11 Students Who are Leading the Way BEYOND THE GPA 10 STRATEGIES FROM A LOCAL EXPERT TO HELP YOUR STUDENT STUCCEED
SUCCESS THE SECRET BEHIND OUR RISING SQUASH DYNASTIES
SCULPTED CABLE COLLECTION
2025 TEENS TO WATCH
Meet this year’s teen trailblazers from New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton—each a force in their own right. Among them, twin sisters set to take their field hockey talents to the Ivy League, a young prodigy that’s already discovered a nebula, and a dancer leaping toward her dreams. This constellation of talent also includes standout athletes, a farmer whose passion yielded 100+ pumpkins for a school fair and a future sports manager who commands the sidelines.
by liz barron
86 FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE: TEN ACTIONABLE
TIPS
FOR PARENTS AND TEENS Get your student on the path to success. Local educational counselor Kate Stone shares ten tips to help your child prepare for their future in high school and beyond.
on the cover:
2025 teens to watch at van dyk recycling solutions in norwalk cover photography by katharine calderwood
NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025, VOL. 25, NO. 5. NEW CANAAN DARIEN & ROWAYTON (ISSN 1942-1028) is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices.
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8 EDITOR’S LETTER
10 FOUNDER’S LETTER
48
13 STATUS REPORT
BUZZ The rise of squash in our schools; a Darien author releases the second book in her YA series; a New Canaan native’s hobby turns into a creative business DO Greens Ledge is transforming hands-on learning; tips on finding the right therapist SHOP Getting ready for fall EAT New Canaan’s Saisons Sucrees; Darien’s Roots Ocean Prime
53 PEOPLE & PLACES
114 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
116 POSTSCRIPT
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editor’s letter
LOCAL INSPIRATION
Back when my kids were in elementary school, I was the chair of the yearbook committee. It was the best volunteer job because I got to go into the school and take photos of the kids on special days—my favorite being Veterans Day, when the school put on a big celebration to honor students’ family members that had served our country.
My least favorite part of that job was choosing two winners from the 40+ “Cover Contest” submissions we received from fourth graders hoping to see their artwork grace the front or back of that year’s yearbook. Each submission was original and creative. You could tell the how much time and effort the students had put into their artwork. They all deserved to be on the cover.
This experience is very similar to picking the students featured in this issue’s “Teens to Watch” (page 64). We were truly inspired by the overwhelming response and incredible nominations we received, making the selection process feel like an impossible task.
The 2025 Teens to Watch represent a diverse range of accomplishments. They all excel in academics and are leaders in their school communities. They are also budding entrepreneurs and innovative artists. Some are passionate advocates, others are scientific trailblazers. Their stories are a testament to the bright future being shaped by the next generation right here in our towns.
In this issue, we also highlight the incredible programs that our tireless
community members have created to give our children amazing opportunities. Like the group of local residents that purchased and restored the Greens Ledge Lighthouse who are now transforming it into an educational hub and a living lab for students (page 25). We also look at how our town squash programs are producing some of the country’s top players and attracting the world-ranked coaches who help them get there (page 13).
On page 86, we talk to a different type of coach—the college counseling kind. Darien native Kate Stone shares ten things that will help your teen succeed in high school and beyond.
As always, we celebrate new additions to the local culinary scene, with the opening of an incredible French bakery in New Canaan (page 46) and a steak and seafood hotspot in Darien (page 48).
We also celebrate new projects by some of our creative neighbors. Darien’s Carrie Seim recently released a new book (page 16) in her YA series Horse Girl—which my 11-year-old gave two thumbs-up. And New Canaan native Mary Jane Macdonald shares her heartwaming custom childrens art (page 20).
It’s another issue chock-full of stories about local people (both adults and teens) doing amazing things and inspiring us all. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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“Resign yourselves to the fact that your kids’ antics will put new meaning into old saws like “Ignorance is bliss”. . .
OF MINORS & MISCHIEF
Kids will be kids.
One thing I’ve learned in life is that with the arrival of your first child, your life changes on a dime. You’re not prepared for the high jinks ahead. You’ll find out—long after the fact, if you’re lucky—that they can be daredevils or just plain devils. Maybe some of our amazing teens in this issue will remember when. Who knows?
Some examples, starting with the devils. There’s no generation gap on this subject. On Halloween my brothers and I used to gum the doorbells of people who didn’t open up for trick-or-treaters. John Sinclair’s gang once made a very realistic dummy and strung it up the flagpole at the Riverside Yacht Club, and when the German groundskeeper came to put the flags up and found a body hanging from the yardarm, he almost had a heart attack.
Young Jimmy Bourne had a serious collection of fireworks. In a line of sailboats being towed to a race at Seawanaka, he and Bob Loghren were having a grand old time tossing out cherry bombs so they’d explode under water and splash everyone behind them. But one blew a plank right out of the bottom of the Timmy Edlund’s Lightning. And a couple I know were invited to a party at the Frantz Sr.’s long ago and were greeted in the driveway by some boys—including their son—mooning the guests as they arrived.
Then there are the daredevils. I remember chasing my friends around the rooftops of our apartment complex, and up and down fire escapes nine stories high. That is, until the superintendent caught us peeking in his windows.
I ’d have a son who, along with some buddies and our golden retriever Charlie, would wait until the water was frozen solid then hike across the ice from Willowmere beach to Tod’s Point. He and Jimmy Sheehan also liked to climb up under the overpasses above I-95
to catch pigeons, including the section that later plunged into the Mianus River. When the police finally caught on, “We had to come down,” says Jonathan. “Besides, they had our bikes.”
But not to be outdone, his little sister Audrey and the girls worked the underground— crawling through the sewer drainage pipe on one side of Willowmere Avenue and emerging on the other. “We even chased raccoons through there,” she recalls with glee. Ironically, Audrey ended up with teenage sons who liked to hang out in the sewer system near Weston School—a middle school rite of passage.
A generation earlier, Alex Platt’s group bought secondhand bikes at Buzz’s for five or ten dollars and rode them off the end of the dock at the yacht club to see how far they could sail in the air before hitting the water. Ropes were tied to their fenders so the boys could pull them up from the bottom and do it again.
“Everything we did, we invented,” Alex reflected at the 50th reunion of the Riverside School Class of ’51. “Nothing was packaged.”
But cars have always been the really big thing. At age 13, Cristin Marandino and two Greenwich Academy classmates decided to take the family Subaru for a spin, Cristin at the wheel, and hit a pickup truck. And oh, yes, John Sinclair and some buddies once piled into the Fannings’ car in the Riverside Yacht Club parking lot and drove it all the way up Riverside Avenue and across the Post Road to North Mianus School—backwards.
Of course, some daredevils never grow up. In college I watched my date, an engineering major from Babson, drive his Volkswagen into Lake Waban to see if it would float. It didn’t.
So, parents, just resign yourselves to the fact that your kids’ antics will put new meaning into old saws like “Ignorance is bliss” and “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.”
You’re better off in the dark.
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SQUASH AT FULL SPEED
WITH THE HELP OF INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONALS AND PARENT VOLUNTEERS, SQUASH IS RISING IN THE RANKS OF OUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
by elizabeth hole
photography by katharine calderwood
Squash may be an old racket sport dating back to 1830, yet it keeps attracting new talent. Making its Olympic debut in the 2028 Summer Olympics, squash has expanded from its private school and country club origins by offering more accessible facilities and instruction in Fairfield County and beyond. New Canaan and Darien have built thriving youth programs with top-ranked players and, today, both towns’ high schools are highly competitive in FairWest, the country’s largest public school squash league.
President and Founder of New Canaan Squash Liz Schmidt has a creative way to explain the fast-paced sport: “Squash is like playing chess at 100 miles per hour.” She helped grow the sport locally when her oldest daughter Hillary used her passion for squash to start a club at New Canaan High School (NCHS) in 2006 after the family moved from Greenwich.
“The squash club started playing in Stamford with Damian Walker,” says Schmidt. “He was the first coach, and he helped New Canaan and Darien get teams.” Similarly, Darien High School (DHS) squash began as a club team before it became a varsity sport in 2007.
Along with volunteers and public-school support, Schmidt helped formalize the FairWest Public School Squash Association in 2008, which includes teams within Fairfield and Westchester counties. “We followed what private schools had been doing and legitimized our program,” says Schmidt. “We’re proud to have grown and developed it.”
Last year, approximately 500 high school players were part of the FairWest league. Younger students can play at the elementary and middle school levels through the volunteer-led town organizations, which serve as feeder programs.
For Kevin Davis, Board of Directors Chair for Darien Squash and the FairWest Public School
Squash Association, it is important to foster the growth of squash and share it with a wider audience.
“The goal of FairWest is to promote squash in a way that is attainable within public schools and Squash + Education Alliance [SEA] programs,” says Davis. “We try to create a program that's affordable and open to people with no experience. Our mission is to get as many kids to play as possible.”
Even in high school, students can start the sport as beginners.
Liz Koons, a parent of two squash players and a volunteer serving on the Darien Squash Board of Directors, likes how the school invites every type of player.
“The Darien High School team welcomes everyone and doesn’t make cuts,” says Koons. “We’re lucky to have a strong coaching staff who can accommodate every level.”
The DHS squash team is led by Varsity Head Coach Katline Cauwels, who was named “2024 Coach of the Year” by U.S. Squash. She’s a former Belgian National Junior Champion and National Ladies Champion. During her career on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour, she achieved a world ranking of 40. Cauwels, who calls squash “a sport that shaped me for life,” is excited about opportunities players have after high school.
“Squash is opening so many good doors to colleges across the country,” says Cauwels. “There are 50 American schools ready to take
on athletes who can experience a second dimension to college life.”
DHS graduates have gone on to play for schools such as the University of Virginia, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Penn, Cornell, Columbia, Middlebury and Colby. The DHS girls team won the FairWest League for the first time during the 2025 season, while the boys won it in 2023. Both teams have competed nationally as well.
“It is important to build strong, happy people,” says Cauwels. “We make big and small dreams come true. It’s the best job in the world.”
Cauwels is married to famed squash coach Shaun Moxham, and their two children are competitive players who recently made history as the first siblings to win the Belgian National Senior titles in the same year. Maddox Moxham is a 2025 DHS graduate who now plays at Harvard, while Savannah Moxham, a former U.S. No. 1 in the under-17 category, is a high school junior still involved in the college recruiting process. Cauwels and Moxham are the founders of MSquash training academy in South Norwalk and Port Chester, New York. The DHS team practices at MSquash SoNo during the season, and many players train there (and at Chelsea Piers in Stamford) during the off-season as well.
At New Canaan High School, the team is coached by another international talent, Zac Alexander. The Australian pro won 27 PSA World Tour titles and was once
ranked No. 36 in the world. He also serves as head pro at Country Club of New Canaan, where the NCHS team trains and competes. The team also holds practices and matches at New Canaan Country School.
According to Alexander, “Squash is a vibrant and enthusiastic community, and it’s been voted the ‘World’s Healthiest Sport’ by Forbes magazine. Both the health benefits and limited financial burden mean that getting kids to play should be a priority for anyone who hasn’t yet tried it.”
Alexander trains players from fifth to 12th grade. “With a decades-long history, New Canaan Squash has been a fantastic competitive, athletic avenue for hundreds of students,” says Alexander. “Seeing our players achieve All-American status and thrive on college teams is inspiring for our next crop of athletes.”
Since earning the title of “No. 2 public high school team in the country” in 2015, NCHS has maintained a strong tradition of graduates playing at the collegiate level, including at The University of Virginia, Williams, The University of Chicago, University of Richmond, Denison, Northeastern, Notre Dame, Bucknell, NYU and Hamilton.
For more information, visit ncsquash.com, dariensquash.com or fairwestsquash.com.
“there are 50 american schools ready to take on athletes who can experience a second dimension to college life.”
– katline cauwels varsity head coach of darien high school and co-founder of msquash
TAKING THE REINS
DARIEN'S CARRIE SEIM CELEBRATES HER NEW BOOK RELEASE AND A LIVE-ACTION TV ADAPTATION OF HER POPULAR FICTION SERIES. by
liz barron
For a jack of all trades who thrives on the rush of performing and live audiences, writing offers a welcome creative escape. “I love the combination of going back and forth between writing, performing and other various creative projects— it keeps me on my toes,” says Carrie Seim, author of Horse Girl and the new book, Horse Camp: A Horse Girl Mystery .
“If you want to be a writer, you have to get comfortable with solitude and almost becoming friends with your own brain and your imagination,” Seim notes. “Performing or writing with others is different and really lights up
another side, and that creative collaborative process just fuels everything.” She cites writing for television series as a prime example, calling it a “group effort,” where “you get to touch on the best of everything.” Seim’s Horse Girl series was recently optioned by a production company and is currently in development as a live-action series.
A former globe-trotting travel writer, Seim grew up in Nebraska before moving to big cities like Los Angeles and New York City. She draws on her own personal experiences to craft her fictional characters’ journeys.
