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Greenwich - June 2026

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GREENWICH

JUNE 2026 contents

62 ON THE BRIGHT

SIDE

In this Greenwich townhouse, Bobbi Stuart layers rich jewel tones and personal treasures to create rooms that feel polished and fully lived in. by mary kate hogan

72 POWER BASE

From daily life in Stamford to national leadership, William Tong reflects on his path to becoming Connecticut Attorney General. by kim kavin

14 EDITOR’S LETTER

16 FOUNDER’S LETTER Of Reunion Recollections

19 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ Christine Amato, Adopt-ADog’s executive director gives us an update on local efforts; Deborah Royce adds another smart thriller to your summer reading stack; Jewish Riverside and Seaside Society are creating space for teens to lead, serve and connect SHOP Inside Enzo Custom’s madeto-measure approach to modern menswear. GO Escape to Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale for a sun-soaked stay with polished coastal style. HOME Citrushued picks to sweeten your summer setup. DO From a simple manicure to a longtime Greenwich staple, Empy’s Day Spa has been built one loyal client at a time. EAT Award-winning L’Ostal and wine-focused La Cave continue to draw devoted regulars—and sold-out wine dinner s

46 G-MOM

We share fresh ideas for easy summer entertaining, including a party concept that gets guests in on the fun, along with the local events you won’t want to miss this month.

51 PEOPLE & PLACES

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England; Person to Person; Greenwich Library; Pro Eyecare Greenwich opening; Neighbor to Neighbor

60 VOWS

Birkhold—Doyle Jr.

79 CALENDAR

87 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

88 POSTSCRIPT

Sundays at Greenwich Polo Club

CORRECTION : In our April issue the home on page 66 and 71 in “It’s Still Time Go Big or Go Home” should have read 44 North Porchuck Road.

GREENWICH MAGAZINE JUNE 2026, VOL. 79, NO. 5. GREENWICH MAGAZINE (USPS 961-500/ISSN 1072-2432) is published ten times a year by Moffly Media, Inc. 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to GREENWICH MAGAZINE PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607.

cover photography by jane beiles

GREENWICH

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editor’s letter

ALL THE BRIGHT MOVES

It’s such a happy color, and it brings the outside in.…”

trips, part inspiration, part education and part fun.

SCAN TO EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SIDE

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

That’s how designer Bobbi Stuart— known as “The Color Lady”—describes her use of green in this issue’s cover story. You see it right away: in climbing foliage on the dining room walls, painted on chairs, upholstered in bold velvet on the sofa. And it doesn’t stop there.

A den drenched in Benjamin Moore’s Bellbottom Blues lacquer takes its cue from a painting Bobbi found at Trovare Home on East Putnam. It’s a deeper tone in an otherwise bright palette—and one of the favorite rooms in the house, for both Bobbi and homeowner Lynn Markley. Bobbi and Lynn have known each other for years, and that friendship is a big part of why the design works. There’s a level of trust that makes decisions easier, and perhaps a little more adventurous. Bobbi also made a point of bringing Lynn along on her scouting

Lynn loves to cook, to host, to have people over, and the space reflects that: her “ultimate happy place,” built for exactly that kind of living. It’s bright, welcoming and designed to be used. Bobbi’s family is part of it, too—her grandchildren call Markley “Auntie Lynn,” which says a lot about how open her door usually is.

Maybe it was the dog on our cover that caught your eye? Fair. You’ll meet a few more in our Adopt-A-Dog pages; enough to make a case for bringing one home, or at least circling the next adoption event on your calendar this September. In the meantime, there’s plenty of green outside (finally)—so open your own doors and let those summer colors in.

founder’s page

“We got no sleep listening to the racket of aluminum beer kegs being rolled down three flights of stairs in some sort of bizarre undergrad contest.”

JUNE 2026 / DONNA MOFFLY

OF REUNION RECOLLECTIONS

So now it’s June, the month that launches 1,000 reunions. Time to get together with old friends and share memories— the crazy, fun kind.

Like my forty-fifth at Wellesley. I was staying on the fourth floor of a dorm turned co-ed for the occasion and, heading for the loo in the middle of the night, got locked out of my room in my nightgown. Thank God I was wearing my glasses. All doors were shut; all was quiet; no help at hand. So, I rode the elevator to the first floor, rummaged around the unmanned bell desk and came up with a bunch of keys— meanwhile checking out the living room for what I might sleep on and use for cover. But blessedly I got back to my room unobserved, and one of the keys worked.

Dorms were never my favorite accommodation. Jack and I took the kids to Princeton reunions to march in many P-Rades, usually staying at Kay and Don Wert’s sprawling old Victorian just off campus. But once we ended up on the top floor of Little Hall. The room was filthy, the bathrooms in the basement, and we got no sleep listening to the racket of aluminum beer kegs being rolled down three flights of stairs in some sort of bizarre undergrad contest. That was it for me.

Meanwhile, the smart wife of a classmate of Jack’s from Greenwich had insisted on staying at a hotel. On Saturday night, she and the kids retired well ahead of her husband, who partied on and on. Finally returning, he stood in the corridor outside their door and made a momentous decision. Rather than wake everyone up, he’d just undress in the hall. His wife heard the commotion, opened the door to be confronted with a naked man and quickly pulled the “damned fool” inside.

I don’t think she has ever been to another reunion.

One Princeton reunion was enough for

our friend Peter Ward from Darien. His first. And he was there only long enough to pick up his uniform—a T-shirt reading “Fabulous First” on the front and “1947” on the back. After a few pops, he and classmate Joe Gordon decided it would be much more fun to drive up to La Rue, a respectable New York nightclub for the college set.

(He learned years later that the father of a girl he used to take there had La Rue send him a copy of their bills to see how much she was drinking.)

Just as Peter and Joe arrived, so did somebody driving a “flying car”—an airplane with its wings folded back converted to a car. The doorman left his gold-roped post, and everyone in the restaurant rushed out to gawk, which allowed the boys a chance to slip inside—unsuitably dressed in their T-shirts, shorts and loafers. Eventually, of course, they were thrown out. It was Peter’s first and last reunion.

Silly things happen at reunions. Once, in the Princeton Museum shop, Jack and I bought a large, furry, rocking-horse tiger and christened him Plimpton. Then we had the awkward and somewhat embarrassing job of carrying him across campus to our car. En route, a young lady full of beer gave Plimpton a big kiss that left a bright red lipstick mark on his muzzle forever. In any case, he was a huge hit with the grandchildren and is still safely stabled under my piano.

Then there was the year I went back to Cleveland for my Hathaway Brown fortieth and fell to chatting with a guy I had briefly dated in high school. We exchanged tales of children (his three, my two), businesses (his cars, my magazines), et al. Until he finally observed: “Gee, Donna, you turned out a lot better than I thought you would!” Thanks, Arthur. Memories. As long as old friends get together, there will be stories. G

A NEW LEASH ON LIFE

SINCE 1981, ADOPT-A-DOG HAS BEEN TURNING TOUGH BEGINNINGS INTO HAPPY

ENDINGS

“My first experience of donating to a shelter was when I was a little girl. I was on Martha’s Vineyard, and my dad gave me money to get ice cream. He handed me $50 and expected change, but before I came back, I’d donated all of it to a local shelter,” says Christine Amato, Adopt-ADog’s executive director. The organization and its dedicated volunteers have been changing the lives of our four-legged friends since 1981, and the number of dogs that have been rescued and rehomed just keeps growing. “When we first started, we were operating out of our founder’s

home in Greenwich, and then eventually we bought a facility in Armonk, where we’re able to house between 30 and 40 dogs at a time, ranging in age from puppies to seniors. Some have specific challenges and require special accommodations and might even be with us for the long haul, and we become a sanctuary and provide them with extra TLC,” says Amato. “Last year alone, we rescued nearly 350 dogs.”

While Adopt-A-Dog frequently takes in animals from the local community, the greatest need often comes from the southern U.S. where regulations around spaying and neutering differ

significantly, resulting in higher risk of homelessness. Dogs from Texas and North and South Carolina are often transported long distances to the organization’s Armonk facility for refuge.

“Dogs end up homeless for all different reasons—it can be due to cost, people being hit with unexpected circumstances, dogs needing medical interventions or behavioral issues. While we can’t take an unlimited number of dogs, we always try to help as many as we can,” says Amato. In addition to rescue efforts, Adopt-A-Dog relies heavily on its passionate network of volunteers and foster families for

above: Lindsey Jones poses with pup, Vicki; Lilly shows off her sweet face; Bobby Caldwell has his arms full (of adorable puppies).

support. “Our volunteers find us through word of mouth, so many people who have been fosters share their experience or do it and then want to do it again,” she adds.

Dog rescues are a vital connection between vulnerable animals and families looking to open their homes. The application for adopting and fostering is the first step for those interested in helping to be part of the re-homing process. “Finding the right match is always the most challenging part,” says Amato. “But no matter what, they are all so loved during their time with us, and they are so much better off when they are here, even if it takes some time to

get adopted,” she adds. The impact that AdoptA-Dog has on its animals is transformative, for both the dogs and the people involved.

Every year, Adopt-A-Dog partners with multiple shelters in the surrounding area and holds its annual fundraiser/adoption event “Putting on the Dog” at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich. This year, the event will be held on Sunday, September 27. Drawing a crowd of between two and three thousand people, the annual festival consists of live music, demonstrations, competitions, local vendors, food trucks and fun activities for both humans and their animals. adoptadog.org

above: Longtime volunteer Sherry Winter with her granddaughter Leila and lapdog, Kermit.
below. top to bottom: Sweet Sally (yawning) makes a new friend; Zephyr poses for the camera; Peter shows off his tongue.

Classic Architecture. Exceptional Craftsmanship. Effortless Living.

INTRODUCING PRIME RENOVATIONS’ NEWEST CUSTOM HOME.

Set on a .37-acre property close to town, this impeccably crafted Colonial offers over 5,800 square feet of living space across four finished levels, with a layout that balances comfort, flow, and refined design. Elegant formal rooms and a first-floor office provide flexibility, while a chef’s kitchen with a built-in banquette opens seamlessly to the main living areas.

