DarieMagazineCT.com March Issue

FINDING THE BEST SPIN

…on the Court, and in Life

Karl Levanat, Director of Racquets, Country Club of Darien

Dear Readers and Residents of Darien,

Thank you for your incredible welcome of the launch issue of DarienMagazineCT.com!

The response to the profile we did of Penny Glassmeyer and her far-reaching impact on our town has been more than we ever could have wished for, but certainly in keeping with the honor we felt in writing about her. Thank you again to the Glassmeyers, Carol Guthrie and David Genovese for helping us to make that happen!

And now, as we look to March, with its Saint Patrick’s Day talk of the Irish, shamrocks and all things green and lucky, we humbly present Karl Levanat, much heralded (for good reason!) director of racquets at the Country Club of Darien. See what you think about luck after reading his story. Pretty inspiring, and great information on how to compete well in paddle as so many eyes turn to the sport and the National Tournament occurring this month.

Speaking of green, we hope you’ll enjoy the story behind Greens on the Go in our Good Table feature. If you’re like us, you’ll be tempted to charge right over after reading all on offer there. Check out Linda Stephens’ column this month on the benefits of anti-inflammatory eating and the charge very well may become a stampede.

Then there’s Theatre 308. What a cool group of engaged students this is and Darien High School Junior Katie Koslow,

a member of the crew, has done a superb job capturing them and their current musical production. (Get your tickets now!) And Lindsay Hurty, wow. Thank you for your insights in this month’s Mind Set column. Lots to ponder there. This and more awaits you in the pages ahead and we thank the advertisers who are joining us to help bring these great articles your way. A special welcome this month to Ten Twenty Post and Hollow Tree Storage!

Here’s to the luck we’re able to make in the month ahead!

PAMELA DEY VOSSLER CARL TRAUTMANN Editor-in-Chief Founder & Publisher

Penny Glassmeyer with David Genovese at NEAT in 2011, during their earlier days of reimagining downtown Darien

residents, influencers, organizations, business owners, charities, and more, connecting to the issues of our day by showcasing the many layers of who we are as a community.

Who We Are:

A new, locally owned, independent multimedia platform built to serve Darien exclusively and help connect our community. Our aim is to uncover the gems in our midst, exposing what we may not know, or could have missed—an angle, a resource, a backstory and more, as shared by the people behind them.

We’ll look at the familiar in new and different ways, to take you deep into the community that we call home.

carl@darienmagazinect.com

We are grateful to our local Founding Partners for their support. If you need the services these great folks provide, please visit them first.

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My virtual door is always open if you want to discuss your health concerns and goals. We believe in being proactive about your health because your health is your responsibility.

Our efforts are dedicated to the memory of Irene “Renie” Mahoney Trautmann, co-founder of DarienMagazineCT. com, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. A longtime Darien resident, music educator, Holmes School substitute teacher, real estate agent and so much more, it was her selfless, positive approach to giving back and bringing joy that is our inspiration. You can visit Renie’s bench in Woodland Park.

Darien’s prosperity is intertwined with our amazing local businesses. Did you know that:

• 70% of local dollars spent, stay local (Amex)

Special shout out to our local contributors this month: Linda Stephens, Lindsay Hurty, Katie Koslow, The Darien Foundation and Carolyn Eddie Coming soon: DarienMagazineCT.com

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If you’d like to connect regarding:

• A marketing partnership, to advertise, or have a general inquiry, please reach out to carl@darienmagazinect.com

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Art Director KIRSTEN NAVIN

DarienMagazineCT.com LLC is an independent, wholly owned multimedia platform and business including this publication published ten times a year, social media, and a soon to launch website.

Our Mission | photo by: BAMBI RIEGEL riegelpictureworks.com

Founder & Publisher CARL TRAUTMANN

To be positive, to inspire, to educate, and expand minds through contributed content and the stories we tell about Darien

Editor-In-Chief PAMELA DEY VOSSLER pam@darienmagazinect.com

Director of Photography BAMBI RIEGEL

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CROSS INSURANCE :

Where Personal Meets Professional

When critical events occur such as fire, water intrusion, auto accident, theft, lawsuits, where do you turn? Who has your back? Family? That lucky handful of friends who will take your call any time, day or night? Perhaps. Or maybe it’s someone with the connections and knowledge to help you find a way through the crisis.

What if all this was in one team, one company? Enter Cross Private Client Insurance led by Senior Vice President Ryan Garrity. Based in Darien with locations also in Ridgefield, CT, Duxbury, MA and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Cross Private Client insurance is focused solely on Personal Risk Management for financially stable families and individuals and the protection of their assets at risk. Part of Cross In-

surance Company, a top 20 Insurance Agency,* and its deep market access, Cross Private Client Insurance offers highly customized insurance programs for homes, cars, boats and collections, as well as large limits of excess liability.

Though branded for the man who started the parent company in 1954, the Cross Private Client Insurance name also aptly captures the way the agency transects the deep concern, authenticity and unconditional trust you get from someone you’ve known all your life with the sharp knowledge and proactive ability of a best-in-class resource, particularly through the leadership of Garrity.

And no wonder.

Anyone who played golf competitively for 17 years, serving numerous private club memberships as a golf professional along the way, as Garrity did, has the composure to handle any crisis. Steady under pressure and strategic, Garrity and his staff of 12 licensed professionals are able to see beyond the next hole, proactively structuring safeguards so they are there when you need them most.

