Westport Weston & Wilton - Sept/Oct 2025

SARAH JESSICA PARKER

Stacy Waldman Bass’s Luminous New Memoir

SCULPTED CABLE COLLECTION

SJP AT WESTPORT

Westport Library’s 26th BOOKED for the evening welcomes Sarah Jessica Parker as this year’s celebrated honoree. by samantha yanks

TEENS TO WATCH

Meet the exceptional Westport students whose diverse talents and shared commitment to community will help them shape the future.

by jill johnson mann

SEPT/OCT 2025

BUZZ

Downtown Westport goes très chic; Your fall reading list starts here; Stacy Bass’ new memoir, through the lens of light and beauty

DO

Jennifer Fisher’s Trust Your Gut cookbook debuts; A roundup of events this season at Fairfield University’s Center for Arts & Minds

GO

Escape to the Pridwin on Shelter Island: Getaway to Ritz Carlton Reserve’s Nekajui

SHOP

Fall fashion’s top picks to get your wardrobe on trend; Athleisure alley on Main Street; Five female-led brands share how Connecticut has inspired their brand

EAT

Westport’s new Naplesinspired destination, Massi Co. opens; Cold brew delivery with Roast Runners

top: La Source hosts

bottom: Polpette di Manzo from Massi Co.

Find out about store openings, see what’s coming up in the magazine, and enjoy photos of iconic places around the area— follow us on Instagram. Together, we make living here the best!

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27 | no. 5 | september/october 2025

editorial

editorial director

Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com

editor-in-chief: westport

Samantha Yanks–samantha.yanks@moffly.com

books correspondent

Emily Liebert

culinary + cocktails contributor

Jennifer Pupa Schwartz

fitness + wellness contributor

Eric Johnson

home décor contributor

Simona Levin

style contributor

Amy Guzzi

fashion and jewelry contributor

Nancy Berger

contributing editors

Megan Gagnon–editor, athome

Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing

Eileen Murphy–editor, new canaan • darien Melinda Anderson–editor, stamford

copy editors

Terry Christofferson, Lynne Piersall, David Podgurski, Scott Thomas, Isabella Critchell

contributing writers

Samantha Critchell, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Sophie Edwards, Suzanne Gannon, Elizabeth Keyser, Jill Johnson Mann, Erik Ofgang

editorial assistant

Lily Caplan

editorial advisory board G. Kenneth Bernhard, Bridgett Csapo-DiBonaventura, Nancy Conroy, Nancy Gault, Caren Hart Nelson, Jennifer O’Reilly

art

senior art director Garvin Burke–garvin.burke@moffly.com

contributing art director

Venera Alexandrova–venera.alexandrova@moffly.com

production director

Tim Carr–tim.carr@moffly.com

assistant art director

Lisa Marie Servidio–lisa.servidio@moffly.com

senior photographer Bob Capazzo

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Lloyd Gabi–lloyd.gabi@moffly.com, Jeffery Garay–jeffery.garay@moffly.com

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Editor@WestportMag.com Weddings@WestportMag.com

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editor’s letter

MOMENTS WORTH SHARING

September and October in our coastal Connecticut towns have a magic all their own. The light shifts, the air turns crisp, and our community gathers for moments that remind us why we love living here. This issue is filled with those moments, from landmark events to hidden local treasures.

of the release of her new book Trust Your Gut, an inspiring guide to anti-inflammatory eating, and share the best of Fairfield University’s Center for Arts & Minds’ fall programming.

In Shop, we dub Main Street’s new wave of activewear destinations and profile five remarkable female-led fashion brands created here in Connecticut. In Eat, we bring you everything from the transformation of Don Memo into Massi Co Italian to the launch of Roast Runners, a cold brew delivery service from two inspiring local founders.

1: With Missy Tannen of Boll & Branch 2: With Ali Wentworth and Lori Gellman 3: With Maggie Mossop and Melissa Johnson of Recess Performance Club

4: Our daughter Sadie with Corri Neckritz at Groove

5: With Eleanor Banco at NCL at the totem trunk show

6: With my husband David Yanks and our daughter Sadie at her Staples High School graduation

7: With Sarah landman and Courtney Crown

8: With my husband David Yanks 9: With Sarah Sadie Newett and Adrienne Fleming 10: With Mary Giuliani

Our cover story celebrates a true cultural milestone. It is an honor for Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine to be the official media sponsor for the Westport Library’s sold-out signature fundraising event, BOOKED for the evening..., returning for its 26th year. This year, the Library honors actress, author and activist Sarah Jessica Parker for her contributions to storytelling, publishing and the defense of libraries in American life. SJP’s dedication to literature, her championing of diverse voices, and her belief in the power of empathy through reading make her a perfect honoree. Past recipients include icons such as Billie Jean King, a thrill to interview last year, Martin Scorsese, Shonda Rhimes and Patti Smith.

In this issue, we dive into stories that inspire and delight. For those seeking inspiration abroad, in Buzz, I take you to Parisian-style havens right here in Westport with La Source, maman, and Crêpes Choupette. In Do, I sit down with past cover star Jennifer Fisher ahead

And in true spirit, we spotlight the talents at home shaping our community. This issue includes Teens to Watch, our inspiring A-List award winners, and a feature on Gaelle Dudley and Homes with Hope, as they reveal, together, the new Susie’s House she designed pro bono for those in need. September and October invite us to savor the fall season to celebrate creativity and support one another’s work. Whether you are reading this curled up with a good book or headed for your next adventure, I hope these pages inspire you to explore more, connect more, and fall in love all over again with the place we call home.

SCAN TO VISIT US

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founder’s page

“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. W

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Pouring Love Into Every Bite!

A Slice of Paris Comes to Westport

How La Source, Crêpes Choupette, and Maman Are Creating a Chic, French-Infused Destination.

by samantha yanks

There’s something quietly enchanting unfolding in Westport, a subtle shift in energy, where cobblestone sidewalks meet café chairs, and where the scent of espresso mingles with the soft rustle of luxe lingerie.

Thanks to a thoughtfully curated cluster of local boutiques and cafés, anchored by La Source Lingerie & Swim, Crêpes Choupette, and the soon-to-open Maman, this charming enclave is beginning to feel like a tuckedaway corner of Paris, one where French sensibility meets modern

ease, and every detail feels intentional.

