New Caanan Darien + Rowayton - May/June 2024

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editorial

editorial director Cristin Marandino

editor Eileen Murphy advisory editor Donna Moffly

art

senior art director Venera Alexandrova

senior art director/status report Garvin Burke production director Tim Carr assistant art director Lisa Servidio

contributors

editors

Megan Gagnon editor, athome Melinda Anderson editor, stamford Samantha Yanks editor, westport Elizabeth Hole editor, custom publishing

writers

Liz Barron, Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick, Kim-Marie Galloway, Elizabeth Hole, Jill Johnson Mann, Elizabeth Keyser

copy editors

Terry Christofferson, David Podgurski

digital audience development editor Kaitlin Madden

digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald digital assistant Lloyd Gabi digital assistant Jeffery Garay

business president Jonathan W. Moffly

editorial director Cristin Marandino business manager Elena V. Moffly cofounders John W. Moffly IV and Donna C. Moffly

sales + marketing

Gina Fusco publisher gina.fusco@moffly.com

Jonathan W. Moffly publisher, greenwich, athome, stamford, ocean house jonathan@moffly.com

Gabriella Mays publisher, westport•weston•wilton gabriella.mays@moffly.com

Hilary Hotchkiss acount executive hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com

Morgan Howell acount executive morgan.howell@moffly.com

Kathleen Dyke partnership and big picture manager kathleen.godbold@moffly.com

Lemuel Bandala sales assistant lemuel.bandala@moffly.com

Eillenn Bandala business assistant eillenn.bandala@moffly.com

editor’s letter

DEFINING THE GOOD LIFE

La bella vita. C’est la bonne vie La buena vid. The Good Life. Regardless of the literal translation, the phrase refers to a life filled with comforts, pleasureable experiences and joy. Yet those three things can have a very different definition for different people.

In this issue, when we say “The Good Life,” we are referring to all the things about lower Fairfield County that make it such a special place to live. Beyond the beautiful homes and great schools, we are talking about the creature comforts, the unique experiences, the luxuries. In our Good Life feature (page 66), you will find reccomendations for all of these things— from epicurean delights to hosting fabulous parties to shopping and wellness excursions.

You’ll also get a peek into how art director Venera Alexandrova and I might define “the good life.” First we jumped at the chance to join our head foodie writer Elizabeth Keyser at Charlie’s Tavern (page 36) in Darien. After experiencing Darien butcher and chef Peter Crawford’s classic American bistro, my favorite blueberry pancakes from the old Sugarbowl

became a distant memory. We also had a chance to experiece the decadent new fondue dinner (featuring both cheese and chocolate!) at Plum Plums in New Canaan (page 40). Are you sensing a theme here?

Putting our appetites aside, we were inspired by our cover star, Anna Kaiser, who has created an energetic community of strong (both literally and figuratively), passionate followers at her New Canaan studio (page 58). The photo shoot also gave Venera and me the opportunity to geek out over our shared love for modern architecture. Like-minded readers can imagine our excitement getting to walk around The Glass House and Da Monsta (page 96) while the property was closed to the public.

However you define “the good life,” we hope you will find things in this issue that will bring you comfort, pleasure and joy.

PORTRAIT PHOTO BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA

founder’s page

“A couple of tipsy women unexpectedly joined us, but our host . . . managed to keep them out of Antoine’s, our dinner destination.”

OF PARADES AND GOING PLACES

Everyone loves a parade (with the possible exception of one of our editors, who hates crowds), and the Memorial Day Parade in Old Greenwich is a standout. Flag-waving folks sitting on the wall by the cemetery; kids on bikes with red-whiteand-blue crepe paper stuck in their wheels; old vets who still fit into their uniforms waving from the backs of convertibles; Jack Moffly and young son Jonathan whooping it up with the Indian Guides; the Sound Beach Fire Department band blasting away; Girl Scouts with wheelbarrows collecting money for fireworks, and the truck selling Good Humor for breakfast (why not?) … it’s a classic.

I can remember the parade in Cleveland when Ike visited my hometown. They’d borrowed my father’s powder blue Cadillac convertible for the occasion, and we three Clegg kids threw confetti out the window of the Statler Hotel as he rode by.

Devoted tiger that my Jack was, we marched in many a Princeton P-rade—the balding gents carrying signs with their student portraits, the kids and I proudly dressed in black-and-white checked outfits to match the jackets of the Class of ’49.

A few years ago, granddaughter Sasha Moffly and I went to New Orleans with her father for a CRMA (City & Regional Magazine) conference and marched in a Sunday parade through the French quarter— following a noisy little band of jazz musicians and throwing beaded necklaces into the crowd. A couple of tipsy women unexpectedly joined us; but our host, the publisher of New Orleans magazine, managed to keep them out of Antoine’s, our dinner destination.

And how about right here in town last May? Seventy-six trombones led the big parade not only in “Music Man” but through the center of

Greenwich. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band arrived from New Orleans a bit early before their appearance at the Town Party to teach a master class in brass music to our high school students who, Mardi Gras-style, trumpeted their way down Greenwich Avenue. The coolest of the cool.

But if you trust Webster, there are other kinds of parades—i.e., public processions involving “a large body of individuals moving along in an orderly and often ceremonial way” going somewhere special.

How about graduations? At Jonathan’s graduation from Virginia Tech, as Jack and I were watching the endless line of students cross the stage to receive their diplomas, suddenly a cacophony of clapping and cheering erupted from the audience. A blind girl with a seeing eye dog was receiving her degree—in electrical engineering, yet. An amazing feat.

Then there was my own graduation. I’d wanted to go to Stanford, but “No,” my father said. “It’s coed and too far away.” (He had this seven-word mantra: “As long as I’m paying the bills . . .”) So, to please my father, I went to the all-girls college where, he kept reminding me, my cousin Janet had been a star. Then, to please him even further, I majored in Economics. Then, after receiving my degree at graduation, I followed my classmates down the aisle and, in passing, handed my diploma—you guessed it— to my father. It was cheeky, but I’m sort of proud of that moment. On top of it all, I’m the first to admit I’m also a very proud Wellesley alumna. Maybe “Father Knows Best” after all.

So, bring on your mortarboards, flags, beads and get-with-it outfits. I’ll join your processions or stand on the sidelines cheering you on. One secret to a long life has got to be enthusiasm.

SKIN SMARTS

EXPERT ADVICE ON THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF SOCIAL MEDIA SKINCARE TRENDS FOR TEENS

by liz barron

Skincare trends on social media have seemingly taken over the internet and it’s become virtually impossible to scroll through TikTok, YouTube or Instagram without being bombarded with tutorials about elaborate routines promising to make your face glow and radiate youth. And, while wanting to be in the know about the latest and greatest in cosmetics is nothing new, there has been a huge shift in the audience purchasing these products. Stores like Sephora and Ulta Beauty, who once saw middle-aged women as their biggest buyers, now have aisles filled with teens and tweens in search of high-end skincare products. The influence from these social media platforms is very real and children as young as nine or ten are putting things like $60 eye creams and skincare refrigerators on their wish lists.

Aside from the exorbitant cost, product safety is another major factor for parents to consider when deciding whether or not to allow their teens to indulge in this fad.

With a lot of misinformation floating around out there, it can be difficult for even the most discerning of us to understand every ingredient and ensure that buying these products isn’t coming at a cost higher than just our pockets. We sat down with Erin Myers-Albaridi, clinical director, PA-C at New Beauty Wellness (NBW), which recently opened its newest location on Elm Street in New Canaan. Myers-Albaridi helped give us a better understanding of what we should be focused on for optimal skin health by age.

What are your thoughts about this skincare craze that so many teenagers are attracted to?

I am seeing more and more children (and adults for that matter) come into the office with skin conditions, rashes and acne outbreaks made worse by over-thecounter products and cosmeceutical lines. Marketing is very powerful and the consumer gets sucked into the trends without really understanding what they are using.

It’s important to stress, though, that it's an overall positive that children have a desire to take care of their skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Presently about one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and, although skin cancers form later in life, dermatologists know that most of these are caused from excessive sun exposure between the ages of three to 20 years of age.

What products are the most concerning to you that are being misused? What negative impacts could they have on these young teens? I would have parents look for and avoid ingredients like vitamin E (tocopherol) as they frequently stimulate acne and can make existing acne worse.

What products, if any, are truly appropriate for those under 15?   Cleanser, sunscreen and moisturizer. For oily skin, I like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser. For dry skin, cream- or lotionbased products like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser work well. And for sensitive skin, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is soap free and works well. For acne-prone skin, I’d recommend trying a cleanser with an ingredient like salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If your tween has sensitive skin and is acne prone, avoid these until consulting a dermatologist or dermatological PA/NP as they may be too harsh. Our tweens are listening to the importance of sun protection and many are using it regularly and far earlier than previous generations. Look for ingredients like titanium and zinc in SPF lotion; these completely block the UV rays. Increase the percentage to a 50 if outside and reapply every three hours if in the sun directly.

What happens when too many products are being used at once or overused? Outbreaks of acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, retinoid dermatitis (retinol overuse) and overly dehydrated sensitive skin are just a few of the conditions I see when products are used incorrectly.

Are there any brands that are just not designed for teens? Any product recommended for mature skin should be avoided by teens. Many AHA/BHA products (glycolic acid, salicylic acid) and retinols will increase the risk of sunburn and irritation. Make sure your teens are using a moisturizer and a sunscreen daily if using these products.

Are there any brands that have product lines that tend to be cleaner/lighter/ more appropriate?  Cetaphil, Neutrogena and Avène all have gentle products. For acne-prone skin, Differin (adapalene) makes a good over-the-counter product and you only need to use a pea-sized amount for the entire face. It can be drying and irritating, so start three times a week and use a moisturizer either before or after application if your teen is sensitive.

LASER ADVICE

“Recent research and development in regenerative skincare has been advancing by the year. Please make sure you go to someone who understands laser technology indepth. It is a mistake to follow TikTok trends as many companies are paying consumers and offices to market their machines. It doesn’t mean their device is superior to the competition. Some of the best lasers on the market are those that came out decades ago. Understanding

the science is most important and, unfortunately, we are seeing more and more medical spas push devices when they don’t even understand the physics behind the lasers they run. It’s the musician, not the instrument, that creates results. We have to keep skin type in mind as we run these powerful machines.”

—MYERS-ALBARIDI

ALPHARET EXFOLIATING PEEL PADS

Triple-acid formula with retinoid exfoliates skin, leaving it smooth and bright.

ISDIN

Repair cream for the eye area that helps target fine lines and wrinkles; stimulates the skin’s antioxidant defenses and provides a detox action for a revitalized look.

ALASTIN

Helps combat signs of aging, brightening the complexion and lifting the skin for a more youthful glow.

ENVIRON FOCUS CARE YOUTH+

Toner with a high concentration of glycolic acid; promotes the natural acid mantle of the skin and encourages exfoliation.

NBW SKINCARE PRODUCT PICKS BY AGE:

Critical thinking when deciding how to spend money is important when it comes to all things.

tween/ teen

Recommended cleanser, moisturizer and SPF

ISDIN PHOTO

Ultralight tinted, fast-absorbing emulsion that helps fight signs of photoaging.

Also consider glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide wash or retinol for acne-prone skin (make sure to consult a dermatologic provider if the teen’s skin is sensitive or resistant to over-thecounter products).

20-30s

Recommended:

cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, retinol and products that help reduce free radical damage to the skin (vitamin C, peptides, alastin, exosomes)

Also consider microneedling (with or without radiofrequency) to help with pore size and light resurfacing lasers such as Clear + Brilliant.

40-60s

Recommended cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, retinol, antioxidants, peptides

ALPHARET ($000)

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Also consider Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex (promotes collagen and elastin to thicken the skin and helps with elasticity), Skin Better’s AlphaRet Pads with a blend of patented retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicyclic acid. Consider adding deeper resurfacing lasers, deeper RF microneedling treatments, as well as ultrasound technology for tightening and resurfacing deeper wrinkles.

VENERA ALEXANDROVA

Westy Mover Concierge

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A Groundbreaking Group of Doctors

CONNECTICUT CHILDREN’S BRINGS SPECIALTY CARE AND KINDNESS TO WESTPORT

by jill johnson mann

“In December, Connecticut Children’s Westport Specialty Care Center celebrated its one-year anniversary. That is one year that the center has been saving families from unnecessary visits to emergency rooms, one year that local families are traveling down the street rather than across the state or across state lines for medical care for their children with specialty care needs, and one year that kids are excited to go to their doctor’s appointments and physical therapy appointments because they seem more like playdates than daunting medical visits.

Dr. Robyn Matloff, Associate Vice President of Ambulatory Pediatrics and Community Development, is a Weston mom who felt Westport was the ideal location for this branch of Connecticut Children’s healthcare system, which includes 41 locations. “The goal of the hospital was to bring the high-level care that we offer up in Hartford to Fairfield County,” says Matloff. “We reached out to local pediatricians and asked what they need, and that’s how we

came up with this list of over twenty specialties.” She references a sign on the wall, pointing patients to: Cardiology, ECHO & EKG; Endocrinology & Diabetes; Neurosurgery; Radiology; Infusions… (see sidebar for full list). Signs like that are one of the few reminders that this is a medical clinic. Decor featuring ocean, meadow, forest and sky themes gives the walls, hallways and spacious patient care rooms a whimsical, reassuring vibe. Toys, snacks and video game consoles abound. There are work pods for parents. A boy in the gym is building strength by pushing his therapist on a trolley; his glee gives away that he’s here to have fun. Matloff says, “One girl at a Westport Moms event saw our logo and exclaimed, ‘Oh I go to play there every Friday!’”