Upstairs, the primary suite offers a quiet retreat, complemented by a finished lower level with space for recreation and fitness. Outdoor living includes a bluestone patio, covered front porch, and a private backyard ideal for entertaining or play.

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Representing exceptional homes across Greenwich.

“i intentionally write real places, because i love that thrill of recognition when a street or a restaurant i know is mentioned in a book.”

Memorable Mystery

DEBORAH ROYCE delivers another thriller for your best-beach-read list

Beach season is coming, and it’s time to stock up on summer reads. Deborah Royce’s latest page-turner, Best Boy, is just the thing to add a little spine-chilling intrigue to a serene day in the sand. Kirkus Reviews called it “absolutely compelling!” New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki raves: “At times dark, at times laugh-out-loud funny, this is a dishy and deeply textured read that will have you racing through the pages to figure out what happened, and what happens next.”

We sat down with the Greenwich resident and actor-turnedbestselling author to find out more about her latest book and the mind of a mystery writer.

GM: What is the inspiration behind Best Boy?

DEBORAH ROYCE: Three years ago, I received an email from a man who began with, “Hey, remember me? I was your best boy on Survival Game.” While that sounds provocative, a best boy is actually an electrician on a film set, and Survival Game was a movie I did. He went on to list some touch points, including at the Cannes Film Festival when I was holding a baby, and he wondered if the child was his! Since I didn’t remember him at all, I was stunned. But it got me thinking about memory and how variable it can be, which then got me working on Best Boy

GM: This is another of your “identity thrillers,” a genre term you’ve coined. For readers who don’t know, explain what you mean.

DR: I am interested in the intersection where who we are meets who we present ourselves to be. Add to that a precipitating event [such as the email above], and things can start to unravel and get interesting.

GM: If you had a secret identity or past life, what would you want it to be?

DR: Who’s to say I don’t have one? Seriously though, as a child,

I would have wished for a much more glamorous past. Now I can recognize that it all goes together to make me who I am today.

GM: Will Greenwich residents see themselves and their lives in Viveca and her family?

DR: I hope so! I intentionally write real places, because I love that thrill of recognition when a street or a restaurant I know is mentioned in a book. And people are people the world over.

GM: Have you always loved thrillers? Where does this talent with the twisted come from?

DR: I am a lifelong Hitchcock fan, and his films have had an enormous influence on my writing. And a good twist, if you can manage one, is always a delight.

GM: What is your process? Do these books percolate slowly in your mind, and then you sit down and write, or do you sit down and write, and it pours out?

DR: I usually start with a spark, like the email above. Then I examine possibilities. What if the man was telling the truth? What would that say about Viveca and what she might be hiding? Conversely, what if the man was lying? What would he want, and what would he do to get it? Eventually, I start writing. And the direction can—and does— change along the way.

GM: Which book of yours is your favorite and why? And if that’s like picking a favorite child, then which is your favorite at this moment?

DR: Finding Mrs. Ford has been a reader’s favorite since day one. Ruby Falls is a gothic dreamscape and is in development as a film. Reef Road is my most critically acclaimed novel and was named one of the best books of the year by Kirkus Reviews And Best Boy is my new baby and getting lots of love right now.

www.deborahgoodrichroyce.com

MITZVAH MAKERS

JEWISH RIVERSIDE AND SEASIDE SOCIETY ARE CREATING SPACE FOR TEENS TO LEAD, SERVE AND CONNECT by

When Rabbi Boruch and Chaya Ceitlin founded Jewish Riverside Old Greenwich more than two years ago, it was with the goal of creating a tight-knit circle where every member, regardless of their origin, felt that they belonged. “We don’t align strictly with Reform Conservative or Orthodox traditions. We want any Jew in town to be able to feel like they belong here and that it’s their home,” says Rabbi Boruch. “We started with the same global vision as Chabad: making every Jewish person feel comfort and warmth, where they are,” he adds.

After a decade of Ceitlin being involved with Greenwich High School programming for students looking to tap into their Jewish identities, she and Rabbi Boruch saw an unmet need. Many of their students did not belong to a synagogue but were wanting to use their talents to contribute to the community. With that, the idea for Seaside Society was born. The invite-only program helps teens identify and utilize their skills and give back in a meaningful way. “This age group has so much energy. Seaside Society and the work that we do not only gives teens a

way to express themselves by doing something that they enjoy, but they also feel accomplished by giving back and connecting,” says Ceitlin.

The group had 40 participants during the 2025-2026 school year. There are ambassadors in each grade who are allowed to invite two friends to join the program. “We like to keep the program fairly small to ensure that everyone is comfortable. But there has been such a strong demand from people all over, even from surrounding areas, that we are hoping to expand next year, possibly to 60 students,” says Ceitlin.

Part of the application process involves students expressing their interests so that they can be split into pods that reflect their passions. This past year, the group had three pods—Culinary, Public Relations and Art. At a Greenwich EMS event, the teens learned about all that being an emergency medical service member entails, the culinary group made yogurt bowls for the employees and the design team packaged up the bowls with messages and delivered them as a thank you.

Another event involved partnering with The Friendship Circle, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between special needs and typical youth through shared experiences, empowering special-needs youth with the life skills needed for a productive and independent adult life, giving parents and families respite and nurturing a sense of awareness and communal responsibility in teens. Seaside members learned about the power and importance of inclusion and connection and then made cookies and cards for The Friendship Circle families.

At a Kids in Crisis event, the group

learned about the ways in which 24-7 support is provided to families in need. They then made meals with thoughtfully decorated packages for local shelters. All of Seaside Society’s work is captured through its blog and social media posts and on a podcast called “By the Seaside.” While every event provides a different way to give back, the common thread is always connection. “Seaside Society gives its students a chance to meet new friends and form their identity,” says Rabbi Boruch.

Each year of volunteering ends with a seven-day trip to Israel in June. Every day focuses on assisting two separate organizations. “This trip is a way for us to connect with the Jewish community on a global level,” says Rabbi Boruch. Some students struggle to find ways to feel connected to Judaism, and being in Israel is a way for them to feel “a much deeper bond,” says Ceitlin. “We use Israel as a representation of pride, strength and intelligence. This physical land is a beacon of light, and these trips help the students understand that their reach isn’t just limited to their local community.” seasidesociety.org G

below, left to right: Aviva Erickson speaks at the Seaside Society Gala; First Selectman Fred Camillo signs certificate awards; Teens pose as they help prepare lunch for local firefighters and police officers in Greenwich.
above, left to right: Rabbi Boruch Ceitlin, Rabbi Yossi Deren, Bar Kupershtein, who was held hostage by Hamas, Dvir Kupershtein; Chaya Ceitlin, Rabbi Boruch; The culinary pod prepares dinner to be delivered to Kids in Crisis.

This Is What Your Summer Should Look Like

EFFORTLESS DAYS ON THE WATER. DOCK. DINE. DEPART. REPEAT.

Introducing Harbor Point South Marina, Stamford’s newest waterfront destination. Designed for effortless access to Long Island Sound and surrounded by Harbor Point’s vibrant dining, retail, and scenic boardwalk, boating has never been easier.

From high-speed fueling to walkable lifestyle amenities, everything you need is right here.

Arrive by land or by water and step into a better way to spend your summer.

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WELL SUITED

THIS CUSTOM CLOTHIER IS TURNING GREENWICH GUYS INTO SHARP-DRESSED MEN

Whether you’re looking for the perfect tuxedo for a wedding or a classic jacket to wear for meetings and other occasions, Enzo Custom can outfit you in suiting that fits your form and style, down to the last detail. With an array of high-end fabrics and options you can tailor to your needs, Enzo delivers a precise fit that’s an instant confidence booster. “What separates us from others is real customer

service, real relationships that we build here. We have a passion for what we do. It all starts with a fabric and an idea,” says Will Freire, client service representative in the Greenwich location. “I feel like a teacher in many ways. They’re coming into my classroom, and then I’m letting them know what the options are and guiding them.” Most people are unaware of all the measurements and options for personalization that go into a bespoke suit,

and it’s Enzo’s role to educate clients, who frequently become repeat customers.

The Manhattan-born brand, whose largest showroom sits across from Grand Central, has grown to 17 locations. Greenwich is its latest addition. While walk-ins are welcome, an appointment is worth making. A customer service rep will walk you through the full fabric selection, imported offerings from Loro Piana and Dormeuil, alongside Enzo’s own

left: Enzo Custom’s West Putnam storefront. above: Bespoke tuxedos, just in time for wedding season.

U.K.-produced line. The fabrics are available in different weights with linens, cottons, wools, four-season wools, flannels and more. An Enzo rep can advise on choices for both style and function. For example, a workhorse suit that someone plans to bring on many business trips could be created in a two-ply fabric for added wrinkle-resistance and durability.

Each suit jacket begins with its internal architecture, a full cotton-and-horsehair canvas plus shoulder padding, interlinings and collar felts, all sourced from German specialists and selected to achieve a shape that endures over time. To help you select suit and lining fabrics and get precise measurements, you’ll stand in front of the store’s Customizer mirror, a virtual tool that lets you “try on” different fabric and color combinations. Each client’s shoulder width and chest size are measured, among other specifications, along with calculations around posture and arm length. All of this affects the jacket length, says Will Freire. “You’d be surprised. It’s very common for people to have one arm longer than the other.” Using the mirror, you can see how different size lapels will look, a variety of pocket shapes, contrast stitching, lapel button-hole style, vents on the back, patterned linings. With the pants, there are options for types of cuffs (or none), side belt adjusters, pocket options (such as welted, slated, jeans style, Western) and more. Enzo also offers interior monogramming for suit jackets and embroidery under the back of the collar. “For a lot of wedding tuxedos, we put the wedding date there. It’s reminder for the man to never forget his wedding date. I save people from trouble,” Will says, laughing.

