. How has playing violin impacted your life? My parents started me on violin when I was four years old, so I can hardly
“Violin is a really important outlet for creativity and expression for me.”
remember a time when it wasn’t a part of my life. Violin is a really important outlet for creativity and expression for me. I think some people think of music as just learning notes and technique, but, like in writing, the goal is to communicate an idea or emotion and that’s a really powerful tool. If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? Tommy Caldwell, one of the two climbers to climb the Dawn Wall. He’s got an absolutely amazing background and is super inspiring. If you could time travel, what era/ place would you like to visit? The Great Barrier Reef when it was untouched by the effects of climate change. Favorite music artist/band? Coldplay.
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Lilah McCormick Greens Farms Academy
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n his book, An Actor Prepares, Stanislavski explores a method of acting that enables an actor to craft an authentic character. How does Ethan Parker prepare for a role? He reads his lines backwards. Ethan, who graduated from Greens Farms Academy this past June, has the bravado and charisma to match Broadway’s biggest stars and a disposition that creates an almost giddy energy in every room he enters. A National Merit Scholar, he earned the prestigious Head of School Distinction his senior year. He’s tackled countless roles, both in theater and in a leadership position as pitch of the school’s a cappella group. However, arguably his biggest role to date exists off the stage. As a page for the United States Senate Program in D.C., he delivered documents throughout the Senate chamber during deliberations on the American Health Care Act and received a certificate for distinctive service from the Senate. Though Ethan, now a freshman at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, plays many parts, his character is definitively kind, intelligent and somewhat contagious.
Ethan Parker
GREENS FARMS ACADEMY
What was your experience like in D.C.? I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the Senate and to see the inner workings of the federal government firsthand. While my work of making copies of the nearly 500-page bill and distributing it throughout the Capitol complex may have seemed time-consuming and somewhat tedious, it was an important part of the Senatorial process, and I was truly humbled by the experience. What drew you to politics? Politics, law and international relations all interest me so greatly because they truly define the world that we live in. Every aspect of modern society exists within legal and governmental limits and my continual study of these fields feeds my fascination even further.
“My work as a Senate page...showed me that supporting roles can often be more instrumental than the work of those at the top.”
As an actor, what’s been your most challenging role? My most challenging role was definitely Mark Cohen in a production of Rent. One of the most difficult parts of playing Mark in the show was truly understanding the AIDS epidemic during that time period and portraying an accurate representation of someone living through it. Mark is a character in the show who, despite not having AIDS himself, watches most of his closest friends develop AIDS and either suffer or die as a result of the disease. It was very challenging for me to represent the emotions of a character who
desperately wants to help his friends but knows he is ultimately unable to do so. However, this role simultaneously made me a better actor and more perceptive friend. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had to overcome? The biggest struggle I’ve had to overcome is learning how to take a more supportive role in some areas of my life. I often participate in activities where I am the leader. I am the pitch of my a cappella group, the sole bassist in my school’s jazz band and the leader of many school clubs. This sometimes makes it difficult for me to take a step back and allow others to be in a more active, leadership role. My work as a Senate page and an intern for political campaigns showed me that supporting roles can often be more instrumental than the work of those “at the top” and has been so valuable to my growth as a person and student. Future plans? I loved working on Capitol Hill as a U.S. Senate page and hope to return as a staffer, elected official or lobbyist in the future. I want to be a part of decision-making on the Hill and to help to ensure that our government runs smoothly and fairly. Current binge watch? I binge watched Breaking Bad and loved it. I am currently watching Billions and Homeland and enjoy both.
Ella “Minnie” Seo
LAURALTON HALL
“I think our society can empower women more by doing such a basic thing: treating women as nuancedcomplex humans and not objects.”
How did you get the name “Minnie”? My biological name is Ella, but I was never called “Ella” by my family. They brought me home from the hospital and just called me “Minnie.” I’m Korean, and specifically for my family, all the girls with the “Seo” last name have to have a Korean name that starts with “Min.” My grandfather had named four girls already and as you can imagine, was running out of some creativity. He asked my two older sisters, who were three and five at the time, who, through a brilliant moment of word association, thought of the name of the Disney mouse Minnie. Was learning the cello easy? Looking back on it now, cello was definitely not easy to learn, but I think it’s all about the journey and not the destination. I think whenever I used to see my mom play the cello, she made it look so easy and beautiful, but there is definitely a build-up of skills that require time, tears and hard practicing to acquire. From a feminist perspective, how could our society empower women more? I think our society can empower women more by doing such a basic thing: treating women as nuancedcomplex humans and not objects. These days, I have found myself more
and more concerned with the issue of women’s healthcare, especially lowerincome women of color’s healthcare. Racial bias in the medical field is undeniable and dangerous. How has volunteering shaped you as a person? I was a volunteer at the Pequot Library for only one year, but throughout my whole life, I have gone to the Pequot Library whether to perform or to check out books. It’s so sentimental for me. I admire the Pequot Library’s dedication to teaching kids about the joy of reading and bringing together the Southport community. While it still holds a special place in my heart, I have since gone on to volunteer at different places: shadowing a veterinarian at A Cat's Place and helping out with the cats at the Westport Petco. If you could time travel, what era/place would you like to visit? I think I would go to the '20s. The writing and art during this time is truly iconic and the social bindings on women and what women were allowed to do were finally loosening. Future plans? I really hope to be a veterinarian, but I still want to pursue music. Current binge watch? Mad Men.
