Westport, CT May 2024

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY:

"I'm Telling the Story of the Joy in My Life"

LIFE + CULTURE

MEET THE AWE-INSPIRING 2024 WOMEN OF WESTPORT

SHOPPING IDEAS FOR THE BEST MOTHER'S DAY EVER

Celebrating Women

Dear neighbors,

As we embrace the arrival of May, we are thrilled to present the Women's Issue of Westport Lifestyle Magazine, celebrating the extraordinary women of our community. This special edition is dedicated to highlighting their accomplishments, contributions, and stories that inspire us all.

First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our dear readers, for nominating the remarkable women we've featured. Your nominations have allowed us to shine a spotlight on those who make a difference in our lives every day.

In this issue, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with Tony- and Grammy-award-winning actor and performer Renée Elise Goldsberry, celebrated for her unforgettable turns in Hamilton on Broadway and Netflix's Girls5Eva . Her insights and experiences are sure to captivate and inspire.

As Mother's Day approaches, we're here to make it easier for you to celebrate the special women in your life. Our curated gift list includes a range of thoughtful options, from local favorites to luxurious treats, ensuring a memorable day. Planning to cook? Explore recipes from local stars like Julia Dzafic, the blogger behind @lemonstripes, or Marcia Selden of Marcia Selden Catering, to add a touch of expert flair to your celebrations.

For those looking to refresh their living spaces, D2 Interieurs provides family decor ideas that blend style and functionality, creating inviting spaces for all to enjoy.

Our focus on local businesses continues as we showcase the incredible shops owned by strong women in our community. These entrepreneurs have not only created thriving businesses but have also become pillars of our local economy.

Last but not least, we spotlight Mercy Learning Center, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming women's lives through education. Their impactful work embodies the spirit of empowerment and community support.

As we explore the stories and achievements of the women of Westport, we invite you to join us in celebrating their strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making our community a better place.

Thank you for being a part of the Westport Lifestyle family. We hope this issue inspires you as much as it has inspired us.

Warm regards,

MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

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May 2024

PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Barnes, Caroline Barney, Meredith Guinness, Sara Gaynes Levy, Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Virginia VanZanten

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Justin Bettman, Jerri Graham, John Videler, KD Photography, Mark Smith, Hande Gurdogan, Lewis Derogene, Brittany Kowalski, Jane Beiles, Julia D'Agostino,

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

SUCCESSFULLY SELLING the WESTPORT and WESTON LIFESTYLE

Our properties are swiftly selling, often surpassing the asking price.

UNDER CONTRACT

20 Bauer Place

Westport

$2,350,000

JUST LISTED

10 Norfield Farm Lane

Weston

$2,695,000

UNDER CONTRACT

2 Lyons Plain Road

Weston

$2,495,000

JUST SOLD

4A Woodhill Road

Westport

$2,527,500

Who you choose to represent you matters, get in touch

Family Planning

The 2024 Women of Westport

TIME TO GET IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A NEW GARAGE

Rev-up

It’s time to rev-up your garage with a custom design by Closet Factory. Turn your ordinary garage into a man cave celebration. Call (203) 616-5847 for a free in-home or virtual design consultation and estimate. Visit us online at closetfactory.com.

Showroom 100 Wooster St., Bethel, CT 06801

Showroom 110 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820

©2024 Closet Factory. All right reserved.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The crowd at “Start With Art: Pop!” Panel with Designport at Clarendon Fine Arts. 2: Stephen Goldstein, Eve Gianni, Denise Davies, Jen Berniker, and Shobana Mani. 3: Allyson Monson with Debra Spindler Pinals. 4: Irina Leone and Hannah Spencer. 5: Shannon Vindiola with Eric Berniker. 6: Jen Berniker, Marisa MacLean, and Eve Gianni. 7: Tuck Gin co-founder Alex Metviner serving up gin & tonics.

city scene

12: Six hundred of the who's-whos in the event world having a rocking time. 13: Sonic Tuna station featuring MSC's custom tuna creations.

14: A custom leather lip sofa and "Love Rocks" backdrop for the bar.

8: Icon Dessert Wall at the LOVE Party by Marcia Selden Catering and Ron Ben-Israel Cakes. 9: ALR Music's band, Brooklyn Soul, rocked the crowd.

10: The Love Party headliners Robin Selden and Jeffrey Selden, with Ron Ben-Israel. 11: One of the MSC rockstars serving up some deliciousness.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS FEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS

SISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL NIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS

SONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS

CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF CHEFS NANNIESEXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS

STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS

TANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL TANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS ERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS

SONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES

ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY

FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS

NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS AL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND AGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES TIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY

ERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS MAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS ERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIESEXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE TANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL AL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE HOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES ESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS ERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS KEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL

city scene

15: Jay Norris hosts Diverse Entrepreneurs: Past, Present & Future at the Westport Library. 16: Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Ilka Gregory, Eric Freeman, and Wesley Arbuthnot, as Craig Melvin moderates. 17: Pamela Moss, Kitt Shapiro, Michele Peterson, Ted and Paige Parker, and Jay Norris.

18: Crystal Norris and her daughter, Sophia. 19: John Nunziante, Stephanie Szostak, and Dr. Tasha Eurich at Selfish! A Journey of Self Discovery.

20: Lindsay Czarniak, Elyse Oleksak, Melissa Post, Stephanie Szostak, and Megan Rutstein celebrate Stephanie's book. 21: Dave Briggs asks a question at the event.

JERRI GRAHAM

JERRI GRAHAM

JERRI GRAHAM

JERRI GRAHAM

JERRI GRAHAM

JERRI GRAHAM

JERRI GRAHAM

Your New Neighbor!

Open House Sunday, June 9, 8am–4pm

Cappuccinos, Croissants and Mammograms

Connecticut Breast Imaging is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location in New Canaan at 23 Vitti Street, Suite 100.

Come meet our team of highly regarded breast imagers led by Madhavi Raghu, MD. Dr. Raghu was the Director of the Breast Imaging Fellowship Program at Yale. Her team includes Jaime Szarmach, MD, Gilda Boroumand, MD, Seema Bakhru, MD, Anna Mah, MD, and Puja Sharma, MD who all trained at prestigious academic medical centers.

We are excited to offer concierge breast imaging services at our state-of-the-art facility in New Canaan. Most insurances are accepted because everyone should have access to quality breast healthcare.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the team at Connecticut Breast Imaging, please call 203.791.9011, or visit our website at ctbreastimaging.org.

