Westport Magazine, March - April 2018

GREAT OUTDOORS A WESTON GARDEN HITS ITS PRIME

Spring Ahead!

STATE OF REAL ESTATE WHAT BUYERS WANT AND A TOWN IN TRANSITION

FASHION DESIGNER S

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CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2018

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BY COLLEEN CROWLEY

This Weston property is ideal for get-togethers, whether you want to make a splash in the pool, grab a bite on the patio or cozy up and take in the gorgeous view.

BY JILL JOHNSON Real estate news is flying left and right these days, so we went straight to the local pros for this report on the residential market and big developments downtown.

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Artistic Impression

Escape Artists

BY MEGAN GAGNON

Travel-savvy fashion designers Alice Temperley, Rebecca de Ravenel and Ulla Johnson get jet-setters style-ready.

On the Cover: Weston garden by Stacy Bass

State of Real Estate

FLEX

BY JILL JOHNSON No more shhh! The Westport Library is now a hub for readers, musicians, techies, speakers, collaborators and others. We get the inside scoop from Moshe Aelyon, ringmaster of the kickoff festivities.

14 | EDITOR’S LETTER

17 | BUZZ Jane Iredale • novelist Sara Goff • James Banks Design • GIFF • Devon Woodhill jewelry • Lemon Dahlia floral designs • Morgan Harrison interior design • health

26 | GO Private jets • Lincoln Navigator

32 | SHOP Spring fashion finds

38 | HOME Bright colors for kids • Wolf + Friends •

Wit Design • home shops at Sconset Square • Grand Entrance Gate • Klaffs • California Closets

46 | EAT JK Chef Collection, private chefs on call • Ratatouille and Company

55 | PEOPLE & PLACES 62 | FINANCE FIX Homeowners, get the right accountant now

103 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 104 | DON’T MISS THIS

WESTPORT MAR/APR 2018, VOL. 20, NO. 2 WESTPORT (USPS/ISSN 1941-9821) is published bi-monthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes (Form 3579) to WESTPORT, PO Box 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. U.S. Subscription rates: $19.95/ 1 year, $34.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign $44/1 year, $72/2 years.

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On the go or online at home, you can easily reach our coverage of interesting people, stylish finds and fashion, fun things to do, new restaurants, and more, more, more. All the fun’s at westportmag.com. See you there!

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PHOTOGRAPHS: EAT, GRAYBARNS BY NOAH FECKS; PEOPLE,LIGHT A FIRE BY MELANI LUST; COBBLECOURT BY STACY BASS; GO, JETSMARTER, CONTRIBUTED; SHOP, TO AND FROM NAILS, CONTRIBUTED; BUZZ. WOLF + FRIENDS BY KRISTIN CHAMERS

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Live on the water! Ideal for boaters and commuters. Swim, boat & fish from your own deepwater dock! Enjoy breakfast, lunch & dinner on all 4 decks in this 3-bedroom home with all room water views! FEMA Compliant. $2,950,000 | MLS#99187245 | Marion Pietrowski | 203.227.4343

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At the end of one of Weston’s prettiest cul-de-sacs sits this gracious, classic colonial by renowned local builder. Close to town & top-notch schools, yet enjoys a wooded, natural setting. $1,275,000 | MLS# 170040597 | Amy Swanson | 203.227.4343

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For over a century, Cummings & Lockwood has provided sophisticated legal representation to individuals, families and businesses.

VOL. 20 NO. 2 MAR/APR 2018 CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Amy Vischio EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cristin Marandino

editorial EDITOR

Diane Sembrot

Estate & Tax Planning

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Colleen Crowley CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jeanne Craig–NEW CANAAN•DARIEN•ROWAYTON Camilla A. Herrera–STAMFORD COPY EDITORS

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PRIMARY CARE

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VOL. 20 NO. 2 MAR/APR 2018 CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

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Sophisticated Brilliance IN AR CHI TE CTU R AL G LAS S

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EDITOR’S Letter

DIANE SEMBROT

Looking Up We tend to the flowers in the garden, get organized around the house and head outdoors to explore—and when we refresh, we see things with fresh eyes. That’s what we learned when we interviewed people whose work is to envision what could be.

The creative spark is spontaneous, but revitalization may actually take years. Take, for example, the multiple overhauls in downtown Westport. Bedford Square is up, and new businesses, such as Higgins Group and Whip Salon, are moving in. In nearby Sconset Square, two home-design shops recently moved spaces, meaning two others will move in—and there’s nothing like new digs to liven things up. Just consider the Westport Library, undergoing a renovation of its building and a reboot of its purpose.

To introduce that new mind-shift, the library’s leadership called on Moshe Aelyon. In turn he developed, and is ready to launch, FLEX, an ambitious series of events that introduces the possibilities for a modern library.

And if you’re ready to dig into the details of the factors impacting the local housing market, read our annual real estate report.

You may be surprised by what area housing pros see. But if you just need to clear your 14

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head in timeless beauty, stroll a garden we discovered in Weston. Photographer Stacy Bass caught it in the soft, dewy light of dawn, which casts a storybook quality.

Then let your imagination soar with our piece, “Escape Artists,” in which we bring you up close with designers Alice Temperley, Rebecca de Ravenel and Ulla Johnson. These well-traveled fashion designers exert boundless creativity while picking up the influences of Bahamian beaches, Parisian streets, Mediterranean breezes and the British countryside. Get ready to indulge in inspired flights of fancy.

We also stocked our front-of-book pages with insights from innovators—furniture designers, floral designers, interior designers and jewelry designers—who are turning to the power and pure joy of color.

“The color is always there,” says Melissa Levy of Devon Woodhill jewelry. “We just need to open ourselves up to it.”

In this issue, find fellow thinkers, dreamers and doers—and anticipate the changes ahead.

Stay in touch! dianes@mofflymedia.com

WILLIAM TAUFIC

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Contemporary Ballet

Giselle By Dada Masilo

After receiving critical acclaim for her previous reinterpretations of great classics including Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, and Swan Lake, Masilo has set her sights on a new story. Masilo’s latest reimagining of Giselle will be a feminist revision of the classic filled with grief, heartbreak, anger, and revenge. #notaprettyballet

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BUZZ

JANE IREDALE • SARA GOFF • JAMES BANKS • DEVON WOODHILL • LEMON DAHLIA • MORGAN HARRISON • HEALTH

Beauty Natural

CONTRIBUTED IMAGES

Jane Iredale finds the inspiration for her skincare and cosmetic lines in Mother Nature

I

love to garden, and the garden has become an inspiration for our makeup line. From colors to smells to taste, it’s an important part of what we do,” says Jane Iredale,

status report

founder and president of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Ltd. The Englishwoman created a three-level beauty regimen of supplements, skin care and makeup that works

synergistically to nurture a naturally radiant complexion.

“The best cosmetic you can wear is a healthy skin,” says the pro who learned that lesson while working with actresses and models and as a casting director and producer. “A nutritional supplement that improves the health of the skin and works in conjunction with topical products is essential for anyone’s spring routine.”

Iredale takes Skin Omegas, which contain sustainably sourced omega-3, omega-6 and vitamin A, and Skin Vitamin A and Skin Antioxidant. “Our skincare supplements really make a difference, promoting better moisture levels and leaving skin clearer, brighter and smoother.”

The supplements work together with cleansers, toners, moisturizers, primers, foundations and hydration sprays to build a strong base and create a smooth surface that glows—and it’s simple.

“Being a no-fuss kind of person, I want it to be easy to apply and multifunctional, so a woman can feel her best in the shortest amount of time.”

She’s inspired by the organic farm, community garden and beehives outside her window.

Find the line at Greenwich Medical Spa, New Beauty Wellness and Headliners in Westport. janeiredale.com

TURN THE PAGE Sara Goff's debut novel gives back

Here's a feel-good story: After seven years as a fashion designer and merchandiser in NYC, Sara Goff decided to redirect her talents.

She founded the global education charity Lift the Lid, Inc., in 2010. It supports underprivileged schools and encourages young people to write. While living in Manhattan, she taught at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen Writers Workshop and The National Arts Club.

Now a Westporter, she's published her first novel—I Always Cry at Weddings —about a little thing called love. (saragoff .com)

MARCH/APRIL 2018 WESTPORT

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BUZZ

Golden Rule T Samples of the James Banks Collections

The Golden Chocolate Albatross • The Lightkeeper II Halo with sapphires and diamond • The Time Capsule necklace with precious stones • The Baby Asterope earrings • The North Star ring

THE BIG PICTURE

I

o view the good life, stand at the intersection of the men’s and women’s departments at Mitchells and take in an eyeful of the world perfected via high-end fashion. At that spot you’ll find a jewelry case that is as individualistic as a riff around a melody, or maybe a butterfly following its own unpredictable path in the garden. Long live the rule breakers.

The jewelry case is dedicated to James Banks Design (jamesbanksdesign.com), and its style is distinctly not the symmetrical diamonds-andsapphire that is the symphony of other lines. Instead, it finds its voice from being different.

With frequent variations, from edgy and masculine to sentimental and feminine, the pieces are consistently eyecatching and relate a nuanced story that feels immediately and intensely personal.

f you haven’t already marked your calendars for the fourth annual Greenwich International Film Festival, do it now. Thursday through Sunday, May 31–June 3, Greenwich will yet again be abuzz with screenings, panels, parties and more. Slated to host a session is everyone’s favorite president, Scandal’s Tony Goldwyn. The conversation will focus on the actor’s career highlights (his breakthrough role in Ghost, voicing Tarzan and, of course, his role on Scandal). He will talk about what it’s like to juggle being an actor, director, producer and family man, as well as his philanthropic involvement with Americares. Don’t miss your chance to meet this charmer. greenwichinternationalfilmfestival.org

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Consider its signature piece, a lightbulb on a leather cord or a pendant chain—the bulbshape represents holding onto life’s meaningful moments.

Also, this spring, its butterfly collection calls to mind the stomach flutters of falling in love, having a baby or moving into a new home “All of us at Mitchells have been longtime fans of James Banks jewelry,” says Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, chief marketing officer and vice president of e-commerce at the renown men’s and women’s fashion store (shop.mitchell stores.com). “I love that you can create your own story by varying the stones and elements you add to the Light Keeper Collection or the code you put into his new code collection. By doing so your piece has special meaning beyond just being beautiful, quality jewelry.”

JAMES BANKS, CONTRIBUTED; PHOTOS BY BRYAN BEDDER/GETTY IMAGES FOR AMERICARES

The personal meaning behind James Banks Design

Shop our great new selection for BOYS size s 4-20!

life

STYLED

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CLOTHING • SHOES • ACCESSORIES

BUZZ

Color Pop! 3 local design professionals shake off the many shades of gray

Balance is the tricky part of R&R—not too much of either one. Toward the end of winter, in a world stressed out by the headlines, gray has become our soothing default. We’re resting in a style that is akin to a safe, sedate homage to the noncolor. But what about the other part: relaxation? That comes from invigoration, not retreat. As spring nears, it is officially time to

put the top on the calming and versatile gray, dubbed Xanax by some, and pop color into our lives. Neutrals may be calming, but colors have uplifting energy—plus, they are just plain fun. Read on to meet three creative pros who are parting the gray clouds and amping up their style with an eyecatching rainbow of bright hues.

JEWELRY DESIGN

DEVON WOODHILL

Neutrals soothe, but nature's colorful gems sparkle with joy

"You Complete Me" rings in pink sapphires and multiple gems • “Jane” locket

FROM THE DESIGNER… INSPIRATION

“The sunrise. Every morning is a new chance, a new day, to see and experience the good.”

HAPPY PLACE

“A movie theater with good popcorn, candy and

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even better company.”

FAVORITE COLOR

“Emerald green. It’s vibrant and elegant and rich.”

BRINGING COLOR INTO YOUR LIFE “You don’t have to bring anything. The color is already in our lives. We just have to adjust our eyes to see it.”

COLOR IN THE NEW LINE

“It’s something that was always there, but took me time to include it.

In such uncertain and confusing times, these stones are my way of reminding myself, and those who wear Devon Woodhill, that the color is always there—we just need to open ourselves up to it.”

THE DOSE OF COLOR IS AN AUTOMATIC MOOD ENHANCER. IT HAS BEEN FUN TO INJECT MY MODERN DESIGNS WITH THIS SENSE OF FUN.

PORTRAIT BY MELANI LUST; JEWELRY BY DONNA CALLAGHAN

M

elissa Levy is a jewelry designer and the business powerhouse behind the brand Devon Woodhill (devonwoodhill.com). Her line’s devotees find her pieces at JL Rocks in Westport and Saks Fifth Avenue, among other places as her business grows. She started with what she calls “a sentimental idea,” her grandmother’s locket and has continually added a contemporary feel to her designs without sacrificing enduring meaningfulness. “When you wear my designs, I want you to feel like you have on the most beautiful piece of jewelry—beautiful in all ways, inside and out,” she notes. Her signature style includes patterns of brilliant diamonds set in gold, but Levy recently introduced pieces with positively cheery colored stones.

BUZZ

FLORAL DESIGN

LEMON DAHLIA

Take it from Mother Nature, life blooms in vibrant bursts of colors

A

FROM THE DESIGNER…

feels easy and less contrived.”

INSPIRATION

“It’s a party in my garden every day. I am most happy tending to the flowers I have planted and marveling in the beauty of the life cycle of all types of flora. Bees and hummingbirds are always invited.”

“I draw my inspiration from nature. The plethora of shapes, shades of color and variety of textures is ever-evolving throughout the seasons in our climate. My naturally inspired floral arrangements are filled with branches from trees and bushes. This

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A TICKLE OF COLOR IN THE ENTRYWAY AND A WOW MOMENT ON THE TABLE IS HOW I LIKE TO SET THE MOOD FOR ENTERTAINING.

HAPPY PLACE

FAVORITE COLOR

“My home is a sea of blue. Blue is a neutral

and natural companion to green. I love the way green foliage and brightly colored flowers pop out of a blue-andwhite vase.”

EMBRACING COLOR

“Don’t be afraid of color. Forget trends and surround yourself with colors that speak to your heart. Be true to yourself. A colorful home filled with plants and flowers is always a happy place.”

TOP AND LEFT BY PAMELA EINARSEN; FLOWERS IN VASE BY CAROLINE O’KANE.

fter spending many years working with flowers in her gardens, Karen Legan established her own floral design business and dubbed it the merry name Lemon Dahlia. Based in Wilton, she uses flowers as language in surprising combinations that lift the spirit, especially at the far end of a long winter. “I love to encourage my clients to trust me and be open minded to bringing a progression of color into their homes or events,” she says, explaining that she might add a touch of color at an entryway and then go with something dramatic and exuberant in the middle of a room.

Much like the many sizes and colors of dahlias (it has forty-two species), Karen designs flowers in surprising and perfectly delightful combinations.

“Truly believing nature is beautiful, in all ways, I wanted to share how it can translate into floral design—flowers grow in front of trees, with grass and herbs peeping through,” she notes. “It is all a blend—what grows and is found outside, in all seasons, is unique and special.” Honing her skills at Flower School New York, she now creates bouquets, arrangements, boutonnieres and many kinds of floral expression year-round.

BUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN

MORGAN HARRISON

A deep, highshine blue color anchors this home study

Good home design leaves plenty of space for a color statement

C

olor can be used successfully in any scheme, contemporary to traditional.

Find proof in the work of interior designer Michelle Morgan, owner and principal designer of Morgan Harrison Home in New Canaan. Used strategically, color can amp up the experience of a special space. Michelle learned the ins and outs of color and texture as senior fashion editor at Elle and fashion director at Mirabella. She was also senior editorial director at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she oversaw the fashion direction and editorial content for catalogs and online. Her interior work focuses on creating color palettes while adding personality by mixing styles and periods as much as finishes and textures. Take, for example, the deep blue walls and ceiling of the library in a private residence at right. It is dramatic yet elegant. “If a space requires handsome, traditional design,” she says, “I bring a bit of lightness to the room.