The suits can be ready as quickly as four and a half weeks, but it’s smart to plan farther ahead when you’re ordering for a wedding or special event. The end result is something that men feel so comfortable in they wind up purchasing from Enzo Custom for all future suits, jackets and pants. Will says of his customers’ response to experiencing custom clothing: “People say, ‘Wow!’ It’s hard to go back.” G

“ I FEEL LIKE A TEACHER IN MANY WAYS. THEY’RE COMING INTO MY CLASSROOM, AND THEN I’M LETTING THEM KNOW WHAT THE OPTIONS ARE AND GUIDING THEM.”

—WILL FREIRE, CLIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

40 West Putnam Avenue, 475-288-2229; enzocustom.com

these images: The luxury is in the details: custom linings, handselected buttons and finishing touches made entirely your own.
this photo: The third-level sun deck includes two pools: one for families, one for adults. right: Pool loungers enjoy views of the Atlantic.

SHIP SHAPED

Dock, dine and unwind: yachtinspired design, Michelin menus and sun-soaked spaces await at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

If this winter has taught us anything, it’s that cold can be relentless and snow has no sense of occasion. But while the weather remains stubbornly unpredictable, a sunny escape doesn’t have to be. There’s something comforting about passing the last gray slush pile on the way to the airport, knowing a three-hour flight stands between you and Fort Lauderdale—Miami’s quieter neighbor, which has spent the last several years shedding its spring break reputation in favor of something more sophisticated.

The arrival of the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences made that case when it docked in 2022. Miami architect Kobi Karp designed the 22-story curved tower with the city’s identity in mind, its white exterior a nod to the superyachts that glide through South Florida’s waterways, of which Fort Lauderdale has more per capita than nearly anywhere on earth.

Inside, British designer Tara Bernerd takes that idea and runs with it, though not in the way you might expect. There’s no kitschy nautical theme here. Instead, she layers references: a little Riviera polish, a touch of Gio Ponti geometry and enough Floridian ease to keep things from feeling overly styled. Triangular cut travertine floors set the tone in reception, their pattern an unmistakable Ponti homage, before the space opens into Honey Fitz— named for JFK’s presidential yacht— an all-day café that transitions to an evening cocktail lounge, all brass sconces, midcentury armchairs and custom rattan.

That same language carries into the guestrooms and suites, where the midcentury sensibility is softened by a palette drawn from sea and sky. A wraparound architectural shelf in polished walnut—echoing the lines of a Chris-Craft yacht— anchors the generously scaled rooms, complemented by rattanaccented headboards, brass reading lights and striped rugs in navy and cream. Sliding doors open onto private terraces with views spanning Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, best enjoyed with a slow, room-service breakfast.

On the third floor, designer Martin Brudnizki—another Brit, and the mind behind theatrical interiors at London’s Annabel’s and New York’s The Fifth Avenue Hotel—brings a notably edited hand to the sun deck, which includes two pools that overlook the Atlantic. The modern yacht club aesthetic includes loungers, cabanas and umbrellas in chic blues, whites and warm woods.

Brudnizki’s touch continues at Evelyn’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Named for Fort Lauderdale socialite Evelyn Fortune Bartlett—former owner of the storied Bonnet House and its legendary gardens—the dining room channels old-world glamour while maintaining a relaxed, indooroutdoor vibe.

In the kitchen, Chef Brandon Salomon brings a playful approach to his Mediterranean program, finishing baba ghanoush with edible flowers and adding a hit of harissa to the shrimp cocktail. The tasting menu is the move, offering a full sweep of the kitchen’s standouts— from truffle hummus and smoked octopus to wood-fired skewers and whole grilled branzino, presented tableside with entertaining fanfare.

Complementing Evelyn’s is MAASS, chef Ryan Ratino’s restaurant, named for early 20th-century architect Gustav Maass. There’s a full dining room, but the 12-seat chef’s counter is the main event—offering a closer look at the open-fire kitchen. The experience is immersive and intimate, with a few fun turns (the foie gras “Nutter Butter” is a highlight). Just be sure to save room for a hazelnut shaved ice, an elevated frozen riff for Ferrero Rocher fans. Like Evelyn’s, MAASS has earned Michelin recognition, giving the hotel a rare two-for-two.

After securing your dinner reservations, the rest is easy: direct beach access, a spectacular spa (book the Ebb & Flow massage) and a layout that suits a range of stays, from families to friends to couples. From your lounger in the sand, your treatment table or your pool cabana, that sad snow will be the last thing on your mind. G

fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale

top: The beach setup includes full service in the sand. above: Guests arrive in the airy lobby. below: Neutral rooms make for calm retreats. bottom: Evelyn’s awardwinning and inviting dining room.
above: Evelyn’s artful smoked octopus.

1

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Wright lacquer six-drawer dresser. Westport; anthropologie.com

3

AUGARTEN WIEN Lemon box dish; $325. Eleish Van Breems, Westport; evbantiques.com

4

LITTLE GREENE Pomegranate wallpaper in citron; $260 per roll. Greenwich; littlegreene.us

8

TERRAIN

Enameled iron 2 liter watering can; $58.

2 CRATE & BARREL Citrus stoneware salad plate; $14.95 Westport; crateandbarrel.com

SERENA & LILY Marais tablecloth & napkin bundle; $228. Westport; serenaandlily. com

5

“lemon yellow accents crisp whites and sky blues. it provides that extra zest to make a room fresh and alive.” design

6 lounger cover; $6,845. claudehome.com

KERRI ROSENTHAL Mykonos mini pillow; $415. Westport; kerrirosenthal.com

1 HUDSON GRACE Newport orange scalloped placemat; $28. Spiral orange stripe stoneware salad plate; $24. Greenwich; hudsongracesf.com

2 OUTER clé

1970s GlassWorks: le Disque; starting at $145.95 per sq ft. outercle.com

3 OOMPH

Outdoor backgammon table in Sunburst; $3,500. Greenwich; oomphhome.

4 SUNNY LIFE Wooden pickleball set; $50. sunnylife.com

5 SUR LA TABLE Linen napkins; $49.95 for set of 4. Darien; surlatable.com

6 FIELDBAR Drinks Box; $249. Bungalow, Westport; bungalowdecor.com

7 SUPPLY

The daybed in Melon; $3,623. supply-co.net

8 GUBI Copacabana lounge chair by Mathieu Matégot; $2,199. gubi.com

5 6 7

Modern luxury defines this extraordinary, bespoke 2026-built home with pool, spa, waterfall, terrace, covered porch with firepit and outdoor kitchen exquisitely sited on 1.64 private acres in the coveted Golden Triangle. Leading industry visionaries Chris Pagliaro, East Coast Structures and M & N Development collaborated on this unparalleled 10,000 sq. ft., four-level Transitional home characterized by spectacular indoor/outdoor living and entertaining spaces; oversized custom windows by Klar allowing in abundant natural light, custom millwork, white oak flooring and cabinetry. Highlights include double height chef’s kitchen, scullery, office, lower level media room with bar, ready-to-go golf simulator, gym with sauna, cold-plunge and spa room.

PRESENTED BY:

do

Nailed It!

How a simple manicure sparked the dream that became one of Greenwich’s most beloved beauty destinations

Empy Constante, owner of Empy’s Day Spa, has been helping clients feel more confident, polished and beautiful for 40 years. Immigrating to the U.S. from Colombia as a young adult with her sister Gloria gave Constante the chance to finally pursue her lifelong dream of owning her own business centered around beauty.

“When I was younger, I would bring my friends to my house and do their makeup and hair all the time. I loved to transform people and to make them feel beautiful and gorgeous,” says Constante. “Believe it or not, I didn’t have my first manicure until I was 18. From that day, I knew that I wanted to learn how to do nails myself. So I just started learning. I wanted to create my own method of being able to give people a perfect manicure and pedicure,” she adds. Constante first opened her spa in Greenwich with the name

“Nails by Empy,” but at a client’s urging to find a name that felt more upscale, “Empy’s Day Spa” was officially born. The advice was sage, because Constante’s client list is now packed with posh, high-profile, long-time customers.

“When we started, it was just me, my sister, my niece and one other employee. We started with nothing,” she says. Business quickly boomed, and the spa now employs a team of 17. Those seeking spa services range in age from teenagers to those in their 90s. “The best thing is having multiple generations of

above: Customers return for the perfect manicure; Constante has been serving the Greenwich community for forty years; a peek into the West Putnam storefront.

clients from the same families. I feel so grateful when my clients come in with their daughters or mothers. I even have one family that consists of five generations!” she says.

“The absolute best part of my job is my clients. I’m so happy when they open my door. We aren’t like a regular salon. My employees know everyone’s names, and everyone knows my employees, because we’ve all known each other for so many years. It’s so satisfying.”

With a full range of services including manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and hair services— everything from cuts to color, highlights and styling—the spa allows clients to receive multiple services all in one place. “I do a lot of work with brides and for bar and bat mitzvahs and private parties,” says Constante, who feels grateful to be part of these important life events.

“I love when my clients bring their children with them. I don’t charge for their services, because they are my future clients,” says Constante with a smile. “My clients are so generous and have such good hearts. They are very special people.” G

“i feel so grateful when my clients come in with their daughters or mothers. i even have one family that consists of five generations!”

– empy constante

Empy's Day Spa

143 West Putnam Avenue

203-661-6625

below: Empy, her sister Gloria and Donna Moffly top: What started with one determined founder now includes 17 employees, proof that great service never goes out of style.

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To

To

To

A TasteofProvence, Closeto H o em

Elevateddining and wine cuture indowntownDarien

Scan here for more great places to EAT & DRINK!

here: Spring onion sformato with smoked bacon and asparagus— comfort and elegance on one plate. by elizabeth keyser • photography by venera alexandrova

Darien’s L’Ostal and La Cave have earned devoted followers among serious food and wine lovers. As the Provencal restaurant celebrates five years—and a Best Restaurant award from the CT Restaurant Association—La Cave, its European wine bar, has become the place to explore and talk about obscure varietals. Since fall, it has also become site of exclusive monthly wine dinners that sell out quickly.