“As a little girl, I rode with my
“the horse girl books really are a love letter to my sister and sisters in general. ” – carrie seim, author
sister, and we attended horse camp,” Seim recalls. “But I quickly found out that I was severely allergic to horses. And pre-Claritin, I knew that I wouldn’t ever be able to ride the way I had dreamed of.”
While her sister became the rider, Seim found joy in supporting and cheering her on. “The Horse Girl books really are a love letter to my sister and
caption
A PASSION FOR PAGES
“I have always wanted to write a book, but just assumed it would be an adult rom-com,” reflects Seim. It was a similar sentiment she felt about writing children’s television series back when she was performing live at Groundlings, an improv comedy theater in LA. “It just proves that comedic skill transcends all ages and audiences,” she says.
Seim had just finished writing for two children’s Nickelodeon variety specials when she unexpectedly encountered a book editor on a canoe on the Long Island Sound. “It was far from the usual publishing path,” jokes Seim. A mutual friend had built the vessel and had invited both to its inaugural paddle. When the editor mentioned he was always looking for funny book ideas for with young girls, Seim, feeling prepared for that exact moment, pitched her idea for Horse Girl.
When creating characters for the first Horse Girl book, Seim believed that simply loving her characters would be enough and began writing without an outline. “Halfway through I realized
that was a bad decision and took a pause,” she explains.
During this break, Seim was hired by Audible to write The Flying Flamingo Sisters as an audiobook. Determined not to make the same mistake twice, she wrote a very detailed outline, which proved incredibly helpful. She later returned to Horse Girl to rework the draft. “The adage that ‘writing is rewriting’ is so true,” she says.
A FAMILIAR VOICE
While most audiobooks feature narrators other than their authors, Seim’s background in comedy and performing made her the natural choice to read her own story. “I still had to audition, just like everyone else though,” Seim notes. “I did a lot of rehearsing in my closet and recorded Horse Girl there during the pandemic.”
The deeply personal connection Seim has with her work goes far beyond the performance aspect; her own life and family are the muse for her storytelling.
i still had to audition, just like everyone else though. i did a lot of rehearsing in my closet and recorded horse girl there during the pandemic.”
– carrie seim, on narrating the audio version of her newest novel
Family lies at the heart of Seim’s work. “I touch on the dynamics between siblings— the arguing, the heart, wildly different interests and passions," says Seim. “They are all inspired by my sister Lindsay, who is an actor, writer and equestrian.”
The Flying Flamingo Sisters series, which follows three sisters on an aviation adventure, was inspired by Seim’s grandfather, a pilot in a 1930s flying circus where he performed ariel acrobatics and death-defying stunts.
LIFE BEYOND THE KEYBOARD
Seim and her husband Clarke split their time between Darien and New York City, embracing the best of both worlds. Seim cherishes her life in Fairfield County— connecting with incredible neighbors, librarians, teachers and the welcoming community at local independent bookstores like Darien’s Barrett Bookstore and New Canaan’s Elm Street Books. “There’s no better place to be as a writer and a reader,” she boasts.
A true jack-of-alltrades, Seim's writing career spans television, travel writing, and young adult novels.
A CREATIVE JOURNEY
THIS NEW CANAAN NATIVE TRANSFORMED A CHILDHOOD PASSION FOR ART , INSPIRED BY HER CREATIVE MOTHER, INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS CRAFTING PERSONALIZED KEEPSAKES.
by eileen murphy
Mary Jane Macdonald grew up in New Canaan as the youngest of five in the well-known Frisbee family. Creativity was a cornerstone of Macdonald’s upbringing, largely influenced by her mother, a painter and interior designer. “Growing up, we were always doing art projects and sitting outside painting on canvases,” she says. Her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, with various “little side businesses,” proved particularly impactful. “I think that’s where we all got the knack to create businesses,” she explains. Her mother’s inclination toward creative ventures would eventually inspire Macdonald to use her artistic talents to create her own business.
As with many local families, the Frisbees were also passionate about sports, and Macdonald spent much of her childhood swimming competitively. Although she admits she “would often complain about going to swimming and other sports practice because I wanted to take art classes instead.” This passion led her to pursue numerous art classes throughout her time at Saxe Middle School and New Canaan High School, culminating in an art-focused application to Trinity College in Connecticut, where she was accepted into their studio arts program.
THE BIRTH OF A BUSINESS
After college, Macdonald initially pursued a career in fashion. An internship at Marie Claire magazine led her to an entry-level public relations job in New York City. For 15 years, she worked for various agencies, immersed in the world of brands and marketing, attending fashion shows and building her expertise.
Her career path shifted when she became a mother. “I stopped working when I had my daughter, and I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom,” she says. “But then I started getting really bored, really quickly.” To fill her time, she began making baby gifts for friends. “I was painting my friends baby gifts, just little things to frame,” she says. This quickly evolved from a hobby she would do at her dining room table in her West Village apartment to a full-fledged business.
Utilizing her marketing background, Macdonald leveraged Instagram to grow her business. “I knew that you could get a lot of attention if I gifted these paintings to influencers,” she explains. This approach proved incredibly successful, with influencers posting about her creations, leading to significant spikes in followers and orders. Her primary audience became “millennial moms who are up in the middle of the night on Instagram buying things,” drawn to the sentimental value of her personalized keepsake art.
What started as a hobby for a new stay-at-home mom has flourished into a thriving business for Mary Jane Macdonald, with clients reaching out for special invitations and nursery décor.
THE ART OF CUSTOM CREATIONS
Macdonald’s artworks are personalized pieces that incorporate meaningful elements into the designs. She says customers often request specific details, like a picture of their favorite stuffed animal or the family dog, all woven into the unique design around a child’s name.
As demand for her handpainted pieces surged, with waitlists reaching 200 people, her husband suggested expanding into prints. This led to the development of a digital process where Macdonald scans her original handpainted designs (like bunnies or sailboats) and meticulously clips out each element in Photoshop, allowing her to arrange them creatively around a personalized name. These digital prints, offered at more accessible price points, provide a quicker turnaround for customers and allow for a wider variety of designs. There are more than 50 design elements to choose from on Macdonald’s website, featuring themes such as golfing dogs and ballerina bunnies.
Despite the efficiency of prints, Macdonald continues to see a demand for fully custom handpainted pieces. These highly personalized artworks involve a collaborative process: customers share their desired details; Macdonald sketches the design for approval, then she meticulously handpaints the final piece. While these take significantly longer to complete (two to three hours compared to ten minutes for a print), they remain highly sought after, especially as gifts commissioned by grandparents.
Macdonald’s work can be found on Instagram @maryjanemacdonalddesigns or online at maryjanemacdonald.com.
customers often request specific details, like a picture of their favorite stuffed animal or the family dog, all woven into the unique design around a child’s name.
above:The artist with her husband and children. below: Macdonald’s custom pieces feature charming personal details.
An independent, college preparatory day school, providing character-based education for boys in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
SHINING A LIGHT ON EDUCATION
AFTER A MAJOR RESTORATION, GREENS LEDGE LIGHTHOUSE IS TRANSFORMING INTO A VIBRANT EDUCATIONAL HUB —WITH NEW PARTNERSHIPS, A DEDICATED RESEARCH CENTER AND A NEW BOAT TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS.
by eileen murphy
Greens Ledge Lighthouse is entering a new era, transitioning from a historic restoration project to a vibrant educational hub. The revitalization began in 2016, when the Pettee family of Rowayton purchased the lighthouse and founded the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society (GLLPS) to save the historic structure.
In 2022, after a comprehensive $2.2 million renovation, the 1902 landmark opened to the public for the first time in its 121-year history. While the physical restoration of the lighthouse is an ongoing process—currently the focus is on replacing the 25 custom-curved glass panes in the Lantern Room—the educational programming is growing rapidly. The lower level has been transformed into the Tombros Research and Education Center, named in honor of Peter and Ann Tombros, early supporters of both the restoration and the lighthouse’s educational mission.
photography by venera alexandrova
above and below: Students from SoundWaters Summer Research Intensive Program at Greens Ledge.
Kindred Spirits
A major milestone was reached last summer with the inaugural visit of high school students from the SoundWaters Summer Research Intensive Program. The partnership began when GLLPS board members Chris and Terri Walker connected with the organization, finding them to be kindred spirits. “We found in SoundWaters an incredibly focused, unbureaucratic and enthusiastic organization that welcomed our overture,” says Tim Pettee, president of GLLPS. “I think it's correct to say that Greens Ledge and SoundWaters are two like-minded institutions in terms of education, conservation and preservation in and on Long Island Sound.”
The curriculum at the lighthouse offers a unique blend of marine biology and local history. While the SoundWaters staff leads activities such as water quality monitoring and collecting bottom samples, the Green’s Ledge keepers provide a powerful backdrop. Students witness the extensive restoration efforts and learn about the history of the Long Island Sound. They also gain an understanding of off-the-grid living experienced by early keepers—though today the lighthouse is powered by a significant solar array, makes its own drinking water through a reverseosmosis unit and is even outfitted with Starlink internet service.
Looking to the Future
Green’s Ledge hopes to expand its educational outreach by partnering with other local schools and organizations. A key part of this expansion is the acquisition of a new boat—a half-million-dollar
left and below: Students from SoundWaters collect plankton to test in the lab after watching preservation videos in the Tombros Center. below right: Mike Bagley, VP of Programs at SoundWaters Summer Research Intensive, and GLLPS board VP Alex Pettee.
“greens ledge and soundwaters are two like-minded institutions in terms of education, conservation and preservation in and on the long island sound.”
– tim pettee greens ledge light preservatioin society
Coast Guard-inspected Munson vessel with beach landing capabilities. This boat, with a capacity of 20 to 24 people, will be instrumental in transporting students and visitors from various locations to the lighthouse.
The boat has been a long-term priority for GLLPS. As board VP Alex Pettee noted in our May/June 2023 feature on the lighthouse’s restoration: “Having a larger boat will open up a lot of new opportunities.
We look forward to hosting more schools, STEM Clubs and other groups, so they can experience Greens Ledge and learn about the lighthouse.” That dream is becoming a reality, with the vessel expected to be delivered in the spring.
To support its ambitious plans, the organization is actively pursuing education grants. A $50,000 education-specific grant from a local family has provided a strong start, with the goal of
funding educational trips, which are estimated to cost about $1,000 per boatload of students. Greens Ledge and SoundWaters are working together to install remote sensors at the lighthouse. This equipment will monitor water quality and wave height, providing marine science students with valuable real-time data. Greens Ledge also recently partnered with Ship 6, a local maritime leadership program for teens, to give its crew more experience in a marine environment.
The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, with the U.S. Coast Guard maintaining the LED beacon and foghorn. However, with the physical restoration nearing completion and the educational programs gaining momentum, Green’s Ledge is poised to fulfill a new role: serving as an invaluable classroom for local students and a living laboratory for the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists.
For more on Greens Ledge Lighthouse and how you can support the organization, visit savegreensledge.org.
FINDING YOUR THERAPIST
GONE ARE THE DAYS OF WHISPERED RECOMMENDATIONS. LEARN HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS, FIND A THERAPIST YOU TRUST AND NAVIGATE THE JOURNEY TO LASTING CHANGE.
by paula winicur
Perhaps you’ve been feeling stuck lately or a significant relationship in your life (with your spouse, child, boss, parent, etc.) is proving difficult and you need support navigating those courageous conversations. If seeking therapy feels like the right next step, you might be asking yourself, “Where do I even begin?’
I recently started working with a new client who was seeking guidance on a contentious relationship with her son. When she introduced herself, she told me, “My friends have always called me Trudie. But I prefer you call me Gertrude.” Gertrude, born in 1930, was 95 years old. When I asked what motivated her to seek therapy for the first time, she told me, “Well, you know dear, everyone has a therapist now.” Thankfully, gone are the days when asking a friend for a therapist recommendation was taboo, cloaked in whispers and shame. Still, figuring out where to begin can be intimidating. Let’s break it down.
WHAT KIND OF THERAPIST DO I NEED?
The good news is there are a lot of qualified therapists out there. Therapists treat a variety of mental health concerns—like anxiety, depression and trauma. Others specialize in areas such as grief, divorce, career or infertility. Some even offer additional skills like bilingual support or EMDR training (a specialized approach for processing traumatic experiences and other distressing life events). Studies show that the most important predictor of success is finding trust and therapeutic alliance between you and the therapist. Above all, finding someone you feel comfortable with is key.
A common misconception is that a therapist’s role is to give advice. However, longtime New Canaan resident and clinical social worker Devon Suozzi, founder of The MindWell Center, notes that the opposite is true. “Therapy is more often about collaboration, empowerment and self-discovery— not about receiving instructions,” she explains. “We are actually trained not to provide direct answers, but to listen empathically and strategically, helping clients work through roadblocks and develop their own best solutions.”
Suozzi works primarily with children, adolescents and young adults, noting that they often intuitively possess their own solutions, but may need support accessing them. “Our clients are the experts on their own lives; sometimes they just lack the confidence or perspective to effectively problem solve,” she says. “It’s my job to help them see the big picture and recognize their strengths, creating a partnership and providing a supportive environment where meaningful change can emerge.”