Westport-based Dr. Deborah Mogelof launched SafeTravelsMed.com to help people travel healthily. Just in time for the summer season, you can use her site to order her premade kit of commonly needed traveler medications, book a concierge session for an exam and any needed prescriptions before you head out of town, or schedule a telehealth visit from your trip. For more information, visit safetravelsmed.com

Photography Courtesy Dr. Deborah Mogelof

lunches, and baked goods from their Sweet P bakery (which provides job training and employment with adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities)—has taken over the café space at the Westport/Weston Family YMCA. You’ll find the breakfast sandwiches they're known for, grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, and, of course, Sweet P baked goods. For more info visit westporty.org or theporchatchristies.com

Shop the Upscale Garage Sale at the Artisan Marketplace

MoCA Westport and Designport host this creative collaboration that brings together artisans, interior designers, and local shops. Designport's first "Upscale Garage Sale" offers an opportunity to shop excess inventory culled from prominent interior designers at discounted prices, including high-end accessories, pillows, mirrors, rugs, and more. A drop-in kid's art studio is available while you shop. $10 suggested donation. Saturday, May 4 from 12 to 4 p.m. 19 Newtown Turnpike. For more information visit mocawestport.org

Photography by Betsy Weissman

Connecticut Breast Imaging Debuts Their New Office

Introducing Connecticut Breast Imaging's newest location in New Canaan: This spring, the state-of-theart facility offers exceptional breast imaging in a convenient and compassionate setting. Led by top doctors trained at prestigious universities like Yale School of Medicine, the practice provides unparalleled diagnostics in 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast biopsy. The new office is located at 23 Vitti St, Suite 100, New Canaan. For appointments and more information call 203-791-9011 or visit ctbreastimaging.org

Photography Courtesy Connecticut Breast Imaging

Tacombi Foundation, which prepares and distributes wholesome Mexican meals every week to people who need them. Since April 2020, the Foundation has donated more than one million meals. Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit tacombi.com

Get a Guided Tour of the Westport Country Playhouse

Bruce Miller, the Playhouse’s resident archivist, is now offering the chance to go “behind the curtain” at the iconic theater. The 90-minute tours go backstage, into the green room, explore set and costume design, and more. Tours are on select Fridays and Saturdays: May 17 and 18, June 28 and 29, and July 26 and 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The tours are free, but donations are encouraged. Reservations are recommended at westportplayhouse .org/show/free-theater-tours

Photography by Tacombi

Photography by Beth Huisking

Family Planning

FOR D2 INTERIEURS, A FUNCTIONAL HOME DOESN’T MEAN SACRIFICING STYLE.

ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA VANZANTEN

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JANE BEILES

Family-friendly design gets a bad rap: junk furniture (we’ll update when the kids are older!), unmanageable clutter, and a sea of primary colors. But for Denise Davies, Founder and CEO of D2 Interieurs, “about 80 percent of our clients are young families,” and she and her all-female Design studio do it differently. Her minimalist spaces are calm and welcoming, mixing a very pared-back canvas of neutrals with judicious hits of punchy color—think “country home of an art collector” not “family of six and two dogs!” But each and every room is designed with family in mind, and is made to be lived in.

“I believe every room should be utilized,” says Denise. “You want the kids to be welcome in every space.” Practically, this means that the beautiful light sofas in many of her designs are done in sumptuous commercial-grade fabrics and sealed to protect from stains with Fiber-Seal (along with almost every other soft surface in the home), or steering clients towards closed, solid-wood storage in the mudroom. (“It’s more durable. Paint-grade cabinets chip,” she explains.) Or focusing the budget on key pieces of furniture like a great sectional. (“You’re going to live on that!”)

But before there are sectionals or swatches, it all begins with a thoughtful plan. Denise prides herself on her ability to intuit a client’s needs and on her efficiency, whether that's taking on new-build projects from the very earliest stages, or getting homes photo-shoot ready in as little as three meetings. For many families, upsizing from two-bedrooms in the city to a four- or six-bedroom house can be daunting. “So

we strategize,” says Denise. This can mean creating a first-floor playroom instead of an office when the kids are young, involving grandparents in designing their own guest room, or turning an empty bonus room into a girls’ hangout space for two sisters. Her advice if you have an unused area? Leave it for now. “It’ll become apparent in a few years what you’re missing,” she says.

Even if a couple of spaces are in the air, Denise likes to design a whole house at once to ensure there’s cohesion. “Everybody has a budget, so we can implement in phases,” says Denise. “If they’re not ready to do the man cave or built-ins, that can be phase two. If they decide to do it, they’ll know exactly what it’s going to look like and what it’s going to cost.” For smaller projects or projects in far-flung locales, Denise also recently launched a virtual service called D Design. “You don’t have to spend a million to look like a million,” she insists.

No matter what the budget, one of the most common requests is a playroom. When the kids are little, she likes to split the room into zones: physical play, arts and crafts, a reading area, and a playhouse. “One mom told me: ‘My child was in there for four hours!’ So if you ever want a break from your kid for four hours…” she laughs. Denise’s rooms are designed to grow with kids and with the adults. “When the kids get older, I still do monkey bars and foam pits,” she insists. “I say to the parents: ‘You’re gonna be in this foam pit as much as your kids. And they are. I mean, it’s so fun!”’

For more information visit

d2interieurs.com

“I believe every room should be utilized. You want the kids to be welcome in every space.”

TH E 2024

The women of this town– if you haven’t already noticed— are unbelievable. From impactful small business owners to generous volunteers to unyielding supporters of the arts to all-around empathetic human beings, your nominations fueled this incredible list of women who embody so many of the values we hold precious here. We are honored to share with you the 2024 Women of Westport, a phenomenal group of women who— whether you’ve known it or not– have almost certainly had a positive impact on your experience living, working, and thriving in this amazing community.

WOMENOFWESTPORT

THIRTEEN WOMEN WHO ARE DOING INCREDIBLE THINGS, RIGHT HERE AT HOME.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Cathy Castiblanco

Owner, Westport Cut and Shave

Cathy came to Connecticut from Colombia when she was 12 years old. After graduating from cosmetology school in 2009—at the peak of a recession when folks were cutting back on beauty expenses—she found a job at a barber shop. To her surprise, it turned out to be a perfect fit. “I love barbering!” she says.

How it began: “I was working [at what was then Ryan John barbershop], and the previous owner asked if I wanted to buy the shop. I had just had a baby. I didn’t have any money. But one of my clients asked me to partner up with them. I took a leap of faith. Six years later, here we are!”

The salon is like a home: “When you come here you feel comfortable, no matter who you are. We offer beer and whiskey—it’s relaxing.  I get a lot of praise for having a diverse staff, but it is so nice to have. It’s a group of people with talent, who are willing to work hard, and love what they do.”

The power of hair care: “Recently, we went to a men’s shelter and donated haircuts. That felt so good—being able to give the customer service and the experience of a salon to someone that, probably, doesn’t often get it. A good conversation and a good haircut can make anybody’s day.”

