Westport, CT March 2023

About House the

HOME + DESIGN

EXPERT TIPS AND TRENDS FOR HOMES

LIFE + CULTURE

RACH’S HOPE IS HELPING FAMILIES

ONE OF WESTPORT’S FINEST

MARCH 2023

SARAH

On the Homefront

The cold winter months keep us huddled within our homes, taking stock of our decor and toying with possible renovations.

So our March issue is all about homes, starting with house trends by Jeff Titus: what’s old is new again. For inspiration, Designport, a new website, showcases your neighbor’s design ideas and offers tips and advice. And if you’re thinking of a new kitchen, you may want tips and advice gleaned from the kitchen in a busy, successful restaurant.

Gaining traction are “destination location” rooms within a home, and Peter Cadoux shows us some exceptional ones.

In chasing new trends, it’s easy to forget our town’s history. Annette Norton kept this in mind when she thoughtfully restored a house built in 1776. D&M Restoration keeps this in mind every day when lovingly giving new life to antiques.

March is also the month for Rach’s Hope’s annual gala - a pajama party dedicated to help ease the burden of families with children in extended visits in intensive care.

It’s also a great month for inspiring stories, such as the life of beloved Westport policeman Officer Craig Bergamo.

Lastly, February break is over and April break is far away, so consider a luxurious staycation break to reset.

Stay warm and remember: spring is right around the corner.

MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

March 2023

PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Robin Moyer Chung | robin.chung@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Meredith Guinness, Caroline Barney, Jen Berniker, Robin Chung, Alex Franklin, Neil Orwick, Discover Westport CT

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Videler, Tomira Wilcox, Colleen Clear, Jen Berniker, Mindy Briar, Caroline C. Barney

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Proverbs 3:5-6

“We offer cutting edge acne treatment at Westport Dermatology. Dr. Levy is an expert in managing acne and offers a variety of treatments, including traditional topical medications, oral medications, natural alternatives with supplements, hormonal therapy, light treatment, acne surgery and chemical peels. We are up to date with all the latest developments in the treatment of acne. Your routine is personalized based on the type of acne you have and other medical conditions. Dr. Levy will work with you until you are glowing and confident in your skin.”

LAUREN L. LEVY, MD, FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING

“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Levy! She is warm, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable about the field of Dermatology. She is simply the best!”

“She fixed my daughter’s skin. She is very nice and professional.” 325

city scene

1: Club 203’s Holiday Party at Wakeman Town Farm. Marc Piccolo, Charlie Biondo, Jodi Felton from MoCA 2: Brett and Jenn Lieberman, Justine Lieberman-Fink. 3: Echo Bodell and Cotton Bodell 4: Alex Bordea - singing up a storm!! 5: Dancing up a storm! 6: Stacie Curran and Dylan Curran. 7: Alexis Romanello, with Mom Edith Romanello, joined by Alex and Club203 friends Photography by John Videler

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with

8: Opening of OKA Flagship on Main Street. Anna-Louise Ruttmann and Imke Lohs 9: OKA Westport’s 14,500 square ft. space. 10: Guests enjoyed live music, cocktails and canapés to celebrate. 11: Adam Lippes, Sue Jones, Alby Shale 12: Michaela Erlanger and MIchelle Rehlander 13: Sue Jones and Hutton Wilkinson 14: Terry Sutton and Leila Bailey.

Photography by BFA

@westportlifestyle

Namastay Clips

Tired of your yoga towel slipping and scrunching under your hands and feet? Namastay Clips fasten your towel in place to reduce slipping and sliding on the mat. Namastay Clips are a unique solution to a common yogi problem, designed as a set of 4 simple, safe, and heat-resistant clips to be used on the 4 corners of your mat. Nicole Rothschild, raised in Westport, founded Namastay Clips.  NamastayClips.com

Westport's Longshore Inn on March 19, 2023, with all net proceeds benefitting Berni & Murcer, a local non-profit supporting children with cancer. Ticketed guests can sample over 70 wines curated by Ancona's Wines & Liquors, plus enjoy gourmet grazing tables, a Rose Room, and DJ entertainment. Private rooms also available for groups. Reserve tickets at bit.ly/swpwestport2023

Westport Library Honored with Prestigious 5-Star Rating as One of Top Libraries in the Country

The Westport Library has been honored with a 5-star rating from Public Library Service’s 2022 Library Journal Index — the highest score available — distinguishing it as one of the top libraries in the United States.

The Westport Library is the only five-star library in the state of Connecticut , per the Library Journal Index. Overall, 5,359 public libraries were assessed for 2022, 85 of which received 5-star status, or top 1.6% of public libraries in the U.S.

Photography Harrison Gordon

Fashionably Westport Runway Fashion Event

Enjoy a fun and festive eveninglive in the Westport Library Forum! Scores of local fashion and beauty shops will feature live modeling of the latest looks you can buy now for Spring/Summer!

Profits to be donated to Homes With Hope

Saturday, March 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

The Great Westport Pizza Month

March is Pizza Month! Eat a pizza this month and cast your vote for who makes the Best Pizza in Westport. Eight different categories, numerous participating eateries. Drama, intrigue, and only eight will win...

Peter Cadoux Home Wins Hobie Award

Peter Cadoux Architects is pleased to announce they have been awarded the Custom Home of the Year award for 2022, hosted by the Home Builders Association of Connecticut.  Attended by the state’s most talented luxury architects, builders, and remodelers, this year’s grand prize was for a contemporary home recently completed along the Saugatuck River in Westport.

We look forward to entering our next home for 2023! CadouxAIA.com

At Northstar Wellness we provide important support systems that allow our patients and their families to experience relief and hope. Specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions and relationships.

VersoFest '23

VersoFest is Westport Library’s annual music and media conference and festival where knowledge is shared and inspiration is discovered - a forum for media creators, artists, and fans to converge.

VersoFest includes panels where experts share their perspectives and vision. Intimate workshops provide creators the opportunity to deconstruct, improve, and hone their craft. Performances entertain and inspire. WestportLibrary.org

March 30 - April 2

northstarwellness.care hellonorthstarwellness@gmail.com 203.246.7615

Erica Adler LCSW

Rach's Hope Annual Gala

Tickets for Rach’s Hope PJ Gala on Saturday March 11th at FTC The Warehouse are on sale NOW! Come dance the night away with us and support a great cause. Honoring the life of Rachel Hope Doran, Rach's Hope provides families with emotional and financial support to help them navigate critical illness. RachsHope.org

Saturday, March 11

7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

FTC Fairfield

Exhibit Opening:“I Thee

Wed: Western Bridal Fashion from the Collection”

Visitors can explore several examples of wedding gowns—both white and the less traditional—in the Museum’s collection in I Thee Wed: Western Bridal Fashion from the Collection. Discover how these iconic dresses and their place in the world of fashion relate to wealth, class, gender, and women’s rights.