CAN I FIND A THERAPIST WHO TAKES INSURANCE?
Navigating insurance can feel daunting, but many online resources exist to help you find local therapists who accept insurance and are taking new clients. Jocelyn Walls, a New Canaan-based social worker, recommends using a search on Psychology Today to filter by your insurance provider and zip code. “Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to quality mental health resources,” says Walls, whose own private virtual practice is in-network with a few insurance companies. Walls, who also serves as Mentorship Director for a Palliative and End-of-Life Care Training Program at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work, has extensive experience helping oncology patients find affordable therapists that meet their needs. “Try not to get overwhelmed by the system,” she counsels. “The process can take time, but that front end work will be worth it.”
While finding a therapist who takes your insurance can be challenging, many more will qualify as out-of-network providers— meaning you can submit an invoice to your insurance for reimbursement, depending on your plan’s coverage. Additionally, some therapists offer sliding scale fees for clients who cannot afford their standard rate, or they might refer you a colleague who does.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK BEFORE WE START?
Many therapists offer a brief free consultation call before you schedule a full session. Beyond discussing insurance, in-person versus telehealth options (many do both) and if they are accepting new clients, consider asking them the following questions:
How do you measure therapeutic success?
How will we set goals?
How do you structure your sessions?
Why did you become a therapist?
Do you have specific experience working with [insert your needs]?
There's no “right” answer to these questions, but they will offer insight into a therapist's working style and whether their approach aligns with your needs.
Jo Briggs, a marriage and family therapist at Darien’s Sasco River Center, suggests an additional crucial question: Do you collaborate with other therapists? She explains, “If you’re in both individual and couples therapy, it’s helpful to know whether your therapists are willing to coordinate care (with your consent, of course). Having your providers work together ensures alignment in treatment, helping to streamline progress.”
Be willing to do a little detective work to find a therapist and approach that feels right for you. Think of it this way: If you had a bad experience with one dentist, would you never get your teeth cleaned again? Hopefully not; you’d simply find another dentist. Therapy is no different.
As Gertrude and I were scheduling our fifth session, she told me she had new perspective on the situation with her son: "I'm thinking about my role in our conflict, which makes me feel empowered. I don’t know if anything will change, but for the first time, I feel like it actually could.” Maybe she’ll even let me call her Trudie soon.
Paula Winicur is a marriage and family therapist practicing in Connecticut and New York. She works with individuals, couples and families. Learn more at buildyourbeautifullife.com.
Alphabet Soup
What do all those letters after a therapist’s name mean, anyway?
LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
PsyD: Ph. D. in Psychology
The following can prescribe meds but generally are not trained to work with clients for psychotherapy:
APRN: Advanced Practice
Registered Nurse
PMHNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
What’s the Buzz?
Buzzy therapy words get thrown around a lot, especially with platforms like TikTok and Instagram popularizing terms like “narcissist” and “gaslighting.” While there are positives to making this information more accessible, putting your mental health in the hands of social media isn’t the best way to find support. To help you feel more informed, here are explanations of a few modalities you’ve likely heard. If you are ever unsure about a therapist’s specific approach, don’t hesitate to ask them to explain it to you.
CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy. Often used to challenge and change negative thoughts and behaviors,
DBT: Dialectical behavioral therapy. Seeks to affect change by teaching a structured set of techniques like distress tolerance and mindfulness.
EMDR: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Used for treating traumatic memories, and to reduce symptoms of PTSD. A therapist needs to have specific training in this to practice it.
Psychoanalytic: Explores the unconscious mind to bring repressed thoughts and memories to the surface for processing. (Think Freud.)
Intergenerational: A form of systemic therapy focusing on how patterns and dynamics passed down through generations affect individuals and family systems.
Couples
Gottman: Based on qualitative research, goals include decreasing destructive communication patterns and increasing intimacy, respect and affection, as well as creating more empathy between partners.
EFT: Emotionally focused therapy. Based on attachment theory, goals are identifying negative cycles to develop emotional intelligence and increase connection.
Resources in our Towns
Our towns have committed resources to helping make mental healthcare accessible for our residents. For more information, check out:
New Canaan Behavorial Health Alliance newcanaanbha.org
Susannah Lewis, Director of Community Relations at Silver Hill Hospital (203) 801-3435
Darien Human Services darienct.gov/187/ Mental-Health-Resources-Providers Ali Ramsteck, Director (203) 656-7328
A Season to Spark
FROM JAZZ LEGENDS TO GLOBAL VOICES, FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR ARTS & MINDS IGNITES THE IMAGINATION WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
by samantha yanks
this photo: Rebecca Lazier’s Noli Timere dancers animate Echelman’s net with movement.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Fairfield University Art Museum
Stitching Time: Social Justice Collaboration Quilts Project and Give Me Life— CPA Prison Arts Program
Opening Night Lecture and Reception 5:30 p.m. lecture; 6:30-8:30 p.m. reception
Walsh Gallery, Dolan Event Hall and via livestream Jeffrey Greene, program manager of Community Partners in Action’s Prison Art Project, will deliver the opening night talk, preceded by brief remarks by Maureen Kelleher, co-founder of the Social Justice Collaboration Quilts Project.
Free; Register at fairfield.edu/museum
Friday, Sept. 26
Rebecca Lazier Noli Timere
7:30 p.m.
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Choreographer Rebecca Lazier and renowned sculptor Janet Echelman share a soaring
Grammy Award-winner, guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and repopularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and The Beatles.
$50 | $5 Fairfield University student
$35 Quick Member; Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick
different religions in modern-day America.
$35| $5 Fairfield University student
$25 Quick Member; Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick
aerial performance featuring a custom designed Echelman net sculpture in Noli Timere, Latin for “Be not afraid.”
Featuring eight dancers and live music by JORANE, the work is a fusion of dance, art installation and advanced engineering that explores how we navigate an unstable world.
$35 | $5 Fairfield University student; $25 Quick Member; Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick
Friday, Oct. 3
John Pizzarelli and The Swing 7 7:30 p.m.
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum
A Conversation with Eboo Patel, PhD 7:30 p.m.
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Eboo Patel, PhD, is widely known for emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue. Founder and president of Interfaith America, Dr. Patel is also a bestselling author. Dr. Patel partnered with the White House to develop President Obama’s “Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.” He discusses the necessity of understanding and accepting
Sunday, Oct. 5 & Monday, Oct. 6
Manual Cinema
Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About A Terrible Monster
Oct. 5 | 3 p.m.
Oct. 6 | 11 a.m. (school show)
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Leonardo! A 45-minute family show for ages 3+ that uses hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, book pages, twodimensional props, furry monster puppets, narration and songs to bring Mo Willems’ books to life. Manual Cinema re-creates the experience of holding one of Mo’s book pages, which are big, bold, colorful, and full of visual rhythm, with their playful use of scale.
$15 | $5 Fairfield University student
$10 Quick Member; Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick
For a comprehensive listing of all upcoming events and for more information on each, please visit fairfield.edu/artsminds.
above: Kenya Baleech Alkebu (quilt design) Maureen Kelleher (quilting) Red, White and Baldwin 2016, Mixed cotton blends and acrylic paint, 90 x 90 inches, Lent by Maureen Kelleher.
John Pizzarelli
above: Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About A Terrible Monster.
above: Eboo Patel, PhD
care reation
creation of captivating programs for adults, children, and families climate change and sustainability curriculum to local schools outreach to underserved communities
maintenance of our building, keeping it free & open to the public
Fireside is Darien Nature Center’s most significant fundraising event of the year, supporting: are of our 22 species of animals
BY HANNAH DEELY
COACH Cashin Carry Crescent Bag, $350; coach.com
Gone Afield
VERONICA BEARD Patra Mixed Media Jacket, $598, Greenwich; veronicabeard.com
Double-Breasted Vest in City Twill, $295, Greenwich; theory.com
RAG & BONE Carter Suede Boat Shoes, $328, Greenwich; rag-bone.com CHLOE Double-Breasted Checked Wool Blazer, $3,890; net-a-porter.com
CAROLINA HERRER A Double-Breasted Top, $1,690; Wide-Leg Pant, $1,390; carolinaherrera.com
ASHA BY ASHLEY MCCORMICK 18K-Gold Bespoke Ring, $4,800, Greenwich; ashabyadm.com
BALEN CIAGA
The Westy Guarantee…
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Welcome to John’s Island. A cherished ocean-to-river haven enjoyed by generations who have discovered the undeniable allure of life by the sea in Vero Beach, Florida. A picturesque seaside landscape and near perfect climate complement the serene offerings, each of which combine luxury with traditional appeal, architectural details, spacious living areas, and lush grounds. Discover the ideal place to call home with beachside bliss in Florida...
Purple Reign
LEATHEROLOGY
Leather Crossbody with Custom Monogram, $235; leatherology.com
14K Rose Gold Liquid Bracelet With Diamond Link, $3,995, Westport and Greenwich; jlrocks.com
PETER SUCHY
Emerald-Cut Diamond Rose Gold Ring, $17,775, Stamford; petersuchyjewelers.com
VHERNIER
eat&drink
Scan here for more great places to EAT & DRINK!
Paris on Main Street
A CORDON BLEU-TRAINED CHEF OPENS A FRENCH PASTRY SHOP AND CAFÉ. elizabeth
keyser • photography by venera alexandrova
French flag flies among the Stars and Stripes that line Main Street in New Canaan, heralding the arrival of Saisons Sucrées. The elegant little patisserie transports us to Paris, with its black-andwhite marble floors and warm white walls adorned with large blackand-white photographs of the City of Light. Charming little round café tables and simple bistro chairs give a streamlined look.
The heart of this temple to the art of French baking and American culinary innovation is the display case, replete with croissants in novel shapes, filled with unexpected flavors; individual desserts glistening and flecked with gold leaf and rows of macarons in vibrant shades of pistachio, lemon, lime, strawberry and lavender.
Up a few stairs, you’ll discover a jewel-box room lined with red banquettes and mirrored walls accented with little gold medallions, creating an inviting space where guests can linger at square bistro tables that easily rearrange for groups of varying sizes. Menus on the table offer French cheese from Murray’s Cheese in New York City and charcuterie, as well as champagne and wines. This sophisticated space is also where Saisons Sucrées serves a luxurious high tea, with a selection of organic black, green and herbal Palais de Thé teas and Italian Aneri coffee (made from wood-fire roasted beans). Tiered towers of bite-sized French pastries, savory and sweet, look too magical to eat. Almost.
Owner Elizabeth Srivastava envisioned an elegant Parisian patisserie, much like those she visited while earning her Diplôme de Pâtisserie from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. She honed her skills as a pastry chef in Manhattan, including a stint at Gray Kunz’s Café Gray. She then transitioned to a career in finance, spending 15 years in the field. Now the Northport, Long Island, native lives in North Salem with her husband and kids, and has reconnected with her love of French baking, combining it with her knowledge of business and sense of entrepreneurship.
opposite page: Elizabeth Srivastava owner of Saisons Sucrées and baker of the venoisserie and macarons, holds a Diplôme de Pâtisserie from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
these are desserts meant to be savored slowly, with reverence. you would have to travel far to find desserts as fresh and lovingly assembled as these.
below left: Earl Gray-chocolate entremet is a customer favorite. below right: Raspberry rose tart has a rose flavor among its layers of crème and cake.
left: A box of colorful, lighttextured, deeply flavored macrons is a great hostess gift.
Srivastava bakes the venoisserie—croissants, choux and brioche—along with the traditional baguettes. Pastry Chef Andy Chorda, a native of France, creates the exquisite layered individual desserts. He whips up mousses and creams, bakes delicate cakes, spreads fruit gels, melts rich chocolate, brulees meringue and meticulously finishes pieces with touches of gold-leaf flecks. The ingredients are all imported from France.
True to its name, Saisons Sucrées (“sweet seasons”) embraces a seasonal approach. Fall desserts feature apple and pear; while in December, the chefs will be busy rolling and decorating Bûches de Noël, the traditional French Christmas cake in the shape of a log. (Be sure to order ahead.)
Eating a dessert from Saisons Sucrées is truly a ceremony. Each mouthful brings ethereal textures, from crunchy, caramel buttery bits to deep flavors of chocolate or fruit. These are desserts meant to be savored slowly, with reverence. You’d have to travel far to find treats as fresh and lovingly assembled as these. The portions are generous enough to be shared— if you’ll let anyone else in. And don’t let the price surprise you: at approximately $15 and $20 apiece, the quality of the ingredients, the craftsmanship, sheer beauty and overall experience make them more than worth it.
michelinstar talent
Chef Andy Chorda and his wife Ivana Salies, the manager of Saisons Sucrées, have worked as a team at lauded worldclass restaurants in gorgeous properties in France, including Domaine de Primard, L’Oustau de Baumaniere, Chateau de Valmer and Le Couvent des Minimes. (There are some ideas for the next trip to France!) Most recently, Chef Chorda was the executive pastry chef at La Bastide, in North Salem, while Ivana managed the dining room. The restaurant earned a Michelin star in its first year.