The center’s thirty-five to forty doctors work closely with area “pediatricians, as they know the families so well,” comments Matloff. “We are the only healthcare system in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to children.” This is comforting to parents—the doctors are focused

newcanaandarienmag.com

on pediatrics, the X-ray machines are set to emit the minimal amount of radiation, the ambiance is child friendly—and especially to the kids, who aren’t treated beside ailing adults and can see that their peers have similar issues. As a non-profit, the center is focused on offering services to all children who need care, regardless of finances; 15,000 patients have walked through the door. “We accept all insurance and no insurance,” explains Matloff. She recalls a patient arriving in flip flops on a snowy day. “Our Center for Care Coordination was able to get his mother insurance and connect them with resources to get clothing and food and really helped the whole family.” Access to a bus route and train station make the location appealing to those without cars. “It’s close to Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford, so we are able to encompass a wide array of patients,” says Matloff. “We can have a patient who is well off and supports us—and we really appreciate that—and the next patient may have just arrived here from Guatemala and

PHOTOS BY CT CHILDREN’S; PORTRAIT OF DR. MATLOFF BY GARVIN BURKE

left: Dr. Robyn Matloff and patient middle: Whimsical decor spreads cheer through the care center right: A CT Children’s location in Westport was Dr. Matloff’s longtime dream

has nothing. Both patients get the same highquality care.”

The team also advocates with legislators at the local, state and national level. “A few weeks ago, we had local representatives and senators tour the site,” explains Matloff, “and we talked about what issues are most important in pediatrics and child health in Connecticut.” The center’s team spearheaded a book drive, working with pediatricians and corporations, and supplied 500 books to The South Norwalk School, which only had a shelf of books before the drive. “We want to support not just kids who have complex medical needs but also meet the needs of the community and extend our care outside these walls,” says Matloff.

The center accepts new patients up to age 22 and offers walk-in appointments for X-rays and orthopedics from 8 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays. If your child takes a playground tumble next door at King’s Highway Elementary School, a short walk (or hop) away the bone can be set— no race to the emergency room needed. The clinic does not offer primary care.

“When I interviewed six years ago,” recalls Matloff, “I was asked, ‘Where should we put the center?’ I pointed to Westport on the map and said, ‘Here.’ Every time I walk in I still get chills that this has happened and we’re here, helping families.”

connecticutchildrens.org

(860) 545-9000

191 Post Rd West, Westport

Parent Praise

Community members speak about the incredible impact the hospital has had on their families.

“What stood out for me with her experience at CT Children’s was how willing everyone was to help us, from the folks emptying the trash to the head doctor making the rounds with an entourage of students. What was a scary and unfamiliar experience really ended up with us feeling safe and taken care of, even when we weren’t really sure what was going to happen next.  Importantly, all of the staff treating Ellie were willing to talk directly to Ellie and not filter everything

top: A constellation on the ceiling gives this hallway a dreamy feel bottom: All patients are welcome, regardless of insurance status

through me or talk down to her. She spent about six months in follow-up and our experience with her outpatient care was the same. I could not have asked for more from our interaction with CT Children’s.” —Jessica Stauder, Westport, mom of Ellie, who needed intravenous immunoglobulin therapy to raise platelet levels after her body had a scary reaction to a whack by a softball.

“We first visited CT Children’s in Westport in February of 2023 at the recommendation of our pediatrician who suspected our oldest daughter might be developing pneumonia. She had told us a new children’s specialty center from CT Children’s had opened in Westport and that they could do same-day walk-in chest X-rays. We drove right over where our daughter was so well taken care of. The entire care team made

GERI EPSTEIN INFUSION CENTER

Since its opening in March, the Geri Epstein Infusion Center at the Westport Specialty Care Center has administered 250 infusions. This means children in Fairfield County have a comforting and convenient place to go for chemotherapy treatments and other infusions. They will be among other kids, and their parents will meet parents going through the same challenging journey. But it’s a journey made easier by reducing the physical distance these families need to travel to get their kids the care they need. The center was named in honor of longtime Westport resident, Geri Epstein, who suffered from Crohn’s disease. The David and Geri Epstein Private Foundation has donated $1 million to Connecticut Children’s to support the extension of pediatric mental health services, high-impact research in suicide prevention and inflammatory bowel diseases, and the Infusion Center in Westport.

SPECIALTIES

Cardiology, ECHO & EKG

my very sick child feel comfortable and safe.

When my younger daughter then started to complain of heel pain at the start of her softball season this fall, we once again went for care at CT Children’s. This time with Dr. Pacicca, their pediatric orthopedist, who diagnosed Blythe with Severe’s disease (inflammation of the growth plate of the heel). I loved that they were able to see her, take all the necessary images and also prescribe PT with their pediatric PT Emily—who my youngest would eagerly attend her 7 am PT sessions before school with. How convenient, as a working mom myself, having pediatric specialized care for my daughter that didn’t disrupt her school schedule. We are just so lucky to have CT Children’s in our backyard!”

—Michelle Yanover, Westport

Digestive Diseases & Hepatology (GI)

Endocrinology & Diabetes

Hematology/Oncology

Nephrology

Neurology & EEG

Neurosurgery

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Otolaryngology (ENT)

Pain Medicine

Pediatric Surgery

Plastic Surgery

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Pulmonary Function Lab

Rheumatology

Urology

Weight Management

Clinical Nutrition

Infusion Center

Physical & Occupational Therapy

Radiology (X-ray & Ultrasound)

Speech-Language Pathology

recommended by bookseller pat hoeg

LONG ISLAND by Colm Tóibín on sale May 7

Compelling and immersive, Long Island is a sequel to Tóibín’s bestseller Brooklyn and picks up 20 years later. Ellis has been betrayed by her husband and manipulated by his family and returns to Ireland for her mother’s 80th birthday. This story is poignant and beautifully told, exploring the complex and submerged emotions of Eilis, her friend Nancy and former flame Jim, who are all in midlife. They have experienced loss and loneliness and feel trapped by their circumstances and other people’s expectations.

recommended by bookseller manda riggs, store manager

LONELINESS & COMPANY

by Charlee Dyroff

Debut author Charlee Dyroff has achieved the herculean task of writing a sweet, thoughtful, smart and wickedly precise story of artificial intelligence. Lee is the overachiever we all know, but when she is hired to teach an AI program on the meaning of loneliness, her life skills are challenged. Dyroff draws an artful and memorable portrait of a woman trying to find her own answers in a world consumed by technology. It gave me enormous hope for the future. Dyroff is a force to be reckoned with!

RIVETING READS

FIVE

reccommended by bookseller sky minckler, children’s buyer

SNOW GLOBE

by Soyoung Park

This dystopian YA novel is set where the “real world” is a frozen wasteland, and everyone tunes into shows about what happens in the paradise-like Snow Globe, where people are on camera 24/7 (think The Truman Show). Readers are challenged to consider what they’d be willing to do, and who they’d be willing to become, in order to remain in the Snow Globe. Dark and sinister, this book revels in the gray areas of morality and the choices we all must make.

recommended by bookseller krissy borchetta

LISTEN FOR THE LIE

by Amy Tintera

This is a brilliant, twisty dark-comedy-meetsmurder mystery. Lucy, a blunt, smart sarcastic anti-heroine, is a complex character you can’t help but root for, even though she may be a cold-blooded murderer. Lucy claims she cannot remember that fateful night, but most people in her small Texas town think she is lying. And now Lucy is beginning to think that maybe she did kill her best friend. This book promises superb characters, hilarious dialogue, a great plot and a fun, dysfunctional family dynamic. A must-read!

recommended by bookseller eve taben

BLANK

by Zibby Owens

Zibby Owens makes her fiction debut with Blank. A wife, mother and frustrated writer faces an impossible deadline for turning her life around in a hilarious novel about family, friendship, success and exhilarating self-(re)discovery.

Pippa’s second novel is due in five days; if she doesn't submit a manuscript, she will forfeit her already spent advance. When Pippa’s publisher gets involved, it unlocks a series of twists she never saw coming.

This feel-good romp is a page turner. You'll be rooting for Pippa at every turn.

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SOUTHPAW

DARIEN STUDENT PUBLISHES NOVEL ABOUT LEFT-HANDED HEROINES AT A SECRET BOARDING SCHOOL by

elizabeth hole

For Bronwyn Fitzgerald, being lefthanded is not only an asset but also a plotline. A junior at Darien High School, she has released her first novel, Gretchen Leary’s School for Left-Handed Girls The middle-gradefocused book follows the adventures of tenyear-old Pippa Webster and her roommates at a mysterious boarding school.

Fitzgerald co-wrote the story with her cousin Astrid Feeny, who lives in Winter Park, Florida. As good friends and fellow lefties, the two thought it would be “a fun idea to write something together” and did the whole project long-distance.

“It’s a unique concept that felt personal to Astrid and me since we’re both lefties,” says

“CREATIVITY AND INTUITION ARE BOTH QUALITIES ATTRIBUTED TO LEFTIES, AND THESE ARE PRESENT IN OUR CHARACTERS. ”

Fitzgerald. “We didn’t expect it to become a full-fledged novel. We kept writing because we enjoyed it, and came to realize we could make more out of our story.”

When asked what makes lefties interesting, Fitzgerald points to their special traits. “Creativity and intuition are both qualities attributed to lefties, and these are present in our characters,” explains Fitzgerald. “Lefties make up less than ten percent of the population, which makes us unique.”

Although she worked on a manuscript with two friends in middle school, this is Fitzgerald’s first published novel. She and her cousin began the project in February 2021. “This is a book I would have loved reading when I was younger, which is something I’m really excited about,” she says.

Fitzgerald agreed to share some details about the plot without giving away too many secrets: “Pippa has grown up as the overlooked sibling in her family and has finally found a place where she belongs, but a dark force is threatening her school that only she and her four roommates have a chance of stopping.”

The co-authors relied on technology to keep the novel on track. “We had a shared Google Doc and would regularly call and FaceTime to discuss plot details and plan out chapters,” says Fitzgerald. “We were almost always on the same page about how we wanted the story to go, so it was easy to just pick up where the other person left off.”

An avid reader, Fitzgerald loves mysteries and contemporary fiction. She also enjoys writing short stories and poems. She’s a member of Darien High School’s Current Literary Magazine, as well as the National English Honor Society’s Writing Center Leadership Team. When not focusing on literary pursuits, she runs track and cross-country at the school, serves on the leadership board of Best Buddies, and is part of the Tudor Singers.

Fitzgerald is excited the novel is carried in her go-to spots in Darien and New Canaan, in addition to Amazon. “Barrett Bookstore and Elm Street Books are two of my favorite bookstores, and I am so honored to have my book on their shelves!” she says. “Astrid and I are donating a portion of the proceeds to Best Buddies, an organization that’s meaningful to both of us.”

Fitzgerald says that writing this book was such a positive experience that she may tackle another one soon. “I think readers will discover there is room for a sequel at the end,” she notes. “I’d love to write more novels in the future.”

Bronwyn Fitzgerald and Astrid Feeny

Confidence. It’s built over time.

UPCOMING ADMISSION EVENTS

www.countryschool.net/visit

635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT • (203) 801-5608

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Westchester and Fairfield counties. We create an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently, and act generously so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose.

by

ASHA BY ASHLEY

MCCORMICK Cashmere-blend lightweight scarf, $195, Greenwich; ashabyadm.com

VICTORIA BECKHAM Portofino ’97 eau de parfum, $20; victoriabeckhambeauty

MAD ABOUT MOMS!

TERRAIN

Fresh assorted eucalyptus bunch ($88), fluted glass and iron vase ($128), Westport; shopterrain.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Stone with hand-carved inlay cheese board ($48) and Coasters ($16 each), Westport; anthropologie .com

FREYA

Straw gardenia hat with wide grosgrain band, $255, Old Greenwich; back40mercantile.com

MARK & GRAHAM

Raffia backgammon game set, $179 (Add personalization for $12.50); markandgraham.com

PRADA BEAUTY

Monochrome hyper-matte refillable lipstick, $50, Greenwich; sephora.com

JOHANNA ORTIZ Heritage Ocaña bread basket, $85, Greenwich; saks.com

shop

hannah deely

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BRANDS

SARDEL

100% extra virgin olive oil from puglia ($35), organic balsamic vinegar of Modena ($30), Greenwich; graysondevere.com

heart necklace,

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SKEEM

Aura citronella

single-wick 8 oz. Candle, $38, Fairfield; thebeehivefairfield.com

JENNI KAYNE

Leather Dani slides,

JULISKA

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Chloe stemless wine glass; $68 each, Greenwich; hoaglands.com

VERONICA BEARD Canvas and leather Goody Bag, $448, Greenwich; veronicabeard.com

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GRAY MALIN 3-in -1 beachside puzzle, $20, Old Greenwich; back40mercantile.com

FOR THE DADS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, some 70 million American men are dads. This means that millions of spouses and children are stressing about what to get the men in their lives for Father’s Day. The problem is that guys have enough stuff and don’t need any more. In fact, we still have the the ties, sweaters and slippers from last Father’s Day! The good news is that this June the trend is toward giving gifts around doing rather than having. Father’s Day gifts from a guy’s bucket list can make for cool experiences and warm memories well beyond the day itself. He might even invite the family along. Here, then, are five “experience gifts” dads will enjoy receiving and may actually even use!

THIS FATHER’S DAY, SKIP THE TRADITIONAL GIFTS AND SEND HIM ON A FUN ADVENTURE. 1

FLASHY TEST DRIVE

What father hasn’t fantasized about trading in that familyfriendly SUV for a high-end, imported race car, or a stock car for that matter. We’re perfectly happy being dads, of course, but inside of all of us are teenagers itching to go really fast and impress other guys. A day out at Thompson Speedway Motorsport Park (ironically located in the northeastern part of Connecticut called the “Quiet Corner”), allows us to do just that. Why do guys love going to the Speedway? “Um ... because we have cool cars?” suggests a sales associate at Extreme Experience (thextremexperience .com), which manages by tom connor

the driving sessions. Dads indeed have their pick of Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis that on the straightways can top 130 mph. Wives needn’t worry: A safety course precedes the laps. It’s driving back home without getting a ticket that’s a cause for concern!

For exotic car enthusiasts that don’t necessarily have that need for speed, Veluxcity Exotic Car Rental in Greenwich offers daily rentals on a variety of luxury rides—like Rolls Royce and Bentleys. But if dad really wants to make heads turn, you should consider renting him the bright red 2020 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Coupé seen here.