WestportHistory.org

Opening: Friday, March 10 5 - 7 p.m.

SNOOPING AROUND TOWN

Designport Takes Nosy Neighbor to the Next Level

ARTICLE BY JEN BERNIKER

Westport is an interior design mecca. Just look at the array of destination design shops thriving here: from the California-cool neutral palette of Jenny Kayne, to the saturated colors and lacquer finishes at Tailored Home, to the earthy global eclecticism of Bungalow, to the iconic modern clean lines at Design Within Reach - our styles run the gamut.

If you’ve ever met someone interesting and wondered what’s behind their front door, you’re not alone. That curiosity is the motivation behind Saturday and Sunday “Snoops,” a regular feature on Designport, a website and Instagram feed devoted to all things local design (including tips, makeovers, and lists.)

Shannon Vindiola's living room.

(Photo: Colleen Clear)

Andi Sklar's kitchen.

(Photo: Tomira Wilcox)

Cristina Villegas' living room.

Jenn Falik's parlour room.

(Photo: Tomira Wilcox Photo)

The original Facebook group, Designport, is a hub for members to ask advice and share recommendations. I created it to fulfill my own personal need for home design companionship: I wanted advice from design-loving friends who wouldn’t think I was a weirdo for obsessing over things like shades of white, knob styles, and finding the perfect chairs.

As Designport has grown, I’ve become a different kind of weirdo; one who has spent the past year and a half stalking homes and knocking on doors and garden fences with my production partner Annie Ford, iPhone in hand, searching for creative homeowners with interesting design stories.

In addition to the fun of peeking into someone's home, there’s information to glean on how people work with what they have, overcome obstacles (i.e. pesky columns, low ceilings), reuse and repurpose pieces, make mistakes, find the right experts to help make their vision real, and all the rest that goes into the often angst-inducing process of making a house a home.

While we love to highlight the work of professional interior designers and architects on the feed, the "Snoops" are generally homeowner-designed and -led, to reveal the personality of the person who lives there.

HERE ARE SEVEN OF OUR FAVORITES:

Who: Cristina Villegas, owner of Casa Yoya kids concept store, interior designer and stylist

Why: Villegas’ gut renovation took this older home from night to day while retaining its eclectic charm. The white-washed walls and floors combined with Villegas’ flair for pairing Danish modern furniture pieces with Moroccan rugs and modern art results in a true ‘swoon’ moment.

Who: Shannon Vindiola, owner of Yozo Studio

Why: Texas transplant Shannon Vindiola couldn’t find the right house so she designed and built her own modern version of a saltbox colonial. As the owner and artist of a bespoke letterpress shop, she operates out of her home studio. Her clean, graphic sensibility

and artistic talent are evident in every room of her playful, warm home.

Who: Jackie Fucigna, owner of the No. 299 Shops

Why: This home welcomes you in with a sweet mix of old and new. Jackie gut-renovated her small home and made so many smart choices. One can’t help but be inspired by her combination of Target chairs, draped with the perfect throws, sharing space with a vintage fire cabinet from Monger’s Market.

Who: Andi Sklar, co-chair of Pink Aid, football fangirl

Why: This sleek, white, modern home falls into the ‘aspirational’ category, its bright, bold Miami-vibes reflecting the fun-loving attitude of its football-loving owner. Leave it to Andi to accessorize with candy.

Who: Jerri Graham, lifestyle photographer

Why: Rentals need love, too, and Jerri is the queen of changing up her scene to suit her mood. Her home is filled with mementos from her body of work, furniture on wheels, second-hand finds, and plants galore.

Who: Jenn Falik, television personality and creator of “The Ultimate Edit”

Why: Whites and neutrals aren’t for everyone and sometimes it’s fun to go over-the-top. This room, designed by Falik’s husband, wows with a wallpapered ceiling and contains a jewel-encrusted deer-head. It’s a party waiting to happen.

Who: Amy Guzzi, personal stylist

Why: New England never goes out of style. Amy’s traditional home is an homage to her ancestors, containing art and antiques from her Italian grandparents blended with classic pieces and modern accessoriesa cozy, classic look.

To watch, search “snoops” on MyDesignport.com

@My_Designport

Do you have a home story fit for a Snoop? Please send it to hello@mydesignport.com

“Westport is an interior design mecca. While the default look may be ‘coastal casual,’ our tastes are actually much more varied.”

Shannon Vindiola's kitchen.

(Photo: Colleen Clear)

Jerri Graham's house

(Photo: Jen Berniker)

Shannon Vindiola's living room.

(Photo: Colleen Clear)

Cristina Villegas' kitchen.

(Photo: Tomira Wilcox)

Amy Guzzi's living room.

(Photo: Tomira Wilcox)

Andi Sklar's Kitchen.

(Photo: Tomira Wilcox)

Jackie Fucigna's living room.

(Photo: Colleen Clear)

Cristina Villegas' living room.

Simple is Hip for Homes

JEFF TITUS’ HOME TRENDS FOR 2023

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS

Want to stay on trend in 2023? When it comes to home interiors think Farmhouse 2.0. Farmhouse All Grown Up. Move that farmhouse to, say, Sweden.

The claustrophobia of the last few years gave us time to look around our homes and consider what works and what doesn’t. And as this year’s stalwart band of crocuses pop up on the lawn outside, many Westport homeowners are looking for ways to pair the crisp freshness of simple lines and an everything-in-its-place order with the well-considered warmth and creature comforts of Scandinavian hygge.

“You don’t see huge formality anymore or ornateness. Nobody wants to live in a

museum,” says Jeff Titus, who has witnessed many a trend over his 28 years building and remodeling homes through his busy Titus Built firm. “The appeal of the open floor plan and its benefits are still there, but there’s an eagerness for cozy spaces.”

One of the biggest trends Jeff and his team are seeing is the continued popularity of the first-floor bedroom suite – planned for a master suite or a private space for extended family. A boon for homeowners looking into their senior years and those who want to let grandparents feel at home, they are often outfitted with curb-less showers and heated flooring.

Simple lines.

Large spas have been replaced by vintage clawfoot or modern free-standing tubs.

“There’s a more European feel to it,” Jeff says.

And couples aren’t sacrificing their own comfort in 2023. He’s seeing many craving a sanctuary for themselves, updating a master suite with a sitting area and highly customized closets featuring dedicated display such as glass-topped storage for beautiful watches and jewelry.

Customization is key in other parts of the house, Jeff says, including must-have mudrooms. “Kids come in with sports equipment and trombones and need a place to put it all,” he says.

The kitchen, too, is getting an orderly facelift.