“Our job is to provide clients what they want before they ask for it,” said Garrity of a service mantra instilled in him by esteemed golf professional Bob Ford while working at Pennsylvania’s Oakmont Country Club during his first three years as a PGA Professional.

“This mantra drives our daily workflow,” he continued. “Review and planning before an annual renewal date, remarketing an account when underwriting rules or rates have changed on a particular set of risks, etc.,” said Garrity who transitioned into the insurance industry after leaving golf, beginning with Tequesta Insurance Advisors, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, in South Florida. He moved to Connecticut in 2013 where he refined his focus to personal lines at the suggestion of Sandy Rand, another legendary mentor. In 2018 Garrity earned a CAPI (Certified Advisor of Personal Insurance) designation via The Aresty Institute at the Wharton School and in 2017 he received one of the first 150 CPRIA designations from the Private Risk Managers Association. A 10-year resident of Darien with his wife Pam, whom he met at Wee Burn Country Club in 2005 while working there, and their four children, Garrity and his family are involved with town organizations including the Darien Arts Center, the Boy Scouts of America, Darien Youth Lacrosse, Darien Little League and, as a board member, the Darien Chamber of Commerce to name a few. Pam actively monitors a social media page for local moms.

Gratified to live and serve in the community where he works, Garrity said, “Doing business in Darien gives us the ability to contribute locally but have global reach.”

The high point, however, for all at Cross Private Client Insurance is, “following through after a claim,” said Garrity, “showing up ASAP in person for major claims that require a second set of eyes or special assistance. That separates us,” he continued. “An 800 number, a website or the average independent agent is not driving four hours to visit a total fire loss, or flying from Connecticut to Florida to visit a claim site post hurricane,” he added, explaining the thrill of going through the forensic details, verifying the policy language is in place, and making sure clients get everything they are entitled to.

“It’s very rewarding,” said Garrity. “Creativity, an honest sense of empathy and effort—they matter,” he concluded.

For more information about Cross Private Client Insurance, visit crossprivateclient.com or contact Ryan Garrity at 203655-7677 or ryan.garrity@crossprivateclient.com.

*Source: 2022 AM Best Rankings

Protect Your Health: Prevent Inflammation

The Choices You Make Matter

Inflammation is at the wheel for all kinds of things in your body, driving the good and the not so good. Here’s how it stacks up and what you can do through diet and exercise to keep the good on track and the bad on blocks. Inflammation is our body’s immune response when something isn’t right. If we sprain an ankle, it swells up which is our immune system kicking in to fix the problem. If we develop a fever or smash a finger, same thing: our immune system goes to work. These are, obviously, good inflammatory responses.

Our immune system gears up, causing an inflammatory reaction whenever it’s met by a foreign substance. The thing is, we don’t always want this, and we definitely don’t want the chronic inflammation it can lead to. Chronic inflammation can occur due to a diet high in inflammatory food such as seed oils, fried foods, sugar, alcohol and foods that are highly processed. Chronic inflammation causes joint pain and takes a toll on our gut health, causing bloat and/or constipation which can lead to weight gain. Chronic inflammation is also associated with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

The good news is, chronic inflammation can be reversed by eating a diet high in fiber and anti-inflammatory foods. There are many anti-inflammatory foods but here are my three favorites.

BERRIES – All Varieties

Berries are high in antioxidants which protect cells from damaging free radicals. Free radicals float around in our system wreaking havoc on our cells. Berries, especially blueberries, neutralize these damaging free radicals. Berries also contain flavonoids which are compounds with strong

anti-inflammatory properties that help protect our heart and reduce inflammation. Berries are also packed with fiber, they keep our gut health on track and because our immune system is located in our gut, a healthy gut also ensures that our immune system is doing its job properly.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains healthy fats that have been shown to lower the inflammatory response. It has an antioxidant called oleocanthal which delivers the same effects as many popular anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Olive oil has also been shown to help reduce heart disease, and the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s. One half to one tablespoon a day does the trick. Just be mindful to purchase extra virgin olive oil that is not refined, or “regular” olive oil. Refined oils and seed oils have been shown to cause inflammation.

AVOCADOS

Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fats plus they’re packed with fiber, magnesium and potassium—all helpful in combatting inflammation. Avocados also contain antioxidants called carotenoids which, coupled with the fat, help reduce inflammation. It’s been shown that when you consume avocados with inflammatory foods (for example, a burger), there is less of an inflammatory response. If you love avocados, as I do, you know they are great in

sandwiches or smoothies, with a breakfast omelet or alone with some salt and pepper.

To live a long, fruitful life (no pun intended), avoid being sedentary for long periods of time, get movement every day to promote circulation and muscle retention, eat a diet high in fiber and choose organic proteins and vegetables when possible. Making these choices on a daily basis can reverse many inflammatory diseases and ensure that you never develop them in the first place.

You are responsible for your health. You have the power to be the best version of yourself every day by the choices you make. Choose wisely.

In good health, Linda

Linda Stephens Fitness offers comprehensive nutritional planning to help you achieve your personal wellness goals. We work with individuals, athletes and families. We believe in being proactive about your health because your health is your responsibility.

www.lindamstephens.com

LINDA STEPHENS, M.S. Nutritionist, Darien Resident and Owner, Linda Stephens Fitness, LLC. My virtual door is always open if you want to discuss your health concerns and goals. You can schedule a complimentary call with me through my website at www.lindamstephens.com.

The Paradox of Assumptions

What was the last assumption you made? Go on, it’s okay. We’ve all made (at least) one in the past day. We’re an assuming breed.