SAISONS SUCRÉES
84 Main Street New Canaan Saisonssucrees.com
Follow on Instagram @saisonssucrees for more information about their French cultural events and sidewalk crepes station. Reservations are required for tea.
right:. Pastry Chef Andy Chorda and wife and Saisons Sucrées manager Ivana Salies. below: The Yuzu entremet, tastes like a citrus cloud.
A Feast for the Senses
Darien’s ROOTS OCEAN PRIME ENTERS THE LOCAL CULINARY LANDSCAPE, balancing refined indulgence with a welcoming hospitality.
by elizabeth keyser
photography by venera alexandrova
Awarm, airy popover with a pat of sea-salted butter and a crisp white napkin—this welcoming gesture sets the tone for the hospitality, quality and indulgence at Roots Ocean Prime. Since opening in late April at the site of the old Melting Pot, Roots Ocean Prime has been drawing regulars off the train for appetizers at the bar, well-heeled friends for dinner at the high-topped tables up front and celebrating families at the big, curved booths in the dining room. This marks the first venture in Connecticut for the Harvest Restaurant Group, a family-owned New Jersey restaurant group started in 1996 that now boasts 14 restaurants, including another Roots Ocean Prime in Princeton.
Servers deliver steaks cooked exactly to the guest’s order. Starters include the bountiful lobster and colossal lump crab cocktails presented in spectacular fashion.
eat&drink
A comfortable seat at the bar is the natural place to start your evening with a drink or even settle in for a meal. There’s something special about this bar—intentionally designed with no television to foster conviviality. The murals painted above the bar are a conversational starting point, depicting famous figures with Connecticut ties—from the coach of UConn basketball team to P.T. Barnum. The bartenders are friendly and well-informed about the drinks and food menus. The Blackberry spicy margarita was well balanced and well poured. Local Norwalk Spacecat Brewery’s IPA was on tap. The wine list is large and covers Old- and new-world wines by the glass and bottle.
Before moving to a booth in the dining room, we discussed the various steaks’ cuts and aging process with the bartender. He advised us on how to order to get the perfect doneness we desired. We decided on the 20-ounce, double-thick, bone-in, dry-aged cowboy steak (essentially a Tomahawk with the bone cut shorter, or an old-school Delmonico).
We started with a luxurious colossal crab cocktail. The half-lemon capped to hold back
seeds was a gracious touch. We squeezed the juice over the large, tender pieces of crab lump meat. They tasted clean and sweet. Of the accompanying sauces, we preferred the spicier mustard to the traditional cocktail sauce.
Spotting Dover sole on a menu is rare, so we had to order it. We reveled in the delicacy, which is shipped from England and served as a tender, seared filet beneath a buttery sauce. Our dry-aged cowboy steak, seasoned with just salt and pepper, was seared at a high temperature and topped with butter. It was cooked to the exact temperature we’d ordered. Steak with this much flavor hardly needs additional sauces, but it’s part of the experience, so we chose the au poivre over the richer hollandaise. Potato gratin (there’s also a choice of whipped or a colossal baked potato) was excellent, the thinly sliced potatoes baked into a rich cake. Creamed spinach under a cheesy crust was standard. A pile of grilled asparagus was also showered with cheese. Servings are generous, and we took home plenty of leftovers.
The pastry chef bakes desserts in-house every day, and they are standouts. The butter
cake is a Roots Ocean Prime specialty. It’s an impressive sight: tall, round and golden. A lighter take on pound cake, it’s perfectly accompanied by a special blueberry sauce featuring big, ripe berries carefully simmered to remain whole. The cheesecake is another winner; the large, shareable wedge boasts a light, fluffy New York-style texture with a buttery graham cracker crust. I can guarantee that if this is in your refrigerator, you will not be able to resist a slice for breakfast.
While Roots Ocean Prime maintains an upscale atmosphere in its dining room, complete with a dress code (no tank tops, caps, shorts), and a menu featuring indulgences such as Beef Wellington and filet mignon Oscar-style, it also aims to be a welcoming neighborhood hangout. Sure enough, regulars are tucking into the chicken parm three times a week, or simply settling into the bar for a comforting bowl of French onion soup.
ROOTS OCEAN PRIME
14 Grove Street, Darien rootssteakhouse.com
A perfectly seared dry-aged cowboy steak with potato gratin and roasted corn, tomato and basil.
roots ocean prime has been drawing regulars off the train for appetizers at the bar, well-heeled friends for dinner at the hightopped tables up front and celebrating families at the big, curved booths in the dining room.
Desserts are made in-house, including the key lime pie (top left) and Celebration Sundae (right). The knowledgeable staff includes Harvest Restaurant Group VP John Tirch, chef Bruce Johnson and assistant GM Barry Brennan (top tight). Murals feature notable people with Connecticut connections, including Martha Stewart and Meg Ryan (bottom right).
NOLI TIMERE REBECCA
Noli Timere is a striking new aerial dance performance created by choreographer Rebecca Lazier and sculptor Janet Echelman. Eight performers soar through a suspended 40-foot sculpture that shifts with every movement, accompanied by a live original score from French Canadian pop-cellist Jorane.
September 26 • 7:30 p.m.
John Pizzarelli and The Swing 7
October 3 • 7:30 p.m.
Eboo Patel, PhD
October 22 • 7:30 p.m.
203.254.4010 •
people&PLACES
Shine On
For the third annual Light the Night gala, sea-loving guests were ferried through Norwalk Harbor to see the lighthouse restored by Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society. Proceeds from the evening, which included live music, dinner and an auction, will support the Next 100 Years campaign to ensure long-term preservation. savegreensledge.org »
1 Julie and Conrad Hermann, Pam Fletcher, Steve Tomlinson
2 Chris and Terri Walker 3 David Hawes, Lilly Knight, Chris Knight, Bob Mazzone 4 CT Foster, Anne Walker, Sarah Ritchey, Tasha Nagler, Laura Bankowski 5 George, Alex and Lizzie Pettee 6 Meg Schwanhausser, Sharron Sweeny, Tara Flynn
7 Alice Morrison, David Radulski 8 Sheila and Tim Pettee
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / CARA GILBRIDE
GREENS LEDGE LIGHTHOUSE / Wee Burn Beach Club
Celebrating Innovation
Design enthusiasts gathered at The Glass House for the annual Summer Party, paying tribute to famed designer Gaetano Pesce (1939-2004). Guests mingled on the 49-acre grounds of Philip Johnson’s iconic landmark. A picnic lunch by Elm was served, while DJ Pete Brockman played sets and Pilobolus performed modern dance. The event also featured an art exhibition by Barbara Kasten, a silent auction, wine tasting and an installation inspired by Max Mara’s Whitney Bag. theglasshouse.org »
1 Fred Noyes, Kirsten Reoch, Susan Magrino, Inger Stringfellow 2 Courtney Long, Christa Carr, Isabel Richards 3 Fatou Niang, Zeehan Wazed 4 Maaren Shah, Debbie Probst, Cas Friese, Danielle Kilarjian 5 Katy Farrarone, James Frey, Tory Tunnel 6 Abby Bangser, Matt Bangser, Niki Glaser 7 Pilobolus Dance Company
THE GLASS HOUSE / New Canaan
8 Doug and Diane Dooley, Francis Palmer, Kiva Motnyk 9 The Glass House 10 Caitlyn and Paul Balmer 11 Kirsten Reoch, Courtney Long, Jim Foy, Kiki Clarkson 12 Pilobolus dancers 13 Axel Ruger, Harlan Stone (Axel is the new ED of the Frick in NYC) 14 Cas Friese, Emma Gallo 15 Barbara Calaba, Laura Barker, John Barker, Madeleine Wilson 16 Elisa Bulgrin and children of Longfield Farm 17 Todd Meadow, Betsy Berry, Lizzie Bickford Meadow, Christopher Bickford 18 Frances Palmer, Cybele Maylone
Beautiful Blooms
Some of New Canaan’s most exquisite gardens were showcased in the self-guided Gardens in Bloom tour. At each of the four locations, an expert was on hand to explain the vision behind the private gardens. Guests dined on boxed lunches by Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events and leisurely explored the lush surroundings. Proceeds from the tour support New Canaan Garden Club’s civic fund, which includes Irwin Park. ncgardenclub.org »
1 Jennifer Skyrm, Kathryn Herman, Patty Hines 2 Valerie Saiz, Clair Salvatore, Eileen Boyd 3 Anda Hutchins, Lauren Bromberg
Mike Pantano
Michele Murray Sloan 6 Alice and Peter Wyman 7 Kate Kend 8 Eileen Boyd, Shannon Saltos, Marjan Murray, Valerie Saiz
Jayne Benton, Maggie Michno, Mariko LeBaron, Robin Lord, Karen Murray
Jayne Benton, Eileen Murphy, Martha Lane
Garden
DOUGLAS WRIGHT Douglas C. Wright Architects HEIDE HENDRICKS Hendricks Churchill
JOSH GREENE Josh Greene Design
MELISSA REAVIS Hollander Design
Literary Lunching
Nominated by Time magazine as “one of the 100 Most Influential People” in 2019, author Tara Westover was the keynote speaker at the NCCF Spring Luncheon. Her bestselling memoir, Educated, explores her pursuit of education despite an isolated upbringing with a family who distrusts schools and government. New Canaan native Jane Stoddard Williams, who has worked in television and radio, moderated an onstage conversation with the author. newcanaancf.org »
AnnaLisa
Kasey Pinchin,
AnnaLisa
1 Dede Bartlett, Jeff Williams 2 Tara Westover, Jane Stoddard Williams 3 Susan Graetz, Leslie Bisesi, ME O’Connor, Chandler Kenny, Jennifer Gulden 4 Sara Schubert, Katrina Parkhill 5 Erin Marich, Jessie Spain, Kelly Hancock, Maria Alves, Carolina Castellano, Jamie Buschmann, Kristie Smith, Jessica Birmingham 6 Sarah Casey, Brian Williams, Jane Stoddard Williams 7 Sarah O’Keefe, Meaghan Kupchak, Laura Prior, Kara Gilliam, Anne Wagner, Kristen Grzymski, Anne Schimmeck, Cindy Wagner, Katrina Parkhill 8 Lauren Patterson, Tara Westover, Jeff Williams 9 Front Row: Jamie Gentile, Kellee Abdelwahab; Back row: Natalie Fielder, Frances Sacripanti,
Blevins, Jamie Buschmann 13 Sarah Casey, AnnaLisa Blevins
NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (NCCF) / New Canaan Country Club
Making an Impact
The Community Fund of Darien recognized locals who make a difference at its 46th Annual Volunteer Celebration. Winners were honored in a ceremony at the Darien Community Association. Since 1951, TCF has provided more than $29M in grants to nonprofit organizations. communityfunddarien.org »
THE COMMUNITY FUND OF DARIEN / Darien Community Association
1 Amy Raskopf, Maggie Domont, Executive Director of The Community Fund of Darien 2 Marianne Wadleigh, Honoree John Wadleigh, Laney Lloyd, Jennifer Giotis 3 Event Sponsors Kristina Gregory, USI Insurance; Ned Saunders, Brown Harris Stevens; Maggie Domont 4 Jessie Merrill Glazer, Henrietta Kramer 5 Sandi Sufrin, Kristine Gould, Julie Genovese, Brandi Maniscalco, Stacey Smith 6 Honoree Juliet Cain with friends 7 The Darien Foundation’s Ward Glassmeyer and Sarah Woodbury with Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky (center) 8 Sandi Sufrin, Elizabeth FitzPatrick, Julie and David Genovese 9 Brigitte Mansourian, Chris Hickey, Kelly Sapio 10 Honoree Matthew J. Vossler with his family
Museum-
Worthy
Dinner and dancing under the moonlight were on the evening’s agenda at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society’s spring benefit. Guests enjoyed live music by the Fake ID Band and catering by Diane Browne, as well as spirits and cigars on the historic trail. With a focus on “education, preservation, modernism and community since 1889,” the nonprofit relies on fundraisers and donations to help preserve the museum, run programs, maintain the campus and mount exhibitions. nchistory.org »
1 Robin Lord, Julie Marcus, Charity Lefferts, Sharon Libman, Maura Craig 2 Whitney Williams, Dede Bartlett 3 Paul Foley, Frank Lyon, Bill Brock, Tom White, Chris Schipper 4 Nick Williams, Kristen and Joe Schlim, Kelly Hanratty, Jennifer Skyrm, Tom Walker 5 Mark Loomis, Bob and Tracey Hamill, Susie Catlin, Melissa Jones, Steffi Loomis, Pete Jones 6 Mick Franco, Henry Franco, Mary Franco, Dede Bartlett, Mike Franco 7 AJ and Amy Conley, Peter and Julia Deane 8 Alec, Hannah and Sarah Casey 9 Auctioneer and Emcee Christian Murphy 10 Alessia Miller, Maria Alves, Erin Lacerna, Jaime Gentile, Mollie Perkins, Kelly Pieri, Missy Dooney
NEW CANAAN MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY / Annual Gala
Planning Parenthood
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) had a huge turnout for its annual Spring Luncheon—600 enthusiastic supporters at the Hyatt in Old Greenwich along with more than 100 virtual viewers. PPFA past President Cecile Richards, legendary fighter for reproductive freedom, was honored posthumously with the Community Impact Award; and speaker Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and the first Black woman ever to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party, received a standing ovation. Co-chairs were Susan Beyman, Keri Cameron, Jane Carlin, Lindy Lilien and Mini Nunna. It raised a record $1.4 million in support of reproductive healthcare for 52,000 patients across Connecticut and Rhode Island. plannedparenthood.org
1 Stacey Abrams with co-chairs Jane Carlin, Susan Beyman, Keri Cameron, Lindy Lilien, Mini Nunna 2 Samantha Bee at mic 3 Stacey Abrams, Lucy Galbraith 4 Jessica Knowles, Sarah Herring, Julia Stewart 5 Jamison Van Loan, Tina Duryea 6 Keiley Fuller, Maureen Black 7 Karen Royce, Ann DuBois, Sally Schenk 8 Amanda Skinner with sign language
McGill Johnson
Stacey Abrams, Dede Bartlett Thompson
PLANNED PARENTHOOD / Hyatt Regency Greenwich
Open House
For the 32nd annual New Canaan CARES Home Tour, the Connection by Design theme reflected “homes that inspire community, style and togetherness.” Guests toured five impeccable houses in town, each with a unique aesthetic. New Canaan’s own grandma, Babs, signed her new book, Every Day with Babs, at a post-tour Patron Party. Proceeds will support the nonprofit’s programs for local youth and families. newcanaancares.org
4 Natalie Jones, Felicia Jamin 5 Cynthia Saffi, Katherine Duggan 6 Jen Russey, Felicia Jamin, Allison Zinczenko, Natasha James 7 Jessica Knowles, Laurie Ferris, Ann Spilker
8 Summer Harty, Katherine Duggan 9 Laura Klarman, Stephanie Odenath 10 Diana Demirjian 11 Peter and Julia Deane 12 Babs Costello
Discover the extraordinary high school students from our towns whose
passions are setting
them watch Teens to
on a path toward future success.