“There’s a strong trend toward simple, simple, simple,” Jeff says. That translates to clean cabinet and counter lines, swapping fussy molding for interesting color schemes. Some homeowners are asking for multicolored kitchens, with one hue on the cabinet

frames and another on the doors or two different colors on cabinetry above and below the counters.

Wide plank flooring, quarter-sawn white oak and “flashes of texture and natural materials” are making an appearance, replacing the cherry and orange-hued woods of the past, Jeff says. “Nobody wants that anymore,” he says.

Clients are requesting specific items in their kitchens, including knife blocks set into drawers and sliding elements for easier access.

The concept of the open floor plan is evolving, with homeowners envisioning a family room separated from the kitchen by a glass wall or the balcony above with an open wood-and-cable railing.

The pandemic may have spurred another mini-trend  – requests for optimal air and water quality, including UV light and filtration, duct cleaning and units to regulate healthy humidity.

“There is more and more awareness of things like that,” Jeff says.

TitusBuilt.com

“There’s a strong trend toward simple, simple, simple,” - Jeff

Jeff Titus, owner and founder of Titus Built. Pantry.

THE STORY OF OFFICER CRAIG BERGAMO

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN VIDELER

I dove into this feature planning to write about the Westport Police Department and acts of kindness. In my interview with Chief Foti Koskinas, Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson, and Deputy Chief David Farrell the first thing they said was “Craig Bergamo.”

Tough to argue with three policemen.

Officer Craig Bergamo. 39 years old, lives in Trumbull.

President of Westport PAL, director of our annual 4th of July fireworks and Longshore golf tournament, former PAL football coach (for 10 years), runs the annual Toy Drive and the Food Drive for Gillespie, VP of CT Timberwolves and softball coach for his daughter’s team, head of the Motorcycle Unit and head of one of the two police motorcycle schools in our state, FTO (Field Training Officer), 3rd base for 1 or 2 Westport softball leagues at any given time, keynote speaker at numerous events, husband to a (heroically) supportive and understanding woman, and father of two girls, 9 and 11.

Yeah.

A REALLY GREAT GUY

I’ve had the good luck/misfortune of “meeting” Craig three times in the past 16 years (minor traffic infractions, so calm your Google fingers.) I can attest that if you have to be stopped by a cop, this is your guy.

And this is his incredible story:

The Bergamos (Craig, parents Barbara and Frank, and brother Matt) moved 16 times before Craig’s 17th birthday, to a string of homeless shelters, motels, and friends’ homes.

Frank had difficulty keeping a job, and Barbara, a hairdresser, was unable to work due to carpal tunnel syndrome and shingles. However, they had a “good family structure.”

Due to the myriad of towns and areas in which they lived, Craig bounced from school to school. Though his indeterminate enrollment at any one school sharpened his ability to make friends quickly, he admits his education suffered for it and he still “struggles with reading and writing skills”.

He kept his living situation a secret from his classmates. “Certain close friends knew I lived in shelters if I stayed at their homes,” he says.

While in shelters he witnessed “a lot of crazy stuff” which often resulted in a police presence. Interactions among officers and residents were often positive. “I was seeing how they can help people,” he recalls.

Then he experienced his own interaction when he was 13. “I was a stupid kid doing stupid things, hanging with the wrong kids,” he concedes. For him, the officer interaction wasn’t quite as positive.

Though the cops were respectful, letting him off with a warning, it was a scary encounter. But not as scary as his dad’s reaction. No way was Frank going to have his son go down a path that brought police to their door. He convinced

Craig, not so subtly, that malfeasance wasn’t the solution to poverty. Education was.

Frank was a huge proponent of education and believed he would have been more successful had he gone to college. Craig was doing fine at education, decent grades, not great, but he was busy during his teen years.

He worked - as many as four jobs - and sang in the chamber choir. He was on the football team, indoor and outdoor track team, and coached youth football (“I didn’t want to go back to the shelter, so I coached.”) At one point he was a manager in a movie theatre. The shelter he was living in granted him a concession to enter after dark. So he did, returning after his shift at 2 a.m.

During junior year his dad fell ill. Frank didn’t tell his sons he had cancer until days before his death. Craig had finally made honors and showed the report card to his father. “I want a ‘Proud Parent of an Honor Student’ sticker,” his father exclaimed. A day or two later, on February 24, 2001, he died.

“I never went below honors after that,” Craig affirms.

On July 10, five months after his father’s death and three days before Craig’s 18th birthday, he and Matt awoke to their mother’s labored breathing; she was having a heart attack. The brothers

Westport Police Motorcycle School graduation, he was the lead instructor.

At the 60th Annual Chief Samuel Luciano Golf Tournament.

Officer Craig Bergamo

watched as EMTs removed her body from their room in the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.*

He was 17 and had no idea what the state did to minors or what system he’d be dragged into. So he left. “I was MIA for three days,” he states.

On his 18th birthday, he returned to the shelter to collect his family’s belongings and plan his mother’s funeral.

Craig met Linda Vinci when picking up food she had made for the funeral. She and her husband, Charlie, soon became Craig’s rock - today, to his daughters, they are grandma and grandpa.

He had to find a home for himself and Matt. Before her death his mother had received Section 8 housing, so he looked in Bridgeport for an apartment. He found one in a building owned by Westporter Vincent Penna. “He took a chance on a couple of homeless teenagers,” Craig says.

Senior year, his first year without parents, Craig broke his back during football season and was in recovery for six months. Despite the setback, he was voted captain for his track team and achieved third in the state for javelin throwing.

After graduation, he continued to work a number of jobs and was hired as a Westport traffic agent. He enrolled in Norwalk Community College, tentatively considering a career in law enforcement.

A woman contacted him. Her father had learned about him and wanted to pay Craig’s college tuition. He had done the same for other young men and women. He wished to remain anonymous so all communication was handled by his daughter.

After receiving one of the checks, Craig noted the Weston address. He went to the man’s

home, rang the doorbell, and introduced himself as the student for whom the man was paying for college. Every semester after that, Craig returned to show the man his grades.

Craig transferred to West Conn, graduating with the two-year degree required to be a member of the police force in Connecticut.

When he was 22 he learned of an opening in the Westport PD. He took the exam along with 400 other hopefuls. Of the top 10 selected, Craig was number 10. He was hired on July 10, 2006, the five-year anniversary of his mother’s death.

Craig had a two-year college degree, but he could go further. A few years into his career Frank's mantra nagged at him. So, while working full-time and helping to raise two then-toddlers, he enrolled in Sacred Heart University and earned a four-year degree. He needed to prove to himself and his daughters “it’s never too late” to finish what you started, and to make his dad proud.

In light of his accomplishments, it’s easy to forget his youth was pockmarked with inequitable hardship and setbacks. Craig corked his story for years, angered by so many memories.

Then he realized: talking about his childhood alleviated his tension. His story could show others they can’t change the past but they can control their future.

