Greenwich

Lifts, Facials

Lobster Rolls & Picture-Perfect

Drips, Sound Baths & Cryotherapy

MAY 2025 contents

64 GOOD VIBES, GREAT FINDS

Fairfield County is our playground. So, we’ve combed our towns to bring you an insider’s guide to some of the more under-the-radar shops, activities, services and entertainment options you might be missing.

by jill johnson mann

THE VINES THAT BIND

We go inside the world of Peter and Deanne Franus, the couple behind PF Wines and its devoted global following, to talk about how a chance encounter in Napa led to marriage, a winemaking partnership and a worldwide wine community.

by mary kate hogan

23 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ We celebrate Pathways’ work in the mental health movement.

SHOP How you can help Mom sparkle this Mother’s Day. GO Ready to disconnect and unwind? We’ve got the perfect Martha’s Vineyard getaway. HOME Add interesting décor touches: bold colors, ornate pieces and seaside accents DO Energy healing has become mainstream in our eternal quest for wellness. We explore how the ancient technique of Reiki can benefit you; Could ballroom dancing be your next fitness journey? EAT Bluebird Taqueria brings big flavor to Glenville with homestyle Mexican favorites.

48 MONEY MATTERS

If disaster strikes, you may want to consider a public adjustor to help you navigate your claim.

50 G-MOM

Easy ways to refresh your routine and reconnect with yourself; Events and activities to help you spring ahead

57 PEOPLE & PLACES

Girls With Impact; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church celebrates 150 years

61 VOWS

Heavey–Lambrecht; Roberts–Niklaus

91 CALENDAR

107 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

108 POSTSCRIPT

Meet the only Greenwich PD officer who likes it when you scratch behind his ears.

ELITE CONCIERGE SERVICES

William Raveis is the #1 independent family-owned brokerage in the Northeast, Florida, and South Carolina. With a 99% customer satisfaction rating, you’ll partner with the industry’s best team in real estate, mortgage, and insurance for a seamless homebuying experience. Our turnkey consultants help with moving management and home connections.

Experience the William Raveis Advantage.

Pictured left to right: (front row) Dr. Henry Yoon, Dr. Asha Shah, Dr. Maher Madhoun, Dr. Bismruta Misra, Dr. Joonun (Chris) Choi, Dr. David Hsi, Dr. Michael Bernstein; (back row) Dr. Craig Olin, Dr. Corinne VanBeek, Dr. Joshua Herbert, Dr. Robert Babkowski, Dr. Michael Ebright, and Dr. Kevin Dwyer.

“The Greenwich Town Party is the most highly sought after event of the year because it brings the Greenwich community together to share in a day of great music, food, and kids’ activities to kick oﬀ the summer on Memorial Day weekend.

Our ultimate goal has always been to make it aﬀordable for everyone and supported by contributions from those who want to be supportive. Once again, general admission Community tickets have sold out during our online lottery, while Neighbor and Sponsor tickets are available for those who want to join in the fun and be supportive. We hope to see everyone there.”

Ray Dalio GTP founder

For over 100 years, Cummings & Lockwood has been building meaningful and lasting relationships with our private clients, their family offices, businesses and charitable entities, serving as trusted advisors throughout their lifetimes and providing sophisticated legal counsel at every important stage of their lives.

■ Business litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution Our core services include:

■ Estate planning and administration

■ Estate, income and gift tax planning

■ Wealth protection planning

■ Trust formation and management

■ Philanthropic giving

■ Generational wealth transfer

■ Probate and estate settlement

■ International estate and tax planning

■ Executor and trustee services

■ Business succession planning

■ Fiduciary, probate and tax litigation

■ Residential and commercial real estate services

■ Corporate and finance services

For a private consultation, please contact one of our attorneys by visiting our website at www.cl-law.com.

www.cl-law.com

GREENWICH

LIFE TO LIFESTYLE SINCE 1 9 47

editorial

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editorial advisory board

Susan Bevan, Susan Moretti Bodson, Alyssa Keleshian Bonomo, Bobbi Eggers, Kim-Marie Evans, Muffy Fox, Lisa Lori, Jessica Mindich

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editor’s letter

BRING ON THE GOOD LIFE!

Spring has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute, we’re bracing against the chill, and the next we’re planning beach picnics, swapping boots for sandals and wondering where we stashed the sunscreen. There’s an energy to this season that’s hard to resist. Suddenly, we’re motivated to try something new, shake off old routines and maybe even reinvent ourselves a little.

That’s where this, our Good Life Issue, comes in. Our cover story “Good Vibes, Great Finds” (page 64), is full of ideas for embracing the new season with curiosity and joy. We’re not talking about overhauling your life overnight. Sometimes, the good life reveals itself in the smallest upgrades—a shift in perspective, a creative spark or a corner of your day that suddenly feels lighter.

The beauty of this guide is that it meets you wherever you are. Whether you’re emerging from winter feeling refreshed or still shaking off the cobwebs, you’ll find ideas that are both practical and inspiring. A new fitness routine might appeal to one reader, while someone else is drawn to a fresh creative outlet or a different approach to wellness. These ideas aren’t about being perfect. They’re about being open.

We highlight people and services that understand self-care goes beyond skin-deep. Yes, there are experts here who can help you feel your best on the outside, but you’ll also meet people who are guiding others through career pivots, college essay chaos and everyday commotion with compassion and clarity. They’re quiet game-changers, and they might be the nudge you need.

Writer Jill Johnson Mann sets out to help you find your own version of the good life, whatever that looks like right now. Maybe it’s a walk by the water or an improv class that gets you laughing again. Maybe it’s making space for a passion project you’ve kept on the back burner. Or maybe it’s just taking a beat to appreciate where you are and all the possibility ahead.

So, go ahead, turn the page, try something new, and tap into that spring energy. Who knows? Your next obsession, reset or go-to spot might be just a few pages away.

founder’s page

“Of course, using some of these things for landfill is always an option, but that’s unsportsmanlike.”

MAY 2025 / DONNA MOFFLY

OF RECYCLING OF SORTS

Spring cleaning time may be upon us, but it’s more fun to be creative than go to the dump. There’s something terribly satisfying about finding new uses for old stuff. Perhaps because of her apartment upbringing with limited storage space, my mother was a thrower-outer and giver-awayer. If you admired her earrings, she’d take them off and hand them to you.

Anyway, I’ve always been into what we now call repurposing.

Back in 1959, I was stumped about what to do with one wedding present—a giant wooden bowl with compartments too big for peanuts or olives; so I returned it to Bonwit Teller and traded it in for a polo coat. When the mink stole I’d bought with my first year’s earnings as a copywriter with Howard Senor Advertising became hopelessly out of style, I asked David at Greenwich Furs to line the hood of a parka with it. (Love mink around my ears!) I took a collection of Copenhagen “year” plates my mother kept giving me down to Estate Treasures and made enough money to buy Jack a camera for Christmas.

What about the little silver ashtrays from our bridesmaids? I put votive candles on them, set them on six-inch round mirrors made for me at a glass cutter and scattered them around the dining room table, where they sparkled plenty. A wonderland of light.

Remember the old bulbous computer monitors? A friend of mine took out the guts, spread a towel on the bottom and turned it into a bed for her cat Wilson. He just loved it!

The big brass 19th-c. basin with the imperial crest? The Russians made jam in it, but I use it for handing out juice boxes to thirsty Halloween goblins.

The heavy-duty encyclopedia? It’s great for pressing ferns.

The boxes of seashells from Jamaica? I was

going to make a mirror, except when Sandy Herman first invited Jack and me to her lovely pad on John’s Island, she announced: “No hostess presents, and for God’s sake, no shell mirrors!” She could always read my mind.

The stuffed Ptarmigan in all its white plumage from the airport shop in Iceland? Make a lamp out of it, but keep an eye on your Golden Retriever.

Grandfather’s gold filigree cufflinks centered with little diamonds? Have your favorite jeweler convert them into a handsome scarf pin.

The big cut-crystal bowl with a silver rim? You could use it for a Fish House punch party, if you dared. Jack had a 200-year-old recipe from the old Fish House Lodge on the Schuylkill and was whipping up a batch for a gathering in his bachelor pad when we first met. The stuff is so lethal that one departing guest fell down the front steps and didn’t know he’d broken his leg until he woke up the next morning.

Oh, I almost forgot: If you’re ever in Chinatown, pick up some Chinese newspapers. They make handsome wrapping paper tied with a red ribbon.

But some things are more challenging to repurpose.

The trunkfuls of curtains and bedspreads in the attic? Take up quilting.

Great-aunt Miriam’s shoes in the attic? Tie them to the bumper of the getaway car at the next wedding.

The silent butler? Good for crumbing the table. Better yet, get a butler .

The defunct buzzer, vintage 1942, over the headboard of my bed? Get it activated, hire a maid … and dream on.

Of course, using some of these things for landfill is always an option, but that’s unsportsmanlike. Just don’t ask your kids what they’d do with the stuff. You don’t want to know. G

DOUGLAS

JOSH

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

Safe Haven buzz

For five decades, pathways has been a beacon of hope for adults with mental illness, providing housing, support and a sense of community

Five decades ago, when the late Renee Bigler was told that her son had schizophrenia, she understood two things: As he grew into adulthood his problems would increase, and if he were to continue to live at home, his independence would decline.

Bigler became a champion for the rights and protection of people who suffer from mental illness and the leading force in founding Pathways, a nonprofit social service agency that now has four halfway houses in Greenwich—all offering hope, friendship, recovery and new beginnings for 38 clients. Its day program, The Club in Cos Cob, is the hub where residential and community clients engage in life through enriching activities, supportive services and communal nutritious meals. Pathways serves between 70 and 80 clients in our area.

We sat down with Peter Tesei, Pathways’ executive director, for a peek at the organization’s upcoming annual concert and an insider’s view of the work Pathways accomplishes.

GREENWICH MAGAZINE: WE KNOW YOU’RE BUSY WORKING ON YOUR ANNUAL MUSIC FOR MENTAL HEALTH. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE EVENT?

PETER TESEI: This is our fifth year of Music for Mental Health, which has the dual goal of raising money and awareness about the work we do at Pathways.

In past years, it has taken place in early February, and we are hoping that moving it to May will attract more people. It takes place Saturday, May 17, at The Capitol Theater in Port Chester.

GM: WHO IS PERFORMING?

PT: Lake Street Daive—a pop, bluesy rock group that is popular with a variety of ages. General benefit tickets, at $275, include a pre-concert party at Garcia’s at the theater with an open bar, catering by the Old Greenwich Butcher

by valerie foster

above: The 2024 Mardi Gras-themed benefit: Jenn and Craig Warwick, Tom and Kim Athan, Pathways Executive Director Peter Tesei, Rachel Hanley

Shop and one general admission concert ticket. VIP tickets, at $400, include all the general benefit ticket features, in addition to a private soundcheck with the band.

GM: You said awareness about Pathways is part of the reason for holding Music for Mental Health. Can you explain why the work you do is critical for the health of our community?

PT: Pathways is the only agency in Greenwich that provides housing and support services for adults with serious mental diagnoses, many of whom wind up homeless. Our mission is to support some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community, people who are deserving of dignity, a sense of purpose and meaningful connections.

We offer case management, help them navigate through life, including medical appointments, coping strategies and addressing issues as they arise, averting crisis situations.

GM: Tell us about The Club.

PT: We call it The Club because it provides a sense of community and purpose, a place to go that is their own. Our clients are striving for a sense of independence, and The Club provides that for our residential and day clients.

It’s open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day begins with a light breakfast, followed by a morning meeting featuring speakers on varying topics—health, arts,

“ pathways is the

that provides housing and support services for adults with serious mental diagnoses, many of whom wind up homeless.”

—peter tesei, executive director

gardening, entertainment, current events. A couple of times a week, they have field trips, such as swimming at the YMCA or a visit to the library, including a stop at the café.

GM: How do your clients come to Pathways?

PT: Through two avenues, the State of Connecticut Mental Health and Addiction Services and referrals from behavioral health providers. Our primary catchment area is the Southern Connecticut region, Greenwich through Bridgeport.

GM: What are some of the challenges Pathways faces?

PT: There’s an acute shortage of housing for the clients we serve. The pandemic opened the door for people to discuss mental health issues, but we need to talk about them more. We are light years ahead of where we were when Pathways opened in 1981, but we are always battling the stigma attached to mental illness.