On a recent Friday night, both spaces were quietly buzzing. Chef-Owner Jared Sippel—a veteran of kitchens led by world-class chefs in Michelinstarred, Relais et Chateau properties in the United States and Europe—was a constant presence. He emerged from the kitchen in his fresh white jacket to deliver a dish to a VIP at the bar, slice rare beef coulette for the tartar de boeuf at a striking bright-red European hand slicer and step across the outdoor patio to check in on the wine bar.

Five years ago, after a stint in New York City, the aftermath of COVID brought Chef Jared Sippel and his wife to her hometown of Darien. In April 2021, Sippel opened L’Ostal, his dream restaurant, inspired by his culinary journey in France and Italy. He created a focused, ingredient-driven menu rooted in Provencal cuisine, drawing from the broader cultural region that stretches from Provence in France, to Catalonia in Spain and Piedmonte in Italy.

“Provençal cooking is almost more Italian than it is French,” says Sippel. “I fell in love with that style. And you get all these influences, from Moroccan and the Basque region of Spain—the markets are full of spices. Provence is France, but before that it was Italy.

Settle in with a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire and a Provençal rosé alongside a spread of herbed olives, ras el hanout–spiced nuts, gigante beans in vinaigrette and gildas. House-baked fougasse—stuffed with artichoke and black olive, finished with poppy seed, pepper and sea salt—steals the scene.

“provençal cooking is almost more italian than it is french. i fell in love with that style. and you get all these influences from moroccan and the basque region of spain— the markets are full of spices. provence is france, but before that it was italy. there are roman ruins everywhere.” —chef jared sippel

There are Roman ruins everywhere.”

Sippel opened L’Ostal at the right time. As people left New York City and returned to the suburbs, demand grew for elevated dining closer to home. “We tapped a niche market,” he says. “People wanted the same high quality of dining they were used to in Manhattan.”

At L’Ostal the wine list is focused. Sippel spent decades working with master sommeliers and top wine teams. “Food and wine go hand in hand, and if you work in upper-echelon wine restaurants, you start learning—and the more you learn and understand, the more you get the bug,” he says.

At L’Ostal, the wines are primarily French, with select offerings from Italy and Spain. The list features nine classic varieties and regions, including a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, a rosé from Provence and a Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Guests can choose half or full glasses. (L’Ostal also serves beer, cocktails and mocktails.)

The dinner menu changes seasonally, with nightly specials written on a blackboard. Signature dishes have remained on the menu since day one, complimented by seasonal additions. With wood-topped tables, walls covered

ABOVE: Chef Jared Sippel’s menu features seasonal fish specials, pâté de campagne with mustard and cornichons and escargot served in the shell with plenty of bread for the garlicky butter. BELOW: Bright, crisp and perfectly balanced—this salade verte dressed in a vinaigrette flavored with pistou (a nutless pesto) is a customer favorite.
ANDREA CARSON

in white subway tiles and a marble bar, L’Ostal’s understated atmosphere lets the food shine. The scent of smoking herbs drifts through the dining room as servers deliver the evening's special of côte de boeuf (roasted bone-in ribeye).

At the bar, guests order Fougasse, the housebaked bread stuffed with artichoke and black olives and flecked with poppy seeds, pepper and sea salt—crunchy and rich outside and soft and steamy inside. Almost everyone orders the salade verte, which has developed a cult following. Each fresh, crisp leaf is dressed in a vinaigrette flavored with pistou (Provençal nutless pesto), and served in a beautifully assembled pile on a chilled plate. Simple, herbflecked and made with care, it exemplifies L’Ostal’s attention to detail.

Sformato, an Italian unmolded vegetable flan, is a soft, luxurious comfort food. The chef changes the vegetable base with the seasons. Recently, it featured a cauliflower flan, drizzled with balsamic and encircled by sautéed mushrooms.

The bartender, chef or sommelier can recommend wines, but one dish comes with a suggested pairing written on the menu—and it’s a classic. Housemade torchon of Hudson Valley duck foie gras, slices of fluffy brioche (from Flour Water Salt Bread bakery in Darien) and figs are paired with Tokaji Aszú “5 puttonyos,” a rich, sweet Hungarian white wine fermented with grapes affected with “the noble rot.” It’s a made-in-heaven combination: the meltingly rich, highly seasoned foie gras perfectly balanced by sips of the golden nectar, sweet yet underscored with bright acidity.

Three pastas appear on the menu, available in half or full portions (thank you!). The potato gnocchi with jumbo lump crab in scallop emulsion looked like a gift from the sea. The gnocchi resembled bay scallops in their foamy sauce, yet they were the most delicate little potato pillows that dissolved in the mouth.

Merlu, also known as hake—a mild-flavored member of the cod family—was tender with a

pleasing texture. It was draped in buerre blanc and showered with sautéed chanterelles. Sweet delicata squash peeked out from beneath the fish, which rested on rich, buttery potatoes.

What makes L’Ostal special—beyond the excellent food, wine and service—is the sense of care in every detail: the attentive staff, their professionalism and knowledge and the many gracious touches. Upon leaving, we found our take-home bag resting on a small table by the hostess desk, my name written in black marker—a thoughtful way to ensure guests don’t forget their delicious leftovers!

L’Ostal is pricy, as one would expect given the quality of the ingredients, cooking and service. L’Apero Hour, Tuesday through Friday, from 5 to 6 p.m., offers reduced prices on drinks and a limited menu featuring Les Plat de Resistance— two burgers, The Frenchie and L’Americain. The restaurant also offers menus for parties of six or more, including three- to four-course family style dinners and a chef-curated menu.

House-made Hudson Valley foie gras torchon with figs and brioche from Flour Water Salt Bread—rich, delicate and just the right balance of sweet and savory.

BELOW: The art of escanciar—a high pour that aerates Spanish cider, creating a bright foam and unlocking its crisp,

La Cave

Curated wines, small plates and intimate dinners.

Since Sippel opened La Cave two years ago, it has complemented—and contrasted with—L’Ostal. It is not a restaurant but a true Europeanstyle wine bar reminiscent of one you might find in Barcelona. Prepared foods such as cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish and tartines are served. “There are about 20 wines on a changing menu of more obscure varietals that guests and servers find exciting,” the chef says, “It creates engagement and conversation.”

The atmosphere is dark, cozy and subtly glowing—mellow and welcoming—with seating for 14 at a bar and high tops. Nightly specials are also written on the blackboard.

La Cave can be the first stop of an evening, for a glass of wine with spiced nuts or a plate of sliced Iberico ham and house-baked grissini, or a place to explore the tapas menu with carefully selected wines. The wine bar also serves caviar—one ounce of Kristal, French Baeri or Ossetra Prestige— with crème fraîche, chives and Ibiza potato chips. After dinner at L’Ostal, we ended the evening at La Cave, sipping a half glass of a Royal Tokaji 2018, which our server noted has more minerality than the Aszú we had tried earlier. Since last fall, La Cave has hosted exclusive wine dinners. Sippel and his team prepare the food in L’Ostal’s kitchen and bring

“there are about 20 wines on a changing menu of more obscure varietals that guests and servers find exciting. it creates engagement and conversation.” — chef jared sippel

it over to La Cave. “We get famous producers from a region, and then I’ll feature food from that region,” he says. Recent events have included a three-course Champagne and caviar dinner and a Spanish wine flight with representatives from R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, the renowned Rioja producer. Sippel’s Spanish meal featured paella, served on the patio. These intimate

dinners are held about once a month and sell out quickly. For some events, La Cave offers two seatings, accommodating 28 lucky guests.

LA CAVE

ADDRESS:

42 Center Street, Darien HOURS: Thursday, 5 - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 - 10 p.m. It can be rented for private events.

rustic flavor.
Chef Jared (above left) and a member of his team at La Cave—which is inspired by the traditional bodegas of Barcelona—alongside a spread of vibrant small plates made for sharing.

g–mom

SUMMER SWAP

Gather your crew, pick a theme, and trade the

little things that make the season shine

June is the time to welcome summer with arms wide open. Sunshine! Sunsets after eight! Whether you host an end-of-school-year party or a girlfriend’s gathering, try a My Secret to Summer Party. It’s part Oprah’s Favorite Things, part Yankee Swap. Ask guests to forgo the hostess gift and instead bring a favorite item for a sensational summer. Here, we offer up a few variations to help you get creative.

FOR THE LITTLES

The kid version of My Secret to Summer Party has a few guardrails, but the core remains the same, everyone gets together and everyone goes home with a gift. Ask attendees to bring a wrapped present and set a price limit. (Challenge their creativity and help them flex their money-management muscles by setting reasonable limits.) For example, each child brings a present for $25 or less that is one of their favorite summer items. You can narrow it down by picking a genre. Throwback themes are a fun way for parents to share a glimpse of their childhoods. Pick a decade like the '90s (Beanie Babies, Ninja Turtles, Pokémon, Super Soakers, Nerf toys) or 2000s (My Little Pony, Silly Bandz) or Classics (Magic 8 Ball, Play-Doh, Hot Wheels). Online and local toy stores carry many new versions of these classics.

The rules for a children’s swap can be gently adjusted. Every gift is tagged with a number, and each child is given or picks a number out of a bowl. To avoid tears, encourage no opening until the kids get home by waiting until the end of the party to pass out the gifts.

FOR THE MOMS

Kids aren’t the only ones who get to celebrate the start of summer. Invite your girlfriends over, serve up a fruity sangria or frozen rosé, hang some bistro lights, polish your Spotify playlist with a compilation of summer songs, and let the season begin.

FOR THE TEENS

As kids get older, the actual swap aspect of the party can be introduced. Each gift is set on a table without a number, and each attendee is given a paper number. The teen with Number One goes first. Each subsequent number can select and open a gift or “steal” an already opened gift. Play proceeds through the numbers and ends with the person at Number One given the option for a final steal. Themes for teens can range from general to specific. Consider a rainy-day theme (board games, craft kits), beach books, water sports, etc. The options are limited only by imagination and budget.

