SHAZI VISRAM:
THE VISIONARY CEO BEHIND A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR BABIES
“
I highly recommend them!” - Chandra
Family First!
Dear Westport Lifestyle Readers,
Welcome to our special Family, Kids, and Pets issue! This edition is filled with heartwarming stories, valuable resources, and inspiring people who make our community shine.
Our cover story features Weston resident Shazi Visram, a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for children's health and wellness. She shares with us the story of her latest venture, HealthyBaby, as well as valuable lessons she has learned along the way.
We always love shining a spotlight on nonprofits in our area. This issue highlights remarkable local 501c3s. You'll meet some parents who have started inspiring organizations to support their children with rare medical conditions. To support our four-legged friends, we spoke to Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, who are helping local animals get adopted and find loving homes. Additionally, we share the heartwarming story of a Westport woodworking artist who has donated his time to support Make-A-Wish families.
In the true spirit of highlighting local young people, you'll meet Sophia Lancin, a star in girls' wrestling, who shares her inspiring journey of determination and spirit. Or check out our teen guide to Westport, penned by Staples student Zoe Boxenbaum, for a fresh perspective on local youth interests. We also explore a podcast started by Staples students that features Connecticut-based nonprofits, showcasing their innovative spirit and commitment to making a difference.
For expanding families, The Parent Collective, founded by local mom Jessica Hill, provides community through prenatal and parenting classes, fostering a supportive haven for expectant and new parents.
And as all kid-and-pet parents know, you need a home that can handle anything. D2 Interieurs walks us through how they build spaces that are made for real life.
We also highlight MOCA Westport's enriching kids' education programs, nurturing creativity and curiosity in our young ones early on. These stories beautifully illustrate the power of resilience, craftsmanship, and kindness in our community.
We hope this issue brings you joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to our vibrant community.
Warm regards,
MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sara Gaynes Levy, Meredith Guinness, MoCA CT, Jane Green, Zoe Boxenbaum
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Videler, Mindy Briar, Lewis Derogene, Laura St. John Photography, Sophie Elgort, Fred Marcus Photography, Montes Way, Jane Beiles
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
with PLASMA PEN
by LOUISE WALSH INTERNATIONAL
Plasma pen delivers a brighter, more contoured youthful appearance to the skin. The results of the treatment are virtually immediate and incredibly long lasting without the need for fillers or surgical correction. Plasma pen technology is revolutionizing what is possible in skin revitalization, tone and texture. Dr. Gould strives to bring her clients the latest innovation and was the first physician in Connecticut to bring Plasma Pen to her practice.
DR GOULD'S PLASMA PEN BEFORE & AFTER
Life at full boost
While every Porsche is special, some tend to be a bit more so. For the 993, the Turbo/Turbo S were the ultimate expressions of the air-cooled, road-going 911, delivering blistering acceleration on a level that is impressive even by today’s standards. Our client’s pristine Turbo on the left is a stunner, finished in PTS Turquoise Metallic.
The folks at RUF took the 993 even further, first with their Turbo R then, nearly two decades later, the Turbo R Limited (the green example on the right is one of only seven produced). Boasting an eye-popping 620HP in a lightweight chassis, RUF again delivered a car that could exceed 200 mph.
The Speed Yellow car in the center of this trio is a completely different take on the 993: the TechArt CT3 featuring a supercharger delivering 462-HP to the rear wheels. While any CT3 is rare on these shores, this one is particularly so as it’s production number 000.
The one thing the owners of these three very special 993s have in common is their unwavering trust in us. The specialists in our air-cooled Porsche department are recognized by renowned collectors across the globe for their expertise, experience, and most importantly, integrity.
Over the past three decades, we’ve seen tremendous growth. With our newly expanded 36,000 square foot Danbury facility, we can expertly service every Porsche that rolls through our doors. From a priceless four-cam 550, to the electric Taycan, to the new benchmark in performance, the exhilarating GT3 RS.
Our competition clients are benefiting from our new southern location in Sebring, Florida, near the legendary racing circuit.
No matter which Porsche you drive, or how you drive it, we’ll give you the boost you need.
inside the issue
Raising Hope
Two Westport
Shazi Visram's Vision
CEO Shazi Visram
Dream Builds
Banker-turned-woodworker Keenan Spiegel is making backyard wishes come true.
Shazi Visram, along with products from her HealthyBaby line and her previous company, Happy Baby Organics, shot in N.Y.C. by esteemed photographer Sophie Elgort.
Sophie Elgort
Denise Davies of D2 Interiurs designs
we live now.
city scene
speaker at the American Cancer Society's Women Leading the Way to Wellness.
MD and Madhavi
MD.
speaker Gabby Bernstein at the 2024 Women Leading the Way to Wellness event. 4:
Clark Newlove, Robin Selden, and Kitt Shapiro. 5: Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons giving opening statement at the Women Leading the Way to Wellness. 6: Mission emcee Dave Briggs hosted a paddle raise. 7: The 2024 Women Leading the Way to Wellness luncheon planning committee at the event. Photography by Laura St.
1: Stephanie Szostak, keynote
2: Honorees Shieva Ghofrany,
Raghu,
3: Keynote
Tri-Chairs Maureen
John Photography
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE
HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL
PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES
DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS
FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS
HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY
GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS
ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF
SONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD
MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIES
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE
HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL
PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES
DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS
FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS
HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY
Invites you to treat yourself to the ultimate luxury this summer: We spend our time freeing up yours.
GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS
ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF
SONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIESEXEC
UTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS
AL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES
TIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE
Based in Westport and serving a national clientele, we find the best-in-class staff for the home, office and family office.
HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS
ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSE
HOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES
NIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY
GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS
ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF
SONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE
8: The 2024 !mpaCT gala benefitting Stand With Us. Carly Ritter and Eric Ritter, !mpaCT co-founders. 9: Stephanie Stein, Avi Posnick of StandWithUs, keynote speaker Eliza Kanner, Eric Ritter, and Carly Ritter. 10: !mpaCT co-founder Eric Ritter, Marc Weber of OnTheMarc, and !mpaCT co-founder Jay Lurie. 11: Martha Zuckman, Elizabeth Flanders, Alissa Hendel, Carly Ritter, Erica Weber, Alison Amron, Johanna Simon, Michelle-Lee Rabinowitz. 12: Guests at !mpaCT, which featured videos from NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Congressman Ritchie Torres. 13: Press Play Motivation Dancers performed at the event. 14: Kristine Manoni, Ashley Iglehart, Lauren Jimeson, Marika Domińczyk, and Michelle-Lee Rabinowitz. Photography by J.C. Martin
15: The 2024 Westport Art Fest. 16: Main Street filled with art vendors during the festival. 17: Live music serenaded shoppers. 18: Shoppers walk through the available works. 19: Artist Julia Gilmore in her booth. 20: Artist GM Webb in his booth. 21: Aerial view of downtown Westport during the art fair. Photography by John Videler
Abby Cole Photography
Branding & Interiors Photographer
22: Laura Young at Double L Market's build-a-box for Mother's Day. 23: Lloyd Allen, Michelle Calarco, and Gianna Bavido. 24: Zac Mathias, Megan Schinella, and Nina Clarke.
city scene CONTINUED
25: Wakeman Town Farm, sponsored by BMW of Darien, reopens for the summer-fall season. 26: Farm-made honey at Wakeman Town Farm. 27: Freshly picked produce at Wakeman Town Farm. Photography by Wakeman Town Farm
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The Exchange Project Is Now Online and In-Showroom
The Exchange Project, a sustainable fashion venture devoted to rehoming gently-loved clothes, was the brainchild of Westporter Carly Ridloff. Previously, to shop their selection you needed to attend one of their pop-up swap events, but now you can also browse their amazing selection with a brand-new online and showroom consignment store. The showroom is by appointment only, but you can shop online anytime at theexchangeproject.com. New items arrive weekly. CONTINUED >
Courtesy Carly Ridloff
Photography
ThankYouWestport
Squeeze Opens in Westport
Drybar founders Alli Webb and Michael Landau have debuted their new concept, Squeeze, at 625 Post Road E here in Westport. Like a boutique gym for massage, you can get a monthly membership or a la carte massages by Squeeze's professionals, all booked, customized, and paid for via their app. The Westport location is owned and operated by Nicole and Jason Ruscio, pictured. Monthly memberships start at $95. For more information visit squeezemassage.com
Salon Dada Goes Green
Salon Dada has introduced a new recycling program, where hair, excess color, metals, single-use items, plastics, paper, and cardboard — up to 95 percent of salon waste— will be recycled and turned into energy, as they are now a Green Circle salon.
Photography Courtesy Squeeze
Photography Courtesy Salon Dada
bartaco's Lobster Menu Is Here
Nothing says summer in New England like lobster, and bartaco's summer lobster menu proves it. They've added a warm buttered lobster taco, a chilled lobster salad taco, lobster ceviche, and lobster esquites to their offerings. Get them while you can. 20 Wilton Rd.
Photography by Manny Vargas
A Westport Mom Wrote a New Book About Mia Hamm
Westport mom Karlin Gray's new graphic novel Mia and Friends, about the 1999 Women's World Cup and soccer star Mia Hamm, comes out on August 27th. The author based the novel on the true story of Mia's soccer career, bringing the history to life for fans old and new. Preorder at amazon.com
Photography Courtesy Karlin Gray
MOCA CT: Creating the Artists of Tomorrow
THE MUSEUM OFFERS ART EDUCATION FOR EVERY AGE AND LEVEL.
ARTICLE BY MOCA CT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS DEROGENE
Last year's Kaleidoscope exhibition. Camp MoCA.
Here at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA CT) in Westport, our mission is to nurture creativity, foster personal growth, and build community. This mission extends from children as young as six months to adult learners. For our youngest participants, we offer sensory art activities that ignite the imagination. As our children grow, they explore various materials and techniques, building confidence and artistic skills. Older children and teens engage in specialized classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and more, guided by experienced instructors who encourage risk-taking, critical thinking, and authentic self-expression. These programs enhance technical abilities and teach life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance.
For adult learners, MoCA CT offers an array of classes throughout the year, ensuring that creativity and learning continue to thrive. Our Artisan Workshop Series, led by master artisans, supports local artisans and those wishing to apprentice with them, further enriching our cultural fabric.
We emphasize art education because its benefits extend beyond the canvas. Art nurtures critical thinking, empathy, resilience, and self-expression. It provides a safe space for children to communicate their thoughts and emotions constructively. Our programs are designed to inspire a lifelong love of the arts and cultivate the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
“Our goal is to make art accessible to everyone, providing a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish," says Anne Greenberg, the deputy director of MoCA CT. "We believe in the transformative power of art to foster personal growth and build a stronger, more connected community.”
Camp MoCA.
“Our goal is to make art accessible to everyone, providing a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish."
At MoCA CT, we believe in the power of art to bridge gaps and bring people together. Our programs help young people build connections, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop pride in their accomplishments through creative activities. These experiences are integral to their development as well-rounded individuals and future community leaders. As one parent shared, “MoCA CT has been a game-changer for my kid. They used to be so shy, but now they’re bursting with confidence and creativity. The instructors are amazing, and the community is so supportive. It’s like they’ve found their second home here.”
So, as the summer sun sets, we invite you to celebrate youthful creativity and vibrant self-expression on Sunday, August 25th, at our endof-summer exhibition, “Camp MoCA Camper & MoCA Gives Back Exhibition: Kaleidoscope: A Journey of Creativity, Self-Expression & Unity.” The “Kaleidoscope” exhibition willl highlight the talents of our MoCA Gives Back participants. This initiative ensures art is accessible to everyone, including under-resourced individuals. MoCA Gives Back forms partnerships, develops high-quality programming, and strengthens outreach to meet diverse needs. It provides
meaningful programs and opportunities for all, including employment for adults with disabilities, scholarships for summer camp, and educational opportunities for those experiencing financial need. We also offer healing arts classes to high school students and collaborate with professional artists to bring events to under-resourced schools. We invite you to engage with us, whether by attending our classes, participating in our programs, or supporting us through donations and membership. Together, we can nurture creativity, foster personal growth, and build a vibrant, connected community.
MoCA CT relies on the support and generosity of the public to fund our programs. Your contributions ensure that we can continue to offer these enriching experiences and expand our reach. Please consider becoming a member and joining the MoCA CT community to help us continue our mission of cultural enrichment and education. Thank you for your support and commitment to the arts. We look forward to welcoming you to MoCA CT and sharing the transformative power of art with you.