There have been a handful of people who express concern about buying a house around our homes, but we can assure everyone that there has never been an incident with our clients. Our clients are medicated and supervised and are more likely to be victimized themselves than being a perpetrator. Our homes are homes, made to look and feel like a home. These are not institutions. This month, Mental Health Awareness Month, is the perfect time for us all to start discussions about the issue. pways.org

above: Sarah and Nels Fugelsang, Ann Nadig, Max Brier, Brian Frey above right: Joe and Jill Kelly below: Open House event at The Club in Cos Cob

only agency in greenwich

by hannah deely

JL ROCKS

14K and Diamond Adjustable Link Chain Necklace, $1,450, Westport and Greenwich; jlrocks.com

PETER SUCHY JEWELERS

Australian Oval Opal Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring $2,880, Stamford; petersuchyjewelers.com

MOMS DESERVE A MEDAL—BUT JEWELRY IS PRETTIER!

LUX GOLD

Amethyst and Diamond Bangle Bracelet, $1,500, Westport; lbgreen.com

SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW

Pearl & Diamond Dangle Earrings, $2,500, Greenwich; shrevecrumpandlow.com

VERDURA

18K Yellow Gold Bracelet, $13,500, Greenwich; famillegreenwich.com

POMELLATO

18K Rose Gold Double Sky Blue Topaz & Diamond Pavé Earrings, $9,300, Greenwich; manfredijewels.com

RUSS HOLLANDER

MASTER GOLDSMITH

Platinum and Natural Diamond Stud Earrings, $34,500, Stamford; 203-363-2200

HENRY C. REID

14K Yellow Gold Puffy Necklace, $625, Fairfield; hcreidjewelers.com

HEARTS ON FIRE

18K Yellow Gold Barre Floating Diamond Ring, $3,700, Greenwich; betteridge.com

ASHA BY ASHLEY MCCORMICK

Mother of Pearl

Zodiac Pendant, $295; Link Chain

Starting at $115, Greenwich; ashabyadm.com

STEVEN FOX JEWELRY

Rainbow Colored Emerald Cut Sapphire and Rose Gold Eternity Band, $28,500, Greenwich; stevenfoxjewelry.com

DESIGNER-APPROVED

Gypsy Soul

A storied hotel is reborn in MARTHA’S VINEYARD— a bohemian haven that celebrates the island’s rich history

by megan gagnon

Every summer, visitors arrive on Martha’s Vineyard hoping to fall into the restful rhythm of easy island living. From the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs to the cobblestone streets of Edgartown, the local architecture and historic landmarks create an atmosphere that feels like a step back in time—the perfect place to disconnect and unwind. And now, nestled steps away from the harbor, Faraway Martha’s

Vineyard lures travelers with yet another reason to leave the mainland.

Building on the success of Faraway Nantucket, Bostonbased Blue Flag Partners has delivered another boutique hotel destination—a refined retreat that reflects the laid-back charm of the coastal community. The site for their renovation was the iconic Kelley House, a 300-year-old former tavern that served sailors in the island’s earliest days as a settlement for whalers. Workshop/APD was

above: Workshop/APD pulled its lobby inspiration from early Georgian libraries. below: Spend some time on a lounger or in one of the cabanas at the property’s pool.

LIFE-SAVING CARDIAC SURGERY CLOSE TO HOME.

Your heart is in the right hands at White Plains Hospital.

Exceptionally skilled cardiac surgeons delivering extraordinary outcomes are now just a short drive from home.

Internationally acclaimed heart surgeon Dr. Robert Michler, and his esteemed colleague Dr. William Jakobleff, are performing open-heart surgery at White Plains Hospital. They lead a team of expert cardiac specialists, delivering an advanced level of cardiac care that only a few hospitals in the tri-state region can provide.

Visit wphospital.org/cardiacsurgery to learn more about our award-winning care.

Patients may also schedule appointments with Drs. Michler and Jakobleff at their Specialty Surgeons of Connecticut office.

recruited for the project, with a focus on crafting an experience that honors the local history while carving out a unique design narrative.

“We spent months working on uncovering the property’s true soul and were immediately drawn to the island’s inseparable association with flowers as well as the free spirits that attend to them,” says Blue Flag’s managing partner, Brad Guidi.

The botanical boho vibe is balanced with midcentury styling, which comes to life in the dreamy lobby. Stepping in from the exterior’s classic Georgian architectural façade, guests are greeted with an immersive space, complete with bold furniture pieces, statement lighting and soaring shelving, blooming with custom installations by artists and floral designers.

From there, exploration is encouraged via landscaped pathways that connect to 58 guest rooms, a gym, a courtyard pool and two restaurant options: an outdoor sushi spot called The Pelican Club and a reopened version of the beloved The Newes From America, serving locallysourced favorites.

Each space echoes the larger design narrative— an earth-tone palette punctuated by impeccable finishes—for what Workshop/ APD associate principal Andrew Kline calls “seamless connectivity between spaces, eras and even aesthetics.”

Explore Edgartown’s quaint shops and pristine beaches, then return to the property for inspiration, awakening your inner artist or budding gardener. Faraway is a state of mind, after all, and this escape is just a ferry ride away.

Faraway Martha’s Vineyard 23 Kelley Street

Edgartown, MA 02539 farawaymarthas vineyard.com

GET A ROOM

These Vineyard vibes are laid-back and luxe.

CHAPPY DAYS

Settle into a suite in Chappy House, where guests can take in views of the Edgartown Harbour and Chappaquiddick Island from the bed or balcony.

BETTER BUNKS

The setup in this Court House suite includes two full-size bunk beds, a kitchenette and deck overlooking the pool. Fish wallpaper adds to the fun factor for guests of any age.

SLEEP SOUNDLY

Take advantage of the Bluetooth-enabled turntable from a king-size bed in Kelley House, an ideal spot end your evening.

top: Lightened wood provides a backdrop for the playful layers of pattern and texture throughout. middle: Dive into a cocktail, and order from a fresh sushi menu at The Pelican Club. bottom: The check-in desk gives guests a view of the custom floral installations and art works.

PIECES Salerno Rug in Sangue Blu; starting at $1,195. pieceshome.com

COLOR BLAST

megan gagnon

BARCELONA You and Me Monochrome ping pong table; starting at $6,650.00. rsbarcelona.com 3

FLAMINGO ESTATE Tomato hand soap; $46. Terrain,Westport; shopterrain.com OOMPH Grace Bay mirror in Bolero; $1,650. Greenwich; oomphhome.com 6 POOKY The Wobster table lamp; $278. pooky.com

Terrain,

“we incorporate red into a lot of our projects—and a little goes a long way! a trim, a piping, a lampshade, a pillow—you don’t need to add a ton of it, and it can still feel like the star of the show.”

—jessica bauers and molly young, by interiors

NIGHT x FAR WEST Stripe duvet; $250 for queen. bignightbk.com 5 HAY Rey stool; $545. Design Within Reach, Westport, Stamford; dwr.com

OEUF Moss toddler bed; $690. oeufnyc.com

“we consider seashells to be nature’s antiques—delicate treasures that, when used thoughtfully, can add a unique and timeless touch. just remember, moderation is key; overdoing it can easily cross into tacky territory.”

1 SERENA & LILY

Avila rattan wall décor; $348. Westport; serenaandlily.com 2 BIEN FAIT

$435 for 3 panel mural. thepattern collective.com

—taylor mattos & cindy rinfret, rinfret ltd.

home NEOCLASSICAL NOW

“talk about an immediate sense of history, space, and drama, my piazza firenze panels do it all. add them to a wall or on a panel and the chic quotient is immediately upped.”

ORNATE IS THE NEW MINIMAL

1 GINORI 1735

Il Viaggio di Nettuno dessert plate; $108. Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich; saksfifthavenue.com

2 SCHUMACHER

Piazza Firenze panel set by Johnson Hartig; to the trade. schumacher.com

3 ARTERIORS

Eros lamp; $780. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartzdesign showroom.com

—johnson hartig, libertine

5 8

4 CAMPANIA Medici planters; starting at $1,109.99. wellappointed house.com

5 THE ANTIQUE AND ARTISAN GALLERY

Neoclassical mirror with gold gilt; $2,800. Stamford; theantiqueandartisan gallery.com

6 MADE GOODS Kempsey freestanding sculpture; $1,700. madegoods.com

7 DECORATIVE CRAFTS

Athena marble obelisk; starting at $85. decorativecrafts.com

8 CENTURY

Venetian king bed with canopy; to the trade. Fletcher Wakefield, Stamford; fletcherwakefield.com

do THE HEALING POWER OF REIKI

ENERGY AS MEDICINE

Lby georgette yacoub • photography by venera alexandrova

isa A. Labozzo’s life changed when she found herself upside down in her car, trapped by her seatbelt and surrounded by leaking gas. She was driving home to Darien after visiting a family friend at Stamford Hospital who was dying of bone cancer. During a difficult and long recovery, Labozzo was offered Reiki at the hospital—a moment she now calls transformative. “The practitioner laid hands on me, and I felt this warm, tingling sensation in my body,” she recalls. “When she

stopped, it stopped. I knew it was real.”

This experience not only set her on a path to becoming a Reiki master practitioner, intuitive energy healer and owner of Healing Hand and Heart in New Canaan, but she says it also awakened her spiritual gifts—such as strong intuition and the ability to receive clear audio messages from spirits—which she now incorporates into her healing sessions. Reiki, a Japanese practice, operates on the belief that energy flows through our bodies and can be

channeled to promote relaxation, alleviate stress and address blockages. “Reiki clears out what’s no longer serving you or blocking you from moving forward in your journey,” Labozzo explains. During a session, Reiki practitioners use light touch or hover their hands above the body to channel energy. Clients often lie fully clothed on a comfortable table in a calming environment, with soft lighting and music enhancing the sense of relaxation while the practitioner works to restore balance.

“ reiki clears out what’s no longer serving you or blocking you from moving forward in your journey. ”

– lisa a. labozzo

The idea of feeling better physically and emotionally through someone hovering their hands over you can seem far-fetched to some, perhaps more akin to folklore than fact. Yet Reiki is practiced in respected medical centers across the globe, including Johns Hopkins and Yale New Haven Hospital. While the evidence is more nuanced, there seems to be some level of agreement that this practice has benefits.

During a Reiki session, practitioners aim to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the “rest and digest” mode, which calms the body, reduces stress hormones and boosts circulation. This relaxed state allows the body to focus on repair and recovery. Many clients report sensations of warmth, tingling or gentle waves of energy during a session, as if the practitioner’s hands are unblocking blockages and restoring flow. By helping clear stagnant energy, Reiki supports the body’s natural ability to heal, offering a holistic complement to traditional medical treatments.

While scientific research on Reiki is still emerging, several studies highlight its potential benefits in medical settings. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that patients undergoing Reiki experienced significant improvements in pain control. Similarly, research from the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine suggests that Reiki can improve quality of life for cancer patients by alleviating fatigue and emotional distress. These studies reinforce Reiki’s value as a complementary therapy, particularly in environments where relaxation and emotional support are essential to the healing process.

“Reiki doesn’t replace medical care, but it can enhance the healing process,” Labozzo explains. She recalls working with a cancer patient who found Reiki sessions offered relief alongside her chemotherapy and radiation. “She told me Reiki was the biggest catalyst for her transformation,” she shares. “It gave her the strength to face her treatment with a sense of calm and resilience.”

Labozzo offers another service as part of her practice called cord cutting, which focuses

on releasing emotional attachments stored in cellular memory. “People carry so much— losses, traumas, even stress from past experiences—that get trapped in their cells,” Labozzo explains. Cord cutting helps clients revisit and acknowledge these experiences, whether it’s a childhood fear or a painful breakup, and release the lingering energy tied to them. During a session, Labozza guides clients through recalling these moments, affirming their release, and physically cutting the energetic ties, often with a symbolic snapping sound. She follows this with Reiki to soothe and ground her clients. “It’s not always resolved in one session, but it can lighten the emotional load in ways people didn’t realize were possible,” she says, emphasizing how unresolved energy can lead to physical and emotional ailments if left unchecked.

Labozzo’s practice has resonated even with highly rational, left-brained individuals who typically approach such concepts with skepticism. One client, who initially sought Reiki as a last resort for chronic physical pain, says, “What I didn’t expect was the profound emotional healing that resulted from our sessions.” Another client says, “It feels like she is a direct channel for the universe, the source, the spirit—whatever you personally like to call it. When she lays her hands on me, I feel an instant calmness. Over the span of two weeks, I processed a lifetime of stress and fear and guilt that I didn’t even realize I was holding on to.” Such testimonials highlight the unique impact Labozzo’s work can have, even for those who may not typically gravitate toward energy healing.