During his shift one day, a kid ran away from his grandmother’s home where he was living. Craig found the boy; he was upset and mad. “I told him my story,” Craig recounts. “And he gave me a hug when I dropped him off.”

“I don’t want my kids to go through what I went through,” he continues. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

*Re-named Open Doors

Football coach for Westport PAL.

Handout of the PAL scholarships.

Annual Toy Drive, with his daughter.

1979, the healthiest dogs on the block thrive on Dr. Bob Goldstein’s formulated products.

WHIMSY ROOMS

Architect Peter Cadoux is primarily known for two things: his smaller homes whose built-ins can be maneuvered into multiple uses, and his sprawling manses.

Within many of these homes, clients are requesting “destination location” rooms that veer from the home’s primary aesthetic and venture into delightfully unexpected environments. “They’re ‘adult playgrounds’… no, that sounds bad,” he laughs. “Let’s call them ‘grown-up playgrounds.’”

Attics and basements are popular spots for these whimsical rooms, as they’re not tethered to the design flow of the main floors.

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES: Formal Meets Coastal

For this beachfront property, Peter designed a formal home with marble floors, archways, and coffered ceilings. But the owner wanted something with an informal, coastal feel for the cabana.

The result is an open, informal space with dark wood and nautical details. Think: a Cape Cod yacht club before generations of use with the trappings of a Westport country club.

Upstairs, an observation deck allows for 360 degree views of the ocean and the property. With plate glass windows, telescope, “industrial” stairway and gating, the space evokes a lighthouse. Albeit, a far more enviable one than most.

To prep visitors for the design shift, the connector hallway is its own “defined space,” inspired by an Italian grotto. Intended as a  walkway “journey,” the windowed walls can be open or closed, bringing the outside into the interior. Skylights flood the hall with light, indicative of its beach destination.

Mai Tai, Anyone?

A couple with unconventional taste wanted the ultimate grown-up playground in their basement, including an indoor conservatory/spa, squash ball court, and - wait for it - a tiki bar.

Taking color cues from upper levels of the home, Peter used impactful Caribbean hues for the bar, walls, and ceiling, and installed an aquarium filled with tropical fish. The result is a transcendent few square feet that handily catapults the bar-goer out of their New England environs.

As does the conservatory/spa. Filled with indigenous plants, the goal was to recreate an “Indian Jones movie set.” The owners then commissioned a quixotic mural to amplify its fancifulness.

Swing You to Sleep

While the beds appear to be hanging on ropes, each has a hidden stand beneath. The coastal style matches the rest of the home, but it’s these fun, imaginative touches that set the sleeping porch apart.

CadouxAIA.com

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

Cadoux Creates Destination Locations

Exterior of observation deck with grotto-inspired hallway.

Tiki Bar Conservatory/spa.

Observation deck.

Bedroom bed-swings.

Architect Peter Cadoux (Photo: Mindy Briar)

RESTORATION

FAMILY BUSINESS SPANS DECADES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CAROLINE C. BARNEY

A family business, D&M’s story began more than 40 years ago. Darcio Decarvalho, D&M’s founder and owner, learned the techniques of restoration from his Italian grandfather before moving to New York City in 1992. It was there that he began his own business focused on wood restoration of antique pieces.

Project by project, Darcio built his business and eventually moved his family to Westport some 20+ years ago. Here he has continued to thrive with his local clients and is a hidden gem tucked behind storefronts on Post Road.  Antique pieces and wood restoration are D&M’s first love. But their breadth of capabilities grows more diverse as the demand in the marketplace shifts. Much of their current work deals not just with restoration but also with modernizing old pieces, updating them to look and feel fresh and fluid with the environments they are intended for.

Every project they tackle is a balance of finding the right colors, textures, tools, and approach. Whether this is restoring antiques to their previous brilliance or adding a modern update to outdated pieces.

WITH A LITTLE LOVE AND A LOT OF CARE...WHAT’S OLD BECOMES NEW AT D&M FURNITURE

Eloa repairing a rattan backed chair.

A family affair.

Oftentimes clients bring specific pictures or colors. With a trend towards lighter colors, think whites and grays, they find much of their work depends on careful color matching. The stains are mixed to create that “just right” look. Bleaching has become a larger part of their restoration process. Highlights of hot pinks and orange are making their way into the work.

“There’s no system, each work requires a different approach, each work is unique,” says Darcio.

When a project is brought to D&M they start by evaluating the piece(s) and its environment. They often go to clients’ homes so they can assess them thoroughly.

Next, they work with their clients, who are often designers, to understand what they are trying to accomplish.  From there they can accurately price and do the work with a clear vision for the outcome. The result is beautifully restored furniture, cabinets, caning and more.

Darcio now shares this work with his wife, Eloa, and his son Mateus (Staples ’06). Continuing the lineage of the family business. Mateus recalls afternoons after school spent in the workshop. “I’ve been coming and watching my father and learning the work since I was 8 years old,” he says.

Each family member brings a distinct set of skills to these projects. Darcio most

Mateus working alongside his parents in their Westport location.

Marcio at home in his workshop.

often takes on more traditional jobs, his decades working with wood leading those projects.

Mateus has the sensibility for more modern work. Bringing an updated twist. This work includes restoration and updates with metals. While on the other end of the spectrum, a recent project had him recreating the look and feel of an artistic, paneled wall. The wall is at a local restaurant and the recreation of the wall was then used at a bat mitzvah celebration.

Eloa has an eye for color matching. She is also adept at working with caning and weaving “When I was little, I liked to do crochet,” says Eloa. “I think that’s why I enjoy such delicate projects so much.”

From walls, doors, and railings to a chair that was said to have belonged to George Washington (with a certificate to prove it), they love all of their work.

D&M Furniture Restoration on Facebook 748 Post Road East, Westport (203)227-5406

Restored wicker chair. (Photo: D&M)

Updated metal cabinet now in Westport Downtown Store.

(Photo: D&M)

ARTICLE BY NEIL ORWICKKITCHEN DESIGNER AND OWNER OF KITCHEN TRADITIONS

Warmer, Cozier Kitchens

KITCHEN TRADITION DISHES ON TRENDS

2023 is seeing most industries getting back to normal lead times and remodeling is, again, a good option for many. But how to get started? There are so many moving parts in a remodel, how does one know what to do first? With whom to speak first? What will it cost?

First, remodeling shouldn’t be stressful; it should be easy, enjoyable, and rewarding. It’s not just about the final product, it’s about the experience. Kitchen Traditions has been in the remodeling and construction businesses since 1995. In that time we’ve developed protocols and connections to ensure everything goes smoothly, from initial measurements to final cleaning.