For a client with a modern sensibility, I bring in a bit of softness.”

FROM THE DESIGNER… INSPIRATION

“Color, or rather color combinations, and fabrics have always been my inspiration. You often hear designers say that they start with the rugs… with me I often start with the palette or that one pillow fabric that pulls all of the colors together.

But it is important that the layering of colors and textures in the main fabrics still work if you toss that pillow away.”

BRINGING COLOR INTO YOUR LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANE BEILES

“Use accents to bring color into every space.

Accent benches are my favorite way to add a grounding pop to a space, but do it with pillows,

A mix of blues flawlessly harmonize in this dining room

vases, lamps and art.

You can take a relatively nondescript room, with a foundation of silvers and whites, and add emerald green and sapphire accents or a deep squid ink purple and a gray lavender, and the room is transformed.”

COLOR IN THE NEW LINE

“Color is very specific to each client. I look for fabrics and colors that they will gravitate toward.

Many of my clients have incredible personal style but don't know how to translate their fashion sense to their home.

So I take cues from how they dress, from a predominately white kitchen with yellow pops to a cozy mocha palette family room with pops of soft lavender.”

MY OWN HOME IS VERY LIGHT… BUT, IN GENERAL, RIGHT NOW I AM GRAVITATING TO THE SLATE BLUE TO LIGHT BLUE PALETTE.

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BUZZ

Guy Talk

Regular self-examination is key to early diagnosis and successful treatment of testicular cancer

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WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW 1 KEEP UP SELF-EXAMS

While urologists recommend regular self-exams should begin in teens as young as fifteen, it’s important for men to keep the habit up for a lifetime.

“Even though you tend to see this in younger men, I’ve diagnosed testicular cancer in men in their fifties,” says Dr. Rosoff.

2

TALK TO THE PEDIATRICIAN

Parents should not assume their pediatrician is covering the finer points of self-examination with their teenage sons. “There’s a lot to cover in a teenager’s well visit,” says Dr. Rosoff. “Talk to your pediatrician [and] let them know you would like that [talk] to happen.”

3

KNOW YOUR RISK FACTORS

Boys born with undescended testicles have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer. Since undescended testicles are often repaired when boys are babies, Dr. Serels says, some men are unaware of this risk factor. So, it’s important for parents to share this background—and any family history—with their sons. “It’s also something your doctor should know,” he adds.

4

TREATMENT OPTIONS Caught early, testicular cancer has cure rates in

excess of 90 percent, and responds well to a regimen that includes chemotherapy and radiation, says Dr. Serels. Surgical removal of the testicle is required and men opt for a prosthetic replacement. “I’ve found that whether they decide on a prosthetic tends to depend on age,” he says. “Younger patients tend to go in this direction because they are more self-conscious.”

5

WHAT ABOUT FERTILITY?

Dr. Rosoff says normal fertility usually returns in about two years for men treated for testicular cancer. Some men opt to bank sperm if their regimen includes chemotherapy.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID ©AFRICA STUDIO-STOCK.ADOBE.COM

T

he good news about testicular cancer is that it’s a relatively rare disease with impressively high cure rates when caught early. The downside is that males most often afflicted by it—teens and young men between fifteen and thirty-four—don’t always have the disease on their personal health radar. “It can be challenging at times because you are not talking to a demographic that is particularly worried about cancer,” says Dr. Craig Tifford, a Stamford resident and orthopedic surgeon who is a sixteen-year survivor of testicular cancer diagnosed at stage four. “Since there’s no blood test and no imaging test for this, my mantra is selfexam. It’s the only way to catch it early.”

Indeed, urologists who diagnose testicular cancer stress the importance of regular self-exam as the most proactive way to catch it when it’s most treatable.

Dr. James Rosoff, a urologist affiliated with Greenwich Hospital, and an assistant professor of urology at the Yale School of Medicine, says testicular cancer usually presents with a small, painless lump, about the size of a dime, that is palpable when touched by hand. “Just checking once a month in the shower and you should be able to tell if something is not normal,” he says.

Dr. Scott Serels, chief of urology at Norwalk Hospital, notes that the importance of self-exam probably isn’t being discussed enough because in 2004, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of primary care experts, recommended against routine testicular cancer screening. (It reaffirmed that decision in 2009.) “Their thinking was because it’s so rare, screening is actually creating unnecessary anxiety,” he says. “As urologists, we…have a different perspective.

There’s screening for breast and colon cancer, which can and does save lives. We know if you encourage men and boys and their doctors to check for this, you can stop the disease in its path and that can improve outcomes.” —Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick

HEY, CANCER. NOW IT’S TWO AGAINST ONE. MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING PHYSICIANS NOW AT NORWALK HOSPITAL

United against cancer. Now, Memorial Sloan Kettering medical and radiation

oncologists are onsite at Norwalk Hospital — leading and delivering team-based care alongside Norwalk Hospital’s own cancer experts. It’s a powerful collaboration that

offers both advanced science and highly personalized care. And, for patients, that adds up to more than a fighting chance. For more information, visit MSKatNorwalk.org.

GO

status report

PRIVATE JET OPTIONS • LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

BY KIM-MARIE EVANS

Plane & Simple

We outline the options for traveling in

true jet-set style

T

ŠSTEFANO GARAU/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

hink flying private is only for celebrities and trust fund babies? Though they might be the most obvious passengers, skipping the security lines and overly familiar patdowns is becoming more accessible for the rest of us.

The reasons to fly private are as numerous as the ways to do it. It could be an emergency that demands an overnight flight from a small airport, a snowstorm that cancels a flight stranding desperate skiers or simply the desire to travel in style to a blowout birthday celebration.

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PROMOTION

Suffering from

SEASONAL ENT ALLERGIES? CT ENT Sinus Center in Norwalk Can Help You Get Back To Gardening Fun!

A

Dr. Robert Weiss, Medical Director of CT ENT Sinus Center Dr. Michelle Leonard, Director of ENT Allergy

“

When an ENT allergy sufferer experiences symptoms that affect quality of life, it’s time to take action.

s spring trees and flowers burst into bloom, ENT-related allergies start to flare up and make allergy sufferers miserable. If chronic seasonal or environmental ENT allergies cause you to have itchy watery eyes, sinus pressure, and a runny nose, Dr. Robert Weiss and Director of ENT Allergy Dr. Michelle Leonard, and their team of experts at CT ENT Sinus Center in Norwalk can help.

Ear, Nose and Throat specialist Dr. Robert Weiss explains: “When an ENT allergy sufferer experiences symptoms that affect quality of life, it’s time to take action. Many people are afraid to get tested for ENT allergies because they fear shots or frequent trips to the doctor. At CT ENT, our team of specialists will get to the root of the problem, and provide a treatment plan to combat allergens such as pollens, animal dander, molds, and dust mites.”

Looking for a long-term solution for ENT allergies? A series of simple allergy drops administered under the tongue at home may be all you need to clear up the debilitating symptoms that make springtime so difficult.

Drops are also a safe and effective treatment for children.

CT ENT offers ENT allergy testing on the same day as your consultation, so you won’t need to make another appointment.

In addition to ENT allergy treatments, CT ENT offers a simple procedure for those suffering from chronic sinus infections. This minimally invasive treatment utilizes gentle balloon dilation and has been clinically proven to provide relief from painful sinus symptoms. The in-office procedure works to eliminate sinus issues, with minimal down time. In fact, most patients are back to doing the things they love the next day.

If you’re suffering needlessly with ENT allergies or sinus issues, it is time to break the cycle at CT ENT so you can get outside and enjoy the season.

CT ENT Sinus Center Hearing and Balance 761 MAIN AVENUE, ROUTE 7, SUITE 101 NORWALK, CT 06851 203.716.6008 • CT-ENT.COM

b ar e f oot

e leg an c e

GO

Kim-Marie hops aboard VistaJet

New England Natural Elegance

866.872.9441

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WEEKAPAUGINN.COM

ONE AND DONE If you need a jet and you need it now, but you don’t plan on making it a regular thing (though you may change your mind after seeing how the other half flies), you’ll need a jet broker. There are 2,500 different charter operators.

We suggest checking out Magellan Jets. It offers on-demand charters that will meet your specific needs (this travel writer used them to book a flight from Jackson Hole to Joplin, Missouri—you won’t find that on a Delta itinerary). All of its charter planes meet such rigorous safety standards that it was the first private jet broker accepted by the Air Charter Safety Foundation.

While it’s hard to compare prices, an approximate quote for a flight from White Plains to Turks and Caicos on a Hawker 400XP that seats seven, is roughly $32,000 round trip. A first-class Delta flight runs around $3,200, so it’s not that much more for a serious upgrade. Magellan also offers the option to buy a jet card and book flights against your balance. magellanjets.com

PART OF THE CLUB You want to fly private all the time but not take on the hassle of actually owning a plane (I mean, who does?). Consider a jet club membership. Fractional

CONTRIBUTED

relax and escape to your new favorite seaside destination, where elegant accommodations, impeccable cuisine and unforgettable experiences await you. White sand beaches lead to quiet pond-side evenings; rich historic charm intertwines with contemporary design; thoughtful luxury amenities and activities meet barefoot elegance. Indulge, savor and fall in love with every natural moment.

t he

ownership means that the whole plane is yours—no shared flights, just shared ownership.

NetJets makes life simple—you buy a JetCard and book flights against the balance. A twenty-five-hour membership card on a light jet starts at $170,000. Need a bigger plane because the whole squad is coming?

NetJets says it has the largest fleet of private planes and prides itself on making upgrading easy. Members can book and board in as few as four hours. Dogs are not only welcome, but special doggy meals are offered.

If paparazzi are a problem, NetJets will provide

g r an d

discretion and access to private entrances. netjets.com

WHEN REGULAR PRIVATE ISN’T ENOUGH VistaJet is all over celebrity Instagrams. Spotted deplaning its distinctive aircraft? Will and Kate, George Clooney and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Flying private is already pretty swank, but flying VistaJet is even better. Its flight attendants are trained at the Butler’s Institute of London, its Nobu partnership takes inflight fare up a notch and it even promises better cabin air. They pressurize at 4,000

A Destination of Exceptional Character and Spirit elegant accommodations, impeccable cuisine and unforgettable experiences await you. Private white sand beaches lead to blissful relaxation in the OH! Spa; rich historic charm intertwines with chic design; thoughtful luxury amenities meet coastal elegance. Indulge, savor and fall in love with every moment of the season with us.

866.830.5883

dam e

OCEANHOUSERI.COM

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GO feet versus 10,000 meaning more oxygen, less exhaustion.

The least expensive contract available is $600,000 per year for fifty hours of flying time. Membership requires a three-year commitment— shoulder-brush with Clooney not included. vistajet.com

LINCOLN NAVIGATOR BLACK LABEL Price as Tested: $96,570 Drivetrain: 450-hp 3.5-liter V6 twin turbo

YOU’RE OKAY WITH SHARING

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EPA Mileage Ratings: 16 city/ 24 highway

New Glory

Lincoln’s

The Navigator: Max-sized luxury

I

n its drive to be noticed again, Lincoln’s designers have determined their new grandees should have what they call “a captivating stance.” Indeed, the freshly remade Navigator SUV creates quite the presentation in your driveway with its blockbuster face and stylin’ rims. The looks might dazzle, but what’s amazing is how they made a vehicle with such Alpine size handle so damned well. The Navigator takes a big leap forward in the Big Luxury niche.

As you approach the Navigator with key fob in your pocket, it senses your arrival and lights twinkle hello. A running board emerges to help you step inside, where ambient lighting (of your hue choice) soothes your brow.

The interior surfaces are elegant. The dash has real buttons for many critical functions, which makes it easier—not to mention far safer—than the touch-screen controls once in fashion. The nav unit is a snap.

When you move away from the curb, the Navigator just feels, well, nimble. It steers with a creamy ease. The insanely tight turning

radius makes braving a crowded parking lot a mere trifle, and the ten-speed transmission is always in the right gear and ready to leap.

Don’t ask me how they got a three-ton, 450-hp vehicle to average 21 mpg.

In inclement weather, the Navigator’s various AWD driving modes (such as “slippery”) can be accessed with a quick turn of a dial. Hard braking feels as easy as laying your head on a feather pillow.

On a long drive, you feel as though your salon chair is calmly sailing through space. It’s tall enough that you feel you can peer over the dark side of the moon, but there is none of the topheaviness that used to bother these big fellows.

The second row can be ordered as a bench for three or with two captain’s chairs, a console and video screens. The second- and third-row seats can be flattened with a touch of a button.

In a crowded field of contenders, the new Navigator really steps out. Our tester was the maxed-out Black Label edition, but other versions start in the low $70,000s.

—Chris Hodenfield

CONTRIBUTED

With a membership to JetSmarter, no miles are clocked. You fly “free” as often as you want throughout the year. The catch? You’re sharing the plane with other members, itineraries can be limited and flights longer than three hours can cost extra.

There are two membership levels. For $15,000 annually you can fly unlimited on scheduled flights that are under three hours. However, you can only book two legs at a time. So hopping from destination to destination needs to be booked as you go.

For $50,000 annually you don’t pay a surcharge for flights longer than three hours and you’re able to book four legs at a time.

There is a $2,500 initiation fee for the less expensive membership, but we have it on good authority that it can be negotiated.

Membership at both levels allows you to book seats on JetSmarter shuttle flights between cities or spend-up and charter a flight that suits your specific need but only pay for the seats you use.

In addition to the regular flights, JetSmarter creates routes for popular events like SXSW, Art Basel and Sundance Film Festival.

Booking is done through the app. This service is perfect for the gadabout who is free to jet to Miami last minute to escape the frigid temps and doesn’t need a specific date or time. jetsmarter.com

430 Tunxis Hill Road | Fairfield, CT

203-384-0005 EXT: 3102 Rick Hecker

SHOP

status report

SPRING FASHION

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

SPRING LOADED The latest prints, palettes and picks, pulled from spring runways and ready to shop now CHECK, PLEASE

Fresh takes on classic gingham pg 34

SEEING SPOTS Dots are on point this season

pg 34

GARDEN VARIETY Mix a bouquet of red, pink and purple

PUNCH LINES

Stripes look on the bright side pg 36

ISLAND TIME Floral prints go tropical pg 36 32

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pg 35

ALICE AND OLIVIA

BY STACEY BENDET Rylyn top; $195.

Lonnie jacket; $795. Merrill skirt; $995. Greenwich; aliceandolivia.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

•

PHOTO BOOTH

•

VIDEO

•

SOCIAL MEDIA

Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County.

We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.

LEARN MORE! Contact KATHLEEN GODBOLD at KathleenG@mofflymedia.com or 203.571.1654

5,000 SQUARE FEET OF SHOPPING HEAVEN! CHANEL, PRADA, VALENTINO, GIVENCHY, HERMES, BALENCIAGA, ALEXANDER McQUEEN, SAINT LAURENT, PROENZA SCHOULER, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, ISABEL MARANT, OSCAR de la RENTA Rag & Bone, Vince, Theory, Helmut Lang and much more!

ROUNDABOUT New & Resale Couture

48 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

203-552-0787

2 0 1 7

MARCH/APRIL 2018 WESTPORT

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SHOP

Checks Mix

Get graphic with monochrome gingham

6 7 1

2 Sonia Rykiel Carolina Herrera

3

9 11

8 10

4

Hot Spots Add fun & flirty polka dots to your print mix

1. JOIE Cirila; $148. Greenwich, Westport; joie.com 2. GUCCI Princetown check fabric slipper; $750. gucci.com 3. THEORY Gingham classic skinny pant; $345. Greenwich, Westport; theory.com 4. MAR Y SOL Pompei bag; $135. shopmarysol.com 5. J. McLAUGHLIN Mercer ballet flat in picnic gingham; $178. Greenwich, New Canaan, Southport; jmclaughlin.com 6. CLUB MONACO Roenna pump; $349. Greenwich; clubmonaco.com 7. JOHANNA ORTIZ Polka dot trench dress; $1,700. Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich; saks.com 8. OSCAR DE LA RENTA Ball tassel earrings; $490.