As for themes, think of your favorites, and build a theme around one. What’s your key to a perfect summer day or relaxing summer night? What are your summer beauty secrets? Your musthave travel accessories? You can also ask guests to bring their favorite beach reads. Or go Garden Party and ask everyone to bring a plant to swap. If your friend group is young moms, ask them to bring their favorite toy to entertain kids. The options are endless.

A fun bonus is to have guests send you a go-to summer drink recipe or easy summer dinner and compile and print out the list for everyone to take home.

The summer is filled with 92 days, so whether it is a marvelous night for a moondance or time to soak up the sun, seize the opportunity to share your secret to the best summer.

SEASON OPENER!

FROM BACKCOUNTRY HORSE SHOWS TO HARBOR CELEBRATIONS , GREENWICH'S SUMMER SOCIAL CALENDAR HAS SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY—AND IT STARTS NOW

No. 2

THE MANE EVENT

The Greenwich Riding and Trails Association welcomes families to attend its elegant country luncheon and horse show in backcountry. The afternoon supports the GRTA’s mission to preserve and conserve open space.

Date: Sunday, June 7

Time: Horse show begins 8:30 a.m.; luncheon tent opens 11 a.m. Location: 39 Pierson Drive. thegrta.org

No. 1 HARBORING HISTORY

Greenwich hosts a signature America 250 celebration when the 160-foot Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde sails into Greenwich Harbor and docks at the Delamar. Open to the public, the vessel stops here before heading to New York City for the international Tall Ships Parade on July 4. Presented by the Greenwich Historical Society, the festivities at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park include ship tours, a recreated Colonial Village, Revolutionary-era reenactors, living history encampments, music tracing America’s story and a salute to veterans.

Date: Sunday, June 28

Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. General admission: Free with registration

Location: Roger Sherwin Baldwin Park greenwichhistory.org

No. 3 FIELD TRIP

Visit Blue Hill at Stone Barns for a private tour of the world-renowned agricultural center’s grounds, gardens, greenhouses and barns. Guided by the team of cooks, farmers and educators, guests will explore the farm and restaurant spaces while learning about preservation efforts and educational programs. Afterwards, enjoy a casual lunch showcasing whole grains, pasture-raised meats, preserves and seasonal vegetables.

Date: June 11

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Blue Hill at Stone Barns greenwichbotanicalcenter.org

No. 4 BEACH BUILDERS

Ready to get sandy? Head to Tod’s Point for the annual Sandblast sculpture competition. Bring your own shovels, tools and imagination. Judges will circulate throughout the morning and announce winners at noon. Park or day pass required.

Date: Saturday, June 20

Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m

Location: Tod’s Point greenwichct.gov

No. 5 WHEELS UP

The Greenwich Police Department’s popular car show returns with a crowdpleasing lineup of classic, antique, custom and exotic cars, plus motorcycles, food trucks, a DJ, raffles and more. Proceeds benefit the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund, which provides support for the children of active Greenwich police officers.

Date: June 6 (rain date: June 7th) Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Location: Greenwich Town Hall greenwichscholorshipfund.org

No. 6 GOOD SPORT

June means Greenwich Polo Club is officially the place to be on Sundays. General admission starts at $40 per car, and halftime brings the beloved tradition of divot stomping. Food trucks and vendors round out the afternoon.

Date: Sundays throughout the month

Time: Gates open at 1 p.m.; Match starts at 3 p.m.

Location: 1 Hurlingham Drive. greenwichpoloclub.com G

Every month, Layla Lisiewski, Greenwich mom of four and founder
miss events. Follow @greenwich_moms

Call (800) 866-2948 or visit priveswiss.com.

MATT BERMAN Workshop/APD
CHRISTOPHER LAGUARDIA LaGuardia Design Group
HADLEY WIGGINS Hadley Wiggins
DAVID MANN MR Architecture + Decor

ople

people&PLACES

PARENTHOOD / Hyatt Regency Greenwich

Planning Parenthood

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) drew a crowd of over 500 enthusiastic supporters—both virtually and in person—to its annual Spring Luncheon at the Hyatt in Old Greenwich. Our Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, avowed fighter for reproductive freedom, was honored with the Community Impact Award; and Speaker Barbara Pierce Bush, co-founder of Global Health Corps, had a lively conversation on stage with journalist Sam Lansky. All drew standing ovations. Co-chairing the event were Susan Beyman, Jane Carlin, Lindy Lilien and Mini Nunna. It raised a record $1.55 million in support of reproductive healthcare for 60,000 patients across Connecticut and Rhode Island. plannedparenthood.org »

1 Sheila Mossman, Ali and Erica Buchsbaum 2 Jane Carlin, Mini Nunna, Sam Lansky, Barbara Bush, PPSNE CEO Amanda Skinner, Lindy Lilien, Susan Beyman

3 Mimi Sternlicht, Nancy Alchek 4 Dr. Wear Culvahouse, Peter Schweinfurth, Janet Stone McGuigan 5 Trish Rohr, Blakely Stinebaugh, Ann Zaminski, Bonnie Geller, Julie Faryniarz 6 Amy Fletcher, Amy Andrews 7 Barbara Bush, Jill Oberlander 8 CT Att. Gen. William Tong, Cynthia Blumenthal

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / BOB CAPAZZO

5

and Sam Lansky on stage 6 Cathy

Amy Mathias 7 Carol

Louise Puschel, Kim Galloway, Eileen Bartels 8 Brice Russian, Emily Merjan, Barbara Bush, Caroline Shen, Leora Rajak, 9 Miriam Kendall, Amy Fletcher, Kelly Fogarty, Amy Andrews, Naomi Azrak, Tracy Schmidt 10 Samantha

Barbara Bush, Annie Lamont
Mary Lee Kiernan, Karen Royce
Susie Baker, Leslie Lee, Cheryl Dunson 4 Simone Quarterly, Amanda Skinner, Kay Maxwell
Barbara Bush
Conover,
Cadou,
Bee at the podium
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Hyatt Regency Greenwich

12

Annunziato, Christina Schmoyer 13 Amanda Skinner with William Tong admiring his prized bowl 14 Danielle Eason, Barbara Bush, Sharon Herzog 15 Sue Bodson, Lindy Lillien, Alessandra Messineo Long 16 Kim Galloway, Cristin Marandino 17 Hans Lindh, Christina Downey 18 Rachel Khanna, Myrna Gardner, Jen Barro 19 Gina Modica, Barbara Bush, Amy Rabenhorst, Nancie Schwarzman

20 Lin Lavery, Ann

11 Monika Heimbold, Rev. Stephanie Johnson, Donna Moffly
Jillian McComiskey, Kelly
Hagmann »

Great Neighbors

Person to Person (P2P) drew a sold-out crowd for its annual gala, Rising Together, to help families and individuals in need. The event raised $900,000 to support P2P programs offering economic assistance, career guidance, scholarships and access to healthy food. p2phelps.org »

1 St. Luke’s Parish of Darien Mountaintop Award Honorees

2 Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, P2P CEO Nancy Coughlin

3 Sue Bodson, Corey Paris, The S.O.S. Band 4 P2P Board of Directors 5 United States Rep. Jim Himes, Michael and Sue Bodson

6 Andre and Michelle Swanston, Catalyst for Change Award Honorees 7 Senator Bob Duff, Senator Ceci Maher

WESTY

WESTY

WESTY

For the Love of Books

Greenwich Library’ annual Peterson Business Award Dinner recently honored Sageview Capital’s Scott Stuart for his business leadership and philanthropy. As the Library’s only major fundraiser, the dinner is vital to maintaining the quality and availability of offerings such as childhood literacy sessions, musical concerts, job search tools, technology training courses and many other essential services provided free of charge to the community. greenwichlibrary.org »

1 Ian Murray, Lisa and Scott Stuart, Joe Williams 2 Paige Knox, Icy Frantz, Dee Hickey 3 First Selectman Fred Camillo, Gov. Ned Lamont, Scott Stuart 4 Rosario Brooks, Sharon Phillips, Susan Bevan, Jannell Bakrow 5 Ann Murray, Jill and Dan Ciporin, Daisy Stuart, Ryan Niederreither 6 Fernando Maddock, Diana and Jim Higgins 7 Mary Ellen, Brad Markowitz, Peggy Klab 8 Nancy Better, Laura Beck, Sally Mann 9 Haley and Joe Elmlinger 10 Tom Foley, Alexandra Cordero 11 Joe Williams, Larry Cordero, Scott Stuart, Gov. Ned Lamont, Annie Lamont, Anne Farrell, Alexandra Cordero, Ian Murray
GREENWICH LIBRARY / Greenwich Hyatt Regency Hotel

Honorees will be featured in the November issue.

Nominations being accepted in the following categories:

Most Involved in the Arts

Most Dedicated Committee Member

Outstanding Philanthropist

Outstanding Teen Volunteer

Best Friend to Children

Best Health Advocate

Lifetime Achievement

Best Friend to Seniors

Most Involved Couple

Corporate Good Neighbor

8

Crystal Clear

PRO EYECARE by Dr. Inna Lazar, a leading provider of advanced optometric care, celebrated its grand opening in Greenwich with a cocktail party to benefit Eye Care from the Heart. Live sketch artist Deanna First entertained guests, wine was provided by Château de Berne and Italian cocktails by Originals Imports. The new state-ofthe-art facility replaces the Old Greenwich office and joins the Darien location. Dr. Inna Lazar is an expert on primary eye health and one of the country’s most sought-after experts in the treatment of dry eye disease. getproeyecare.com »

4

1 Naomi Fisher, Dr. Inna Lazar, Sarah Lacarrubba 2 Auste Kuncas, Paulina Pirquet 3 Christian and Annette Perry with their daughter and Dr. Inna Lazar
Bob GaudreauBerne 5 Lisa Varrone, Sofiya Petlyar 6 Dr. Inna Lazar, Alessandro Ercolano, Mina Owlia 7 Deanna First
Dr. Sasha Patel, Shannon Mohabir, Shreya Patel 9 Kent Moran, Kat Moran, Roman Lazar, Dr. Inna Lazar 10 Mrs. Ghilardi, Tanya Medvedieva, Iryna Luzhna, Olga Litvinenko, Dr. Inna Lazar, Mila Kolitsova 11 The PRO EYE CARE Team with Fred Camillo 12 Kim Thomas, Amanda Gabbard, Nina Clarke, Dr. Inna Lazar, Megan Schinella, Dr. Alicia Robbins