Veluxity Exotic Car

Rentals in Greenwich makes guys swoon.

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Presented by:

2

WHITEWATER CANOEING & KAYAKING

Few outings are more exciting than running the rapids, even on the relatively placid Housatonic or Farmington rivers.

Clarke’s Outdoors (clarkeoutdoors.com) in West Cornwall rents canoes, kayaks and rafts for six-, eightand ten-mile runs down the Housatonic, dropping in at Falls Village, from early May to September.

Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks (mainstreamcanoe .com) in Farmington offers multiple drop-in points and up to 12 miles of paddling

Julia Deane offers gift certificates for fun, interactive, day and evening group cooking classes, held at her husband’s Deane Inc. kitchen showroom in Stamford. With themed meals like “Italian Comfort Food” the classes run from three to four hours, are hands-on and end with delicious (well, depending on how Dad did!) dinners of the food just prepared. As the mantra at Culinary Works goes, “It’s all in the experience!”

4

TICKETS TO LIVE EVENTS

For guys bemoaning getting older, the best gift may be tickets to a concert by any number of iconic bands and top performers on tour this spring and summer. On the road this Father’s Day and beyond are Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins and the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Tim McGraw, George Strait and Jason Aldean; and Springsteen, the Eagles and the Rolling Stones. With most of the band members hovering around 80 years old, it seems appropriate that AARP is sponsoring the Stones’ “Hackney Diamonds Tour.” Joining Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Woods on the tour is original bassist Bill Wyman, who, at 86, may need help getting on and off the stage. By comparison, the rest of us dads will between Riverton and New Hartford. Whether on the water for one or five hours, the cost is the same. “Gift certificates are great for Father’s Day,” says owner Myra Emrick. “It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s an adventure.” For a family day on the river, she adds, “It’s getting your kids off their damn phones!” Dads, too! Both rivers feature short sections of Class 3 rapids. For an on-thewater adventure a little closer to home, check out SeaKayak (seakayakct.com) in Westport for rentals or sign up for one of their guided tours to Cockenoe or Sprite Islands.

3

COOKING CLASSES

A gift certificate to an evening or weekend cooking class is one of those transparently selfserving gifts that can benefit the giver as much as the receiver: “Since taking that class you’ve become an amazing chef! How about cooking dinner from now on?” Classes in making and cooking pasta abound at places like The Art of Pasta at Wakeman Town Farm (wakemantownfarm .org ) in Westport. At Culinary Works (culinaryworks .com), executive chef

feel pretty damn young! For the more low-key music fan, some of the best acts in the county, if not the country, regularly perform at The Fairfield Theatre Company in downtown Fairfield (fairfieldtheatre.org) or The Ridgefield Playhouse (ridgefieldplayhouse .org).

A DAY AT THE SPA

Then again, maybe the best experience gift of all is doing nothing at all. Instead of cooking, paddling, speeding or rocking out, Dad might enjoy chilling at one of the many luxurious spas throughout Fairfield County. At Dream Spa & Salon in Westport (dreamdayspa.com), the “Basics for the Boys” gift package includes a “man”datory facial, a deep tissue massage and

a pedicure. A kind of mission statement at the spa goes is, “he doesn’t know he needs it but he does.” Adds owner Lori Dodd, “most men won’t often treat themselves to a spa day—they think that it isn’t masculine or manly—but it has been our experience that once men try it, they like it!” For serious health and vanity work for guys who already know they like to be pampered, Element Medical Aesthetics (elementct.com) in New Canaan offers skin tightening, hair restoration and botox treatments.

Register him for a cooking class—and everbody wins!

Arrange for a kayak rental and drop in at one of Connecticut’s many rivers.

Our Mission

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org

Breast Cancer Alliance

48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org

Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director

breastcanceralliance @BCAllianceCT @breastcanceralliance

BLUE HORIZONS home

SKY BLUE SOARS AS SUMMER’S PRETTIEST PASTEL

WORLDS AWAY Kealey light blue

$2,573. Fig Linens and Home, Westport; figlinensandhome.com

6

SERENA

3

SUR LA TABLE Glass taper candle holder; Darien, surlatable.com

“as a coastal interior designer, a blue palette is my go-to for many spaces. i use the color ‘spindrift’ from my a la plage coastal paint collection for nearly everything. it’s the most perfect, palest shade of blue with a beautifully subtle amount of tint.”

4

TERRAIN Lulie Wallace melamine plates; $36 for set of three. Westport; shopterrain.com

THE URBAN ELECTRIC CO. Ace V.1; starting at $1,066. urbanelectric.com 2

bar stool by

Nendo;

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newcanaandarienmag.com

by megan gagnon

—gaelle dudley, gldesign

LIVDEN Chutes and Ladders porcelain tile; $63.75 per piece. livden.com

& LILY Sundial wide chaise in Hydrangea Port Stripe; $5,798. Westport;

$589. fritzhansen.com $19.95. bath vanity;

Help Save A Beacon Of Our Community

GREENS LEDGE LIGHT PRESERVATION SOCIETY IS AN ALL-VOLUNTEER 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT WITH A MISSION TO RESTORE AND PRESERVE GREEN’S LEDGE LIGHT, A HISTORIC OFFSHORE LIGHTHOUSE IN LONG ISLAND SOUND NEAR NORWALK AND DARIEN.

Thanks to generous donors and volunteers, the Lighthouse is nearing the completion of a critical five-year restoration. Before we began, the Lighthouse was listed in ‘Deteriorated’ condition by the National Register of Historic Places, just one demarcation above ‘Ruins’.

Thanks to your support, the Lighthouse has a future. With urgent restoration work complete, we’ve launched the “Next 100 Years” – a vision to transform the Lighthouse into a beacon of research and education and to endow its preservation for generations to come.

Join us for our Second Annual “Light the Night” event on Wednesday, May 22nd at Wee Burn Beach Club to launch the next chapter in the Lighthouse’s epic history.

Light the Night · May 22, 2024 · 6 PM

Wee Burn Beach Club, Rowayton, CT

SCAN THE QR CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR VISIT US ONLINE AT SAVEGREENSLEDGE.ORG

GETTING GRAPHIC

on flooring, either a painted or tile floor, especially in a powder room. it is so european-chic and has such a visual impact.”

ANGULAR ACCENTS ADD ANOTHER DIMENSION

cadet blush; $749. kimsalmela.com $1,390. Beehive, Fairfield; thebeehive fairfield.com Tumbling Blocks tape; to the trade. schumacher.com

4 SOHO HOME Morrell dining chair in Elitis Farniente Monochrome; $2,695. sohohome.com

5 JAYSON HOME Tumbling Block boxes; starting at $195 jaysonhome.com

6 NICKEY KEHOE Hassock round stool; $2,000. nickeykehoe.com

7 OGGETTI DESIGNS Milano cocktail table; $7,249. oggettidesigns.com

KIM SALMELA SCHUMACHER

KITSCHY KITCHEN

PLAYFUL COLOR IS YOUR MISSING INGREDIENT $45.

1 ALESSI

Kettle by Michael Graves; $215. Bloomingdales, Norwalk; bloomingdales.com

2 DUSEN DUSEN

the kitchen is a room with special appliances, doesn’t mean it can’t reflect the spirit and personality of the rest of your home. ‘let’s decorate!’ i always say.”

Striped canisters; $86 for set of three. dusendusen.com

3 ANTHROPOLOGIE

Cucina olive oil cruet; $48. Westport; anthropologie.com

4 AUGARTEN WIEN

Croissant dish; $350. Eleish Van Breems Home, Westport; evbantiques.com

5 SMEG x DOLCE & GABBANA

Fab 5 refrigerator; $5,499.95. Williams Sonoma, Westport; williamssonoma.com

6 ADDISON ROSS

Yellow Bobbin salt or pepper mill; $96. addisonrossusa.com

7 SABRE

Bistro flatware; starting at $70 for set of five. Hudson Grace, Greenwich; hudsongracesf.com

8 BODUM

Bistro 2-slice toaster; store.moma.org

—robin henry, robin henry studio

eat

Hometown Haunt

by elizabeth keyser • photography by venera alexandrova

LONGTIME DARIEN BUTCHER’S NEW BISTRO IS AN INSTANT HIT WITH THE LOCAL CROWD

The din of children at the old Sugar Bowl has been replaced by the buzz of sophisticated diners at the newly opened Charlie’s Tavern in downtown Darien. Peter Crawford knows who he is as a chef, and now he’s showing Fairfield County what he calls “my cuisine.” Chef Peter worked in New York City for groundbreaking chefs such as Charlie Palmer, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the late David Bouley. For the past eight years, the Darien native has been running Darien Butcher Shop (DBS), and the underground dining experience The Charles.

His cuisine is classic French with a New American emphasis on top-quality ingredients. That means velvety purees of celeriac, sunchoke or potato; bright, blanched vegetables; and wine sauces finished with truffles. At dinner, the biggest indulgence is Tornendos Rossini, a dish everyone with a primal urge for meat ought to indulge in at least once in their life. Filet of beef seared in butter and topped with a slice of seared foie gras and surrounded by deeply flavored red wine black truffle sauce. A sourdough crouton beneath the tender combination absorbs rich sauce and buttery juices. Perfectly blanched

asparagus crunch slightly, and the potato puree is dreamy. Steak frites gets a new look with New York Strip sliced into thick hearty strips and served with similarly thick rectangular potatoes that (foodies rejoice!) are fried in beef tallow. It’s accompanied by crisp haricot vert.

Cod with poached oyster in Champagne butter sauce and black trumpet mushrooms, a classic dish, will transport diners back to Paris. King salmon, a pink, poached slab over puree of sunchokes and thick, blanched asparagus spears, and enhanced with sautéed morels that burst with buttery, earthy umami flavor. A mini

copper pot of spring beans revealed fresh green garbanzos, favas, baby spinach and a touch of French tarragon.

There’s plenty of lighter fare at Charlie’s Tavern as well. Shrimp, squid and scallop seemed to have relaxed into the salad of greens and heirloom tomatoes dressed in citrusy yuzu vinaigrette. Beet and goat cheese salad, sweet and earthy, creamy and salty, is elevated with whole toasted walnuts, walnut oil vinaigrette and charred shallots. Burrata and lentil salad features those choice little French lentilles du Puy.

Lighter options can be found among the

Above, left to right: On the corner of the Boston Post Road, Charlie’s Tavern brings life back into a local landmark. Poached King salmon over sunchoke puree, French lentilles du Puy, asparagus and morel. In the evening, tables are lit with tabletop lamps.

Clockwise from top left: Fresh seafood starters. The old-school atmosphere. Classsic cocktails with creative garnishes. The art pays homage to local shorelines.

CHARLIE'S

1031 Boston Post Rd. charliesdarien.com

HOURS

Wednesday–Saturday, starting at 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, starting at 4:00 p.m.

starters too. Big eye tuna roll combines the crunch of a spring roll wrapper and the clean, cool feel of sushi-grade tuna rolled in Savoy cabbage, and seasoned with ginger and wasabi. Buttery roasted oysters topped with spinach and a touch of cheese are always a treat, and Chef Peter’s steak tartare with quail egg is truly special. Note to readers: When the chef owns a butcher shop, order the tartare.

At lunch, the atmosphere is more casual and the menu is pared down, with some dinner salads crossing over. On a recent Friday afternoon, a table of ladies ordered warm seafood salad, croque monsieur on a blanket of béchamel, and the Charlie’s burger, formed from

a special high-grade brisket mix. (Chef also makes a Burger Royale, which is topped with foie gras.) At the 12-seat bar, two men ordered steak frites and a chicken paillard, a pounded chicken filet topped with seasonal vegetables, greens and lentils, tossed in hazelnut-sherry vinaigrette. Desserts are house-made and the chef is proud of the warm Valrohna chocolate cake with Morello cherry sorbet.

Charlie’s has a full bar with a variety of cocktails, wine options and craft beer. The coco-jalapeño margarita adds coconut milk to a favorite spicy summer cocktail. Aperol spritz, layered shades of orange, is mellowed with orange juice. The bartender is especially

creative with garnishes, spearing berries, fruit and citrus. (Pro tip: If the bartender isn’t on duty at lunchtime, opt for wine or beer.)

The appealing design of Charlie’s Tavern combines an old-school feel with a contemporary sensibility. It’s both casual and sophisticated, with a black and white checkered floor, white tablecloths and lots of paintings of local shorelines. A long hunter-green banquette lines one wall and the lighting is enhanced by sconces and tabletop lamps, which can be set to a whiter reading light and or a warmer atmospheric light. We used both.

Charlie’s Tavern has different moods at lunch and dinner, and Chef Peter’s cuisine truly shines at dinner.

Top left: Warm seafood salad with heirloom tomatoes. Bottom left: Steak Frites is a DBS NY Strip with beefy fries. Below: Craft cocktails are garnished with spears of fruit and zest.

A TASTE TRANSFORMATION

NEW OWNERS PUT THEIR STAMP ON PLUM PLUMS CHEESE WITH EXCITING NEW EVENTS AND A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

by eileen murphy • photography by venera alexandrova

Since taking over Plum Plums Cheese last fall, owners Jo and Stephen Bloom have spent time listening to and learning from the shop’s loyal customers. Many of Plum Plums’ clientele have been frequenting the shop since it was established in Pound Ridge back in 2014. “We didn’t want to come in and make major changes right away,” explains Jo, referring to the successful business they had taken over after the retirement of original owners Gale Martin and husband Michael Riahi. “We listened to customers to see what they liked.” The couple is now starting to put their own stamp on the business while making sure to keep the things that made Plum Plums so popular to begin with.

Plum Plums' fondue is a classic three-cheese blend. It's served with a variety of crusty breads, roasted vegetables and high-quality meats from Brooklyn's Dellapietra's Butcher.

Owner Jo Bloom (left) and her husband Stephen started the Fondue Dinners to enourage the sense of community that exists among Plum Plums’ customers.

The chocolate fondue is a delicious combination of Belgian dark chocolate and Kahlúa. It's servied with fresh fruits and other sweet treats.