Copious Row, Greenwich; copiousrow.com 9. SAINT LAURENT Sleeveless ruffled and pleated top in lipstick dot printed silk Georgette; $1,590.

Neiman Marcus, The Westchester; neimanmarcus.com 10. ZARA Embellished city bag; $39.90. Greenwich, Stamford; zara.com 11. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Bibariellita polka dot wedge in latte/black; $1,145. christianlouboutin.com

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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SHOP

Monique Lhuillier

Tibi

Freshly picked, from poppy to lilac

MSGM

Roksanda

Salvatore Ferragamo

Petal Palette

1 6

4 2

10 7

5

3

8 9

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

11 12 1. GIGI BURRIS Ete straw hat; $388. modaoperandi.com 2. L’AGENCE Chamberlain blazer; $595. Tina Dragone, Darien, Westport; tinadragone.com 3. PELLE MODA Berlin sandal; $129. Shoe-Inn, New Canaan, Westport; shoeinn.com 4. ST. ROCHE Camille blouse; $205. Spree, Darien; spreedarien .com 5. COTTON CITIZEN Pink skinny jeans; $295. intermixonline.com 6. McQ BY ALEXANDER McQUEEN Glasses; $169. Lord & Taylor, Stamford; lordandtaylor.com 7. MIGNONNE GAVIGAN Mini Elle hoops; $125. anthropologie.com 8. RAG & BONE Nova sneaker; $350. Greenwich; rag-bone.com 9. SHARI’S PLACE Private label ostrich bag; $2,690. Greenwich; sharisplace.com 10. STELLA McCARTNEY Mini Falabella tote bag; $870. stellamccartney.com 11. ACNE STUDIOS Mock leather jacket; $1,550. mytheresa.com 12. LONGCHAMP Sandal; $445. Greenwich; longchamp.com 13. HOBBS Silvia dress; $480. Greenwich; hobbs.com

MARCH/APRIL 2018 WESTPORT

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SHOP

Fruit Stripes

Coloring in the lines never looked so good

5 4

3

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

9 2 7 Dries van Noten

1

Surfer Girl

8

10

Island-inspired florals bloomed on spring runways

1. EDIE PARKER Wicker heart bag; $1,495. edie-parker.com 2. MARA HOFFMAN Cora tie-waist striped wrap skirt; $225. Soleil Toile, New Canaan, Westport; soleiltoile.com 3. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Stripe silk wrap midi dress; $428. Darien Sport Shop; dariensport.com 4. ALICE AND OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET Lonnie embroidered cropped bomber jacket; $795. Greenwich; aliceandolivia.com 5. ALEXANDRE BIRMAN Lolita high heel sandals; $625.

Saks Greenwich 10022-SHOE; saks.com 6. STUART WEITZMAN Carla; $455. Greenwich; stuartweitzman.com 7. JUDITH LEIBER COUTURE Birds of Paradise clutch; $3,995. Mitchells, Westport; Richards, Greenwich; shop.mitchellstores.com 8. MARC CAIN Blazer; $560. The Westchester; marc-cain.com 9. TORY BURCH Max espadrille slide; $228. Greenwich; toryburch.com 10. MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION Sapphire flower print pant; $975.

Richards, Greenwich; shop.mitchellstores.com

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

6

make the only list that matters 2018 awards celebrate talent. honor vision. create community.

ENTER NOW! athomefc.com If you have a project or firm in CT‌ Go to athomefc.com to find out how to get on the A-List, athome’s premier home design competition!

Deadline to Enter - May 1 SAVE THE DATE for the A-List Awards Gala! September 12, 2018 at the Palace Theatre in Stamford.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

HOME

status report

CCT • STIRLING MILLS • WOLF + FRIENDS • WIT DESIGN • SCONSET • GRAND ENTRANCE GATES • KLAFFS • CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

by diane sembrot

The designer added color to large-scale objects, then used opposing colors for accent pieces.

5 WAYS TO LOVE COLOR JODY MYERS-FIERZ ON ADDING COLOR TO CHILDFRIENDLY SPACES

All Bright Designing for a room for older kids means using

K

ids own the market when it comes to bright, daring colors. Given a magic wand, most would add a rainbow of cheerful colors all over their bedrooms—or, at least, avoid gray and cream—even if parents may want to have a say in all that enthusiasm.

“Color is the best thing ever created,” says Jody Myers-Fierz, a certified and licensed interior designer and current ASID CT Chapter president. “It’s a form of expression.”

Specializing in color theory and concept development—hence the name of her design firm, Color Concept Theory—Jody spends much of the day thinking about color.

As a designer, she creates spaces that reflect the personality of the client, so for kid-friendly

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playful and vibrant colors

spaces, that usually means getting out the peppy blues, tangerines and everything in between.

For the project above, a full renovation, Jody used a brisk splash of aqua on the walls. “The client wanted a sanctuary for her daughter—a place for her to have her own personal space that brought out her creativity,” she says. “She wanted neutral tones, but her daughter wanted color. Battle! I was the mediator. I told her that paint colors are so easy to change, but memories are forever. Kids are only kids once, and one day that color will be hard to change— she’ll wish her daughter was eight again. That spoke volumes to her, and so her daughter’s sanctuary began.”

1THINK BIG

“Don’t mix too many primary colors on largescale objects in one room.

Choosing colors as well as the scale it’s being applied on is what makes colors work.”

2 SMALL STEPS

“If you’re unsure, then pick a main color you love and want to feel in the space you're applying it to. Accent it with colors within the same family, or monochromatic scheme.”

3 LAYER, SLOWLY

“Pull the paint card from your local paint store to see what else works in that specific family for your accent pieces. Once you get comfortable with color, then add on.”

4 GO BOLD

“Take a chance with color. Designs I see that utilize color end up being a statement piece.”

5CURRENT FAVES

“Hands down, soft blush and purple tones.”

PHOTOGRAPHS OF ROOM BY JANE BELEIS; PORTRAIT, DANA PATRICK

Rather than a focal point, color keeps the eye moving in the room.

HOME PLAYING WITH COLORS FUN FINDS FOR KIDS

WHAT'S IN A NAME? To personalize this bathroom, the wall cover is the child's a favorite color and repeats her name.

BY MEGAN GAGNON

B. Yellowtail Round Joy rug; $299. landofnod.com

PHOTOGRAPHS OF ACCESSORIES CONTRIBUTED; STIRLING MILLS AND PORTRAIT BY JANE BELEIS

Serena & Lily Casablanca bold stripe throw; $398. serenaand lily.com

Move Over

Rasmus Gottliebsen Watch Me wall clock; $50. dwr.com

Baghera Speedster plane; $160. pinklemon bluelime.com

Candy Pink C

hildhood gets a fun, bright boost of energy in this bathroom. Not only does the wall treatment feature a youthful shade of purple, it also repeats the lucky girl’s name. Tori Legge—owner of Stirling Mills Interior Design (stirlingmills.com), the design firm that did the work—is originally from Northern California.

Naturally, a certain West Coast–ease found its way into the final look.

No one girl, no one “it” color

A self-professed minimalist, Tori keeps her designs light and calm with a neutral palette and then layers in colors with accessories, such as pillows. But, of course, there are exceptions.

No matter the location of her latest project, she brings out what matters to her clients. So, for this room, Tori shed her go-to colors and dipped into the hues of the younger generation.

If you’re not ready to go bold with a wall color, take a tip from Tori: Stick with neutral colors on walls and large furniture pieces, and introduce color quickly and easily with the extras.

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HOME Red swing from Harkla

Moms with a Mıssıon by emily leibert

Curating toys, décor and more for kids with special needs

A

s Fairfield moms Gena Mann (l.) and Carissa Tozzi (r.) began raising their children—Carissa has a neurotypical son with sensory sensitivities and Gena has two neurotypical daughters and also two sons with autism—they quickly realized there was a dearth in the online marketplace for an informative and inclusive shopping experience. That was all the impetus they needed to create Wolf + Friends (wolfandfriends.com), a stylish e-commerce and content site designed for families with similar needs. I sat down with them to chat about their vocation and their vision for what’s to come.

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ago, I’d spent my career in editorial development, celebrity casting and public relations, working with major media outlets, and being obsessed with my job. Then I had my son, Wolf, and suddenly my life refocused on all things baby and child.

I immersed myself in the world of toys, décor and fashion for kids. When Wolf was in preschool, his teachers suggested he may have some sensory issues. I was promptly handed a folder of catalogs for some “stuff” that might help. I had no understanding of what sensory issues were, let alone what kinds of toys he needed. After extensive research, I came to realize that many of the toys and therapeutic tools

that were suggested, while available on terrifying clinical websites, were also on Amazon. Yet nobody was curating them in a way that felt friendly and safe, while also providing easily readable insight on how to use these tools. So I started posting beautiful, modern, developmentally important items on Pinterest and Instagram. Then I approached Gena, whom I've known since elementary school.

GM: Carissa came to me shortly after I’d had my fourth child. I was a bit overwhelmed in my new role as a mom of four. But when she showed me an early prototype of Wolf + Friends that she’d designed herself, I was immediately determined to become involved.

Ever since, we’ve

been building and hustling. It can be a lonely, scary and costly experience trying to navigate everything that comes with having special-needs children. Once you figure out the therapies and school program, you still need to integrate everything into your home life. I knew there had to be moms like me who felt the same way.

WHAT MAKES THE SITE SO UNIQUE? CT: Wolf + Friends is inclusive. We curate toys, décor and clothing with children’s unique developmental needs in mind. And then we provide context and tips from occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychiatrists and child-development experts on how best to use these items.

Clever storage bag from Swoop with blocks from Petit Collage

PORTRAIT BY KRISTIN CHALMERS; PRODUCT BY RACHEL FOX KIPPHUT

HOW WAS THE CONCEPT FOR WOLF + FRIENDS CONCEIVED? CT: Up until six years

HOME

JUST FOR KIDS

Made by Folk poster and mat from Gathre

Westport designer's furniture line works for little ones (and looks fun!)

Wit Set in Baltic birch and white Wit Chair in nontoxic, low VOC finishes

It’s an informative and truly happy place to shop.

WIT DESIGN BY LORIN KLARIS PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT’S YOUR MISSION? CT: Our goal is to educate families, with intention and compassion, about shopping for their children with sensory sensitivities, learning differences, developmental delays or other diagnoses. Our approach is to sell appropriate pieces from mainstream, independent and specialty retailers that are selected by a team of parents, kids and child-development specialists—and to demonstrate how they can be used as therapy and learning tools to

support their child's social, emotional, sensory, language, motor and cognitive development at home, at school and in the real world.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY FEEDBACK? CT: Yes! People have been so supportive and genuinely excited about what we’re doing. We were featured on the cover of The New York Times “Styles” section.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR WOLF + FRIENDS? CT: We’re working on creating a personalized online shopping experience, regular events for families and seasonal pop-up shops. Stay tuned!

I

have launched my new kids furniture company, Wit Design, where the design inspiration is kids, but without resorting to clichéd childish design elements,” notes founder Kit Huber. “I believe that in a world built for adults, kids thrive in spaces and furniture of their very own. When furniture is designed specifically for how children move, imagine and play, they are free to be exactly who they are.”

Architect Katharine Huber believes good design is aesthetically pleasing and serves people, not the other way around. A Westport mom, she was amused by the ways her own kids used

furniture. “They wiggled, they sat on their feet, they never considered that chairs were only meant for sitting.”

Therefore, she designed her new line of furniture to be strong yet light enough for children to pick up and move around. She also kept the look timelessly clean with softly rounded edges and concealed connections and prioritized quality craftsmanship and safe materials.

Huber’s line benefits from her experience working for international architecture firms Richard Meier and Partners, SOM, Polshek Partnership and Ennead Architects. See more at witdesign.co.

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HOME she’s inspired. 1 Sconset Sq., Westport. kerrirosenthal.com and krinteriors.co.

2

Spaced Out

After years in the corner of Sconset Square, White Birch Studio branched out. This past season, owner Susan Anderson pulled up roots and replanted her studio around the corner from the former location.

In its new spot, with plenty of pedestrian traffic, it continues to offer stylish home furnishings and awardwinning accessories along with interior design services.

Anderson and her team take on complete interior design transformations as well as small projects—like those custom built-ins you’ve been dreaming about. 15 Myrtle Ave.; whitebirchstudio.com

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hile some of us resist change, interior designers chase it. So when Sconset Square, an unofficial home design corner of Westport, was sold in 2017 to David Waldman (David Adam Realty) and Roger Leifer (Leifer Properties), fans of its home shops wondered if they would remain. Coming into spring, it’s clear that they are staying and even made the best of change. “We are currently working on new plans for both the White Birch building and Kerri’s old space,” says Waldman, referencing Kerri Rosenthal’s studio (above), which moved into the space previously occupied by HB Home. While close to a deal for Kerri’s space— pending design considerations—he adds that it’s premature to market the former White Birch location. “We may do pop-up stores in both spaces while we obtain approvals.”

“Chalky whites, pearl grays, natural stone all feel fresh when accented with colors from nature, like spring green, pale blue, lilac and blush pink,” says Sue Appleton-Webster, predicting soothing neutrals. Her bright personality complements her shop, Swoon. It’s carefully arranged with vintage home furnishings that assert commanding presence in contemporary arrangements.

It also offers new art, custom pillows and furniture and design services. 9 Sconset Sq.; swoonwestport.com

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4 interior decorating pros at Sconset Square make the most of change

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KERRI ROSENTHAL

An award-winning artist and interior designer, Kerri Rosenthal is known for her love of bright pops of color within a clean, white environment—as well as a sense of fun. Her new studio is a perfect reflection of that style. It’s crisp and tidy, yet organic and joyful.

The style pours into her own artwork, with its bold color strokes and signature hearts (a look now layered on top of her photography), as well as in her line XOKR,

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a collection of fabrics and home accessories inspired by her art.

“I can breathe more in this space. It’s much larger, and it's allowing me to show my true colors in lots of different ways,” she says. “I think with color, and I love color.

You always need the yin and the yang. It’s all about the balance for me. The organic, natural textures and wood in the space allows my art and wallpapers to just shine.”

The new studio is a natural fit.

A Westporter, Kerri adds that it’s “sort of like a reboot in that we have taken a space that is four times the size of our previous shop. There is now room for our growing team, for the colors in the artwork to shine along with the home collection and apparel. All of these elements can now breathe amongst the bleached plywood barn floors and the reclaimed wooden tables. It’s a fresh backdrop to my story.” At work on new concepts and product categories, she says

As adorable as its name, Bungalow was founded by Wende Cohen in 1996. The home shop is always brimming with chic furnishings, from creative lighting to candles, throw pillows and jewelry. It’s a lot, in a good way, because of the owner’s good taste. As a result, the shop’s vibe is of an upscale global bazaar, making it fun to explore when you’re hunting for something new. 4 Sconset Sq.; bungalowdecor.com

NICOLE STEVENS

Kerri Rosenthal's bright and open new stduio

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HOME

NEED ROOM

KITCHEN BATHROOMS BASEMENT FINISHING HOME OFFICE WINE CELLAR ENTERTAINMENT SPACES

Order Up Bring spring cleaning to the next level with an organized closet

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leuth out stress-free living in your closet, because today’s designs are a far cry from yesteryear. “The benefit of having a walk-in closet system, large or small, is in seeing clothes and accessories at a glance,” says Anne Marie Durley, marketing and sales assistant and social media manager for California Closets (californiaclosets.com). “Walk out ready for the day and return to your designed and organized retreat. Regardless of where you

SECRET SAFE Unseen security of private gates

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install a custom closet system in your home, proper closet organization ensures that your system makes your everyday routine simpler and more efficient.” Plus, it’s designed to adjust and evolve over the years. Expect suggestions such as lighting that adds dramatic focal points, creates visual interest and adds a sense of spaciousness. “The up lighting is used to add a dramatic accent, increase ambient light and a soft glow around the perimeter of the system.”