Labazzo's own journey from a career in corporate sales to energy healing is a testament to the unexpected ways Reiki can change lives. “Doors kept guiding me to this path,” she says. “Now, I feel like my purpose is to help others heal.”

As Labozzo advises, “You don’t have to fully understand Reiki to feel its effects. Be open to the experience, and you might be surprised by the healing it brings.”

MORE THAN JUST MOVEMENT

THE SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF BALLROOM DANCING

by georgette yacoub

Humans have told stories with their bodies since the beginning of time. Across ancient civilizations—from the rhythmic ceremonial movements of early African tribes to the Haka of the Mãori in New Zealand— dance was a language, a means of storytelling, emotional expression and communal bonding. It was how people celebrated, mourned, connected and even healed.

While dance has evolved through centuries, its fundamental purpose remains unchanged. Today, we may dance for fun, for fitness or to celebrate our most joyous occasions. But dance still fulfills those deeper human needs. It builds confidence, strengthens relationships and creates a sense of belonging—benefits that have existed since the very first beat of a drum.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studio, co-owners Amy Cherrez and Marko Micic are bringing the transformative power of dance to the community. With roots in two distinct dance

traditions—Cherrez, originally from Ecuador, steeped in the rhythms of Latin dance, and Micic, a ten-time national ballroom champion from Serbia—they combine expertise and passion to create a welcoming space for dancers of all levels.

Since opening its doors, the studio has become a hub for people looking to move, connect and rediscover themselves through dance. While some come for practical reasons—learning a

routine for a wedding or to pick up a new hobby—many find that dance becomes something much greater.

“We’ve had couples come in just wanting to prepare for their child’s wedding, and then they end up staying because it brought them closer as a couple,” Cherrez shares.

“We’ve seen single men and women walk in feeling shy and leave with a new sense of confidence. Dance transforms people—it lifts them up.”

The science behind dance’s impact on mental and emotional well-being is compelling. Studies have shown that it not only improves mood but also reduces stress, enhances cognitive function and delays the onset of neurological conditions like dementia.

According to research from Harvard Medical School, dance engages multiple regions of the brain at once, strengthening neural connections and promoting mental agility. It’s for this same reason that Cherrez says dance is such an effective form of stress relief: “You have to be fully present—your

mind, body and emotions have to be engaged.”

Cherrez and Micic see this science play out in real time at their studio. “We had a woman come to us after a long illness, just to get out of the house—she was hesitant, shy, unsure if she even belonged in a dance class,” Cherrez recalls. “Now, she’s the most social, confident person in the room. She not only improved her health, but completely transformed her outlook on life.” Dance, they explain, offers something that traditional workouts often don’t: joyful movement.

“People don’t even realize they’re exercising because they’re having so much fun,” Micic says. “But beyond the physical, it’s the confidence, the social connection, the sense of accomplishment— that’s what keeps people coming back.”

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Greenwich, New Canaan, Stamford, Norwalk and Southport welcome all ages and dance levels. fredastaire.com G

TOP PHYSICIAN PRACTICE IN CONNECTICUT.

PHYSICAL

RHEUMATOLOGY

FOOT

PHYSIATRY

SPINE

Scan here for more great places to EAT & DRINK!

Nacho Average Taqueria

HEAD ON OVER TO THIS TINY TACO SPOT WITH BIG FLAVOR STAT!

In creating the concept for his newest eatery, Bluebird Taqueria, chef and local business owner Mike Pietrafeso found inspiration close to home. e Greenwich native, who also owns Roost Kitchen & Co ee in Cos Cob, Darien and Fairfield, loved the homestyle Mexican that one of his chefs, Santiago Juarez, would whip up for company parties and family celebrations. Santiago and his brothers made the

most avorful birria tacos and other traditional Mexican dishes. ey were so delicious, Mike recalls, that he kept saying, “We’ve gotta do this. We should share this with people.’”

Late last year, Mike opened the doors of the taqueria, which serves authentic, crowdpleasing Mexican meals. Chef Santiago is heading up the kitchen, and his wife, Silviana, arrives early every morning to make the masa

heirloom-corn tortillas and house-cut chips from scratch. e eatery, located in the Glenville Shopping Center, is petite but cheerful with a blue-tiled counter, lots of plants on the shelves, bar seating by the front windows and an open view to the kitchen. Most customers order from an app and take their meals to go, but Mike is also planning for outdoor tables on the front patio as soon as the weather is warm enough.

mary kate hogan • photography by venera alexandrova

above left: Mike Pietrafeso brings authentic Mexican fare to Glenville above right: The perfect trifecta: brisket marinated in adobo and braised in an aromatic spicy broth, grilled chicken thighs marinated with citrus and herbs and spices, rubbed shrimp a la plancha with lime and fresh herbs

every day, the chef comes up with a board of specials such as albondigas (mexican meatballs), enchiladas de mole and desserts like rice pudding and flan.

clockwise from top left: Tortillas are made fresh every morning from corn mesa. • Steak fajitas are served with caramelized peppers, onions and zucchini, along with mexican rice, pinto beans, pico de gallo, guacamole and steamed flour tortillas. • Read up on Mexican cuisine while you dine.

• Head Chef Santiago Juarez serves up lunch.

• Daily specials include desserts like churros filled with caramel and topped with chocolate sauce and rainbow sprinkles—for the kid in all of us!

(At the time of our visit it was still chilly.)

While the menu is focused on classics such as fresh guacamole and salsa with those housemade chips, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and a wide variety of tacos, there are also salads, tortas and kid-friendly options like chicken ngers and a smashburger, as well as sides such as fried crispy plantains and calabaza (sautéed veggies). Every day, the chef comes up with a board of specials such as albondigas (Mexican meatballs), enchiladas de mole and desserts like rice pudding and an.

e lineup of tacos goes beyond the basic. e birria, which is a favorite of Mike’s, starts with brisket that’s marinated in adobo and slowbraised in a spicy broth for the most tender and tasty meat. e chicken tinga is another comfort-food fave, the meat stirred in with tomatoes, onions and chipotles. ere’s a veggie option (the calabaza), shrimp tacos, carne asada, carnitas and more, plus a taco of the day. All are served on the homemade tortillas and paired with onion, salsa, radish, lime and guac. You can order any of the taco llings as a quesadilla instead, griddled between two masa tortillas with a healthy helping of queso Oaxaca.

Among the larger plates, our top pick was the enchiladas suizas—tortillas lled with chicken and melted queso fresco, all topped with tomatillo salsa, pickled onions and lime crema. It’s de nitely a must for cheese lovers. e hearty carne asada plate is substantial enough to feed more than one: It’s loaded with grilled skirt steak, black beans and rice, a mélange of peppers plus queso Oaxaca, cabbage and chimichurri.

Another specialty at Bluebird is the tortas, which are like avocado toast with Mexican toppings, including carnitas or pollo asado on toasted Telera bread. Drinks are limited to seltzer waters, Jarritos and Mexican sodas.

Bluebird is well-priced for this quality homestyle cooking. A giant burrito is $12, sides of rice and beans are just $6. If you manage to still have an appetite for dessert, there are specials (like the rice pudding), but Bluebird also happens to be located right next door to the new Longford’s Ice Cream. G

Bluebird Nachos with refried beans, melted Monterey Jack cheese, pickled onions,pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and pickled jalapeños

bluebirdtacos.com

ThankYou!

to our participating restaurants and this year’s sponsors!

2025 SPONSORS

10TH

2025

money matters

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

TALES FROM THE DIY TRENCHES

The roller coaster stock market of 2025 has been a wake-up call for DIY investors, many of whom have relied on years of record gains to stoke their confidence. Not recently, however.

“We’ve had a lot of people calling,” says Martin Maffei, senior vice president/wealth management at UBS Maffei Wealth Management Group in Westport. “In the past couple of years, people got a little spoiled.

But we look at this through a long-term lens. Corrections are healthy and normal.”

While the reassuring words could serve as a balm to jittery investors, many continue to make similar mistakes, Maffei reports. They:

Try to time the market.

One skittish investor confessed to Maffei in early 2024 that he’d sold all of his holdings after several tumultuous days of world events. Then, after months of watching on the sidelines as stocks soared to record highs, the investor bought back in again.

“Remember, it’s always time in the market, and not timing the market. Often, the best days happen during bear markets,” says Maffei, noting that investors who missed the best five days in the market since 1988 would have reduced long-term gains by 37%.

Stash too much money in cash.

The bad news is, inflation lingers. The good news: interest rates remain attractive to savers. That

attraction has led some investors to keep their money in cash vehicles like CDs, money markets and high-interest savings accounts. Beware, Maffei warns.

“It’s still a bit of an illusion. As long as inflation is present you’ll be losing purchasing power over time.”

Overlook tax-advantaged accounts such as HSAs.

“I think we don’t talk about HSAs enough,” Maffei says. “They really can be looked at like an investment account and a supplement to retirement savings.” Health savings accounts enable holders to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for medical expenses, lowering their taxable income in the process. In the meantime, if holders don’t use that money for medical bills, they can invest their HSA money. At age 65, they can withdraw the money penalty-free.

Have too many accounts. What with 401(k)s from various jobs, high-interest savings accounts, Roth IRAs, a cache

of crypto, and your day-job, keeping track of everything may lag in importance. The time has come, Maffei says, to consolidate, “at least for the sake of your beneficiaries. Where it really gets messy is when there’s an estate issue and there are dozens of accounts and nobody knows where they are. Make sure your accounts have beneficiaries on them, which supersedes what’s on the will.”

Forget to diversify.

A lot of DIY investors seek the hot holdings, without a nod to diversification and asset allocation, Maffei says. “They might know they have a concentrated position but they don’t necessarily do anything about it.” While that seems fine when the market rises, when the position gets hammered, it risks a freefall with no buffers. Many advisory firms use derivatives, options, calls, puts and more to help mitigate risk. These tools can be beyond the financial ken of even savvy DIYers. G

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you’re guided by investment professionals, don’t forget to review what you have, where you have it, and why you have it. Whether quarterly, annually or twice a year, compare your holdings to their benchmarks and to your long- and short-term goals. “Things change very quickly. We want to make sure that whatever we did last time we met is appropriate for the future,” Maffei says. “You have to have a disciplined approach. You don’t want to let greed drive your decision making.” Amateur investors often use past performance as a measure of success, but that doesn’t predict future results. Instead, scrutinize each holding as you did when you acquired it, then decide whether it should stay or go.

Martin Maffei

SOPHISTICATED ADVOCACY

Parrino|Shattuck, PC has a well-earned reputation for assisting clients in complex and high-asset cases. We are committed to client communication, and we are attentive to our clients’ needs in any divorce or family law matter. Many of our cases involve businesses, deferred compensation, valuable assets and other high-net-worth matters, in which experienced advocacy is essential. Tumultuous times require a legal team that will be effective, efficient, and sensitive to their clients’ concerns. Your case is important. We have a wealth of experience handling the many overlapping issues and legal complexities that may arise, and we work with a skilled team of experts including forensic accountants, valuation professionals and mental health care providers.

Most of the clients whom we represent are referrals by colleagues, well-satisfied clients and spouses of former clients who appreciate the talented representation that we provided. Our services include representation in matters involving divorce, asset division, alimony, child custody, child support and modification of court orders.

How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer

Many people are aspirational in their assessment that they can achieve a quick, inexpensive and conflict-free divorce. In some cases, that assessment may be accurate. However, Connecticut matrimonial law is extraordinarily complicated. Parties to a dissolution action would be well-served to select highly skilled counsel at the inception of the action.

Key questions to ask:

1 How accessible is the lawyer and what is his/ her communication style? Choosing a firm that has a commitment to consistent and clear communication will facilitate informed decisions.

How does the attorney analyze financial data to fully discover all assets in the marital estate? It may be necessary to engage forensic accounts and expert witnesses to uncover all marital assets, including assets held by trusts, crypto currencies, collectibles, undisclosed accounts and properties, carried interests, and non-cash compensation such as stock options and restricted stock units.