At the heart of this stylish revival is Crêpes Choupette, which draws you in with the irresistible aroma of warm butter, Nutella, and freshly brewed espresso. Equal parts French café and neighborhood staple, this beloved crêperie has become the unofficial gathering spot for a stylish crowd, artists, professionals and families alike,  all lingering over sweet and savory crêpes that could rival any Parisian street stand.

above: The clémentine crêpe below: Breakfast crêpe with eggs, ham and cheese

above: Peach and burrata crêpe with a class vino below: Mont d’Or cheese for fondue fun

above: Cappuccino

buzz

Just steps away is La Source, a boutique that has redefined what it means to shop for lingerie, loungewear and resort essentials. Part boutique, part boudoir, part coastal daydream, La Source brings together a sophisticated curation of European and emerging designer brands. From romantic lace bralettes to effortless silk robes and sculptural swimwear, the shop invites women to indulge in their

“We wanted to create more than a store,  a space that feels like slipping into a slower, more graceful rhythm.”

Jessica Johnson

femininity with quiet confidence.

“It’s about celebrating beauty in the everyday,” says the Jessica Johnson, the founder of La Source. “We wanted to create more than a store,  a space that feels like slipping into a slower, more graceful rhythm.”

And this fall, the French flair takes a decisive leap forward with the highly anticipated arrival of Maman, the beloved New York City café and bakery brand known for its ethereal interiors, exquisite pastries, and effortless, blue-and-white Provençal charm. Already a favorite among tastemakers and Instagrammers alike, Maman’s debut in Westport promises not only perfect croissants and lavender lattes, but a full sensory escape into a world where French farmhouse meets

above: La Source offers an assortment of best-in-class lingerie, sleepwear, resort wear and gifts.

right: The name LaSource is intended to honor women as “the source” of life, love, beauty and bounty. The founder’s mission was to upend traditional lingerie retail, replacing seduction and objectification with a celebration of women’s true essence—love, connection, and care.

below: The LaSource team is a highly-skilled staff of expert bra fitters and accomplished stylists.

left: The shop offers an assortment of best-in-class lingerie, sleepwear, resort wear and gifts. right: Bra fittings may be scheduled or walk-in. The shop also offers private events and is always happy to partner with local charities.

urban chic.

Together, these businesses, La Source, Crêpes Choupette, Maman, and other thoughtfully curated local shops — are shaping a district that’s less about shopping or dining alone, and more about lifestyle. This is a place to slow down. To sip something warm. To discover something beautiful. To gather. To wander.

It’s not just the look that evokes Paris, it’s the feeling. The feeling that beauty should be both accessible and unhurried. That food and fashion, like life, are best enjoyed in good company. That elegance is not about formality, but about intention.

This emerging Parisian-style corner of Westport is more than the sum of its storefronts. It’s a movement, one that invites locals and visitors alike to step into a slower, more sensual rhythm of living. One that reminds us: la vie est belle, life is beautiful, especially when lived with taste, grace, and just a little bit of French flair.

above: Each café reflects the unique character of the neighborhood they’re in. left top: The Sunshine Hummus Salad with homemade Mediterranean hummus, mixed greens, caramelized moroccan carrots, roasted fennel, pickled onions, fresh herbs and a citrus sumac vinaigrette. below: The perfect brunch spot with delicous coffee, fresh baked goods and yummy dishes.

left: Skip the line and get first dibs on coffee and cookies with the Maman app! right: Pineapple Coconut Croissant Cube

PHOTOGRAPHY: CONTRIBUTED

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Leafing Through the Pages

Fall into fall with these five standouts. From an enigmatic family heirloom to a complicated past resurfaced, a marriage of convenience to an AI psychotherapy app along with a plus-size single woman thrust on to the dating scene, the books on this list are both unique and intriguing, so get ready to dig in. by emily

liebert

THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND

BY PATTI CALLAHAN HENRY

When legendary author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham disappeared off the coast of South Carolina in 1927, she was survived by her husband, their eightyear-old daughter Clara, and the sequel to a widely popular book Bronwyn wrote in an invented language when she was only 12. Twenty-five years later, Clara is contacted by a stranger named Charlie Jameson, from London, who claims to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost language. She’s dubious at first, yet still crosses the Atlantic with her daughter Wynnie and arrives during the Great Smog, one of London’s deadliest natural disasters. With Wynnie’s asthma a danger, they escape to the Jamesons’ family retreat with Charlie, where Clara uncovers the truth about her mother and the story she left behind.

SUCH GOOD PEOPLE BY AMY BLUMENFELD

It’s April’s freshman year of college and she’s standing at the back of a bustling Manhattan bar, waiting for her friend Rudy. Within hours of his arrival, Rudy is arrested. Days later, April is expelled from school. Weeks after that, Rudy is incarcerated. And finally, April meets Peter, an impressive young attorney who rights her world. Fifteen years transpire, and April is living in Chicago, happily married to Peter, with three kids and a fulfilling career. On the eve of Peter’s election for local office, Rudy is up for parole, and the explosive headlines about April’s past threaten Peter’s campaign and everything they cherish. Suddenly, April has to choose between protecting the life she created, and the person who sacrificed everything to make it possible.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

BY MARISA KANTER

Evie Bloom is an aspiring foley artist who pays attention to every detail in her career. So when she’s selected for the fellowship of her dreams, she immediately spots the catch: no health benefits—a non-starter for someone with a chronic illness. Theo Cohen, an elementary school teacher, can’t afford to live alone in L.A. and is facing eviction. His lease specifies that each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless they’re married. For Theo, the answer is clear: wed Evie, his best friend. This way Theo can keep his apartment, and Evie would be added to his insurance. Nevermind that Evie doesn’t really want to be married to anyone and that Theo has always been a little bit in love with Evie.

LUNZER

Adrian writes lyrics for rappers he’s never met and finds success with a hit song about his own search for love. After his last relationship ends, Adrian decides to try Sike, a new elite AI psychotherapy app that tracks your every move and emotion, and guides you to mental contentment. Not long after, he falls for Maquie, a smart and sensitive venture capitalist, who wants to find a business as booming as Sike, even though she refuses to use it. Told from Adrian and Maquie’s perspectives, Lunzer maps out the tense first year of their relationship, as they grapple with connection, identity, anxiety, achievement, selfanalysis and awareness. This debut delivers an insightful analysis of the desire for lucidity by a curious, ambitious and indecisive generation.

KATIE STURINO

I

sn’t rock bottom the ideal place to start a climb? Sunny Greene asks herself this at 35, recently divorced, facing the daunting possibility of attending her younger brother’s wedding solo, and trying to find anything plus-sized in the Bergdorf Goodman swimsuit department. Challenges aside, Sunny has a PR empire, a beautiful Chelsea apartment, two dogs, and loyal best friends. Who says a full-figured single woman can’t enjoy dating? Enter Dennis, the charismatic, easygoing mailman, and Ted, the business magnate who wants to turn her size-inclusive swimsuit brand into a reality. There’s also her ex, who returns unexpectedly to reconnect. Practically overnight, Sunny becomes the new generation’s Carrie Bradshaw, as she navigates the trials and triumphs of dating, friendship and finding yourself.