MoCA Westport is located at 19 Newtown Turnpike. For more information, please visit mocawestport.org
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
TWO WESTPORT FAMILIES STARTED FOUNDATIONS FOR RARE MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INSPIRED BY THEIR OWN CHILDREN.
RAISING HOPE
The Greenberg family: Jason, Parker, Quinn, Kimberly, and Skyler.
THE GREENBERG FAMILY:
PARKER’S CURE
Kimberly and Jason Greenberg’s oldest daughter Parker was born with HIST1H1E syndrome, though they didn’t know it at the time— Parker was born in 2016, and the syndrome
“WE
going to cure our syndrome. But it made us feel a little bit better about helping our daughter, and helping other children,” says Kimberly. They reached out to a researcher, Dr. Yong-Hui Jiang, who coincidentally was about to join Yale as Chief of Medical Genetics. He took a
CAN FEEL LIKE WE'RE HONORING PARKER ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.”
wasn’t discovered until 2017. “First, she failed her hearing test in the hospital, so we were meeting with specialists,” explains Kimberly. They were sent to an eye doctor, then a neurologist, then a geneticist, who eventually ran a genetic sequencing panel on the whole family, all without conclusive answers. It wasn’t until just before Parker’s second birthday that the Greenbergs got a call saying that Parker had a syndrome called HIST1H1E, which had been discovered six months prior. The condition causes severe intellectual and physical disabilities and requires lifelong care. At the time, Parker was the eighth known case worldwide.
Kimberly says doctors told them that “with rare, orphan diseases, there’s nothing to be done.” That didn’t sit right with her. “I don’t have a personality to take that as the final answer and go about life,” she says. “We were like, let's start a nonprofit. We're not going to ‘do nothing.’ The money might not go far—a couple hundred thousand dollars is not
"miraculous" interest in HIST1H1E, and, knowing their funds would support his research, the Greenbergs launched the HIST1H1E Genetic Syndrome Research Foundation—known around Westport as Parker's Cure—a 501(C)(3) raising money for clinicians studying the syndrome. Their marquee fundraising event, Parker’s Cure Bowling Bash, takes place in January, where they rent out Bowlero in Norwalk, and this month they'll also host Remi's Color Run on August 25th, a free community event from 10-12 at the Saugatuck Elementary School track, to benefit Parker's Cure. To date, they’ve raised more than $500,000 for Dr. Jiang’s lab, thanks in large part to the generosity of the Westport community. “[Having a foundation] is a way that we can feel like we're honoring Parker on a day-to-day basis,” says Kimberly. Jason agrees. “It gives you a little bit of comfort, knowing that, whatever initiative you work on, it’s making a difference.”
To learn more, visit parkerscure.org
CONTINUED >
THE GREENFIELD FAMILY: HEARTS IN HARMONY
When Shea, now 2, was born, she “basically flat-lined” at birth, says her mom, Kira Greenfield. Doctors were able to stabilize her, but on her second day of life, she was soon near cardiac arrest again. An EKG showed an abnormally long QT interval, the electrical recharge your heart takes between beats. A blood test confirmed Shea had Long QT Syndrome, and a rare type at that, since neither Kira nor her husband Mark were carriers of it, and the condition usually has a genetic link.
Last year, Kira and Mark connected with a specialist in Long QT at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Michael Ackerman, when Shea was 8 months old. “He mentioned what he was doing in his lab to work on a cure and better treatments. I said to him ‘we need to do more. I feel powerless.’ I asked if we could throw an event and
Jason Greenberg, Kimberly Greenberg, Dr. Yong-Hui Jiang, and Dr. Jenn Gruen at the 2024 Parker's Cure event. Photo by Allison Ginsburg
Merch table at the 2024 Parker's Cure event, with their Junior Board President Remi Rutstein, at left. Photo by Allison Ginsburg
"I
WAKE UP NOW WITH SO MUCH HOPE."
have the funds go to his lab.” The answer was yes, and the Greenfields got to work on Shake It For Shea, a dance party at Fairfield’s Warehouse at FTC benefitting Dr. Ackerman’s Sudden Death Genomics Lab. The event was a huge success, and Kira realized that she didn’t want it to be a one-time thing. “I decided: What’s more meaningful than running a foundation?”
The Hearts in Harmony Foundation, their 501(C)(3), officially launched in November 2023, and the second Shake It For Shea, held this past June, raised $440,000 for Dr. Ackerman’s lab. “It might be called Shake it For Shea, but we’re doing everything we can to help not just Shea, but so many other people have the best quality of life and hopefully live as long as possible. I wake up now with so much hope.”
To learn more, visit heartsinharmonyfoundation.org
Mark Greenfield, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Kira Greenfield at the 2024 Shake It For Shea event.
Photo by Fred Marcus Photography.
The 2024 Shake It For Shea event featured a performance by the Bobby Attiko Band, Kira and Mark's wedding band.
Photo by Fred Marcus Photography.
The Greenfield family: Mark, Hayes, Shea, and Kira.
WESTPORT
TAKE IT TO THE MAT
Meet Sophia Lancin, one of Weston High's star wrestlers— and a trailblazer for women's wrestling, too.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
Pop quiz: what's the fastest growing high school sport in the country? Girls’ wrestling. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, more than 50,000 girls are now wrestling at the high school level. Among them: 2024 Weston High graduate Sophia Lancin.
Sophia Lancin wrestling for Weston High School.
She started wrestling on a whim in 8th grade. “My parents were putting my brother in PAL wrestling in Westport, and I wanted to do it, too,’” says Sophia, who had been competing in elite taekwondo and cheerleading. So her dad got her a pair of wrestling shoes. “My parents will support anything I want to do, as long as they think I could benefit from it.”
When freshman year rolled around, Sophia wanted to wrestle for Weston High, though at the time there were no girls on the team. “I loved the sport, I thought it was fun, and I thought: women should have equal opportunities to do this.” The school agreed, and she earned a spot. Initially, she didn’t see joining the team as trailblazing. “I didn’t know girls’ wrestling was on the come-up. I didn’t know I was going to meet so many impactful women or make so many friends. I just knew I wanted to do it.”