3 Does the attorney develop individualized legal strategies for each case, or do they take a more standard course to obtain any possible resolution? We recommend choosing an attorney who will help you identify your goals and then work to achieve them.

by eileen bartels

SPRING INTO SELF CARE

We spend spring running from recitals to field trips. Mix in scheduling summer activities, juggling jobs and home projects, and you have one hectic season. Self-care is key to staying well and being truly present at all the little milestones coming your way. From meditation to aromatherapy, pack a few items from this busy mom’s selfcare kit to keep yourself fit, fueled and focused.

TASTE

Fill Your Tank

Busy bodies cannot live on water alone. We need protein, fiber and nutrients. Make a stop for an energizing smoothie at spots like Barvida part of your routine. Try The Cure by Dr. Katie the strawberry-pineapple protein smoothie featuring 20 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. Or plan ahead and keep ingredients to make smoothies at home— protein powder, frozen fruit (blueberries are an excellent option), frozen chopped greens (kale or spinach) and your preferred liquid (water, nut, oat or cow’s milk). Toss the ingredients in the blender (I love my NutriBullet) to make a shake that packs a fiber and protein punch. Want it faster? Frozen smoothie mixes are also

available at most grocery stores.

Egg bites are another great on-the-go option. They can easily be made at home and last for several days. Find the recipe that best suits you online. Most combine eggs, egg whites and cottage cheese, with adds-ins like vegetables and cheese. Use a silicone muffin pan for easy clean-up. Make a batch on Monday, and store in the fridge. Quickly reheat them in the microwave through mid-week for quick and tasty snack.

Stay Hydrated

One of the leading causes of headaches and fatigue is dehydration. Consider refrigerating water overnight with grated ginger and lemon slices. Drain in the morning, fill your to-go cup, and sip all day to stay clear-headed and hydrated. Watch your complexion, energy and overall health improve.

SMELL

Have Some Scents

Scent is a powerful tool. Consider what smells perk you up or relax you, and keep them handy. Collect small candles, sample perfume fragrances and scented soaps.

Use a whiff of citrus to recharge or lavender to relax. Keep a small bag filled with smells to enhance your mood in your purse and car and on your desk.

Scent and memory are deeply linked, so by sniffing a specific fragrance like lavender or rose prior to activities like meditation, your body will soon pair the feeling of calm with the corresponding scent.

Same goes for pickme-ups. Recharge in the afternoon with a whiff of coffee or grapefruit to kickstart the second half of your day.

Look for roll-on aromatherapy oils that come in an assortment of basic fragrances. Stores such as Sephora, Blue Mercury and Ulta are excellent sources of scents.

Stop and Smell the Roses— Literally

Plan your day to take breaks and enjoy some of the beauty in our town. From Tod’s Point to Grass Island to the Mianus River, there is some source of nature along your daily route. Even just parking the car, rolling down the window and breathing it all in will have a benefit.

Better yet, start your morning, take a lunch break, or finish your day with a walk. Whether around your block or through the Audubon, being outdoors relaxes your central nervous system, and immersing yourself in nature gives you perspective.

Touch Nature

Remember those carefree days as a kid when you ran through the yard barefoot, and playtime seemed endless? Being in the moment is the best rest you can give a racing body and mind. Anchor yourself in the present by stepping outside barefoot. Feel the grass under your feet, or sink those toes in the sand at the beach. A few minutes of standing barefoot, connected to the earth is the best way to ground yourself in the now, before tackling what’s next on your to-do list.

Add Color

Scatter sunshine around your home with small bud vases filled with spring blooms. Trader Joe’s is an affordable go-to source—grab some small calla lilies and Gerber daisies for bouquets that will last.

Small indoor citrus trees can also be found this time of year. With its glossy green leaves and flowers that blossom into fragrant fruit, a citrus tree adds a park-like feel to any room. Added bonus—in-home cocktail garnishes at the ready.

HEAR

Just Breathe

Meditation can be intimidating, but it’s really as simple as breathing. Download the free Breathing App for the easiest meditation you can find. Listen to the sound, and watch the ball on your screen guide your inhaling and exhaling for whatever set time you choose. The Breathing App is based on resonance frequency, the technical term that describes when heart rate and brain function align. The App Store is filled with excellent apps, but this one is a stellar free tool to help you simply catch your breath.

SEE

Escape Inside

On days when the weather does not permit outdoor excursions, seek beauty indoors. Plan a walk through McArdle's or Sam Bridge to take in the sights and smells of the spring flowers.

Art is transformative, and admission to the Bruce Museum is free on Tuesdays. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan mini visits to soak up the art a little at a time.

Seek out galleries and shops along your daily route that spark your imagination and give you a quick break from your regular routine.

MAKING MAY MEMORABLE

EVENTS, EATS AND ACTIVITIES YOU’LL LOVE

by layla lisiewski

No. 1 SEAS THE DAY!

You’re going to love this day trip idea to celebrate Mother’s Day, a graduation or just the end of the school year. Lakeside Watersports, on beautiful Candlewood Lake, is just 45 minutes from Greenwich and is a fun, family-friendly activity.

From the moment we left the dock, we knew we were in for a treat. The staff are professional, amazing with kids and go above and beyond to keep you safe on the water. We tried tubing, waterskiing and kneeboarding. Wakeboarding and wakesurfing are also available. It’s time to dive into summer! lakesidewatersports.com

Every month,

No. 2 MAKE A RUN FOR IT

For over sixty years, Greenwich fitness buffs have hit the streets for the Jim Fixx 5K run, which celebrates the late athlete credited with popularizing the sport of running. This year, the Memorial Day race starts on Greenwich Avenue at the intersection of East Elm Street on Monday, May 26. The picturesque course runs through streets in central Greenwich, including Bruce Park, and finishes on the track behind Town Hall. For the smaller runners, the kid’s half-mile run starts and finishes on the track following the 5K race. Registration is required. greenwichct.gov

No. 3 A CAMP-LETE GUIDE

There is still time! Greenwich has a ton of amazing local day camps for all ages and interests—from sports to music to STEAM and everything in-between. With all the info in one place, the 2025 Greenwich Moms Day Camp Guide can help make your camp decisions and registration process quick and easy. greenwichmoms.com/2025-ultimate-day-camp-guide

No. 4 NO DISHES, JUST DELICIOUS WISHES

It’s time to celebrate Mom, and what better way than a festive brunch or dinner out? (Moms don’t cook on Mother’s Day!) Some of our favorite options include:

l’escale, 500 Steamboat Rd. Elm Street Oyster House, 11 W. Elm St. JHouse, 1114 E. Putnam Ave.

Blackstone’s, 28 W. Putnam Ave. Polpo, 554 Old Post Rd. #3 Louie’s, 136 River Rd. Extension

No. 5 FAMILY FOCUS

Anyone else have a camera roll full of great pictures of their kids and husbands but not a single great shot of themselves with the family? Yup, us too. That’s why a photography session is a great idea. Note to dads: bonus points for arranging hair and makeup for mom. greenwichmoms.com/2024-2025-guide-to-family-photographers G

of four and founder of Greenwich Moms and its parent company, The Local Moms Network, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal activities to can’t-

events. Follow @greenwich_moms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter, and check out the calendar at greenwichmoms.com.

Layla Lisiewski, Greenwich mom

miss

chathambarsinn.com

Mark your calendar for the most prestigious gourmet gathering in the area. This week-long celebration brings together the finest gourmet food, exceptional wines, beers, spirits, burgers, food trucks, and award-winning chefs.

EVENTS INCLUDE

ZWILLING Knife Skills Class

Tuesday, June 3

6:00PM – 7:30PM

Zwilling Cooking Studio Pleasantville, NY

Perfect Pairings of Wine & Food with Kevin Zraly

Tuesday, June 3, 6:00PM – 9:00PM The Briarcliff Manor Briarcliff Manor, NY

Wine Collectors’ Dinner

Friday, June 6

6:30PM – 10PM Kanopi White Plains, NY

Party on the Pier

Wednesday, June 4

6:00PM – 9:00PM Playland Rye, NY

Burger & Beer Blast

Thursday, June 5

6:00PM – 9:30PM Kensico Dam Plaza Valhalla, NY

Grand

Tasting Village

Saturday, June 7

12:00PM – 4:00PM Kensico Dam Plaza Valhalla, NY Boozy Brunch & Beats

Sunday, June 8

12:00PM – 4:00PM Hudson Prime Steakhouse Irvington, NY

For updates, scan QR code or visit westchestermagazine.com/winefood

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

ople

people&PLACES

Encouraging Entrepreneurs

The fifth annual Girls with Impact (GWI) Trailblazers & Innovators Gala at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel was a colorful and inspiring evening raising close to a half a million dollars. Congratulations to Emerging Leader award winners Paula Castaneda, Casey Chase and Megan Wilcox. This important organization’s mission is to equip young women with the skills, confidence and networking essentials for career and life success through programs and mentoring. girlswithimpact.com »

1 Rob Tanis-Evon, Heather Gaudio, Rachel Palacios, Christine Romaniello 2 Rashana Weerasinghe, Linda Petrone 3 Marianne Love, Sara Litman 4 Miriam Kendall, Nicole YostHamou, Alessandra Messineo Long 5 Carrie Reynolds, Danielle Holahan 6 Karen Choi, Jenny Lee, Gina Laversa, Cass Barns 7 Estefania Stanley, Angelina Solodka, Regina Curry 8 Jayla Thomas, Jacqueline Corbelli, Donna de Varona, Jennifer Openshaw 9 Dr. Kim Nichols, Felicity Daftuar, Maria Lund 10 Ayesha Khan, Jennifer Openshaw, Paula Castaneda

GIRLS WITH IMPACT / Delamar Greenwich Harbor

Ministry Milestone

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Riverside has had much to celebrate these days—150 years of history. The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Mello, Diocesan Bishop of Connecticut, took the lead. In Selleck Hall he rededicated the original stainedglass windows from the Chapel Lane church and, in a bagpiper procession to the cornerstone, marked the 70th anniversary of the sanctuary. After the service, including the confirmation of Jonathan Grele, a festive luncheon was served. G

1 Director of Christian Education Ann Post, Rev. Stephanie Johnson, Bishop Jeffrey Mello, Jonathan and Sue Grele 2 Donna Moffly, Bishop Mello 3 Jack McDermott 4 Sarah Gleeson, Skip Parker 5 Jeff and Paige Neuberth, Barbie Jackson 6 Bagpiper Dr. Gordon Hinshalwood 7 Michael Karafa, Nicholas Hall, Jonathan Grele 8 Bishop Mello rededicating the windows with Senior Warden Donna Reed 9 The Anderson family: Cara, Tom and Mary Kate Hogan 10 John O’Neill, Wendy Browning-Lynch 11 Susan Schwartz, Judy Williamson, Patty Brooks-Walker, Linda Phillipps, Eben Walker

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH / Riverside

Wednesday, July 23 • 6:30-9:00 p.m. (Rain Date Thursday, July 24) Harbor Point, Stamford

by alison nichols

Anastasia (Ana) and Walker met while students at Northeastern University, at the housewarming party of a mutual friend. They began dating during the covid lockdown—no easy feat—and the difficulty was compounded by Ana’s then-employment at Boston Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. But the pair were up for the challenge, and not much could keep them apart after their first meeting.

Four years into dating, Walker proposed at Crowe’s Pasture, a nature preservation in Massachusetts. Rev. Fr. George Dragas officiated at the ceremony, a traditional Greek Orthodox service in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England, steps away from where the couple first met. The bride’s brother, James Heavey, served as the Koumbaro, the best man in a Greek Orthodox wedding who assists with the ceremony.

A reception followed at The Tower, a Romanesque Revival four-story historic venue that was once part of the Armory of the First Corps of Cadets. The couple shared their first dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young. The bride wore a bias-cut silk gown first worn by her great-grandmother in 1936. Her mother, Kia Tsakos Heavey, also wore the dress when she married Jim Heavey, our Greenwich Chief of Police.

The bride, daughter of Jim and Kia Heavey of Greenwich, graduated from Greenwich High School and Northeastern University. She is a registered nurse for Boston College.

The groom, son of Gregory Lambrecht and Lee Manuel of Massachusetts, graduated from Natick High School and Northeastern University. He is a data engineer for Recorded Future in Boston.