10 TEENS TO WATCH
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t our photoshoot, Minnie plucks the strings of her cello with a grace and agility rarely seen in grown adults. What’s entrancing about all this is that Minnie doesn’t have a physical cello in her hands; rather, she is demonstrating “body mapping,” a mindset she learned that makes the cello an extension of self without having to worry about positioning. Ella “Minnie” Seo, a senior at Lauralton Hall, has traveled Europe with the Norwalk Youth Symphony, studied under an emeritus cello professor at Vassar College and performed in concerts and festivals around the state. But what is extraordinary about this student goes beyond Bach. A makeup enthusiast, specifically in Glossier products, who once appeared in a piece about beauty routines in New York magazine, Minnie’s elegance and tenacity in both persona and passion does not go amiss. She is president of her school’s Female Empowerment Club, vice president of the Chinese Club and plays electric bass (a not-so-guilty pleasure of hers) in her school’s jazz band. Speaking of bass, she is a big fan of alternative rock, and loves Tame Impala, the Strokes and the Arctic Monkeys.
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Jeffrey Huang
WILTON HIGH SCHOOL
“I wish to create personalized medicine that will be tailored for individual patients instead of the current onesize-fits-all plans.”
“[Video games] challenge us to be more creative and better problem solvers.”
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he phrase, “it’s a twin thing,” instantly comes to mind when you read Jeffrey and his brother Larry’s résumés. Like Larry, Jeffrey is one of just 150 students nationally ranked in the U.S. chemistry and computing Olympiad. Jeffrey cofounded Big Data: The Machine Learning and Data Science Club at Wilton High School, alongside his brother, and they are both U.S. certified soccer referees. But what separates the two is that Jeffrey, an aspiring doctor, utilized his computer and chemistry prowess to advance in the field of medicine. From his internships with the University of Iowa and Yale’s Discovery Program, Jeffrey has applied his knowledge of computer science to delve more into how we as a society can better patients in early diagnoses and treatment. Safe to say a lot of things come easy to this teen. Ask him what his thoughts are on the latest season of Game of Thrones? Well, that’s a bit more complicated.
6 Larry Huang
WILTON HIGH SCHOOL
hen Larry Huang cofounded the Big Data: The Machine Learning and Data Science Club at Wilton alongside his brother Jeffrey, he discovered that he wasn’t just interested in the results of his research, rather it was what the computer could do. Soon, Larry found his passion in programming, applying his coding skills to create his own video games and find solutions to even bigger problems. It was this kind of mindset that kicked his passion for road safety into high gear, literally. Larry served as a member of the Road Safety and Simulation 2019 International Conference Scientific Review Board where he peerreviewed papers from global experts and even contributed his own work. He also assists special needs youth in the soccer community; a kind of paying-it-forward that is one of Larry’s more admirable traits. Larry shows no signs of stopping as he races to the finish line...graduation that is. After that? Ready, set, go, Larry!
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When did it ‘click’ for you that STEM was your strong suit? In sixth grade I joined the science Olympiad club. In a few short months of preparation, I won state gold. My experience launched me into the world of science and inspired me to pursue science competitions. In my exploration of science, I discovered that computers play a huge role in medical research. I hope that in the future, I can combine my passions of science and computing. Did you and your brother always share the same interests and strengths? My brother and I have always held a passion for computers. However, we arrived at creating Big Data: The Machine Learning and Data Science Club from two different angles. For me, I saw the huge potential for machine learning in a variety of biomedical applications, such as diagnosis or formulating treatments. With the influx of data, especially medical data, in the Information Age, machine learning holds great promise to improve medicine. My brother discovered machine learning through his love of computer science. Together, we created Big Data to share our learning with fellow students. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had to overcome? When I interned at the University of
Current binge watch? Game of Thrones.
Larry Huang
Who’s your role model? My grandmother. She was a biochemist who helped improve the lives of China’s poorest through her work developing dental hygiene products.
What is so intricate about programming video games? Programming video games is a very tangible and rewarding introduction to coding. I used to love playing video games, now I love creating my own through programming. I found that coding is more satisfying. I love teaching and interacting with younger kids who learn the power of programming through video games. They learn basic coding syntax, logic and organization. Video games can be both simple and intricate and serve as challenges to both beginning and veteran programmers alike. It challenges us to be more creative and better problem solvers. The attractive and accessible medium acts as a segway for students to study computer science.
If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? Ken Jeong. I find it fascinating that he is a doctor and later became an actor and comedian. Plus, dinner with him must be fun and funny. What is it about the medical field that fascinates you? I would love to interact with patients and help them. Illness or injury is extremely disruptive and can be traumatic. As a doctor, I can treat them and return a sense of normalcy to their lives. I hope I can save lives and improve the quality of life for those who suffer. Being a doctor means studying everything about how the human body works. From face transplants, to machines that will pump your blood, to brain surgeries when the person is conscious, I think medicine is the most intriguing field of study. What’s more, I wish to create personalized medicine
What do you wish you can change in road safety? I want to improve road safety because of its devastating effects on individuals, families and communities. Over the summer, I had the chance to intern at the National Driving Simulator at the
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University of Iowa. I conducted research at NADS and published it to the RSS 2019 Conference. I also serve on the Road Safety and Simulation 2019 International Conference Scientific Review Board and critique cutting-edge papers from leading professors and top institutions around the world. I contribute to help the global research community, built on collaboration and community, produce novel scientific results that improve road safety. One aspect of road safety I want to explore is translating self-driving cars technology in first-world countries with an established driving expectation to third-world countries with looser driving standards. I want to bring selfdriving capabilities to a wider audience. As an avid soccer player and certified referee, how do you give back to the soccer community? I love playing soccer for its competitiveness and camaraderie. I give back to the soccer community as a soccer referee regulating games for all ages and sharing my joy for soccer with special needs children. Who’s your role model? Elon Musk and his ambitions with regard to self-driving cars and artificial intelligence. Future plans? Computer and A.I. scientist Favorite music artist? Meek Mill and his inspiring fight against unfairness in the criminal justice system.
10 TEENS TO WATCH
Jeffrey Huang
that will be tailored for individual patients instead of the current onesize-fits-all plans.