I recently assumed that an able-bodied woman parked in a disabled-accessible spot was abusing the system—I hadn’t yet seen her passenger, who clearly warranted the reserved spot. An acquaintance assumed I was expecting a baby—I’m not pregnant. My dad recently approached parents of another child at my son’s band concert, congratulating them on their daughter’s performance—they kindly replied that “she is a he.”

All understandable assumptions. But at what cost?

We fall in and out of love based on assumptions; we decide to engage or keep quiet over assumptions; we feel self-assured or worthless over assumptions. On a bigger scale, assumptions have caused devastating hatred, toxic estrangement and violent wars.

Paradoxically, assumptions can also lead to essential inner awakenings that shape us for the better and ultimately elevate humanity.

Regarding my dad’s assumption, the child’s long hair, alto voice, and slight frame computed as female. Makes sense. But my dad had also been part of countless conversations on gender—at his own dinner table—and how appearance does not imply gender identity. I’ve been an ally and advocate for gender identity for over 25 years, and I’d passionately expressed to him, on many occasions, the validity of it. He’d heard me, but hadn’t been convinced that gender was more than two easily distinguishable boxes.

It wasn’t until he plopped himself into an actual conversation with actual people, inside their actual story, and made an inaccurate assumption that they called out, that he reconsidered his thoughts about gender. His called-out assumption was awkward and uncomfortable, but it became a valuable catalyst for his expanded perspective. And the ripple effect from this singular, small occurrence is subtle and profound. That one learned thing reverberates to elevate humanity.

Look, we know what we know from our lived experiences—and all of it is true. No judgment. AND. Our perspective on anything is not the whole human story. All those others who surround us—in our world, our nation, our town, our own homes—their experiences are equally true and valuable. And it’s impossible to really know what it’s like to inhabit anyone else’s experiences, relationships, feelings and

body …unless we ask them questions and open-heartedly listen to their truth.

As human beings, we make assumptions—they help us navigate the world. But assumptions become dangerous when they are not called out and explored. Each assumption we make and overlook is a micro-decision to turn our backs on connection, to turn our backs on love.

As people, it’s no secret we’re a fractured body, emotionally disconnected from each other. But spoiler alert: We need each other. Even if we’re tempted to live in silos, we’re inherently and energetically connected. So we’re each accountable for improving the emotional landscape of our human network.

How? In part, by handling our assumptions more thoughtfully.

The goal isn’t to avoid the assumptions and the awkward social blunders that may ensue. Rather, we want to welcome uncomfortable awakenings and lovingly move through our assumptions—“I made an assumption—I apologize. Your child rocked the stage!”—internalize what was learned and do better next time.

But because many of our assumptions will never be publicly verbalized to create uncomfortable awakenings, it’s our responsibility also to privately notice our assumptions, call ourselves out and make uncomfortable awakenings happen from within.

For instance, what do you assume about white teenage boys on a sports field? Asian teenage boys enrolled in top tier colleges? Black teenage boys walking on your neighborhood’s sidewalk?

What do you assume about that wealthy friend? The one with a deep faith? The couple with an ideal marriage? The neighbor who doesn’t have to work? The friend who loves their work? That beautiful, perfectly fit person?

What do you assume about that misbehaved child? That child’s parents? The old person driving slowly? The driver who’s texting? Or the neighbor who makes you mad, the colleague who annoys you, the relative who rubs you the wrong way, the group whose purpose bothers you?

Gather your assumptions. Shake them out. Tell yourself the truth. Then, take a beat. Breathe. Remind yourself that you’re a person-in-becoming and always will be. Remind yourself this is what self-awareness looks like and this process will ultimately enrich your life. Remind yourself that there is something to learn from everyone.

As both the one making assumptions and receiving them, we’re striving for those uncomfortable awakenings— however awkward and hard—so that we can sidestep the irreparable damage that unchecked assumptions can create.

Learning From Assumptions—Four Questions to Ask Yourself

1. How do I know that? (What experience of yours informed your thought?)

2. Is my thought elevating or depreciating humanity? (The goal is to elevate; but not blindly, so either way, move on to the next question.)

3. What other perspectives could I seek to further inform me? (Look to balance your thoughts by finding a news source with an alternate slant; a person with differing life experiences; an expert with another approach…)

4. What can I learn? (Your answer here is the nugget of new knowing that you’ll take forward with you. It’s helpful to pull a loving friend in to help you figure out how you’re growing.)

Inviting those uncomfortable awakenings is an investment in yourself and a decision to love humanity. This is how we engage in the work of strengthening our human fabric.

LINDSAY HURTY, ED.M., Darien resident and co-founder of Everwell, is a teacher, writer + speaker for lifelong learners with growth mindsets. Connect with Lindsay at lindsayhurty.com, theeverwell.com or on IG @lindsay_everwell.

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Finding the Best Spin

…on the Court, and in Life

By Pamela Dey Vossler

by Bambi Riegel | riegelpictureworks.com

KARL

LEVANAT, DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS

at the Country Club of Darien (CCD), is a lucky guy. And he knows it. Winner of the 45+ American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) Nationals in 2020, an in-demand coach through his work at CCD and the Springbok Paddle Camp he co-founded in 2014, head of a thriving racquets program at CCD, Tournament Director for two of the most successful APTA National Tournaments ever, nationally-recognized mentor for aspiring racquets professionals, happily married, father of three, self-made guy from South Africa, and universally liked …just try to find anyone with a bad word to say about him—Karl also knows luck is not an accident, or random. He knows you make your own luck, spinning it from gratitude, a willingness to do what it takes, and from the kind of indelible positivity that can get you through most anything.