Photo by KD Photography.

Stacie Curran, Sharuna Mahesh, and Kathryn Turley-Sonne

Co-founders of Club 203, a social club for adults with disabilities

When Kathryn Turley-Sonne moved to Westport about three years ago, she was quickly introduced to Stacie Curran, a native who has been here 50-plus years. The reason? They are both parents to adults with disabilities, “and it was clear that we had kids with similar needs that were not getting filled,” says Kathryn. Chief among them? “Social opportunities in the community,” says Sharuna, whom Stacie brought into their conversations, too. Soon, the idea for Club 203, a social club for adults with disabilities, was born. Westport Human Services helped them fast-track it, and since 2022, they’ve hosted one social event in Westport per month, with up to 200 people attending.

Why they started:  “When people think about others with disabilities, very often it’s about mobility, or employment,” says Stacie. “People hardly ever think about ways for them to meet other like-minded friends. And that is really what motivated us.”

Their favorite moments: “The joy on our members’ faces is so much fun ,” says Stacie. “The fact that these adults keep coming back every month tells me we’re doing something right,” agrees Sharuna.

The Westport community has been so supportive: “We’re 100 percent volunteer based: it’s teachers, paraprofessionals, or even just friends of ours that love to give back,” says Kathryn. “All our spaces, as well as all the food, are donated to us,” says Sharuna. “The ongoing generosity has been incredible. It is so amazing to live in a town that takes care of people in a real way,” says Kathryn.

From left: Sharuna Mahesh, Stacie Curran, and Kathryn Turley-Sonne. Photo by Shea Curran.

Danielle Dobin Volunteer,

Staples High School’s We the People program

Danielle’s name might sound familiar— she’s on Westport’s Board of Finance, and before that was chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission— and while her public service is, of course, outstanding, she was nominated to this year’s Women of Westport list for the intersection of her passion for local government and her dedication to community service, as she’s become an involved volunteer with We the People, the nationwide civics competition program started at Staples High School by beloved AP US Government and Politics teacher Suzanne Kammerman. Her time working with Staples students on this rigorous program exploring the American constitution has dovetailed beautifully with her involvement in local government. “We the People is such a phenomenal opportunity to help the kids really understand the strength of the [democratic] process and the strength of our union,” she says. “It’s been really fun to help them understand the differences between, say, ancient Roman democracies and our town charter here in Westport.”

Guiding future leaders: “I love seeing the kids develop into scholars of American constitutionalism. I love the way that they research and learn. The students are from all across the political spectrum, and they all have different life experiences, but they synthesize this information and then they have to work together as a group. It’s fantastic to watch them grow. I’m so proud of them.”

True Westport love: “Obviously, I love the beach (you can often find me there walking my dog, David Beckham), the amenities, and the schools. But what’s really wonderful about Westport are the people. It’s a special place because of who chooses to live here.”

Athena Adamson

Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Westport Country Playhouse

Last June, the Westport Country Playhouse was on the brink of collapse. They needed to raise $2 million in two months, and named Athena the new board chair to spearhead the effort. Under her leadership, not only did they survive, they are thriving. “When I asked people for help and support, people really stepped forward,” she says. “That meant a lot to me.”

A long history as a patron: “I started attending productions [at the WCP] when I was in college. I fell in love with the old barn theater and the friendly faces. I felt connected to the place. Eight years ago, I got involved: first chairing the gala, then joining the board, and now chairing it.”

Seeing the community rally to save the WCP: “We’re 93 years old. To watch that rich history and legacy go away would have been unthinkable. When it seemed like that was a possibility, there was a big group effort. And during that time, we developed a new vision for the playhouse— we realized our audience was changing and we wanted to listen to them. It seems like the community really wanted that. I am so, so grateful.”

What’s next: “We want to be a place where people of all ages can watch amazing performances. First and foremost, we’re a theater that puts on world-class plays. But additionally, we have year-round programming that includes legendary Broadway stars. We have this wonderful barn next to the theater, and we’re doing a series in there called the Barnstormer series—an opportunity for smaller things. There’s always something happening!”

Photo by Mark Smith.

Photo by James Dobin-Smith.

Amanda Mas

Owner, Rebel & Rose Tattoo

Rebel & Rose is not your typical tattoo shop. You notice it from the second you walk in— the bright, airy feel, photographs by female photographers on the walls, scattered antiques—but most notably Amanda, who opened the shop downtown in 2022, only employs women. “I wanted to give women a space where they can thrive and feel comfortable— the clients as well as my employees,” she says.

The approach is different: “I originally wanted to do art therapy. When I got my first tattoo—angel wings for my aunt who passed away— I realized: this is art therapy. Tattoos are more than just the art, there are so many backstories as to why people get them. [Getting a tattoo] is like working through trauma, in a way.”

Her favorite pieces to work on:  “I of course love certain pieces because of the art aspect, but the stories resonate with me most. I do a lot of mastectomy tattoos for breast cancer survivors covering their scars. I could cry thinking about clients who’ve lost pregnancies. And then I’ll see them again, and they’ve come back to get something for their new baby who was just born. It really shows you how strong people are.”

Photo by Brittany Kowalski.

Carole Orland

Co-founding member and partner, Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC

Carole and her partner, Eric Broder, opened a family law office in Westport in 2005, which is now the largest family law office in Connecticut, thanks in no small part to her hard work and dedication to her clients. Carole is a consummate go-getter: not only is she a co-founder and partner at her firm, she is a passionate mentor, avid golf player (and board member at her country club, Birchwood), dedicated mother and grandmother, and trustee at The Westport Library. “I say to everyone, ‘If you don’t love living in Westport, you won’t love living anywhere.’ It’s an incredible community.”

She’s nonstop: “I rarely sleep. Everyone who knows me will attest to the 4 AM emails! My energy generates more energy for the things I love. I am blessed that our daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids live in Westport. They are the busy ones, so I try to catch up with them!”

A loyal customer: “I love shopping at Mitchells. They have fabulous clothes, and the people who work there are warm, welcoming, and accommodating. For my 70th birthday, Bill Mitchell arranged for me to throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game. My dad and I would always go to games when I was growing up—he would have been so proud.”

An emphasis on the next generation: “I take mentoring very seriously. I was lucky to have a couple of great ones, and I find sharing life experiences is especially important in our type of practice. Our firm is like a family.”

Photo by Jerri Graham.

Penny Yi

Owner, La Beauté Artistry Brow + Nail Salon

For Penny, nails are in her blood. Her dad brought their family from Cambodia to Connecticut and opened a nail salon, and Penny, a mom of two, did the same last year when La Beauté Artistry opened. “I wanted to open my own place, because it’s my family’s legacy— like following in my father’s footsteps,” she said. Since its debut, La Beauté has become one of Westport’s most beloved hidden gems.