Iowa High Throughput Screening Facility, the screening software, good at cell detection with 2D plates, failed to identify many of my 3D tumor spheroids. I spent hours experimenting with different contrast levels and detection sensitivities, but the software continued to either detect more than one spheroid per cell or failed to identify any. After trying various settings and controls himself, my professor told me I already took the best approach and nothing else could be done. After my internship, and still obsessed with the weaknesses in my results, I broadened my search. It was not easy, but I eventually found a better approach: virtual screening, a more efficient, lower-cost and more transparent approach. Currently, I am learning to formulate human subject research questions and to apply statistical inference and machine learning to build prognostic models and improve diagnostic accuracy. Dealing with this obstacle let me see my strengths and opened new areas of research for me.
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melie Warneryd, a senior at St. Luke’s School, is a bold student with big brains. Since her uncle’s diagnosis with astrocytoma, a type of malignant brain tumor, ten years ago, Amelie has dived into the field of neuroscience and arose a wunderkind of the most complex organ within the human anatomy. This past summer, she was one of 300 students in the entire nation to be accepted into an eight-week apprentice program sponsored by the American Society of Engineers, working directly with the Department of Navy research lab studying neurotrauma. She is also a French scholar and was recently awarded the Alberta Conte Junior Prize by the American Association of Teachers of French in Northwestern Connecticut. But apart from all that, she is a self-professed “Potterhead,” a big Kiera Knightly fan and a Brit-glam rock aficionado.
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Amelie Warneryd
ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL
What is your dream for women pursuing STEM-related subjects? My dream is for women in STEM to achieve gender parity, and especially equal pay, in education and in the workplace. I’m inspired by all the talented female physicians, science teachers, engineers and researchers whom I’ve met, and I know that we will achieve equality one day. What is it about the French language that inspires you? I began studying French in sixth grade, and even in middle school, I was struck by how beautiful the French language is. Through my teachers, I’ve fostered a love for the language, from the difficult verb conjugations to the flowing pronunciation. It’s also shaping the music I listen to and the books I read; I’m an avid fan of the Belgian singer Stromae and I’m currently reading The Hunger Games in French as well. Who’s your role model? My role model is Dr. Amy Goldberg, a trauma surgeon at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. I first read about her in the Huffington Post article “What Bullets Do to Bodies,” and I’m inspired by her incredible tenacity in treating victims of gun violence for nearly thirty years.
10 TEENS TO WATCH
“My dream is for women in STEM to achieve gender parity, and especially equal pay, in education and in the workplace.”
In your experience with debate, what makes someone a team player? The key to being a good team member is communication. You cannot win a debate alone. Partners need to help one another accentuate their strengths to succeed in presenting a well-constructed, cohesive argument. Connecticut has extremely formidable high school debate teams, and I think that the St. Luke’s debate team has done well in recent years because of our camaraderie and willingness to share ideas. We were ecstatic to win the CT State Championship twice and it’s a product of our commitment to the activity and to one another.
If you could time travel, what era/ place would you like to visit? I would travel to Lake Geneva in Switzerland during the rainy summer of 1816 to visit Mary Shelley and her Romantic-era colleagues as she wrote her classic novel Frankenstein. Future plans? I’d love to work for an organization like Doctors Without Borders, which would allow me to use my French skills and care for individuals who do not have access to the medical care that we sometimes take for granted in the United States. westportmag.com
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If you want to see how tall a building is going to be, look how deep the foundation is.
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A Prek-12 co-ed independent school in westport, CT
Greens Farms Academy’s Class of 2019 matriculated to:
Barnard College Boston College Brown University (3) University of California, San Diego University of Chicago Claremont McKenna College Colby College (4) Colgate University College of the Holy Cross (4) College of William & Mary (2) Colorado College University of Connecticut Connecticut College (2) Cornell University Dartmouth College (3) Dickinson College Duke University Elon University
Emory University (2) Fordham University The George Washington University Georgetown University Gettysburg College Hamilton College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Johns Hopkins University Kenyon College Lafayette College Loyola University Maryland University of Michigan Middlebury College Northwestern University (2) University of Pennsylvania (2) Pitzer College Pomona College
Rhode Island School of Design University of Richmond (2) Santa Clara University Skidmore College University of Southern California (2) Stanford University Syracuse University Temple University Tufts University (3) United States Military Academy at West Point Vanderbilt University University of Vermont (2) Villanova University University of Virginia Wake Forest University (2) Williams College (2)
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Harry Amadeo
KING SCHOOL
“To hear a rocket roar... and to actually feel the rocket’s burn are what continually draw me back into rocketry.”
What is it about rockets? To me, rockets are a gorgeous unity of all STEM subtopics. To hear a rocket roar, as the multi-thousand-degree gas comes shooting out the nozzle at hypersonic speeds and to actually feel the rocket's burn are what continually draw me back into rocketry. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had to overcome? When I was competing in my school's science fair, I was testing different additives to solid rocket propellant to see how they affected the motors' performance. During this, I had several catastrophic rocket tests. Diagnosing these failures took a lot of time and effort, and I am proud to say that I found the modes of failure and was able to correct them in the subsequent tests. If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun. He was a pioneer of early contemporary rocket progression. I would love to talk to him about how they solved various engine-related problems on the Saturn V moon rocket. If you could time travel, what era/ place would you like to visit? I would travel back to the 1950s and '60s, when the American space program was at its height. To see this all happening in real time, rather just in history, would be greatly motivating to me to keep doing what I am doing with rocketry. Future plans? My current plans are to develop a new highly efficient rocket propellant that can work in smaller motors. Usually, very large, expensive rocket motors are needed to achieve decent efficiency. However, by using different metals and tweaking particle sizes, I hypothesize that I can make more efficient solid propellant with smaller and cheaper rocket motors. Favorite music band? Red Hot Chili Peppers.