Friends in Knead N

eighbor to Neighbor recently held its annual Spring Luncheon at Greenwich Country Club. This year’s event featured guest speakers, Jasmine Mitchell and Tom Arden, the winner and finalist of The Great British Baking Show! The mission of Neighbor to Neighbor is to strengthen the Greenwich community by providing access to nutritious food, clothing and other essentials in an atmosphere of kindness and respect. ntngreenwich.org G

1 Tom Arden, Raphael Frost, Olivia Vining, Daina Olesen, Jasmine Mitchell 2 Beth Ann Ingrassia, Jill Fox, Westley Royce 3 Karen Royce, Bobbie Walker, Jasmine Mitchell, Tom Arden, Victoria Quake 4 Penny Goffman, Emily Bonadies, Mia Rowe, Angelique Dawson, Susan Parker 5 Bobbie Eggers, Tom Arden, Jasmine Mitchell, Maddie Eggers 6 Brent Hill, Barbara Daly, Dr. Craig Passmore 7 The baking awards 8 Mary Alice Kaye, Tom Arden, Jasmine Mitchell, Allen and Lori Jackson 9 Raspberry pastries 10 Cricket Lockhart, Lin Lavery 11 Erika and Emma Stern 12 Barbara Epifanio, Dianna Smith
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR / Greenwich Country Club

vows

Nicole and Sean first met at Bucknell University, but that is not where their love story began. They started dating years after graduation, when a work colleague reconnected them. Two and a half years later, Sean proposed on Great Captain Island, followed by an engagement party at the Greenwich Water Club.

Dr. Lindley DeGarmo officiated the ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, with a reception at Greenwich Country Club. Among the evening’s highlights: guests were escorted into the reception tent by band members and handed custom tambourines to play as the wedding party made their introductions.

The bride, daughter of Thomas and Sandra Birkhold of Greenwich, graduated from Greenwich High School and Bucknell University. She works at Goldman Sachs in Manhattan.

The groom, son of Pamela Doyle of Huntington, New York, graduated from Cold Spring Harbor High School and Bucknell University. He works in real estate in Manhattan.

The couple honeymooned in Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong, and now split their time between Manhattan and Greenwich. G

1 The wedding invitations 2 Nicole en route to the ceremony with her father, Thomas 3 Nicole with her bridesmaids 4 Nicole with her parents, Thomas and Sandra Birkhold
5 The wedding party 6 Sandra and Thomas Birkhold, Nicole and Sean, Pamela Doyle 7 The First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich
by alison nichols gray
8 The newlyweds in front of Greenwich Country Club 9 The first dance
whimsical decor
Block, Lexi Mesister 15 Nicole having a blast on
floor

BRIGHT SIDE ON THE

RICH JEWEL TONES, PLAYFUL PATTERN AND MEANINGFUL TREASURES MAKE THIS TOWNHOUSE RENOVATION FEEL BOTH ELEGANT AND DEEPLY PERSONAL

by mary kate hogan • photography by jane beiles
this photo: A metallic floral painting sourced from Trovare Home set the tone for this jewel-toned den, which is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Bellbottom Blues. opposite page: Green is the grounding theme in the living room, where a pair of club chairs and mirrors lend symmetry to the space.

H“Here comes the color lady!” That’s the welcome given to veteran designer Bobbi Stuart as she walks into the showrooms of Stark Carpet or Designers Guild, often with a client in tow. The sales associates greet her accordingly: The red-headed decorator has included colorful furnishings and accessories in her work so frequently that she’s developed a reputation in the trade for all things bright and happy. Bobbi even wears a beaded bracelet with letters that spell the moniker The Color Lady, hand-crafted by her granddaughter.

“She made it for me when she was about nine or ten, and I never take it off,” says the proud grandmother and design pro who has logged decades in the business. Though Bobbi always works to suit her clients’ tastes and can design in neutrals as well, she says, “It’s much more fun to do color.” Her connections with her clients have proven to be equally colorful, developing friendships that span generations and numerous projects. For the Markley family, she has designed five homes around the country—from Sea Island, Georgia, to Dallas, Texas—with two houses for the senior Markleys and three for Lynn, who owns this Greenwich townhouse.

“She’s been in my life for a long time, and this woman knows how to make everything she touches sparkle with style,” says Lynn, who hired the trusted decorator during a top-to-bottom renovation of her current home. Calling on Chip Dunn of New Ridge Builders, recommended by Bobbi, the team took the 40-year-old townhouse down to the studs for a complete overhaul. It was part of a unique estate that was the site of a late-1800s Victorian house, and the townhouse buildings were constructed to reflect that character. The renovation team worked to preserve the traditional nature of the property while Bobbi brought in bold yet comfortable furnishings to suit Lynn’s lifestyle.

above: Bobbi Stuart enjoys this cozy room she designed for Lynn. The den is the favorite spot in the house. opposite page: For the dining room, Bobbi selected a bold but classic wallcovering with a natural pattern, Jardin de Chine by Scalamandre.

BRIGHT AND EARLY DAYS

Tracing her connection to Bobbi, Lynn recalls that they first met when she was decorating her parents’ Colonial in New Canaan. Mutual friends had recommended Bobbi to the Markley family. Years later, Bobbi and Lynn’s mom would fly out to Texas together to assist Lynn in sprucing up her first place. They were a hands-on team, scouring small shops in the area. On another family project in Sea Island, the duo (Bobbi and Georgia Ann Markley) rented a flat-bed truck and moved some of the furnishings themselves.

Bobbi’s love of working with fabrics and creating decorative spaces began during a job as a young assistant editor at a magazine that was a rival to Seventeen called Ingenue. She assisted with photo shoots and put together a DIY sewing column, which exposed her to the range of materials out there.

“Decorating was not a thing where I grew up,” Bobbi says about her

small hometown in Massachusetts. But in her editorial role, she says, “I would get to go to the fabric market, pick out fabrics and trimmings,” she says, working with the team on a wide range of stories that included a feature with a young Chrissie Evert modeling for a sew-your-own-tennisdress story. Later Bobbi was recruited to help produce stories like Make Over Your Room, and she became the “accomplice” to stylist and editor Abbie Darer, whom she calls her mentor.

“We had such fun going to shoots. I’d go to New York every day and run around town, and we’d borrow stuff from places like Bloomingdale’s. It was like a scavenger hunt.” She would go on to work on many design features and create vignettes for catalogs at furniture brands such as Ethan Allen. Eventually, when friends asked Bobbi to turn her eye to their homes, she started offering design advice, and soon she had launched her career in interiors, opening her own firm. Since then, it’s Bobbi’s design work that has become the subject of the magazine features.

above: The green velvet sofa and coral wing chair pick up on hues in the abstract painting sourced from Found in New Canaan. A woven planter js filled with easy-care orchids, faux flowers from Diane James. opposite page: Sideboard set for a party; Lynn is known for hosting friends and family for everything from holidays to game nights.
“It’s such a happy color , and it brings the outside in, especially in the winter, when there is no outside green. ”
—bobbi stuart, designer

COOKING UP GOOD TIMES

When she was hired to work on Lynn’s townhouse, Bobbi already had a good sense about her lifestyle. Lynn loves to host and cook for people, whether it’s inviting a few neighbors over for dinner or hosting a group of 20 for Easter lunch complete with an egg hunt. A giant magnetic Scrabble board is installed on the walls of the basement rec room, the site of many game nights. Bobbi’s family has enjoyed gatherings at Chez Lynn; she has become “Auntie Lynn” to Bobbi’s grandkids, and they have become like family to her. “She welcomes everyone,” Bobbi says.

When thinking back on her goals for this project, Lynn says, “I need color. It boosts my spirits,” and Bobbi’s design with bursts of bold hues

would come together “to create my ultimate happy place.” Bobbi adds, “She wanted it to be an entertaining space, because she’s an incredible cook. She’s writing a cookbook (self-published, for family and friends).” Naturally, a fabulous kitchen was a top requirement. Lynn shares her townhouse with her Border Collie mix Shakira Shakira, so the furnishings also needed to be durable enough for a furry companion.

Even though the designer and homeowner were already in synch on the direction for the home, Bobbi invited Lynn to get involved in the selection and sourcing process, bringing her along to browse the trade-only shops. “I welcome people into the showrooms with me early on, because some people have no idea what’s out there,” she says. At Stark

above: Bright green cabinets and the Scalamandre wallpaper continue in this pantry and wet bar, a perfect perch for Lynn’s party preparations. opposite page: This state-of-the-art kitchen, part of the gut renovation project, is equipped with high-end appliances and an oversized island, plenty of space for the home chef to work her magic.

Carpet in Stamford, Lynn fell in love with a gray and blue rug for her bedroom, which they wound up having made for her in a custom size. “When you go into a showroom, you see all these different kinds of fabrics, wallpapers or furniture, and it opens up your mind.”

Lynn kept an open mind with any suggestions Bobbi had, letting her guide her toward the vibrant greens that are a thread throughout the house. In several rooms, art served as the inspiration for the colors and the spring-like green was no exception. Bobbi frequently sources art and home furnishings from Found in New Canaan, and that’s where she discovered the multi-hued abstract painting that’s hung above the fireplace mantel. After choosing that, she says, “I came home with all

these green velvets,” and Lynn gave the “green light” to the one that graces the couch in her living room. For two cream-colored club chairs in the room, Bobbi added oomph with a wide stripe of a botanical-patterned fabric down the center of each chair. A pair of metal-trimmed mirrors underscore the symmetry in the space.

With green and plant-like motifs emerging in the living room, the theme was continued in the dining room with the selection of Scalamandre Jardin de Chine wallpaper. Wing chairs in a green wicker sit at either end of the custom wood dining table, while the other chairs surrounding it feature seats covered in a green striped fabric. The verdant hue continues in the kitchen where the sconces above the sink and the backsplash are

also green, reflecting nature and the pretty plants and hedge in the yard outside. “It’s such a happy color, and it brings the outside in, especially in the winter, when there is no outside green,” Bobbi says.