Her goals for La Beauté: “I wanted to create a safe space for the community, fostering connection and offering a space where our clients can feel seen.  We really talk to our clients and get to know them. I aim to provide a way for people to express their creativity through nail art and nail extensions. I really want to be the one to help boost the people of Westport’s confidence!”

A good manicure matters: “Your nails are a canvas. You can play around with the design, and it makes you happy. Even driving around and looking at your nails, if they look good, it makes you happy. To be able to have a place that I can help create that—for women or men!—is  really nice.”

Her business philosophy: “I have a community over competition mentality. I believe in all local businesses rising together.”

Jes Bengston

Executive Chef, Terrain

For the last 8 years, Jes has headed up the kitchen at Terrain, the beautiful, botanical cafe inside the garden and home mecca. “Terrain is owned by Urban Outfitters, so I get that corporate structure, but with creative freedom. And the people on the retail side are educated in agriculture and design, which you wouldn’t normally learn about in a restaurant. It’s all just been incredible.”

She’s built a supportive environment: “When I started, I was the only woman in the kitchen. Now, my kitchen is filled with women, and people from every background. [My approach is:] Let’s teach each other. Let’s make sure people are getting paid. Let’s make sure our mental health is being taken care of. I started a four-day work week at Terrain, and it’s been so well received. I’ve had people working here for 10 or 11 years, which is unusual. It’s a great environment.”

On the amazing Westport food community: “It is the most encouraging, most collaborative, smartest group—they’re like my family. If I run out of an ingredient, I can text Bill Taibe to borrow some. If I have a question about what produce will be in season, I can call Lori Cochran [the director of the Westport Farmers Market] to answer it. Everyone wants to help each other.”

A favorite customer memory: “It wasn’t easy for my wife and me to get pregnant. When we shared that we were, people were overjoyed for us. One couple made us a little toy wooden cheese board, like you’d see at Terrain, with crocheted fruits and veggies. That was so special.”

Photo by Penny Yi.

Photo by Winter Caplanson.

Lewis Derogene

Head of Exhibitions, MoCA Westport

In early 2023, Lewis came to MoCA as a teaching artist. She quickly shot up the ranks, first to curatorial assistant, and now serving as their head of exhibitions. “I’ve always wanted to help expose people’s art,” says Lewis, who hails from an artistic family including painters and woodcarvers, and is an artist herself. “The art scene in Westport is super vibrant and alive, and I think that’s so great to be surrounded by. You never run out of ideas, you never run out of projects.”

She’s helping make MoCA a true destination: “One of my big goals in this position is to build partnerships. We’re inviting guest curators to curate shows, and are reaching out to schools like Yale trying to create fellowships and art residency programs in the museum. It’s really exciting.”

Her work inspires her creatively: “I got to visit the home of Roe Halper, who we just featured in the Westport Public Art Collection show, and see all of the work she’s created since moving here in 1960. That motivated me as an artist: to say wow, you should never stop creating, no matter what. She never stopped, because it was her true passion. That’s the kind of community we need, and the fact that I’m surrounded by that, as both an artist and head of exhibitions, is really great.”

A powerful inspiration: “One of my favorite poems is Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman.’ I chose PhenomenaLewis as my art moniker because I want to make work that’s just as phenomenal and impactful as her poems make me feel.”

Photo by Lewis Derogene.

Emily Blundell

Founder, Jeweled Coquette

It was a happy accident that Emily’s hobby— making jewelry for her friends— turned into a full-time job. But that’s exactly what happened. She’s the founder of Jeweled Coquette, a jewelry line you can find at local spots like Middlemarch, the MoCA marketplaces, or in her studio on Post Road (where she also does permanent bracelets). “Being able to do something I’m passionate about feels like a dream come true,” she says.

A leap of faith: “Before Westport, we lived in South Orange, N.J. and I worked in finance. I always kind of had impostor syndrome, like, this is not where I belong. I was pursuing creative outlets on the side, and when we moved here, I was like I just want to do something I love. I started making jewelry for friends, and the business grew organically from that. Going full-time was scary, but I found my true identity. The corporate world was not me.”

Her jewelry tells a story: “Every item is created by hand, and has positive intentions behind it. That translates to the person who wears it. My permanent bracelets—people come in to get one with their kids when they go off to college, or as a celebration of life when someone close to them has passed. Every time I go in to do one, I hear a special story, and I always feel blessed to be a part of that experience.”

Stephanie Masticciolo

Co-founder, MSC International

Stephanie and her two sisters lost their father, an international producer of Caribbean music, 10 years ago. Stephanie had held on to his vast collection of music from their Haitian culture for personal use, but there was a lightbulb moment last year when a music supervisor called —he wanted to use one of her father’s records in a film project. “Right now, the industry is asking for pre-1980s music [with a Caribbean/Latin feel]. And here, I have thousands of songs they can’t access— they’re not on the internet. We realized: we can share this music with the world.”

So she and her sisters created MSC International to digitize and license their collection of Haitian music for television, commercials, and film.

Her father’s legacy: “My father was always distributing his music; it was how we grew up. But this market [for TV and film] didn’t exist when he was around. And there’s not that much inventory out there. Here in my basement, I have thousands of songs by really cool artists. When I put on an album and write a few notes about it, it stirs up memories, and it’s also so gratifying.”

I ntroducing people to Haitian music: “It’s got a danceable beat, and it’s about a positive attitude and way of life. I’ll play it by my pool or in my car, and it brings people joy. When you start to listen to this music, you just want more.”

The story of their name: “My sister Christina and my sister Monica are the M and C in MSC. My middle sister pointed out that MSC is ‘music’ without the U and I. It holds a lot of significance, which I’m really proud of.”

Photo by Hande Gurdogan Photography.

Photo by Sophia Andersen.

WELCOME TO THE

Renée-

BROADWAY STAR RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY IS READY FOR HER NEXT ACT.

“There’s so much life lived in these songs.”

“I came up in a time where people assumed music theater artists had one sound and they did one thing. We've shattered that illusion,” says Renée Elise Goldsberry. Case in point: the Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor and singer—who is perhaps best known for playing Angelica Schyuler in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton— is releasing a solo album, touring (including a May stop at Weston’s Lachat Farm), and starring in the Netflix series Girls5Eva , which released its third season in March. Westport Lifestyle spoke to Renée about the upcoming release of her new music, her authentic approach to performing, and getting a second chance at the funniest project of her career.