Starting with coming to the United States as an 18-yearold South African with barely more than the money it took to get here in his pocket. A talented junior tennis player who’d taught tennis to elementary school kids in high school on Saturday mornings to earn money to come to Ameri-

ca (sparking what would become his calling), Karl landed a job a Dennis Van Der Meer’s Tennis Center on Hilton Head Island. His aim? Find a college, which he did, with a partial scholarship to play tennis at Lander University in Greenwood, SC, waiting tables and returning to Van Der Meer each summer to make ends meet.

“Loving tennis as much as I did, I wanted to come to America to get a tennis scholarship; It was the best of both worlds—to get an education while still competing in a sport I loved. It is a goal of many South Africans to come to America and having heard about it from a young age, I was committed to making it happen,” said Karl.

“You do what you have to do,” he continued. “It’s not that my parents wouldn’t have made sacrifices in South Africa to make it happen for me but they’d done so much in 18 years of my life. I thought, you know what? It’s time for me to do this on my own,” said Karl.

After two years, low on cash and planning a return to South Africa to regroup, the Van Der Meers stepped in with a loan. A full ride to play tennis at the University of Central Oklahoma followed. There he earned a degree in account-

Photos

Karl Levanat

ing, All-American honors and the Division II championship with his team.

“I feel very lucky because things tend to always work out. You know, my wife hates this saying,” said Karl, referring to Amy, a senior director with WTW who he married in 2005 and with whom he is raising three children in Fairfield, “but I’ll say ‘Ams, if you worry, you die. If you don’t worry, you still die. So why worry?’”

“Life isn’t perfect, so I adjust to the challenges that are presented to me and I don’t let things get me bogged down. I’m very positive. I don’t complain. I’m so grateful for everything that I have and that’s happened to me over the years,” said Karl.

It’s a spin that was put sorely to the test. Twice. Within the space of 18 months. When Karl was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in 2003. No doctor, no health insurance, mid-application for his Green Card, he was not yet even 30 years old. Though you’d not know it to talk to Karl or anyone around him at the time.

“His attitude towards it was phenomenal,” said Faycal Rhazali, Director of Racquets at Tokeneke Club, Karl’s close friend and partner in that 45+ Nationals win, and also his co-worker at Darien’s King’s Highway Tennis Club (KHTC) where they were both teaching tennis when Karl went through his first treatment—12 weeks consisting of three rounds of one full week of out-patient chemo, eight hours a day, Monday through Friday followed by two weeks off in early 2003. And again in 2004 when the cancer returned and he went through another 12 weeks of the same treatment— this time as a patient in the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital, and ultimately surgery at Memori-

al Sloan Kettering, complete with the 72 staples needed to close him back up.

“From day one (after surgery), it was how can I push forward because there’s no use feeling sorry for myself. It wouldn’t get me anywhere,” said Karl, as self-effacing as he is positive.

“It was very inspiring. You couldn’t tell that he was dealing with such things,” continued Faycal. “He kept an incredible positive attitude. …I mean, deep down, I’m sure it was tough. But he made everybody feel like ‘I can deal with this.’ He’s a tremendous fighter inside. He persevered through it,” he added.

“It was more of a challenge the second time around because I knew what to expect,” said Karl who still tried to go to work as often as possible in his two weeks off during treatment at KHTC where he had been hired to teach tennis in January 2000 after graduating from college in May 1999. “(But) you just try and be as positive as you can,” he continued, crediting his “huge support system” for helping him through, including Amy (who was just a friend at the time), the membership of the Noroton Yacht Club (NYC) where he was the summer director of racquets in 2003 and 2004, and KHTC.

NYC members Abby Daley and Tory Crane spearheaded local fundraising efforts along with KHTC’s General Manager Jeff Gocke and the teaching pros there who organized a pro exhibition to help cover Karl’s medical expenses. Meg

Specha and Patti Taylor from KHTC arranged meals to make sure Karl and his mom, who had come from South Africa to care for her son, could focus on his treatment.

Now, 20 years later, you’d still never know about Karl’s journey and fight, unless you asked him. He’s candid, straightforward, self-deprecating and, would you believe, funny recalling some of the more absurd aspects of the experience—his signature humor on full display.

“If I can make somebody smile, that’s mission accomplished. For me, humor is the best medicine,” said Karl, cancer-free since his last round of treatment in 2004.

It’s the same humor he uses to put players of all levels at ease when he’s teaching. It, coupled with his knowledge of the game and ability to “read a court,” is what places him amongst the most in-demand paddle and tennis teaching professionals.

It helps when your job is your passion. “It’s easy to go to work every day because I love what I do,” said Karl of teaching. “I love the membership that I work with and am grateful for the many families I have worked with over the years at CCD. In addition, I have a great team, and great colleagues. I am incredibly fortunate,” he added.

It helps too when your understanding of teaching is as innate as Karl’s is. “You can’t teach everybody the exact same way,’” said Karl who came to CCD in 2006, the same year he earned his APTA certification with Paddle Hall of Famer Patty Hogan. Working with Patty and Wee Burn Country Club’s legendary Head Paddle Pro Bob Callaway, also a Paddle Hall of Famer, Karl refined his knowledge and love of paddle.