“ we aim to source the best of what's around. we want to be the single stop for people who want to bring these gourmet items into their home. ”

—chef

casey beland, plum plums cheese

One thing that stood out to Jo while she worked the counter during the ownership transition was the sense of community at the shop. Customers loved to talk cheese and she wanted to encourage that engagement, so they came up with the idea of holding after-hours events. “We started with a fondue dinner,” Jo says. “Because they are such a communal thing.”

The dinner begins with a classic cheese fondue that Jo calls the Plum Plums Mix—a combination of extra-aged swiss gruyere, Challerhocker raw milk swiss and Whitney raw cow’s milk. It is served with an array of roasted vegetables, crusty breads and a delicious selection of gourmet, dry-aged meats from Brooklyn’s famous Dellapietra’s butcher shop.

If you’re like me and think there can be nothing better than bread dipped in melted cheese, I have news for you … you need to try filet mignon dipped in melted cheese! The second course is a chocoholic's delight— Belgian dark chocolate and Kahlúa fondue

served with fresh fruits and a variety of sweet treats, like cubed waffles and croissants.

The first Fondue Dinner sold out almost as soon as it was announced. “Twelve people came, and nobody knew each other,” says Jo, happily adding that they all left as friends. It was such a success, Plum Plums plans to host monthly after-hours dining events. They also offer private events and are considering tastings for the littlest connoisseurs. As the mother of two young children (a third will arrive before press time), Jo knows the power of a good grilled cheese and says their revitalized lunch menu will include more family-friendly options.

With all these new offerings, Plum Plums devotees will also be excited to hear about the return of the Monthly Cheese Club. Seasonal or themed boxes contain three artisan cheeses from around the world (accompanied by information about how the cheeses were made) and special Plum Plums pantry items.

It is important to note that one thing has remained unchanged, and that is Plum Plums’ knowledgeable chef Casey Beland, who came to the shop five years ago. Having served as executive chef at Whole Foods and Walter Stewarts Market, Beland was looking for a more predictable 9-to-5 schedule when he landed at the original Plum Plums in Pound Ridge. As Jo jokes, he is such an important part of the business that “the sale was contingent on Casey staying.”

Beland enjoys working with the Blooms to select the 70 to 90 cheeses they have available at any given time, the specialty meats and the many pantry items they stock. Fan favorites are always in stock, but the trio also likes to introduce items from local artisans. “We aim to source the best of what’s around,” Casey says. “We want to be the single stop for people who want to bring these gourmet items into their home.”

Perhaps the one change customers may take some getting used to as the Blooms make this business their own is an upcoming name change. Plum Plums will soon become Cherry Street Cheese & Provisions, which Jo says “is a nod to our New Canaan roots and broader foodie offerings.” But have no fear, turophiles, the most important parts of the Plum Plums community will continue on.

Thank you New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton Magazine for sponsoring New Canaan Community Foundation’s spring luncheon!

Together, we can make a difference right here in the place we call home.

New Canaan Community Foundation supports critical needs in New Canaan and our neighboring towns to make a more vibrant community for all.

Scan below to learn more about our work and how we support over 100 local nonprofit organizations each year.

Seeing Blue

727 Fifth Avenue; tiffany.com 12

THE LANDMARK COQODAQ SHOP

Street; coqodaq.com

Not your grandma's fried chicken

When Holly Golightly got a case of the “mean reds,” she would cab it to that blue jewel on Fifth Avenue to cheer herself up. As the Breakfast at Tiffany’s icon famously said, “Nothing bad ever happens at Tiffany.” Holly would approve of the recent reimagination of the company’s flagship store. But renovation doesn’t do it justice. It’s now more than a store. It’s a landmark. Literally. It’s called The Landmark.

With video views of the Empire State Building and Central Park projected on the walls, glittering eye candy as far as the eye can see, original and commissioned paintings and sculptures, massive floral arrangements that are works of art in themselves, you’ll lose track of space and time and love every minute.

Take advantage of the Audrey Experience. This immersive installation includes the necklace Hepburn wore in the opening scene, a reproduction of the black dress from the House of Givenchy and the film’s Oscar.

Make a reservation at Michelinstarred Chef Daniel Boulud’s Blue Box Café—a jewel-box café serving

a decadent Afternoon Tea and an all-day a la carte menu.

Discover the Culture of Creativity exhibit, a curation of 70 works of art from the Peter Marino Art Foundation. Reservations are complimentary but required.

Throughout the ten floors you’ll find more than 40 works of art by renowned artists including Daniel Arsham, Jenny Holzer and Rashid Johnson. Also on display are the world-famous Tiffany Diamond recently reset to honor Jean Schlumberg’s iconic Bird of Rock design and the latest Tiffany masterpiece—a stunning necklace featuring a brilliant cut diamond of over 100 carats.

Holly sure had it right.

From the team behind the Michelin-starred and James Beardnominated COTE Korean Steakhouse comes the brand-new and impossibly chic COQODAQ. It’s like a club—but with fried chicken, caviar and an impressive champagne menu. Owner Simon Kim refers to it as his “fried chicken cathedral.” And with its glowing arches and decadent menu, we can see why. We could go on and on about the fusion of tastes and the Amishraised chickens, but do you need more when you can dine on a bucket of gourmet fried chicken and Petrosian Royal Beluga caviar washed down with great champagne? Exactly. how to get in: Reservations are released online two weeks in advance at 10 a.m. and will be competitive for the foreseeable future. You can, however, put your name in for a seat at the long bar—where it gets hectic— or at one of the high-tops by the entrance.

The Audrey Experience

Imaginative details and lavish comfort are hallmarks of the Fifth Avenue Hotel.

Rock of Ages

THE JACOBS THEATRE

242 W. 45th Street; outsidersmusical.com

GOLDEN THEATRE

252 W. 45th Street; stereophonicplay.com

STAY Manner Born

THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL

1 W. 28th Street; thefifthavenuehotel

The Fifth Avenue Hotel recently opened on 28th and Fifth, by the Empire State Building and near trendy NoMad. Unlike many recent hotel openings, this gem is not part of a megabrand. Flaneur Hospitality, a bespoke firm dedicated to intimate, personalized service, has been working on converting the former estate of legendary Gilded Age hostess Mrs. Charlotte Goodridge since 2014. The hotel evokes the global travels and languid lounging of the swell set. Founder Alex Ohebshalom has brought all his world travels and treasures under one roof for a very wabi-sabi effect. Picture a taxidermied crow at the bar alongside hand-ruched fabric flown in from Paris. Hemingway would have stayed here, if he could’ve afforded the $1,000 per night starting rate.

Gen-X-ers rejoice! The Outsiders is coming to the stage of Jacob's Theatre—the musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s seminal young adult novel. When Francis Ford Coppola produced the film version in 1982, he cast primarily unknown actors including Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe and Matt Dillon. The stage production opened in previews in March and, given the rave reviews, is likely to launch the careers of a cast of actors who are almost all making their Broadway debuts. It seems fitting for a coming-of-age novel about the battle between the haves and the have-nots to launch a new cadre of actors to fame. For those who know the story, we look forward to “Stay Gold Ponyboy” trending on TikTok. Millennials have “discovered” Fleetwood Mac and will love the musical Stereophonic, loosely

based on the group. The band is trying to make its big album, but behind the scenes it’s falling apart. Will Butler of Arcade Fire wrote the music, which makes the predictable love-torn drama worth the three-hour runtime. The play by David Adjimi is a critic’s darling; Jesse Green of the New York Times says: “Adjmi ingeniously weaves sound and story into something as granular as it is operatic ... It is a relentlessly compelling production by Daniel Aukin that has the grit of a documentary ... as rich and lustrous as they come. You could even call it platinum.”

Café Carmellini, the hotel's signature restaurant

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

money matters

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

TAKING STOCK OF YOUR STAKE

When your paycheck arrives, you no doubt have that money earmarked for somewhere: bills, savings, investments, maybe a gift or a getaway. But what about that company stock you’re socking away? What are your plans for that?

An estimated 32 million people participate in employee stock ownership plans, whether through profit sharing, stock bonus plans, stock options, stock purchase plans and the like, according to the National Center for Employee Ownership, and that trend seems

to be rising in lower Fairfield County.

“Broadly speaking, over the last decade we’ve seen an increase in stock as compensation for our clients,” says Harry Figgie IV, a partner and wealth adviser with Greenwich Wealth Management, which serves high-net-worth (HNW) clients. “Society is creating a move, from creating shareholders to stakeholders. If you’re not participating, you can be leaving significant wealth opportunities on the table.”

Companies hand out stock for a host of reasons, primarily to entice executives and employees to join the ranks and stay put. Many employers contribute shares to an employee’s retirement plan or sell them at a discount, easing transactions through payroll deductions. Others reward stocks for meeting performance targets. Some even grant shares outright with each paycheck. Start-ups sometimes award stock in lieu of higher pay, so they can preserve capital.

Whatever the case, there can be a catch to full ownership—time. “What’s really important for

individuals is understanding their vesting scheduling,” says Figgie, whose HNW clientele includes executives seeking help evaluating and negotiating levels of stock in their compensation.

Figuring out whether to buy, sell or hold company stock begins with analyses typical in creating a wealth plan, including assessing your risk tolerance, work horizon, tax considerations, your other assets and personal liquidity needs, goals and estate planning. How you came to possess the stock and the constraints around holding it also factor in here.

“There are strategies depending on what stage the company is in this life cycle and where you are in your professional career. This is before even considering the investment’s merits and its role within an investment portfolio,” Figgie says. “It’s highly individualized.”

Back in the day, a person got a job, participated in an employee purchase plan and made their way up. At the end of the day they might have amassed lots of wealth in a concentrated position. These days, a HNW individual might

own several million shares of company stock in their portfolio.

“Concentration is the best way to make and lose large sums of money,” Figgie reports. That risk is multiplied when you add your salary to the mix. “(That) your income and savings are so closely tied to the same organization tends to be an eye-opening oversight.”

Psychology can get in the way when it comes to deciding what to do with these holdings, especially if you like your work and your workplace, appreciate your product or service, and your salary and stock value have grown for the past few years. Who would want to ditch that sweetheart? But evaluating stock through these rose-colored glasses can hinder your ability to evaluate the current and future merits of the stock.

Take the emotion out of it, Figgie suggests, and replace it with a reality check. You already count on your company for your salary, so you’re arguably more invested in its success than outside shareholders.

If something goes wrong, as the stock sinks, you could also lose your job. Today’s darling could be tomorrow’s dog.

WHAT’S YOUR SENTIMENT AND RISK TOLERANCE?

Consider this: You receive 25 shares of company stock today worth $100 each. You can sell them now and pocket $2,500 (minus taxes), to save or spend or invest in a more attractive vehicle. Down the road, you watch from the sidelines as the stock price rises to $150 a share. Ouch. Alternatively, you hold the stock, imagining the price will rise. Instead, the value declines, and you ultimately sell at $50 apiece. Ouch again. Which scenario would be more painful to you? Would you prefer to lock in your money upon receipt? Or bank on the value of your equity rising while knowing that it can fall?

Harry Figgie IV

88% of Moffly Media readers will be looking for dental providers in the next 12 months, including dentists and cosmetic dentists1 .

• Special section following our annual Top Dentists editorial feature

• Annual guide to Fairfield County’s dental experts & cosmetic specialists

• Custom profile created for your practice

• Reach an audience of 200,000+ families and local residents

• One year inclusion in our searchable online dentist directory

• Bonus issue distribution to local events reaching health-conscious families, charitable organizations and community influencers

Issue Date: July/August 2024

On Newsstands: July 1, 2024

Commitment Date: May 13, 2024

Contact Gina Fusco at Gina.Fusco@moffly.com for more information.

people&

Tavern Night

History lovers tried their luck at tavern games, dined on bangers and mash and heard stories about George Washington and his distillery for a fun, educational evening at the Mather Homestead barn. Darien’s only Registered National Historic Landmark, Mather Homestead is known for “bringing history to life.” matherhomestead.org »

MATHER HOMESTEAD / Elizabeth W. Chilton Center

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATHER HOMESTEAD

1 Jack Butcher, Kevin and Hedi O’Connor, Lori Gianukakis, Cathy Butcher 2 Tom Plott 3 Left, front to back: Jameson Riley, P&Z Chair Steve Olvany, First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky Right, front to back: Chris Price, Connecticut House Representative Tom O’Dea, Darien Police Commissioner Brent Hayes 4 Adria Bates, David Fitzpatrick, Everett and Sally Schenk 5 Mather Homestead 6 Lauren and Harris Swenson, Sally Houlihan 7 Musician Austin Scelzo 8 Kelly DuPont, Cristi Mohr, Heather Raker

Back to the ‘90s

Celebrating retro style, the Depot Youth Center hosted nearly 200 people on March 9 for a lively fundraiser and dance party at Woodway Country Club. The event supported The Depot’s mission to give local youth “opportunities to connect, grow and give back.”

Guests enjoyed live music from Dad Bod Band and closed out the night with Dee Jay Rob spinning the era’s best tunes. The festive evening featured dinner, specialty cocktails, an auction and paddle raise, as well as a dance-off and costume contest.