SUNNY SIDE UP BY

SIKE BY FRED

emily liebert

Emily Liebert is the USAToday bestselling author of seven novels and a NewYork Times bestselling celebrity ghostwriter. Her books are available worldwide.

A Legacy in Focus

Westport-based photographer STACY WALDMAN BASS

illuminates grief, resilience and the power of memory in her transformative memoir,

“LIGHTKEEPER.”

by samantha yanks

For acclaimed photographer and longtime Westport resident Stacy Waldman Bass, storytelling has always been visual. But with the release of her memoir Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss (Simon & Schuster/ Audible) Bass turns her lens inward—trading a camera for a pen to deliver a stirring meditation on grief, resilience and the healing power of memory.

In 1995, tragedy struck when her father, Michael Waldman, died in a seaplane accident off Block Island. The sudden loss shattered Bass’s world, and sparked the earliest writings that would, decades later, form the foundation of Lightkeeper. When her mother, Jessica, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 25 years later, Bass responded in a way only a daughter and visual artist could: by creating a living tribute of photographs, words and community that would honor her mother’s legacy while she was still alive to feel it.

What began as personal documentation ultimately became a profound memoir. Lightkeeper reveals how grief can be transformed into creative expression, and how the act of remembering, especially through photography, can be both a balm and a bridge.

“Photographs aren’t just keepsakes,” Bass says. “They’re portals, gateways into memory, into stories that exist just outside the frame.”

Throughout the book, she reflects on how

PHOTO OF STACY BY PAMELA

this photo: Stacy Waldman Bass, an author, artist and photographer. above right: Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss, a luminous story of loss and resilience.

images can hold emotional resonance far beyond their composition. A candid smile. A half-seen hand. A light filtering through leaves in a garden once tended by her parents. These visual fragments are more than records of what was—they’re vessels for love, meaning and continuity.

Lightkeeper is filled with stunning full-color photography and luminous prose. In it, Bass evolves from daughter to archivist to the selfappointed “lightkeeper” of her family’s history. As she invites readers into this intimate and poignant journey, she also offers them a model: how to process their own grief, how to keep memory alive, and how to honor what remains.

In many ways, Bass’s career has long prepared her for this role. From her first solo

exhibition in 1988, her fine art photography has earned acclaim for its emotional depth and compositional precision. Her work, featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, has graced three solo shows and become part of numerous private and corporate collections. Her bestselling books, In the Garden (Melcher Media, 2012) and Gardens at First Light (Moffly Media, 2015), celebrated the poetry of place and presence. But Lightkeeper is her most personal work yet.

Shifting from images to words was both natural and daunting and allowed her to flow from photographer to memoirist.

“I’ve always told stories through pictures,” Bass explains. “Writing Lightkeeper felt like learning to speak a new language, one that

Photographs aren’t just keepsakes. They’re portals, gateways into memory, into stories that exist just outside the frame.

stacy bass

above images: A few of the 60 images, all collected family photos, that are used in the memoir and that serve as entry points or portals into memories.

could capture what even a photograph couldn’t say.”

The memoir isn’t just about personal loss; it’s a meditation on the universal experience of grief. It prompts readers to reconsider the photographs in their own lives—not just as memories, but as emotional anchors. In a world saturated with visual media, Bass argues for a more intentional, even reverent, relationship with photography.

“We’re taking more pictures than ever, but we’re looking at them less,” she says. “Authentic photography isn’t a lost art; it’s just waiting for us to slow down and really see.”

By preserving her parents’ stories through word and image, Bass stepped into the role of

becoming the “lightkeeper,” the guardian of a legacy only she could hold. She invites readers to become lightkeepers in their own families: to collect, preserve and share, not only what is visible, but what is felt.

“It’s not just about remembering,” she reflects. “It’s about illuminating—making sure the light of those we’ve lost still shines forward.”

With Lightkeeper, Bass has created something rare: a memoir that is deeply personal yet universally resonant, intimate yet widely instructive. For anyone navigating the terrain of grief, it offers not only solace, but a lens through which to reframe the journey.

Save the Date

Bass’s launch event, on  Tuesday, September 16, will be held at the Westport Library, in conversation with Dani Shapiro.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW:

Join photographer Stacy Waldman Bass as she discusses her new memoir, Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss, in her hometown with fellow memoirist and mentor Dani Shapiro. A luminous story of loss and resilience, Lightkeeper captures acclaimed photographer Bass’s personal journey through grief—and the art of keeping her parents’ legacy alive through memory and photography.

There will be a reception starting at 6:30 p.m., with the book launch and conversation starting at 7 p.m. Copies of Lightkeeper will be available for sale and signing at the event.

DETAILS

Date: Tue, September 16

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost: Free – $30

Venue: The Westport Library 20 Jesup Road, Westport,CT

Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss is available September 16 from Simon & Schuster and on Audible.

above: “Black Sand, White Water 3” and “Eclipse 1.”

Stacy Bass’s fine art photography is currently represented by  Swoon Gallery. 9 Sconset Square Westport CT 203-557-0997

Bass’s Fine Art Photography

above and this photo: More family photos that are used in the memoir.

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JENNIFER FISHER: FROM JEWELRY ICON TO WELLNESS TRAILBLAZER by samantha yanks

In 2023, when I stepped into the role of Editor-inChief at Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine, all eyes were on my first cover choice. I wanted it to be bold, unexpected and above all, someone everyone could connect with, whether they knew her name or not. Jennifer Fisher was exactly that. A cult-favorite jewelry designer known for her signature hoops, customizable charm necklaces and burgeoning salt empire, she was already a style icon, and well on her way to becoming a household name. Featuring her felt disruptive and natural, just like her. At the time, I had a hunch her kitchen would be her next frontier.

Now, we all know it is. I followed her cover with the iconic Martha Stewart, whose empire began right here in Westport on Turkey Hill. And the rest, as they say, is history. Fisher is on her way to making her own global impact, and like Martha, doing it with her own trademark chic.

Fisher’s evolution from iconic accessory creator to holistic advocate is personal-and profound. Across social platforms and in podcast conversations, she offers candid glimpses into individual the transformation that fueled her latest creative endeavor: Trust Your Gut, a vibrant new book arriving this October.

left: Clean and Cheesy Pasta Pomodoro on pg. 130 of Trust Your Gut. right: The book includes everything from grocery lists, insights, recipes and ways to make the right choices for your body.