The newlyweds honeymooned in New Orleans before returning home to Boston. »

1 Sealed with a kiss 2 The newlyweds at the reception 3 James, Kia and Jim Heavey, Ana, Walker, Lee Manuel, Greg and Cord Lambrecht 4 James Heavey, Tori Austin, Dia Mahesh, Morgan Hickey, Julia Kushakji, Ana, Walker and Jake Starzyk, Chief Jim Heavey, Northeastern Univeristy Professor Nathan Israeloff, Peter Zeqo 5 Pam, Victor, Sophia and Vinny Ferraro 6 Ana and Walker with the bride’s Uncle Karl Tsakos and his wife, Chelsea Ellis

gray

1 Sarah with her bridesmaids 2 Zack with his groomsmen 3 The ceremony being officiated by the bride’s brother, Ben Roberts 4 Time to celebrate with some Champagne 5 The groom’s parents, Dianne and Bruno Niklaus 6 The bride heading down the aisle with her parents, Kimberly and Steven Roberts 7 A toast to the gorgeous couple 8 And he swept her off her feet. 9 The dance floor was on fire.

Zack and Sarah were both vacationing for the first time on the Jersey Shore when their paths crossed one September night at the local watering hole, The Osprey. They were introduced by mutual friends, and Zack offered to buy Sarah a drink. Soon after, they were tearing up the dance floor. Two months later, they were living together in New York City.

Zack and Sarah dated for five years before Zack got down on one knee in the village of Disentis in the Swiss Alps, where his extended family lives. The couple rode the gondola to the top of Caischavedra Mountain. A photographer in disguise captured the moment Zack proposed above the clouds.

Against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset and the New York City skyline, Zack and Sarah said their vows on a rooftop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where they were married by the bride’s brother, Ben Roberts.

The bride, daughter of Steven and Kimberly Roberts, of Port Washington, New York, graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School and Vassar College. She is a corporate events producer for Morgan Stanley in Manhattan.

The groom, son of Bruno and Dianne Niklaus of Greenwich, graduated from Greenwich High School and the University of Delaware. He is a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Bali, Indonesia, before returning home to Manhattan. G

SARAH HURD ROBERTS & ZACHARY EMIL NIKLAUS CHEYANNA

THE BRUCE GALA Embrace the Magic 2025 Auction Now Live!

AFTER GLOW

The Bruce Gala After Party

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025

9:00–11:30 pm

After Glow Co-Chairs

Katie Fong Biglin

Alicia Robbins

After Glow Sponsors

Dr. Bina Park Orthodontics

Esse Care Reproductive Surgery & Wellness

Gruber’s Cleaners and Tailors

Bruce Museum

Greenwich, CT

BruceMuseum.org

Where your world fades and your tranquility begins.

Tucked high on the cliffs of Peninsula Papagayo, Nekajui—meaning “lush garden” in the Chorotega language—invites guests into a rare sanctuary where nature, culture, and craft converge. Every detail honors Costa Rica’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, offering a journey designed to awaken the senses and inspire the soul.

Scan the QR code and go to the Bruce Gala Auction site to learn about this fabulous luxury vacation package in the live auction and bid on works of art and other unique experiences in the silent auction!

Scan the QR code for tickets:

by jill johnson

Spring is a time of awakening —flowers are blooming, brooks are babbling, baby birds are preparing to fling themselves from the nest … It’s the perfect time to harness all that curious, eager energy and awaken a new passion. Try a new look, sign a new lease on life with a different approach to your health, expose your kids to creative or athletic pursuits, pamper yourself or just pack a picnic with the best local fare and take in the sweet summer weather and a water view. Here are some wonderful ways to explore the Good Life in 2025. »

mann

SUNSHINE

and SUMMER BREEZES AHEAD! There’s no better time to DINE BY THE WATER , maybe even in a BATHING SUIT . Check out these casual options and QUINTESSENTIAL NEW ENGLAND MEALS , no primping or tablecloths (except maybe paper ones) necessary.

Note: It’s completely coincidental that a timely theme of immigrant American-dream stories emerged in this list!

5 Riverside Lane, Riverside

HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 203-990-0801; greenwich.fish

Nothing says summer in New England like a scrumptious lobster roll. Pick up the best in town at Greenwich Fish Company and head down to Tod’s Point for lunch and a dip in the Sound or a sunset picnic. Owner Victor Alvarez is passionate about selling only the finest-quality wildcaught or responsibly-farmed fish. Victor was a teacher in Guatemala before immigrating to the States and becoming a student of the restaurant and seafood world. He learned fast and helped expand a leading fish market to multiple locations. He then met Karina, an expert fish cutter, who helped him fulfill his dream of opening Greenwich Fish Company and captured his heart, too.

The name of the grill may change, but one thing remains a given at Compo Beach’s eatery: buttery lobster rolls (or the cold mayo version). Just hit the beach with a towel and flip flops, and leave the food and drinks to Hook’d, which caters to the sandy-footed crowd with a casual cafeteria-style line and picnictable seating in an open-air pavilion. Elevated offerings like salads and fish tacos balance out the standard burger-and-hot dog beach fare—plus irresistible greasy fries for all.

60 Compo Beach Road, Westport

HOURS: Mon.–Sun. 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. (summer weekends/holidays: 10 a.m.– 7:30 p.m.) hookedct.com; @hookdct

264 Heights Road, Darien

HOURS: Mon.–Sun. 7 a.m.–7 p.m. 203-655-2077; palmersdarien.com

Tote a gourmet picnic from Palmer’s to Pear Tree Point Beach or Weed Beach in Darien. Palmer’s Market has been in the family for five generations, which is why everything they do is time-tested and done right. Palmer’s began as a butcher shop over 100 years ago, launched by young Italian immigrant Rocco Joseph Palmer. Now their excellent butchery is complemented by a bakery, prepared meals, produce, specialty items, catering, a flower shop and a gift shop. The Palmers who run the store today combine an array of business and culinary degrees to continue the Palmer’s dedication to integrity, legacy, ambition and charitable spirit. »

Rowayton's Pinkney Park

Palmer's Market

157 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton

HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 203-852-0011

rowaytonmarket.com/ the-market/deck

Grab take-out and a table on the porch at the back of Rowayton Market anytime of day for a serene, low-key snack or meal, overlooking Five Mile River. Sip a coffee or ice coffee in the morning with an egg sandwich or pain au chocolat or enjoy a Caesar Salad at lunchtime or one of the Market’s gourmet bestselling sandwiches: the Crockett, East Beach, Indian Trail or the McKinley. At sunset, nibble on gourmet cheeses, or indulge in a cheesesteak. Then ponder what the river was like in the mid-1800s when packet ships stopped at this very market (one of the oldest in Connecticut), delivering meats, produce and dry goods.

drsordersbakingco.com

Daniel Reardon has been obsessed with baking since hovering over his mother’s shoulder in their Indiana kitchen. Fortunately for us, he now resides in Connecticut (and New York), and the Doctor is ordering us to indulge in the exquisite cookies he has been fine tuning since he was a midwestern boy. You may have seen his cookies sprinkled around New Canaan, including at The Playhouse. His “prescriptions” come in the forms of: Kitchen Sink Cookies (there’s even a gluten-free version), Peanut Butter Cookies, Brown Butter Blondies, Carrot Cake and a whole host of drool-worthy medicines in-between. Go for the Assorted Dozen to try them all. And don’t forget Roo’s Dog Treats for your furry pals. The DRs. ORDERs Baking Co. also offers catering, which, of course, is sweet.

1835 Post Road East, Westport

HOURS: Wed.–Sun. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (or until sold out) fattoamanobreads.com

You know those stories of people eating carbs in Italy and not feeling the same slump they experience here? This new artisanal Italian micro-bakery, Fatto a Mano, brings you the fine ingredients and timetested recipes you’d find in the old country. Enjoy fresh sourdough bread, focaccia, pannetone and pastries—all naturally leavened. You may have already tasted these goods at the farmer’s market or Wakeman Town Farms. The brickand-mortar shop means your breadbox will be full all week. »

Drs. Orders Baking Co., Brown Butter Cereal Bars

Fatto A Manno

THE GOOD LIFE IS ALL ABOUT BALANCE. We want to FEEL GOOD ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, to tend to our appearance but not obsess about it, to find the MOST REWARDING CAREER PATH and navigate the bumps with ease and HELP OUR KIDS LAND AT THE IDEAL COLLEGE FOR THEM (without either of us going batty in the process!). FROM A BROW MAKEOVER TO A LIFE REBOOT , the services and mavens you need to COMPLETE YOUR LIFE MAY BE RIGHT HERE in this list of editor FAVORITES.

theessayconqueror.com @conquertheessay Life is not good when you must constantly nag your slothful teens—whose attention spans have been reduced to the length of a TikTok video—to write their college application essays. Enter the Essay Conqueror. Suzanne Gannon is an award-winning journalist and essayist whose work has appeared in titles like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Town & Country. Now her college-bound students are amassing a new list of wins for her: Yale, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, Duke, UCLA, Berkeley, Brown, Dartmouth, Northwestern, UVA (her alma mater), University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin and more. Suzanne has a way of pulling out kids’ quirks and helping them highlight their individuality. No nagging necessary. Coaching sessions are via Zoom and commence with a 20-minute complimentary consultation.

juttaguiati.com

Finns are known to be some of the happiest—and healthiest—people on the planet. But rather than jet over to Scandinavia to unearth their secrets, you can get a life and career reboot right here, from Jutta Guiati. Described by one of our editors as “the most effervescent Finnish woman,” Jutta is a corporate career coach who offers personal coaching. She has guided stay-at-home moms back into the workforce; enabled stressed professionals to thrive at work and find more joy at home; and helped individuals establish, stick to and achieve ambitious career goals. Is this your year?

Westport/Online newwaywriter.com

Have a film or TV pilot idea you always wanted to get down on paper? Whether you dream of selling a script or are just looking for a creative outlet, Hollywood screenwriter GiGi New will help you find your voice and master the challenging art of storytelling for the screen. Work one-on-one or in groups in her Westport studio or online. Offerings for teens and aspiring film school students will help them catch the attention of top programs. Check GiGi’s site for upcoming classes and workshops.

131 King's Highway North, Westport 914-806-6691; abprobeauty.com

Aileen Barcia has been beautifying eyes for eight years after falling in love with her wedding lashes. She offers lash extensions, lash lift and tint, eyebrow waxing, tinting and lamination. Her clients call her a magician and love the ease of low-maintenance always-glam lashes. Aileen also swears by the lash growth serum she sells. Her site features an array of eye-enhancing products like Fluff Up Lash Wands, Cool Down Eye Masks, Lash Bath Gel and Foam Cleanser.

972 Post Road (Suite 202), Darien 203-939-0077 skinstudioct.com

173 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich 914-565-5229 fabulousbrowstudio.com @fabulousbrowstudioct

What Fernanda Ortega wants is for her clients to feel fabulous every day of their lives. Her highly skilled handiwork with enhancing lashes and brows is a sure way to bestow a bright-eyed outlook. Fernanda is a certified artist in 3D microblading, microshading and powder brows. Her specialty is the hyper-realistic brow technique, a micropigmentation that yields the most natural results. Other services include eyelash extensions and lash lift, brow lamination and semipermanent makeup applications—lip blush, powder brows and tightliner. Clients rave about Fernanda’s work and the warm and welcoming feel at her studio. Fernanda recently became a U.S. citizen and also got married in a small ceremony—in her boutique!

Skin Studio has had its own glow-up recently, moving to a luxe new space above the Goose in Darien. Clients rave about the glowing results of laser treatments here. Offerings include: Facial Wrinkle Release (Botox, Dysport and Xeomin), Studio Secret IPLxResurfacing laser, Sculptra (an injectable treatment that stimulates collagen production and restores facial volume), Morpheus (a skinrejuvenation treatment combining micro-needling and radio frequency technology), Glo2 Facial (a noninvasive treatment that oxygenates, exfoliates and hydrates the skin), dermaplaning facial, chemical peels, laser hair removal, Keralase (for hair loss) and more. Those who want to go all in can indulge in the Holy Grail: a combo of Morpheus8, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Ultra Resurfacing Laser technology.