Next, the process itself.  Start with a good design. The elements of a good design are both personal and universal. Your kitchen or bath should fit you, reflect your personal color preferences and workflow needs. Current universal design trends are broadly defined as open floor plans, layered lighting, clean lines, and

“The trend in metal finishes, on knobs and lighting, for instance, is moving away from the brushed satin nickel finishes and into warmer brushed brass, rustic blacks, and oil-rubbed bronze.”

“Your kitchen or bath should fit you, reflect your personal color preferences and workflow needs.”

light-neutral hues, among other trends. The very bright white kitchens of recent memory have shifted to warmer whites with textured wood accents.

Countertops have shifted from predominantly granite to overwhelmingly quartz and quartzite. The kitchen island is still the hub of the home, and we try to work a big, functional island into every kitchen.

We’re designing walk-in pantries in nearly every new construction and, if possible, in remodels. Pantries have morphed from a cabinet or closets with shelves for food storage into rooms off of the kitchen that function largely as kitchens. A walk-in pantry allows for storage while additionally offering workspace on the countertops. Clients can house toasters and coffee makers in the pantry and keep the main kitchen uncluttered. If things get messy, the pantry door can be closed.

The trend in metal finishes, on knobs and lighting, for instance, is moving away from the brushed satin nickel finishes and into warmer brushed brass, rustic blacks, and oil-rubbed bronze. It seems to be a continuation of the trend toward warmer, more comfortable and relaxed, spaces. This warmer-room feel is emphasized by the new LED lighting fixtures that can be layered at the ceiling, under cabinets, in cabinets, and at pendant height to brighten and balance a large room.

Each space is different, and every client is unique, but good design is universal. Connecting what is imagined to what is possible, and making it amazing is all in a day's work.

KitchenTraditions.net

Congratulations to HSL Building Company and Peter Cadoux Architects

2022 HOBI Award Winners Custom Home of the Year

Frank and Luca Sommer

Built in 1776

The floorboards are valuable, as are the antique sconces and light fixtures. “This home would be worth more if I disassembled it,” laughs Annette Norton, owner of Savvy + Grace.

But Annette wasn’t interested in fracking its floors for fast cash. She was interested in restoring 29 North Avenue, built in 1776, as close to its original state as she could.

If houses could talk, this one might complain a bit. Even though it’s only roughly the size of an average Westport kitchen, it housed families of up to 15. That’s 13 screaming kids, for anyone interested in the math. It also saw troops head to Compo during the Revolutionary War in 1777, and had the good sense to avoid conflagration by British troops in 1779.

Conflicting rumors claim Native Americans did/did not visit this home. Well, Annette discovered an antique grinding stone, an ammikallu , in the stone wall, so…

When former residents weren’t scuffling with enemies, potty-training off-spring, or receiving native guests, they labored on their onion farm, which has since been divvied up into numerous properties much larger than the original homestead’s.

By the time the house came to Annette, it had witnessed turbulent times and even more turbulent upkeep. Almost every inch had to be scraped, repointed, removed, replaced, primed, painted, installed, or stone-stacked. Which Annette did, in the interest of preserving the history of a town she adores.

She scoured websites and markets, searching for replacement parts - doors, sconces, hardware. “There’s a lot of salvage, but I try to keep it historic,” says Annette. She found an antique door at Mongers Market and a lovely 1700’s mantel from a home in Lebanon, CT.

Then she tackled the challenge of tucking today’s creature comforts into the small space. Pegs on the walls for hanging

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG |

BY JOHN VIDELER

Annette Norton is Restoring Westport

Annette and Missy in the kitchen.

Sparrow on the banister.

Washer/dryer tucked into a closet.

Kitchen and fireplace with reclaimed mantel from the 1700's.

Homeowner Annette Norton, owner of Savvy + Grace.

coats, washer/dryer behind a closet door, and repurposing interior doors to hide upstairs storage space.

Finally, she affixed an antique sparrow to her staircase banner. In the nascent and harried days of Savvy + Grace, uncertain her hard work would pay off, a sparrow flew into the store. “A woman told me, ‘If a sparrow comes into your life it means you’re going to be strong, you’re going to be okay.’”

Years later, worn down by concurrently restoring her new residence and running a busy store, a sparrow flew into the house. She steeled herself to the daunting task and successfully finished the renovation.

And she’s not the only one basking in its completion. “People stop me all the time to tell me they’re happy I saved the house,” she smiles. “They even ask to come see it.”

“Almost every inch had to be scraped, repointed, removed, replaced, primed, painted, installed, or stone-stacked. Which Annette did, in the interest of preserving the history of a town she adores.”

Tips from a Restaurant Kitchen

During deep-cleans at The Whelk, Bill Taibe and his team used to munch on Philly cheese-steak egg rolls purchased at the Chinese Restaurant across the way.

One day Bill strolled over to purchase a few of his favorite snack treats and a sign stopped him in his tracks: “CLOSED.”

So Bill spoke to the landlord and rented the space.

The sliver of a restaurant became Kawa Ni, an eatery designed after izakaya (family pubs) in Japan. It became wildly popular, so Bill doubled its size when the space next door became vacant, which doubled the diners. Though the kitchen remained roughly the size of a crawl space, it churned out the same excellent quality dishes to twice as many guests.

Vintage china in assorted patterns.

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOMIRA WILCOX

Kawa Ni

Broken teacups as candle holders.

KAWA NI’S KITCHEN IS A MASTER CLASS IN EFFICIENCY

Mixing up vintage china patterns.

Bill Taibe, owner of Kawa

Then the thought occurred to us: perhaps we can translate some of his kitchen’s form and efficiency into our own kitchens?

So Westport Lifestyle, Designport, and CT Bites interrupted Bill’s hectic lunchtime rush to learn a bit more and gather some tips.

DISHES:

Izakayas are, typically, small family-owned and operated gastro-pubs. As such, they reflect the culture and upbringing of the proprietors. Bill wanted Kawa Ni to feel authentic, as though it were part of a family heritage that had “been around forever.”

Vintage dishes help create this aura of establishment. Primary sources for this china are  BorrowedVintageStyle.com , auctions, and gifts from customers (“people drop off china all the time,” states Bill.)

TIP: Collect china from consignment shops and markets. The varying colors and patterns make a lively, interesting table, and any broken dishes can be easily and cheaply replaced.

DECORATIVE TOUCHES:

The Japanese art of Kintsugi is mending broken dishes with gold lacquer to highlight rather than hide its journey. In this spirit, stacks of lightly chipped china liven up Kawa Ni’s shelves and teacups with broken handles are repurposed as candle holders.

TIP: Just because a dish is chipped doesn’t mean it’s no longer beautiful. Re-purpose them as decorative elements, using cups for candles, bowls as vases, and patterned dishes hung on the walls or stacked near the cookbooks. If the dish is in shards, consider applying the art of Kintsugi, or just toss it in the trash and buy a new one.