by liz barron
photography by katharine calderwood
SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD COUNTY BOASTS A LONGSTANDING REPUTATION FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. ITS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS CONSISTENTLY PREPARE
STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS AT THE NATION’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES. THIS YEAR’S “TEENS TO WATCH” FEATURES EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS WHOSE DEDICATION SHINES IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM. THEIR IMPRESSIVE TALENTS RANGE FROM ATHLETICS AND MUSIC TO GROUNDBREAKING SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THESE EXTRAORDINARY TEENS ACCOMPLISH NEXT!
COLETTE MINTON Sacred Heart Greenwich
LYDIA SAN JOSE Greens Farms Academy
CHARLIE SULKOWSKI Brunswick School
IZZY KITTREDGE Greens Farms Academy
MICHAEL TELESCO New Canaan High School
KILEY
LIDDELL Darien High School
FINN MALKOUN St. Luke’s School
THOMAS CARNEY Brunswick School
BROOKE LIDDELL Darien High School
XINDI LIU Rye Country Day School
PEYTON AMBROSE St. Luke’ s School
Izzy
Kittredge
• HEAD OF SCHOOL DISTINCTION
• HIGH HONORS ACADEMIC DISTINCTION
• THE JANE KENTNOR DEAN ‘52 ALUMNI AWARD: HONORS A STUDENT FOR LEADERSHIP IN ACADEMICS, ACTIVITIES
In the fall I will be... attending Bowdoin College.
My passion for sports first began... when I was very little. I picked up baseball with my brother. I really enjoyed playing and later got into softball. I also played flag football and wrestled, because I saw my brother doing those things and wanted to try. After I was accepted into GFA, the field hockey coach asked if I wanted to try playing in “GK” gear. I thought that was a type of sweatshirt. Turns out it stood for “goalie keeper” gear. I was hooked right away and continued to play throughout high school.
Wrestling, field hockey and softball provide me with... strength, discipline and a sense of sisterhood, with each sport pushing me in different ways to grow as an athlete and as a person.
I admire... my parents because they always push me, but at the same time, they are always there for me. They are my rocks. They show up for me. The feeling of having someone there for you also helps push me during games. I am so grateful for them because they taught me how to love myself and love the sports I play.
hometown NEW CANAAN school GREENS FARMS ACADEMY , CLASS OF 2025
• ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN FOR WRESTLING 11TH GRADE
• BROKE SCHOOL RECORDS AS GOALIE IN FIELD HOCKEY: CAREER RECORD-HOLDER FOR SAVE PERCENTAGE (72.7) AND SAVES IN A SEASON (165)
• NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE (NCL), PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD 2023 & 2024
One day I hope to... make a difference in someone’s life, whether on the field, in a classroom or just by showing up when it matters most.
Before a big game or meet you can find me... with airpods in, blasting my favorite songs. That is my favorite way to get in the mood for competing. It helps me clear my mind to focus on what’s next.
My personal mantra is.. “control what you can and let go of what you can’t.” It keeps me grounded through pressure and uncertainty. It is also something my parents say to me all the time about sports and life.
My secret to time management is... prioritizing what matters most and cutting out distractions. That means putting my phone in another room and just locking in. I do this for homework so that I can balance sports and school. Another important thing for me is knowing when to push myself and when to pause. I believe that you need rest in life, so I make it a part of my schedule and not a reward.
Strengthened.
Strength of mind, body, and spirit are the cornerstones of a life well lived. As we prepare our boys for life in a fast-changing world, we’re especially dedicated to cultivating the whole boy, to building in every student the habits-of-mind that will nourish and fortify him for the rest of his life.
hometown NEW CANAAN school
BRUNSWICK , CLASS OF 2026
Thomas ca rney
I love Squash because... of the competitive nature and purpose it gives me. It has taught me qualities such as grit, resilience, discipline and individual problem solving.
Before a match, you can find me... warming up alone listening to my favorite music.
• TWO-TIME CONNECTICUT SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR FINALIST 2024 AND 2025
• BRUNSWICK SQUASH CAPTAIN 2025-2026 SEASON
• BRUNSWICK NATIONAL SQUASH CHAMPION 2025
• BRUNSWICK NEW ENGLAND SQUASH CHAMPION 2025
• NATIONALLY RANKED AMONG THE TOP 10 FOR THE 2026 SQUASH CLASS
I stay positive by... focusing on the present and the things I can control.
Living in New Canaan has allowed me to... establish a place I call home and make lasting friendships.
My secret to time management is... getting work done early and not procrastinating.
In college, I’d love to... make new friends, find my academic interests and help my future college squash team win an NCAA title.
In my free time, you can find me... fishing, golfing, skiing or hanging out with my siblings.
My personal mantra is... not to compare myself to the achievements of others.
One day, I hope to... be the owner of a successful business.
ST . LUKE , S SCHOOL , CLASS OF 2025
Peyton ambrose
In the fall I will be... attending Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. I plan to major in business analytics and minor in Spanish.
My passion for sports management first began... with the Boston Red Sox. I grew up playing softball, so I naturally understood the rules of baseball and loved watching Red Sox games with my dad. I knew by the time I was in sixth grade that I wanted to work for the Red Sox one day. So when I started high school, I chose to quit 13 years of softball to manage the varsity baseball team. As their manager, I went to all their games recording statistics, only missing a game each year to go to Fenway Park for the Red Sox opening day. Statistics was always my favorite part of baseball, so being able to manage baseball allowed me to turn my interest into a passion by playing an active role in the team stats. I loved managing so much that I decided to also do it for boys varsity basketball.
peyton
• ST. LUKE,S TEAM MANAGER OF THE YEAR (FOR SERVING AS HEAD MANAGER OF VARSITY BASEBALL AND BOYS BASKETBALL)
• INDUCTED INTO THE SLS CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
• VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY CO-CAPTAIN
• PRESIDENT OF ST. LUKE,S MIND MATTERS MENTAL HEALTH CLUB
• RESEARCHED A YEARLONG ACADEMIC INDEPENDENT STUDY ABOUT FEMALE EXECUTIVES IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
• ELECTED MEMBER OF THE ST. LUKE,S HONOR COUNCIL
My favorite part about living in Rowayton is... being able to walk and run around town in the summer. When I go for a run, I get to pass by the water and I don’t have to worry about busy roads. I also love going for walks with my friends whether we are aimlessly wandering, going to the beach or getting food at our favorite places like 101 and Rowayton Market.
I am so passionate about mental health because... I struggled socially my freshman year of high school, which impacted my mental health. Being able to be involved in Mind Matters, the mental health club at St. Luke’s, helped me through my own journey as an underclassman and then transformed into somewhere that I could help others as well. Having a culture where destigmatizing conversations around mental health is the norm was so important to me because you realize that there are so many other people who go through similar things as well.
My personal mantra is... I do hard things. I found myself repeating this in my head when I had a task to do that I was dreading or found very difficult. It reminds
me that I’ve done things that have made me feel the same way in the past, so I can do it again and it will all work out.
My favorite family vacation is... going around the British Virgin Islands on a catamaran. Many of my favorite family memories are from there.
Before a big field hockey game, you can find me... laying down on the field. I’m usually the first one there, so that I can have lots of time to hang out with the team as they arrive and get everyone pumped up with some music. I find it peaceful and I think it sets a good standard of being on time and giving yourself time to prepare physically and mentally before games.
My secret to time management is... making to-do lists. I usually have multiple lists. I find when I have only one list of a lot of things to do, it’s overwhelming, so I break things up into categories. There is no better feeling than crossing off something on that list, so I feel like I’m using my time effectively.
Empower your thinking
Grades N-8 October 18
xindi
• WROTE, PUBLISHED AND PRESENTED A LITERATURE REVIEW TITLED "MUSIC THERAPY FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY, LIMITATIONS, AND AI PROSPECTIVE" AT AN IEEE CONFERENCE
• CAPTAIN OF SCHOOL DANCE PROGRAM, THE CEDAR STREET DANCE COMPANY
• PLAYED PRINCIPAL CLARINET IN AUSTRIA AND CZECHIA ON THE NORWALK YOUTH SYMPHONY,S 2025 EUROPE TOUR AND RECEIVED A PERFECT SCORE FOR THE 2025 NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION EVALUATION
• RECEIVED A PERFECT PSAT/ NMSQT SCORE IN 2024
• PRESIDENT,S VOLUNTEER SERVICE GOLD AWARD IN 2024
In college, I’d love to... combine my love for the arts with my passion for engineering. I'll settle for nothing less than the ability to spend much of my free time in college maker spaces, creating anything from stunning garments with integrated electronics to the perfect MIDI keyboard.
Playing the clarinet gives me... a way to be a part of something bigger. When I'm playing in my symphony orchestra, I'm simply a part of a whole, and that's one of my favorite parts about it. I especially love it when the entire orchestra is playing their hearts out and it floods the hall. It's rather euphoric.
My passion for STEM began... when I was barely able to walk. My parents studied electrical engineering in college, so they've been answering my questions and encouraging my interests for almost as long as
I've been alive. I've also always loved math, and the way all the questions had a distinct path to the correct answer has always felt satisfying to me.
I believe that AI has the potential to... become a valuable tool for learning. I tend to use AI to give me feedback on my essays for English class, and I find that many of its comments are quite informative. Of course, I need to be prudent about which of its comments I actually implement, since it occasionally makes things up.
My favorite part about living in Darien is... the DCA Thrift Shop. I love taking my friends thrifting, and I bought many of my favorite articles of clothing from there.
If I have downtime, you can find me... making something with my hands. Arts and crafts is one of my favorite things ever, and you can probably catch me creating something, whether that be a necklace, a keychain, a painting or a Christmas present.
My secret to time management is... using the website/app Notion and putting all the details of my assignments in there. It is so incredibly helpful to be able to see everything at once in a little table, and the website is super customizable and aesthetic.
My personal mantra is... if you feel like you're tired after hanging out with certain people, don't hang out with those people. It's taken me a while to find friends who I don't feel the need to fake my personality around, and it's truly liberating.
My career goals include... I'm not entirely sure yet, but I know that I want to do something that involves doing things with my hands. I'm not sure if I would be able to survive in a career that required me to sit at a computer all day.
Xindi Liu
hometown DARIEN
school RYE COUNTRY DAY
SCHOOL , CLASS OF 2026
“One of the greatest advantages of SLS has been the ease of access and close relationships with teachers, advisors, and coaches. These relationships accelerated Javier’s integration into the community and the development of his full potential academically and as a student-athlete. All four of our children attended SLS, and each, in their own way, grew in a healthy yet competitive environment that prepared them for the next stage of life.”
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious) day school for grades 5-12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. DiscoverYour Potential at SLS.
The Minuesa family of New Canaan: Jose ‘17, Raquel, Javier ‘25, Juan, Sara ‘22, and Maria ‘18
Javier started at SLS in Middle School.
Lydia san jose
In the fall I will be… attending UPenn to study chemistry. I’m hoping to go to med school after college to be a doctor.