“(Paddle) is a different mentality,” said Macie Medieros, Director of Racquets at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, who worked for Karl at CCD from 2017 to 2022, describing all she learned from him as he helped her translate the elite tennis ability that took her through college tennis at Southern Methodist University in Dallas into a sport she’d never heard of before arriving on Karl’s staff—as both a teacher and a player.

“He gave me a tremendous solid foundation for the sport,”

Macie who went on to drill with him weekly, sharpening skills that helped her land her present position as well as an APTA National Championship in 2020 and her current APTA ranking of #5 in the country.

“Even now, I’ve done a few different drill sessions with

said

left Karl with Macie Medeiros, an APTA national champion and currently ranked #5 in the country in paddle, above: Karl (center) with Macie Medeiros and Bernard Schoeman, left bottom: (from left) Faycal, his son Omar, Karl’s son Luke, Karl; following in their fathers’ footsteps, the boys have partnered to win three Junior Paddle National championships

Current CCD Pros (from left): Alvaro Cruz, Karl, Philip Fama, Nikola Kohoutová

TOP PHOTOS COURTESY OF MACIE MEDEIROS, BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF FAYCAL RHAZALI

him this year, even though I don’t work for him anymore. He’s like a second father to me,” said Macie, commenting on a closeness cemented by the mentoring Karl gives to all staff members who decide to pursue a career running racquets programs.

“I want to run the best program I can for CCD and its membership. (An important part of that is) hiring the right staff,” said Karl.

He looks for pros with passion, drive, determination; pros who care, those willing to do whatever it takes. Pros with a positive attitude and an ability to read their students. Pros like him, though he would never say so, astoundingly humble as this guy is.

“If I get those with me that are passionate, my goal is to mentor them to become directors,” he continued.

“Everyone knows Karl’s one of the best mentors and teachers around,” said Macie. “He’s one of the most selfless people I think I have known,” she added.

“He is firstly my mentor and my boss but then also I see him as a brother, and a father,” said Bernard Schoeman who took the Director of Racquets job at Elk Ridge Country Club in Baltimore after 11 years with Karl at CCD. “Everything that I know about teaching and how to be a successful director is totally due to him,” he added.

“Karl has distinguished himself, not just by running one of the top racquets programs in New England, but by mentoring his assistant pros to do the same,” said longtime CCD member and six-year CCD Board member Dirk Dunlap, also a racquets enthusiast. “He takes particular and deserved pride in the fact that, when the CCD pros move on, they go to head racquets positions and have the skills to lead their own dynamic programs. Few people have influenced club

racquet sports in our region as much as Karl,” he added.

“Karl has a very good work ethic. He’s very much a perfectionist. You should see him in front of an excel sheet,” said Macie, originally an accounting major, like Karl. “The lines all have to match,” she continued, laughing. “And unfortunately he passed that on to me and so I was just doing something for my event yesterday and I saw something and thought, ‘Darn it Karl, I could have let this go before. Now I can’t. Now it bothers me.”

It’s a meticulous, organized approach that carries over to his own style of competing.

“He is nearly a perfectionist on the paddle court which makes him highly competitive,” said Faycal who competed with Karl in tournaments for eight years. “Always the first thing that comes out his mouth is, ‘Hey partner, what’s the plan?’ I think he carries that over with him in his daily life. He’s a highly organized guy.”

And when they would go down in a match?

“Many times we would find ourselves sucked into playing the opponent’s game. We went away from the plan and (Karl) quickly would pull me aside and say ‘Faycal, we gotta get back and find our game, find the plan’ and somehow, miraculously we’ve had some really good wins against some top five teams in the nation,” said Faycal.

To Karl, who readily owns up to nervousness in competition, “It’s remembering what you can control. You can control your own actions for the most part and self-talk is extremely important in keeping you in the moment—positivity versus negativity, temper tantrum versus calm,” he said, “and not letting the inner voice and the demons over power what you have,” he added.

“It’s not easy, obviously. I wasn’t positive all the time. But

that was how I tried to keep positive, and problem solve. You’ve got to make adjustments, whether it’s paddle, tennis or life,” he continued, exposing a humble confidence, a product of his strict but loving upbringing, something he and Amy, are imparting to their children, Luke – 15, Owen –13 and daughter Chloe – 11.

“I am who am I today because of my Dad,” said Karl of his father who emigrated to South Africa from Croatia with his family after surviving first-hand encounters with the Germans during WWII. “He didn’t make millions. He was just a hard worker and he was able to provide for everything he could for my mom, my sister and I. He was and is my role model. That he made it happen,” added Karl, a devoted, family-first father in his own right whose favorite way to unwind is to watch his kids in their sports and extracurriculars.

While not always easy to balance his role as coach and parent, especially with Luke who has won three Junior Paddle National championships with partner Omar Rhazali (yes, Faycal’s son), Karl takes pride in placing his role as parent first. That’s why Luke knows paddle, like life, requires discipline.

He also knows, as do his siblings, the rules in Karl and Amy’s home today: Be kind, be humble, be gracious, be grateful; always shake hands, look people in the eyes, talk confidently, work hard …and no screens before homework,

no phones before bed or school, help with the laundry, make your bed, unpack your lunch box and brush and walk Granite, the family’s German shepherd. They are rules the kids describe as “strict but a good strict.”

“It’s those small things that seem like small things but they end up being huge,” said Karl.

Above all, Karl’s life of optimism, sights set outside himself, pursuing his passions and comfort in his own skin born of a strong faith tradition given to him by his parents is one of gratitude.