As Weston’s first competing female wrestler, it wasn’t always easy. Sophia says the team was not a welcoming environment: she faced bullying from her teammates and didn’t feel supported by her coach. But despite all this, Sophia excelled, earning three All-State titles and two New England titles. She credits her parents' support—her dad would train with her in their basement—as critical to her success. And with Sophia’s guidance, another
female wrestler joined the team this year. She’s tired of the narrative that girls participating in wrestling is surprising. “Almost every day, someone says ‘oh, you wrestle? Girls can do that?’ Of course we can wrestle. We can do anything.”
“The girls that I've met in wrestling are the most wonderful people,” says Sophia. “They love to get dressed up, or love dance, or theater. In the same way that guys wrestle and it doesn’t define them , it’s true for the girls that do, too.” She also hopes young female Westporters, Westonites, and Wiltonites learn that wrestling is something they can try, too. “You’re gonna get pushed out of your comfort zone, but it’s a hard sport not to enjoy.”
It’s a point of pride that Sophia’s name will forever be on the wall at Weston High, but she’s focused on what’s next. “One of the tough parts about being in an up-and-coming sport is that not a lot of schools have wrestling programs,” she says. She’s headed to Indiana University this fall, which doesn’t have a girls’ wrestling team (even as a club sport), but she’s vowed to start one. She didn’t fall in love with it to let something like that stop her. “Sometimes you work hard at something and you don’t get to see it through,” she says. “But in wrestling, you get to. I really like that feeling.”
“GUYS WRESTLE, AND IT DOESN’T DEFINE THEM . IT’S TRUE FOR GIRLS, TOO. ALMOST EVERY DAY, SOMEONE SAYS ‘OH, YOU WRESTLE? GIRLS CAN DO THAT?’ OF COURSE WE CAN WRESTLE. WE CAN DO ANYTHING.”
Now Open in New Canaan
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 who all trained at prestigious academic medical centers. Gilda Boroumand, MD, and Seema Bakhru, MD (pictured), met with patients at our grand opening, which raised $2,500 for Breast Cancer Alliance.
We are excited to offer concierge breast imaging services and quick turnaround time for results 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.
SERVICES OFFERED AT THIS LOCATION: • 3D Mammography • Breast Ultrasound • Breast Biopsies
Shazi Visram's Vision
How the Weston-based CEO of HealthyBaby is building a better future for little ones everywhere.
More than two decades ago, Shazi Visram had a vision to change the way we approach children’s health. In 2003, she founded the baby food brand HappyBaby Organics, which revolutionized access to organic foods for little ones in the U.S. She sold the company to Danone in 2013, and stayed on as CEO until 2017. The hugely successful company was a tough act to follow. But just a few years later, in 2021, Shazi debuted her next brand, HealthyBaby, which aims to create a new standard for all baby products. While ostensibly the company is focused on providing the greenest, safest diapering experience out there, Shazi says HealthyBaby is about much more than that. “I actually describe it as a platform for health and wellness for today's new families,” she tells Westport Lifestyle. “I see this really big opportunity to touch parents and babies in their daily lives with products that keep them safe, but also information that can help them be as proactive and enriched as possible, coinciding with the time each special moment of development unfolds so rapidly during the first three years of life. It's a mission-driven business. It’s a developmental health brand disguised in diapers.”
It might sound like an unusual pairing, but as Shazi has learned, the two couldn’t be more related. “A baby's brain is developing and becoming itself during the time that they're in diapers,” Shazi explains. “And diapers happen to be the first consumer product that touches a baby's skin. It's the first thing that touches a baby's skin besides you.” Disposable diapers are most frequently made with super absorbent polymers, often derived from petroleum, and they may contain other potential ingredients of concern like phthalates. HealthyBaby is on a mission to make diapering as safe and green as it can be. “It really requires someone to challenge the status quo to make the products safer, better, and with more and more high performing bio-based materials which actually reduce
“I see this really big opportunity to touch parents and babies in their daily lives with products that keep them safe.”
carbon in our environment versus contribute to it,” she says. “That’s how we get to a truly biodegradable diaper to replace the number three item in our landfills.”
There’s a simple reason Shazi wanted to be the one to do all this: she was inspired by her own experiences as a parent. A mom of two, she lives in Weston with her husband Joe, daughter Asha, 8, and son Zane, 14, who was diagnosed with autism at age two. “I've had a deeply intense experience with a neurological disorder in my family,” she says. “My son's autism is really profound. And it quite literally snuck up on us as a diagnosis. It was beyond challenging to see his development halt and, if anything, regress.” It’s why setting expectant parents and babies off with the best possible start became a passion. “Zane is a special gift. I do believe he is here for a reason, and I want to honor that and make sure that I can support other parents,” Shazi says. “Because it is really challenging. If you look at the bigger picture, you see that developmental health issues are prevalent and rising. There are newer studies that are constantly confirming my big thesis, which is that if we focus on supporting preconception, pregnancy, and the first three years of life, we'll see immense rewards in the developmental health of our children. If I don't use my own experience to address that in a proactive, positive, and solutions-oriented way, then I feel like I'm wasting my time here.”
So yes, HealthyBaby is more than diapers and wipes. This is literal— as of press time, in addition to many products in the works, they also sell the most meticulously crafted prenatal vitamins on the market, created with the doctors of the Neurological Health Foundation, as well as a full suite of microbiome-friendly, gentle, plantbased skin care as part of their movement against microplastics — but it also speaks to the mission-oriented details Shazi works to incorporate. The diapers, which are sold on a monthly subscription model or as part of a nationwide rollout with Target, are the only that meet the rigorous standards of the Environmental Working Group. They include every ingredient used to make them on the package (they are the only diaper in the U.S. that does) as well as age-and-stage based information tied to the size diaper in the box. For example, newborn diapers contain
CONTINUED >
Shazi Visram and Zane Visram Kulak.
Shazi, Asha, Joe, and Zane. Photo by Greywlf Studios.