AN ALBUM LONG IN THE MAKING

Renée’s new record covers the past four years of her songwriting, beginning early in the pandemic. “We have felt so many things over the last four years,” she says. “We lost hope, and then our hope exceeded expectations, and then we got a little disillusioned again. But most importantly, we discovered that strength was being together, how resilient we are, and that joy is everywhere. And I think all of those things are somewhere in this music,” she says. The influences span Renée’s “wide taste in musical styles,” including gospel and R&B, but ultimately fit best in what she calls “pop, with no bubblegum.” “I’m not 25,” she says. “There’s so much life lived in these songs. There are songs that celebrate my children and my husband, songs that remind me of mistakes I’ve made, or breaking someone’s heart. But now I have the gift of writing about those experiences from the stage in my life where I know: everyone ends up OK.”

Renée also credits her 10-year-old daughter for helping her break from the idea an album had to have a cohesive sound or theme. “We were driving one day, and she asked me from the backseat: ‘What is an album?’” she says, laughing. “Before I could even answer, she said, ‘Is that when an artist decides to put out a bunch of songs at the

same time?’ She was just trying to understand, because the way we consume music is so different now. It freed me from the idea that there are any rules at all.”

THE THRILL OF A LIVE SHOW

Touring has been another source of joy for Renée—in recent months she’s been everywhere from Wheeling, West Virginia to the University of New Mexico. “When it came to creating my show, my biggest question was why. My album wasn’t out yet, I didn’t really have anything to promote, and they certainly don’t need me to sell Hamilton tickets!” she says. “So why should people come? What are they going to leave with? I created this set list that wasn’t based on genre—my friend called my show a ‘gumbo’ of genres—but based on songs that reminded us to love.” (She performed an abridged version of the set, which includes gospel, folk, and selections from Hamilton as well as her memorable Broadway runs in The Lion King and Rent, at the benefit for the Westport Country Playhouse in 2022.) Storytelling is a cornerstone of Renée’s performance style. “If you come to see me for a show, you should leave and feel like you spent a couple of hours just hanging out with me. I feel that, even more important than thinking, oh, she sings great is that you had some insight into my crazy mind!” she says with a laugh. “Experiences, life lessons, the things you believe in, the things you think are funny—that, to me, is the DNA of any great piece of art.”

Next up is an intimate performance at Lachat Town Farm in Weston—which will be totally different from the set she’s been doing on the road. “We created this great concert, and I want to break it so we can make something new,” she says. “My desire is to debut the songs I’ve written over the last four years.” These songs, she says, take the experience of Renée’s onstage storytelling into the music itself, weaving her personal experiences, sense of humor, and values right in. Expect to see the original material alongside selections from Renée’s Broadway roles.

(“I’m not delusional enough to think I’m going to get off any stage without performing songs from Hamilton!” she jokes.)

ALL ABOUT SECOND CHANCES

As if she wasn't busy enough, Renée stars in the series Girls5Eva,  a musical-comedy about a one-hit wonder girl group from the ‘90s that stages a comeback after a TikTokera rapper samples their big song ,  along with Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, and Paula Pell. Renée plays Wickie Roy, the glamorous diva of the group. Girls5Eva was nearly canceled after its second season,

“I came up in a time where people assumed music theater artists had one sound and they did one thing. We’ve shattered that illusion.”

which aired on streamer Peacock, but the critically-adored show was rescued by Netflix (where you can now watch the entire series).

“We are so excited that it’s on Netflix,” she says. “We want it on the biggest platform. It’s for everyone: there’s a lot of heart in the show, and it’s extremely funny. It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever been in. Actually, it’s the funniest thing in the entire world.”

If that’s not endorsement enough, let Renée explain the hook: “In season one, [Girls5Eva] gets back together, in season two, they make an album, and in season three, they go on tour,” she says. “It’s a self-funded, janky tour, but

Photo by Cameron Bertuzzi.

they are on tour. And they are unapologetically ambitious. Wickie is the most delusionally ambitious one of them all!” Despite the zany universe Girls5Eva inhabits (its executive producers include 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt alums Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, alongside Meredith Scardino and Fey’s husband Jeff Richmond, the show’s composer), Renée says Wickie’s ambition is one of her favorite things about the character. “Even playing that role, I can forget that all of that dreaming? I deserve it too. [The show] reminds people: it’s not too late. There’s a lot of second chances. And that is a gift.”

Renée says it’s not lost on her that she’s playing this part while launching her album and the next phase of her career.  “It hit me the other day that God could not be more helpful, putting me in a television show about a woman this age trying to make it in the music industry,” she says. “I think the fact that I’ve been playing this role for so many years now is really God saying: will you please just go for it! ?”

Catch Renée Elise Goldsberry “going for it” at Lachat Town Farm this May (for more info, visit lachattownfarm.org ), or on her upcoming solo album.

Renée-ssance

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Freshly Picked

A NEW COOKBOOK FROM WESTPORT-BASED BLOGGER

JULIA DZAFIC MAKES THE MOST OF YOUR BACKYARD HARVEST.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIA D'AGOSTINO

Westport’s own Julia Dzafic, whom you may know as Lemon Stripes, launched her blog in 2010 to share about her life—everything from cooking and wellness to, more recently, motherhood and home decor. But it was her husband Anel who inspired her first cookbook,  Garden Grown: Garden-to-Table Recipes to Make the Most of Your Bounty,  available May 7 wherever books are sold. “He’s an avid gardener, and I always try to include what he is growing in my cooking,” Julia says. Thus,  Garden Grown is organized to help you do the same: whether you’re harvesting cucumbers, tomatoes, or basil, just flip to the chapter for that ingredient and you’ll find recipes to help you make something delicious with it. And nothing tastes better than a dish with a home-grown element! Here, Julia shares with  Westport Lifestyle her Green Basil Couscous from the book—a light, bright side that’s great for chicken or fish, and perfect for spring herb bounties.

Julia Dzafic, at home in Westport.

ingredients

• 1⁄2 c. veggie broth or water

• 1⁄2 c. couscous

• 2 c. frozen peas

• 1 c. crumbled feta or goat cheese

• 1⁄2 c. chopped walnuts

• 1⁄2 c. chopped parsley

• ¼ c. chopped basil

• ¼ c. chopped mint

dressing

• 1⁄2 c. olive oil

• 1 c. basil leaves

• 1 small shallot, peeled

• Juice of 1⁄2 lemon

• 3 T. white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar

• 1 T. honey

• 1 garlic clove

• Sea salt and black pepper

directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let sit for  10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Boil a small pot of water and blanch the peas until they turn bright green, two minutes. Drain the peas and set aside.

3. Make the dressing: Blend the olive oil, basil, shallot, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Taste and add more of whatever flavors you want.

4. In a large bowl, place the couscous, peas, feta, walnuts, parsley, basil, and mint, and toss in the dressing. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm or cold.