“I’m not one that looks and says the grass is always greener on the other side. I look at what I have and I’m like ‘Wow! my grass is quite green! How lucky am I? Let’s keep it watered!’” said Karl.

“He works very, very hard but he also always has said ‘Never chase the money in life. That never gets you anywhere. You have to chase what you love with a passion and if you chase what you love as a passion and your goal is to do right by others, everything else will take care of itself,’” said Macie of Karl.

For this guy who looks at his bruises and sees a story to tell, an experience to share, who’s driven to give his all in everything, spots gratitude all around him …who drinks a cup half full no matter what, and shares it with all who cross his path each day, truly, there is no better spin.

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left: The Levanat family (from left): Karl, Chloe, Luke, Amy and Owen, above Karl with his parents

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LEVANAT FAMILY

Theatre

308:

Behind the Curtain

Theatre 308 is Darien High School’s award-winning theater program. “308,” as it’s known, produces two mainstage productions each year including a fall drama and a spring musical, as well as a student-directed one-act festival and a cabaret. With about 100 active members, 308 provides an opportunity for students to express themselves and explore their creativity through song, dance, acting, costuming, set construction, music, lighting, sound and more. Theatre 308 has been producing shows and entertaining audiences for over 50 years.

Theatre 308 is a respected performing arts program, which has produced well over 100 shows, won numerous Sondheim and Halo Awards and even has famous alumni such as Dan Micciche, the current Musical Director of Wicked on Broadway.

Bringing a show to life on stage involves 60 to 80 students, five to seven dedicated adults (director, choreographers, musical director, technical directors) and a team of parent volunteers. Although the actors and actresses are the most visible people in a production, there are many important roles off stage including the stage crew (building sets, handling props, managing lights and sound), a costume team (envisioning, sewing and sourcing costumes), musi-

cians and production team. It takes an entire group of talented individuals in different areas, working together, to put on a show. The camaraderie among the theater group is truly a special bond.

Each Theatre 308 production has its own unique element. Some examples include the performance of Some-

thing Rotten on an outdoor stage during the pandemic and the original musical score composed by a student for this year’s production of The Tempest. 308’s spring production of Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical Newsies incorporates several unique aspects, including a dance number on newspapers, and the addition of two middle school students to the cast to share the role of Les.

Newsies is based on the true story of the Newsboy Strike of 1899. When Joseph Pulitzer raises the price of newspapers sold by newsboys on the street, the newsies, led by Jack Kelly, band together and initiate a strike that spreads throughout New York City. Newsies is a heartwarming story of friendship, determination and love. This production promises energizing songs, show-stopping dance numbers,

the 2023 Theatre 308 spring musical,

a live pit band and many other unique production elements. When asked about the production, Director Tim Sorensen explained, “NEWSIES speaks to a generation of young people looking for a voice in the world. In the nearly 125 years since the actual Newsboy Strike, I feel a real honor to share their story and empower my own students to find ways to speak up for what they believe is right. And the best part is, our students get to share this message in the most powerful, energetic, and uplifting of ways…on a stage!”

Newsies is a show for all ages and not to be missed! For more information follow @theatre308 on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook or check out the website: theatre308.org.

far left An early rehearsal, left Poster for

KATIE KOSLOW, Darien High School Junior, is the Theatre 308 Secretary of External Communications

top : The cast at Grove Street Plaza, gathered to distribute Newsies promotional posters around town, above : Cast at the initial read through

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THEATRE 308

The Darien Foundation:

Moving Darien Forward

If you live in Darien, chances are the Darien Foundation has made your life better in some way. A grantmaking organization, The Darien Foundation has funded over $5.5 million via some 120 grants to benefit Darien. Grants are provided for technology and capital initiatives that create opportunity for Darien’s youth, support the town’s safety and security and enhance the overall quality of life. This Darien-based nonprofit so knitted into our day to day is getting ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary and we’re thrilled to spotlight them in the following Q&A.

Originally established as the Darien Technology Foundation, the name was shortened after grant funding was expanded to include community capital projects. Board Chair Ward Glassmeyer, who is marking 20 years serving the or-

ganization, has overseen its development to include the expansion of its mission, a significant increase in annual grant amounts and the growth of the Board of Directors from 10 to 24 devoted, hands-on members—the engine behind much of the Foundation’s success.

“We’re fortunate to have this dedicated group of individuals on our board and I’m so proud of the things we’ve accomplished,” said Ward. “The people involved in this organization are really ‘all in’ and I feel more committed to it now than ever before. Honestly, if you want to give back to the town, there’s no better way than to support The Darien Foundation,” he continued.

Funded initiatives touch Darien residents at all ages and stages, from the turtle habitat that enchants toddlers at the

The Darien Foundation Board at the newly-opened Mather Barn, partially funded by a DF grant

Giving Back

The DF has supported Post 53 with grants, most recently for technology

Darien Nature Center to the fully-accessible super van used by At Home in Darien to provide rides for our seniors and residents with disabilities. Additionally, 100% of donations support the grants as the Board of Directors and officers underwrite operating costs, which include one part-time Executive Director, Sarah Woodberry.

When did your organization form and why?

SARAH The Darien Foundation was founded in 1998 by Richard Chilton, who brought together a group of parents to fund computer equipment for the Darien Public Schools. The first laptops for elementary students were funded by us in 2000. Early grants also provided technology for the Darien Library, local nonprofits and town emergency services.

What makes your organization unique?