Asha Visram Kulak.
heartwarming distillations of research on the importance of bonding during the timeframe— things like “playing with you teaches me to love and trust others” or “your love builds baby’s brain” or “my favorite place is in your arms, looking into your eyes.” These aren’t just sweet messages, they’re scientifically-backed, helping arm parents with information in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Monthly emails about your subscription also contain developmental information, like a primer on the four-month sleep regression from renowned developmental pediatrician Dr. Stephan Cowan, who has worked with Shazi and her family for over a decade. “Having a new baby in today's world is really hard,” says Shazi. “You wouldn't think a diaper company has anything to do with sleeping or mental health, but to me, everything fits together holistically.” The goal is to democratize access to parenting information. “I've researched to the moon and back and have curated what I feel are enlightened resources for the next generation,” she says. “And it's not just me, it's me and [my husband] Joe. Joe is this super special needs dad, and he is half of our parenting pro-team. We need to rely on dads to be there for us and understand what's going on.”
One thing Shazi and Joe have learned as special needs parents is that therapeutic tools for kids with developmental differences are useful to all kids. “My perspective is that those therapeutic approaches benefit every single baby,” she says. (One example: HealthyBaby is working on a “baby’s first toothbrush” modeled after a talk tool used in speech therapy.)
From Happy Baby to HealthyBaby, this next chapter is really a culmination of Shazi’s entire life’s work. “There’s so much trust and love that comes along with creating products that really make people happy.”
Dr. Stephan Cowan
SHAZI’S PARENTING RESOURCE GUIDE
“Developmental pediatricians in today’s environment are a must. Dr. Cowan is my mainstay.” He leads HealthyBaby’s video series, The Wow and The How, which cover developmental milestones and interactive exercises to serve as a proactive way to support development.
Dr. Reed Wang Super Troopers New Canaan
“He’s the most incredible fertility acupuncturist. He supported me through my whole fertility, preconception, and pregnancy journey with Asha, and then even postnatally with treatment and care. It’s my way of implementing selfcare in my routine.”
“They have therapeutic [horeseback riding] classes [for children with special needs]. What they do is create a safe space for a child to learn in. In a busy world, that’s hard to do. But somehow, around the horses, everyone is more calm.”
An IEP
“It's an individualized education program if your child has any support that's needed based on a diagnosis. A lot of times, parents avoid getting a diagnosis because it feels like stigma, but that needs to go out the window so we can work towards the support needed for children to grow and thrive in an academic setting.”
Zane, Shazi, Joe, and Asha. Photo by Greywlf Studios.
A LETTER TO MY FRIEND SHAZI
Author
Jane Green —and 2020 Westport Lifestyle cover star— writes about her dear friend Shazi Visram
Shazi Visram is so much more than a sum of her parts. An entrepreneur (who Barack Obama described as "not only an outstanding businesswoman, but also a leader that all of us can emulate"), a visionary, and most importantly a mother.
But not just a mother to Zane and Asha, the loves of her lives, she is a mother hellbent on a mission to improve developmental outcomes for all of our babies.
A few minutes with her is all that’s needed to cut through the noise and distraction to get straight to the heart of the issue. Her brain is brilliant, but it is her
heart, her loyalty, and her very sharp humor that makes her so refreshing, so completely unique, and such a wonderful friend.
When we met, there was an instant sense of knowing each other, of accepting and appreciating each other’s quirks and idiosyncrasies, the things that sometimes make it hard for women, particularly working women, to fit into a homogenous world.
Whether Shazi is sinking Yuzu Sake Bombs at Kawa Ni, running a board meeting, or running down a beach in Puerto Rico, Shazi is a queen of manifestation. If
she thinks it, it will come. She may be tiny, but she is mighty that way, and a bada** in every area of her life (especially when it comes to Sake bombs).
She cares about her family, the people she loves, and creating a safer, healthier world. Those of us lucky enough to call her a friend just stand back and watch in awe.
There is, and will only be, one Shazi. All of us should be very glad that the girl who grew up in a motel in Birmingham, Alabama has the vision to keep changing the world in all the right ways.
Shazi with the new Heathybaby products, shot by Sophie Elgort.
It Takes A Village
How one Westport mom is trying to make parenting less lonely.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
Westporter Jessica Hill was “accidentally” living in England when she and her husband had their first baby in 2008. She was nervous to have a baby in a foreign country, “but it ended up being an amazing experience,” she says. The most incredible part? “My prenatal education classes.” Jessica went through the National Childbirth Trust (aka NCT), the United Kingdom’s leading charity for parents. The NCT is a longstanding institution providing many services, including comprehensive prenatal education, covering things like labor and feeding and diapering, but also emphasizing community-building and creating a support network. The classes were regular and well-attended, and Jessica says the effect it had on connecting her to other parents with similarly-aged children was transformational.
When her family moved to Westport in 2017 and she started trading postpartum stories with fellow parents, she realized her experience was unusual. “I remember sitting on the preschool
playground asking people what it was like to have a baby here, because I hadn't done it. And the stories were overwhelmingly like: it was really lonely.” Realizing how the power of the support NCT provided gave her an idea: she decided to create her own, more inclusive version of the NCT stateside, and The Parent Collective was born. It’s a community that provides resources, classes both online and in person, and coaching sessions for parents, both online and in person. With locations in Fairfield, Ridgefield, Stamford, and Greenwich, you can meet people locally, which is also important. “I think there is something uniquely isolating about the suburbs,” says Jessica of her Fairfield County presence. “You’re always in your car, and there aren’t as many opportunities to connect with people.” It’s why she’s expanding to other, similar locations on both coasts, from Los Angeles, to Tuckahoe, N.Y. “I always envisioned this could be something like the NCT, which is all over,” says Jessica.
While TPC classes cover what you might expect to learn from a hospital birthing class series (things like late-stage pregnancy and labor signs, what to expect during delivery, a primer on newborn feeding, and baby care), they also come from a perspective that takes into account the huge undertaking that becoming a parent is. They offer education on perinatal mood disorders, conversation starters to help couples think about how they want to manage the increased workload of parenthood, pelvic floor support, and local new parent resources and provide that much-needed community element. “A lot of moms think oh, I’ll find my mom friends when I’m on my maternity
leave. But there are so many barriers to that,” says Jessica. When you’re in the thick of postpartum and leaving the house is a monumental task, having someone to text who lives nearby and is in the exact same life stage as you is huge, she says. You might get lucky and know someone with a due date right around yours– but if you don’t, a TPC class is a great way to meet them. “To me, the education is almost secondary,” says Jessica. “Yes, you’re gonna know how to diaper, you're gonna know how to swaddle. But having that access to people —my hope is that’s the memory people have of The Parent Collective.” For more info, visit theparentcollective.com
A TPC class in Ridgefield.