GREEN BASIL COUSCOUS

Green Basil Couscous, from Garden Grown.

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STOP AND SHOP

THREE WOMEN-OWNED DÉCOR STORES IN TOWN WE LOVE—AND SO WILL YOU.

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BROWN WEST-ROSENTHAL

The way you choose to decorate your home is an extension of your personal style, which is why finding the right aesthetics takes creativity, patience,—and a perfectly curated home décor store. If you’re in need of some fresh inspiration, here are three of Westport’s home stores, all owned and operated by women who take great pride in curating unique and thoughtful selections.

THE POST

Deb Placey, Owner

1799 Post Rd E, Westport, CT

Deb, a former sportscaster for ESPN and Madison Square Garden Network, opened The Post three years ago. She has always loved interior design, and spent her days off decorating and styling. “In between games, I’d go look at fabrics or mirrors all day long,” says Deb.  “So, when I hung up my microphone so to speak, opening The Post was a logical step—even though it sounds like a major pivot!”

The Inspiration:  The store’s tagline is “City. Country. Coast.” It speaks to the relaxed atmosphere. “Shopping for sectionals and pillows, or hostess gifts and housewarming gifts should be fun!” she says.

The Favorites: Deb can’t choose just one favorite item, but emphasizes that it was always her goal to feature a range of price points. “You can come in if you just need a greeting card or a candle,” she says. “But feel equally comfortable making an investment in gorgeous custom swivel chairs or Baccarat glasses for a wedding gift.”

The Special Touch: Deb emphasizes that her team aims to please. “If you need something ordered or delivered, we want to go the extra mile,” she says.

The Post.

Deb Placey, owner of The Post.

Photo by Mindy Briar Photography.

BESPOKE DESIGNS

Shari Lebowitz, Creative Director/Founder

8 Sconset Square, Westport, CT 06880

Originally founded as a couture paper design atelier, Bespoke Designs has grown into a retail destination that includes a full-service design studio, a highly curated gift registry, and a shop filled with everything you might need to entertain at home. “We bring together the best artisans, makers, and brands with highly personalized customer service,” explains Shari Lebowitz, founder and creative director. From weddings to milestone celebrations to everyday entertaining, Bespoke’s motto is: “Let’s get your gathering started in style!”

The Inspiration:  Shari opened Bespoke Designs after she planned her own wedding and searched high and low for gorgeous, swoon-worthy invitations. “I leaned into my love of paper design, parties and entertaining.”

For invitations and stationery, Bespoke Designs offers three levels of customization and chic style options for every budget. For tabletop, homewares and gifts, Bespoke offers a unique array of products carefully sourced from around the world. “We love to create layered, beautiful looks for entertaining,” says Shari.

The Favorites: “Too many to name! The vibe of the shop is happy and upbeat. But if I had to choose, it would be our “Truly Bespoke” fully custom wedding and party invitations. I get a bit teary eyed when these lovelies go out in the mail and spread their joy,” she says.

The Special Touch: The vibe of the shop is bright, happy, upbeat, and stylish. “I’m constantly thinking in terms of color, shape, and pattern. I studied art history and have been fortunate to travel extensively,” says Shari. “As a lifelong knitter and devoted gardener, I’m attuned to texture, craftsmanship, and the beauty of nature all around us in every season. Plus, I’m a party person at heart.  I love to set a beautiful table and whip up a signature cocktail.”

Shari Lebowitz, the creative director/founder of Bespoke Designs. Photo by ChiChi Ubiña.

Bespoke Designs. Photo by ChiChi Ubiña.

MILLIE RAE’S

Cheryl Sugel, Owner

1011 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880

Millie Rae’s is a “not so small” boutique that sells home furnishings and decor, gifts, jewelry, and women’s clothing. It offers interior design and wardrobe styling too. Cheryl named the store after her two grandmothers— Mildred and Rachel (“two smart, hard-working women”) and says the store reflects her personal style, running the gamut from casual, practical, frivolous, humorous, and beautiful. The brick-and-mortar store opened in 2009 but it began with Cheryl doing pop-up shops for charitable events around Fairfield County.

The Inspiration: Cheryl majored in fashion design and merchandising and started out as a buyer for a department store in Miami. Prior to moving to Westport, she had a store in Miami with a similar feel. “The vibe of Millie Rae’s is ‘comfortable elegance.’ Almost everything in the store is chosen by me so it all has my personal touch,” she says.

The Favorites: Cheryl wanted Millie Rae’s to have a lifestyle approach that could appeal to almost everyone by featuring a wide range of prices as well as design and gift options. Yet the assortment in Millie Rae’s is constantly changing, so her favorite items change as well. “I’m a big fan of neutral and pale colors. Layering texture is important to my personal design aesthetic,” she says. “I also believe in respecting the past, so I love incorporating vintage and family heirlooms.”

The Special Touch: Cheryl takes pride in the commitment Millie Rae’s has to the community. She loves that overall Westport is a compassionate and socially aware place, and is proud that Millie Rae’s sponsors local charitable organizations including Near and Far, Pink Aid, Rooms With A View, A Better Chance Westport, Mercy Learning Center, and many more. “So many of our customers have become friends,” she says. “The joy of learning about their families, new babies, grandbabies, weddings, holidays, and vacations is the best part of what we do.”

Millie Rae's. Photo by Luis Lopez.

Cheryl Sugel, owner of Millie Rae's.

CATERING ROYALTY

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA SZEBENYIK

FOR MARCIA, ROBIN, AND JEFFREY SELDEN, BUSINESS IS ALL IN THE FAMILY.

The Selden family of Marcia Selden Catering.

More than 40 years ago, Marcia Selden launched her eponymous catering company, starting out of her home in Stamford. Her children, Robin and Jeffrey, saw the business literally being built. “Jeffrey and I gained this incredible work ethic watching her,” says Robin, who now serves as the managing partner and executive chef. (Jeffrey is now also a managing partner, and also oversees the bar program as well as sales and operations.) Four decades later, the company has grown substantially, but the familial feel still remains. In honor of Mother’s Day, Robin and Jeffrey, share with Westport Lifestyle all about working with their beloved mom.

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE: WHAT KINDS OF FOODS DID YOUR MOM MAKE GROWING UP?

Jeffrey Selden: When everyone else was eating meatloaf and pasta, we had things like Dover sole and sea scallops. I remember thinking as a kid: why would I want that!? But some of my favorite things were the salmon cakes she used to make.

Robin Selden: We’d also have breakfast for dinner, which was funny because she does not love breakfast! And we would have a next-level taco night— before tacos were cool.

WL: WHERE DID THE FAMILY'S LOVE OF COOKING COME FROM?