My interest in Advanced Inquiry
Work with ACL surgery and medicine began with… a curiosity to find a way to keep athletes healthier and help them recover faster by combining my passions for sports and science into one project. I have seen many of my teammates and favorite athletes tear their ACLs and have a very long, and not always successful, recovery process, so I wanted to find a way to fix this problem.
My favorite thing about lacrosse is... the close friendships I make with my teammates, especially the ones I’ve gotten to play with for multiple seasons. This past year as a senior, I also really enjoyed getting to support and lead new members of the team.
Before a big game you can find me... warming up with teammates and having my hair braided by our team braider.
My personal mantra is... work hard, play hard!
Something about me that might surprise people is... my favorite sports to play before lacrosse were soccer and basketball. My lucky number is 13 because of Alex Morgan.
In my downtime I like to... read, exercise, hang out with friends and family and watch TV.
My secret to time management is... making an organized plan before I start a big task. It helps me feel more productive and less overwhelmed. I also swear by using my planner every day.
Community service is meaningful to me because... it allows me to connect with others, give back to those in need and make a difference in my community. I love to help others and see how my actions can help people become happier and healthier.
• GREENS FARMS ACADEMY CLASS SALUTATORIAN (2025)
• U.S. LACROSSE ALL-ACADEMIC
• ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE AND MATH BOOK AWARD
• CT-STEM FOUNDATION RESEARCH PROPOSAL FAIR: 4TH PLACE, PHYSICAL SCIENCE
• ALL-FAA AND ALLNEPSAC FIRST TEAM RECIPIENT
hometown darien school greens farms academy , class of 2025
hometown new canaan school new canaan high school , class of 2026
Telesco
michael
• SECOND-YOUNGEST PERSON EVER TO DISCOVER A NEW NEBULA, TELCOM 1
• NATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE YOUTH IMAGING AWARD: 3RD PLACE FOR IMAGE OF HEWETT 1
• 3-TIER JUDGED ASTROBIN IMAGE OF THE DAY (TWICE), ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE IMAGE OF THE DAY (TWICE)
+ FEATURES IN THE MONTHLY NOTICES OF OCTOBER AND JANUARY
• BEST IN DIGITAL ART AND GOLD KEY CT SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS: “THE GREAT AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE”
• SUMMER SCIENCE PROGRAM (SSP) IN ASTROPHYSICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
• PRESIDENT OF ASTROPHYSICS CLUB AT NCHS AND LED TEAM TO WIN $1,500 NASA TECHRISE CHALLENGE GRANT
Studying astronomy allows me to... connect with my origins and see life through a different lens. I believe that astronomy makes people better human beings. Everything and everyone on planet Earth is interconnected and astronomy makes that very apparent!
Being the second-youngest person to have discovered a new planetary nebula (named TelCom 1) allowed me to… make important connections with many accomplished astrophotographers and astronomers and also leave my mark on the universe, modest as it may be.
My favorite time of day is... late at night after finishing homework, when I can listen to music or go stargazing and capture amazing images of the universe when the skies are clear.
My secret to time management is... always staying ahead of the work. Don’t procrastinate and don’t let work expand to fit the time allowed— and always be cognizant of my schedule.
Running the NCHS astrophysics club is meaningful because... I get to share my passion with other like-minded individuals and work on meaningful projects with a team. We have just completed the NASA TechRise Challenge on the properties of quantum dots.
My favorite stargazing events are usually... when young kids see planets or star clusters for the first time. Watching their faces light up when they spot Jupiter’s Great Red Spot or Saturn’s rings is absolutely incredible.
Something that would surprise people about me is... I am a big Formula 1 fan and I love playing ping pong.
One day I hope to... contribute meaningfully to the field of astrophysics and conduct observations at the Vera C. Rubin Telescope or the Keck Observatory.
My favorite part of New Canaan is... its quiet and “homey” nature. I love biking or walking around town with friends and family. It feels so peaceful and relaxed, even when life gets hectic.
Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT (203) 801-5608 | countryschool.net @nccountryschool
hometown
NEW CANAAN school
ST . LUKE , S SCHOOL , CLASS OF 2026
Finn
Malkoun
I have been fascinated with the weather for... as long as I can remember, especially snow and rainstorms. As early as grade school, I figured out that I could access the same underlying models that all the forecasters I followed on YouTube were using, and I could make my own forecasts. I first started forecasting when Mr. Cooper, the Headmaster at New Canaan Country School, asked me to be his “Snow Day Advisor” in 6th grade. I advise SLS on snow days and weather-related practice and game cancellations, and for my senior STEM Scholar project, I’m building my own snowfall forecasting app using data I’ve compiled over the years for fun.
Volunteer landscaping is something that I enjoy because... I love transforming an overgrown eyesore into something that is visually pleasing, while also helping out someone else or beautifying our town.
My passion for farming began... very early! My grandmother grew up on a farm in West Virginia, and I’ve spent time there my whole life. When I was 12, we built a raised-bed
vegetable garden at our house, and I learned how to plant, amend the soil, weed and harvest. When I decided to take on a larger project and grow pumpkins at our farm in Vermont, it was a natural extension of this love of growing crops, but on a way bigger scale. It included operating heavy equipment, specifically tractors, and I got to deliver the actual fruits of my labor to SLS when I was done. Reaping the rewards of one’s work in the most literal sense brings with it a level of satisfaction and happiness that I’ve only found in the work it takes to grow crops.
I would describe myself as... energetic, devoted, hard-working and funny.
My career goals include... I feel particularly drawn to entrepreneurship. One day I’d love to own my own business and be successful enough to retire on a couple of hundred acres of rural land. Nothing fancy, just land and a simple life.
Pursuing my pilot’s license has allowed me to... take my love for machines to a new level. I’ve always loved driving farm equipment and I’m fascinated by the power of motors. Flying is all about the machine, and it relies heavily on weather and math, so it combines a many of the different interests I have into one. Once I’m in the air, there’s an awesome feeling of freedom and an unbeatable view.
• ELECTED TO SLS STUDENT HONOR COUNCIL
• SLS DEPARTMENTAL DISTINCTIONS IN MATH, PHYSICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
• SELECTED FOR SLS STEM SCHOLAR PROGRAM
• CO-PRESIDENT, BUILDING FOR NONPROFITS CLUB
• MODEL UN ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
SHGREENWICH.ORG
colette
• THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC
• SAINT PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE AWARD
• AP® SCHOLAR WITH HONOR AWARD
• SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS AWARD
• WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE STEM LEADERSHIP BOOK AWARD
In the fall I will be... attending Rice University.
I have been passionate about the performing arts for... as long as I can remember. I started dance classes when I was two and also learned to play the piano at a young age. I went from tap to ballet, and ultimately found a passion in Irish dance, which I did for several years. Health issues, social distancing and ever increasing school demands eventually led me to focus almost exclusively on the theatrical and vocal performance opportunities offered at Sacred Heart Greenwich. I thoroughly enjoy the creative process, as it demands both collaboration and grit to produce a cohesive and meaningful production.
Space exploration fascinates me because... I get a sense of wonder and insatiable curiosity every time I look up at the night sky. The expanse of space, the immeasurable galaxies that share this universe with our own and the visualization of time across the light years, captures my interest in an indescribable way. Space is the perfect intersection of faith and reason, and by studying our universe, I feel equally connected to both the spiritual wonder of creation and the amazing complexities of the cosmos. Humanity is on the precipice of becoming an interplanetary species, and this paradigm shift
to our collective experience will happen during my lifetime. To think I can contribute to our understanding of space exploration and travel makes this a particularly exciting time to be alive.
My personal mantra is... “Work smarter, not harder.”
Allen F. Morgenstern, Industrial Engineer, 1930
Engineering interests me so much because... engineers are given the tools and skillsets to devise innovative solutions to our most pressing problems. The inventions that matter to humanity have delivered clean water, cooled and heated air, illuminated the night and brought continents together. The progress of our planet is measured not only by great ideas, but also by thoughtful design and development. Engineers improve today and build the future across every discipline; however, I am most interested in aerospace design, with a special passion for space exploration.
In college I hope to... connect with my new community and find collaborative ways to pursue my passion for working in the Space Economy, all while engaging with my extracurricular interests. I am excited to explore all that the museum district of Houston has to offer with the friends I make in my residential college.
If I have downtime, you can find me... making something! I spend a lot of my spare time doing crafts like crochet and diamond art, building LEGO sets and puzzles or dabbling with my watercolors. When I am not at home, I love to visit museums, explore historic sites and enjoy live theatre.
Something that might surprise people about me is... I am left-handed, and I am teaching myself how to play the ukulele.
My favorite quote is.... “The cosmos is within us, we are made of star stuff, we are a way for the universe to know itself.” —Carl
Sagan
Volunteering provides me with... I enjoy blending my faith, knowledge and skills to enrich my community in disparate, targeted ways. From helping marginalized teens find prom clothes for their big dance to helping make sandwiches for local food bank, to serving as a reader and an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in my church, I try to follow St. Thérèse’s example and provide small, personal acts of service from a place of compassion and empathy to friends, neighbors and strangers alike.
hometown darien school
darien high school , class of 2026
BROOKE & KiLEY LiDDELL
BROOKE
• FCIAC FALL SCHOLARATHLETE AWARD, ALL-FCIAC VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY TEAM MEMBER, CIAC AND FCIAC CHAMPION AND RUNNER-UP
• DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL CORNELL BOOK AWARD, SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS BOOK AWARD, AND FRANCIS A. CARTER MILLER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
• NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLAR
• REPEATED SELECTION TO USAFH U18 AND U21 NEXUS CHAMPIONSHIPS
• NATIONAL MATH, SCIENCE AND ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETIES
In the fall I will be... attending Columbia University as a prospective mechanical engineering major and playing my first season of NCAA DI field hockey.
My interest in mechanical engineering first started when... I was just a little girl. My favorite toys were blocks. I was always building something. In middle school, I loved when we got to do design challenges in science class (with popsicle sticks, etc.) and in high school, I gravitated toward physics classes, which gave me the opportunity to apply my math background to analyze and construct complex moving systems.
Playing field hockey provides me with... a community. My teammates lift me up; they hold me accountable, push me to be my best self, help me up when I fall and make me laugh along the way.
My personal mantra is... Find a way to have fun! The key
to achieving your goals is to work hard and with consistency, but approaching tasks with an “I have to…” mindset is an easy way to lose motivation and joy. Going through life with an “I get to…” mindset makes all the difference.
Before a big game you can find me... enjoying a peanut butter sandwich and an orange and dancing along to my favorite pump-up playlist.
One day I hope to... own lots and lots of dogs. For a while, when I was little, I wanted to be a veterinarian, and although that dream has passed, I will forever be a dog lover.
Living in Darien has given me... a place where I could find all the support I could want in pursuing any of my dreams.
Something about me that might surprise most people is... I love to cook! It’s always a good time, whether I’m just decompressing, listening to music or enjoying an activity with a friend. Plus, I end up with something delicious!
My favorite quote is... “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou
In the fall I will be... playing field hockey, learning new things, and meeting new people in the city at Columbia University.
My interest in financial economics first started... in middle school, when I had my first taste of a fast-paced, accelerated math course—and I loved it. In high school, I looked for ways to apply my math and writing skills to solve problems. Senior year, after loving my microeconomics class, I decided to self-study for the macroeconomics exam when taking the actual class didn’t fit into my schedule.
My biggest influences are Steve Baker and Brian Hathaway at Investors Capital Management in Darien, who put so much time and energy into my internship and helped me learn about the finance industry this summer.
KiLEY
• DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN
• NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST
• CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (CIAC) SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FOR DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL
• WON CIAC AND FCIAC FIELD HOCKEY TITLES WITH DARIEN VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY AS AN ALL-FCIAC AND ALLCIAC PLAYER AND USA FIELD HOCKEY NEXUS CHAMPIONSHIP SELECTION
• RECIPIENT OF THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS AWARD, FRANCIS A. CARTER MILLER SCHOLARSHIP, RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE MEDAL, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD AND DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL BOOK AWARDS IN ENGLISH, EUROPEAN HISTORY,AND SPECIAL HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Playing field hockey provides me with... an outlet where I can always work hard and have fun. When I put energy into the sport, I always come out the other side feeling rewarded. That is a good, simple relationship
Being my class valedictorian meant so much to me because... I was recognized for all my hard work over the last four years. It was an honor to be trusted to speak at graduation, where I was grateful for an opportunity to thank my amazing teachers properly.
I meant it when I told everyone: “There’s a saying, that you get out of things what you put into them. To all my teachers, I got out of this what you put into it.”
Before a big game you can find me... going through possible game scenarios in my head. I don’t think you could call it proper visualization, but I do take a
moment to think about how I’ll need to step up and perform on the field.
Someone who inspires me is... my grandmother. She was a former presidential speechwriter in Washington, D.C., before there was much space for women to contribute the way she did to public policy. I admire how she’s such an effective communicator and I felt privileged to ask her for advice on delivering my graduation speech. She may have been slightly overqualified, but her enthusiasm and dedication never wavered from her high professional standard— qualities I appreciate and admire.
I decompress by... watching TV or picking up something random and interesting to read instead of my assigned reading. I’m an introvert, so I don’t fully decompress without my alone time.