USE IT OR LOSE IT:

After Bill bought the Chinese Restaurant (of note, that’s believed to have been the actual name of the joint), he decided to go Asian. Fortunately, the kitchen was already decked out with woks. Unfortunately, he realized he nor his cooks knew how to cook on woks, so he tore them out and installed a hotline.

TIP: You don’t need fancy equipment to cook interesting meals. Use what you know and don’t pack your cabinets with ebelskivers, egg poachers, and induction frittata pans.

SMART STORAGE:

Chefs use Tupperware just like real people, except theirs has a fancier name. With it, they create “kits”: storing together the different ingredients used to create a certain dish. For instance, a kit may include fresh tuna, creamy spicy sauce, daikon, and nori for Spicy Tuna Nigiri.

TIP: Chances are good you’re not whipping up tuna nigiri for your kids’ lunch, but if you have a go-to, such as sandwiches or pasta, consider storing ingredients together so you don’t have to poke through a pile of groceries every time you make it.

MINIMAL SPACE:

Every cook has about three feet of space in which to prepare their plates. Everything they need is readily accessible, including refrigerated ingredients beneath their counter space.

TIP: The kitchen in Bill’s home is spacious, but he only uses a fraction of the space for cooking. Two steps to the stove, to the sink, to the countertop. The fridge is about four steps away. This small workspace ensures precious few people plow through and disrupt his process, and allows guests plenty of space to reconnoiter without bugging him.

Lastly, a droplet of wisdom from our enterprising yet humble restauranteur, “It all comes down to how I feel. If I like it, I get it.”

KawaNiWestport.com

Each cook has about three feet of working space.

Kit for Tuna Nigiri.

THREE DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Over the past 30 years, Speedsport Tuning has grown from a small Porsche specialty shop to a full service, independent company serving Porsche street, competition and vintage enthusiasts nationwide.

Our vintage department is globally recognized for its expertise and skill, developed over decades of working on some of the world’s most coveted Porsches. Utilizing specialized tools and a watchmaker’s precision, our vintage technicians deliver the care discerning owners can trust, even on the rarest of Porsches.

Track enthusiasts at every experience level benefit from the

uncompromising excellence of our competition department. Speedsport Tuning’s skilled preparation and support services have helped our clients achieve hundreds of podiums and countless championships.

For modern street Porsches, we’ve been the trusted resource for those seeking an alternative to the dealer service department. Our factory trained technicians can even care for your Taycan.

We understand the passions that drive Porschephiles are as diverse as the cars themselves. No matter which Porsche you drive, or how you drive it, we’ve got your back.

Spots to Shop for Home

ARTICLE BY DISCOVERWESTPORT.COM

DiscoverWestport.com is Westport’s go-to resource for shopping, dining, parks, events, and other helpful listings. Here are a few places to refresh your home for spring:

BUNGALOW

Whether you need basic furniture or unique accessories to lighten up your home, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this hidden gem.

4 Sconset Square

BungalowDecor.com

SERENA & LILY

Serena & Lily combines a breezy California style with great classic and contemporary designcasual and coastal, relaxed and refined.

35 Elm Street

SerenaAndLily.com

Masters of textiles that grace bedrooms, bathrooms, tables, and much more. They specialize in custom bedding, bath, and decorative pillows.

66 Post Road East

FigLinensAndHome.com

FIG LINENS AND HOME

Bungalow

OKA

Serena & Lily

Fig

OKA

This women-owned store has landed on this side of the pond. OKA’s style is unwaveringly British, elegant and easy-going, sophisticated but never stiff.

44 Main Street

OKA.com

THE POST

The Post, a chic and stylish home design, gifting, and gathering place is the brainchild of three accomplished St. Louis friends and transplants to Fairfield County. Their three “vibes” are sophisticated takes on city, country, and coast.

1799 Post Road East

ThePostCT.com

JENNI KAYNE

Jenni Kayne is a master of California-inspired neutrals, from home decor to clothing, with superlative quality and attention to detail.

JenniKayne.com

TAILORED HOME

“Indulge in color” is the motto at The Tailored Home. Featuring custom furniture, interior design, and window treatments that will make you say “Wow!”

15 Myrtle Avenue in Sconset Square

TheTailoredHomeCT.com

STOWED HOME

The Stowed Home is minimalism at its best. Their handmade modular furniture is casual but luxurious, simple but chic.

12 Elm Street in Bedford Square

StowedHome.com

DESTINATION HAUS

A shopping experience with curated finds from across the globe, Destination Haus takes inspiration from artists both locally and internationally, capturing the passionate expression of cultures near and far.

56 Riverside Avenue

DestinationHaus.com

TERRAIN

Terrain features furniture and home essentials steeped in nature, beautiful pieces made from organic materials. The plants and café make this the ultimate shopping experience.

561 Post Road East

ShopTerrain.com

ELEISH VAN BREEMS

Their mission is to introduce a clean, elegant and fresh approach to interiors, all with a Scandinavian essence.

99 Franklin Street evbantiques.com

DiscoverWestportCT.com

Tailored Home

Jenni Kayne

terrain.

Destination Haus

Stowed Home

Eleish Van Breems

START PLANNING YOUR SUMMER PROJECT TODAY!

“A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN IS JUST A WISH.”

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Rach’ s Hope

Rachel Hope Doran (Staples ’14) called her mom, Lisa, on Friday, July 13, 2018. She was living with her boyfriend, Rob Lincoln, in NYC and felt too sick to travel to Westport.

The CVS quick med center had diagnosed her with pink eye, but that didn’t seem right.

Alarmed, Lisa insisted, “I’ll come in and pick you up or you can take an über. You need to come home.”

Rachel took a train home. At 3 a.m. that morning she awoke, severely ill. Her parents rushed her to the ER in Bridgeport. A rash

appeared on her skin. The staff determined she had foot and mouth disease and sent her home.

Saturday afternoon, Rachel was in distress and the rash had worsened. They went back to the ER. This time she was admitted to the burn unit and diagnosed with StevensJohnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare skin and mucous membrane disorder.

On Sunday she was intubated. Later that week she was put in a medically induced coma. Packed into her small hospital room were Lisa, her father Alan, boyfriend Rob,

THE DORANS ARE HELPING OTHERS WEATHER THE STORM

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

Rachel and Rob.

and friends. They promptly organized shifts - 4 hours, 24/7 - so Rachel would always have someone by her side.

After 14 days in Bridgeport, she was transported to New York Presbyterian/Columbia University’s ECMO unit. In this unit she was placed in a machine that pumped and oxygenated her blood outside of her body, independent of her heart and lungs.

When Rachel was eight years old, her grandmother taught her how to sew. She continued practicing the craft with family friend Julie Beitman.