10 TEENS TO WATCH
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arry Amadeo twirls a keychain around his finger with the phrase “Remove Before Flight” printed on the canvas. He is calm, cool and collected, even while he drives with fifty pounds of propellant in his car, but don’t worry, it’s completely stable. While many students bury their head in books, Harry Amadeo, a senior at King School in Stamford, has his eyes constantly looking upward toward the stars. A “rocket man,” to steal the phrase from Sir Elton John, Harry excels in all STEM-related subjects, serving as club leader for his school’s STEM club. When he’s not serving the needs of the club, he’s conducting research for Columbia University’s Rovis Lab, and is currently passionate about finding a more sustainable source of rocket fuel. Though not every launch is successful, as Harry will admit, it’s his dedication to the craft that makes him such an stellar teen to watch.
Above & Beyond
Innovative teachers turn blah, blah, blah into... Aha! Abby Abbott uses technology to connect modern students to ancient history—creating endless aha! moments. Watch Abby’s magic at www.stlukesct.org/greatteachers.
Open Houses - Join Us! Middle School - Sunday, October 20 Upper School - Sunday, October 27 www.stlukesct.org/visit St. Luke’s is a secular, college preparatory day school for grades 5-12 and a Best Private High School in CT - niche.com 203.801.4833 | 377 North Wilton Road, New Canaan, CT 06840
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niruddha Murali’s résumé reads like an instruction manual for some highly classified operation. It’s two pages long and contains the following: data analytics consultant for the Miami Dolphins football team; developer of an algorithm and mobile app that detects early-onset breast cancer; committee member for Westport’s MakerSpace and Maker Faire. Those are just the highlights, and it might come as a surprise to you that Aniruddha is just eighteen year’s old. Aniruddha, now a freshman at Georgia Tech, exhausted the math curriculum by his junior year, started his school’s Coding Club and took the most rigorous, demanding coursework Staples had to offer. A stellar black belt and hockey player, his friends call him “AP” and describe him as the definition of a team player. After his aunt passed away from breast cancer, Aniruddha took it upon himself to research flaws in the methodology used to diagnose breast cancer and had work published in an international journal of scientific research. To list off every single detail of Aniruddha’s accomplishments would take too long, but here’s the most impressive thing about this teen: his kindness. As a self-professed “computer geek,” what drew you to programming and mathematics in the first place? I always loved anything relating to numbers and logic. I love looking at puzzles and patterns. Programming and math are two fields that utilize both numbers and logic. They’re fields that require lots of thinking regarding how you approach the problem at hand. But I think that’s what makes it particularly fun; exploring different ways of tackling these problems can help you develop your creativity and critical-thinking skills. Why are events like Maker Faire and MakerSpace so integral in our community? The MakerSpace and Maker Faire are integral parts of our community because they are great examples of an increase in innovation that we are experiencing in Westport. Innovation is about finding problems that we have today and developing solutions to address those problems. It’s about making, solving, tinkering, creativity, exploration, etc. The MakerSpace provides a place for people to tinker while Maker Faire provides a place for the community to explore what other Makers have made. How has your research into breast cancer diagnoses shaped you? My research is a huge personal achievement for me because through my research I realized my
ability to impact others. The algorithms I created address many of the problems that exist with current methods of breast cancer diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, one in five screening mammograms are incorrectly diagnosed; this translates to 80 percent accuracy. My decision tree algorithm achieves 90–93 percent and my convolutional neural network algorithm achieves 88–90 percent accuracy. My research provides a more qualitative and logical approach for breast cancer diagnosis that doctors can interpret and understand. After presenting my first research project to some faculty at my high school, a breast cancer survivor came up to me and said, “I wish I had something like this when I had breast cancer.” This is really my greatest motivation for doing this kind of work. Who’s your role model? Bill Gates is one of my biggest role models. Even though he is one of the wealthiest people in the world, he is still incredibly humble. Future plans? At Georgia Tech, I plan on majoring in computer science, and I might also minor in business or entrepreneurship. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I plan on receiving a master’s in business or computer science. My dream is to be a leader in technology. I’m also very interested in entrepreneurship. Favorite music artist/band? Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Maroon 5.
“My research is a huge personal achievement for me because through my research I realized my ability to impact others.”
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Aniruddha Murali STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL
Emma McKinney
STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL
How do you balance the rigors of dance training and academia? For me, it’s all about knowing how to prioritize and be efficient in everything I do. For example, if it’s the week before a performance and I have more rehearsals than usual, I know ahead of time that I have to be reasonable with the amount of schoolwork I do— that might mean foregoing the extra practice problems I usually complete, or listening to audiobooks of my AP Lit assignments on the way to dance. At the end of the day, I’m able to balance them because I truly love both dancing and learning; I couldn’t imagine my life without either.
“My experience working with the Connecticut Board of Education has shown me how fulfilling a career in public education can be.”
What makes for an effective leader? The key to being a good leader is having the ability to be very sensitive to the needs and input of your group members. At the end of the day, a leader’s job is to serve for the benefit of their peers, not necessarily themselves. How did you get involved in education policy? I first became interested in education policy after volunteering in schools across Fairfield County and seeing the gaping differences in education quality. It frustrated me to know that not all students are receiving the same opportunities in public education, and I applied to Connecticut State Student Advisory Council on Education as a way to voice my opinions on the issue. Our council meets monthly with an overall goal of reducing the achievement gap in public schools. My subcommittee is researching implicit bias in the teacher-hiring process
and proposing new programs that would help increase teacher diversity in school districts that are pretty homogenous otherwise. Who’s your role model? My grandma—she is the most selfless and generous person I know and always the first to lend a helping hand to those in need. If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? Tara Westover. Her memoir, Educated, was one of the most eye-opening books I’ve ever read. She has an incredibly interesting life story, much of which is focused around the liberating aspect of education, and I’d love to hear more about her experiences going from an insular environment to the world of academia. If you could time travel, what era/ place would you like to visit? New York City during the American Revolution. Future plans? I’m very interested in drug development and delivery systems for cancer, but I’m open to learning about everything medicine has to offer. Eventually, I’d also love to teach science in an urban school district. My experience working with the Connecticut Board of Education has shown me how fulfilling a career in public education can be. Current binge watch? Gilmore Girls and Stranger Things.