A driveway gate is a visible security statement—but new gates also include unseen measures, such as transmitters, programmable timed access codes, communication systems and auto entry. Grand Entrance Gates (grandentrance.com) says an entry system can let you control the gate from your home phone or via remote operation. “Gates can automatically open when you drive up,” says Don Gore, president, “then later in the day require a code upon entry. High-tech gates have built-in surveillance systems like cameras, microphones and a vehicle annunciator that chimes in the house when a car enters the driveway.”

“These rooms tend to hold their value the most,” says Nick Geragi, general manager of KLAFFS Kitchens.

“Averaging a return of 60 percent to 70 percent in their first year—the more time that passes from the project completion date, the higher percent in value return.” This should help you prioritize your home projects.

He adds, “All project investments need to offer quality to help hold their value. The execution of a well-planned project utilizing a first-rate design must exude it. Quality is recognizable; you can tell when you see it. You notice it in the spatial design, in the products used and in the craftsmanship of the execution.

When a quality standard is upheld, these projects maximize their value and, in turn, the value of the home.” klaffs.com

PHOTOGRAPH OF CLOSET, CONTRIBUTED; KLAFFS KITCHEN BY JANINE LAMONTAGNE

PRIORITIZING YOUR HOME RENOVATION PROJECTS, ONE BY ONE

Who will be the BEST? It’s up to you!

2018

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All votes must be submitted by Friday, March 16

BECOME A SPONSOR: Contact your Moffly Media representative or Caroline Steber 203.571.1631 SILVER SPONSOR

EAT

status report

JK CHEF COLLECTION • RATATOUILLE AND COMPANY

Home Plate J ack Kelly’s professional life has included stints as a theatrical agent, boutique hotelier in Sri Lanka and work in the design industry, where he paired clients with the architects and interior designers well-suited to execute their vision. Now the former Westporter is matchmaking clients looking for the perfect chef to whip up five-star meals in their home kitchens.

“Because I’ve worked in the luxury industry my whole life, I’m very client driven and understand their desire for excellence,” explains Kelly of his JK Chef Collection, which he launched with friend and cofounder Chef Jeff Purrazi four years ago. Together, they’ve cultivated a bench of talented personal chefs they hire for catering special events and more-permanent household staff assignments.

“We go from helping you find someone who can make that

A private chef harvests fresh produce

Private chefs on call, at home and on the road elegant, romantic four-course meal for a special birthday to finding that person you want to have making meals for your family on a daily basis.”

After establishing a following with Hamptons- and Manhattan-based families, JK Chef Collection has branched out to Fairfield County, where Kelly says his clients are often looking for someone to become a regular part of their household dynamic. Because today’s open-floor plans mean kitchens are not tucked away Downton Abby–style, Kelly notes he’s hyper-focused on placing chefs who are compatible with their clients’ palates and lifestyles. “They are affluent and busy and, quite often, commuting,” he says of his Fairfield County clientele. “By the time 6 p.m. rolls around, they appreciate a good, healthy meal and the luxury of having someone talented to prepare it.”

—Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick

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ECLECTIC DINING CLANS

Wanted: Go-with-theflow chefs who can whip up meals that accommodate a variety of schedules, appetites and dietary needs. “Our chefs may be asked to

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accommodate children who are eating glutenand dairy-free because of allergies or other concerns,” says Jack Kelly. “The mom may be a foodie who prefers to eat organic, but the dad

may be more of a simple meat-and-potatoes guy.

The task for us is placing that chef who can accommodate all those different eaters in a way that makes everyone happy.”

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EMPTY NESTERS

Wanted: Cooks on the go. “They want someone who may be cooking with them at their local home several months a year, but who is then willing to come to Palm

Beach…for the winter.

For these clients, we are looking to place a chef who is talented and super flexible.” A private chef, who knows your likes and dietary needs, eases transitions, too.

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EAT Cathy Brower and Evelyn Isaia cook up good food and good opportunities for women

To-go options from Great Northern Food Hall

A WORLD OF TASTE From the party-goers point of view, Ratatouille and Company (ratatouilleandco .com) is a catering company— one with an ambitious menu.

1THAIMEE TASTING (THAI)

Ratatouille and Company

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provides women with culinary and life-changing skills

hat guests don’t see is the good they’re doing—part of its mission is to empower women. In 2017 founder Evelyn Isaia and partner and Chef de Cuisine Cathy Brower teamed up to create Ratatouille and Company as a catering company that offers a teaching platform to less-privileged women. “Training women from all backgrounds is what we live for,” notes Evelyn, a former private wealth manager of over thirty years who is now a partner with Social Venture Partners Connecticut and serves on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Business Development Council of Connecticut (WBDC). “We are providing opportunities to people by sourcing our staff from trade schools, community colleges and nonprofit organizations focused on workforce development.” The business has partnerships with WBDC, Building One Community and Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.

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“These wonderful women who we have the privilege of working with come from all backgrounds and skill levels,” adds Cathy, who studied at the Culinary Institute in Florence and specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cooking as well as pastries, skills she picked up after thirty years in publishing. “It’s thrilling to see women returning to work with a passion for cooking, refugees and immigrants who share their culture and their recipes, chefs in training, and others who share a love for the culinary arts and entertaining.”

The party may start with beef tenderloin sliders with blue cheese mousse; tuna/salmon tartare and sesame dressing in mini seaweed cones; porcini and truffle pizzettas; and shawarma bites with garlic-infused sauce and pomegranate. By the time the champagne is popped at evening’s end, it can also cheer women moving forward. —Diane Sembrot

2D’AUTOMNE

“If you are unsure, then pick a main color you love and want to feel in the space you are applying it to. Accent it with colors within the same family, or monochromatic scheme.”

3 TUSCAN

Arugula with shaved Brussels sprouts and pecorino, homemade spaghetti al limone with seared scallops, bistecca Fiorentina with fresh herb sauce and wilted spinach followed by pear crostata with rosemary cream.

Syrian kibbeh truffles

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOAH FECKS

Prep Work

Thaimee Tasting (Thai), with spicy and sour tom yum soup, curry dishes, baked salmon in banana leaves, and coconut goat cheese cheesecake.

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ish D2018 Feast your eyes on these irresistible eats right here in our own backyard. The restaurants on the following pages offer a wide variety of old and new favorites, from classic comfort food to new and exotic dishes.

Check out their mouth-watering Instagram photos, learn what inspires both chefs and owners alike and what keeps customers coming back for more.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Fun facts to share about your establishment We are hidden in an alleyway, but once we are found we are not easily forgotten. Dogs especially don’t forget about us with our awesome doggie menu available when the patio and outside lounge are open.

Interview with Owner Michael Baffa & Manager Stephanie McCool

Fl pside Burgers and Bar i

1125 Post Road, Fairfield 203.292.8233

flipsiderestaurant.com @flipsideburgersandbar

What are you known for?

We are known for our creative specialty burgers. All of our patties are formed by hand with our custom-ground top round. We are also known for our inspired cocktail menu, featuring the best margaritas in Fairfield and the awesome sixty-ounce monster cocktails designed for sharing.

Try the Scorpion: It’s on fire!

Over-the-top request We love to give people the ability to design their own burger, and some take it to a whole new level.

The best is the double ten-ounce burger with as many toppings as you can pile on. It’s a mouthful!

Pair that with a milkshake and chili cheese fries; talk about a home run.

People rave about • Our Mac n’ Cheese Burger loaded with home made mac n’

cheese and smokey bacon.

• Mayan Pork appetizer with crispy marinated pork makes for a sweet and spicy starter you won’t soon forget.

• Dry rubbed wings are a real crowd-pleaser (no messy fingers here).

• Margaritas (get crazy and try the cucumber honey with a spicy rim).

• And don’t forget the best late night happy hour in Fairfield every Thursday from 8-11pm in the bar.

What keeps your customers coming back?

Our customers come back because we constantly strive to provide great service and the freshest ingredients everyday.

Combine that with our laid-back atmosphere, creative menu and open kitchen and you will see first hand why people flip for us.

M.EAT Organic Beef & Provisions 29 Church Lane, Westport

203.557.8400 | meatprovisions.com

@meatprovisions

What inspires you?

I get inspired by knowing that I have the ability to share the finest products that have always been handled with care to those who have yet had the opportunity to experience them. Together, we get to exchange our stories, strengthening our culinary experiences yet to come.

Fun facts to share about your establishment Our cattle mature at three to four years of age at a weight of 950 to 1150 pounds, whereas your

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typical grain-fed cattle reach that size in approximately eighteen months due to the amount of hormones and steroids in the feed. We allow our cattle to grow and age naturally, in a space sufficient enough for each one to have up to two soccer fields to itself. This gives our beef that sought after grass-fed flavor and also enriches it with the omega-3 fatty acid that is so beneficial to our health.

People rave about We have quite a few returning customers. The first thing they

Interview with Operations Manager Todd Harkin

rave about is the natural flavor of the beef. They love how it affects the flavor of their sauces and also how beneficial it is for their health. They often share that simply knowing this makes the entire experience of their meal more enjoyable.

What keeps your customers coming back?

What keeps our customers

coming back are the nutritional benefits combined with a superior flavor at more than a reasonable price. We are able to keep our prices reasonable because we are the importers. In this way, there is no middleman in our chain of supply. On top of this, our staff can provide excellent recipes and suggestions on how to prepare your dish once you arrive home if you need any help.

Moffly greenwich half vertical march.qxp_Layout 1 1/29/18 4:18 PM Page 1

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE MOFFLY MEDIA

EVENING OF ART, WINE & JAZZ SERIES Join us in the lobby for wine tasting by Pera Wines and an art exhibit!

MARCH

2 Ann Hampton Callaway and Cyrille Aimee Celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s repertoire

23 Brubeck Brothers Quartet

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HALL FEMME Celebrating legendary women in art

ft. Dan & Chris Brubeck

APRIL

3 Brian Culbertson “Colors of Love Tour”

Award-winning contemporary jazz & funk!

ALSO COMING UP MARCH

15 Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

“Jane,” “Sara,” “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” “We Built This City” & more!

16 An Evening with the Celebrity Housewives

Hosted by WSFB’s Scot Haney Starring Teresa Giudice, Brandi Glanville and Carole Radziwill

APRIL

14 An Evening with Bebe Neuwirth

Accompanied by pianist Scott Cady

19 Paul Anka - Celebrating

60 Years of Hits – His Way!

ANNUAL GALA Saturday, May 19

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Put Your Brand in THE SPOTLIGHT REACH AN ENGAGED AUDIENCE OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN This spring, more than 300 female professional will gather to network, share ideas and hear the stories of successful female entrepreneurs Sponsorship Benefits: • Full Day Format • Opportunity to host your own custom speaker session • Reach over 300,000 readers with a full page profile or display ad in all our town magazines • Experiential marketing at your own display space at event • Brand exposure on all web and social media channels

TIERED SPONSORSHIP LEVELS AVAILABLE! For more information contact Caroline Steber: caroline.steber@moffly.com • 203.571.1631

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A portion of the ticket proceeds benefitting: BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING Private

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Homes

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Private

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: Colleenc@mofflymedia.com Westport Magazine | 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880

seasonal  full-time  events

Greenwich 203-742-9960

jkchefcollection.com

New York City 212-220-0539

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PEOPLE

by colleen crowley

& Places

MOFFLY MEDIA • PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE MELANI LUST

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he tenth annual Light a Fire Awards, hosted by Moffly Media, drew about 200 supporters of local philanthropy to honor their charitable neighbors.

The gathering was held at the Westport Country Playhouse, where Tony Award-winning actor James Naughton served as emcee. Among the honorees were Fairfield’s Bill Raveis, whose children accepted the award on his behalf. Weston’s Paul Deysenroth Jr. was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his decades of service to his town. A portion of the evening’s proceeds were donated to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. »

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1 The Whittingham family with Paul Rockwell and Michael and Pauline Daglio 2 Chris Raveis, James Naughton, Meghan and Ryan Raveis 3 The Westport Country Playhouse 4 All the honorees 5 James Naughton, Paul Deysenroth 6 The Light a Fire Award 7 The audience 8 Jonathan Moffly

( for more party pics visit westportmag.com )

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PEOPLE &Places

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1 Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Tony Goldwyn, Jonathan Bush Jr., Michael J. Nyenhuis 2 Melissa and Mike Elmasry 3 Rose and Bill Krivoshik and Anne and John Briggs 4 Adam Selkowitz, Melissa Joan Hart, Arthur Selkowitz 5 Auction time 6 Carol and George Bauer 7 Michael and Margaret Bartlomowicz, Chris and Eva Trefz 8 Roberta and James Conroy 9 Dancers entertain the guests 10 Tony and Tess Goldwyn board the plane to Guatemala

| | AMERICARES | |

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early 1,000 supporters packed the JPMorgan Chase Hangar at Westchester County Airport for Americares’ thirtieth Airlift Benefit. Hosted by Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, and featuring a special appearance by Americares Ambassador Scandal star Tony Goldwyn, the benefit raised over $3 million for Americares health programs worldwide. Roberta and James Conroy, Amanda and Bryan Hanson and Karin and Stephen Sadove served as cochairs. The evening culminated with 100 guests boarding a plane for a twenty-four-hour journey to Guatemala to see Americares health programs firsthand.

Goldwyn and his daughter, Tess, both traveling on their first airlift, were among the passengers. Since its founding, Americares has delivered more than $15 billion in aid to 164 countries. -Alison Nichols Gray

PHOTOGRAPHS 1, 4, 6-8, 10 BY GETTY IMAGES; 2 & 5 BY JAKE RAUSCHER/ AMERICARES; 3 & 9 BY MARY ALICE FISHER/AMERICARES

Up & Away

PEOPLE &Places

COUNTRY ESTATE 253 RIVERGATE DRIVE | WILTON | $2.950M 1

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1 Janina and Michael Serrao 2 Doon and John Foster 3 Gayley Woolston, Bion Piepmeier, Sandra Miklave, Natasha Hill 4 Gigie Priebe, Carol Bauer, Rhonda Kiest 5 State Rep. Gail Lavielle

PHOTOGRAPHS BY HEATHER PRESCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

| | STEPPING STONES MUSEUM | |

All Together

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lthough more than 120 guests were treated to a meal at Stepping Stones Museum’s second annual FriendsGiving, it was children who ultimately benefitted from the evening. Museum supporters helped raise over $100,000 for the nonprofit museum’s Open Arms Accessibility initiative, which offers monthly free-admission evenings, parent workshops, free traveling exhibits for schools and more. Open Arms reaches more than 45,000 children, caregivers and teachers. »

MICHELLE

COMPANY

your home.

your realtor.

MICHELLEANDCOMPANY.COM | WILLIAM RAVEIS LUXURY PROPERTIES | 203.454.4663

MARCH/APRIL 2018 WESTPORT

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1 Cipriani 42nd Street 2 Jerry Rosenberg, Cheryl Wiesenfeld 3 Kathy and John Santopietro 4 Guests listen as Nile Rodgers accepts his award 5 Nile Rodgers 6 Marisa Walker, Alexandra Zerzan 7 Paul Dalio, Kevin Hines

| | S I L V E R H I L L H O S P I TA L | |

Staying Strong

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usic legend Nile Rodgers was the recipient of the 2017 Visionary Award at Silver Hill Hospital’s eighth annual Giving Hope Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street.