Rachel sewed herself a pair of cool pajamas with “loose-legged bottom her friends loved,” describes Lisa. Soon she was making colorful fleece and flannel pjs for cousins, aunts, bffs, once for a New Canaan cheerleader gala, and to sell at craft fairs and a few area stores. She coined her budding enterprise “Rachel’s Rags.”

She taught her little sister Ellie’s friends how to sew, and assisted Ellen Gang, a Westport mom who founded Fashion Camp, with her classes.

For the 8th-grade talent show, Rachel staged a catwalk with “funky t-shirts” and blaring music. It “was like a New York show,” recalls Lisa. A friend’s mom did the hair and make-up. For SHS formals and the first days of school, Rachel designed her own dresses. She joined Staples Players and created numerous costumes for their productions.

Though fashion came first, she was also an excellent watercolorist and loved music.

She enrolled at Cornell University and studied Fiber Science and Apparel Design. “It’s about as cerebral as you can get with fashion,” Lisa smiles.

During her junior year she created a lauded exhibit for the Cornell Costume & Textile Collection, Go Figure: The Fashion Silhouette & the Female Form Using historic clothing, she traced the contemporaneous phenomena which shifted the “ideal” shape of the female body and the accompanying style trends throughout the century.

That summer she moved to New York City with Rob and interned at Li & Fung, a creator of supply

chains for the retail industry. A little over a month after moving she became ill and called her mom.

Watching over Rachel in intensive care consumed all of the Dorans’ time. Aside from an “amazing” ECMO coordinator and a social worker who checked in periodically, there were no family services offered at the hospital, not even a chair by her ICU bed.

Ellie, five years younger than Rachel, would sit in the packed waiting room to be near her.

The closest hotel to NYP/CU was expensive and almost always booked, so a friend found a nearby boutique hotel. This friend, with the contributions of others, footed the bill. Lisa and Alan stayed by Rachel’s side 18 hours a day, going to the hotel only a few hours each night to shower and sleep.

Lisa slept with her clothes on, the tongues of her shoes out, phone beneath her pillow, so she could jump out of bed and run to the hospital in five minutes should a doctor call.

Only with the support of a swath of friends and relatives were Lisa and Alan able to devote time to Rachel while giving Ellie some semblance of normalcy in her life.

Friends set up a Go Fund Me page on August 1, 2018, so Lisa could take leave from her job to be with Rachel.

16 days later, on August 17, torrential rain ripped through the city. Inside, Lisa, Alan, Rob, and Rachel’s grandparents quietly stood witness to Rachel’s last moments. They brought Ellie’s sweatshirt so she’d know her little sister was with her, too.

Weeks later, in January, the Dorans were overwhelmed with bereavement cards and the daunting task of thanking the scores of people who kept them afloat during that harrowing month.

“What do I do?” Lisa worried to her friend, Kathy Coon.

Kathy promptly replied, “Throw a party.”

Lisa, Kathy, and friends huddled around a table in Panera, hammering out the details of a party to be thrown eight weeks away in March, Rachel’s birthday month.

“You don’t think of eating or where you’re going to sleep. People stepped in and took over our life,” -  Lisa.

They created Rach’s Hope to “help people get through the unthinkable” - a child’s prolonged stay in intensive care.

Rachel at 10, selling her PJs at a craft fair.

As planned, their first annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala kicked off on March 2, 2019, followed by three others, including this year’s gala on Saturday, March 11 at FTC. At each, guests are encouraged to wear “PJ Chic” in honor of Rachel’s Rags.

The menu will feature Tito’s vodka and tacos from Bodega“She always said she’d get married on the beach with Bodega and a Tito’s vodka bar.” They’ll shake a special cocktail, the Hope 21, with Tito’s, fresh cucumber, fresh mint, lime, and soda; the cocktail with which they toasted Rachel’s 21st birthday.

Money raised will go to their nonprofit organization, Rach’s Hope.

They created Rach’s Hope to “help people get through the unthinkable” - a child’s prolonged stay in intensive care. The Doran’s support network enabled them to be present during Rachel’s final days, but not everyone is as blessed with a proximal

cocoon of love and logistical help. “You don’t think of eating or where you’re going to sleep. People stepped in and took over our life,” explains Lisa.

From bill management and counseling resources to transportation vouchers and über eats cards for siblings, Rach’s Hope aims to alleviate a bit of the trauma and expense of navigating a heart-breaking situation, and to address some of the unknowns.

The summer after Rachel passed, in 2019, Lisa and Alan received a call from then-state senator Will Haskell, a classmate of Rachel’s. He had organized the commemoration of a bridge near exit 18 in her honor. He writes, “She was a masterful costume designer and among the most patient and kind people I’ve ever met. It’s just a small, but hopefully meaningful, indication of how much she meant to those who knew her.”

RachsHope.org

Rachel Doran

Alan, Lisa, and Ellie Doran

ALL I EVER

Staycation wanted

I look back fondly at sleepovers when I was a child. The simple act of sleeping in a different place, even if it’s right around the corner, somehow made the night more special.

If you’re looking to recapture that feeling, a staycation is ideal. Head north to the slopes, out east to the seashore or stay closer to home and visit New York City.

For a variety of options mixed with some well-deserved pampering, we recommend the Four Seasons New York Downtown (FSNYD), the only hotel in lower Manhattan with a Forbes 5-Star Rating and one of only three hotels in New York City with a 10-Star Rating across the Hotel and Spa.

FSNYD is every bit the grand, luxurious refuge you need to recover from the daily grind. It occupies a sweet spot in TriBeCa, close to Wall Street, City Hall, the West Village, and the Brooklyn Bridge, though the din of the city fades upon entering the stately building.

As befits a Four Seasons, the hotel is spotless, the staff outstanding, and the rooms spacious and elegantly adorned. Our room had a surprising amount of space for an NYC hotel including a view of the Oculus transit hub and the Freedom Tower.

A rarity in NYC, FSNYD has a 7-ft indoor heated pool with a relaxing resort feel. You can lounge by the water or hit the impressively outfitted gym and yoga studio.

There’s a full-service spa with an infrared sauna, steam rooms, and plenty of options for self-pampering. You can create a personalized treatment plan to optimize your wellness experience by adding on to your signature massage or ‘The Method Facial’ by Augustinus Bader with customized IV Therapy or NAD+ IV Drip (nicknamed “The Fountain of Youth”) with the spa’s new collaboration with Next Health.