Other rooms in the house feature pinks and turquoise blue while a bar in the basement TV room is lacquered in a bold red. But the space that is both Lynn and Bobbi’s favorite, the den, is encased in blues and jewel tones. The idea for the rich-blue den with its custom sofas and silk-and-wool shag rug came about when Bobbi spotted a piece of art at Trovare Home, a large garden-scene in assorted blues that hangs on the wall. Lynn fell in love with the artwork, and it became the jumping off point for walls, which are lacquered in Benjamin Moore, Bellbottom Blues.

“It’s a small room, but it’s my favorite, because it’s such elegant decor, but it has a very cozy vibe in there, and I live in there,” says Lynn. “It’s where I watch The Pitt and where I drink my wine.” She also invites Bobbi

“There’s

art, there’s color , there are treasures. She can brilliantly mix it up , and it all comes together. It’s like all her talents are sprinkled in every room .”

over to enjoy the den from time to time. Bobbi notes that the lacquered walls “make the whole room feel like a big cozy tent.”

While Lynn often hosts Bobbi and her family, Bobbi is equally generous in her efforts to find the perfect, personal furnishings for Lynn, never settling for run-of-the-mill pieces. For her bedroom, she found a phenomenal, shapely headboard in France, covered in a bold blue fabric, and created a custom bed skirt out of fringe. For the powder room, Bobbi picked up an antique desk and had that converted into a vanity with sink, paired with a geometric mirror. Each detail is special and meaningful.

“She’s a lot of fun to be with, and she goes to the ends of the earth to find things, pouring her heart and soul into decorating my home,” Lynn says of her decorator and friend. “There’s art, there’s color, there are treasures. She can brilliantly mix it up and it all comes together. It’s like all her talents are sprinkled in every room.” G

above: In this bedroom, blues and grays dominate the palette, with a cobalt headboard and fringed dust ruffle, and a carpet that Lynn fell in love with during a visit to Stark Carpet. For the powder room, Bobbi found an antique table and had a carpenter turn it into a vanity. opposite page: In a quieter hue, Lynn treated a Louis chair to a leaf motif.
—lynn markley, homeowner, on designer bobbi stuart

POWER BASE

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong not only lives in Stamford but also says the city played a big role in helping him get the job

by kim kavin
photography by kyle norton

In 2019, William Tong was in his new office in Hartford, serving his first day as Connecticut’s newly elected attorney general, when his assistant came into the room. She said he had a phone call waiting. On hold was U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, a Stamford native who had served as Connecticut’s attorney general in the 1980s. Tong couldn’t wait to pick up the phone. At age 15, he had gotten his start in politics working for Lieberman’s first U.S. Senate campaign.

“He said, ‘Congratulations, I am so proud that 30-something years later, you are sitting in my chair at my desk, and you are attorney general,” Tong recalls.

Tong remains in the role of Connecticut attorney general today and is simultaneously serving as president of the National Association of Attorneys General. He drives to and from his Hartford office and his home in Stamford, which he shares with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children. He says he is filled with gratitude for many things, including people like Lieberman and Stamford’s strong political network, which he says is a big part of the reason he got the job of attorney general in the first place

“I am attorney general because of Stamford,” Tong says. “Stamford is the most important political base in Connecticut, period. Full stop. I am very proud to be from Stamford, and to have all the weight and influence of Stamford behind me.”

Attorney General William Tong at his office in Hartford, Connecticut.

He didn’t always feel that way. In fact, he chose to go into politics because during the first part of his life, he felt completely unseen.

Tong’s parents immigrated to the United States from China and Taiwan. They owned and operated a restaurant in the Hartford area. Being part of its staff was Tong’s first job as a kid during the 1970s and 1980s, from when he was in the sixth grade. His parents worked 12 to 15 hours a day at the restaurant, where people would bring their families for sit-down dinners with the waiters in bowties and red jackets, back when going out for Asian food meant a whole lot more than picking up takeout.

The people in the dining room were having an excellent experience, he says, but the people hustling behind the scenes, not so much.

“I would be lying if I told you I enjoyed it,” Tong says. “When you grow up like I did, working with your parents, you watch them suffer. It’s backbreaking work. My mom carried five children to term on her feet, and frankly, only went to the hospital when it was time to give birth. My dad had a heart attack. My mom had permanent back damage. You just want to help them.”

There was a door, he says, between the kitchen and the restaurant, a demarcation line of sorts between the haves and have-nots. It had a diamond-shaped cutout where the staff could peer through and see how the other half lived.

“I would look through that door and see people who didn’t look like me,” Tong says. “They were having a good time, enjoying their Friday night dinner. I wanted to kick that door in and show them how hard my parents were working. That’s what drove me to public service.”

His overwhelming feeling, he says, was that he and all the people like him were invisible. That their work wasn’t recognized. That they were recognized only as servants, and nothing more. It’s a feeling that ate at him, so much so that at school, he volunteered for leadership positions. So much so that he went on to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School. So much so that he decided to go into politics, where people on campaigns like Joe Lieberman’s made him feel seen.

“That’s when I realized this was something I could do,” Tong says. “It was a place where I could fit in. They said, ‘Come here, work, volunteer, have fun with it.’”

Tong moved to Stamford after law school, because he got a job in New York City, and Stamford was a good hub for a commuter. He attended a Democratic Party event at

“I would look through that door and see people who didn’t look like me,” Tong says. “They were having a good time, enjoying their Friday night dinner. I wanted to kick that door in and show them how hard my parents were working. That’s what drove me to public service.”

Taranto’s restaurant on Glenbrook Road, where he met another politician—a future governor of Connecticut—who also made him feel seen.

“I met the mayor,” Tong recalls. “I shook his hand and said I wanted to be involved, ‘Would you be interested in having breakfast?’ That was Dan Malloy, and he said sure, which in its own way was amazing. He was already in his second term as mayor. He was already a big deal around town, and he was willing to have breakfast with some no-name kid right out of law school.”

They had breakfast at a restaurant called the Landmark, after which Tong started helping Malloy at campaign time, doing things like driving him around. Tong grew more and more interested and involved in politics and felt determined that he should run for office.

“Some local leaders weren’t buying it,” he says. “No Chinese-American had ever served in Connecticut elected office at a state level. I think people were just having trouble getting used to the idea. They just couldn’t picture it. But Mayor Dan Malloy, to his credit, said, ‘William’s got a lot to give, and I support him.’”

In 2006, Tong ran for a seat in the state House of Representatives. “Everybody thought I would get killed,”

“I’m just grateful for the people of Stamford for taking a chance on me so many times. As the first Asian-American elected to any state office in Connecticut state history, there was just no guarantee that this could happen. Nobody looking at the son of immigrants would ever have said, ‘This kid could be attorney general.’”

he says. “That was a Republican seat, and it was previously held by a murderer’s row of Republicans. Really, really successful people. Michael Fedele from Stamford held that seat. Christopher Shays of Stamford held that seat. Chris Burnham held that seat. It was a Republican seat with a long and distinguished line, and for a Democrat to win that seat was impossible.”

Tong says he knocked on 6,000 doors and lost 30 pounds. That’s what it took to win and become the representative for Connecticut’s 147th district, which includes most of North Stamford. He’d go on to serve six terms, rising to become chairman of the Banking and Judiciary committees.

“At one point, I was the fifth living chairman of the Judiciary Committee from Stamford,” he says. “I was part of the team that wrote some of the strongest gun laws in our country.”

As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Tong also worked on reforming the criminal justice system, improving civil rights protections and bringing marriage equality to Connecticut. At one point, he ran for mayor of Stamford but lost in a close election. It was his run for state attorney general that led him to move on.

Shifting from being a committee chairman into the role of attorney general came with pros and cons.

“I love being attorney general. I’m grateful,” he says.

“And I love being attorney general in this moment because so much is at stake, especially in our fights with the federal government. But I’m no longer a frontline lawmaker. I’m no longer chairman of the Judiciary Committee who gets to choose which bills we’re going to debate and which laws are going to be put up for a vote and be passed. That I miss, because that is one way that you can change the lives of people across this state.

“I get to do that as attorney general in different ways. As one example, I just fought for the thousands of residents of an apartment complex in Rocky Hill that got displaced in extreme weather. I brokered a $5 million settlement. I’ve saved Connecticut more than $2 billion in potential cuts to federal funding in the last year.”

Tong also has vowed to fight any court in any state where access to reproductive health care is under threat. He was the recipient of the 2026 Community Impact Award from Planned Parenthood of Southern New England last month.

Given his biography and career trajectory—including a bid for a U.S. Senate seat that Chris Murphy won—it’s natural to wonder if Tong might someday run for federal office. He says he’s focused on what he’s doing as attorney general in Connecticut right now, but adds: “The best way to get to another office, if that’s what history gives me, is to do a good job, and if I can, a great job, with the job I’m doing.”

When he does take a break from work, Tong can sometimes be spotted out on his 21-foot KenCraft boat, which he keeps docked at Cove Island Park in Stamford. Tong is a big fly-fisherman. “I love to go out in the Sound on my boat,” he says. “That’s how I find peace, fishing for bass and bluefish.”

People out on the water tying flies have a lot of time to think. And given all the challenges a state’s attorney general might be working on at any given time, Tong certainly has a lot that he could be thinking about.

But what stays forever in his mind, he says, is just how much the city where he lives has helped to shape the way his life is turning out.

“I’m from Stamford. I’m of Stamford. I feel the city and the people, and I carry them to Hartford every single day, and then I come home to Stamford every single night,” he says. “I’m grateful for the people of Stamford for taking a chance on me so many times. As the first Asian-American elected to any state office in Connecticut state history, there was just no guarantee that this could happen. Nobody looking at the son of immigrants would ever have said, ‘This kid could be attorney general.’” G

GREENWICH
Tong with Deputy Attorney General Eileen Meskill

calendar

JUNE 2026

Sea Sails No. 2, 2026 by Adam Umbach, oil and acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in.