1698 Post Road East, Westport thebeautyloftspa.com

Detox your body from the inside out at Sofia Guerrero’s Beauty Loft. Word is that The Beauty Loft’s lymphatic drainage massages have a cult following. Rejuvenating facials, lash and brow enhancements and teeth whitening are also on the menu. Bonus: The Beauty Loft is located within Kara Mac’s A Place to Glow spray tan boutique. »

HAS A FAVORITE NEW SHOP OPENED in your neighborhood? Better yet, HAS ONE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS OPENED ONE? Since space here allows only A

Stamford Town Center 100 Greyrock Place, Stamford shopstamfordtowncenter.com/ stores/hey-stamford

“Hey Stamford!” blogger PJ Kennedy has opened a Hey Stamford! shop in the Stamford Town Center. The proud native Stamford resident (his family has been here since 1879) has stocked the fourth-floor store with merchandise like sweatshirts, PJs and more, repping different neighborhoods. The T-shirt that reads, “Stamford runs on hot oil” (a nod to Colony Pizza) was a huge holiday hit.

k-kane.com; @kkanejewelry

From the coolest letter charm necklaces and bracelets for a casual summer day to exquisite diamond rings for the Big Day, K Kane does

it all. Founder Katherine Kane, who has been passionately designing and making jewelry since she was a kid, has moved the chic jewelry brand’s headquarters from Nolita to Fairfield County. Each piece is handcrafted, just for you, by artisans in K Kane’s workshops in the U.S. Stay tuned to find out where she opens up her shop, to which every stylish woman in town and savvy gift/ring-buying man are sure to flock!

1115 High Ridge Rd, Stamford

HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. shoplovebella.com

Love Bella founder Ellie Zieminski prides herself on treating each client in her boutique like a girlfriend— meaning she won’t let you buy something that doesn’t make you look and feel great. Not to mention, your Love Bella shopping spree—a floral maxidress, a summery suit for work, a fun mini dress, a fashionforward top—won’t break the bank either. Stamford is the fourth

K Kane, Fine Friendship Link Stud

K Kane, Protection Golden Age Studs

K Kane, Fine Friendship Skinny Ear Cuff

Spice, Westport

location after successful boutiques in Larchmont, Rye and Charleston (a store Ellie opened with her sister in 2019). The North Carolina native now lives in Stamford with her family and furry friends, so shopping at Love Bella means showing some love for a neighbor. The beaded pouches make sweet gifts for everyone on your love list.

888 Post Road East, Westport

HOURS: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; 203-293-6910; saatva.com

Mattresses, huh? How does this fit in this list? A sound night’s sleep is foundational to a good life, people! Saatva has opened a viewing room in Westport, where you can test out mattresses before purchasing and enjoying a 365-night home trial. Saatva assures its beds support proper spinal alignment for a healthy, happy back. Mattress toppers come with a 180-night home trial. Saatva also sells bed frames, the coolest bedside lamps, benches for foot-ofbed storage, serene bedroom chairs, rugs and candles—for the finishing touch on dreamy bedrooms.

8 Sconset Square, Westport

HOURS: Mon.–Fri. & Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10–6 p.m. 203-349-5252; @spice-westport

Longtime Westporter Susan Altschuler has opened a Sconset Square outpost of her Delray Beach shop, Spice. The name is not about what you put on food. It’s about those good things that bring a little spice to life: housewares, décor, gifts, art, fashion. There is even Tiny Spice for the wee ones, with the most adorable baby clothes. The shop has character, flair and heart. When Susan came across a gorgeous coffee table book on Los Angeles in January, she immediately put in an order and earmarked the proceeds for the L.A. Red Cross. »

257 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich

48 Reef Road, Fairfield

110 Main Street, New Canaan

HOURS: Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

203-814-9198

no-299-ct.myshopify.com

No. 299 has opened a new location in Old Greenwich, bringing curated goods for home and her to Sound Beach Avenue. Shoppers looking for gifts or some shopping therapy will find unique dishes, tumblers, stoneware, hand-painted measuring cups and butter dishes, home fragrance, candles, frames, jewelry, apparel, bags and more. Owner Jackie Fucigna infuses a vintage vibe with her love of mixing old and new.

We are an artsy bunch here in Southern Connecticut. THE ARTS HAVE A TRANSFORMATIVE POWER to turn a dull day into a MAGICAL ONE, to cradle us fully IN THE MOMENT, TO LIFT UP the marginalized, TO GIVE VOICE and VISION to anyone who can stand on a stage, type a script or hold a paintbrush. ART, MUSICAL THEATER, CINEMA, IMPROV, WRITING, JAZZ, WOODWORKING— there are ENDLESS CREATIVE and CULTURAL ACTIVITIES here for kids and adults.

like in the 1700s at the Bush-Holley House), Artful Adventures (learn about the Cos Cob Art Colony and the artists who lived and created in the Bush-Holley House) and Historical Happenings (for senior campers to explore history from Colonial times through the 19th century). Family and friends are invited for Family Fridays from 2 to 2:30 p.m., to see what their campers have created.

47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob 203-869-6899; greenwichhistory.org

Art & History Camp kicks off on July 14 for second- through eighthgraders. Campers enjoy a highly interactive exploration of the unique history and art of Greenwich across the Historical Society campus. Weekly camps include Colonial Connections (discover what life was

19 Stephen Mather Road, Darien 203-202-7602; matherhomestead.org

The Mather Homestead dates back to 1778. Stephen Tyng Mather was the founder of our National Parks System. What better place to take a breather from our fast-paced, digital world and enjoy an art lecture on Impressionist gardenscapes (Wednesday, June 11, 12:30 p.m.), a seminar on the lyrics of Bob Dylan (Thursday, July 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), a kids’ book club and craft, or a week of art plein-air for those eager to paint, draw or photograph among fellow artistes (Sunday, June 8 to 15 with a lunch on Wednesday, June 11).

palacestamford.org/arts-educationprograms

Theater kids will love the Palace’s “Triple Threat Performer” summer camp—a two-week intensive musical theater program from Monday, July 7 to 18 (ages 9–16). Program director Luis Salgado, Broadway Assistant Choreographer of the Tony-winning show In the Heights, emphasizes making art with a purpose while immersing students in the dynamic components of musical theater. Classes (Musical Theater, Body Percussion, Latin Fusion, Song Interpretation, Hip-Hop and more) are taught by New York artists from Salgado Productions.

Congregational Church 524 Pequot Avenue, Southport 917-361-7765 mybroadwaybootcamp.com

In its 24th year, Broadway Boot Camp offers three three-week sessions (third through tenth grade) throughout the summer and a new two-week session (K through second grade) the second half of July, each culminating in a musical production staged at Downtown Cabaret Bridgeport during the final weekend of each session. The rehearsal days include acting and dance classes, scene and music rehearsals, performance games and a whole lot of theater-kid glee!

Toquet Hall & Saugatuck Congregational Church, Westport triplethreat.us

Cynthia Gibb’s Triple Threat Academy has an array of programs for young thespians and future SNL improv actors, but some of the most enthusiastic goofballs on their stages lately are the students in the growing Adult Improv class on Monday nights. Why should the kids have all the fun? It’s impossible to ponder your to-do list when on stage thinking on your feet or watching in stitches. The staff includes two teachers who cut their teeth on the L.A. improv scene: Keith Contreras-McDonald (Upright Citizens Brigade) and Mike O’Hara (Second City). Contreras-McDonald, a Juilliard grad and professional actor based in New York, also comes out to teach an Adult Acting scene-study class on Tuesday evenings. »

61 Atlantic Street, Stamford 203-325-4466

The Mather Homestead

VFW Post 399 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport 475-298-5079; jazzfc.org

Think you have to head to Greenwich Village to find a great jazz club? Think again. For two years, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County has been bringing celebrated jazz artists and promising new talent to a venue overlooking the Saugatuck River and boasting fabulous acoustics: Westport’s Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399. Every Thursday evening, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., jazz enthusiasts, music lovers and anyone looking for a little toetappin’ decompression should make it a weekly tradition. It might be worth the trip just to hear notes played on the 1937 Steinway—formerly the house piano at the famous Village Gate jazz club in New York City.

151 Main Street, New Canaan 203-594-5000 newcanaanlibrary.org

The beautiful New Canaan Library green opened last year, and many events are in the works for your openair enjoyment. Groove on the Green, a must-hear free music event, hits the Green on Saturday, May 17. This year’s event will bring a country twang to the Green with the upbeat country music band Shot Down, as well as line dancing lessons to make the outing an active and contagiously fun one. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic dinner to enjoy on the Green.

93 Elm Street, New Canaan 203-594-1200 cinemalab.com

The historic New Canaan Playhouse reopened last year, giving the discerning film buff a venue with style, history, and more than your average Blockbuster flicks. Cinema Lab, the company behind the revamp, believes that “movie theatres that were once the literal and metaphorical heartbeat of the community should be reimagined as the social and entertainment soul … the backbone of the high street.”

The Pub offers delicious fare and a full bar. The Marquis Lounge on the second floor provides a membersonly retreat. The lounge and theater are both available for private rentals. Keep a lookout for fun local events and movie screenings followed by Q&As with local writers and directors.

500 Broad Street, Bridgeport hartfordhealthcareamp.com

If you haven’t experienced a concert at this spectacular venue, get your tickets now! The summer lineup is as star-packed as ever, with a slew of nostalgic treasures, including Ringo Starr, Counting Crows, Rick Springfield, Barenaked Ladies, Styx, Chicago, Toto, Goo Goo Dolls, James Taylor and even Jerry Seinfeld. Tedeschi Trucks Band is so popular they are playing two nights. VIP lounges, suites, clubs and fare abound, but there is no bad seat in this breathtaking, canopy-covered, open-air venue. The place even has marble public bathrooms. Enjoy warm summer breezes and local food from Garden Catering, Gotham Burger, Lil Pub, Nordic Fish, Freskos Greek and many more. »

New Canaan Library Green

276 Post Road West, Westport 203-391-2270

hss.edu/hss-orthopedics-stamfordhealth-westport.asp

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health, and Stamford Health have opened a new outpatient center in Westport. The nearly 10,000-squarefoot location offers orthopedic appointments and on-site X-rays. Physical therapy services are available at another HSS–Stamford Health collaboration, open since 2022—HSS Sports Rehab Westport (1547 Post Road East). Westport happens to be the birthplace of HSS’s third Surgeonin-Chief, William B. Coley, MD, born in 1862. HSS also has locations in Wilton (195 Danbury Road) and, of course, Stamford (in the Tully Health Center and Stamford Hospital).

104 Heights Road, Darien 22 Pine Street, New Canaan 20 Elm Street, Westport 888-663-6331 onemedical.com/locations/ct

Amazon’s One Medical has arrived at your doorstep. Primary care doctors here care for adults of all ages, including seniors on Medicare. From physicals and screenings to gynecological care and mental health services, One Medical offers everyday and preventive care. Sameday appointments and 24/7 video chats with providers are part of One Medical’s commitment to the ease of the healthcare experience for its members. greenwichmag.com

AT THE ROOT of the GOOD LIFE is GOOD HEALTH. New medical centers are popping up in our towns, along with NEW APPROACHES to FEELING GOOD . While we have wonderful hospitals in Fairfield County, FINDING HEALTH CARE RIGHT DOWN the STREET CAN BE A RELIEF when the alternative might be a busy ER or faraway imaging center. JUST NEED a SOOTHING SOUND BATH, NUTRIENT IV or REMEDY for BRAIN FOG? READ ON ...

877 Post Road East, Westport 203-557-0644 restore.com/locations

Cryotherapy, red light therapy, infrared sauna, compression, IV therapy, skin health services and more … Develop a wellness plan at Restore Hyper Wellness, and get in on the movement launched by triathlete Steve Welch in 2015. Reduced inflammation, reduced muscle aches and pain, increased collagen production, enhanced mood and better sleep are just some of the benefits of these innovative treatments.

184 Selleck Street, Stamford 203-973-7768

950 Post Road East, Westport 203-303-9933; spotonvet.com

203-717-4777 groundedmeditationstudio.com

Even though stillness goes against the grain of us uber-busy folk, it’s what we need most! Grounded Meditation, founded by attorney-yogi-healer Diane Barnett (who knows a thing or two about the fast-paced life), offers a menu of meditation styles, reiki, dancing mindfulness, sound healing and more, in group or privates, with virtual options. The latest events are drawing the calmest of crowds to be bathed in the sounds of crystal and Himalayan bowls, chimes, gongs, drums, bells and Native American flutes in backyards and at partner locations like Carriage Barn Arts Center (New Canaan), Nielson’s Green House (Darien) and The Healing Sanctuary (Fairfield).

516-447-8024; phlowiv.com

Are you ready for IV therapy but prefer the drip be administered in the comfort of your own home? No problem. Phlow IV’s registered nurses come to you, with rejuvenating IV treatments for postpartum women, migraine sufferers, fertility, flu, hangovers, rehydration, energy and more. Clients also frequently report: “No more brain fog!”