Dream Builds
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS
Keenan Spiegel has been interested in tinkering for as long as he can remember. “From a very young age, I liked seeing how things worked,” the founder/ owner of Westport Woodworks says.
“If my family was getting rid of a TV, I would take it apart.” His curiosity was stoked by his father, a residential carpenter, who taught Keenan a respect for tools and how to envision and frame houses.
“By the time I was four or five, I was on-site with him, being around construction. I remember getting my first saw and my first screw gun,” he says. “My dad would have scrap wood around and I’d build downhill racers.”
BANKER-TURNEDWOODWORKER
KEENAN SPIEGEL IS MAKING BACKYARD WISHES COME TRUE.
Make-A-Wish family with their custom Westport Woodworks creation.
“AT SOME POINT,” SAYS KEENAN, “I REALIZED I WAS NEVER GOING BACK TO INVESTMENT BANKING.”
Keenan didn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps: he headed off to Marist College, majoring in business management and working at two investment banks before the pandemic hit. During Covid, Keenan turned his attention to his fixer-upper home and his growing family that now includes three sons, ages 6, 3, and 20 months, and his 20-month-old daughter (yes, the youngest two are twins). Working from home allowed him to retreat to his garage, indulging in his old love of woodworking. At first, he was building custom furniture and cabinetry for his home and friends. As the creativity flowed, he designed 14-foot-high honeycombed bookshelves and innovative storage solutions to hug circular walls for a growing list of clients, who appreciated his skill.
While he loved it, the schedule was intense: he’d get up at 3 a.m. to tinker on his projects, take a 6:30 a.m. break for breakfast with the kids, and then juggle a full day at Morgan Stanley. “At some point,” he says, “I realized I was never going back to investment banking.” And his latest “baby,” Westport Woodworks, was born.
With four little ones clamoring for space around the house, Keenan crafted a kid-sized Adirondack chair he built for clients and advertised on his website. The seat took off, appearing in a segment on NBC’s Today Show, and giving Keenan inspiration for a new business focus.
“I like to be creative, and I like to foster that in my kids,” he says.
Sometimes that means letting children’s imaginations run wild—like when his kids convinced him to design what became a 20-foot-long pirate-ship-slash-sandbox, or when he gets to work on his favorite side gig – fulfilling fantasies for children through the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Yes, many seriously ill children ask to meet a celebrity or travel to Disney World, but Keenan says plenty of kids ask for something closer to home— say, a unique backyard play area. In fact, just two hours after Keenan inquired about volunteer opportunities with Makea-Wish, he was in contact with a girl who wanted a clubhouse at her house in Darien. Ever the overachiever, Keenan created a 400-square-foot dream home with working electricity and an art studio.
While building it, he invited his kids along to see the progress and help out, much as his dad had let him tag along. “They were learning what it meant to give back and help someone,” he says.
Keenan and his family in his shop.
Since then, Keenan has designed and constructed a two-story backyard concession stand and announcer’s box for a Stratford three-yearold with cancer so he can enjoy baseball games with his five siblings. The first floor is shaped like a baseball, topped by a 14-foot-wide baseball cap with a seven-foot brim that opens where the boy can see and call the action.
The 35-foot pirate ship at the Make-a-Wish headquarters in Trumbull is also a Westport Woodworks creation. "I tend to go a little crazy with these things,” says Keenan with a laugh. “We are so grateful to Keenan for using his incredible talents to bring wishes to life for our wish kids,” says Kristen Moran, director of marketing and communications at Make-a-Wish Foundation. “He helps give children hope and joy when they need it most.”
In addition to his volunteer building, Keenan has honed his skills for homeowners across Connecticut. He designed a Litchfield geodome for stargazing and an endless stream of mudroom built-ins, pantries, kitchen islands, custom closets, vanities, and outdoor decks.
He loves envisioning how his clients will enjoy the pieces for years to come. One example: a kitchen island that he says will be “a place so many developmental things happen for this family. You can do anything for a paycheck, but this is helping other families spend quality time and make memories.”
The best part, he says, is it allows him to pass down skills and the thrill of creation to his own children.
“When they’re making s’mores and they pull up a chair that they built, they’re always proud,” he says. “When you build something with your kids, they sit on it, use it, and interact with it. There’s no greater sense of self-fulfillment.”
westportwoodworks.com
ON THE FARM
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY BRIAR
How veterinarian
Dr. Jessica Melman got her dream farm in Weston.
Dr. Jessica Melman is a vet— of course she loves animals. And while having pets of their own is standard for a veterinarian, there aren’t many folks with pets quite like Jessica’s. The founder of Bespoke Veterinary Services, Jessica has six dogs— five Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and one Bernese Mountain dog– four cats, a bunny, a pig, a gaggle of chickens, three sheep, three goats, and two cows. (Phew!) This crew lives with Jessica and her two children at Good Hill Haven Farm in Weston. “It was always a dream of mine to have a farm,” says Jessica. And while she didn’t grow up on one— she’s from the Washington DC area—living with lots of four-legged friends isn’t new for her. “My grandfather and father are veterinarians, and we always had tons of animals,” she says. “We had dogs, cats, birds, and I had an iguana. I felt like becoming a vet was my calling.”
Dr. Jessica Melman at Good Hill Haven Farm.
Six years ago, she moved to Fairfield County from San Francisco. She had met a concierge pediatrician out west and was inspired to open a similar clinic for veterinary medicine here. She quickly fell in love with the farm in Weston. “When I moved in, it was my goal to fill up the barn, and I’ve done a good job of it,” she says with a laugh. She got three baby goats—Rose, Dorothy, and Blanche— as babies, even bottle-feeding them. And she began to develop a reputation as an animal rescuer— it was how she inherited her rabbit, Cash, who had been attacking other rabbits on a rabbit farm, many of her chickens, and her cats. Then a colleague reached out to see if she wanted three sheep— two females and a baby— who had been rescued from a spina bifida study at Yale. “They came on a cold January day with tons of snow on the ground. There was this little lamb, and I was like, I gotta keep you warm.” So she took him inside. “To this day, he does not realize he’s a lamb. He thinks he’s a dog.”