Local sponsors helped make the benefit possible, including K.L. Masters Construction, Riko’s Pizza and Tamara Hanford Hughes of Houlihan Lawrence. dariendepot.com. »

DARIEN DEPOT YOUTH CENTER / Woodway Country Club

1 Event Committee, Front Row: Kate Gregory, Jennifer Morici, Jenny Tarleton Back Row: Dawn MacDonald, Shannon Keefe, Amy Daniels, Casey McBride, Sarah Godshaw, Anne Fox

2 Casey McBride, Amy Duffy, Sarah Godshaw 3 Shannon Keefe, Joan Kuhl, Desiree Thayer, Angela Rizzo, Dawn MacDonald 4 Justin Wensek, Alicia and Randal Johnson, Valentina Wensek, Gina Shimojo 5 Jill McCammon, Jeff McMahon, Sara Goertel 6 Dave and Brigid Humphrey, Brandon Fried, Melanie Granuzzo, Leah and Raphael Bonvillian 7 Jessica Caulfield, Meredith Butler, Amy Summers, Brigid Humphrey, Emily Brown, Rebecca Masters 8 Tricia and Carlon Colker 9 Dad Bod Band

10 Mack and Alex Lainas, Rebecca and Kyle Masters 11 From top left, clockwise: Dana Thistle, Nicole Austin, Tiffany Jonas, Shilpa Rosenberry, Sumi Shirai, Kate Dodd 12 James and Emma Thomas 13 Alexa Nicoli, Serena Innaco, Olivia Innaco, Lupena Guerrier 14 Todd and Maeve Ives 15 Lauren and Tyler Reed 16 Jennifer Clemow, Jenn Sherman, Alyson Johnson, Liz Ezbiansky, Kelly Banner 17 Allyson Anderson, Valentina Wensek, Daisy Straus 18 Matthew McBride, Gary Godshaw 19 Evan and Angela Middleton

Rock Stars

More than $365K was raised for Person to Person during a paddle-raising, out-ofyour-seat evening at Rock N’ Raise at the Loading Dock on April 4. A performance by the Nerds kept guests dancing the night away while auctioneer CK Swett kept the energy high and bids flowing as plentiful as the cocktails. P2P clients Imani Morgan and Ramon and Gabriela Macassi also brought the crowd to their feet in a standing ovation after they spoke about the organization’s personal impact. Chair Kristina Gregory sums up the event, “Rock N’ Raise is not just a celebration; it’s an opportunity for our community to come together and make a tangible impact. The funds raised will enable P2P to continue providing vital support to those in need and empower them to build better futures.” p2phelps.org

— Melinda Anderson

PERSON TO PERSON / The Loading Dock 1

newcanaandarienmag.com

by liz barron photography by katharine calderwood typography by venera alexandrova on location at the glass house, da monsta

lobal fitness expert and entrepreneur

Anna Kaiser has helped shape bodies for more than two decades. She has worked with musical superstars from Alicia Keys and Shakira to actors such as Sarah Jessica Parker and morning television queen Kelly Ripa.

Luckily for those of us non-celebs looking to up our fitness game, Kaiser has a fitness studio right here in New Canaan . Anna Kaiser Studios ( AKS ) opened its doors just over 12 years ago and has a devoted following of women whose strength and commitment have helped build an incredible community. She is also introducing a new online platform called AKS Virtual Studio, which allows you to access her carefully curated program from the convenience of your own home.

Kaiser is the longtime personal trainer for singer/ songwriter Shakira (above) and morning talkshow host Kelly Ripa (right).

WHAT MAKES AKS CLASSES DIFFERENT FROM OTHER WORKOUTS?

Regular HIIT [high-intensity interval training] classes are designed to repeat the same exercise numerous times and target the same muscle groups, which can be very hard on the body. My workouts use movement as the element of power, but the classes consist of so much more. Most of my clients have never danced before. If you can run and do a jumping jack and do it on beat, you can do these classes. AKS uses a variety of exercises and we never overuse the same muscles with excessive repetition, resulting in much less pressure on the joints. My workouts engage the entire body instead of focusing on just a few muscle groups. They are not only functional exercises, but also fun exercises, and they incorporate a combination of strength intervals, step, dance, athletic conditioning and alternate between using heavy weight, light weight and body weight.

WHAT KIND OF CLASSES ARE OFFERED IN THE NEW CANAAN STUDIO?

DANCE

This class focuses on choreographed movements and mixes in strength intervals. It’s perfect for anyone looking to build stamina and muscle while burning fat.

MASHUP

Thirty minutes of STEP and thirty minutes of dance, this class challenges both the mind and body.

SCULPT + DANCE

Think barre meets Pilates meets strength training and dance; every muscle is hit from every angle during this workout.

ADVANCED DANCE

This members-only class builds upon routines from previous classes and is combined with strength and dynamic stretching intervals.

Anna with clients from her New Canaan studio: (left to right) Sarah Funk, Sarah Easley, Karlie Raitano, Annette Terry

STAYING FIT AT EVERY AGE

30S

“ It ’ s an incredibly important time to work out intensely with a focus on building as much lean muscle as you can while also pushing your cardio and strength.

This is the decade to focus on creating a solid fitness base. What people do during these years creates the foundation for their bone density and muscle mass that will either increase or decrease as time goes on. A strong heart and lungs in your 30s is important. “I think of fitness as a pyramid approach,” says Kaiser. “What you build in your 30s creates a base for every decade to follow.”

Workouts don ’ t have to take hours even finding time for 30 minutes of meaningful movement will help to sustain your body ’ s strength.

Fluctuating hormones during these years can cause a lot of physical changes, and the goal should be to focus on continuing to move throughout the day. Workouts don’t have to take hours; even finding time for 30 minutes of meaningful movement will help to sustain your body’s strength. Weight training should be the focus of your routine during this timeframe. Balance is another factor to work on in your 50s, not only for injury prevention but for future assurance that you’re able to continue being active as you age.

“ You need the proper amount of protein and sleep to reap the benefits of your hard work. "

60S 50S 40S

It becomes more difficult to build muscle once you’ve reached your 40s, which is all the more reason to work hard in your 30s. The goal for this decade is working to maintain the muscle mass that you’ve already built. Without the proper exercise and nutrition, muscle starts to deteriorate at a rate of one- to two-percent a year after 40. Focusing on protein intake is key for muscle maintenance. A general rule of thumb is to aim to consume 1.0-1.2 grams a day per pound of body weight. “Recovery becomes harder during these years as many of us are experiencing the busiest times of our lives,” says Kaiser.

Kaiser advises drinking less alcohol and replacing that with something equally social, like playing pickleball or going to a trainer with a few friends, as a great way to stay healthy and feel connected.

All of the same things that you paid attention to in your earlier years should remain a priority in your 60s. Adding an element of fun to your routine becomes more important than ever during this part of your life. “Many people are thinking about retirement during this time and creating a life that continues to be active, even without work, is so important,” says Kaiser. “Bringing friends into our wellness solutions makes things more fun and when something is enjoyable we’re all the more likely to continue to stay involved.” Protein is just as crucial at this age as is getting adequate sleep and focusing on hydration. Kaiser advises drinking less alcohol and replacing that with something equally social, like playing pickleball or going to a trainer with a few friends, as a great way to stay healthy and feel connected. “Many of the women that workout at my New Canaan studio are in this age group and they love being a part of the group,” says Kaiser. “It’s so nice to see them sharing the same path, pushing each other forward and encouraging one another to stay active.”

the premier home design competition awards

LAST

CHANCE!

Awards deadline is May 31

If you have a project or firm in CT, go to athomealistawards.com to learn more about getting on the 2024 A-List!

Award Celebration / September 10, 2024

AK’S 60-MINUTE “PUMP-UP” PLAYLIST

“Training Season,” Dua Lipa

“Dancing on my Own,” Robyn (Buzz Junkies remix)

“Numb,” Usher (Project 46 remix)

“Jolene,” Emilio, MITCH DB, DREW RC

“Party Go Boom,” Wizardz of Oz, Robyn Johnson

“Pink Friday Girls,” Nicki Minaj

“Bassline,” ALLISTER X, CKAY

“DJ Play That Beat,” Joachim Garraud

“Nostalgia,” NOTD, Georgia Ku

“Wow,” Outasight

“Lil Boo Thang,” Paul Russel (Galantis Remix)

“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Beyoncé

“Everybody,” Nicki Minaj (featuring Lil Uzi Vert)

“Swing” Remix, Savage (featuring Pitbull)

“Money Come (Clean),” Iggy Azalea

“Higher,” Michael Bublé

“Shawty Got Moves,” Get Cool

“Na Na Na,” Lay Bankz

“Feels Right (I Love It),” Flo Rida, Brian Kelley

“Powerful Women,” Dolly Parton, Pitbull

“Wait,” Flo Rida

“Keep Dat” (Radio Edit), iCandy

“Freak 54 (FreakOut),” Pitbull, Nile Rodgers

“Dreaming,” Royston Noell

AK’S WORKOUT WISHLIST

Oura ring to track sleep

AK HR monitor chat strap to track heart rate and performance during workout

Kith sports jacket and sports bra - super cute and great performance activewear

Definite articles socks (sweat wicking, foot hugging, and biodegradable!)

FaceGym sweat-activated mask to wear during workouts

Theragun mini to take with you to class for pre/post workout

Adidas Ultraboost sneakers

In compiling a guide of unique must-eat/mustshop spots, must-see/must-do activities and must-meet gurus in Fairfield County, several facts become clear: (1) We are very lucky to live in a place where an abundantly good life is within such easy reach, and (2) there are not enough pages in this magazine to list everything our unique corner of the world has to offer. But we would love to grow it online with our savvy readers’ inside scoop! Visit mofflylifestylemedia.com to share your suggestions in the comments section. »

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED WITH FOOD THAT WILL SATISFY YOUR TASTE BUDS AND UP YOUR ODDS OF REACHING CENTENARIAN STATUS. INTO COMFORT FOOD? A CHIC SETTING? SATISFYING YOUR SWEET TOOTH? WE’VE SCOUTED OUT THE SPOTS AND SHOPS FOR EVERY PALATE

BRUNCH BUNCH

For organic, seasonal farm-to-table fare and a super-chic setting, look no further than Baldanza at the Schoolhouse in Wilton. Locals consider it the best weekend brunch spot and love their mission: “We work with farms that embrace the humane treatment of animals that are both hormone-free and fed grains that are GMO-free. These farms are owned by people who care about our sustainable future and grow crops that do not use synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.”

baldanza at the schoolhouse

43 Cannon Road, Wilton hours: Wed.–Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. baldanzarestaurants.com

ARTFUL DINING

For coffee that is artfully prepared, tea, pastries, lite fare, enticing adult beverages and stimulation of the right brain, visit Art Space Cafe in The Norwalk Art Space. Local culinary artists and their products are incorporated into the menu. Bonus: There is no fee to enjoy the art, music and good vibes that abound at The Norwalk Art Space.

art space cafe

455 West End Avenue, Norwalk (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Wed.–Fri. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. thenorwalkartspace.org/café

VENERA ALEXANDROVA

Brunch at Baldanza

Art Space Cafe

SECRET SPOT

Allium Eatery is so under the radar that even the website still says “Coming Soon,” though this French-inspired cafe/cozy restaurant across from the Westport Train Station opened in 2021. The exquisite attention to detail and flavors will win over even the most discerning diner. Squint and you might think you’re savoring a meal in Paris. Takeout available.

allium eatery

54 Railroad Avenue, Westport hours: Wed.–Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. alliumwestport.com

CHIC COMFORT

Whether you indulge in verdant veggies (sourced from local Bridgeport farms) or comfort items like smoked fried chicken or shrimp and grits, 29 Markle Ct. delivers decadent presentations of its delicious dishes. (Think The Bear—the TV show, not the animal.) Bonus: Enjoy the iconic art on the walls while dining.

29 markle ct.

29 Markle Court, Bridgeport hours: Tues.–Thurs

Kitchen 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bar 4 p.m. to late Fri.–Sat. Kitchen 4:30 to 10 p.m. Bar 4 p.m. to late Sun. Kitchen 3 to 8 p.m.

Bar 3 to 10 p.m.

29marklect.com

BRING ON THE BOOZE

Tired of waiting in line at the bar?

Head on over to Hop & Vine Taproom, where you can pour your own draft of mostly local craft beers from 69 automated taps. Global wines, ciders, seltzers, kombucha, nitro coffee and mocktails are also available, as well as an “eclectic global fusion of funky fare” on the seasonal menu.

hop & vine taproom

30 Spring Street, Stamford hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 4 p.m. to close, Sat & Sun. 11 a.m. to close (kitchen closes at 10 p.m. nightly) hopandvinect.com

South Bay is a restaurant and a hopping bar, and that’s what one loyal customer remembered—well, mostly— from a girls’ Saturday night out: “The DJ is so good and the espresso martinis definitely keep you going!”

south bay

403 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Tues. 4–9:30 p.m., Wed.–Thurs. 12 to 10 p.m. (bar until 12 a.m. on Thursday) Fri.–Sat. 12 to 11 p.m. (bar until 1 a.m.) happy hour: Mon.–Fri. 4 to 6 p.m. southbayct.com/greenwich »

FASHIONABLE LITE BITES

The inviting Browne & Co. Café is a lovely stop for a cup of Zumbach’s coffee and baked goods or a light meal and some light— or heavy—shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts and chic decor items. For heavier entertaining needs, the catering department brings 25 years experience in everything from intimate dinners to corporate events and weddings.

At the picturesque

Mercantile at GrayBarns Café and marketplace, ladies love to sit outside with a glass of wine and a charcuterie board. After a soup and salad and a browse through the curated provisions and dinners togo, check out the selection of private-label goods and gifts—clothing, linens, home goods, décor—for sale in the marketplace (and online).

browne & co. cafe

865 Boston Post Road, Darien hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. dianebrowne.com

mercantile at graybarns

193 Perry Avenue, Norwalk hours: Tues.–Sun. 9 a.m. –5 p.m. mercantileatgraybarns.com

ROW & FINE DINE

Well, maybe shower in between. The Saugatuck Rowing Club has an upscale gym, yoga and workout classes, and an extensive rowing program. Upstairs, with a gorgeous view of the river, is the Boathouse at Saugatuck restaurant. The menu and ambiance are both exquisite. The Boathouse also accommodates private events.

boathouse at saugatuck

521 Riverside Avenue, Westport hours: Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Sun. Brunch 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. boathouseatsaugatuck.com

EAT & GROOVE

Like some live music with (or after) your meal? Fans say it’s well worth the outing to BRYAC Black Rock and Park City Music Hall, both in Bridgeport. Check their websites for packed schedules of live bands.

bryac black rock

3074 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport hours: Mon.–Thurs. Bar 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Kitchen 3 to 11 p.m., Fri.–Sat. Bar 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Kitchen 12 to 11 p.m.