WARD: Our board participation and commitment. We make a deliberate effort to have a board comprised of a varied group of experts to help provide the best resources for our grants, that includes technology, marketing, business and legal experts. Moreover, everyone actively participates in discussions of grant applications and, when a project has been agreed upon by the group, we assign two to five board members to collaborate with that organization and help oversee it to fruition.

SARAH The Darien Foundation is unique in concept and mission. Most communities do not have a local organization like ours that they can go to with big ideas to get big

projects funded. We are home grown in Darien, and all of the grant funding goes back into our town.

When did you join the organization and what attracted you?

WARD: I joined The Darien Foundation in 2002, not long after I moved back to town as a young parent, and almost immediately after I learned about this innovative, new nonprofit. My parents have set a great example for me—my dad has always been an active philanthropist and my mom has been tremendously involved in the town. I was looking for

a great way to start giving back and what better way than to give back to this community through the Foundation.

SARAH I joined in 2018 after discovering the numerous initiatives that The Darien Foundation has funded across town. Even five years later, I continue to be inspired by the many people and organizations I get to work with through our partnerships. It is so exciting when new grant proposals come to us.

Is there a particular grant that really stands out to you?

WARD: We get enthused about all of our projects, but one early grant that stands out to me was the funding of mobile data terminals that allow our firefighters to quickly identify the locations of fire hydrants when arriving on scene and to dispatch and receive critical updates in real-time. Believe it or not, as recently as 2006, our firefighters were driving around with three-ring binders to locate fire hydrants. We’ve also improved connectivity between Post 53 and the local hospitals that allows them to better communicate about

emergency arrivals. I’m particularly proud of these grants that benefit everyone in town.

Another grant that stands out is the Playground by the Sound at Weed Beach because it was the first grant that we funded after pivoting from only funding technology projects to including capital community projects as well.

SARAH: Our recent grant to Abilis was a unique partnership with the Darien Library, the Darien YMCA and the Depot Youth Center to bring Abilis and their successful programs to Darien. We underwrote the technology and equipment. Last year, the Darien Library Café opened staffed by Abilis adults, and the new YMCA Café run by Abilis just opened in January. Another meaningful collaboration was with Corbin Cares during the pandemic, in which we funded meals for Darien’s food-insecure families as well as for Seniors while the Mather Center was closed. So many other Darien organizations and businesses joined us in this collaboration. It was very uplifting.

What are you looking ahead to?

SARAH: As we enter our 25th year, we’ll strive to continue to move Darien Forward—our theme this year.

WARD: We look forward to more innovation and more ways to give back to Darien. The board welcomes ideas, and we love all the creative thinking in this community.

For more information about The Darien Foundation, visit darienfoundation.org.

above The natural habitat for turtles at the Darien Nature Center, funded by a DF grant; top left The playground at Weed Beach, built through a DF partnership with Darien moms; bottom left: The accessible van for At Home in Darien, made possible by DF funding (Sarah Woodberry and Ward Glassmeyer at right)

A DF grant funded equipment for the new Darien Library cafe, run by Abilis and the Library

GREENS ON THE GO: FED BY FLAVOR

Darien loves Brussels sprouts. If you’re Alyssa Baker Kadow, owner of Greens on the Go at 23 Tokeneke Road in Darien, you know this. Just as you know you can serve tofu that even the naysayer-est of naysayers will love, and that chicken, quesadillas and Mexican Caesar Salad can live on the same menu as Moroccan Stew, gluten-free breakfast cookies and other vegan and vegetarian offerings, to the delight of everyone lucky enough to discover this gem of a no-judgment zone.

“I love vegan restaurants but some of them, it’s like strictly this or strictly that,” said Alyssa, an off-and-on vegetarian herself. “The thing is, if a person wants chicken, they’re not going to go there.”

Admittedly, though, she delights in expanding palettes as she did with a meatless Monday promotion in which she offered tofu as an addition for free. Flavored as it was by her take on the famous NYC restauranteur David Chang’s Saam Sauce, soon even the most dedicated carnivores couldn’t get enough of the stuff.

“So even though we’re not vegetarian,” said Alyssa, “I’m teaching people about things that they never would have eaten before.” →

left Part of the Greens on the Go team (from left): Bibiana Valencia - Counter/Cashier, Katerin VargasCook, Alyssa Baker Kadow, Oscary “Karen” RecioManager & Head Cook, Carina Miranda - Cook, above: Brussels and Butternut Bowl, a Darien favorite

The Good Table

With a menu exploding with flavors that reflect every place Alyssa has ever been or been drawn to, it’s no wonder. This woman knows her spices, with a knowledge base that grows constantly—from what she learned during her 15 years working in catering and through the hours she loses herself in the aisles of ethnic delis, spice stores and take out joints in Connecticut, New York and everywhere she goes.

“That inspires me,” said Alyssa, a food explorer if there ever was one.

Driven by a desire to limit salt as she was sorting out her next calling after catering, Alyssa doubled down on different

ways to season the dishes she was creating—with spices, citrus and other sodium-free alternatives, always starting with fresh-each-day fruits, vegetables and other base ingredients. She began an on-demand take out business for equestrian barns near where she was living with her husband in Salem, NY at the time. Word spread. Soon schools and businesses wanted in too. Then came her first Greens on the Go location in New Canaan, and a menu that grew to include smoothies, soups and other offerings that are not only low-salt, but also rich in anti-inflammatory benefits— as good for you as they are good to eat.