Rodgers, along with inspirational speaker Kevin Hines, advocated for the importance of compassion and living mentally healthy. More than 375 guests attended the event, which included dinner, dancing and a live auction. The event raised more than $1 million for Silver Hill Hospital’s Patient Financial Aid Fund, serving individuals who would benefit from the hospital’s long-term residential treatment programs but are without adequate resources to cover the costs.

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Go for Gold

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t. Luke’s School saw the announcement of the Connecticut delegation to the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, with Jonathan Moffly as emcee. St. Luke’s students cheered as local families, unified partners and coaches gave their support to the athletes, who come from all over the state. Stephanie McMahon of Weston was the event’s honorary chair. The Special Olympics USA Games will take place in Seattle this July. W

SILVER HILL PHOTOGRAPH 1 BY GONZALO MARROQUIN/PATRICKMCMULLAN; PHOTOGRAPHS 2-7

BY SYLVAIN GABOURY/PATRICK MCMULLAN; SPECIAL OLYMPICS PHOTOGRAPHS BY RICH COYLE

1 The Connecticut delegation 2 Stephanie McMahon 3 Jonathan Moffly 4 Members of the Connecticut delegation with volunteers and supporters

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VILLA MARIA SCHOOL

Over 40 Years of Success in Inspiring Students with Learning Differences

Brunswick School SUMMER

SESSION

2018

A Coeducational Enrichment & Preparatory Program for Grades 6 –12 J U N E 11 – J U N E 2 9 , 2 0 1 8 Brunswick School’s coeducational Summer Session offers classes to students interested in building a foundation in various disciplines. We offer a wide variety of courses to Middle and Upper School-aged students and specialize in preparatory work for the academic year ahead. Visit Brunswickschool. org/summersession for more information on courses and how to apply.

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Paul Withstandley Director, Brunswick School Summer Session 203.625.5861 summersession@brunswickschool.org

JULY SUMMER PROGRAM Grades K-9

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Villa’s Summer Session was Amazing.

Our Child Learned a Ton and had a Blast!

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161 Sky Meadow Drive, Stamford, CT 06903

ACCOUNTANT

Add It Up

In a year of big changes in taxes, a top goal for homeowners now should be to find the right accountant

C

ongratulations if you’ve already filed your 2017 tax returns.

Better buckle up; your 2018 return could be full of surprises.

As you’ve probably heard by now, the new federal tax law features different tax brackets, deductions, calculations, exemptions and more.

PETER LAFORTE “The rules have all changed,” says Peter LaForte, CPA, the owner of LaForte Financial Services in Stamford and Fairfield. “For people with high state and local taxes, it’s not going to be pretty.

We’re going to get clobbered.” Now is the time, he says, to step back and crunch some numbers for 2018. Ask yourself, “Is what I’ve done the best way forward?”

You don’t have to do this alone. That’s what your trusty accountant is for. If you have one, that is. Many financially savvy Fairfield County residents pride themselves in DIY money management, serving as their own financial planners or tax-filers. Others rely on that same family friend who’s been filing their taxes for years.

But these might not be the smartest paths to prudent post-tax-reform planning. It’s time for a reckoning.

Ask LaForte what makes a good accountant and he’ll set you straight. “The question is, what makes a good accountant for you? The answer depends on your needs.”

Accounting is a wide-ranging field, with experts in estate planning, small business, audits, corporate work

ASK YOURSELF… “Did you get the service, time and advice you needed? Did someone help educate you? Did they seem happy to work with you? Did they make themselves available?

Were they competent?”

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–PETER LAFORTE

and more. “Hopefully, the CPA knows what he can and can’t do. It’s like choosing the right doctor.”

Start with a recommendation. Ask your friends, family members, financial adviser, banker, attorney or colleagues. Then check the provider’s credentials.

“Are they a CPA? Do they maintain their license? You can do this easily online through the Connecticut Board of Accountancy’s e-license lookup. If not, it doesn’t mean they’re bad. But you want to know.”

Don’t cold-call these folks just yet; give them a few weeks to recover after the April 15 filing deadline.

Come May, call a few and see who gets back to you.

LaForte says his new clients commonly complain that their former accountant went MIA after tax season and didn’t reemerge until fall. “Or they say, ‘I’m not important enough for him. I’m not big enough for him. He doesn’t answer my phone calls.’”

Ask to visit. “Accounting is very personal. Meet him or her in person. Get a feeling of the vibe of the office—some places are complete chaos with huge piles of stuff everywhere!”

Bring your tax returns from the previous two or three years, and ask questions that relate to your situation. If you’re self-employed or have a small business, if you have a lot of capital gains and losses, if you have rental property—all of these factors can tax the wrong accountant. The right one, though, will be eager to help you improve your bottom line. “If you don’t feel comfortable that this person understands you and your needs, keep looking,” LaForte says.

Understand how much the service will cost you, and what you’ll get in return.

Whatever you do, don’t assume tax reform won’t affect you. “The first person I did a projection for… went from itemized deductions in the $70,000-ish range to $24,000, the new standard deduction,” LaForte says. “We have multiple moving parts here.

W You have to piece it together.”

by carol leonet ti dannhauser

NEEDCHANGES TO THE KNOW NOW

EVERYONE TAX DEDUCTION

The total deduction for state and local taxes (property, income, sales, etc.) is now capped at $10,000 annually.

STANDARD DEDUCTION

The standard deduction increases to $12,000 for singles and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $6,350 and $12,700.

HOMEOWNERS MORTGAGE INTEREST Mortgage interest deduction is capped at $750,000, versus $1 million in 2017.

PARENTS

529 SAVINGS PLANS

These plans can be used to pay for kindergarten through high school, in addition to college and grad school.

HEADSHOT, CONTRIBUTED

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LIFE IS COMPLICATED. WE’RE HERE TO HELP. We know Local We know Wealth We know Investing We know Trusts We know Estates We know Retirement We know Family We know Businesses We know Philanthropy We know Solutions Let’s Talk. www.peoples.com/insights wealthmanagement@peoples.com +1 203 338 5510 Investments and Assets held in a fiduciary account are not deposits, or other obligations, are not guaranteed by People’s United Bank, N.A., are not insured by the FDIC, by any other government agency, or by People’s United Bank, or any of its affiliates, and may lose value.

Attention Best of Winners!

You asked for it and we listened!

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SOUTHE RN Waterfront Properties

PARADISE

Water view

THERE ARE A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL COASTAL COMMUNITIES DOWN SOUTH, BUT FOUR LOCATIONS TOP THE LIST John’s Island JANUARY 2016 GREENWICH

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John’s Island

It’s your lifetime. Spend it wisely.

Life on John’s Island, a magnificent, private paradise surrounded by miles of Intracoastal Waterway and pristine beaches nestled along the Atlantic Ocean. Embodying the island’s beauty and spirit, the 1,650± acre community offers three championship golf courses, 17 Har-tru tennis courts, squash, pickleball, croquet, health & fitness center, spectacular Beach Club, two newly renovated Clubhouses, vertical equity memberships and more. Treasured by families that live and play here, come discover why John’s Island is simply the place to be.

JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

Oceanfront Beach Club : Three Championship Golf Courses : 17 Har-tru Tennis Courts : Vertical Family Membership Squash : Pickleball : Croquet : Health & Fitness Center : Three Miles of Private Beach : Ocean-to-River Community

Exclusively John’s Island

Newly Renovated & Private 4BR Lakefront Home

Renovated 4BR/5.5BA Home, 120’ Ocean Frontage

Privacy Is Paramount! 3BR Retreat, 130’ Ocean Frontage

5,243± GSF, Bonus Theater Room, Hardwood Floors

6,423± GSF, Ocean Views, Cabana, Island Kitchen, Pool

7,364± GSF, Panoramic Ocean Views, Lush Landscape

Gourmet Island Kitchen, 2nd Level Guest Suite, Pool

Lower Level Opportunity To Add More Living Space

Billiards, Bonus Study, Bunk Room, Pool, Cabana

631 Indian Harbor Road : $2,995,000

620 Ocean Road : $8,100,000

670 Ocean Road : $5,850,000

Impressive 4BR/5.5BA Retreat, Indoor/Outdoor Living

Exceptional 4BR Retreat, 110± Feet Water Frontage

Exquisitely Renovated 5BR+Den/6BA With Cabana

5,227± GSF, Central Location, Loggia w/ Fireplace, Pool

6,667± GSF, Pool, Infinity Edge Spa, Summer Kitchen

6,163± GSF, Pool Views, Outdoor Fireplace, End Lot

Gorgeous Signature 16th Fairway & Water Views

Pocket & Roll Down Screens/Shutters, Dock, Cabana

Wood Floors, Custom Finishes, Gourmet Kitchen

285 Indian Harbor Road : $4,150,000

255 Island Creek Drive : $5,800,000

601 Sea Oak Drive : $3,475,000

Exceptional 2BR/2BA Oceanfront Condominium

Unique Opportunity! Two 1.72± Acre Lots Available

Architecturally Distinguished 5BR+Office/6.5BA

2,250± SF, Unsurpassed Direct Ocean Views

Combined Total 260± Ft. Ocean Frontage & 3.4± Acres

7,121± GSF, Private Street, Preserve Views, Pool

Updated Kitchen, Private Pool & Beach Access

674 Ocean Road : $4,400,000

Summer Kitchen, New Dock w/ Intracoastal Access

900 Beach Road #182 : $2,200,000

676 Ocean Road : $4,500,000 w/ dune crossover

80 Stingaree Point : $5,250,000 (pre-construction)

l u x u r y e s tat e s

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condominiums

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homesites

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tow n h o m e s

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7 7 2 . 2 31. 0 9 0 0 : Vero B e ach , F lorida : J o h n s I s l a n d R e a l E s t a t e . c o m

It’s your lifetime. Spend it wisely.

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Waterfront Properties

John’s Island

People in search of that perfect home near the water only have to glance at the numbers. While Connecticut possesses all of ninety-six miles of coastline (give or take a submarine base), Florida and the Carolinas offer more than 1,800 miles of oceanside living possibilities. Time to head South?

The choices down in the sunny southland are, of course, vast, but Fairfield County seekers have discovered four areas worth real attention. You want, after all, more than proximity to water. Careful zoning and low housing density are musts, and so is access to the finer things in life.

Perhaps the most special property in Florida is on what’s called “the Treasure Coast,” north of Vero Beach in Indian River Shores. John’s Island is situated on 1,650 acres that span a tremendous piece of land between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Thousands more acres are protected wetlands. If you don’t want that Georgian mansion facing the ocean, the other options are equally divine, whether it’s a house on the golf course or a Bermuda-style condo. Most homesites offer views of the waterways that wend through the magnificent development.

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John’s Island

Outside the gates are those all-important services such as great schools, medical facilities and private airports.

No matter the size of the house, miles of private beach await the John’s Island residents. The twenty miles of private roads through tree-lined streets ensure that it’s safe to send the kids out on their bicycles. The safety factor of all this has made it popular with families as well as the weekenders.

The dining opportunities at its beach and golf clubs, along with its three gorgeous, highstatus golf courses, have put John’s Island at the top of all the travel-magazine rankings.

For more, see johnsislandrealestate.com or call 772.231.0900.

Hopping down to Florida is now easier than ever, with direct flights daily from Westchester to West Palm Beach. Once you’re in this happening city, though, the array of residential locations might seem daunting. If so, we recommend a call to the Peters & Hyland team of Illustrated Properties. Connecticut native and longtime Florida resident Jennifer Hyland knows the exacting needs of the Connecticut buyer.

From the golf or waterfront condos (including quiet, 55 and over communities) up to trophy estates on Palm Beach and Jupiter Island, Jennifer’s inside knowledge of market inventory and values is unrivaled. And from Lost Tree Village and Bears Club to the hot

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Waterfront Properties

new Jupiter Country Club, your successful search begins with Jennifer Hyland and Illustrated Properties. Call 561.632.4042 or visit PetersHyland.com.

Connecticut buyers have no interest in the standard peas-in-a-pod developments, and thus the brokers at Dale Sorensen Real Estate have assembled a distinctive list of properties in the Vero Beach area for examination. Owner/broker Matilde Sorensen is currently high on Windsor, a distinctive community designed around the ideals of easy social interaction. Starting at $2 million, the 350 homes range from cottages to glorious villas with endless sea vistas. One prized estate shows how

Jupiter Country Club

Welcome to the Palm Beaches A beautiful lifestyle awaits you ‌ from Condos to Grand Estates, Peters & Hyland will assist you with all your Real Estate needs.

JUPITER ISLAND | $10,500,000

EQUESTRIAN | $2,650,000

NORTH PALM BEACH | $4,250,000

HIDDEN KEY | $2,198,000

Jennifer Hyland | 561.632.4042 | PetersHyland.com Over $1 Billion in Closed Sales

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masterful design can create a beautiful harmony between life and art. Windsor also offers all the in-demand amenities including golf, equestrian trails and the Beach Club overlooking the ocean. For a tour, call 772.532.0010 or visit MatildeSorensen.com.

If the historic charm of South Carolina is luring you in, then the first stop should be Dataw Island, a charming community blessed with the convivial spirit that once was in abundance in nearby Hilton Head before it got famous. Dataw’s cordial vitality is not accidental. Besides the heart-melting beauty of its lowcountry location, the design of the development—the walkways, the glorious clubhouse, the marina, the care for

Dale Sorensen

For nearly 40 years I have helped clients find their home in Vero Beach.

N O. 1

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IN INDIAN R I VE R COU N T Y

IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

IN THE NATION

R A N KE D I N 201 6 BY R E A L T R E NDS 1 0 0 0 AS A DV ERT ISE D BY T H E WSJ

MATILDE SORENSEN

B R O K E R / O W N E R 772.532.0 010 m sore nse n@sore nse nrea lesta te.com m at i l desorensen.com

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wildlife—adds to a great neighborly air and feeling of life satisfaction. The lagoons and waterways that run through the Dataw property are nothing less than hypnotic.

Players who traverse the two sensational golf courses are constantly confronted by the majestic scenery.

Dataw is attentive to what people want at this time of their lives and made sure residents get a full and elegant lifestyle. New construction is available, but the master plan calls for no more than 1,100 houses. Call 843.838.3838 for information on Dataw Island or visit dataw.com.

Dataw

HISTORICAL CHARM. NATURAL BEAUTY.

Extraordinary Living

“Bliss Award: Best South Carolina Community” (Real Estate Scorecard)

“#1 Best Community in South Carolina” (Best Retirement Destinations)

“2017 USTA Facility Award” (One of four private communities recognized)

Six miles from historic Beaufort, South Carolina!

“Best Kayaking” “Best Island Community” “Best Health & Wellness” (ideal-LIVING)

(843) 8 3 8 - 3 8 3 8 Dataw.com

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GOOD LOOKING A view across the lawn down to Held Pond KEEP GROWING Wisteria and ivy cover the back porch

Artistic Impression WESTON HOMEOWNERS IMBUE A HISTORIC PROPERTY WITH A NEW SENSE OF LIFE by colleen crowley

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p h o t o g r a p h s b y s ta c y b a s s

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FACE FRONT The original facade of the house overlooks the front lawn, which was heavily forested when the Spitzers bought the property.

They removed several dangerously close trees and made space for a lush expanse of green.

T

here is little doubt that the town of Weston is replete with beautiful historic homes. But among them, on the shores of what locals call Crystal Lake, stands a particular gem, which Dolores and Alex Spitzer have lovingly tended for the last twenty-five years. The property has historic ties to prominent local families and famed artists. The home, built in 1810, has seen many changes, including a bevy of owners, renovations and the construction of what is officially named Held Pond.