Sun. Bar 11 to 1 a.m.

Kitchen 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bryac.biz

park city music hall

2926 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport hours: Tues.–Wed.

5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Thurs. 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Fri.–Sat. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

parkcitymusichall.com

Wine and Cheese at Mercantile at GrayBarns

Browne and Co. Café manager, Jonathan Smith

THROWBACK INDULGENCE

Sometimes there’s nothing like your favorite diner, donut shop or pizza slice to give you that ol’ lifeis-good feeling. Coffee An’ receives rave reviews for having the nicest staff and greatest donuts and eggs. Colony Grill has produced a number of pizza addicts, who can’t get enough of Colony’s thin-crust pies, drizzled with a spicy pepper hot oil. Luckily, now there are three locations in the area. Colony also has a pizza truck available for private parties. Greenwich & Delancey is the place to take your parents for old-school pastrami or corn beef sandwiches and the best babka. Lakeside Diner is “truly our most special greasy spoon,” says a Stamford fan, “cozy, crowded. Signature donuts. Yum.” A Wiltonite raves: “Rise Doughnuts is beloved for their donuts, chic café, great coffee and gracious staff.”

coffee an’ donut shop

343 Main Street, Westport hours: Mon.–Sat. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun. 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m. coffeean. business.site

colony grill

1520 Post Road, Fairfield

515 West Avenue, Norwalk

172 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford hours: Mon.–Thurs.

11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Fri.–Sat. 11:30 –12:30 a.m.

Sun. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. colonygrill.com

greenwich & delancey

59 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob hours: Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (last seating 7:45 p.m.)

greenwichanddelancey.com

lakeside diner

1050 Long Ridge Road, Stamford hours: Mon.–Fri. 6 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 6 a.m.–2 p.m.

lakesidediner.org

rise doughnuts

28 Center Street, Wilton hours: Tues.–Fri. 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

@risedoughnut on Instagram »

Greenwich & Delancey

Rise Doughnuts owners, Laura Malone and Hugh Mangum

VENERA ALEXANDROVA

SWEET SWEETS

The high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods is deadly, but a little indulgence of some locally made sweets can only be good for the heart, right? Here are our picks.

flour water salt bread

20 Grove Street, Darien; 160 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob

hours: Tues.–Sat. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (or until sold out)

flourwatersaltbread.com

For amazing pastries—pain au chocolat, bomboloni, coffee cake— visit Flour Water Salt Bread in Darien and Greenwich. We advise double committing to carbs and picking up some to-die-for breads, as well. Plenty of the 100-yearolds living in those Blue Zones are freshly-baked-bread eaters.

magnolia chocolatier

magnoliachocolatier.com

Magnolia Chocolatier is a Black female-owned small batch chocolatier that has moved from Stamford to Stratford. But no matter, everything you need to prove why life is so worth living— bonbons, truffles, confections, custom printed chocolates—is available on the website.

shiro

172 Bedford Street, Stamford hours: Mon.–Thurs. 12–10 p.m. Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Shiroct.com

A female-owned Asian dessert and nonalcoholic drink shop, Shiro features crepes, slushies (far from the neon red and blue variety), hot drinks and enticing cool beverages: Hibiscus Sparkling Ade, Oreo Milk, Brown Sugar Boba.

the cake box

10 Bay Street, Westport hours: Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (or until they sell out)

ctcakebox.com

The Cake Box is the opposite of cake from the box. Every scrumptious cake and cupcake is made from scratch. All items are available gluten-free, and there are options to please vegans too.

Editor's Note: An addendum to the Green & Tonic listing on the opposite page, from a discerning customer with a sweet tooth: “The Oat Milk Soft Serve is amazing. It tastes like real ice cream and is totally dairy-free.” The Cake Box

EPICUREAN DELIGHTS

Whether you're shopping with health and animal welfare in mind or looking for authentic ethnic ingredients, this list has you covered.

Saugatuck Provisions has a master butcher who sources meats from local farms; fresh oysters, other shellfish and fish; charcuterie and cheese; Italian pasta and sauces, as well as prepared roasts and sandwiches.

Double L Market brings you locally sourced produce, meats and select products that meet all the criteria for ingesting what will help you live to 100—and help the planet outlive you. Hudson Milk + Market delivers milk in glass bottles and fresh eggs to your door, as well as other dairy products, meat and produce—all from small familyowned farms.

Cucina Daniella offers fine Italian imports. Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli features produce, meat, fish, bread, snacks, drinks and gifts from Japan. For an Indian supermarket, visit Patel Brothers. And for all the spices you could ever dream of, Penzey’s is it. (I know a culinary enthusiast who travels here from Pennsylvania.)

Darien Cheese & Fine Foods has been bringing loyal turophiles the world’s finest cheeses since 1967. Modern Love Cheese and Provisions calls its shop a “foodie paradise,” and cheese lovers agree.

saugatuck provisions

580 Riverside Avenue, Westport hours: Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 203-557-3655

cucina daniella

Shop online or at the New Canaan Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and Westport Farmer’s Market on Thursday Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. Store opening soon! daniellasmarketplace.com

darien cheese & fine foods

25 Old Kings Highway North, Darien hours: Wed.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. dariencheese.com

VENERA ALEXANDROVA

Matcha Mille Crepe and Mochi Donuts from Shiro

double l market

730 Post Road East, Westport hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. doublelmarket.com

hudson milk + market hudsonmilk.com

maruichi japanese food & deli

1980 West Main Street, Stamford hours: Mon.–Sun. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. maruichius.net

modern love cheese and provisions

71 High Ridge Road, Stamford hours: Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

203-274-5190

@modernlovecheeseandprovisions on Instagram

patel brothers

330 Connecticut Avenue #3, Norwalk hours: Mon.–Sun. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. patelbros.com

penzey’s spices

197 Westport Avenue, Norwalk hours: Mon.–Sat.

10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. penzeys.com

CLEAN UP!

If you have watched You Are What You Eat or Live to 100 on Netflix, then no doubt you are all about cutting-the-crap. From new Green & Tonic and Sweetgreen locations to Supr. Food Kitchen (not just super food but its own parking lot off the Avenue), delicious health food has never been so abundant. Juice cleanses, acai bowls, superfood smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, seasonal soups, wraps, veggie burgers (Green & Tonic); warm grain bowls and salads, chock-full of colorful veggies, and topped with your favorite protein (Sweetgreen); all of the above and throw in some ethnic flair with saute bowls like Curry Up and Korean BBQ (Supr. Food)—yum!

supr. food kitchen

19 West Elm Street, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. suprfoodkitchen.com

sweetgreen

126 Heights Road, Darien hours: Mon.–Fri. 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

102 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Sun. 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. coming soon

374 Post Road East, Westport sweetgreen.com

green & tonic Cos Cob/Darien/ Westport/New Canaan

coming soon: Stamford & Old Greenwich

Check website for addresses and hours greenandtonic.com »

VENERA ALEXANDROVA

Saugatuck Provisions

PRIVATE AFFAIRS

Looking to throw a private dinner or party? Here is a handful of venues, each with its unique vibe, from private rooms at Bonda, The Goose and Townhouse to the charming Ned Dimes Marina Clubhouse (which may seem small, but this writer has personally tested it as a roller rink and proven it’s bigger than it looks) to the bright farm-to-table party space with a chef’s kitchen that is Tim’s Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farms

bonda

75 Hillside Road, Fairfield hours: Tues.–Fri. 5:30 pm.–9 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. bondarestaurant.com

ned dimes marina

clubhouse

50 Compo Beach Road, Westport $275 rental fee, 50 people or less westportct.gov

the goose

972 Boston Post Road, Darien hours: Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. thegoosedarien.com

townhouse

35 Church Street, Greenwich hours: Tues.–Thurs. 12–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 12 p.m.–11 p.m. townhousegreenwich.com

wakeman town farms –tim’s kitchen

134 Cross Highway, Westport wakemantownfarm.org

CATERING

e-mail:

contact@fineanddandyct.com

Rowayton fineanddandyct.com

There are numerous wonderful Fairfield County caterers, but here are a few fun ones you may not have tried yet.

Crepes Choupette will give your party Parisian flair with its French crepe food cart. Fine and Dandy offers its popular “elegant dinner party in a box”—with elegant being the operative word—as well as complete in-house culinary services. For a catered party of Mexican and fusion fare, Tumu’s spread is fresh, delicious and gorgeous.

crepes choupette

1027 Boston Post Rd, Darien hours: Tues. & Thurs.–Sat. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. crepeschoupette.com

WITH A TWIST GETTING IT WRITE

Set the tone for your event from the minute the invitation lands in your guests’ hands. Erica Jean Calligraphy promises to make every written detail special on invitations, envelopes, menus, place cards and seating charts. Erica can even paint custom designs for bottles and signs.

erica jean calligraphy e-mail: erica@ericajeancalligraphy .com; 917-742-2723 ericajeancalligraphy.com

tumu

203-292-3338.

e-mail: tumufood@gmail.com

2126 Post Road, Fairfield tumufoodtogo.com »

Tumu owner Karla Krassin

Crepes Choupette

FROM PERSONALIZED JEWELS TO FAB THRIFT STORE FINDS, YOUR NEXT UNIQUE PURCHASE IS IN THE BAG

Treasure Hunt Treasure Hunt

Make an elegant statement day or night with the new Mini Infinity crafted from Italian pebble leather, featuring two interior pockets as well as a convenient crossbody strap.

HEAVENLY HANDBAGS

harper lawrence harper-lawrence.com

Treat yourself—or your wife—to a luxury handbag from Harper Lawrence, crafted in Milan or Florence by master artisans using beautiful, ethically sourced, Italian leathers. Harper Lawrence was founded by Heather Harper (New Canaan) and Laura Wilcock (Darien) in 2015. In addition to a colorful, supremely stylish line of bags, the brand also offers gorgeous belts with interchangeable straps and buckles. The best part: A portion of all proceeds is donated to World Vision to help empower women and girls worldwide.

HIDDEN GEMS

Graduation and anniversary season is coming up, and these local jewelry makers have the answer for personal gifts that will be treasured for life—and even for generations to come.

lynne mercein fine jewelry lynnemercein.com

Lynne Mercein draws inspiration from beaches, mountains and countryside around the globe to design the unique pieces in her fine jewelry collection. The line caters to both men and women, with a range from everyday luxe to exquisite statement pieces. Lynne hand selects all gems, and each of her creations is a meticulously crafted work of art. Lynne also offers a bespoke service and collaborates with clients to create custom pieces or revive existing stones, giving a new lease on life to treasured family heirlooms.

This necklace, created for a client’s wedding day, is comprised of diamonds extracted from several inherited antique pieces for an extra special “something old, something new.”

genevieve lau genevievelau.com

Genevieve Lau

offers

devon woodhill devonwoodhill.com

one-of-a-kind and classic investment pieces. For the gift that keeps on giving, consider purchasing from the Giving collection. For each Loved necklace, Lucky Charm Clover and Imperfect Yet Perfect Heart necklace sold, one of the same necklaces is donated to someone struggling with illness or loss.

Devon Woodhill brings a modern edge to the classic locket and offers an array of customizable pieces on which to inscribe initials, messages or monograms: Signet rings, Mantra rings, Round Pinky rings, Heart charms, Circle charms and lockets to carry cherished photos close to your heart. There are even ultra-stylish charms for your favorite furry friend. To begin personalizing your piece, email makeitmine@devonwoodhill.com

Floral Dessert Plates, Found and Design

GIFT FINDS

It’s better to give than to receive—but chances are you are going to supplement your giftshopping with some irresistible finds for yourself from these shops and sites.

A quaint yet sophisticated little home shop, Found and Design offers new and vintage furniture and housewares, plus hostess gifts and a unique jewelry selection. Navy Lobster, a sweet underthe-radar gift shop, is impeccably curated and has become the go-to for in-the-know Greenwich gals. Visit Seaside Delights, on the river in Pinkney Park, for beachthemed apparel, art and gifts. Splurge offers an array of gifts including tween girl must-haves. But did you know Splurge offers instant custom printing on all sorts of items from frames to cutting boards? This service is offered while you wait, for instant, one-ofa-kind, personal gift creation. Visit Weekend Glow Candles’ site to discover a Stamford nurse’s passion project—homemade, nontoxic pretty candles. Founder, Melissa Kauffman, also offers candle-making classes at Stamford garden center Designs by Lee.

seaside delights

177 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Tues.–Thurs. & Sat. 11 a.m. –3 p.m., Fri. 12–5:00 p.m. seasidedelights.com

splurge

39 Lewis Street, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (203) 869-7600

weekend glow candles weekendglowcandles.com

IG: @weekendglow_candles

Candle-making classes: designsbylee.com/event-organizer/ weekend-glow-candles »

found and design

36 Elm Street, New Canaan (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. foundanddesign.com

navy lobster

58 William Street, Greenwich (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Tues.–Fri. 11 a.m. –5 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; 203-625-8243

IG: @navy_lobster

A custom Devon Woodhill monogram locket is a great gift for someone you love or as an expression of self love. From font to finish, diamond details to inner image, this locket is truly unique.

Weekend Glow Candles

Lucky Charm and Loved Necklaces

Pink & White

Be Well

Be Well

body fit training (BFT)

403 Post Road East, Westport bodyfittraining.com/location/ westport

OPTIONS FOR KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY IN TIP-TOP SHAPE

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

All the research points in the same direction: If you want a good, long life, get off the couch! Fortunately, in Fairfield County the options for creative and fun workouts are endless. Here are some gyms, studios and local gurus that your body needs—and may even crave once you’re hooked.

Body Fit Training just opened in Westport, and it’s attracting everyone from high school jocks to seasoned athletes with its progressive group strength training workouts that use science, excellent trainers and variety to keep you and your muscles engaged. fun fact: Former Westporter Mark Wilkerson (Melissa Joan Hart’s husband) opened a BFT in Nashville recently.

body shock

1362 Post Road East, Westport bodyshockstudio.com

Gerardo at Body Shock has a cult following for his half-cardio/halfweights workouts. He is a former dancer—with a heart transplant—so his healthy, holistic approach is not that of your standard muscle man.

hot phiit

138 East Putnam Road, Cos Cob 25 Old Kings Highway North, Darien hotphiit.com

Remember when hot yoga became all the rage? Well, the heat is now hitting interval training. Hot Phiit is an innovative studio that combines beat-based workouts with the healing benefits of FAR infrared heat. Expect a studio temp of 100 degrees and long, lean, flexible muscles as a result, plus a strong core and improved circulation.