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hen Emma McKinney walks in a room, it’s almost impossible not to envision her emerging from the wings, rolling through her delicate, turned-out feet and being hoisted into the air as the music to the Nutcracker crescendos to a climax. During her time at Staples, she was a National Merit Scholar who was cramming AP courses into her already busy dance schedule, earning high honors every semester. When she wasn’t training under instructors from Paris Opera Ballet and the American Academy of Ballet, to name a few, she was completing research at Yale School of Medicine, acting as editor-in-chief of her school’s STEM journal and tutoring at Lighthouse Program. Emma, now a freshman at Yale, shows no sign of stopping as she tackles both dance and academics as flawless as her Sugar Plum Fairy routine.
Good Rules
Put down the stress ball. Close the SAT books for a hot second and listen to some hard-earned advice. Our top ten teens have either learned the ropes or are in the throes of applying to colleges right now and know a thing or two about managing stress. Learn what they have to say about prioritizing goals, self-love and more.
Ethan Parker When I was in the heat of the college process, it seeped into every aspect of my life, inside and outside of school, both negatively and positively. Any high school students about to begin the process or in the midst of it need to remember that while stress can sometimes motivate you to do your best work, everyone needs to take a break sometimes to relax and recharge!
Ella “Minnie” Seo
Aniruddha Murali
All my friends and I talk about is college and it stresses us out even though we know that it is coming fast. The only real safe haven I had this year that was “college talk-free” was my school’s percussion group. When you think about it, percussion, at its base, is, and I quote, “about hitting things” (a direct quote from my band director). It was so relieving just to get out your stress, but also make music as well.
I think one of the best ways to deal with stress is to look at it as a motivator. I believe that having that perspective can help you better deal with stress and use it in a way that benefits you.
Amelie Warneryd I think it’s important to worry less about the short-term and more about identifying your long-term interests and goals. High school students can become very focused on getting into a particular college, but I’m happiest when I’m thinking about the things I enjoy studying.
My advice is to first take a step back and plan out the major deadlines, then, focus on individual tasks.
Focus and compartmentalize. Take one step at a time. As a student dealing with school academics, leading clubs, participating in extracurriculars and community service while also playing sports, I must balance my time. To deal with stress, I take on the most important and urgent tasks at hand.
Lilah McCormick The college process is stressful for everyone, but it's really important to hold onto the things that are valuable to you. Throughout writing college essays and test prep and schoolwork, remember to do the things that make you happy. For me running, being outside and spending time with friends and family were the things that kept me afloat.
Harry Amadeo
Jeffrey Huang
Larry Huang
One thing I'd say is to do what you really want to do and to match your college choice with this interest. Do not just apply to colleges for the prestige.
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Emma McKinney Find a hobby that has absolutely nothing to do with college admissions. Keeping part of your life separate from that process is really important and having something to do just for fun can help with that. For me, it was reading, but you could also try baking, knitting, art, yoga, anything really!
Saige Kanik When I’m really stressed, I really like to clean up my room. I feel like I am able to focus best when I am in a clean and organized environment. If that doesn’t work, I like to go outside and just meditate or paint with no particular goal in mind. If I have too much energy though, a dance party in my room usually does the trick.,
Independent Schools - Open House
ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE AND VISIT DAYS
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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL PUTNAM INDIAN FIELD SCHOOL RIPPOWAM CISQUA SCHOOL RYE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL SACRED HEART GREENWICH HOLY CHILD ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL STAMFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION WHITBY SCHOOL WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSES, TOURS AND VISIT DAYS, PLEASE VISIT ILOVEFC.COM/OPENHOUSES
BOB CAPAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY (203) 273-0139
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FairfieldCountryDay.org
Cirque Alfonse / TABARNAK
U.S. Premiere Sunday, September 29, 2019 | 3 pm
“A real treat for the spectators.” – Huffington Post This brave and creative group of young performers is blazing a creative path that no one has yet dared to explore, blending the arts and techniques of the circus and infusing them with the most picturesque facets of traditional Quebec folklore. Spike Lee
Creating Social Change Through Film: Do The Right Thing Thursday, September 19, 2019 | 8 pm Oscar Award-winning writer, director, actor, and producer.
MUSIC
Ann Hampton Callaway
Jazz Goes to the Movies
Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 8 pm This Tony Award nominee celebrates the golden age of songwriters from the 30s and 40s with hits like “As Time Goes By” and “The Nearness of You.”
203.254.4010 QuickCenter.com
Attention Best of Winners! M O F F LY M E D I A
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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!
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ORDER NOW at bestofgoldcoastct.com These special keepsakes provide yearlong in-store marketing for your business! CONGRATULATIONS again on being a 2019 winner!
transformer
Artist Yoyoi Kusama at work.
by judy ostrow
A new home, a groundbreaking exhibition , and a name change celebrate the half-century mark for a Westport cultural nexus
This image is courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore/Shanghai and Victoria Miro, London/Venice. Š Yayoi Kusama
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s a young girl growing up in pre-war Japan, Yayoi Kusama began her artist’s journey using pastels, watercolors and oils to draw fantastical motifs with polka dots and nets. Her family—who were both culturally traditional and highly dysfunctional—dismissed her artistic inclinations. Nevertheless, despite this lack of
support, she persisted. As a young woman, unable to control her compulsion to express herself with drawing and painting, she wrote to American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who encouraged her to come to the United States to pursue her passion. So she did. The rest of her story has become an amazing trajectory, from a virtually unknown staging art “happenings” in New York in the 1960s to her acknowledged position at the age of ninety as perhaps the globe’s most famous contemporary female artist. Kusama was, after all, Japanese, a woman and, by her work and actions, an iconoclast with little encouragement from the cultural gatekeepers of the era in which she first appeared. However, over the next five decades she transformed what some might call a psychological obsession into an unsurpassed achievement in connecting her work to a worldwide audience. Tickets to view installations of her Infinity Mirror rooms and other Kusama works are sold out almost instantly wherever they are displayed. The opportunity for her audiences to interact with art in an experience that is unique and personal creates excitement wherever her work is seen.