My favorite restaurant is... Spiga in New Canaan. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from their menu, but I especially enjoy their fresh squid ink pasta fra diavolo.
My secret to time management is... far from perfect, but I’ve found timeblocking to be helpful. I’ve had success committing to work or training at times and letting myself fully relax and have fun at others.
My ideal family vacation is... skiing in Colorado over winter break, something I’ve done with my extended family every year since I was a baby.
I appreciate that my family has continually prioritized making this a time and place to be together and some of my best memories are there.
hometown new canaan school brunswick , class of 2026
•FAIRFIELD BIOLOGY PRIZE WINNER
• CAPTAIN OF THE CREW TEAM
• CREW SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNER
• BRUNSWICK PEER LEADER
• HIGH HONORS ALL SEMESTERS
Charlie Sulkowski
Rowing is an important part of my life because... many of my best friends are on the rowing team and the community is like no other; we all count on each other. Rowing has taught me discipline and my coaches have taught me how to work hard. Even when I didn’t think I could do more, they pushed me to work harder so that the boat could be faster. I can’t thank my coaches enough for encouraging me and helping me experience the payoff of hard work. As captain for the 2025-2026 year, I hope I can be as good a role model for the team as the past captains have been for me.
Taking a pre-college course in Game Theory at Brown University provided me the opportunity to... challenge myself with collegelevel material when I was 16 years old. I worked with kids from around the world, so not only did I learn about Game Theory, which was really interesting, but I also connected with kids who were so different from me. I am excited to take another course at Brown in Biomedical Engineering.
Before a regatta, you can find me... at the team tent eating Rice Krispie treats with the other eight guys in my boat. Thank you to the team moms who feed us!
My favorite quote is... “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” —Winnie the Pooh
My secret to time management is... just do everything right away! I hate the feeling of having things looming over me. I like to be organized because I leave for school at 6:20 each morning and usually I am not home until 7:00 at night.
In college I’d love to... study biology and other natural sciences. I can’t wait to meet lots of people from all over the world!
Working at Cherry Street East for the last two years has taught me... how to connect with strangers. Even the smallest gesture can start great conversations and turn a customer’s night around, and that they have the best burgers in New Canaan.
Serving as a youth deacon at my church allows me... to meet a lot of people who are older and wiser than me. I have loved getting to know them and hearing their life stories. There are some incredible men and women in our congregation at First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan and they have a lot to teach the rest of us.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
Brunswick School
The Children’s School
Eagle Hill School
Fairfield Preparatory School
Greens Farms Academy
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich Country Day School
King School
Long Ridge School
New Canaan Country School
Putnam Indian Field School
Rye Country Day School
Sacred Heart Greenwich
Seven Acres Montessori
The Southport School
St. Joseph High School
St. Luke’s School
Whitby School
Winston Preparatory School, CT
actionable Tips FROMHIGH SCH O OL TO COLLEGE :
FOR PARENT S AND TEENS
SET YOUR TEEN UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE WITH PRACTICAL TIPS FROM DARIEN’S KATE STONE ON NAVIGATING THE COLLEGE PROCESS, FROM ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS TO LEVERAGING MODERN TOOLS LIKE AI AND PODCASTS.
Navigating the journey to college can feel overwhelming for both teens and their parents. It’s a time filled with big questions about academics, extracurriculars and future career paths. But what if there were simple, actionable steps you could take right now to set your teen up for success? These ten tips offer a path to college admissions—moving beyond test scores and grades to help your teen develop transferable skills, meaningful and measurable impact, and a distinctive application that captures an admissions officer’s attention.
No. 1
TEACH A TEEN THE POWER OF A CALENDAR
Want to set your kid up for lifelong time-management skills? Start with a shared family calendar.
Show them how to add events, set reminders, and sync notifications. They’ll begin to connect the dots between planning and freedom because when they know what’s coming, they’re less overwhelmed. It’s also a great way to reduce “Mom, you never told me!” moments. Everyone in the house is aware of upcoming tests, practices and family plans.
Start with Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. Add just one shared family event this week (like “lacrosse practice”). Have your teen set the notification themselves. Then have them schedule recurring events and set reminders.
No.2
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHORES
Chores build executive function and foster brain development, preparing teens for college and beyond. A long-term Harvard study found that kids held accountable for household chores are more likely to succeed. Teaching skills like laundry, tidying shared spaces, and cooking basic meals equips them for independence. Chores aren’t just tasks—they’re mental training for a successful adulthood. For our students, we focus on nailing one skill at a time and letting the student decide how they are going to remember it (Post-it notes, notifications, posters). We know we’ve succeeded when a parent notices behavioral changes at home.
When your teen wins an award, finishes a big project, or takes on a leadership role, have them post a short update on Instagram or LinkedIn. Tag the school, team or organization they worked with. That digital footprint isn’t just for admissions—it’s a portfolio you can use for internships, jobs and networking for years. If you decide to make a profile public for admissions or professional purposes, create a dedicated account that’s curated, clean and separate from your personal posts.
The best place to include a social media handle is in a resume (if submitted). It’s okay to include it in the “Additional Info” section of the Common App, but only if you’re using that space for something truly meaningful and not merely repeating info from elsewhere in your application. Don’t insert it into your main Activities list, essay or “Challenges and Circumstances” section.
N .
4
USE AI TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL CAREERS
3
HARNESS THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA
A Kaplan survey found that 36% of admissions officers admitted to reviewing applicants’ social media. It’s a common practice, so take steps to ensure your online presence is positive.
No. 5 BROWSE COLLEGE MAJORS & COURSES EARLY
Forget outdated career tests! Tell AI your age, grade level and interests. Then type in the following prompt:
“Based on my age, grade level, and interests — ask me ten questions that will help you recommend possible career paths with salary ranges, required education, “a day in the life description of this career, and why you recommend this for me.”
Sit down with your teen and do it together. They’ll be surprised by how many creative options come up, and you’ll save a lot of time. You can also use AI to help you build your college list and gain interview skills, among other things.
Instead of waiting until senior year, get inspired early. Different colleges have wildly different course offerings and programs available. The same majors at two schools can be totally different from each other. You’ll also find that there are interesting minors that only require you to take a couple of extra classes. Choosing a minor helps you consider possible career directions and can even help differentiate your application by niching down. Start with one target college and browse through its course catalog. You’ll find some hidden gems that will help activate your teen’s imagination.
No. 6
TUNE INTO ADMISSIONS PODCASTS
Admissions podcasts are a low-effort way to hear directly from the people who make the decisions: college admissions officers and counselors. Sometimes you will even get info from current students themselves. Many top schools now have their own podcasts, offering behind-thescenes insights on what they value, how they review applications, and what life is like on campus. Search for podcasts from your teen’s top-choice schools—like “Inside Dartmouth Admissions,” “Yale Admissions Podcast” or “Inside the College Experience” and hear from current students.
No. 7 SHOW COLLEGES YOU’RE SERIOUS (AKA DEMONSTRATED INTEREST)
Colleges want students who are likely to enroll and are excited to contribute to campus life. This is especially true for private, midsized
and smaller schools that are concerned about yield (the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll). Think registered campus visits, virtual tours, info sessions, following their social media and even opening their emails. Admissions offices track these touch points.
It’s worth it to build a relationship with your regional admissions officer. Meet them at a college fair or information session, follow up with a thank-you email and a specific question (not one you can easily find the answer to on their website), and send one meaningful update before you apply. To find them, search “[School Name] + regional representative.”
Some colleges weigh demonstrated interest heavily; others don’t track it at all. Search for the Common Data Set (Section C7) + [School Name] for detailed information on the importance of various factors in their admissions process
No. 8
VISIT YOUR TARGET COLLEGES FIRST
Don’t start with your dream schools. It will taint the rest of your college search.
If you visit your reach schools first, it sets impossibly high standards. Your teen might compare every other visit to that one perfect campus. Worse, skipping target schools can backfire. Many colleges track your visits, and skipping one can seriously hurt your chances.
Pick one realistic target school this month—maybe an hour away—and make that your first visit.
No. 9
COMPETITIONS ARE A CHEAT CODE
Awards and honors are thirdparty validation, and colleges LOVE them.
There are hundreds of competitions for every interest, including writing, science, music, robotics, art, and more. Search for competitions in your area of interest and don’t necessarily go for the biggest, most competitive one. Find a competition where you actually stand a chance. Do an internet search for “[your teen’s interest] + national competition” to see what’s out there.
No.10
GET HELP EARLY
There are a variety of local resources available to students. Take advantage of them! Don’t wait for your 11th grade English teacher to say, “Let’s start working on college essays!” Amazing college essays take time to ideate, structure and polish—so do effective activities lists.
New Canaan and Darien libraries occasionally host seminars on topics like college application timelines and college coaching for parents, some of which I teach myself. At Kate Stone Prep, we offer free in-person college application and essay workshops and invite any student 8th grade and up who wants to get a jump on preparing for what’s ahead. For ongoing advice and tips, follow me on social media @katefrancestone, where I regularly share insights for students of all ages.
The earlier you start preparing, the more time you have to build experiences for the college application.
A LOCAL MENTOR WITH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Growing up in Darien gives Kate unique insight into the high-achieving, highpressure world of Fairfield County students. After graduating from NYU, she spent a decade as a professional actress in Los Angeles— honing the storytelling, preparation and presentation skills she uses to coach students—while also teaching in Southeast Asia through the Princeton University Teaching Fellowship, and training with some of the nation’s top college advisors.
Following the sudden loss of her mother, Kate returned home with a new mission: to fix what she saw as the college prep industry’s flaw—focusing on the college application instead of developing the student. In 2014, she launched her company, Kate Stone Prep, recently partnering with her husband, Zac, a former AP/IB teacher, college professor and tech-education entrepreneur. Now based in Darien, they work together to help students become capable and confident individuals, ready to stand out in college and beyond.
JUDGES
HONORING EXCELLENCE
Welcome to athome in Fairfield County magazine’s sixteenth annual A-List Awards.
We believe the strength of our design community lies in its diversity—of talent, perspective and approach. The A-List Awards are our way of honoring the people behind the spaces that inspire us most, from rising talents to industry veterans whose creativity continues to redefine the field. With an impressive range of submissions across categories, our esteemed panel of judges faced the challenging task of selecting this year’s finalists. We’re thrilled to share the full list below, along with project pages featuring images and professional credits at athomealistawards.com. Each finalist page can be easily shared, because great design deserves to be seen. We hope this year’s finalists, with their bold vision and thoughtful execution, will inspire your own design journey. The winner of each category will be revealed on September 9, 2025 at our networking gala and awards ceremony. We wish our finalists much luck, and we thank all who entered, as well as our judges and our generous sponsors, who have made this celebration possible.
LANDSCAPE: Greater Than 1 Acre
Kathryn Herman Design @kathrynhermandesign
KITCHEN: Transitional/Modern Clarity Home Interiors
Kathryn Herman Design New Canaan; 203-442-5848 kathrynhermandesign.com MDLA @mdlandarch MDLA Boston, MA; 203-592-4788 m-d-l-a.com
@clarityhome Clarity Home Interiors
Riverside; 203-340-2468 clarityhomeinteriors.com
Douglas Graneto Design @douglasgranetodesign
Douglas Graneto Design Greenwich; 203-622-8383 douglasgraneto.com
The Rath Project @therathproject The Rath Project Fairfield; 518-542-6268 therathproject.com
VanderHorn Architects with Kelly Rosen Design @vanderhornarchitects @kellyrosendesign Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com
Kelly Rosen Design New York, NY: 312-909-6088 kellyrosendesign.com
The company’s success is marked by their transparency, synergy and determination to adhere to the values and client services that make the company great. Approach” for each project. Whether renovating an apartment in New York City, constructing a waterfront home in the Hamptons or building a family retreat in Connecticut, each team is in constant communication to deliver a superior building experience from concept to completion and beyond. Hobbs Care, a division of Hobbs, Inc., is available to clients to provide comprehensive maintenance
Hobbs, Inc.
Hobbs, Inc.
A DDRESS: Hobbs, Inc: New Canaan, CT | New York, NY Saddle River, NJ |
Bridgehampton, NY
Hobbs Care: New Canaan, CT | Saddle River, NJ
A DDRESS: Hobbs, Inc: New Canaan, CT | New York, NY Saddle River, NJ | Bridgehampton, NY Hobbs Care: New Canaan, CT | NJ
PHONE: 203-966-0726
PHONE: 203-966-0726
WEBSITE: hobbsinc.com; hobbs-care.com
Hobbs, Inc. is an award-winning builder of distinctive homes in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Brothers Scott and Ian Hobbs are proud to honor the legacy of integrity, quality and client service instilled by their grandfather and founder, Theodore deFreyne Hobbs, seventy years ago.
WEBSITE: hobbsinc.com; Hobbs, Inc. is an award-winning builder of distinctive homes in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Brothers Scott and Ian Hobbs are proud to honor the legacy of integrity, quality and client service instilled by their grandfather and founder, Theodore deFreyne Hobbs, over six decades ago.