Most recently, Jessica got two male cows, Bucky and Briar, from a dairy farm in Vermont. “They only keep the females, and so a client of mine who works a lot with rescues brought them to me. when they were about a month old. We bottle fed them, too. They are really sweet— they give kisses!” The crew all gets along pretty well, too, with one notable exception. “I would say Wilma [our pig] has been our biggest troublemaker! She’s the one we’ve had to move around the most. But she’s in the chicken coop now, and she’s happy there.”
Having the farm has lived up to her every dream. “I think living on the farm is one of the best things I could have done for my children. Both of them have so much empathy and they love the animals,” she says. “Watching them interact with them is heartwarming.” Even with all the work—Jessica is a single mom and credits her amazing farm hand and support team for helping her take care of everything— she wouldn’t change a thing. “This is absolutely my dream home and my haven. It’s a special place for everyone who comes here."
To learn more about Bespoke Veterinary Services, visit bespokevetservice com . Dr. Jessica Melman also appears on SiriusXM Doctor Radio Ask the Vet on the first Tuesday of every other month.
JACQUELYN CONLON
BONNIE AMENDOLA
WEDDING INVITATIONS & GIFT REGISTRY
TABLE DECOR • FLATWARE • LINENS • CANDLES • SILVER • CRYSTAL • INVITATIONS • STATIONERY
ADOPT
Local
WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES EXCELS AT MATCHING FAMILIES AND PETS.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
If Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA) had a tagline, it would be “adopt local.” The nonprofit was founded in 2007 to support the municipal shelter at Westport Animal Control, which was in danger of going private. “We formed to be an advocacy group for keeping our municipal shelter independent,” says Julie Loparo, the president of WASA. "But we realized people were calling Animal Control needing help rehoming their dogs.” So WASA developed
Photo courtesy of WASA.
a fostering network to help local dogs that come in as owner surrenders or “pulls” from over-crowded CT municipal shelters. “Our role has become more important as the number of abandoned dogs has increased, and the groups helping have decreased."
If you’re in the market to adopt a pet, WASA is an amazing resource. One example: recently, a German Shepherd they named River was abandoned in Westport. WASA found a family that wanted to adopt River, but they had horses, and the team wasn’t sure how River would react. Keep Them Wagging, a boardto-train facility with WASA funding, took him in.
WASA volunteers and Keep Them Wagging trainers took River on home visits. It turned out to be a perfect fit. “It was a wonderful situation, and such a team effort,” says Julie.
In addition to conducting meet and greets and home visits for WASA fosters, WASA volunteers do the same for “guests” at Westport Animal Control, with the assistance of the Westport Control Officers. It’s a unique partnership that helps to ensure happy and safe adoptions. Trainer Mandy Vexler also provides a complimentary training session for dogs adopted through Westport Animal Control or WASA.
Love dogs but not ready for one of your own? “We need people with experience with walking all sizes, strengths, and personalities of dogs,” says Julie. They are also seeking donations— “we help pet owners that are struggling, so food for dogs or cats or whatever else, we’re willing to take,” Julie says.
To learn more, visit westportwasa.org
"Our role has become more important as the number of abandoned dogs has increased."
Photo courtesy of WASA.
Photo courtesy of WASA.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANE BEILES
DENISE DAVIES OF D2 INTERIURS DESIGNS ROOMS FOR THE WAY WE LIVE NOW.
Perfectly
Denise Davies, founder of D2 Interieurs.
A Drop It Modern wallpaper makes a bold statement and serves as the focal point. Custom chairs, for both comfort and style, surround a bespoke table.
A family with three dogs needed a place to easily wash them — and Denise added the
Livable Spaces
"The L-shaped island with cantilevered seating not only maximizes functionality, but also breaks up the space," explains Denise.
clever "WOOF" tiles to the custom shower.
A fully custom bedroom, including a rug that's meant to echo the waves in the lake visible from the window.
D2 Interieurs designs rooms with a mix of custom elements and big-box retailers to work within many budgets.
"Our clients asked us for an extra special room for the grandparents, and boy did we deliver! It’s now one of the most requested sleepover rooms."
If you've ever seen a room Denise Davies designed, you know they're all gorgeous. The owner of D2 Interieurs has an impeccable eye for color, proportion, and style, and her work reflects it. But what's not always visible– even from the photos on these pages— is that the homes D2 Interieurs work on are meant for down-toearth use. "Nothing should be off-limits," says Denise. "Everyone wants every room to be lived in." D2's approach is unique in how they achieve that goal— they look at a house as a holistic project, working with their clients on how they will actually live in each space before deciding on things like pieces or paint colors. (Denise says D2 will often send professional organizers to a project before their work starts, so that the functionality of the space really comes first.) And then they bring the vision to life: using indoor/outdoor fabrics on custom-made sectional sofas, importing cleanable rugs, or even designing a dog-washing station for a family with three active, outdoorsy pups. It's a unique skill to take a vision and bring it to life in a practical way. "We are seasoned, experienced executors," she says. "You could design a home yourself, but you'll make mistakes, and it never looks as good." Thinking through every element of a room? That's the D2 signature "last layer."
For more information, visit d2interieurs.com
Denise loves the neon sign in this gorgeous white-oak-and-glass entryway. "It sets a welcoming and contemporary tone, blending humor with modern aesthetics."
"Nothing should be off-limits," says Denise. "Everyone wants every room to be lived in."
In Westport, finding the right home can feel daunting with today’s limited inventory. Many families hesitate to move, unsure of what options are available.
We have the solution.
With our expert knowledge of the Westport market and a dedicated team committed to your family’s happiness, we’ll help you discover hidden gems and opportunities others may miss. Let us guide you to a home where your family can thrive, play, and create lifelong memories.
Contact us today to find the home where your family’s next chapter begins.
203-625-1025
CINDYRANEY.COM
@CINDYRANEYANDTEAM
THE TEEN'S GUIDE
TO WESTPORT
A rising Staples senior shares local spots beloved by high schoolers.
ARTICLE BY ZOE BOXENBAUM
The author, Zoe Boxenbaum, right, with a friend.
Opened in 2012, Groove is a one-stop-shop for kids of all ages for camp essentials, formalwear, creative gifts, and sweet treats. Groove has expanded to a second location in New Canaan, carrying the same high-quality basics and seasonal pieces as the Westport location.