A New Chapter Begins

This culinary journey isn’t a departure for Fisher, it’s a return. A return to what she’s lived, learned, and overcome. From a Desmoid tumor (a softtissue sarcoma) to managing Hashimoto’s disease (a journey I share with her), Fisher’s philosophy is born from experience and necessity.

Diagnosed in high school, she’s long understood the power of food as part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. I, too, have Hashimoto’s, and like many, I resisted facing it for years, relying solely on Synthroid to manage the condition. But finding the balance isn’t just a prescription. As Jennifer demonstrates, it’s a lifestyle that encompasses diet, mindset, and daily intention. There are many mistakes made and positive milestones passed along the way.

More Than a Diet Book

Unlike trendy, one-size-fits-all advice or tips, Trust Your Gut: Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for Feeling Unstoppable is grounded, practical, and deeply personal. It’s about honest, direct answers to questions that have popped up in her life, based upon trial and error.

This is what makes the book more than a resource; it’s a revelation, for her and hopefully for those who adopt some of her recipes, a revolution. I write this not only as a friend and longtime admirer of Jennifer’s work, but also as someone who has come to understand firsthand that beauty—the true, glowing-from within kind we all dream of— begins with how we nourish ourselves.

Each of the 100 recipes is infused with simplicity, flavor and flexibility. From energizing smoothies and vibrant bowls to hearty skillet dinners, these meals are designed for real life, to take care of yourself efficiently with healthy meals when, let’s face it, we often don’t have a lot of time. Fisher even includes tips on dining out mindfully, a lifeline

for anyone striving to eat well without sacrificing social joy.

Recommendations Rooted in Experience

Fisher’s philosophy is embodied, not performative. She listens to her body, something she’s learned to do since adolescence. The results? More energy, mental clarity and a stronger, more capable body.

One of aging’s lesser-discussed impacts is the slow decline in clarity and joint comfort, along with our bodies’ need to build muscle and resilience. Jennifer addresses these realities head-on. Her approach is not about restriction, but restoration: building a lifestyle that supports vitality.

Even her Instagram, including the launch of her wellnessfocused sub-brand MAEDYN, is an open book: raw, real, sometimes abrasive, but always honest. Maedyn is a one-stop source for her short- and long-form content: A place to speak directly to her community in an authentic way. Yes, she highlights the experts in her

orbit, from top plastic surgeons to elite aestheticians, and while not all of it is accessible to everyone, her core message is: Care for your body, and it will care for you.

Why This Matters

Jennifer Fisher has always been a tastemaker. But with Trust Your Gut, she’s also become a truth-teller. Her transition from designing timeless jewelry to creating recipes that nourish the body and soul speaks to her commitment to longevity, beauty, and authenticity.

She’s not just launching a cookbook. She’s offering a roadmap, a blueprint for eating with intention and living with vitality.

Whether you’re looking for plant-forward meals, antiinflammatory tips or a fresh perspective on what it means to live well, this is the beginning of a journey. And Jennifer Fisher invites you to take the first step alongside her.

Available at: Barrett Bookstore, Elm Street Books, and Westport Book Shop.

1 The Ribollita Soup on pg. 144 of Trust Your Gut 2 The Chip Scoop Salad on pg. 126 of Trust Your Gut 3 The Grain-Free Vanilla Cinnamon Granola on pg. 50 of Trust Your Gut 4 Fisher in the process of creating the book 5 Fisher’s original recipe notes from fifthgrade after-school cooking class. 6 In 2017, Jennifer Fisher Salts were launched.

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

go

QUICK GETAWAY

SHELTER ISLAND’S THE PRIDWIN IS CT’S CHICEST NEW FALL GETAWAY. by samantha

Luxurious and laid-back, The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages is the new in-the-grid destination with off-the-grid relaxation. Fall weekends feature curated programming like culinary/ tastings, wine tastings, oyster pop-ups, and fishing charters, as well family-friendly activities such as pumpkin painting and cornhole tournaments. The Sunday Supper Series, a relaxed, chef-driven dining experience, is also a highlight.

Set among ten acres of leafy waterfront and dotted with charming white cottages, The Pridwin has been a treasured

escape since 1927. It’s the kind of place that honors tradition while offering just enough refresh to keep it current, thanks to its thoughtful revamp by Cape Resorts. And now, it’s redefining the art of the fall weekend.

A SEAMLESS JOURNEY TO ESCAPE

Getting there is delightfully uncomplicated. With daily Jitney and LIRR service to Greenport, the journey from city stress to island serenity happens in a matter of hours. And upon arrival, The Pridwin whisks guests from Greenport Harbor via private boat straight to the

resort dock, a detail that feels James Bond-esque. The moment you step onto the lawn, a slower, more sensory vibe kicks in.

FALL, CURATED

Each day at The Pridwin has the feel of a lovingly curated itinerary from a well-traveled friend.

Morning yoga on the lawn flows into island-inspired treatments at the Pridwin Spa. Afternoons might include paddleboarding, kayaking or dockside fishing, or something more land-bound like pickleball, croquet or a bike ride through the nearby Mashomack Preserve.

The property offers enough to keep you entertained without overwhelming your senses. There’s a rhythm here: activity and stillness, sunshine and shade, connection and quiet. And yes, there’s a Mahjong Monday in the Nook, should the mood strike. Evenings are pure East End magic.

"Oysters and Bubbly" at The Terrace happens just as the sky starts to blush. Wednesday night barbecues on the lawn are anchored by live music and capped with fireside s’mores by the bay. There are culinary gardening workshops to bring home a bit of edible wisdom, and

left: The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages captures the nostalgic charm of Shelter Island’s shoreline—where fall foliage meets timeless coastal elegance. center: At The Pridwin, even a quiet moment becomes an occasion—effervescent flutes of champagne served with a side of old-world glamour.

right: A warm welcome steeped in nostalgia: The Pridwin’s check-in desk pairs maritime charm with vintage flair, setting the tone for a timeless seaside say.

yanks

Movie Night in the Grove, where you can lie back under the stars and remember what it felt like to be a kid in late fall.

CLASSIC CHARM MEETS CONTEMPORARY EASE

With 49 guest rooms and 16 private cottages, The Pridwin manages to feel both intimate and expansive. Interiors lean into nostalgic Americana with white clapboard, striped awnings and curated art, while offering modern comforts that make staying a breeze, whether you’re working remotely (laptop in one hand, crisp drink in the other) or unplugging entirely.

Dining is another highlight.

Executive Chef Todd Ruiz brings a farm-and-sea-to-table approach to the menu at The Terrace, where the views of the bay are almost as memorable as the food itself. Think seasonal, locally sourced dishes served just steps from the water.