Marcia Selden: My mother wasn’t a great cook, but my father was. On Sundays, we’d cook together, and he encouraged me to make anything I wanted.

WL: WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUR FAMILY?

JS: We all handle different things, but we have a synergy between our interests. We actually get along!

RS: I get to work with my best friends. Both my real, immediate family and our team, which is a family too! I feel so lucky.

MS: They make me look good! There are times I think they’re even better at it than I was.

WL: WHAT IS YOUR MOM’S IDEAL MOTHER’S DAY?

RS: It would have to have the raspberry almond torte from St. Moritz in Greenwich, which was her favorite cake growing up. Cora Lee chocolate toffee from Chicago. A seafood tower. A really good New York strip with butter sauce and creamed spinach. And great music. That’s how I remember my childhood—my mom was always dancing.

JS: Absolutely. And a Grey Goose martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives in a chilled glass!

MARCIA'S SALMON CAKES

• 1 ⁄ 2 lb. salmon (fresh or canned)

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• 4 T. unsalted butter

• 3 ⁄4 c. diced red onion

• 1 ⁄ 2 c. diced red pepper

• 1 ⁄ 2 c. diced yellow pepper

• 1 ⁄4 c. minced parsley

• 1 T. capers, drained

• 1 ⁄4 t. Tabasco

• 1 ⁄ 2 t. Worcestershire sauce

• 1 1 ⁄ 2 t. Old Bay seasoning

• 1 ½ c. breadcrumbs

• 1 ⁄ 2 c. mayonnaise

• 2 t. Dijon mustard

• 2 extra-large eggs, beaten

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Place salmon on a sheet pan, skin side down. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with aluminum foil. Rest for 10 minutes, then refrigerate.

3. Place two tablespoons of the butter, two tablespoons olive oil, onion, red and yellow bell peppers, parsley, capers, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Cook until vegetables are soft. Cool to room temperature.

4. Flake chilled salmon into large bowl. Add one cup breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and eggs. Add vegetable mixture, mix well. Cover and chill. Shape into 10 cakes. Dip in remaining ½ cup breadcrumbs to coat.

For more information, visit marciaselden.com

The Marcia Selden logo: a pair of red lips.

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The Power of Education

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE C. BARNEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIDELER PHOTOGRAPHY

Anika Walker, the adult education program facilitator, working with a student.

Maria Moreno, director of early childhood education, with a student and her child.

Pre-GED class.

MERCY LEARNING CENTER IS TRANSFORMING WOMEN’S LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION.

“They opened their doors for me, no matter how long it would take, or what I needed, they were there to support me.”

—Maria Huisha

Maria Huisha moved to Connecticut from Ecuador in 2008. She knew two words in English: yes and no. This past February, she received her high school equivalency diploma, and now, college is on the horizon. Maria’s journey was not an easy one, but thanks to Mercy Learning Center, a Bridgeport-based organization that provides literacy and life skills training to low-income women, she had all of the support she needed to not only learn English but also experience the empowerment and confidence that comes with continuing her education.

“When I first moved here it was very difficult for me,” she says. “I worked at a salon six days a week and I couldn’t communicate clearly with my co-workers, supervisor, or customers. And then one day I had a customer suggest that I try taking a class at the Mercy Learning Center—she was a teacher there,” says Maria. “They opened their doors for me, no matter how long it would take, or what I needed, they were there to support me.”

Maria began her studies with English tutoring sessions a few times a week and eventually became a fulltime student to focus on obtaining her GED. “Many times I thought about quitting. It was really hard and frustrating. But it was all worth it,” she says. Her dream, now, is to become a radiologist.

Maria is just one of many women who’ve transformed their lives thanks to Mercy.  “The world is a much stronger place when we have women who feel empowered,” says Lindsay Wyman, the president and CEO of Mercy Learning Center. “We are committed to doing whatever it takes to support our students.”

By learning how to read and speak English, Mercy Learning Center students can improve their academic skills, obtain their high school equivalency diplomas, become United States citizens, advocate for themselves and their families, obtain jobs with higher wages, pursue secondary education degrees, and independently navigate their community’s resources. The power of a good education is truly limitless.

Last school year, Mercy Learning Center served 684 women and children from 45 different countries, spanning 17 languages. Seventy-three percent of the students live in poverty, and nearly all of the remaining 27 percent are what's known as ALICE (asset-limited, income constrained, employed). They sometimes work up to three jobs just to meet basic living needs. But they are all 100 percent committed to their education. “The tenacity and perseverance of our women is incredible,” says Lindsay. “They have full lives outside of school. Sixty percent of them are mothers. And they still prioritize their education. I adore these women and our incredibly dedicated staff.”

Mercy Learning Center is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. They make learning possible for students by offering free childcare and preschool, case worker support, emergency financial assistance, a food and diaper pantry, and more. By going above and beyond to keep their students going to class, Mercy Learning Center helps them stay focused on their learning. Stories like Maria's prove what an incredible impact this organization has on the community. The outcome is clear—lives are changed, every day.

For more information, visit mercylearningcenter.org

MOTHER'S DAY

GIFT GUIDE

Local-inspired gifts for Westport's amazing moms.

ARTICLE BY ANNA BARNES

1

1. JEWELED COQUETTE

Surprise Mom by taking her to an event with Jeweled Coquette to create a one-ofa-kind charm necklace.  Keep an eye out on Instagram at @jeweled_coquette for event schedule, jeweledcoquette.com

Make reservations for Terrain's amazing brunch.

2. FRESH FLOWER BAR

Look no further than Fresh Flower Bar for a beautiful arrangement she’ll be gazing at for weeks. Take our advice, plan ahead and order early! freshflowerbar.com

3. MAKE RESERVATIONS

Make sure Mom isn’t cooking on Mother’s Day! Make reservations in advance— try one of my personal favorites like Casa Me, Nomade, Kawa Ni, Walrus Alley, The Cottage, Oko, or Terrain.

Jeweled Coquette custom charm necklace.

Fresh Flower Bar bouquet.

4

6

4. BOOK AN OVERNIGHT STAYCATION

Book an overnight staycation for Mom at the Delamar Southport— she can hit the spa, get breakfast in bed, and enjoy uninterrupted sleep. delamar.com/hotels/delamar-southport

5

5. JEWELRY

Moms make everyday sparkle—make her wrist sparkle, too. lbgreen.com

6. DESIGNER BAG

This tote is a great size for everything a mom needs, plus it’s an incredible work of art that she’ll love to carry. polene-paris.com

Book a staycation at the Delamar Southport.

Emerald and Diamond Line Tennis Bracelet from Lux, Bond and Green.

Polene Paris Numéro Uno Bag.