106 Noroton Avenue, Darien 203-951-1248 versaillesmedicalspa.com

Versailles Medical Spa offers all kinds of face and body treatments, but the one that people are buzzing about from the spa’s health and wellness menu is IV therapy. These nutrient infusions boost beauty, energy and hydration. Tailored blends serve each client’s specific needs: anti-aging, weight loss, overall wellness, performance boosters, fat burners, immunity boosters and the popular “Myers’ Cocktail.” Unlike the kind you get at happy hour, it will make you happier and healthier.

World-class care, conciergelevel customer service, luxurious environment—clearly this is the place for your pampered pooch or queenly kitty cat. The Stamford location on the Greenwich border houses a stateof-the-art veterinarian hospital, plush pet hotel, doggie daycare, a grooming spa and training services. A new location in Westport (in the former Men’s Wearhouse site) is open seven days a week. Recovering pets have toddler beds and even TVs in their rooms, as well as cameras so owners can keep a watchful eye on their furry friends from home. Dr. Phillip Putter and his wife, Rebecca, run the business and care for all creatures, great and small. Spot On also makes house calls and offers valet service to pick up pets and drop them home— mended, groomed and clearly living the good life.

1055 High Ridge Road, Stamford 203-890-9200

36 McKinley Street, Norwalk rowaytondogpark.com

Because dogs need fresh air, a nice run, recreation and social time to maintain their good life! Dogs go off leash in this expansive, fencedin meadow. Chances are, the furry visitors will make friends at Rowayton Dog Park and so will their owners. Perks include doggie bags, fresh water, benches and a rinse-off hose. »

Chelsea Piers

1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-989-1000 sports.chelseapiers.com/ connecticut/stamford/sports/squash

Squash used to have that twobusinessmen-whacking-away-whiletalking-stock-deals kinda vibe. But these days, squash as a youth sport is growing like mad. At Chelsea Piers, the program is led by the incredibly lovely good-guy Will Newnham, who also happens to coach the Darien High School team and previously coached at Ox Ridge and King. Newnham has coached top-ranked junior players on the international level, but he is just as passionate about teaching the game to those who are looking for some fun and a social connection.

First Down Club Rippowan Middle School, Stamford fdcstamfordflagfootball.com

Greenwich Youth Football Club greenwichyouthfootball.org

Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich bgcg.org

Flag football has become such a big deal that the tackle-free game will be an Olympic sport in the 2028 games. Stamford Flag Football is so well run and popular that talks are underway with multiple locations to continue to the middle school years, possibly beyond. Teams are coed. Dedicated players even keep making touchdowns after the snow flies; Greenwich Boys and Girls Club has run an off-season, indoor winter league since 2019. Greenwich Youth Football caters to first- and second-graders in the fall and firstthrough eighth-graders in the spring. Wherever you live, your town is sure to have a flag team.

The Clubhouse Westport 1620 Post Road East, Westport 203-292-3169 theclubhousewestport.com

Not your average golf course, The Clubhouse Westport is an indoor activity and social hub with full-swing golf simulators, Dartsee dart boards, two karaoke rooms, a full bar with the largest video wall in Westport and an extensive pub menu to rival any country club’s. A rooftop bar will appeal to those who like to lounge more than walk the links. Owners Tim and Emily Zobl are University of Michigan alumni, so all major U Mich sporting events are a party at the Clubhouse complete with an Ann Arbor-inspired menu. (Wear your maize and blue.) Multiple spaces

or the whole shebang can be rented out for birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, bachelor nights or corporate events.

Greenwich Water Polo YMCA of Greenwich

50 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 646-220-9792

greenwichaquaticswaterpolo.com

CT Premier Water Polo Club – Chelsea Piers

1 Blachley Road, Stamford admin@ctpremierwpc.com ctpremierwpc.com

Greenwich Water Polo is the only East Coast team even uttered in the same conversation with the renowned California squads. That said, CT Premier, which practices out of Chelsea Piers, is steadily improving its ranks and sending recruits to top schools. Kids come from all over Westchester and Fairfield County to learn what is arguably one of the most physically strenuous and mentally demanding sports. Players are constantly swimming and treading water, so they need strength and endurance, while also needing to handle the ball with finesse. The summer programs at local shore and country clubs are also gaining in popularity.

Saugatuck Rowing Club 521 Riverside Avenue, Westport 203-221-7475 saugatucksurvive-oars.com

Sure, there are a lot of rowing clubs in our coastal towns, but one of the programs at Westport’s Saugatuck Rowing Club is notably unique. If you happen to notice a sea of pink-clad rowers in a pink boat gliding along the Saugatuck River, mostly likely you are watching a group of breast-cancer survivors pulling with all their might and celebrating pulling through. “Empowering breast cancer survivors one stroke at a time” is the program’s motto. Formed in partnership with Smilow Family Breast Health Center at Norwalk Hospital in 2018, the program is free of charge, reaffirming that fact that rowers have big hearts. Donations to support the program, which helps these women feel like they are flying and walking on water all at the same time, can be made on the website.

Grace Farms

365 Lukes Wood Road, New Canaan 203-920-1702 gracefarms.org

Yoga studios abound in our towns, but the yoga on the first Saturday of each month at serene and otherworldly Grace Farms is a full experience, including acoustic accompaniment and a cup of tea from Grace Farms Tea & Coffee. Instructor Pilin Anice, a wellness guide, believes in connecting, healing and evolving through Ayurveda, yoga, self-care, dance and drum. She is also on faculty at Kripalu and Ailey Extension.

Pilin Anice of Grace Farms

Winemaker Peter Franus with his wife Deanne

A TOAST TO LOVE AND LEGACY IN NAPA VALLEY (WITH ROOTS RIGHT HERE)

by mary kate hogan photography by naomi m c colloch

says Deanne Franus of the Zinfandel from Mount Veeder in Napa that is one of her husband’s top sellers—a soulful red with a cult following. Ruby in color with a nose of raspberry, white pepper, allspice, a touch of vanilla and a long finish, the wine is made from grapes grown on hillside vines planted in the 1920s. This Peter Franus award-winner is a favorite at tastings, and a recent wine dinner at l’escale was no exception. During a multicourse meal, the 2019 Zin was served with a duck breast croustillant with quince mousse and blackberry for an exquisite pairing that drew raves. Winemaker Peter Franus and his wife Deanne presided over the dinner, bouncing from table to table to greet guests and then sitting and laughing with old friends, including one of Peter’s former teammates from Greenwich High football decades ago.

above: Deanne and Peter Franus toast with one of his reds in the barrel chai at Laird Family Estate, where he produces PF wines.

right: Opening a bottle of Peter's flagship wine, Brandlin Vineyard Mount Veeder Zinfandel

“OUR WHOLE GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WINES TASTE GOOD, WHETHER YOU’RE A NOVICE OR A GEEK. “

Backstory to the Zinfandel: This is the wine that sparked the couple’s romance. While Deanne and a friend were eating at the Foothill Café in Napa during a weekend getaway in 2000, they asked the waiter for a recommendation, and he brought out one of Peter’s Zinfandels. The ladies liked it so much they decided to head to the vineyard for a tasting, where they met Peter in person.

A few months later, Deanne came back to Napa for her birthday and visited the vineyard again. “We had a connection, and that day became our anniversary,” Peter says. Five years

later, they married and Deanne would go on to fall in love with the wine business as well. “We tell people, ‘You better watch out for this wine, there’s a lot of energy there,’ ” she says.

Peter Franus is a veteran of the Napa Valley wine scene who has earned major industry accolades, Wine Spectator calling him “one of California’s finest blenders and winemakers,” and Robert M. Parker saying he has “the Midas touch.” Peter and Deanne, who also works for PF Wines, live in Sacramento and travel the globe to promote and enjoy his wines, connecting with enthusiasts in locales from

Belgium to the Czech Republic, Taipei to Tokyo.

An unpretentious talent, Peter believes in learning about customers the organic way— going out and talking to them in person. Last fall, he returned to New England, as he does at least once a year, and hosted that dinner at l’escale here in his hometown, a chance to savor his wines over a multicourse meal with a dining room full of guests. At a time when wine giants dominate—large companies produce about 80 percent of all wine in the United States—Peter Franus runs a boutique operation and follows more traditional processes with a simple goal:

above: Views from Brandlin Vineyards, where Peter sources grapes for his Cabernet and Zinfandel, with the old Christian Brothers retreat and monastery at Mont La Salle in the distance.

to make wines that are delicious. He takes a minimalist approach, focusing on the highest-quality fruit, barrel aging and never any additives.

“Our whole goal is to make sure that wines taste good, whether you’re a novice or a geek. A lot of energy goes into that, making a balanced wine that doesn’t have too much of anything. Everything is in harmony.”

EAST COAST ROOTS

Growing up in Greenwich as an all-state football player for the Cardinals, Peter did not have any inkling that winemaker could be on his list of possible careers. The allure of Napa and the rocky terrain of Mount Veeder were a world away. His family lived in Glenville, where his Polish grandfather had settled after moving from Pennsylvania to work at the felt mill.

Peter recalls dining out at The Clam Box and Manero’s, as well as a classic spot on the Avenue called The Town House, which had hunting scenes with beagles on the walls. His family had season tickets for the Yankees, and he remembers stopping on the way home at the Newport Inn

in Port Chester, where his mom would have a glass of Chianti with dinner. That was about the extent of his wine knowledge at the time.

“I’ve been in California a long time and I still love the East Coast,” he says, gazing out at Indian Harbor from The Delamar, spying the Island Beach Ferry with golden-leaved maples in the park beyond it. He recalls days spent on the Sound fishing for striped bass with his uncle and riding that ferry out to the island on summer days, always returning with a treat of a Sugar Daddy from the concession stand.

Dressed in dark jeans and a black long-sleeve T-shirt, he has a runner’s slim build these days (running is his other passion), but he was once a football star at Greenwich High School. After his high school physics teacher persuaded him to apply to Berkeley, he headed to California to study journalism. Writing came naturally to him, and he still writes some of the copy for his wines, but he decided it wouldn’t become his career. To make money, he worked briefly for the Beverly Hills Moving Company, schlepping celebrities’ furniture and boxes in and out of houses. Then, after a trip around Europe that

involved dabbling in some French wines, and after applying to a few graduate programs in other fields, he decided to attend CalState Fresno for a program in viticulture.

“A light bulb went off,” Peter says. “I thoroughly enjoyed what I was doing. I said, ‘This feels right.’ ”

ALL ROADS LEAD TO MOUNT VEEDER

Peter’s relationships helped him forge a path in Napa, beginning when a friend from Carmel referred him to a member of the Chappellet family, owners of one of the oldest vineyards in Napa. Through a winemaker there, he landed an interview with Bill Hill, who had an operation on Mt. Veeder and was also managing the Hess Collection. He worked for Hill, for six months and then went on to Chateau St. Jean for the harvest. He made the connection with Mt. Veeder Winery in 1981 and got his first opportunity to work as an assistant winemaker for Michael Bernstein, who was one of the early boutique Cabernet producers. His first wines

above: Some Peter Franus Wines are made with fruit from vines planted a century ago. opposite: The fruit and volcanic soil from Mt. Veeder distinguish wines from that region • Peter uses a wine thief, a winemaker’s tool, to draw wine from the barrel for sampling. • The hilly Mt. Veeder appellation is one of the wettest regions in Napa.

“FOR ME, THE HANDS-OFF REALLY DISPLAYS THE TRUE CHARACTER OF THAT VINEYARD AND THOSE GRAPES. “

coincided with Clos du Bois, Stag’s Leap, part of that Napa renaissance when wines took a giant leap in quality.

Every year of his life in Napa has been intertwined with Mount Veeder. “I remember going up there for the first time, and it was a very different terrain than I had thought about in Napa Valley. It’s one of the cooler parts, lots of redwoods. It’s also one of the wettest parts of Napa. The storms come in from the West and drop almost double the amount of rain,” Peter explains. “Mt. Veeder was a volcano, so there’s some volcanic contribution to the terrain. It’s also sedimentary, so it’s a very interesting mix of soils. It’s developed a very great reputation, in particular for Cabernet Sauvignon.”

Over the years, Peter developed his own positive reputation and close friendships in Napa, including with Chester Brandlin of the Brandlin Vineyards family. “When you go up to see Chester, you leave your watch in the mailbox, because time has no meaning,” he jokes. “A real character.”