The Pridwin offers a new kind of rhythm, where rest is prioritized, connection is easy, and the weekend doesn’t have to end at checkout.

So linger. Stay a little longer. Monday will thank you.

To book your visit, visit: caperesorts.com

left: A cozy corner layered with personality, The Pridwin’s reading room invites quiet moments with vintage curiosities and storied bookshelves.

below left: The Pridwin's 33 rooms and 16 cottages blend the resort's original 1920s charm with fresh, playful details like bold wallpapers, antique wicker and vibrant fabrics.

below right: A beautiful red-and-pink-striped awning envelopes The Crescent Bar space, offering ample seating for drinks and light bites.

above: Private studio and twobedroom cottages evoke a summercamp feel, offering relaxed, refined stays with stunning Peconic Bay views.

right: Stretching into the calm waters, The Pridwin’s iconic dock is the boarding point for Fred’s Folly, the resort’s charming houseboat offering breezy charters and panoramic views of Shelter Island’s storied shoreline.

FALL FEST

The Pridwin hosts a Fall Fest weekend in October, featuring classic fall activities including pumpkin painting, sack races, live music, and treats like s'mores and hot cider.

Sunday Supper Series

Enjoy a relaxed, open-air dining experience with a rotating menu of seasonal dishes served family-style.

Weekend Activities

Every fall weekend includes complimentary events like culinary and wine tastings, oyster pop-ups, and fishing charters.

Family Fun

Activities like pumpkin painting, cornhole tournaments, and a bouncy castle are available for families.

Scenic Views and Activities

The hotel's location on Crescent Beach provides beautiful views and opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, pickleball, and more.

Cozy Atmosphere

The Pridwin offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, with nautical touches in the rooms and cottages, and fireplaces for chilly evenings.

this photo: At Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the pool melts seamlessly into the sapphire waters of the Pacific — a tranquil vantage point where tropical forest and ocean embrace. below: Located at the heart of the resort, La Casona is a welcoming, airy living room, that greets guests with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. A captivating twist on the classic lobby bar, La Casona Bar showcases floral-infused elixirs featuring rare and exotic botanicals.

The New Essential in Your Travel Lineup

COSTA RICA JUST BECAME THE ULTIMATE WELLNESS PILGRIMAGE, AND IT STARTS AT NEKAJUI, THE NEW RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE

by samantha yanks

In an era where luxury is increasingly measured not by opulence, but by intention — by how deeply a place can make you feel, pause and reconnect, Costa Rica has emerged as the next great sanctuary for those seeking soulful, slow and transformative travel.

At the heart of this movement is Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on Costa Rica’s stunning Peninsula Papagayo. More than a resort, Nekajui is a revelation: a hidden sanctuary where pristine wilderness meets the elevated comfort of one of the world’s most revered hospitality brands. It is also the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America, making this not just a destination, but a moment in global wellness travel.

Set atop dramatic cliffs overlooking Pochote Bay, Nekajui, meaning “lush garden” in the local Chorotega dialect, redefines what it means to escape. Surrounded by 1,400 acres of protected tropical forest and the tranquil hum of Costa Rica’s biodiverse North Pacific coast, the property invites travelers to recalibrate through stillness, immersion, and a celebration of nature at its most elemental.

Wellness as Nature Intended

At the soul of Nekajui lies Nimbu Spa, named for the Chorotega word for water, the original healer. Spanning 27,000 square feet and accessible by a suspended footbridge woven into the canopy, Nimbu is not just a spa, it's a passage. Treatment cabanas are perched in the treetops. Hydrotherapy pools open to panoramic ocean views. Every experience, from private meditation gardens to handharvested herbal therapies, echoes the land’s rhythm and reverence.

But the magic of Nekajui’s wellness offering is how deeply it understands that healing isn't

Named after the Rincón de la

visible from the resort, Café

is a celebration of Costa Rica’s rich coffee and cacao heritage. below left: Nekajui’s signature restaurant, Puna, a bold expression of Latin American below right: La Capilla, adorned with 650,000 handcrafted mosaic tiles, embodies the warmth of community. and shared experiences. coastal cuisine, interpreted by Chef Diego Muñoz.

something you do, it's something you feel. It's in the warm earth under your feet during a guided jungle hike in the Palmares Preserve. It's the ritual of sipping a botanical cocktail at a treetop bar as the sun fades into the Pacific. It’s letting time dissolve as waves roll in, surfing with locals at legendary breaks like Witch’s Rock.

A NEW LANGUAGE OF LUXURY

Nekajui’s 107 accommodations, including treehouse-style luxury tents and expansive villas, are designed to frame the natural beauty but also to disappear into it. Outdoor shower gardens, deep soaking tubs and private plunge pools dissolve the boundaries between indoors and out. It’s a design philosophy that whispers: You are a guest of the land here. Cultural storytelling is etched into every detail, from the ranchstyle architecture inspired by

left:

Vieja volcano

Rincón

top: Nestled at the forest’s edge, Niri Beach Club embodies relaxed coastal elegance and a distinctly tropical soul. bottom: The oceanfacing resort is designed to blend with the landscape, inviting guests to immerse in nature.

Guanacaste’s sabanero heritage, to interiors that feature Chorotegan pottery, figural gold artifacts, and hand-crafted wood and bamboo finishes. Sustainability isn’t a marketing angle, it’s a practice: low-density structures, resource-efficient materials and a commitment to preserving the forest for future generations.

A CULINARY JOURNEY THAT NOURISHES MORE THAN THE BODY

Food at Nekajui is as nourishing as it is transportive. At its heart is Puna, a signature restaurant by renowned chef Diego Muñoz (formerly of Astrid y Gastón), who brings his mastery of modern Peruvian cuisine to Costa Rica’s fertile land. From an intimate six-seat Omakase experience to an open-air café honoring local coffee and cacao traditions, each bite is a journey. And with a toes-in-the-sand beach club just steps from tide pools and sea caves, even casual meals feel sacred.

WHY NEKAJUI BELONGS IN YOUR ESSENTIAL WELLNESS LINEUP

Costa Rica has long been whispered about among seasoned travelers as a haven of pura vida — a simple, joyful life. But with the opening of Nekajui, a RitzCarlton Reserve, the country is no longer just a hidden gem. It’s a flagship for a new era of travel: one where luxury is defined by connection, authenticity, and restoration.