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS

It All The Keys to

You could get Mom a bouquet of flowers and a reservation at her favorite local bistro this Mother’s Day, sure. Or you could surprise her with a relaxing long weekend or extended stay in the Florida Keys, the picturesque domestic locale where your family can enjoy all the warmth and beauty of the Caribbean without your passports. We recently explored two gorgeous resorts there, and they’ve got something for everyone. Here's what you need to know if you're planning a Keys-ian getaway (for Mom, or anyone else):

To get there, it’s a three-hour flight from New York to Key West, and then a drive along the iconic Overseas Highway (the stretch of road that links the Keys together). We stopped at the Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort in Marathon, Florida first—it’s a peaceful retreat, but with no shortage of fun activities to meet everyone’s wish list. With two restaurants, three pools, a putting green and a private 2.5acre beach, we barely left the resort.

Tranquility Bay’s garden lodging offers flexible arrangements to accommodate up to four guests— including traditional guest rooms and three-bedroom beachfront villas with patios and bedroom balconies—which are great for families. Most rooms and suites are just steps from the swimming beach or the tropical garden pool. Beach houses offer private entrances, two (or more!) bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, private laundry facilities, A/C and complimentary WiFi, among other amenities.

We loved the Butterfly Café, which features both al fresco dining on the patio or a sophisticated, coastal-inspired dining room. The menu featured fresh-caught fish and Caribbean cuisine, but the cute “Little Caterpillars” menu had plenty for kids, too. And TJ’s Tiki Bar offered more family-friendly fare, like chicken tenders and fries, fish sandwiches, and coconut shrimp. (And we couldn’t resist ending the night with some signature key lime pie.) TJ’s is also the best nighttime spot for a cocktail and live music.

For active travelers, there’s tons to do: complimentary yoga, a 24-hour fitness center (complete with Pelotons), beach volleyball, and a private marina to jet off from for a snorkel or scuba trip.

A private deck at Tranquility Bay.

Tranquility Bay's beachfront.

Tranquility Bay's veranda.

The other hotel we checked out was Isla Bella, located midway between Key West and Key Largo (or a 2.5 hour drive from Miami). This one is a great choice for treating Mom, too: with one mile of waterfront, an invigorating spa, and five oceanfront pools, the resort offers plenty of places to relax and luxuriate.

The ocean is the real draw here, and you can feel that every space at the resort was designed to showcase the stunning waters in the Keys. Lodging options include one-, two- and three-bedroom guest rooms and oceanfront suites. The suites have living rooms, outdoor living space, and kitchenettes, which are great for families with little ones and early bedtimes who need a place to hang out.

Isla Bella is a world unto itself, featuring everything we’d want in an effortless vacation. The Marketplace is a one-stop shop for everything from gourmet picnic fixings, skincare, and decor to games, toys, and gear for your outdoor adventure. The concierge can connect you with bikes and great local fishing, kayaking, diving, and boating trips.

The resort can set you up with guided runs along Seven Mile Bridge, which recently opened a pedestrian stretch for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. Eco-minded travelers will appreciate Isla Bella’s partnership with Conch Republic Marine Army— they offer a 2.5-hour ocean cleanup excursion.

We also loved the activities for families, like a sandcastle competition, crafts, and movie night. The full-service spa offers nail and skin treatments as well as relaxing couples packages and amazing massages.

There are more great restaurants here: Mahina, a Polynesianinspired restaurant, and the newly-opened Sushi Cabana were more upscale, while Burger Palace and The Beach Bar offer casual fare like burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and fruit bowls. It’s hard to name a best part, but if we had to? Three words: Gelato. Happy. Hour.

For more information or to plan a vacation, visit fla-keys.com islabellabeachresort.com tranquilitybay.com

Isla Bella dining.

One of Isla Bella's pools.

Private outdoor space.

A tiki bar sunset at Tranquility Bay.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 29TH

Lunch With Lidia and the Westport Young Woman's League

Branson Hall, 75 Church Ln

Westport Young Woman's League is hosting their first-ever Grants Awards Lunch Gala, and they are welcoming celebrated chef and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich as their guest speaker. The lunch is a fundraiser to raise money for the League's community grants awards program. For more info, visit wywl.com.

MAY 3RD

All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of RBG

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct | 8:00 AM

Rupert Holmes’ one-woman show about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stars Michelle Azar and covers the life of the Notorious RBG from her childhood in Brooklyn to her last days on the Court. Performances are May 3 at 8 p.m., May 4 at 8 p.m., and May 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets from $45 at westportplayhouse.org.

MAY 4TH

Designport Upscale Garage Sale

MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike | 12:00 PM

MoCA Westport and Designport's first "Upscale Garage Sale" offers an opportunity to shop excess inventory culled from prominent interior designers at discounted prices, including highend accessories, pillows, mirrors, rugs, and more. A drop-in kid's art studio is available while you shop. $10 suggested donation. For more information visit mocawestport.org

perennial plants from members’ own gardens, with a special section of CT Native Plants, tomatoes, and herbs.  Shoppers will also find a selection of decorative container gardens, gifts for Mother’s Day, and more!

MAY 14TH

Spare-Strike-Split: A Bowling Event!

Nutmeg Bowl, 802 Villa Ave, Fairfield | 6:30 PM

Club 203— the social club for adults with disabilities highlighted in this month's Women of Westport feature— hosts their May event, a bowling night as requested by their members, at Nutmeg Bowl in Fairfield. $100 for a one-year membership, or $15 per event. Please note this event is only open to adults with disabilities. For more, visit club203.org.

MAY 18TH

Westport Library's Spring Book Sale

Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road | 9:00 AM

Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and more will be on sale at the Trefz Forum. You’ll find everything from children’s titles to antique books. Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, May 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit westportlibrary.org

MAY 19TH

Bernadette Peters at the Westport Country Playhouse

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct | 7:00 PM

The Westport Country Playhouse hosts a night with Broadway, TV, and film legend Bernadette Peters, who will perform songs from  Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman and many more. After the show, audience members are invited to meet and mingle at a post-performance party. Tickets from $175 at westportplayhouse.org

Letter From the Editor

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Selecting honorees for my first Women of Westport list was a monumental challenge—as I sifted through 300plus nominees, I was blown away by the number of brilliant, passionate, talented women who call Westport home and the incredible things they've accomplished. While I would have loved to honor each one, I am so proud of this list. (I confess I may have teared up during more than one interview!) Not only am I inspired by this year's group, but looking back on this issue fills me with excitement for honorees in years to come. I can't wait to see what the women of Westport do next!

A photo from "The Lady and the Chair" by Woman of Westport Lewis Derogene, aka PhenomenaLewis, a series about carrying the burden of Black womanhood.

CHEVRON COLLECTION