In the ’90s, the Brandlin estate was a also working farm, where they raised turkeys and had orchards. When the matriarch of the family died and the property was in flux, it wound up being bought by Cuvaison. But the company allowed Peter the rights to the grapes, giving him the ability to produce his Zinfandel long-term; in 2016, he approached them about producing a Cabernet. “They let me because of our long-term relationship,” he says. “I get the name out there for myself and for them.” (That Cabernet went on to receive 95 points from Antonio Galloni, Vinous.)

For the grapes for his Grenache Blanc, Peter works with Jim Fore’s Cobb Mountain Vineyard in Red Hills, Lake County. The vineyard, 3,000-feet-in-elevation, is 25 years old, with volcanic soils that yield exceptional fruit. He calls this white a “cerebral wine” that blends the best attributes of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. With the difference in day and nighttime temperatures and the high elevation, the vines yield intensely flavored grapes. And, as with all his wines, Peter believes in simply capturing that flavor.

“Don’t hover over your wine, or you make the wine nervous,” he says, referring to the way some winemakers manipulate and tinker with their wines. “When it’s not broken, why do all this stuff? For me, the hands-off really displays the true character of that vineyard and those grapes. The more you manipulate it, the more you destroy the essence of that vineyard. We work with the best fruits, and there’s not a lot of manipulation.”

Less-midrange wines are often modified and contain additives and coloring, he notes. In Europe, wines have ingredient labeling so

consumers will know what they’re drinking; there’s a call for this type of labeling to be used in the States as well. In the meantime, he says, “Our wines are very pure.”

WE’LL DRINK TO THAT

Experts aren’t the only ones who applaud Peter’s wines. Chefs, distributors and everyday customers seem to develop an unusual attachment. Celebrities have spent time at his tasting room in Napa, too, and one actor, Patrick Stewart of Star Trek fame, embarked on a

above: Peter in the barrel chai at Laird Family Estate, sampling and contemplating a red.

“DON’T HOVER OVER YOUR WINE , OR YOU MAKE THE WINE NERVOUS. “

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO NAPA

A few of Peter and Deanne's favorite places to eat and drink in wine country

Angele Restaurant & Bar

A riverfront bistro serving rustic French fare in an old boathouse

Bistro Don Giovanni

An Italian landmark with beautiful garden grounds

Michi Japanese Cuisine

The creation of female sushi chef Michiyo Hagio

Mustards Grill

A 30-year tradition for seasonal California cuisine; where chefs go on their night off

Torc

High-energy, global farm-totable fare in a relaxed atmosphere

long-term affair with the wines. Sixteen years after his visit, he was in Brooklyn at Stonehouse Wine Bar enjoying the Brandlin Zin when he emailed Peter to try to track it down at a store in the city. He was opening in Macbeth on Broadway at that time. The Franuses wound up watching him perform in New York and getting a backstage tour. Then, months later, the winery received a message from a bottle shop in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Once again, it was Patrick Stewart wanting to locate PF wines near his home in Britain.

Long before social media, devotees of PF Wines brought bottles on their travels and sent back memories—cards with printed photos enclosed. They recall a couple who shared a snapshot of them standing by the Great Wall of China holding the Zinfandel, which they had snuck in their suitcase to celebrate a special birthday.

Frank Romantini, managing director of Profile Wine Group in Ontario, where PF wines have a strong market, says the Cabernet and Merlot tend to sell out with his clients, “and for good reason—they are the bomb!” He has gotten close to the Franuses through years of working with them, calling them “genuinely down to earth … with an infectious sense of humor.”

A testament to their friendship, Frank says he approached Peter with a special project: He and his business partner were searching for a Napa Valley Cabernet to honor their late partner. “It had to be a small-production, meticulously crafted wine, created by a winemaker who not only understood the project’s significance but would also pour their heart into it. The goal was to sell it to our clients, with all proceeds donated to charity in memory of our late partner.”

Frank says that every detail was executed flawlessly and that he still has a note from Peter on the bottling date of the first vintage. “Every time I read it, it stirs up such powerful emotions.” G

IN GOOD TASTE

ON THE ROAD AND AT HOME WITH PETER & DEANNE

Peter and Deanne travel frequently, with recent trips to Romania and Poland and upcoming plans to see more of our country, touring Virginia and Rapid City and Sioux Falls this spring. It’s a true perk of the business.

“One of the great things is visiting other regions and the connections you have with other winemakers. There’s that camaraderie,” Peter says. “We’ve been to wineries in Israel, Argentina, Turkey, Romania, Canada. We’re always welcomed, and I like to see what other countries are doing. They have indigenous wines we don’t here.”

But when the couple are in California, they often eat at home. Peter loves to cook (everything from Italian to Mexican to Thai) and also keeps a garden where he grows tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs and Japanese eggplant.

“He wakes up in the morning thinking about what he might make for dinner,” Deanne says. “And his joy is in preparing the food and the wine and bringing joy to people that way.”

Her most-requested “Chef Peter” meals? Deanne says he is constantly creating new dishes, but a few she loves are his ginger-infused carrot soup (with Grenache Blanc); seafood medley in a saffron broth (with Red Hills Lake County Grenache Blanc or Lake County Albarino); Southwestinspired pork tenderloin with sweet red pepper chutney (with Napa Valley Merlot) and a classic Nebraska Cornhusker Steak, rib-eye or filet, grilled to perfection (with Brandlin Vineyard Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon).

For their business, Deanne says she handles “the stuff he doesn’t love … compliance reports and paperwork.” At home, she never does the cooking, letting him shine at what comes naturally to him. “I’m a good cook appreciator,” says the fortunate recipient of fresh home cooking paired with excellent wines.

Thinking about what has led to her husband’s success, attracting fans around the world, she replies, “He’s a genuine, authentic winemaker. And the style of his wine—it draws people back.”

Local Sips: Enjoy PF Wines at l’escale or pick up a bottle at Harbor Point Wines & Spirits or Post Wine and Spirits.

Deep Roots, Strong Futures

2025 CHILD OF AMERICA GALA

FRIDAY, MAY 30

6pm Reception 7pm Dinner & Program

Shorehaven Golf Club I 14 Canfield Avenue, Norwalk, CT

HONORING

Marcus Shaw CEO &

President of AltFinance

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS

INNOVATION SPONSORS The Baudouin Family

Inquiries: Nikki LaFaye I nikki@the-carver.org 203.945.9665 I bit.ly/carvergala2025

Your support makes it possible for Carver to build lifetime

The Carver operates 65+ before-school, after-school, summer, and community programs serving students in Norwalk Public Schools and beyond. Learn about Carver’s impact and mission at https://the-carver.org.

MAY 2025

Sorokin Gallery

Internationally acclaimed master painter Dario Campanile will have a retrospective exhibit featuring his paintings from 1970 to 2025. His history as an artist includes the 1986 redesign of the Paramount Pictures 75th anniversary logo, meetings with Salvador Dali, who coined him “The Roman Master” and visiting the Dalai Lama to paint his portrait. Campanile will be participating with Sorokin Gallery, The Harmonetics Project and End Veterans Debt to raise money for veterans nationally and locally. The exhibit runs from Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, June 15 at Sorokin Gallery, 96 Greenwich Avenue, 203-856-9048. Meet the artist at the opening reception on Thursday, May 8 from 6 to 8 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, 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. lockwoodmathews mansion.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, 135 East Putnam Ave., 2nd floor, 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

Gertrude White Gallery

roughout the month of May, the Gertrude White Gallery at the YWCA Greenwich will be showing the work of artist Stephanie Yara Berlic, Beyond Blooms: An Abstract Saga. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

Big fan of LIVE music? Us too! And just thirty minutes from Greenwich you can see some of the biggest stars in the world perform at The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheatre. This 5,700-plus-seat venue will blow you away with its state-of-the-art sound system, iconic tensile roof, marble bathrooms, delicious food stands, twinkle lights reminiscent of the evening sky, four huge video boards and so much more. You won’t want the encore to end! Check out the website to see the upcoming lineup. hartfordhealthcareamp.com

TAYLOR GRAHAM GALLERY, 80 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, 489-3163. taylorandgraham.com

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

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, hartfordhealthcareamp.com

LECTURES, TOURS & WORKSHOPS

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

Dancing Flowers

SUNDAY, MAY 18th 10am - 2pm

Greenwich Town Hall 101 Field Point Rd.

Fire trucks, construction trucks, exotic cars, roaming railroad, bounce houses, live music, food trucks and so much more!

Purchase tickets: Reduced Sensory 9:30 am VIP experience 9:00 am

LEAD SPONSORS: Rain or Shine

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, 869-6786, 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 »

Flinn Gallery

Flinn Gallery is pleased to present Elemental: Work by Boston Sculptors Gallery Artists, running Thursday, May 8, through Wednesday, June 18. The opening reception is Thursday, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. flinngallery.com

YOUR BEST SUMMER

LONG ISLAND SOUND

Day & Boarding School Fair

Wednesday, May 7

6–7:30 p.m. • New Canaan Country School 635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT

For a list of schools attending and to register for this free event, please visit: www.countryschool.net/SchoolFair2025

GSOvation!

CRIMSON & STRINGS

A TANGO AFFAIR

Join us for an evening of music, mingling, and philanthropy in support of Greenwich Symphony Orchestra

Our masterful string players will set hearts racing, while the incomparable Stuart Malina, Music Director, ignites the keys with the soul-stirring pulse of tango. Let the sultry melodies transport you to an era of romance, drama, and electrifying energy.

June 6, 2025 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The Bruce Museum

Greenwich, Connecticut

Performance | Cocktails | Dinner by the Bite | Auction

Share your passion for the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra at this night of music, mingling and fun—all in support of your orchestra’s excellence and music education in our community!

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 »

The Maritime Aquarium

Take a shapeshifting and action-packed adventure with unlikely allies in The Bear and The Squirrel 4D, now playing at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. This eleven-minute film brings viewers face to face with lions, monkeys, pandas and sea lions after a magical storm transports a bear who refuses to share and squirrel looking for shelter to new habitats. As the two work together to escape danger, the bear starts to gain a different perspective on the world and learns the error of his ways. Tickets are $7 or $6 for aquarium members.

MAY 1

The Next Generation of Dance, under the artistic direction of Francesca Harper.

II 2 SHOWS! An evening with David sedaris MAY 5 TITLE TBA

MAY 3

TWO PERFORMANCES! Recommended for ages Pre-K through 3

An evening with David sedaris

MAY 19

A book reading, audience Q&A, and book signing with the bestselling author and humorist.

Celebrate 50 Years of Jaws at the Playhouse with this screening and post-show conversation with Mark Shanahan.

Stay tuned for the title announcement of our May Script in Hand playreading!

The critically acclaimed play based on real behind-the-scenes events from the movie Jaws and co-written by Ian Shaw, son of Robert Shaw.

Scan for a full list of events!

Photo credit: Anne Fishbein

Photo credit: Nir Arieli

KIDS’ STUFF MAY 2025

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

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

LL AGES WELCOME RENTALS AVAILABLE

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Legal Profile Special Section

• Special section following our annual Top Lawyers editorial feature

• Annual guide to Fairfield County’s law firms & legal experts

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PAW ENFORCEMENT

Something’s been missing from Greenwich PD for the past three years—a fourfooted officer. Arrow, who hails from the Czech Republic, recently joined the force and is now at the side of Master Police Officer Jeffrey Franco. In just a few months, Arrow has already had many calls for service, including several successful tracks to locate suspects and missing persons. When he’s not out on patrol, he attends community and recruitment events, where he loves to meet new people. So if you see Arrow around town, be sure to say hi—he loves the attention! 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 bob capazzo

Nationally esteemed surgeons caring for you, their neighbors

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With expertise in minimally invasive surgery, Anibal O. Puente, MD, is an accomplished surgeon providing the full spectrum of general surgery services from common surgeries to complex surgical oncology.

After completing his medical degree at University of Rosario School of Medicine in Argentina, Dr. Puente completed his general surgery residency with St. Francis Cabrini Medical Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Dr. Puente has been lauded for his skills, with honors including the “Peer to Peer” Excellence in Medicine award

and recognition as Outstanding Laparoscopic Resident by the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, past president of Bronx County Medical Society, and a member of several professional societies including the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Puente is fluent in Spanish and Italian, and has been a resident of Greenwich for more than two decades.

1455 East Putnam Ave. | Greenwich, CT 203-SURGEON (203-787-4366) specialtysurgeons.com