In a world moving ever faster, this secluded cliffside haven offers a rare invitation to slow down, tune in, and return home not only rested, but changed. W

To book your visit, visit: www.ritzcarlton.com/ en/hotels/lirrz-nekajuia-ritz-carlton-reserve/ overview/

left: Nekajui offers 37 ultra-luxury residences designed for everything from romantic escapes to multi-generational retreats. right: Guided by Nekajui’s harmony of nature, culture, and design, the Signature Residences serve as private sanctuaries framing the coastal landscape.

left: Nekajui’s design frames vistas of Bahía Huevos and the Pacific, with open-air spaces fostering a close connection to nature. right: Outdoor showers, plunge pools and soaking tubs immerse guests in nature’s beauty. below: Interiors echo the coastal forest with custom teak doors and casework, adding warmth and harmony with the surroundings.

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BY HANNAH DEELY

DOUGLAS WRIGHT Douglas C. Wright Architects HEIDE HENDRICKS Hendricks Churchill

JOSH GREENE Josh Greene Design

MELISSA REAVIS Hollander Design

Fur Real

LOUIS VUITTON

Suede and Shearling

Donna High Boots, $2,600; louisvuitton.com

Faux Mink Jacket With Knit Sleeves, $820; us.herno.com

POLOGERGIS

MONCLER

Shearling Mini Tote, $800; moncler.com

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

Curly Shearling Short Sleeve Jacket, $11,300, Greenwich; saks.com

Shearling Pull-Through Scarf, $550,

Greenwich; pologeorgis.com

JENNI KAYNE

Shearling-Lined Crossover Sandals, $375, Greenwich; jennikayne.com

HERNO

COACH Cashin Carry Crescent Bag, $350; coach.com

VERONICA BEARD Patra Mixed Media Jacket, $598, Greenwich; veronicabeard.com

KERRI ROSENTHAL Ker-Isle Wool Blend Cardigan, $368, Westport; kerrirosenthal.com

HERM È S

NILI LOTAN Cotton Shon Pant, $450, Greenwich; nililotan.com

Women’s Jumping Boots, $7,700, Greenwich; hermes.com

Phoebe Casual Jacket, $350; barbour.com

Baker Sunglasses, $395, Westport; shop.mitchellstores.com

BARBOUR

ALTUZARRA

KREWE

BALENCIAGA Rodeo Calfskin Handbag, $4,450, Norwalk; bloomingdales.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 HERRERA 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

POMELLATO

DAVID YURMAN

18K Rose Gold and White Diamond Necklace, $8,850; Greenwich; manfredijewels.com

18K Yellow Gold Cable Flex Band Ring, $8,900, Westport; lbgreen.com

SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW Aquamarine and Peridot Drop Earrings, $7,000, Greenwich; shrevecrumpandlow.com

Gilded Glow

How to give the season some sparkle

GRAZIELA GEMS

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bolo Necklace, $5,500, Fairfield; hcreidjewelers.com

VERDURA

18K Gold Curb Link Earrings, $15,000, Greenwich; famillegreenwich.com

VHERNIER

18K Rose Gold Freccia Bracelet, $14,150, Greenwich; betteridge.com

JOCHEN POHL

Natural Multicolor Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Ring, $70,000, Greenwich; stevenfoxjewelry.com

RUSS HOLLANDER MASTER GOLDSMITH Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond Handmade Spiral Ring, $8,500, Stamford; 203-363-2200

JL ROCKS

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

lalignenyc.com

LEATHEROLOGY

Leather Crossbody with Custom Monogram, $235; leatherology.com

TOCCIN

Carson Short-Sleeve Sweater, $295, Darien; dariensportshop.com

ULLA JOHNSON Wool Blend Marta Coat, $890; ullajohnson.com

LA LIGNE

Silk/Cashmere Polo Sweater, $295, Greenwich;

TORY BURCH

T Monogram Rectangle Sunglasses, $210, Greenwich; toryburch.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

Lace Tent Dress, $2,995, Greenwich; saks.com

VEJA

Leather Volley O.T. Sneakers, $145, Westport; anthropologie.com

GUCCI

SEPTEMBER

7 – 10 P.M. 26th

Enjoy a night of music, fun, and community in loving memory of Meghan Raveis. Join us to support a cure for cancer.

100% of these funds directly support groundbreaking cancer research!

• $4.5 million raised during our ten-year partnership with Damon Runyon and Dana-Farber.

• Successfully funded 28 Fellowship Scientists pursuing a cure for cancer.

• In 2025 Ryan Raveis teamed up with Rob Fried and Band Central to launch two exciting Ravestock Concerts!

2

3

4

Made in Connecticut

FOUR FEMALE FOUNDERS SHARE HOW THE CHARM, CHARACTER AND COMMUNITY OF CONNECTICUT HAVE SHAPED THEIR BRANDS, FROM TIMELESS DESIGN TO MODERN ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

by lily caplan

Connecticut has long been a quiet muse for style—its dreamy coastlines and charming main streets, and deep sense of community shaping everything from how people live to what they create. To see just how much place can influence purpose, we turned to four powerhouse female founders who have built brands with Connecticut in their DNA: Brooke Shepard of Monogram Mary; sisters Lauren Dudley Stephens and Kaki Dudley McGrath of Dudley Stephens; Liz Joy of Marea; and Katya Eckert of A DOMANI. In their own words, they share how the character and rhythm of life here inspires their designs, their values and the way they lead.

1: Brooke Shepard, founder of Monogram Mary.

: Lauren Dudley Stephens, Bonnie Dudley and Kaki Dudley McGrath, founders of Dudley Stephens.

: Liz Joy, founder of Marea.

: Katya Eckert, founder of A DOMANI, with her son and daughter.

How does Connecticut inspire your brand?

1 // Brooke Shepard MONOGRAM MARY

“Connecticut’s charm, from coastal towns to classic main streets, inspires our designs and values. The community’s warmth and love for tradition align with our mission to create meaningful, personalized gifts.”

2 // Lauren Dudley Stephens and Kaki Dudley McGrath DUDLEY STEPHENS

“Connecticut is home to many vibrant communities that offer so much, spanning activities from the beautiful coastal communities to inland quaint towns and small cities, with so much nature surrounding it all. Connecticut is a place where families settle who value a strong sense of community, and where we also grew up. The active, family-oriented lifestyle is really what inspires us daily. We strive to design clothes that adapt to that lifestyle—things that go the distance for the active, into play, for the on-the-go ladies, all while not comprising style and comfort.”