Alyssa calls it “food you can eat every day.” Everyone else calls it breakfast, lunch or dinner.

She expanded to Darien last April, pulled to town by the space she found and customers who no longer have to go so far for the fare they love. Though Greens on the Go is open just Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm, it tracks with customer demand and customers know to get there before closing to pick up what they may want for dinner.

While a back area of tables designed by Alyssa’s artist daughter fills during the lunch hour, much of the restaurant’s business is takeaway or delivered to businesses, schools and others throughout Darien and Stamford.

Like rings on a tree, the Greens on the Go menu and the flavors reflected there trace Alyssa’s own timeline and value system, starting in Buffalo, NY where she made her first salad (at four years old!) at her grandfather’s popular steakhouse—The Blacksmith’s Shop.

Her grandfather went on to pioneer healthy eating in Buffalo, opening a space he called the Garden of Eden in the back of his restaurant. There he served a completely different menu-smoothies, salads, quinoa even …in the early 70s. After he sold the Blacksmith’s Shop, he opened Buffalo’s first health food store.

“He was something else, a very cool guy,” said Alyssa.

At six years old, Alyssa moved to San Francisco’s Mission District with her family. “The Mission District is primarily Mexican and that is a huge in-

fluence on me. Mexican food. Absolutely. I grew up on it,” explained Alyssa.

Next came the East Village in New York City when she was 14 years old. “I remember going to Greenwich Village,” she recalled. “It was the first time I ever saw people in the same neighborhood with all different ethnicities. …I loved it.”

That led to Ukrainian restaurants …and Indian, Szechuan and more, and an open-to-all, champion-of-others approach that is as much a part of Greens on the Go now as the incredible food she creates. She knows a good thing

when she sees it and is comfortable enough in her own skin to embrace it. Just ask her staff—a diverse collection of women who add as much to the menu now as Alyssa herself.

“Most of our staff did initially learn how to cook from me,” said Alyssa, providing a glimpse of the high standards to which she adheres. “But now, I’ve learned so much from them. I just try to get out of the way.”

“They each have their own flavor. So it’s very equal among all of us. It’s just an amazing group of women,” she added. So what makes a restaurant great? The food certainly, but when it comes with authenticity, passion and a welcome born of a diverse team as committed to excellence as they are to each other, as it does at Greens on the Go, there is no better place to go …and go back to.

Alyssa’s grandfather at his health foods store in Buffalo, NY

Moroccan Stew, a top seller

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY : GREENS ON THE GO

Homemade Chicken and Kale Soup

It was my own fault really. My husband and I started talking about processed food and I mentioned that the soups he loves having for lunch, despite being sold as organic, etc. are still full of preservatives. I do have a bit of a ‘thing’ about real food with real ingredients. Which is how I found myself spending the whole of last Monday making batches of homemade soups. Full of fresh vegetables and homemade stock. Perfect to freeze in small containers for said husband’s lunch. In all fairness, it was a very satisfying day.

The one we enjoyed the most was a chicken and kale soup made with the remains of Sunday’s roast chicken. Store bought stock can be substituted for the homemade and shortens the entire cooking process, but then you need to poach some chicken whilst you are cooking the vegetables. I have also been a little vague with quantities of liquid. I like my soup super thick and full of vegetables but if you prefer less stuff in your soup add more stock and season accordingly. If there is any leftover, this soup is even better the next day.

CAROLYN EDDIE is a Darien Resident & Owner, Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events. For more of her recipes, check out carolynsabsolutelyfabulousevents.com and please remember to tag her on Instagram @carolynsfabfoods.

INGREDIENTS – FOR STOCK ( CAN BE MADE AHEAD )

1 whole chicken, or 4 to 5 pieces of chicken on the bone, or remains of a roasted chicken

1 onion, quartered (no need to peel)

3 stalks celery, halved

3 carrots, halved Parsley

INSTRUCTIONS – FOR STOCK

1. Place all ingredients in a large pot and cover with water.

2. Bring to a boil and then simmer gently for three hours.

3. Every so often, skim the scum off the top with a large spoon.

4. Using a colander, strain the contents of the pot. Set aside. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, remove the meat from the bones and add to stock. Discard the vegetables.

INGREDIENTS – FOR SOUP

Chicken stock from above plus some store-bought (or two cartons of storebought

The cooked chicken meat, cut into chunks, or two raw chicken potions

6 stalks of celery, sliced in half lengthways then cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 small onion, diced

1 parsnip or small swede, diced Handful of French green beans, cut into three

Handful of chopped kale

Olive oil

Optional: some pasta, rice or tinned white beans

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS – FOR SOUP

1. In the same large pot that you used to make the broth, heat a little olive oil, then add the carrots, onion, celery and swede or parsnip

2. Sauté over a gentle heat for 10 to15 minutes, then add stock. Add raw chicken at this stage if you don’t already have cooked chicken, and poach alongside the vegetables.

3. Remove the chicken after thirty minutes and cut or shred.

4. Continue cooking until carrots are almost done, then add the green beans.

5. Add the pasta, rice or white beans at this stage (if you are including them).

6. Cook for a further 10 minutes, then add kale and chicken.

7. Taste for seasoning, adding extra stock if required to cover all the fantastic ingredients, and cook for two minutes until kale is bright green but not wilted.

Around Town | photos by: BAMBI RIEGEL riegelpictureworks.com

Cherry Lawn Park

All Bambi Riegel photos available to own. Visit www.riegelpictureworks.com for details.