By the time the Spitzers acquired the house in the early 1990s, the grounds had been through the wringer. On the lower plateau of the lawn was a piled-high mountain of boulders, remnants of the previous owner’s construction projects. Many of the historic plantings that had once existed had been ripped up. “I think that the property was not maintained,” Dolores says, “so, unfortunately, we couldn’t revive any of the old plantings. We really had to start from scratch.”

Dolores, who had always had an interest in gardening, now had plenty of room to play and experiment, and she focused on bringing the grounds back to life. Even Alex got in on the action, using cuttings to plant the ivy and wisteria seen throughout the property. Magnolia and cherry trees now line the drive to the house, bathing guests in a wash of petals as they approach the house. Lilacs, azaleas and hydrangeas (Dolores’ favorite) add to the lush mosaic.

“The color palette is very soft, mostly pinks, purples, whites and yellows,” she says. With the help of longtime gardener

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OUTDOOR LIVING Although the main house is a Georgian colonial, the two pool houses are made in the Victorian style • When the Spitzers entertain on the patio, the sculpture, Nessie, watches in repose. • The back of the house overlooks Held Pond and affords stunning views of sunsets.

Ozvaldo Palazio, she shops for, selects and installs new additions.

When she needs a stroke of inspiration, she turns to her favorite jewelry pieces designed by artist Wendy Gell.

Exploring the garden, Dolores’ artistic taste is evident, with planters shaped like women’s heads carefully placed throughout the grounds, quietly keeping watch. “The first time I saw them, we had been in Positano. We went to one of the hotels and on the patio, they had these pottery heads. I went crazy looking for them.” Over the years, she collected several lovely ladies from various sources. If they break, she incorporates the pieces into the flower beds themselves, much like a Roman ruin. Another artistic focal point is the unusual character lounging on the patio, affectionately referred to as Nessie.

The Spitzers commissioned the late Bob Epstein to create the work for their previous home, and Nessie has been enjoying sunsets over the water ever since.

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“Our way of living here is very informal, and I felt that the grounds should reflect how we live, as opposed to something very restrictive.”

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SECRET GARDEN The “Secret Garden” on the side of the house contained the last remaining original plantings • A unique wrought-iron gate allows you entrance to the garden from the front porch. IN THE DETAILS Stone stairs flanked by Dolores’ planters lead down to the pool. • Each planter is different from the next. • The Spitzers frequently use freshly cut flowers when they entertain on the patio. • Dahlias add bursts of color.

After ten years of restoring the gardens and the historical integrity of the home itself, the Spitzers looked outward to expand their living space. The couple had always envisioned a pool on that lower plateau, once filled with boulders, and timed the addition so two outbuildings could be constructed simultaneously.

Along with planning the pool, Dolores designed the pool houses in the Victorianera style. “The vision was to have two buildings and two planting beds, so that when you looked out of those buildings, you would see gardens.”

Now, the pool house kitchen is Dolores’ favorite spot to pass time in the balmy summer, overlooking the flower beds and the expanse of lawn rolling down to the water. “Our way of living here is very informal, and I felt that the grounds should reflect how we live, as opposed to something very restrictive,” she says. Despite many years of sore knees and dirty hands, the Spitzers wouldn’t trade their thoughtful restoration for a turn-key experience, explaining that “everything W about this property, inside and out, is a labor of love.”

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E P A C ES

H

IP WIT R T A N O S U AKE T S R E N G I S E REE D H T .

S G A B R PACK YOU

S T S I T R A

U S F O L L U F S CTION E L L O C Y D A E VACATION-R

MMER STYLE

agnon by m eg a n g

Q&A waists and halter necklines, styled with red lips, sunglasses and chic silk head scarves. Each one makes the case for elevated summer dressing, including some sequined numbers that’ll play well next to a sparkling sea at sunset. And Temperley, who is the muse for her own designs, will have plenty to choose from for her next holiday, whether she’s escaping to the coast or to her beloved countryside estate.

From a very early age, I knew I wanted to be creative. My mother has been one of my biggest inspirations. Growing up in rural Somerset, I was encouraged to be creative. I loved making things.

I would rip up fabric and get into a lot of trouble for destroying my mother’s favorite shawls!

Tell us about the spring collection.

The collection transports us to the Temperley Riviera, where the summer never ends.

SUMMER SET

ALICE TEMPERLEY

ALICE TEMPERLEY IS A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART, which may come as a surprise to those who know her only as the face of the London label that has become synonymous with It-Brit girl style. But her Somerset roots account for the birth of her creativity and the free-spirited approach to fashion that has woven its way into all the things she touches. It’s those touches—the intricate embroideries, exquisite embellishments and unabashedly romantic silhouettes— that have set her apart and made her a red carpet regular. While her dresses and evening wear are usually the showstoppers, she creates separates and jumpsuits that feel just as glamorous, and this season was no different. Models strutted throwback looks with cinched 80

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What’s your favorite part about designing the evening wear pieces?

I love discovering new techniques, such as innovative embroideries or fabrics. It is so important to always evolve and push the boundaries of what we are creating.

What’s your own go-to evening look?

I always like to feel effortless, no matter how decadent an outfit might be. My current go-to look for the evening is the sequined Bardot jumpsuit and coat from my summer collection.

What’s your summer uniform?

Easy, effortless summer dresses in lightweight silks and cottons and bright, feminine prints. Either halter neck or off-shoulder; comfortable and versatile. I can layer with a leather jacket if needed. Or louche, lightweight tailoring that we have in the

summer collection. I usually wear flat shoes in the summer, perhaps a panama hat, and I am never without my Leica camera hanging round my neck.

How does England/London inspire your work?

Temperley London is a quintessentially British brand.

Being British means we can tell an authentic story, draw on our sense of eccentricity and celebrate our unique sense of humor. We stay true to our heritage by celebrating craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail.

Which cities/places offer the most style inspiration?

I am always inspired by places I visit, from souks in Marrakech to the architecture and interiors on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Paris for exhibitions, book shops and flea markets. Understanding a culture and absorbing everything around you is what I try to do whenever I travel. And most importantly, London and Somerset. London is a creative hub and it is an exciting place to be—from art to music to design.

There is so much to see and do.

Who is the Temperley London woman?

She is feminine, free-spirited and individual. She is not a slave to trends and appreciates quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship.

How has the fashion industry changed since you started?

The pace of the industry has

PORTRAIT: TOMO BREJC. RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNER

How did you get started designing?

changed. Everything has to happen at a greater speed.

There is a hunger for newness and it is important for brands to stay relevant and always evolve. Brands can now engage directly with consumers. It is so important to maintain integrity and authenticity with everything you project as a brand on social media and websites. Storytelling has never been easier.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

What do you love to do when you’re not designing?

My highlight so far would have to be when I received my MBE [Most Excellent Order of the British Empire] from the Queen in 2011. That was an incredible experience and really made me realize how far Temperley London had come in such a short space of time. I feel very proud of our achievements.

Spend time with my son, my family and friends. I’m constantly inspired by the people I am surrounded by and I never stop thinking about designing, even when I’m not in the office. Traveling is very important for me. I want to take my son on adventures and give him experiences that he will never forget. And filling my

house in Somerset with the people that inspire me and having long lunches, walks and evenings spent by the fire.

Shop Temperley London at: net-a-porter.com modaoperandi.com temperleylondon.com

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Q&A I have loved fashion since I was a little girl, and I had always hoped I would be involved in the industry somehow. I started in PR for Gucci in Paris, then production for Kevin Krier & Associates in New York. I worked as a design assistant for Oscar de la Renta in New York and was a design consultant for Tory Burch and Ungaro in Paris.

Where did the idea for Les Bonbons come from?

PLAYING BY EAR

REBECCA DE RAVENEL

EVEN IF YOU DON’T KNOW HER NAME, YOU’VE SEEN HER WORK. Rebecca de Ravenel’s Les Bonbons earrings, those delightful cascading silk cord-wrapped orbs in a rainbow of candy colors, became the accessory of summer, dangling from the lobes of every chic woman around town. Simultaneously elegant and playful, they reflect the style that de Ravenel—who split her childhood between Bahamian beaches and Parisian streets—has come to personify. It’s a natural progression, then, that the designer’s next venture would include both handbags and a ready-to-wear collection full of caftans, kimonos and dresses that she herself favors and that complements her latest take on statement jewels: a mix of earrings and bangles in floral and seashell shapes, crafted from carved wood and mother-ofpearl. The natural nod to beachy glamour—and de Ravenel’s breezy but sophisticated approach—will have us all aspiring to her brand of chic island living.

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There really was no rhyme or reason; I started designing for me.

I’m always making something or other with a glue gun. The people at the Los Angeles flower market probably think I’m a florist. When I came up with the idea for Les Bonbons, it was because I needed a pair of lightweight statement earrings that didn’t end up on the table in the middle of dinner.

I have collected jewelry for a long time, but rarely can you find a pair that are comfortable to wear all evening long. This sort of earring had a moment in the late 80s, early 90s, and I had the idea of wrapping Ping-Pong balls in silk thread and voila!

Why switch gears from jewelry to clothing?

I didn’t set out to be an accessories designer; it sort of just happened. Introducing ready-towear was a very natural evolution for me; I always thought I would be a clothing designer before anything else. My approach has always been about dressing the divine girl in the divine room.

What inspired the new collection?

My spring/summer collection was inspired by a few trips I took this past year (one being Japan).

Color inspires every aspect of how I live and how I think, and of course my beloved Bahamas.

The clothing in this first collection really complements the earrings, as opposed to being the other way around. I think that women have invested in my earrings season after season because of their versatility; you can wear them during the day or for something more formal, and the clothing was designed with the same intention.

I like to put myself in another woman’s shoes and imagine what she is doing and what she would want to be wearing. This spring/ summer is all about sophisticated comfort, with accessories that quite literally bring the beach to you!

Which of the cities you’ve lived in inspires you the most?

My home is the Bahamas, and I think I live my life through islandcolored glasses. There is a tropical undercurrent to anything I do, whether it be with my designs or in my home. The Bahamas for that easy-breezy colorful feel, Paris for its sheer beauty and history, New York for its energy, India for its multitude of scents, colors patterns and architecture...it can go on and on. I also believe that what can inspire you one year may not the following. Timing in life, like most things, has an effect on inspiration.

What’s your go-to summer uniform?

A long, floaty floral dress, a straw basket, preferably barefoot and dare I say, my earrings!

What do you pack for a summer getaway?

Packing light is something I have a very hard time with. If you ask around enough, it is sort of a joke.

For a quick summer trip, I will pack my Athena caftan, a floral dress, my new long polka dot skirt that can be worn with a bathing suit during the day and a T-shirt are key. And of course, a multitude of

PORTRAIT: AMY NEUNSIGNER. LOOKBOOK IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNER

Tell us about your fashion background.

accessories (thankfully I have a few of those). Always leave room in your bag to pick up treasures from a local market; you never know what you may find.

Favorite travel destination?

Why? I love traveling more than anything; there are so many places I still want to explore and too many places I love, to count. I am constantly traveling for work now, but every free chance I get I return home to the Bahamas. Even though I rarely leave my house when I am there, it is simply my favorite place on earth.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

I still pinch myself when I see

women wearing my earrings in real life. Anywhere from a grocery store in Los Angeles to walking down Madison Avenue or at a cocktail party in the Bahamas. It is simply the most exciting thing in the world and always will be.

Modern style icon?

Carolina Herrera. We were at a party together recently; she forgot her brooch and picked up a flower from the table (in lieu of a jewel) and pinned it to her dress. It was totally effortless and completely divine.

You’ve worked with some of fashion’s greats. What’s the best advice you’ve received about being a designer?

Be kind. Kindness is memorable.

Shop Rebecca de Ravenel at: barneys.com, fivestoryny.com, goop.com, kirnazabete.com, matchesfashion.com, modaoperandi.com, rebeccaderavenel.com, thewebster.us

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handmade in Peru and India). Each move has been deliberate and considerate, including the time she’s devoted to raising her three young children.

For spring, Johnson treated her audience to a runway lined with fresh flowers and looks that included everything from eyelet, frills and florals to structured denim in unexpected shades. They amount to another enviable feminine capsule from a designer who’s quickly becoming a fashion household name. As her presence continues to grow—she opened a Bleecker Street store last year—devotees will not have to travel far to find her.

How did you get started designing?

EXPLORER’S EYE

ULLA JOHNSON

ULLA JOHNSON’S CLOTHES HAVE THE POWER TO TRANSPORT—often to an airy, ethereal plane where romantic floaty dresses pair best with bare feet and tanned skin—and it’s her pursuit of discovery and travel that drive her to create the dreamy pieces that inspire such wanderlust. Although raised in New York, she saw the world with her archaeologist parents, each adventure and destination informing what would become her signature style.

Her rise from racks at small boutiques to Barneys fixture has been a slow one, evolving from a few initial pieces to full collections defined by tailored bohemian frocks, gauzy separates and reworked denim.

Challenging the breakneck speed at which the current fashion machine moves, Johnson is a breath of fresh air; her focus is on thoughtful designs and a reverence for details and materials (many 84

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It was a very organic process.

I studied psychology in college and did work around fashion theory and the way clothes can serve to empower the wearer; how they can make women feel.

I just started sewing pieces here and there, and then some friends opened a store and I designed a few things for them, and it just sort of grew from there. I had a very clear vision even from the start as far as what was important to me in the collection; integrity of materials and process, timelessness, craft, ease. These have all been touchstones throughout the growth and evolution of the brand.

What inspired your spring collection?

The spring 2018 collection is a dialogue around transparency, the desire for something pure and open, as told through a juxtaposition of materiality.

I wanted to explore the idea of invisible protection, of clothing as poetic armor, and a bold femininity that is both impermeable and crystal clear.

or field, a nebulous feeling that begins to cohere into a mood and silhouette. This is a very free and inspiring time.

What’s your summer uniform?

Diaphanous silk frocks or crisp poplin ones, ruffled crochet bikinis, our handwoven baskets, and natural leather sandals

What are your favorite destinations for summer travel?

The Mediterranean. I grew up going to Dubrovnik and Hvar every summer, so it holds a super special place in my heart. We go as a family every year to different spots, as I always love to see new things. The last few years we did Ibiza, Puglia, Antiparos—all amazing!

Which cities/places offer the most style inspiration?

Peru and Morocco are probably my all-time favorites as far as the richness of color and the tradition of weaving and knitting that is still very much alive in these places. But really, anywhere and everywhere. Lately, I am obsessed with the Gaucho culture in Argentina and Uruguay.

What’s your favorite part about designing a new collection?

Who is the Ulla Johnson woman?

I absolutely love approaching a clean slate, clearing our minds and our boards of all that was before and starting to build anew.

I often start with something quite gestural; the brush strokes of a certain painter, a palette or texture inspired by a garden

She’s not easy to pin down. She is a traveler, a roamer, perhaps a mother, perhaps a professional, perhaps both, or neither. She is self-possessed and optimistic, she embraces color and pattern and cares deeply about the integrity of that which she loves.

PORTRAIT AND RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNER

Q&A

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of the fashion business?

The calendar has become so fast-paced, the demand for new product so consuming, that there is no longer downtime, or just time to be pensive and process.

Trying to find space for dreaming is a challenge.

How does being a mother inform the way you design?

I mean, being a mother informs everything about who I am and what I make. I have to say it has

made me hyper-efficient with my time and very good at multitasking. In a practical sense, it has made the idea of ease become even more central to what I do but has also really opened up my creativity. Children are so uninhibited. I try to learn from them every day.

When did you feel like you’d made it?

What advice would you give to other designers looking to build their own brands?

Hang out with my family. Cook dinner with friends. Escape to Montauk on the weekends.