Juxtapose this artistic sensation with a local institution—the Westport Arts Center—poised to mark a half-century of existence as a cultural reference point. Add to the mix an exciting new venue, with spaces appropriate for significant installations, performances and presentations. Top it all off with a new name, one that reflects an expanded identity. The result is something quite a bit more momentous than a birthday cake. “This organization grew from the bottom up,” notes Amanda Innes, executive director since 2016. “It was founded in 1969 as the Westport– Weston Arts Council and it started with some local artists and a couple of patrons. Because of its homegrown beginnings, it has always had strong roots in the community.” Those strong roots served it well, as the group has been transplanted several times in its history, most notably to the Greens Farms School from 1985 to 1999; a nomadic few years in multiple venues after that;
and, finally, in 2002, to its Riverside Avenue location. Through all the uprooting and replanting, Westport’s creative DNA, its history as a mecca for artists of all disciplines, and its healthy population of patrons of the visual and performing arts kept the organization viable. As it celebrates fifty years of programs that have included exhibitions, education and music from many genres, the organization’s growing base of support has achieved critical mass. It is poised to open the door to a larger cultural role, both in Westport and in the surrounding region. On September 22, the local arts center will not only kick off a simultaneous showing of two seminal works by Yayoi Kusuma (a first on the East Coast), but also will do so in a new space that is three times the size of the Riverside Avenue venue, providing the square footage and spatial volume for exhibitions and other programs that were never possible before.
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“We knew we were pushing the limits of what we could do… We wanted to move forward, and then, almost out of thin air, came an opportunity with the makings of AN ART BOMB.” amanda innes on the kusama exhibit opening the arts venue
Above and right: Yoyoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room, Where the Lights in My Heart Go, 2016 (above, interior; below, exterior). Mirror polished stainless-steel with glass mirror (300 x 300 x 300 cm). Image courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore/Shanghai and Victoria Miro, London/Venice. © Yayoi Kusama SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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Above and below: The new arts campus and renovated building will allow the newly named MoCA Westport to produce large-scale exhibitions as well as other community-focused arts programs.
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T H E S PA C E “Last year, we were hanging a show and one of the key pieces, a Damien Hirst work, had just three-quarters of an inch of clearance from the ceiling,” recalls Innes. “We knew we were pushing the limits of what we could do in the confines of the Riverside venue. We wanted to move forward and then, almost out of thin air, came an opportunity with the makings of an art bomb.” The new space, a castle-like structure on Newtown Turnpike, met all the requirements for a transforming move: convenient location, beautiful exterior, ten thousand square feet inside, a layout that provides for more than one dramatic gallery and plenty of parking. What once was a television studio had been available as a commercial space for quite a while, but it remained empty, almost as if it were waiting for something big. And it was. With the ink barely dry on the lease, and a grand opening scheduled for the fiftieth anniversary, the Kusama presentation would complete the “big bang” to introduce a new era in Westport’s art history.
THE ART
Gallery A before its transformation. Here, Executive Director Amanda Innes with Chairman of the Board of Directors Bill Felton envision the possibilities
With her ingenious use of mirrors inside a ten-by-ten-foot polished stainless-steel chamber, pierced by pinpricks in its walls and ceiling, Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room: Where the Lights in My Heart Go provides visitors with a celestial experience when they step inside. The artist calls this work a “subtle planetarium,” with an intimate enclosure that at the same time provides the illusion of a continuously expanding universe. Once inside, visitors have likened the experience to being lost in space and to feeling at one with the cosmos. No one who enters the structure leaves unaffected by it. The second work in the September show, Narcissus Garden, has a long history as well as a very interesting connection to the new space. Its first iteration was shown as an installation by Kusama outside the Italian Pavilion at the thirty-third Venice Biennale in 1966. The 1,500 small mirror-surfaced globes created a sensation—particularly when Kusama offered them for sale for $2 each (1,200 lire) to passersby. Encouraging the trade with a sign that read, “Your narcissism for sale,” it was a not-sosubtle slap at the idea of art as transaction. The Westport installation (not for sale) contains 1,200 mirrored metallic spheres and offers visitors the opportunity for reflection, both literally and figuratively. Kusama’s work is accessible art at its best. “It’s really a perfect presentation to introduce this new space,” says Innes. “When we were exploring the move to Newtown Turnpike, we invited the neighbors to have dialogue with us about our plans. A few of them knew the history of the place, which turned out to have been originally built as a factory for precision metal industrial parts, including ball bearings. Those small metal spheres and Kusama’s larger ones create a nice bit of synchronicity and provide connection between the building’s past and the present moment.”
THE COMMUNITY As the new space opens, the organization will also have a new moniker: MoCA Westport. Its new acronym aligns it with MoCA institutions around the country that have become centers for active interchange between artists of all disciplines and their communities. One could think of this organization as an incubator for artistic expression that includes music and education as well as the visual arts. Local collector and board member Derek Goodman, who with his wife, Lauren, loaned the Kusama works to launch the new space, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming reveal. “Westport has a great arts history. As it opens its new home, we are pleased to support MoCA Westport and its mission of connecting the community through the arts. We hope everyone enjoys the exhibit as much as we do.” Amanda Innes, who has spent her career both in banking and in art— before moving to Connecticut she ran a gallery in Santa Fe and served on the Arts Center board before taking the helm as director—notes the ideal position of Westport to become a pivot point for the arts in the region. “Art is everywhere in this town. It’s in civic buildings, in our schools and in the amazing collections of many of our local and area residents who support our mission wholeheartedly. We understand that art is not a trophy, and our job is to get it seen. With this new chapter, our organization can be W instrumental in making that happen.” Sept. 22: MoCA Westport opens at 19 Newtown Tpk.; Kusama tickets and viewing times at mocawestport.org.