You can also get a renowned NYC dining experience without leaving the hotel. CUT by Wolfgang Puck is located adjacent to the lobby. The restaurant is an interesting mix of classic style and modern artistic flare. Wood floors and an expertly stocked old-world style bar blend seamlessly with red neon accents, giving the space a warm and sensual feel. The food is excellent, combining classic favorites with modern and eclectic dishes. If you are in the mood to dine in your luxurious suite, you can experience the City’s best chefs through the hotel’s new Restaurant-inRoom Chef Series where Four Seasons Executive Chef Maria Tampakis selected New York’s most iconic chefs to team up with to bring the flavour of the city’s best dishes to you. The menu currently features delightful Italian dishes by Chef Anthony Ricco of the famed Leuca in Williamsburg.

Recapture that sleepover vibe and turn an average weekend into a miniature adventure. The quality, style, and luxury of the FSNYD are a great choice for those who want to experience everything the city has to offer and make the weekend feel special.

fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown

SHAKE UP YOUR EVENING WITH THE BEST COCKTAILS TO MAKE THIS SEASON

COCKTAIL CLUB

+ 2 oz Maker’s Mark 46

+ 1/2 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

+ 1/2 oz Cynar

+ 3/4 oz Dry Vermouth

(Suggest Routin or Foro)

+ 2 dashes Peach Bitters

Combine ingredients  into a stir glass with ice. Stir for 20 seconds. Strain into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with Bordeaux Cherries.

Cocktail Creator: Tim Lodahl

Photography Tiffaine Eck, John Howie Restaurant Group

+ 1 1/2 oz Bulleit bourbon

+ 1 oz fresh lemon juice

+ 2 to 4 teaspoons maple syrup, to taste

+ Pinch of ground cinnamon, optional

Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar about two-thirds full with ice. Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Securely fasten the lid and shake well.

Pour fresh ice into your cocktail glass and strain the cold whiskey sour mixture into the glass. Enjoy!

WHISKEY SOUR

CINNAMON MAPLE

+ 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon sugar

+ 3 dashes bitters

+ 2 oz bourbon

+ Orange peel, garnish

+ Cherry, garnish

In old-fashioned glass, combine simple syrup and bitters. Fill glass halfway with ice, then stir about a dozen times. Add enough ice to fill glass. Squeeze orange peel over glass to extract oils, add peel to glass, and add bourbon. Stir just until drink is cold and alcoholic bite has softened, about a dozen times. Garnish with cherry, swizzle stick, and straw.

THE CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED

+ 1 1/2 oz Toki Whisky

+ 3/4 oz Lillet Blanc

+ 1/2 oz Laird’s Applejack

+ 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth

+ 2 dashes Orange Bitters

+ 1 dash Angostura Bitters

Combine in stir glass with ice, stir for 15 seconds. Strain into coupe glass.  Drink is served up. ABOUT TIME

Cocktail Creator: Tim Lodahl

SUGI ACUPRESSURE offers the health benefits of acupuncture, but without using needles--just manual pressure. It is an effective style of bodywork therapy well-suited to treat acute aches and pains or chronic maladies. Reduce inflammation and boost your mood. Manage anxiety and depression. Maintain overall wellness with a truly holistic approach that unifies the mind and body. By appointment only.

(Photo by Heidi Curran)

Dr.

Personalized journeys that change your perspective.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MARCH 4TH

A Flock of Seagulls with Annabella's Bow Wow Wow and Strangelove

THE WALL STREET THEATER, 71 WALL STREET, NORWALK | 8:00 PM

As well-known for their bizarrely teased haircuts as their hit single "I Ran (So Far Away)," A Flock of Seagulls was one of the infamous one-hit wonders of the new wave era.  A little too robotic and arrived a little too late to be true new romantics, but their sleek dance-pop was forever indebted to the short-lived movement. WallStreetTheater.com

MARCH 6TH

The Song Arts Academy

Contemporary Songwriting Workshop

WESTPORT LIBRARY | 4:30 PM

The Verso Studios Education Curriculum, in partnership with the Song Arts Academy, offers an eightweek transformative songwriting program for  middle and high school students,  open to 15 participants. The program runs through Monday, March 27. It is offered at no cost, made possible by the generous support of Fred Reynolds and family. There is a refundable $25 registration fee required to reserve a space. WestportLibrary.org

Westport,

(866)

grandexplorations.com

OF WESTPORT, CT

Registrations are open for all our dance programs. dance in a safe environment with The Best Dance teachers. Open to Adults, Kids and Tots in Group Classes, Private Lessons, Livestream Classes Available.

Director Enrique Alarcon | (203) 341-8900 | 222 Post Rd. West TheDanceCollective | thedancecollectivect.com

SEE WELL LIVE WELL

MARCH 10TH

I Thee Wed: Western Bridal Fashion from the Collection

WESTPORT MUSEUM FOR

HISTORY AND CULTURE | 5:00 PM

Explore several examples of wedding gowns — both white and less traditional — in the Museum’s collection. Discover how these iconic dresses and their place in the world of fashion relate to wealth, class, gender, and women’s rights. Or try creating your own wedding dress with fashions from around the world at our interactive magnet wall. WestportHistory.org

MARCH 10TH 101 Dalmations

GREENS FARMS SCHOOL |

7:00 PM

Green's Farms Elementary School Grade Five students present "101 Dalmatians (Kids)" on Saturday, March 11, 2023. There will be one show on Friday night 3/10/23 and two shows on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. & 1:45 p.m. Tickets will go on sale 2/13/23.

MARCH 12TH

The Steve Sandberg Quartet

WESTPORT LIBRARY | 2:00 PM

Three time Emmy-nominated composer/pianist Steve Sandberg brings his quartet to the library for an afternoon of original music that masterfully blends classical, world music and jazz with the excitement of virtuosic improvisation. WestportLibrary.org

MARCH 13TH Microgreens 101

WAKEMAN TOWN FARM | 7:00 PM

We love microgreens and everything around them. In this hands-on workshop attendees will learn about:

• Urban Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture

• Sustainable and Equitable Food Systems

LIMP IN...RUN OUT

PERSONAL

| COACHING

DRY

98

EVENTS

DPT, SMP, CMP, AHC

Jean Paul Desrosiers

EVENTS CONTINUED

• Minimizing waste in agricultural production

• Rethinking food production and distribution

• The nutritional value of microgreens

• How to grow your own microgreens at home!

WakemanTownFarm.org

MARCH 17TH

Staples Players Present

Twelfth Night

STAPLES BLACK BOX THEATER | 8:00 PM

Twelfth Night is a raucous modern musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy involving a journey of self-discovery and mistaken identity. A shipwrecked Viola washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man and falls in love with the Duke. As she navigates the gender confusion in all her roles, she finds her true self and true love in the process.

StaplesPlayers.com

MARCH 17TH

The Rocky Horror Show

MUSIC THEATER OF CT, 509 WESTPORT AVENUE, NORWALK | 8:00 PM

In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, FrankN-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky."

MusicTheatreOfCT.com

Want to be featured?

and

Free Consultation – zoom or in person 1555 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880