Go to art shows. And arrange flowers. I am obsessed.

Have a distinctive and unique vision, and stay true to it.

I never want to feel that way!

I am always pushing myself and my team to do more, to improve on our strengths, to evolve and grow and learn.

What do you love to do when you’re not designing?

Shop Ulla Johnson at: GREAT STUFF, Greenwich, 203-861-6872; Westport, 203-226-1271 TOGS, New Canaan, 203-972-2871 WEST, Westport, 203-557-4157 ullajohnson.com W

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Real Estate 2018 by jill johnson

State of

ADOBE.STOCK@PIGFRANCIS

F

or Westport Magazine’s annual review of the local real estate market, we look at who’s buying and selling homes as well as changes in downtown Westport that influence where and why people and businesses make a move. We include insights on both segments, residential and commercial, from the professionals who consider the challenges and opportunities every day. If you’re even thinking of listing or looking, read on.

CONTRIBUTED BY MICHELLE&COMPANY

RESIDENTIAL MARKET

Last year had more than a few people threatening to move to Canada, but, as it turns out, plenty of folks are still making their home—and buying homes—in Connecticut. Realtors do not expect the popularity of Fairfield County to fade anytime soon. And within this coveted county, Westport is sitting pretty—never mind the superficial depiction on American Housewife.

“I’m pretty bullish on 2018, and I think my agents are too,” says Beverly Walsh, manager of William Raveis’s Westport office. “A year with a new president is always tenuous in terms of real estate. We are past that now.”

The new tax law did bring bad news on the mortgage interest deductibility front. Now new buyers can deduct interest on a total of $750,000 in mortgage debt, rather than $1 million. (Existing mortgages are not subject to the reduced limit.) Although the East and West coasts, with more homes in the $1 million range, will be most

WESTON $2,599,000 8 & 10 PENT ROAD: Restored and updated country estate, with 8 bedrooms and a 2-bedroom guest cottage that sits on a separate sub-divided 2 acre lot / MICHELLE&COMPANY

affected by this change, realtors here do not expect major repercussions.

Mike Daversa, president of GuardHill Financial’s Connecticut division, comments: “In Fairfield County, there are a lot of mortgages that are $750,000 or more. Before you could buy a house for $1.3 million, put $300,000 down, and still have maximum mortgage deductibility. The new law will force people to put more money down to get it to the $750,000 mark. I think that’s what you’ll see more of, rather than people buying lower price homes. It will affect the mortgage industry, as we’ll see much less refinancing.”

Mary Crist, office leader at Berkshire Hathaway’s Westport office, says, “There hasn’t been much change in the market over the past few years. We had a slight increase in sales last year, but the average sold price is down. I don’t see anything

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WESTPORT $3,495,000 6 COB DRIVE: A shot of the sophisticated entryway of a six-bedroom, 7,700-square-foot home set on 1.6 acres / Jill Bregy WILLIAM PITT

Location or Condition?

The chatter about Connecticut tends to be negative—high tax rates, big corporations leaving, empty-nesters relocating out of state—but many agents highlight the positive aspects that are often underplayed: lower taxes than New York or New Jersey, companies moving in, unbeatable amenities.

Rick Higgins of the Higgins Group predicts the area will become a “Silicon East, with Stamford as its vortex. Some tech companies are there already, and it’s only a matter of time before more come. RBS and UBS are there. Charter’s new headquarters will bring 1,100 jobs. It’s ideally located between the city and the countryside. When I was living in New York City, Connecticut was the shining city on the hill

WESTPORT $2,800,000 37 FERRY LANE EAST: Walk to train and Longshore from this waterfront estate with private deep-water dock, waterside pool and terraces, and guest house / MICHELLE&COMPANY

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PHOTOGRAPH OF 6 COB DR. BY PAUL WEAR; 37 FERRY LANE, CONTRIBUTED BY MICHELLE&COMPANY

in the economic environment that will cause a dramatic shift up or down. We still have incredibly low mortgage rates.”

Supply has been outweighing demand, leading to some depreciation and price adjustment. To Victoria Fingelly of William Pitt Sotheby’s, that’s good news: “I’m more excited about 2018 than I have been for the past few years. I think we’ll see more sales, especially on the high end. The over $20-million market is moving now because the buyers are there and the pricing is realistic.”

that people wanted to move to. I think that’s still true.”

Michelle Genovesi of Michelle&Company, who has been a realtor here for thirty-two years, adds, “I think lower Fairfield County will always be steady; there’s such an influx of the New York commuter.” She, like a number of agents, pinpoint Westport as particularly popular. “It’s a great town, which continues to be very influenced by the arts and culture.

It has a great sense of community. It’s on the beach. It has a great commute. Lots of restaurants have opened up by the train, and we have Bedford Square in town. I’m optimistic it will only get stronger. We’re finding a trend now toward lifestyles that are close to the beach or walking distance to town. People are looking for a sense of community. That’s because our lives today are so busy with the internet and technology; we are so connected, we are disconnected. So those homes are selling faster and for more.”

Higgins says, “I have a lot of confidence in Westport. It’s always a good town, even during recessions. I have so much faith there that we’ve invested in a new office in Bedford Square. It’s very expensive, but I think it’s worth it.”

What about Wilton and Weston? “They’re quiet. People want to be closer to the train, downtown and the water,” Higgins says. “The pendulum will swing, though. People living by the beach will want more space and privacy as their kids get older.”

Fears that recent hurricanes would send buyers fleeing

from the water haven’t materialized. “The beach remains one of Westport’s most desirable areas, but buyers do want updated and FEMA-compliant homes,” Mary Crist comments. “Raised homes sell much faster.”

According to Marc Calderone at William Pitt Sotheby’s, new construction is bringing buyers to Westport. “New construction represents 33 percent of our market,” he explains, “which is much more than in surrounding towns.

Buyers moving from New York don’t want to do any fixing up. Their preference is for new homes.”

Linda Blackwell at Houlihan Lawrence agrees that condition is actually a bigger factor than location. “Buyers want houses that are updated and move-in ready,” she says.

“You’ll hear sweeping comments like people no longer want to live north of the Merritt or they want to live in town. But those areas with smaller lots are where builders have gone to since the recession. It’s not that no one wants to live in more remote areas; it’s just more likely houses in those areas have not been decoratively changed in fifteen or twenty years.

As realtors, we always say lower the price and people will be willing to do the work, but I’m finding that people don’t want to do the work and they mean it. Sellers need to be smart. It’s easier to spend a few thousand for painting than take a $10,000 to $50,000 price reduction.”

Role of Technology “Looking for a home is a whole different ballgame than ten years ago,” says Pam Foarde of Filippone Associates in Southport. “You can go online and see amazing photos, videos, 3D renderings. You can be living in England, looking in Fairfield, and you can almost put yourself in the house.”

She warns about using sites like Zillow without an agent’s guidance, though. “Zillow will give an average of what’s sold in a one-mile radius, but they don’t know the story. One short sale can really throw off the average.”

Michelle Genovesi concurs. “People are more educated and cautious, but there is so much info out there nowadays, it’s almost overwhelming. That’s why realtors are important; they can dissect all that information for you.”

“Technology is accelerating the way brokers are able to organize and connect prospects to listings and greatly accelerate how transactions are facilitated,” points out Chris Raveis, president of Residential Sales for William Raveis. “Data mining and marketing and sourcing buyer and seller prospects has also become more accessible as technology advances.”

When I was living in New York City, Connecticut was the shining city on the hill that people wanted to move to. I think that’s still true.

Rick Higgins Chairman and CEO of the Higgins Group, which is one of the latest additions to Bedford Square in Downtown Westport

DEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN

Stroll down charming Church Lane on a chilly eve these days and it feels like a Hans Christian Andersen story has sprung to life. All fears that the 60,000-square-foot Bedford Square development would turn downtown into a commercial eyesore melt away like snowflakes on the sidewalk in front of the refurbished Tudor façade.

Enter through the doors of the 40,000-square-foot anchor tenant, Anthropologie, and Hans is no longer the author, yet the story is every bit as captivating. The chain’s blog boasts: “Nestled in beautiful Westport, Connecticut, our latest Anthropologie is our dream store come true. Complete with one-of-a-kind décor from our talented visual team, it boasts everything from exclusive apparel collections to insider beauty finds, custom furniture to handcrafted ceramics, designer bridal gowns to work-of-art shoes.” It is something to see.

“Bedford Square is now 86 percent occupied,” says developer David Waldman of David Adam Realty. “An 8,500-square-foot Williams-Sonoma, including Home, will open in April. Whip Salon, Barbour, Higgins Group and HSBC have all signed on as well. Also, he adds that the owners of WAFU will be opening a noddle bar/Korean BBQ restaurant.

According to Waldman, about half the residential units had been rented as of December. With rent ranging from $3,500 for a one-bedroom to $11,000 for a 2,500-square-foot duplex, tenants are not balking at the price. “It’s the only product

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What people don’t always realize is that Bedford Square took ten years of effort from all of the partners. It is by no means a run-of-the-mill redevelopment.

Paul Brandes, partners with Dan Zelson, Lance Sauerteig and David Waldman, on the project that has dramatically changed the downtown landscape

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of its sort in the downtown market,” says Waldman. “We expected empty-nesters and snowbirds who want a footprint here but not a big home anymore. We are also finding young families coming from New York and renting here so they can evaluate the market before buying. It’s much more of a New York–oriented than suburban development.”

Last June, the Chamber of Commerce honored Waldman with a First Citizen award, commending him for “a true vision for what can be done through adaptive reuse and specific choices in development.” He was the only Westport resident on the project and has seen resistance from the community turn to appreciation. “Once Bedford Square was completed, people realized that what we said we were going to do, we did,” he reasons.

WESTPORTMAG.COM

Source: resourceanalytix.com via raveis.com

DOWNTOWN WESTPORT, CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Changes downtown include the pedestrian-friendly Bedford Square, design-oriented Sconset Square and its adjacent spaces that face the Post Road, and possibly luxury condos along the west side of the river.

Paul Brandes, principal of Charter Realty & Development, a partner on the project, notes: “What people don’t always realize is that Bedford Square took ten years of effort from all of the partners. It is by no means a run-of-the-mill redevelopment. We just finished the Serena & Lily building, on the opposite side of the street—a historic renovation.”

The circa 1889 Queen Anne Victorian known as the Kemper Gunn House was saved from the wrecking ball by a petition and now reigns over the Elm Street parking lot with a cheery and fresh countenance.

Dan Zelson, fellow principal of Charter, echoes Brandes’s emphasis on the time and care that went into Bedford Square. “Historically, this town has been very difficult to get approvals,” he says. “It’s a tough environment. We are

thrilled with the outcome.” Charter’s office on Church Lane is well situated for Zelson to appreciate the “synergy” he expects to see as spaces are occupied.

Around the Corner Nearby, Sconset Square is undergoing a facelift by new owners David Adam Realty and Roger Leifer Properties.

“We are in the process of doing a little tenant shuffling and beginning some architectural improvements,” says Waldman. “We will bring the center to a higher level of detail, but it will still be a very quaint home furnishings and design/decorating center.”

Leifer, a forty-year Westport resident, has played a role in the development of some of Westport’s most treasured structures, including the Westport Country Playhouse, the Levitt Pavilion and the Compo Beach playground. “I try to be heavily involved in making Westport a better place to live and work,” he says. His office sits next to the Spotted Horse Tavern in a 1799 building that he restored. He would like to see “more activities for families and shoppers downtown.” Both he and Waldman are also involved in the Westport Cinema Initiative, which is seeking funding to put a movie theater in town.

As Ann Taylor, Nike, Diptyque and Allen Edmonds announce plans to shut their doors on Main Street, Skip Lane of Cushman & Wakefield, a commercial real estate services company, has some ideas on how to enliven the area. “I would take the farmer’s market and put it on Main Street on the weekends and close traffic,” he says. “The type of retail that is there is no longer sustainable on its own. A combination of a correction in price [rent] and a different experience is probably the answer.” While the chains depart, with some heading to the new mall in Norwalk and some being devoured by online shopping, there is a silver lining.

“Local and regional businesses that were priced out of Main Street now may be able to come in again,” says Lane.

Waldman, along with Greenfield Partners, are busy with developments on the old Save The Children site. The office building is expected to be completed this May and (pending final approvals this March) sixteen luxury condos designed

by Roger Ferris & Partners will rise on the northern portion of the site. Plans include public access to a newly extended boardwalk (along with public parking) as well as a ninetyfoot view corridor.

Leifer concludes that Westport “can’t be stuck in the past.

W It has to evolve, grow and change.”

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by jill johnson p h o t o g r a p h s b y pa m e l a e i n a r s e n

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HIS CREATIVE POWER EXPERIENCE THE REBRANDING OF THE COOL NEW WESTPORT LIBRARY

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o doubt you have heard about the Westport Library Transformation Project by now— the $20-million renovation that will do for the building what removing her reading glasses and releasing her locks from a tight bun might do for Marian the Librarian.

The space will be modern, flexible, awe-inspiring, and—if branding expert Moshe Aelyon has his way—sexy. His role is to make sure anyone who enters the library has a memorable experience, especially during the eclectic FLEX series he has masterminded for March.

Read on to learn more about what this wizard of wow has in store for us.

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DAY 2 MARCH 22

BE SURE TO CATCH THEM ALL Events this March FLEX your thinking of a nimble library base, Westport, and his current home base, New York City, Moshe pondered how best to do it. FLEX took shape.

Using a new series of events as a way of rebranding the library didn’t just come out of nowhere. When Harmer called him about the reimagined library and how to explain it to the town, Moshe’s knew it had to be something big, held over a series of days and, above all, experiential. He specializes in events, which explains why his thoughts naturally ran to a party for the community.

Harmer was sold. “The FLEX series,” he says, “will give a preview of what’s to come, almost a year before the new building is actually finished, by transforming the Great Hall into a vast open space and filling it with interesting and unexpected events.”

For more on what to expect, read Jill Johnson’s interview with Moshe (at right). For event details, including venues, times and fees, go to westportlibrary.org.

The kickoff will arrive in a flash. —Diane Sembrot

DAY 1 MARCH 21 Celebrity Lunch: Former White House Chef Sam Kass with Jane Green and Elissa Altman

Q&A with the man with the vision: Moshe Where are you from and how did you end up here?

I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. I came to the States at eighteen and Westport at twenty-seven.

We chose Westport, to raise a family, because it was forward thinking and quaint, education was paramount and it was thought of as an artist colony. I lived here for twenty-three years and moved to Harlem in July of 2016.

Tell us about your company?

I’ve been an event planner and entertainment consultant for twenty-three years, but recently I decided to rebrand. That job is burdensome on a fifty-threeyear-old body. Today, there are major challenges to giving clients a sense of what they are supposed to feel. We’ve become so digital; the noise is muffling the client experience.

I created my company to bring to life that experience for hospitality brands. Little did I know my first client would be a library. Bill Harmer told me the library is a hospitality brand. He wants to make sure patrons come in and enjoy the space. What really sold me was Bill’s vision of turning Westport Library into the future of libraries. I’ve come full circle because, coincidentally, I was brought in for some branding and fundraising for the library twenty years ago.

Tell us about the FLEX series coming up.

I’m producing a program from March 21 to 25—five days

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of experiences. My goal is not only fundraising but also giving current library users and audiences who are not as familiar with the space the opportunity to understand this is becoming a community center. FLEX came out of my questions regarding the future of the library. In my mind, the great hall has to become a work and display space that is flexible. It has to be intellectually stimulating, but also incredibly sexy and playful. On March 21, we will have a celebrity lunch hosted by Jane Green, emceed by Elissa Altman, with a talk by Sam Kass—former Obama White House chef and senior policy advisor for nutrition. My goal is for people to come into the main hall and feel like they’ve stepped into an experience, as you would if you were going to the Met for the Costume Gala.