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The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum’s
October 5, 2019 We Thank Our 2019 Gala Sponsors: 2019 Gala Distinguished Benefactors: 2019 Gala Sustainers: 2019 Gala Graphic Design Sponsor:
2019 Gala Media Sponsor:
Founding Patrons: The Estate of Cynthia Clark Brown 2019 Season Distinguished Benefactors: The Maurice Goodman Foundation
The exhibit, From Corsets to Suffrage: Victorian Women Trailblazers, is sponsored in part by
295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
RSVP: lockwoodmathewsmansion.com . 203.838.9799 ext. 4 In collaboration with
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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 white flower for Alzheimer’s first survivor? What if there were millions of them? Help make that beautiful day happen by joining us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.
Register today at alz.org/walk. 2019 NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSOR
Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Fairfield County Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk Oct. 13, 2019 westportmag.com
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MEET THE LEGENDARY DON JUAN AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE. tickets on sale now
WESTPORTPLAYHOUSE.ORG | 203 227 4177 BOX OFFICE HOURS 12PM–6PM TUES–FRI
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12TH ANNUAL STAND UP FOR An evening with comedian and “You Made it Weird” podcast host...
PETE HOLMES Saturday, November 2, 2019
Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University Tickets on Sale Sept. 12th • hwhct.org/standup Solving homelessness in our communities through supportive housing. HwH_PeterH_WestprtMagAD4.indd 1
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8/1/19 2:59 PM
SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 | CALF PASTURE BEACH | NORWALK,CT
Together, we can make an impact in finding a cure for cancer! Register today to ride 12, 25 or 50 miles or walk a 5K in the fifth annual William Raveis Ride + Walk, the family fundraising event supporting the most brilliant and promising scientists conducting cutting-edge cancer research. Sign up today!
YOU’RE INVITED!
Honoring:
Thursday, October 17, 2019 200 Elm Street, Stamford, CT 5:30 - 9:00 pm Leading Sponsor:
Event Co-Chairs: Michelle Houston and Carla Catanzaro Honorary Chairs: Carl R. Kuehner, III, Paul J. Kuehner and Tiffany R. Kuehner
To purchase tickets, visit: hopeforhaiti.info/harvestinghope or email Sarah Porter at sarah@hopeforhaiti.com
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Women and Leadership Series
Samantha Power
Lynsey Addario
Victories & Threats To The Eyewitness Through My Camera Pax Americana: A Global View Lens: Worlds in Conflict Wednesday, October 2, 2019 | 8 pm
Monday, December 9, 2019 | 8 pm
“A powerful crusader for U.S. foreign policy as well as human rights and democracy.” – Forbes
Lynsey Addario has captured audiences with her disarming and compelling photographs and her uncanny ability to personalize even the most remote corners of our world.
2019 - 2020 Speakers where creativity and culture come to life
203.254.4010
QuickCenter.com
Spike Lee, E.J. Dionne, Heather McGhee, Miles Rapoport, Jon Meacham, Carrie Goldberg, Gayle Jessup White and Andrew M. Davenport.
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THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE
Non-profit 501 (C) (3)
Stones, Beatles & The British Invasion
FREE WINE TASTING & ART EXHIBIT BEFORE EACH SHOW!
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10/22
Benefit Concert Featuring
Band Central
Friday, October 18, 2019 Doors open at 6:30pm Fairfield Theatre Company
Band Central brings you a dance oriented British Invasion show channeling songs from the 1960’s through today made popular by The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Cream, The Zombies, The Kinks, Faces, The Who, Led Zeppelin and more.
10/25
To purchase tickets: www.fairfieldtheatre.org
11/23
3/1
4/26
203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG westportmag.com
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BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Fairfield Country Day School . . . . . . . . . 93 Fairfield University's College of Arts and Sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Greens Farms Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Independent Schools Open Houses . . . . . 93 King School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 St. Luke's School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
ENTERTAINMENT
95.9, The Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts/Open Visions Forum Women and Leadership Series . . . . . . 109 Norwalk Symphony Orchestra . . . . . . . . 106 The Ridgefield Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Westport Country Playhouse . . . . . . . . 105
EVENTS
4th Annual Kitchen Crawl . . . . . . . . . . . 66 5th Annual Air Cooled Classic Car Show . . 66 12th Annual Stand Up For Homes With Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 A CLASP Benefit Concert Featuring Band Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 A-list Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Best of the Gold Coast Online Store . . . . . 95 Black & White Ball A De-Lovely Evening / A Gala to Benefit Westport Country Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Breast Cancer Alliance Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 The Center for Family Justice/ People's United Bank Presents Speaking of Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Connecticut Audubon Society/ Fall Nature Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Endangered Species Gala . . . . . . . . . . 54 Craft Westport Presented by the Westport Young Women's League . . . . . 54 Domestic Violence Crisis Center Harvest Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Experience Greenwich to Benefit Think Greenwich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Fairfield County Bank Presents 2019 Near & Far Aid Golf Classic . . . . . . 57 Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County's 26th Annual Benefit Golf Outing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County's 2019 Bridgeport's Seaside Park 5K Run for Home & Workboot Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Homes With Hope Gather 'Round the Table Luncheon to Benefit Project Return . . . 104 Hope For Haiti Harvesting Hope Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Light a Fire 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Lobster Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum's Roaring Twenties Gala . . . . 102 Moffly Media's 2019 Event Lineup . . . . . . 20 New York City Wine & Food Festival . . . . . . 16 Victory Cup Westport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Walk to End Alzheimer's . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Westport Historical Society/ A Night at the Museum . . . . . . . . . . . 106 William Raveis Ride + Walk . . . . . . . . . . 108
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BEASTIE BOYS
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
Mitchells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 3 Nic + Zoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Roundabout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Soleil Toile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
FOOD, CATERING & LODGING
Flipside Burgers & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Harvest Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Marcia Selden Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Maritime Aquarium . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Winvian Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Calmë New Canaan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Hospital for Special Surgery . . . . . . . . . . 43 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center . . 35 Norwalk Hospital /Nuvance Health . . . . . . 13 Stamford Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Westport Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . 60 Yale New Haven Health/ Yale New Haven Children's Hospital . . . 25
JEWELRY
David Yurman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 2, 1 Lux Bond & Green . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 2, 1 Manfredi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Roberto Coin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
NONPROFIT
Breast Cancer Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
PET & PET PRODUCTS
Earth Animal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bob Capazzo Photography . . . . . . . . . . 93
REAL ESTATE
Compass/Brian Milton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Douglas Elliman Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . 41 Douglas Elliman Real Estate/ Jeannete Floto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 William Raveis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MISCELLANEOUS
Westy Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WESTPORT
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019
by joey macari
What better way to close out the summer season than with a sizzling event on Compo Beach? The annual Westport LobsterFest will take place from 3 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. The event, presented by the Westport Rotary Club, includes a fresh lobster bake, live music and kids’ games the whole family will enjoy. To purchase tickets, go to westportrotary.org.