3 // Liz Joy MAREA

“The East Coast, and Connecticut especially, is woven into the fabric of Marea. I grew up here, I’m raising my children here, and I’ve built this brand here. There’s a deep emotional pull to life in New

England. The feeling of summers spent at the beach. The crisp air in the fall. The thrill of seeing the first snowflakes in winter, the excitement of seeing the first buds in spring. The rhythm of family traditions and the comfort of a community that knows you. All of that informs what we create, clothing that feels timeless, grounded and connected to this place we call home. Marea draws from all of that. Our color palettes reflect the seasons. Our silhouettes are built for movement: school drop-offs, dinner parties, travel, everyday life. We’re inspired by the kind of woman who cares about how she dresses, not because she’s following trends, but because style is part of how she tells her story. That woman lives here. I see her every day, at the farmer’s market, the lacrosse field, the coffee shop, and she inspires what we create.”

4 // Katya Eckert A DOMANI

“It’s my belief that Connecticut (Fairfield County, in particular) is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. I travel often, yet every time I return, I’m struck by its beauty all over again. There’s a refined, almost cinematic quality to life: tree-lined streets, coastal light and an elegance that feels entirely unforced. I see Fairfield County style as understated sophistication. People are impeccably put together, but never in a way that feels flashy. It’s a kind of confidence that whispers rather than shouts. This sensibility is very much in the essence of our collections. We make luxurious

sleepwear of exceptional quality, designed to feel as effortless as they look. Beautiful, functional and elegant.”

How has living and working in Connecticut influenced designs, brand philosophy and community?

1 // Brooke Shepard MONOGRAM MARY

“Being part of a close-knit community has also made me incredibly intentional about giving back, collaborating with local makers, and showing up for others. It’s more than a brand; it’s a way of life that honors connection and kindness.”

2 // Lauren Dudley Stephens and Kaki Dudley McGrath DUDLEY STEPHENS

“Many of our styles have been named after streets, towns and places in Connecticut that we love! I would echo what was said above: The family-oriented communities of Connecticut and the active, suburban life are really what has helped us shape our brand, our designs and our aesthetic.”

3 // Liz Joy MAREA

“There’s an Old World charm here that I find incredibly grounding. On the East Coast, we celebrate tradition. We appreciate the

classics. There’s less pressure to chase what’s next and more reverence for what lasts. That deeply influences how I design and lead. Marea isn’t about trend cycles. It’s about pieces you’ll reach for again and again. The dress you wear to Thanksgiving dinner and your daughter borrows ten years later. We’re building a brand with longevity in mind. I imagine women pulling out their Marea sweaters and dresses year after year, and that makes me proud. Fashion is so fast right now. We’re trying to build something slower. More intentional. Something that lasts.”

4 // Katya Eckert A DOMANI

“Our mission is to support women with comfortable solutions for sleep and life during every phase of their hormonal arc and this community shapes A DOMANI in countless ways. We love being present at trunk shows, learning what our customers are going through, and what they want out of their pieces. The feedback is invaluable to how and what we create. The women here know what they want: they advocate fiercely for themselves and their families, and they value quality in everything. There are so many incredibly successful female founders here and an extraordinarily supportive network. We’re also so fortunate to have some of the most talented doctors, researchers, charities and advocates here. People who are shaping the future of women’s health.”

MONOGRAM

MARY left: Bib ($18) middle: Velvet Cluth Bag ($88) right: Scalloped Dinner Napkins ($188)

DUDLEY STEPHENS

left: Brighton Boatneck in Terry Fleece ($98)

right: Marion Zip Pullover ($138)

MAREA

left: Flag Sweater ($198)

right: Western Denim Shirt ($168)

Great Expectations

Are there any favorite pieces or collections that feel especially inspired by Connecticut’s style, seasons or community?

1 // Brooke Shepard MONOGRAM MARY

“Our Perfect Layer jackets and embroidered napkins. They’re timeless, practical and reflect the way Connecticut celebrates every season and gathering.”

2 // Lauren Dudley Stephens and Kaki Dudley McGrath DUDLEY STEPHENS

“Our classic, core fleece turtlenecks. This is what we have become known for; it is a signature Dudley look that is as comfortable and warm as it is stylish and cool. We live in them all fall through winter and then spring, too.”

3 // Liz Joy MAREA

“Marea is shaped by the layers of life on the East Coast. We shot one of our collections on my friend’s horse farm in Fairfield, and it felt like the perfect backdrop, natural, classic and deeply connected to place. What inspires me most is the history here. This is the oldest part of the country, and you can feel it in everything, the

traditions, the architecture, the way people dress. As a designer, it’s so fun to pull from those earlier chapters. A waxed barn coat that feels like something from an old countryside photo. A whimsical intarsia ski sweater that nods to vintage New England après-ski. We look to the past and then design for how women actually live now. That’s what makes Marea special to me, the pieces feel rooted. Not trend-driven or disposable, but thoughtful and timeless. The kind of things you live in and love for years.”

4 // Katya Eckert A DOMANI

Our pieces are all designed to maximize airflow, like the coastal breeze we love. We use natural fibers and are inspired by the gorgeous colors of nature. Every shade is limited-edition, which makes them feel special, just like the moments that inspire them, many of them close to home! In our current collection, there’s Midnight, a deep coastal navy that feels perfectly at home by the water, Starlight, a soft blue that is reminiscent of the most exquisite bluebird day, and Dawn, an absolutely gorgeous dusty pink like daybreak over the harbor.  A DOMANI means “until tomorrow” in Italian, the way we want to sleep. Sleep is the ultimate escape, a chance to reset. For those of us lucky enough to live here, even a quick drive to Compo Beach or Tod’s Point can feel the same

way: a moment where you forget everything and just melt into the sea and sky.

What has been the most rewarding part of building a female-led brand?

1 // Brooke Shepard MONOGRAM MARY

“The most rewarding part has been watching women support each other—whether it’s our customers, collaborators, or the amazing team behind Monogram Mary. There’s a special energy when women rally around each other’s ideas and dreams. Being able to create a business rooted in empathy, creativity, and care—and seeing that resonate with others— is beyond fulfilling. I’m especially proud that our brand helps women celebrate themselves and others in a personal and powerful way.”

2 // Lauren Dudley Stephens and Kaki Dudley McGrath DUDLEY STEPHENS

“The most rewarding part of being a female-led brand is working with each other—not only female-led but family-led. We are so thankful to have each other, sisters, and our mom to lean on for support and, most of all, to have fun together. We have also surrounded

ourselves with talented, hardworking, and kind women who work with us, making every day inspiring, fun, and fulfilling.”

3 // Liz Joy MAREA

“It’s hard to put into words. Building something from scratch, with a team of women who believe in the mission, who show up with heart, and unwavering commitment, that’s a rare kind of magic. There’s something incredibly powerful about designing clothes for women, by women, in a space that understands the nuances of how we live. We’re designing for women who are in it, raising families, running businesses, showing up in a thousand different ways. The feedback we get, stories about customers wearing our dresses to baptisms, birthdays, mother-daughter vacations, that’s what fuels us. These clothes are becoming part of women’s memories. That’s the most rewarding part for me.”