On March 22, Alvin Ailey dancer Jose Ozuna will be teaching two classes and there will be a cinema matinee, with movies featuring Joanne and Paul.

RENDERING COURTESY HMA2 ARCHITECTS

The Westport Library has been working toward its ultimate renovation for years, bringing with it a new dawn for libraries. No longer just stocking books, the library will also serve as a community hub for patrons’ varied interests, such as music, technology, collaborative work and lectures.

“Increasingly, people need libraries to support traditional learning while providing spaces for essential collaboration. and connection with one another,” says Executive Director Bill Harmer. “There is no doubt the new building will be spectacular— complete with the latest technology, the best amenities and an exceptional collection of digital and analog materials. But without people, a spectacular building full of features is just that. It needs a community to bring it to life.”

That evolved concept needs to be explained to stalwart and new library users. Harmer and his team tasked Moshe with the job. Traveling by train between meetings in his former home

Triple Play: Dance classes with Jose Ozuna • Matinees featuring Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman • Food talk with Ruth Reichl, Bill Taibe, Annie Farrell and Lulu Powers • Dinner with Ruth at The Whelk

DAY 3 MARCH 23 Unplugged: Authors and musicians throughout the day

DAY 4 MARCH 24 Mix: Gala dinner and dance with Chevy Chevis and her band, celebrating Eartha Kitt

“The library is becoming a community center.

FLEX came out of my questions regarding its future.”

– MOSHE AELYON

DAY 5 MARCH 25

That night there will be a food lovers Q-n-A with Ruth Reichl [Gourmet and NY Times food critic]. March 23 is a day of live music with local artists and readings and book signings with local authors. Expect to see Brian Dolzani, Twice Around, the Mike Cusato Band, Ethan Walmark, Suzy Bessett and Rob Morton. March 24 is our evening gala, with delicious food and dancing to Chevy Chevis and her band, honoring Westport treasure the late Eartha Kitt. March 25 is Flex Sunday Funday, a family day of arts and crafts, face painting, story time by local authors, magic and interactive drawing with illustrator Tim Fite. Diego Montiel will come with his typewriter and you can write a love letter to Westport or the library.

order for us to present FLEX, we needed a beautiful presentation. I came up with a brand look that will be consistent from now on and a social media strategy called “I am.” People will be invited to come have their photos taken. We will have 150 to 200 to start and then roll out the campaign. The third initiative I’ve spearheaded is a local artist installation.

Wow, that’s quite a line-up! Is this series a way of maximizing the library’s utility while renovations are underway?

Exactly. We have timed the events in March so that we essentially have an empty warehouse as a venue. The renovations upstairs begin after FLEX. While the building is under construction, we will have these pop-up events.

What books are on your bedside table?

There are twenty-four. I’m not joking. I am a book hoarder!

Recently I came across a dollar book sale on a street on the Upper West Side. I bought so many, I could barely walk home.

I bought a book today, Paris for One by Jojo Moyes, because I forgot one to read on the train.

I have this fantasy of living in Europe for six months.

What else are you focusing on?

Strengthening the branding. In

Well, Westport hopes you don’t run off quite yet! W

Family: Talking tech with David Pogue, illustration with Tim Fite and other children’s book pros

Where do you find inspiration?

The 92nd Street Y in New York.

Dokk1, a library in Aarhus, Denmark. There are huge changes coming along. Libraries are becoming flexible spaces for work and play. Curiosity, creativity, community—these are my inspiration and what drive this brand.

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: FLEX experiences David Pogue

MARCH 21-25

FOOD AUTHORS CINEMA Sam Kass

Jane Green

FAMILY FUN Ruth Reichl

EXPERIENCE FLEX 5 DAYS OF EVENTS MARCH 21-25 DANCE MUSIC ART Chevy Chevis

Bill Taibe

Elissa Altman Special thanks to Westport Magazine, Moffly Media - Exclusive Media Sponsor

FLEX:experiences include literature, art, cinema, music, dance, food, entertainment and so much more.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Learn more at westportlibrary.org All proceeds from FLEX:experiences benefit the Westport Library Transformation Project

MOFFLY MEDIA’S

2018

Event Lineup Mark your calendars!

SPRING • SUMMER

7TH ANNUAL

B E ST BARTE N D E R C O NTE ST by

May 16

Greenwich Country Club Greenwich

MAGAZINE

2018

June 13 Harbor Point Stamford

July 19 Hilton Stamford

August Delamar Greenwich Harbor Greenwich

FALL • WINTER

Darien’s

B E ST B A RTE N D E R awards September 12 Palace Theatre Stamford

CONTEST

Presented by NEW CANAAN-DARIEN+ROWAYTON MAGAZINE

September 27 Nielsen’s Florist & Garden Shop Darien

5TH ANNUAL

RESTAURANT WEEK November J House Greenwich

7TH ANNUAL

For more information and sponsorships please contact Laurinda Finelli at 203.571.1614 Want to see party pics, videos and more details about the 2018 events? Go to ilovefc.com/events

2018 December Westport

PILOBOLUS MAXIMUS

BE YON D THE L IMI TS O F DA NCE

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 22

7:00 PM HONORING: THE BIGELOW FAMILY Cindi Bigelow Eunice and David Bigelow

FOR TICKETS CALL

203 254 4010 OR VISIT QUICKCENTER.COM

2018 BENEFIT SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018 FROM 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM Cocktails, Dinner, Silent Auction, & Dancing. Featuring live music

FAIRFIELD THEATRE COMPANY WAREHOUSE 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT

Tickets : www.habitatcfc.org/annual-benefit

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Planned Parenthood of Southern New England

SPRING LUNCHEON 2018 The recent attacks on reproductive health and rights are unprecedented.

Join us in the fight to provide health care for all people.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018 · 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Stamford Marriott · 243 Tresser Blvd. · Stamford, CT 06901 Featured Speaker:

Faye Wattleton, past President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

For tickets or more information: Faye Wattleton

PPFA President, 1987-1992

Call: (203) 752-2813 Email: Special.Events@ppsne.org Visit: ppsne.org/springluncheon

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England C E L E B R AT I N G

95 Y E A R S

OF CARE

180130 3 Gala Ad.qxp_GALA AD 1/30/18 10:40 AM Page 1

JENNINGS BEACH, FAIRFIELD, DAY TO NIGHT PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN WILKES GALA PREVIEW SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018

Tickets on sale now at Fairfieldhistory.org/event/day-to-night Please save the date for a celebration to mark the debut of the much-anticipated Jennings Beach, Fairfield, Day to Night photograph created by acclaimed photographer Stephen Wilkes of Westport. In one large-scale photograph, shot over 24-hours in August 2017, Wilkes captured life along Fairfield’s beloved beachfront.

Also opening that evening is a collection of Wilkes’ world-renowned Day to Night works, including photographs shot across the globe.

Jennings Beach, Fairfield, Day to Night has been generously commissioned by the Saft family in memory of Marcia Saft.

With special thanks to media sponsor

Fairfield Museum

Explore the past, Imagine the future

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370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT | 203-259-1598

40

Join Our

th

Annual

Minute Man Race Sunday, April 22nd Compo Beach, Westport Register at www.minutemanrace.com

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Music by Green Eyed Lady

TASTE OF

14th Annual

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TO B E N E F I T C L A S P

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DON’T MISS THE CULINARY BENEFIT OF THE YEAR! Thursday May 3, 2018 6:00-9:30 The Westport Inn 1595 Post Road East Tickets are $75 pre-paid, $85 at the door. ★ All food and beverages included ★ To book, go to www.tasteofwestport.com call CLASP Homes (203) 226-7895 x144 Generously hosted by The Westport Inn and sponsored by Moffly Media CLASP is a local non-profit serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities-for 34 years.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ARTS & ANTIQUES Drew Klotz Kinetic Sculpture . . . . . . . 12

AUTOMOTIVE Jaguar Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4 Scap Chrysler Jeep . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT American Frameless . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Neil Hauck Architects . . . . . . . . Cover 3

BUSINESS & FINANCE

AXA Advisors/Georgette H. Geller . . 7 Cummings & Lockwood LLC . . . . . . . . 10 GuardHill Financial Corp. . . . . . . . . . . 15 People's United Bank Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS M*R-HE Art Tectonics . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 White Birch Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

EDUCATION & CHILDREN Brown Pre-College Programs . . . . . . . 60 Brunswick School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Camp Playland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 ESF Camps at Greenwich Academy . . . 43 Greenwich Ballet Academy . . . . . . . . 43 The Greenwich Country Day School Summer Day Camp . . . . . . 43 King School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Salisbury Summer School . . . . . . . . . 61 Tabor Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Villa Maria School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Wolfeboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

ENTERTAINMENT Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts/Contemporary Ballet Giselle

By Dada Masilo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County Presents: Pilobolus Maximus . . . . . 98 The Ridgefield Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . 51 Star 99.9/The Anna & Raven Show . . 103

EVENTS 14th Annual Taste of Westport to Benefit CLASP . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 40th Annual Minute Man Race . . . . . 101 A-list Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 April in Paris 2018 Benefit . . . . . . . . . 98 Best of the Gold Coast . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Best of the Gold Coast Online Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 End Allergies Together/An Evening to EAT Honoring Robyn O'Brien . . . 101 Jennings Beach, Fairfield, Day To Night Photograph by Stephen Wilkes Gala Preview . . . . . . . . . . 100 Moffly Media's 2018 Event Lineup . . . . 97

Spring For Abilis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Stand with Planned Parenthood Spring Luncheon 2018 . . . . . . . . 100 The Novel Tea Featuring A.J. Finn . . . . 102 Westport Arts Center Hall of Femme Celebrating Legendary Women in Art . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 59 The Westport Library Experience Flex . 96 Women in Business . . . . . . . . . . . 52, 53

FASHION Lester's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mitchells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 Roundabout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

FOOD, CATERING & LODGING

WEEKDAYS 5:30-10AM

348 Oyster Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Flipside Burgers & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . 50 JK Chef Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 M.EAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Ocean House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pink Sumo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Weekapaug Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

HEALTH & BEAUTY CT ENT Sinus Center Hearing and Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Memorial Sloan Kettering Physicians at Norwalk Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Western Connecticut Health Network . . 11 Whip Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

JEWELRY Lux Bond & Green . . . . . . . . . Cover 2, 1 Rolex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 2, 1

LANDSCAPING, NURSERY & FLORISTS

Homefront Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NONPROFIT The Elephant Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . 54 Near & Far Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

REAL ESTATE Michelle & Company/ William Raveis Real Estate . . . . . . . 57 William Raveis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

COUPLES COURT 7:40AM

REAL ESTATE, DESTINATION Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc./ Matilde Sorensen . . . . . . . . . . 59, 70 Dataw Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Illustrated Properties/Peters & Hyland/Jennifer Hyland . . . . . . . 69 John's Island Real Estate Company . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 67

MISCELLANEOUS Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Westy Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 MARCH/APRIL 2018 WESTPORT

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starts at 7 p.m. More at nearandfaraid.org.

Fri. 2

CONNECT FOUR

All that Jazz March 23

Brothers Dan and Chris Brubeck continue their father Dave’s legacy of exceptional jazz in a performance at the Ridgefield Playhouse. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet brings a creative take on classic jazz for a sound all their own. Performance starts at 8 p.m. Come at 7:15 to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and art exhibit. Tickets $37.50. Purchase online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

MAR. Thurs. 1 GIVE BIG

Last year, the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Giving Day raised over $1.46 million for hundreds of local nonprofits. Come together once again for this 24-hour online fundraising competition and give to a cause you feel is worthy. For more

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information, visit fcgives .org.

Fri. 2

THE BEE’S KNEES

Join the fun at Near & Far Aid’s Spring Gala “A Grand Affair,” once again held at Mitchells of Westport. The Roaring 20s come back to life for this evening of glamour, fashion, jazz and more.

The fundraiser supports N&FA’s goal of targeting poverty in our local community. Tickets start at $350. Event

The Calidore String Quartet has taken the world by storm, winning international competitions and performing at the world’s best music halls.

Now, they’re visiting the Westport Arts Center.

Don’t miss one of classical music’s most talented ensembles in an intimate performance.

Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets online at westportartscenter .org.

Sat. 3

MUSIC MAKERS

Experience early music with a Cuban flair with Ars Longa de la Habana at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. $35 general ticket. Performance begins at 5 p.m. More at chtwestport.org.

Sat. 10

SING OUT

produced by the Vital Theatre Company. Your child’s favorite story book character comes to life in this show, recommended for ages 4-8. Performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets $20. westportplayhouse.org.

Thurs. 29 SAY CHEESE

Lactose lovers unite.

The Fairfield Cheese Company continues their educational and delicious Cheese School offerings throughout the spring. Goat-A-Palooza explores the varied world of goat cheese, complete with wine pairings.

Class from 7 to 9 p.m. $50 nonrefundable registration. Go to fairfieldcheese.com.

APR. Thurs. 5

GIRL POWER

In celebration of what would have been Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday, the Fairfield County Chorale presents his Chichester Psalms and select works from Candide.

Additionally, works by Bruckner and Dvorak will be performed in this poignant program.

Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30. fairfieldcountychorale.org.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King is the keynote speaker at the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation annual luncheon for the Fund for Women & Girls.

The event, held at the Greenwich Hyatt, draws hundreds of supporters in celebration of making a difference in the lives of women and girls throughout Fairfield County. Learn more at fccfoundation.org.

Sun. 11

Thurs. 12

COLORFUL KIDS

Get ready for giggles as the Westport Country Playhouse presents Pinkalicious, the Musical,

Hamilton, but he got his break with Tonywinning show In the Heights. Experience this vibrant and heartwarming musical at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts through Sunday April 15. General tickets $22.

Show times and ticket purchase available at edgertoncenter.org.

INSTANT HIT

Lin-Manuel Miranda may have become a household name with

Fri.13

PLAY ON WORDS

“A man walks into a bar” is the start of many bad jokes and of Steven Dietz’s play Yankee Tavern, present by the Westport Community Theatre. The play, full of conspiracy theories and strained relationships, runs through Sunday, April 29. Show times and ticket information at westportcommunity theatre.com.

Sat. 21

BOOK WORM

The Wilton Library will host their largest book sale of the year, with over 70,000 items for sale, through Tuesday, April 24. Find collectible and rare books, music and books of all genres.

Sale is free to the public.

Find more details at wiltonlibrary.org.

Sun. 22 FUN RUN

Line up at the starting of the Westport Young Women’s League 40th annual Minute Man Race.

Festivities begin at 8 a.m. at Compo Beach. There is both a 5k and 10k race, as well as kid’s fun runs, and all proceeds go to charity. Register online at wywl.com.

BY COLLEEN CROWLEY

Mon. 23

TALKING POINTS

The Script in Hand series at the Westport Country Playhouse is presented without costumes or sets, for an experience that is unique from the full production. See Tom Dulack’s dark comedy Breaking Legs at 7 p.m.

Tickets $20. Purchase at westportplayhouse.org.

Sat. 28

ON THE FARM

Get into the spring spirit and stop by Ambler Farm for a pancake breakfast, complete with farm-made maple syrup.

Visit some of the farm animals, get creative with seasonal crafts and see the sheep wool shearing in preparation for warm weather. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $15 adult/$5 child.

Register at amblerfarm .org.

Sun. 29 JUMP IN

Experience an immersive musical celebration at Fairfield University, in DMR’s En Masse.

Hundreds of musicians from across Fairfield County will spread out across the campus for this participatory, largescale performance.

Visitors are invited to follow groups of musicians or experience the entire musical marathon. From noon to 3 p.m. More information, go to quickcenter .fairfield.org. W

( for more fun events visit westportmag.com )

BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET BY JILL ROSELL

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