SUN. 22 SMART WALK
Right at "Home"
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Grammy-nominated band Daughtry, led by American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry, will rock the Ridgefield Playhouse as part of its Pepsi Rock Series. The singer, known for his No. 1 hits like “It’s Not Over” and “No Surprise” will play an intimate acoustic set comprising songs from the band's six studio albums. Tickets start at $130. To buy tickets, visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
SEPTEMBER SUN. 1 BLUES, VIEWS & BBQ
Don’t miss the last Blues, Views & BBQ event at the Levitt Pavilion at the Performing Arts. This annual event draws big crowds with even bigger appetites for some of the best barbeque around, plus live music, mechanical bull riding, kids’ activities, eating contests and much more. For more info, visit levittpavilion.com.
SAT. 7 SLICE OF SAUGATUCK
The 9th Annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival is expected to draw a huge crowd this year.
The annual food tasting and retail experience covers three areas of neighborly Saugatuck with beer gardens, live music and kids’ activities from 2 to 5 p.m. For pricing info and a list of participating restaurants and stores, visit westportwestonchamber .com.
SUN. 8 TRIATHLON
The Westport Kiwanis Minuteman Triathlon, hosted by the Fairfield County Bank of Westport, will once again take place at Compo Beach. This bike, run and swim race is an amazing family event raising money for a good cause and will also feature an awards ceremony
with prizes, post-triathlon massages and more. To register, go to active.com/ westport-ct
WED, 11 A-LIST AWARDS
There’s the Best of the Gold Coast CT, then there’s the best in architecture, interior and landscape design in Fairfield County, and that’s athome magazine’s A-List Awards. Moffly Media’s home-design competition will once again take place at The Palace Theatre in Stamford. A cocktail hour will precede the awards show, featuring a panel of expert, celebrity judges. For more info, visit athomefc.com/alist.
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The 2nd Annual Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities event will be held at Sherwood Island State Park. The walk, which will commence at noon and end at 3 p.m., is a rain or shine fundraising event that aims to remove the stigma attached to learning disabilities and ADHD. To register, visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
SAT. 28 POLO MATCH AND BALLOON FESTIVAL
Widely known as “America’s Polo Match, the Westport Victory Cup Polo Match & Hot Air Balloon Festival is not to be missed. Watch a nail-biting polo match on the green while also taking in tasty food and drink and a colorful hot air balloon show. For full event details, go to smartkidswithld.org/ smartwalk.
SUN. 29 WILLIAM RAVEIS RIDE + WALK
The fifth annual William Raveis Ride + Walk is scheduled to take place at Calf Pasture Beach. The fundraising event, which raises awareness and funds for cancer research through the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, will
include a bike, run or walk route, as well as activities and food trucks for particpating families. To register, go to raveisridewalk.com.
OCTOBER TUES. 1 – SUN. 13 RESTAURANT WEEK
Amazing deals on the best restaurant’s Westport has to offer? We’re in. More than twenty restaurants will participate in special fixed price lunch, brunch and dinner menus during Restaurant Week. Reservations are recommended and a full list of participating restaurants can be found at westportwestonchamber.com.
TUES. 1 – SAT. 19 PLAYHOUSE
Milma’s Tale, a compelling play by two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Lynn Nottage will be performed at the Westport Country Playhouse. The play is a fable about a beloved Kenyan elephant on the run from poachers, greed, crime and corruption. For tickets, go to westportplayhouse.org.
SUN. 20 BREAST CANCER
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what better way to support and raise awareness than by participating in the Making Strides of Fairfield County walk. This annual-fundraising event begins with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., with the walk commencing at 10 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. All donations go directly toward the American Cancer Society. To register, visit main .ascevents.org. W
PARADIGM TALENT AGENCY
SAT. 21 LOBSTERFEST
ELEISH VAN BREEMS | H O M E
Furniture • Antiques • Lighting • Pillows • Tabletop • Accessories
EV B HOM E 9 9 F r an k l i n Street | E V B D ESIGN 22 R ailro ad Place | Westp o rt, Co nnecticut | e vba nt ique s.c om
2019 RANGE ROVER SPORT
DRIVEN TO ANOTHER LEVEL
VISIT L AND ROVER FAIRFIELD TODAY TO EXPERIENCE LUXURY’S NEW ADDRESS. With a more aggressive stance, new Touch Pro Duo™ touchscreen infotainment system, optional full-color Head-Up Display technology and Adaptive Dynamics, the 2019 Range Rover Sport offers more for the driver than ever. Ambient lighting, optional cabin air ionization and optional massage seats deliver an exceptionally rewarding ride for every passenger. Land Rover Fairfield One Commerce Drive, Fairfield, CT 06825 855 279 7014 LandRoverFairfield.com