The company sustains strong, collaborative relationships with the most respected architects and designers in the construction industry. They employ experienced, dedicated professionals and talented craftsmen to plan and execute every step of the “Hobbs Approach” for each project. Whether renovating an apartment in New York home in the building a family retreat in Connecticut, each team is in constant communication to deliver a superior building experience from concept to completion and beyond. Hobbs Care, a division of Hobbs, Inc., is available to clients to provide comprehensive maintenance programs, renovations and continual home improvement services.
The company sustains strong, collaborative relationships with the most respected architects and designers in the construction industry. They employ experienced, dedicated professionals and talented craftsmen to plan and execute every step of the “Hobbs Approach” for each project. Whether renovating an apartment in New York City, constructing a waterfront home in the Hamptons or building a family retreat in Connecticut, each team is in constant communication to deliver a superior building experience from concept to completion and beyond. Hobbs Care, a division of Hobbs, Inc., is available to clients to provide comprehensive maintenance programs, renovations and continual home improvement services. The company’s success is marked by their transparency, synergy and determination to adhere to the values and client services that make the company great.
For over 40 years, Fairview Hearthside is the Hudson Valley’s first name in hearth products. Our latest product line from Fairview Cast Stone includes fireplace surrounds in a variety of colors and textures. Please visit our newly renovated showroom at 68 Violet Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY, offering the latest indoor and outdoor gas, wood burning and electric fireplaces, gas log sets, fire pits, and custom fireplace doors. We continue to serve builders, architects, and designers with the very best of the hearth industry and we install every product we sell.
Each project we take on involves careful thought and planning and we pride ourselves on the ability to work with the customer in choosing the fireplace that best suits their style and needs. Fairview Hearthside offers many services to complete your project, from designing the look that you want to achieve through the follow-up maintenance of your hearth product for years to come. We maintain a staff of experienced, welltraveled and fully ensured technicians, as well as specialists in our Sales/ Design team and we are confident that your project will be handled with professionalism, thoroughness, cleanliness, and with safety in mind.
Our pledge is to deliver an extraordinary service while maintaining a high level of professionalism, integrity, foresight, and fairness. We are committed to growing Fairview Hearthside through complete customer satisfaction.
Our sales team would be happy to visit your job site or home for a free estimate for your dream project! Please give us a call at (845) 4528444 or email us at info@fairviewhearthside.com and we will be happy to speak with you!
Karl Chevrolet is a proud third-generation family business founded in 1927, serving the Fairfield and Westchester County markets from New Canaan, CT. As a top-rated dealer recognized by CarFax, Cars. com, and DealerRater, Karl has built a stellar reputation through nearly 100 years of personalized service.
The dealership offers Chevrolet’s complete lineup featuring cuttingedge technology and advanced safety features at exceptional value.
From the world-class performance of Corvette to the powerful Silverado and all-electric Equinox EV, every vehicle includes the latest connectivity and driver assistance systems.
Karl’s no-hassle approach means honest MSRP pricing or better— never charging premiums or market adjustments. It’s simply the right thing to do. The dealership has become a Northeast leader in electric vehicles, excelling in sales of the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV while actively supporting EV charging infrastructure throughout Fairfield County. From everyday transportation to rugged work trucks to the ultimate weekend drive, it’s here at Karl Chevrolet! Visit today to discover how nearly a century of trusted expertise combines with tomorrow’s automotive technology for an unmatched customer experience.
TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE: Greater Than 7,000 Square Feet
Kate Gelfand Interior Design @kategelfandid Kate Gelfand Interior Design Cos Cob; 203-485-0413 kategelfand.com
Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors
@ebolognino
Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors
Westport; 917-848-5441 elizabethbolognino.com
VanderHorn Architects with Kelly Rosen Design @vanderhornarchitects @kellyrosendesign Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com
TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE: Less Than 7,000 Square Feet
Morgan Harrison Home @morganharrisonhome Morgan Harrison Home New Canaan; 203-594-7875 morganharrisonhome.com
Charles Hilton Architects @charleshiltonarchitects Charles Hilton Architects Greenwich; 203-489-3800 hiltonarchitects.com
Camden Grace Interiors West Hartford; 860-944-2110 camden-grace.com
Morgan Harrison Home @morganharrisonhome
Morgan Harrison Home New Canaan; 203-594-7875 morganharrisonhome.com
Sarah P. Major Interior Design & J. R. Held & Co. @sarahpmajor @jesserheld
Sarah P. Major Interior Design Darien; 860-575-3666 sarahpmajor.com J. R. Held & Co. Norwalk; 508-269-6868 jrheldandco.com
Rinaldi Brothers
Rinaldi Brothers
A DDRESS: 19 Old Kings Hwy S, Suite 200, Darien, CT
A DDRESS: 19 Old Kings Hwy S, Suite 200, Darien, CT
PHONE: 860-333-8689
PHONE: 860-333-8689
WEBSITE: rinaldiroofingri.com
WEBSITE: rinaldiroofingri.com
At Rinaldi Brothers, we specialize in premium exterior solutions tailored for homeowners who expect the highest standards of excellence, discretion, and detail. As a family-owned business, we bring both legacy and luxury to every project—combining artisanal skill with modern precision. Serving the area’s most prestigious communities, we offer a concierge-level experience in asphalt, cedar, slate and copper roofing, custom exterior enhancements, and historic home restoration. Our name is trusted by discerning homeowners, architects, and real estate professionals who appreciate timeless quality and white-glove service. As twin brothers and business partners, we are intimately involved in all projects, ensuring clear communication, refined craftsmanship, and a deep respect for your home. Whether you require an emergency repair before a closing or a full-scale renovation, our family is dedicated to protecting yours—with integrity, care, and unmatched attention to detail. Experience the difference of working with a family that shares your standards.
At Rinaldi Brothers, we specialize in premium exterior solutions tailored for homeowners who expect the highest standards of excellence, discretion, and detail. As a family-owned business, we bring both legacy and luxury to every project—combining artisanal skill with modern precision.
Serving the area’s most prestigious communities, we offer a concierge-level experience in asphalt, cedar, slate and copper roofing, custom exterior enhancements, and historic home restoration. Our name is trusted by discerning homeowners, architects, and real estate professionals who appreciate timeless quality and white-glove service. As twin brothers and business partners, we are intimately involved in all projects, ensuring clear communication, refined craftsmanship, and a deep respect for your home. Whether you require an emergency repair before a closing or a full-scale renovation, our family is dedicated to protecting yours—with integrity, care, and unmatched attention to detail. Experience the difference of working with a family that shares your standards.
Create Where You Belong
California Closets
A DDRESS: 48 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT
PHONE: 203-924-8444
WEBSITE: californiaclosets.com
California Closets is recognized for its tradition of innovation, organizational expertise, superior craftsmanship, and design leadership. Our team of skilled design consultants and installers are committed to delivering an outstanding experience throughout the entire journey of creating and installing organizational systems for every area of the home. From walk-in closets and wall beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional designers excel in the art of home organization. We are thrilled to announce that our highly anticipated Greenwich showroom is now open! Our showroom is a thoughtfully designed space that highlights our newest products and provides an engaging experience for our customers. This dynamic environment is where creativity converges with innovation. It serves as a place to explore and a center for inspiration, allowing design enthusiasts and professionals to discover the full range of our offerings.
We invite you to visit us at 48 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT.
A DDRESS: 181 West Avenue, Darien, CT
PHONE: 800-390-1000
WEBSITE: ringsend.com
Ring’s End is the largest retailer of Marvin windows and doors and Benjamin Moore paint in the Northeast, with 34 locations serving both homeowners and building professionals. Eight locations operate as full-service lumberyards in Connecticut, Westchester County (NY), and South County (RI). The remaining 26 are dedicated paint centers, operating under the Ring’s End name locally and as Johnson Paint in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. As a multi-generational family-owned and led business, Ring’s End is at the forefront of industry trends toward environmentally friendly products and local business growth. They introduce the latest and most innovative products, focusing on trends such as sustainable brands. Additionally, they educate customers on various topics, including building science, proper preparation and application of coatings, and the latest color trends. As an industry leader, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve. In addition to its retail locations, the company has a commercial paint and lacquer facility, a custom millwork shop, a centralized distribution warehouse, an education center, and a window and door installation department.
WEBSITE: marvin.com
Your video produced by real journalists . Your business needs a high quality video. Still photos just don’t cut it. Nothing can sell you or your company better than video. Moving pictures and sound are far more engaging to customers and clients. Business videos can be multipurposed: to enhance your website, use for presentations, for e-newsletters, for social networking sites, and so on. Video is the way of today and is so easily accessible to everyone.
At Marvin, we are driven to imagine and create better ways of living. With every window and door we build, we strive to bring more natural light, and fresh air into homes, and help create deeper connections with the natural world. We put people at the center of everything we do by designing for how people live and work while imagining new ways our products can contribute to happier and healthier homes. As a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, Marvin fosters a culture that is committed to living our values. Our commitment to doing the right thing, working stronger together, and thinking differently inspires us to be better every day. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch, and feel, beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time. Driven by a spirit of possibility, our commitment to people goes beyond the products we make. We are dedicated to building longlasting and trusting relationships with our employees, customers, channel partners, and communities. Learn more at marvin.com.
FEATURING
FASHION SHOW SPONSOR
HANNAH STORM
CELEBRATING
BCA’s Models of Inspiration
MUSIC BY
DJ April Larken
Register online: https://breastcanceralliance.org/luncheon Follow us on Instagram for updates:
Guest Speaker Hannah Storm
MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES
Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.
Photo: Fadil Berisha
Now is the moment we’ve been waiting for. With new treatments emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, now is the time for hope. But not the time to stop.
Help us keep the momentum going in your community at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. Sunday, October 26th,
SUNDA , OCTOBER 1 2:00 - 5:30 PM
1 HURLINGHAM DRIVE | GREENWICH POLO CLUB
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS INCLUDE EVERYTHING!
Ferris Wheel • Live Music
Soccer with Aldwin • Pony Rides
Petting Zoo • Rock Climbing
Wall • Jumbo Truck Experience Food and Beverage Trucks
Hands-On Crafts • Inflatable Giant Corn Maze and so much more!
LIMITED VIP PATRON TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE!
· General admission + Early access to Go Wild!
· VIP parking at Go Wild!
thank you to our generous sponsors!
PRESENTING SPONSOR: PLATINUM SPONSORS:
· Patron Movie Night at the Polo Tent on Friday, October 17 at 5pm plus popcorn, treats, pizza truck, beverages and an exclusive Patron gift bag!
SCAN FOR EVENT + RAFFLE TICKETS OR VISIT GLTRUST.ORG
GOLD SPONSORS: GREENWICH DENTISTRY • MAYFLOWER INN & SPA GREEN SPONSORS: EDGEWATER DEVELOPMENT • EMERALD TREE & SHRUB CARE CO • PRO EYECARE • SBP HOMES • SCHWEIGER DERMATOLOGY GROUP • TANNER WHITE ARCHITECTS TRITECH MECHANICAL LLC MEDIA SPONSORS: GREENWICH MAGAZINE • GREENWICH SENTINEL COMMUNITY SPONSORS: ALEXANDRA DUNNING INTERIORS • ATHLETIC BREWING • AROUND THE WORLD PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY • HORSENECK GROUP • IVEY BARNUM O'MARA • ELIZABETH & MICHAEL KELLY • NEW YORK GIANTS • ROUND HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE CO • SEBASS EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT • THE FIRST BANK OF GREENWICH • THE GREENWICH POLO CLUB • TROY'S GARDEN NURSERIES • LISA & JEFF VOLLING [AS OF 8.6.25]
LEVITT PAVILION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ON SALE NOW
SEP 6: MIHALI - BEFORE THE DREAM TOUR
W/S/G SOULE MONDE AND W/ MR MOTA
SEP 12: STRAWBERRY FIELDS - BEATLES TRIBUTE
PLUS... FREE SEPTEMBER SHOWS INCLUDE: AMY IRVING W/ THE GOOLIS ORCHESTRA
DNR - THE ALMOST ALL-DOC ROCK BAND TRIBUTE TO EMS
ARGONAUT & WASP W/S/G WILD & CO.
Build Awareness. Reach New Clients.
Legal Profile Special Section
• 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
• 65% of our magazine and online users are willing to pay more for a service that has won an award1 .
postscript
by eileen murphy • photograph by unc athletics
SISTER ACT
Fairfield County has a proud tradition of producing top-tier athletes, and the recent success of the Humphrey sisters is the ultimate example of that. Darien High School graduates, Nicole, Ashley, and Chloe Humphrey made history this past May by winning the 2025 National Championship together as teammates on the University of North Carolina’s women’s lacrosse team. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their incredible talent and dedication, and an inspiration to the many other athletes that continue to emerge from our local schools.
Nuvance Health is joining Northwell
Learn more
Feels good to feel understood
For women, by women — the Beard Women’s Wellness Center at iPark offers coordinated, personalized care for your whole self — including primary care, midwifery, doula services, behavioral health and more.
Beard Women’s Wellness Center at iPark 761 Main Ave., Norwalk