Middlemarch is the go-to shop in Westport for jewelry, from budget-friendly to luxe.The small boutique is constantly buzzing with teens—sparkly charms, bracelets, and hoops in hand. “Middlemarch is my favorite place for a gift,” Rhiya Anand, 16, says. “There is something for everyone.”
bartaco is a favorite hangout spot for teens, seven days a week. With ample seating, upbeat music, and an array of street-food-inspired eats, this eatery is a second home to high schoolers. The scan-to-pay system makes it easy for teens to pay for themselves and skip the shuffle of cards and cash when it comes time to split the check.
62 Post Road E. Photo by Maddy Beem.
420 Post Road W. Photo by Corri Neckritz.
1. GROOVE 2. MIDDLEMARCH
3. BARTACO
20 Wilton Rd. Photo Courtesy bartaco.
The library boasts a vast amount of private and open space for school-year studying and beyond, plus a cafe, a wide collection of books, movies, and games, and rotating daily events for all ages— all while being free for Westport residents.
The newest hotspot in Westport, Momu has been serving classic and creative ice cream flavors since April. Momu sources local ingredients for the most high-quality ice cream. Open until 10:00 pm every night, you’ll be sure to find teens at the shop right until close.
The beach is, without a doubt, the soul of Westport. Year round, teens can be spotted swimming and sunbathing in the morning and picnicking at night. “I work at the beach, and it makes me feel so connected to my community,” says Molly Whittle, 17. “I love helping people and seeing my friends have fun.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Zoe Boxenbaum moved to Westport from N.Y.C three years ago. A rising senior, Zoe enjoys playing with her dog Rosie at the beach, going to concerts, and exploring new restaurants.
5. THE WESTPORT LIBRARY
6. COMPO BEACH
4. MOMU
60 Compo Beach Road.
20 Jesup Rd.
Photo Courtesy of The Westport Library.
575 Riverside Ave. Photo by Nataliya Lalor.
Lifestyle & Family Photography
www.daverobbinsphotography.com
AUGUST 2024
AUGUST 1ST
Paul Green Rock Academy
Presents: We Love Zappa
The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road 6:00 PM
Banned From Utopia is a Zappa tribute act featuring alumni from Frank Zappa's band. At the Zappanale festival, they linked up with Paul Green's Rock Academy (the latest music school from School of Rock founder Paul Green) and decided to tour together this summer. Zappa fans must catch this dynamic duo! Tickets from $20 at eventbrite.com
AUGUST 6TH
Author Conversation with M.S. Greene
The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road 7:00 PM
The Westport Library and the Westport Country Playhouse have teamed up to present author M.S. Greene talking about his latest novel, There's No Murder Like Show Murder, a mystery set in a regional theater. Register at eventbrite.com
AUGUST 17TH
Music in the Meadow: Cosmic Jibaros
Lachat Town Farm, 1 Ladder Hill Road, Weston | 6:00 PM
The third installment of Music in the Meadow features Bridgeport-based Cosmic Jibaros, a band that blends rock, Caribbean influences, and Puerto Rican sound (Jibaro is a term referring to the mountain-dwellers of Puerto Rico). Tickets from $29.50 at eventbrite.com
Iris Netzer-Greenfield Kim Schwartz-Finkelstein
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as well as an AASECT Certified Therapist (CST). My work focuses on marriage and couples therapy, specifically centered on infidelity repair, communication issues, couples in crisis, relationships on the brink, and those experiencing a range of frustrations and challenges with intimacy. I have been featured in Forbes, the Knot, and other leading media outlets offering my insight into relationships, marriage, and communication. I would love to meet with you about your unique circumstances and how I might be able to help.
Offering in-person visits in Westport or telehealth visits anywhere in CT.
17 Bridge Square, Westport, CT || (203) 660-3330
CONTINUED
AUGUST 17TH
Andrew Bird with Amadou and Mariam
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, 40 Jesup Road 7:00 PM
Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and instrumentalist Andrew Bird brings his talents to the Levitt. Known for his evocative folk music and instrumentals— he scored the FX series Baskets and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2020— he's also a talented whistler (he played Whistling Caruso in 2011's The Muppets)! Tickets from $45.50 at levittpavilion.com
AUGUST 25TH
Kaleidoscope: A Journey of Creativity, Self-Expression & Unity
MoCA CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike MoCA CT invites you to celebrate youthful creativity and vibrant self-expression on Sunday, August 25th, at their end-of-summer exhibition, “Camp MoCA Camper & MoCA Gives Back Exhibition: Kaleidoscope: A Journey of Creativity, Self-Expression & Unity.” The “Kaleidoscope” exhibition will highlight the talents of our MoCA Gives Back participants. This initiative ensures art is accessible to everyone, including under-resourced individuals.
AUGUST 25TH
Remi's Color Run for Parker's Cure
Saugatuck Elementary School, 170 Riverside Ave | 10:00 AM
This free community event will benefit Parker's Cure [see page 26] from 1012 on August 25th!
Want to be featured?
Meet the Non-Profit Promoters
FOUR STAPLES STUDENTS HIGHLIGHT AMAZING LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ON THEIR PODCAST.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
Rising Staples seniors Jack Schwartz, Cormac Mulvey, Zach Gorin, and Aaron Varsov wanted to start a business together before college. Jack’s first idea was a sports podcast– all four play Staples Soccer— but “then I thought about something that would have more of an impact,” he says. “I thought of a podcast where we would interview the founders of nonprofits and share all the good work they do.” As members of the Staples Service League of Boys, they had connections to local nonprofits to book guests, and Aaron was active with Staples radio, helping with the audio production. With the pieces in place, they started recording in the podcast studio at the Westport Library. The first episode debuted in April, and guests have included Homes With Hope CEO Helen McAlindin, president of Westport Volunteer EMS Michael Burns, and the CEO of Norwalk Acts, Jennifer Barahona. “I was nervous about the first one,” admits Zach. “But after, I felt accomplished, knowing how much these leaders do for the community. It felt good spreading that with our listeners.” Cormac adds that it's also amazing to see how their guests have promoted their appearances on the show. “These people are so valuable to the community, so seeing how much [our podcast] means to them really makes it for me. They’re so supportive.”
Find the Non-Profit Promoters on Spotify, and learn more at nonprofitpromoters.com
Cormac Mulvey, Aaron Varsov, Jack Schwartz, and Zach Gorin.
VENETIAN PRINCESS