Sarah Sadie Newett Hot Phiit

SARAH SADIE NEWETT BY CHRISTOPHER NEWETT; CONTRIBUTED

revolution training & rf youth boxing

18 Elmcroft Road, Stamford revolutiontrainingct.com rfyouthboxing.org

Black-owned Revolution Training/ RF Youth Boxing is the place to be for boxing enthusiasts and those who want to jab and hook their way to a toned, fit bod. Revolution Training even offers Byoga, combining vinyasa yoga and boxing fundamentals, and “white-collar boxing” matches. RF Youth Boxing hosts after-school, weekend and summer camp programs with an emphasis on providing a space where young people “can find connection, encouragement and empowerment through the art of boxing.”

HOLISTIC HEALTH

Wellness is at the very foundation of the good life and there are many paths to maximizing your physical and mental health.

rock pile golf club

600 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich rockpilegolfclub.com

Yearn to golf year-round, through blizzards, hail and rain? At Rock Pile Golf Club, an indoor golf club with state-of-the-art simulators and top-notch instructors, mud and frost bite are not concerns. Golfers won’t get in the steps of four hours walking a course, but a round of golf has never been so efficient. Plus, strength and speed training classes are available for the over-achievers.

25 Sylvan Road South, Westport indigowellnessgroup.com

sarah sadie newett

292 North Avenue, Westport sarahsadienewett.com

Group and private aerial classes … need we say more? Sarah will turn your fitness regime upside down, literally. For those with fear of heights, no worries. The SSN Method also draws from yoga and pilates, for mat workouts unlike anything you have tried.

christa martino astrologercoachchrista.com

Chances are you have not considered astrology as part of your wellness journey, but astrologer and life coach Christa Martino is sure to make you feel serene. (And our greenwich mag editor gives her an enthusiastic thumbs-up!) Christa's astrology consultations help to “unpack blocks, dismantle barriers, discern life lessons and tap into inner and cosmic resources to manifest vision, goals and dreams.”

Indigo Wellness melds traditional healing with modern wellness to nurture the mind, body and spirit with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, energy healing, grief therapy, holistic skincare, integrative nutrition, massage and psychotherapy.

SPRING CLEANING— YEAR ROUND

remedy by raven massage & bodywork remedybyraven.as.me

203-278-3385

the pilates advantage

414 Olmstead Hill Road, Wilton mindbodyonline.com/explore

The Pilates Advantage is “fantastic for overall health and for injury prevention and recovery,” raves a client. Enjoy private, semi-private and group training.

haus of hush

6 Glenville Street, Greenwich hausofhush.com

Haus of Hush is the place to go for balance and harmony. With astrology, compression therapy, Himalayan salt rooms, sound baths, reiki and more, the only hard part is leaving. Most services last 20 minutes, enabling clients to combine multiple therapies. (Christa Martino also books sessions at Hush.)

($120/hour, plus travel if more than 30 miles from Norwalk) Raven Redd brings her blissful massage therapy to the comfort of your own home, where you may lock her in and never let her leave. Whether to relieve muscle soreness or assist in injury recovery, Raven is a master. three treasures/sara beth 213 East Putnam Avenue (2nd floor) Cos Cob 3treasures-healing.com

jesse gestal/ organizing by jag revelinginit.com

indigo wellness group

66 Glenbrook Road, Stamford

Sarah Beth at Three Treasures offers cranial-sacral therapy, medical qigong and integrated energy therapy that clients swear by.

Nothing says wellness like a nice purge of neglected items cluttering up our closets and basements. Leave it to pro Jesse Gestal of Organizing by JAG to take a load off, and you are gonna feel extra light this spring. Only have a small task for her? No problem. She’s game for any project. She is also an artist, so you can add a playroom mural while you are subtracting junk. And Jesse knows your junk may be someone else’s treasure. She always donates usable items and recommends these organizations, if you are looking to do the same directly: Sharing Shelf, Neighbor to Neighbor, Pick Up Please (picks up donations), United Breast Cancer Foundation (also picks up) and Catholic Charities (picks up furniture); contact Ford at fsmith@ ccfc-ct.org or 475-319-1469). »

Haus of Hush Christa Martino

GET CRAFTY

make-modern’s sweet space offers

sewing and crafting classes for kids and adults, plus a summer camp—from remaking your bedroom in “Interior Designers” to channeling the Italian greats in “Pucci to Gucci: Italian Fashion Week.” 1985

ENQUIRING MINDS

curious jane camp is for girls who like to make things. Campers pick a theme each week, like Spy Science, Kitchen Chemistry, Room Makeover or Toy Design. Projects revolve around science, engineering and design.

Sessions are for K–1, 2–3, and 4–6. Rising 7–9 graders participate in the CIT program. August 12–16, Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East, Westport curiousjane.fun

ACTING OUT

Get behind the scenes and onscreen in one of triple threat academy’s award-winning short films directed by Golden Globe–nominee and Westport native Cynthia Gibb. Cast members from previous summers have traveled to Hollywood and New York City to see themselves on the big screen at major film festivals. 58 Post Rd. E, Westport, triplethreat.us

KITCHEN KIDS

Pass on the joy of cooking to your children with sur la table’s fun cooking and baking classes for kids and teens. 106 Heights Road #R102, Darien surlatable.com

NATURAL SELECTION

earthplace is not just for kids! Adults can enjoy Craft and Sip: Natural Dyeing on June 13, 6 to 8 p.m. and Earthplace Book Club: May 22, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (free). The group will discuss Eager by Ben Goldfard. Reserve a copy at your local library. Look for fun family events, too, like Themed Campfires and Group Canoe Paddles. 10 Woodside Lane, Westport earthplace.org

FASHION PLATES

ellen gang design studio

Fashion campers have fun as they learn fashion design skills through projects, lessons, style challenges and games. Completed projects might include skirts, tops, shorts, bags, decorating and dip dyeing–with a special focus on upcycling,

reusing, recycling and reinventing. fashion camp

Rising 4th to 7th Grades

Mon.–Fri. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 15–July 19

July 22–July 26

July 29–August 2

August 12–August 16

Westport; ellengangdesignstudio.com

SPEAKING UP

jill jaysen’s mission is: “Helping teens find their voice to stand up and speak for themselves and others and lead us into a better world.” She has coached kids on public speaking, standing out in the college admissions pool and achieving dreams on stage and screen, as well as bolstering confidence and self-esteem. Free, 10-minute parent phone consultation. Email: info@ admissionaccomplished.com

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

At shakespeare on the sound summer camp campers learn about performing Shakespeare’s text and work as an ensemble as they discover character and develop their very own play. For new and seasoned actors alike. No Shakespeare experience necessary. Ages 8 to 15; June 17– 21 and 24–28 (performance on June 28); 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Rowayton shakespeareonthesound.org/ summer-camps

RETRO CAMPOUT

Camping Under the Stars Night at the new canaan nature center is an event your kids will remember forever with camp tunes, an animal show, a night hike and—of course— s’mores. The Great American Campout: June 22, 3:30 p.m.–

June 23, 9:30 a.m. 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan newcanaannature.org »

LORAH HASKINS

Ellen Gang Design Studio

"Midsummer" of 2021 at Shakespeare On The Sound

GETTING GROUNDED

Check out tai chi, knitting, cooking and yoga for adults and Little Farmhands and Little Chefs programs for the kiddos at lachat town farm, an educational and cultural facility dedicated to fostering a connection with community and the land. Westonites can rent a bed in the community garden.

106 Godfrey Road West, Weston lachattownfarm.org

WHAT’S NEW ON STAGE

There are so many wonderful open-air summer stage events to consider as temperatures rise: New Canaan Summer Theatre, Waveny Park Concert Series (New Canaan), Levitt Pavilion concerts (Westport), Shakespeare on the Sound (at Pinkney Park in Rowayton), events at Grace Farms (New Canaan), Alive at 5 concert series at Mill River Park (Stamford), performances at the Hartford Health Care Amphitheater (Bridgeport), shows at Binney Park and Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (Greenwich), to name a few. We won’t elaborate on those out-inplain-sight gems, but we do have the scoop on a few new developments on the theater scene.

Westport Country Playhouse

Connecticut Stage Company

westport country playhouse has all kinds of new programming, including “Barnstormers”—a series of small events from cabarets to play readings—in the Lucille Lortel White Barn adjacent to the theater, which provide an opportunity for local artists to exercise their creative muscle in a cozy and intimate setting.

“From the Page to the Stage” Playhouse tours led by Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller are available to the public by reservation. The 90-minute guided tours explore backstage, the green room, dressing rooms, scene shop, costume designs and set models. Participants will stand on the same stage where Gene Wilder, James Earl Jones, Jane Fonda, Eartha Kitt, Paul Newman and, more recently, Jonathan Groff, Kelli O’Hara and Patti LuPone have performed Historic anecdotes reveal how the Playhouse, originally a cow barn, provided inspiration for the creation of Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady and moved 42 plays to Broadway.

25 Powers Court (off Route 1), Westport westportplayhouse.org

connecticut stage company launched last fall with its debut production Into the Woods. The staged reading at New Canaan Library brought out Broadway stars Jacob Keith Watson (Merrily We Roll Along), Nicole Ferguson (Days of Wine and Roses), Nick Rehberger and Eric Chambliss (both Fiddler on the Roof) to wow audiences with their powerhouse voices, alongside local talent.

CSC, an artistic haven for creators, storytellers and supporters of the arts, is “dedicated to producing quality theatrical performances with and for our community.”

26 Forest Street, New Canaan connecticutstagecompany.org

WITH FULL HEARTS

Meet the determined people behind a growing grassroots Fairfield County movement committed to preventing sudden cardiac arrest and saving lives in our communities // by Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick // photography by Kyle Norton //

from left: Deborah and Artie DiRocco, Mike Papale, Eva Saint, Melissa Fay, Sarah Swanberg

January 9, 2023, began as a normal day for Melissa

Fay. The busy Stamford mom was juggling a lot, but that wasn’t unusual. Her daytime calendar had been full of meetings for her job at investment banking firm Drexel Hamilton, where she was in charge of capital markets and on the partner track.

And on that cold, rainy night, she had taken her youngest child, son Wyatt, to swim practice at the New Canaan YMCA.

Normally, she would have used Wyatt’s hour of pool time for a quick run at nearby Waveny Park.

The former Navy helicopter pilot, who had served a tour of duty in Bahrain after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, was also a veteran of two marathons. At 45, with work and the calendars of two busy kids to manage, running had evolved into a way to squeeze fitness into her life. “Mostly, I ran because it was a fast way to burn some calories,” she explains with a laugh. Whenever she could, Fay preferred to log her miles outside. “The air would clear my head and it was a little time for me.”

But that evening Melissa had no interest in sloshing through Waveny’s trails in the bonechilling winter rainstorm. She asked a YMCA staffer if she could take a run on a treadmill instead while Wyatt swam.

Walking into the Wellness Center, instead of heading into the park, proved fateful. For moments later, a group of strangers would save Fay’s life when her heart suddenly, inexplicably stopped beating.

A video from the Y’s cameras—which Fay still hasn’t seen—shows her crumpling on a treadmill mid-stride. It also shows the bystanders who stepped in, without hesitation, and began administering CPR before using an

AED (automated external defibrillator) device to jumpstart her heart as Fay experienced a medical phenomenon known as sudden cardiac arrest.

Those heroic interveners included Eva Saint, the YMCA’s wellness director who did chest compressions, and Peter Aster, a retired registered nurse and professor who had been running near Fay on another treadmill. He assisted with life-saving breaths and helped Saint administer an AED shock to Fay’s heart while YMCA staffers called 911 and moved exercise machines, making way for her rescuers, the New Canaan EMS ambulance team whose station was, luckily, just up the road. When the EMTs arrived, they gave Fay’s heart another AED jolt as they worked to keep her alive on route to Norwalk Hospital.

“We didn’t think she was going to make it,” Fay’s friend Sarah Swanberg says of the scary week that followed when she fought for her life in a medically induced coma. “But it was like all the stars aligned to keep her alive. It was hard for us to believe all the things that were stacked in her favor that night. She ran inside; the guy on the next treadmill was a nurse. They had an AED machine nearby and people there knew how to use it. The EMTs were just a mile away.”

That is how Fay became one lucky mother. And it is why she and a group of her closest Stamford mom friends have become part of a growing grassroots Fairfield County movement to educate their communities about sudden cardiac arrest, teach them CPR and donate lifesaving AEDs into places ranging from breweries, to little league dugouts and yoga studios.

“We were so grateful to have our friend, to know her amazing kids would have a mother and Kevin [Fay’s husband] would have a wife,” says Swanberg, an acupuncturist and founder of Indigo Wellness, a holistic integrative health practice based in Stamford and Westport. “We knew we had to do something to pay it forward. And we decided, the best way to do that was to make sure other people knew how to save a life and had the ability to do it.”

In a Heartbeat

The sudden cardiac arrest that took Fay down at the New Canaan YMCA treadmill last year is medically quite different from what most of us might recognize as a heart attack. With sudden cardiac arrest there are no telltale chest pains, no shortness of breath or time to call out

TRAINING

PHOTO: SARAH SWANBERG

this page: Sarah Swanberg, Melissa Fay, Eva Saint opposite page: Mike Papale leads a training at Third Place by Half Full in February.

this page: Mike Papale opposite page: Melissa Fay and Sarah Swanberg of Lucky Mother present Conor Horrigan of Half Full Brewery with an AED.

for help. Anyone who watched Buffalo Bill’s defensive back Damar Hamlin’s devastating collapse following a tackle during January 2023 NFL game has witnessed the distinction.