Cavalier Galleries

For 40 years, Cavalier Galleries has offered an unparalleled selection of contemporary fine art at premier exhibition spaces in Greenwich, Nantucket, New York and Palm Beach. The galleries present traditional and representational artwork as well as modern and contemporary works from local and international artists. Cavalier Galleries offers a wide variety of paintings, sculpture, and photography by emerging talents, mid-career artists and those who have established their place in the art historical canon. 175 Greenwich Avenue, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ART & ANTIQUES

ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-0198. Tues.–Sun. aldrichart.org

AMY SIMON FINE ART, 1869 Post Rd. East, Westport, 259-1500. amysimonfineart.com

BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

CANFIN GALLERY, 39 Main St., Tarrytown, NY, 914-332-4554. canfingallery.com

CARAMOOR CENTER FOR MUSIC AND THE ARTS, Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah, NY, 914-232-1252. Caramoor is a destination for exceptional music, captivating programs and spectacular gardens and grounds, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. caramoor.org

CAVALIER GALLERIES, 405 Greenwich Ave., 869-3664. cavaliergalleries.com

CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY PRINTMAKING, 299 West Ave., Norwalk, 899-7999. contemprints.org

CLARENDON FINE ART, 22 Main St., Westport, 293- 0976. clarendonfineart.com

CLAY ART CENTER, 40 Beech St., Port Chester, NY, 914-937-2047. clayartcenter.org

DISCOVERY MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 372-3521. discoverymuseum.org

FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield, 259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org

FLINN GALLERY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7947. flinngallery.com

GERTRUDE G. WHITE GALLERY, YWCA, 259 E. Putnam Ave., 869-6501. ywcagreenwich.org

GREENWICH ARTS COUNCIL, 299 Greenwich Ave., 862-6750. greenwichartscouncil.org

GREENWICH ART SOCIETY, 299 Greenwich Ave. 2nd fl., 629-1533. This studio school offers a visual arts education program for kids and adults. greenwichartsociety.org

GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 47 Strickland Rd., 869-6899. greenwichhistory.org

KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, Rte. 22 at Jay St., Katonah, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org

KENISE BARNES FINE ART, 1947 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, NY, 914-834-8077. kbfa.com

LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, 838-9799. lockwoodmathewsmansion .com

LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION, 575 Pacific St., Stamford, 247-2027. loftartists.org

MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org »

MoCA, 19 Newtown Tpke., Westport, 226-7070. mocawestport.org

NEUBERGER MUSEUM OF ART, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY, 914-251-6100. neuberger.org

PELHAM ART CENTER, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham, NY, 914-738-2525, ext. 113. pelhamartcenter.org

ROWAYTON ARTS CENTER, 145 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, 866-2744. rowaytonarts.org

SAMUEL OWEN GALLERY, 382 Greenwich Ave., 325-1924. samuelowen.org

SILVERMINE GUILD ARTS CENTER, 1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan, 966-9700.silvermineart.org

SANDRA MORGAN INTERIORS & ART PRIVÉ, 45 East Putnam Ave., Suite 119, Greenwich, 629-8121. sandramorganinteriors.com

SORELLE GALLERY, Bedford Square, 19 Church Ln., Westport, 920-1900. sorellegallery.com

SOROKIN GALLERY, 96 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 856-9048. sorokingallery.com

STAMFORD ART ASSOCIATION, 39 Franklin St., Stamford, 325-1139. stamfordartassociation.org

STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org

UCONN STAMFORD ART GALLERY, One University Pl., Stamford, 251-8400. artgallery.stamford.uconn.edu

YALE CENTER FOR BRITISH ART, 1080 Chapel St., New Haven, 432-2800. britishart.yale.edu

Caramoor

Each summer, Caramoor’s 81-acre Katonah campus bursts into life with music and shared moments under open skies. Running Saturday, June 20 through Sunday, August 2, the 2026 Season features over 30 world-class concerts and family-friendly programs. Performances by Kelli O’Hara, Hélène Grimaud, Isaac Mizrahi, Patty Griffin, Apollo’s Fire, Punch Brothers, Yuja Wang & People of Earth, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Mark Morris Dance Group, Orchestra of St. Luke’s and full-day American Roots Music and Jazz Festivals. For more information and tickets visit caramoor.org.

Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich

Summer fun comes to life at Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich! Camp Simmons, Clubhouse Camp and Teen Camp offer enriching summer experiences filled with adventure, creativity and connection. Designed for youth ages six–15, camps balance outdoor exploration and indoor activities in a supportive, welcoming environment. Campers are guided by caring staff who serve as positive role models, helping each child build confidence, friendships and lifelong memories. June 22 through August 14, 4 Horseneck Lane and 744 Lake Avenue, for more information visit bgcg.org.

YALE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven, 432-0611. artgallery.yale.edu

YANKELL LEGACY GALLERY, 61 Studio Court, Stamford, 610-213-2749. yankelllegacygallery.com

CONCERTS, FILM & THEATER

AVON THEATRE FILM CENTER, 272 Bedford St., Stamford, 661-0321. avontheatre.org

CURTAIN CALL, The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, 329-8207. curtaincallinc.com

DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, 576-1636. dtcab.com

HARTFORD HEALTHCARE AMPITHEATER, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport, 345-2300, hartford healthcareamp.com

LECTURES, TOURS & WORKSHOPS

ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-0198. aldrichart.org

AUDUBON GREENWICH, 613 Riversville Rd., 869-5272. greenwich.audubon.org

AUX DÉLICES, 231 Acosta St., Stamford, 326-4540, ext. 108. auxdelicesfoods.com

BOWMAN OBSERVATORY PUBLIC NIGHT, NE of Milbank/East Elm St. rotary on the grounds of Julian Curtiss School, 8696786, ext. 338

BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

CLAY ART CENTER, 40 Beech St., Port Chester, NY, 914-937-2047. clayartcenter.org

CONNECTICUT CERAMICS STUDY CIRCLE, Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. ctcsc.org

FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield, 259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org

FAIRFIELD THEATRE COMPANY, On StageOne, 70 Sanford St., Fairfield, 259-1036. fairfieldtheatre.org

GOODSPEED OPERA HOUSE, 6 Main St., East Haddam, 860-873-8668. goodspeed.org »

GREENWICH BOTANICAL CENTER, 130 Bible St., 869-9242. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org

GREENWICH LIBRARY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7900. greenwichlibrary.org

JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY, 914-773-7663. burnsfilmcenter.org

KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, 26 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org

LONG WHARF THEATRE, 222 Sargent Dr., New Haven, 787-4282. longwharf.com

RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 438-9269. ridgefieldplayhouse.org

RIDGEFIELD THEATER BARN, 37 Halpin Ln., Ridgefield, 431-9850. ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org

SHUBERT THEATER, 247 College St., New Haven, 800-228-6622. shubert.com

STAMFORD CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, 325-4466. stamfordcenterforthearts.org

STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 227-4177. westportplayhouse.org »

BackCountry Jazz

KIDS’ STUFF JUNE 2026

ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-4519. aldrichart.org

AUDUBON GREENWICH, 613 Riversville Rd., 869-5272. greenwich.audubon.org

AUX DÉLICES, (cooking classes), 23 Acosta St., Stamford, 326-4540 ext. 108. auxdelicesfoods.com

BEARDSLEY ZOO, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, 394-6565. beardsleyzoo.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREENWICH, 4 Horseneck Ln., 869-3224. bgcg.org

BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

DISCOVERY MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 372-3521. discoverymuseum.org

DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, 576-1636. dtcab.com

LL AGES WELCOME ENTALS AVAILABLE

EARTHPLACE, 10 Woodside Ln., Westport, 227-7253. earthplace.org

GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 39 Strickland St., 869-6899. greenwichhistory.org

GREENWICH LIBRARY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7900. greenwichlibrary.org

IMAX THEATER AT MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org

KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, Rte. 22 at Jay St., Katonah, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org

MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org

NEW CANAAN NATURE CENTER, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 966-9577. newcanaannature.org

RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, 80 East Ridge Rd., Ridgefield, 438-5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org

STAMFORD CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, 325-4466. palacestamford.org

STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org

STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN, 303 West Ave., Mathews Park, Norwalk, 899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org

WESTPORT ARTS CENTER, 51 Riverside Ave., Westport, 222-7070. westportartscenter.org

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 227-4177. westportplayhouse.org G

SATURDAY, Y JULY 11 SATURDAY, JULY 11

ON SALE NOW

MAY 24 CHARLIE HALL’S GET UP WITH IT : A MILES DAVIS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

JUN 11 GREENSKY BLUEGRASS

JUN 12 + 13 THE DISCO BISCUITS

JUN 20 LUCIUS | JUN 21 DARK STAR ORCHESTRA

JUN 23 ROLLING TOGETHER REVUE TOUR:

G. LOVE, DONAVON FRANKENREITER, AND MOON TAXI

JUN 28: JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS

JUL 10 MATTEO BOCELLI - FALLING IN LOVE WORLD TOUR

JUL 11 THE THING WITH EGGY | JUL 17 DOGS IN A PILE

AUG 23 ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. AND KITCHEN DWELLERS

W/S/G MAGOO

2026 SEASON : MAY THROUGH OCTOBER... MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

PLUS...

OVER 50 SHOWS PRESENTED FREE-OF-CHARGE

FIELD DAY

Sundays at Greenwich Polo Club return in June, and for many in town, it marks the unofficial start of summer. For our editor, Megan Gagnon, it’s also become a Father’s Day tradition—enjoying the day with family and friends. The adults keep an eye on the match; the kids are more focused on stomping divots and cheering on the ponies. Last year, daughter Genevieve made her own statement, insisting on a hat to match her dad’s—just in pink. G

Have a photo that captures a moment in Greenwich? Send it to us at editor@greenwichmag.com for a chance to win $100. Please write “Photo Submission” in the subject line.

photograph by ross gagnon

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