“The biggest difference between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack is there’s no warning,” says Mike Papale, a 34-year-old Stamford resident and boys’ basketball coach at Fairfield Prep. Papale, like Fay, survived a sudden cardiac arrest when he was just 17. He explains the differences to the uninitiated this way: “A heart attack tends to be a plumbing problem and sudden cardiac arrest is more like a wiring problem.”

Some sudden cardiac arrests can be caused by trauma, as Hamlin's was. In rare cases, with Fay’s being a good example, there’s no obvious medical explanation for why someone’s heart just stops.

Until last January, Fay had been in exceptional health. As a young woman, she had powered through the rigors of the grueling plebe year at Annapolis with no complications. She passed the exhaustive battery of tests required to put her in control of a Navy helicopter with no red flags. “We all thought she was just a badass,” says Swanberg.

“I have gone as far as the Mayo Clinic looking for answers on why this happened,” Fay says. “And the best one I can get, is that I’m one of about 30 percent of cases where there’s no explanation. I am completely healthy. The doctors tell me my heart is anatomically boring.”

Papale’s story of sudden cardiac arrest was different and far more common. He suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a fairly common congenital condition that affects the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. Over time, it can cause the chamber’s walls to get stiff and thicken and is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest.

The Wethersfield native was an ambitious high school basketball player with college playing aspirations when he collapsed at his coach dad’s summer basketball camp.

“I was just sitting on the bleachers when I slumped over and fell to my knees,” says Papale. “It was so out of nowhere that people, including my dad and my brother, were standing around trying to figure out what was wrong.”

Like Fay, Papale’s life was saved by the quick intervention of a CPR-trained volunteer firefighter/EMT who just happened to be next door when his pager went off. “By the time he got to me I was turning blue,” says Papale.

I'm 17.

I play basketball. I look healthy and my heart just stops. It made people want to do something.

MIKE PAPALE

In a Heartbeat

“There was no AED machine in the gym. He saved my life and the CPR he gave me meant my brain continued to receive oxygen during the time I was down.” Without that, Papale adds, the results could have been catastrophic causing brain damage and a host of life-altering complications.

Papale and his parents first learned of his heart condition, which could have been detected with a routine EKG, at the hospital. “They are being told, 'Your son is probably not going to make it.' And it was really hard for them to wrap their minds around how they could not know something was so terribly wrong with my heart.”

Papale’s near-death experience spurred his family and community into action. “I’m 17. I play basketball. I look healthy and my heart just stops. It made people want to do something,” Papale says.

Early on, he and his mother partnered with the American Heart Association, advocating for CPR training throughout the state. His family joined the lobbying efforts to support successful passage of a Connecticut law that now requires AED devices in all schools.

At 25 when Papale was working a dream job

EVENT PHOTOGRAPH: RACHAEL LASNICK

for the men’s team at his alma mater, Quinnipiac University, complications with the automated defibrator implanted in his chest at 17 required lifesaving open heart surgery. “It just made us all that more determined to give people the ability to save other people’s lives,” says Papale.

He is the founder and president of In a Heartbeat, a nonprofit that works to prevent deaths from sudden cardiac arrest and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Now a coach at Fairfield Prep, he also works as community relations manager for Guilford-based AED manufacturer Defibtech.

And that’s how Papale's and Fay’s lives have fatefully intersected.

These two survivors, each grateful for lives filled with second chance days, both call Stamford home.

Papale and his girlfriend moved to the city last year, joining the burgeoning community of young professional urban apartment dwellers.

This year they began collaborating when Fay’s determined friends who formed a pay-itforward alliance—the aptly named nonprofit Lucky Mother—with the goal of promoting CPR training while raising funds to donate AED devices to more local places where people

This can happen anytime, anywhere. And we're trying to make a difference one town, one community at a time.

ARTIE AND DEBORAH DIROCCO

gather.

Fay and Swanberg, who first met at their daughters’ kindergarten open house, are part of a closeknit group of Stamford moms dubbed the “four musketeers,” which also includes Carolyn Kagan and Amy Baker Casden. They share the bonds of book group, raising kids of similar ages and “just clicking.” Swanberg says she and Fay are the unlikely pairing in the mix. “We didn’t think we’d be friends. The first time I met her, I was wearing overalls and she was wearing her black business dress and pearls. I do acupuncture. She was in the Navy and seemed so buttoned up and corporate.”

But during the Covid-19 pandemic the friends formed a pod for their children. Friendships deepened. They pitched in to help when Carolyn’s teenage son had a heart transplant two months before Fay’s collapse.

After Fay’s sudden cardiac arrest, Swanberg says their shaken circle wanted to manifest their gratitude. “We’re all busy women, but we get s**t done,” she says.

Lucky Mother began with modest intentions, Swanberg says. The goal was to raise enough money to distribute a few AED machines in Stamford, but a January fundraiser exceeded their goals, netting $11,000.

Lucky Mother donated proceeds to In a Heartbeat because of Papale’s experiences as a survivor, CPR trainer and his larger platform. “He has the knowledge to educate people and he lives and breathes this stuff,” says Swanberg.

“These women are just so incredible and on it,” Papale says of their ongoing collaboration. “And as someone who is new to Stamford, they have opened a lot of doors for me, which just makes everything we do so much more impactful.”

Case in point was the sold-out CPR training class for 60 people Lucky Mother hosted with In a Heartbeat at Third Place by Half Full Brewery in February.

The training’s emotional significance was palpable as Papale and Fay each shared parts of their stories to a rapt audience. “You are looking at two people who would not be here had it not been for bystanders who gave them CPR,” Swanberg told the room. There were hugs and tears, and a shared sense of vulnerability.

Papale spent an hour teaching participants the basics of CPR and how to use an AED.

Test dummies spread throughout the room became a proving ground for his message that the relatively simple act of strategically placing

BETH COONEY FITZPATRICK

this page: Artie and Deborah DiRocco with a picture of their son George opposite page: Trainees at the February event

communities in action :

The New Canaan YMCA

Melissa Fay’s sudden cardiac arrest at the New Canaan YMCA last year “validated everything we do as an organization to train and be prepared for events like this,” says its Executive Director Margaret Riley. “Up until that night, we had people here for twenty years who had never been called on to use their (CPR) training, but we were so grateful to be there when it was needed.”

The days after Fay’s collapse were punctuated by a mix of gratitude and some residual trauma for the YMCA staff. “We were completely in shock,” adds Wellness Director Eva Saint, who still downplays her

crisscrossed hands on someone’s chest and purposely pressing down to a rhythmic beat— he suggests humming the Bee Gee’s tune Stayin’ Alive—can give someone a chance at survival until emergency responders arrive.

Papale took on the many unfortunate myths that persist around administering CPR; fallacies he says keep too many people from attempting lifesaving basics. One myth is that administering CPR is tricky. (It’s not.) Another is good samaritans face risks, including catching a disease or doing something wrong.

Worried about germs? “You don’t have to do mouth-to-mouth breathing. The most important thing is doing those chest compressions,” Papale tells his students. And as for risking a lawsuit if there’s a bad outcome:

role administering CPR to Fay. “When it happens, you are just on auto pilot. All your training kicks in and you automatically just want to jump in and help. But afterwards it was very emotional. Here’s this woman who was a helicopter pilot. You look at her and say, 'How could this be happening to someone who was obviously so young and healthy.' ”

On April 28, the YMCA hosted its second Hands for Life New Canaan, a daylong free community event featuring CPR trainings. A similar event held in 2013 trained more than a thousand town residents. “The goal is to create a community of confident and effective bystanders,” says Riley. “We saw what that could mean with Melissa and her experience was front and center at what motivated us to do this again.”

“Good samaritan laws protect you,” Papale says. “You can’t be sued for trying to save a life.”

More George

Through Papale, Fay met Wilton residents Artie and Deborah DiRocco who lost their kindhearted and outgoing 16-year-old son, George, to a sudden cardiac arrest in September 2020.

George played baseball and football at Wilton High School, but his tragic death happened while he was at rest, attending a weekend backyard barbecue at a friends’ house. Much like Mike Papale’s family, the DiRoccos had no idea their son suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

“We assumed when this happened that what

happened to George had to be rare,” says his mother. “But we learned within a month that it was not so rare at all.”

Artie DiRocco points out than an estimated one in 300 kids has the same heart defect as George and Mike Papale, making them vulnerable to a sudden cardiac arrest. “And sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in America,” he says. “We lose 350,000 people a year to this. The idea that we can do things to prevent it is motivating us.”

The DiRoccos desire to prevent more tragedies inspired them to start More George, a nonprofit which, like Lucky Mother, works in close partnership with In a Heartbeat to sponsor free EKG heart screenings for children, teens and young adults, while also promoting CPR training and the distribution of AED devices.

The nonprofit’s name was inspired by something the family’s minister said at George’s funeral, as he reflected on the comments many people made about the teen's spirit and what had made him such a beloved son, brother and friend. “He simply said, 'The world needs more George; more kindness more compassion, more integrity,'” Deborah says. “The title stuck with me. I felt like there was something pushing us to call it More George.”

“This can happen anytime, anywhere,” says Artie. “And we’re trying to make a difference one town, one community at a time,” says Deborah.

To date, More George has been responsible for the screenings of thousands of teens at high schools in Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport and Trumbull, while placing AED devices at every sports field in Wilton. In August 2024, More George will partner with In a Heartbeat to offer CPR training to more than 800 teachers, educators and staff of the Wilton Public Schools.

The couple has also joined forces with State Rep. Tom O’Dea to advocate for proposed legislation that will make EKGs a mandatory part of school sports physicals. “This is a simple test that takes 10 minutes but it isn’t being done, primarily because insurance doesn’t pay for it,” says Artie. “It needs to happen.”

Fay hopes to volunteer at their community EKG screening events and rally the Lucky Mother crew to join her.

A few days after the February training, Fay reflects on what was accomplished that Saturday morning as scores of people joined the CPR-certified ranks, including her parents. “It all left me in awe,” she says.

She says her “finance brain” loves what Lucky Mother accomplished in a short time. There are the AED machines they donated to Half Full, Connecticut Power Yoga, Indigo Wellness, the Alliance Center and all those CPR certifications. And more planned already.

“I don’t know where this will all go,” she says of what Lucky Mother started. “But I love the idea that we are doing things that could save another life.”

When we talked, it has been 13 months since she left Norwalk Hospital, just a remarkable week after her sudden cardiac arrest. After taking things slow for a while—and lots of assurances from her doctors—Fay eased back into her workaday life. She recently made partner

at Drexel Hamilton, a veteran-owned-andoperated firm she’s proud to be part of because of its commitment to hiring and investing in her fellow veterans, many who served in combat. She is busy taking her kids to their activities. And yes, she is running again. In other words, she’s back to being kind of badass.

To partner with or make donations to these essential organizations, and to learn more about upcoming CPR trainings, EKG screenings, AED donations near you, please visit:

InAHeartbeat.org

Lucky-Mother.com

MoreGeorge.org

HEARTFELT GOODS

Conor Horrigan put the tap on serendipity when his team at Stamford’s Half Full Brewery launched Revive, a potent new IPA in January. Punctuated with hints of tropical fruits and some sassy bitterness, the IPA kicks things into high gear with an 8.5 percent alcohol content. Horrigan had already named Revive when he began collaborating with Lucky Mother, but the tie-in to its lifesaving mission inspired him. “It was a complete coincidence, but then I realized it’s the perfect way to support this cause,” he says. He is donating a portion of Revive’s sales to In a Heartbeat.

Also pitching in is Kylie O’Connor of Stamford-based Kylie’s Custom Creations. She envisioned her cozy cotton-

blend Lucky Mother hoodies— emblemized with the org’s logo and the phrase ‘CPR Certified’ on the back—as a way to honor her late mother while supporting Lucky Mother’s efforts. She’s donating 20 percent of the proceeds from the sales to In a Heartbeat.

One Lucky Mother's Re-Birthday

Januarys fundraising event at Third Place raised $11,000, far exceeding Fay and friends expectations.

Melissa Fay with her circle of support the "I Like Big Books" club who work to educate about sudden cardiac arrest.

Fay with In a Heartbeat hero award winners Eva Saint and Peter Aster

Bridget Fox and Kathy Fox

Sherrill Fay, Kirsten Martinko, Christine Lee

RACHAEL LASNICK

to our participating restaurants and this year’s sponsors!

2024 SPONSORS

9TH ANNUAL

RESTAURANT WEEK

2024 PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

BE Chocolat

Bianca Restaurant & Bar

Bistro V & Versailles Patisserie

Coffee for Good Dos Hombres

The Ginger Man

Grigg Street Pizza

Hinoki

La Taqueria

L’escale

Little Pub Greenwich

Méli-Mélo

Miku Sushi

Moli

Owl’s Brew

Siren RestoBar

SONO1420

Tony’s at the J House

Val’s Putnam Wine & Liquor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE NORTON

• Special section following our annual Top Lawyers editorial feature

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

• Custom profile created for your practice

• Reach an audience of 200,000+ families and local residents

• One year inclusion in our online lawyers directory

• Bonus issue distribution to local events reaching families, charitable organizations and community influencers Issue Date:

Please join us for an afternoon luncheon at The Country Club of New Canaan

Thursday, May 9 at 11:30am newcanaannature.org

Day & Boarding School Fair

Wednesday, May 8

5–7 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: schoolstoknow.com/fairs

Co-Presented by:

DA MONSTA

Readers may find it hard to decipher the location of this issue's cover story photo shoot. What does a building with no right angels actually look like? Well, it is our pleasure to introduce you to Da Monsta! Part building, part sculpture, Da Monsta was constructed in 1995 and is the final structure Philip Johnson designed on The Glass House property before his passing ten years later.

photograph by paul warchol

ONS has been named a Top 5 Orthopedic Center of Excellence in the nation by Castle Connolly, recognizing our outstanding quality and expertise. They also named 33 ONS specialists to its prestigious roster of Top Doctors. See the premiere Orthopedic and Neurosurgery practice in Fairfield and Westchester counties. ONSMD.com