4 // Katya Eckert A DOMANI

“Is ‘everything’ allowed to be an answer? I spent my career in finance which is very male dominated. While I actually enjoyed the trading floor camaraderie, working with women and creating beautiful products for women when they need comfort most is rewarding and joyful on a cellular level.”

A DOMANI

left: The Breezy Short Sleeve Pajama Tee ($78) and the Airy Wide Leg Pajama Pants ($148). The Perfect Seam Pajama Tank ($68) and the New Favorite Pajama Shorts ($98), both in the color “porto.”

right: The Perfect Seam Pajama Tank ($68), the Breezy Short Sleeve Pajama Tee ($78) and the Floaty Long Sleeve Pajama Tee ($118), all in the color “starlight.”

Photo: Fadil Berisha

athleisure alley Can Main Street handle this much activewear?

WITH ALO, BEYOND YOGA AND MORE, MAIN STREET IS FAST BECOMING WESTPORT’S HUB FOR ALL THINGS ATHLEISURE . HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SIX KEY BRANDS

. by

lily caplan

Main Street is quickly becoming the epicenter of athleisure in Connecticut. The recent arrivals of Alo Yoga and Beyond Yoga , have joined an already stacked lineup that includes Lululemon , Offline by Aerie , Vuori , Rhone and Athleta

Main Street’s transformation into an “Athleisure Alley” isn’t just a retail trend, it reflects a broader lifestyle shift that resonates with Westport’s active, wellness-minded community.

1 Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga was founded in Los Angeles in 2007 by Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge, Alo has grown into a premium lifestyle brand with more than 50 “Sanctuary” stores featuring yoga studios and cafés. Alo’s philosophy: “Our mission is to empower you to live an optimal life—one that aligns with your highest goals and intentions, and allows you to be the best version of who you are,” feels especially resonant in Westport, where wellness, balance and living intentionally are shared community values. Their Westport store opened Aug. 1 at 44 Main St.

Each of these brands brings its own distinct style, purpose, and personality to the mix. As long as they continue to host local events a nd authentically engage with our already highly involved community, there’s room for all of them to thrive.

But as these performance-meets-lifestyle brands cluster together, the big question arises: Can Main Street handle this much activewear? Here’s a breakdown of what makes each brand special.

2 Athleta

Just a few doors down from Lululemon, Athleta has been part of the downtown Westport scene since 2014. Known for its performance-driven clothing and mission to empower women and girls through movement, the brand offers a wide range of activewear that transitions seamlessly from workouts to everyday life. Backed by Gap Inc. since 2008, Athleta combines function, style, and sustainability, making it a go-to for customers who value both quality and purpose in their wardrobe.

3 Beyond Yoga

Another Los Angeles-based brand known for inclusize sizing, Beyond Yoga is a female-founded brand by Jodi Guber Brufsky and Michelle Wahler in 2005, Beyond Yoga is an active lifestyle brand stretching the rules of wellbeing, they celebrate diversity with a collection for everyone, at every stage of life, for every movement and moment. Beyond Yoga’s mission is to empower women by making them feel great in their own skin and in what they wear. They aim to celebrate all shapes and sizes and believe everyone deserves luxury-level comfort from their activewear. After opening in Greenwich and Boston, they are expanding into the East Coast scene with a store at 136 Main St.

5 Rhone

Inspired by water, something Westport knows well, Rhone was founded in 2014 with the goal of creating a men’s activewear brand that stands for something bigger than just clothing. Over the past decade, Rhone has grown beyond its roots in premium performance fabrics and technical fits, forming partnerships with organizations like the NBA and LPGA, and building a loyal global community. For a town like Westport, where an active coastal lifestyle meets professional ambition, Rhone’s versatile, polished approach to athletic wear feels right at home.

4 Lululemon

Lululemon has been a downtown Westport anchor since 2013. In 2020, the brand doubled its store size by relocating just a few doors down to 69 Main St. The store is always buzzing, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot someone wearing Lululemon in just about every workout class in town. Widely considered the benchmark for premium athletic-wear, Lululemon has cultivated a devoted, almost cult-like following.

6

Vuori

A California-born brand, Vuori is known for its soft, tech-driven activewear and premium performance apparel inspired by the laid-back yet active coastal California lifestyle. Their pieces are prized for pill-resistant fabrics, versatile designs and a coastal-meets-mountain aesthetic, perfect for everything from workouts to weekend errands, something Westport’s wellnessfocused community embraces.

Vuori places a strong emphasis on community and sustainability. Their signature Investment in Happiness isn’t just a product guarantee it reflects the brand’s entire approach to business and life. If you don’t love the product, you can send it back, no questions asked. But beyond that, Vuori is deeply committed to ethical manufacturing: all Tier 1 suppliers must sign and adhere to the Vuori Vendor Code of Conduct, which ensures fair labor practices, safe working conditions and strict environmental standards.

For Westport locals who value performance and purpose, Vuori brings a perfect blend of style, comfort, and conscience to Main Street.

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

A Local Sanctuary’s Silver Jubilee

WDREAM SPA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF WELLNESS, COMMUNITY AND RESILIENCE

by lily caplan

hen Lori Dodd moved from New York City to Westport in the late ’90s, she noticed something missing: a spa that felt modern, welcoming and inspiring. So she created one. In August 2000, Dream Spa opened its doors and has spent the past 25 years as a local sanctuary for relaxation and self-care.

“I wanted something fresh and sophisticated, but also warm,” says Dodd. “From day 1, it’s been about connection— knowing our clients and making them feel at home.”

The road to 25 years hasn’t always been smooth. Dream weathered 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic, when the spa was forced to close temporarily. “There were times when the world just stopped,” Dodd recalls. “But the loyalty and support from our clients carried us through. During COVID, a group of local residents even pooled together a gift to help keep the business afloat. It was completely unexpected and meant the world to me.”

What sets Dream apart is its timeless approach. “We’ve stayed true to the classics—massages, facials, body treatments—things that endure,” Dodd says. “It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about giving people a place to exhale.”

She credits the spa’s longevity to staying true to her original vision and to the Westport community that inspired it. “Community is at the heart of everything we do,” she says. “Even now that I live on the West Coast, Dream still feels like my baby. The team here is extraordinary—they carry this place with so much heart.”

As Dream Spa celebrates a quarter century, it remains a fixture in the town where it began. “We’ve grown, evolved, and kept our standards high, but the soul of Dream hasn’t changed,” Dodd says. “It’s about creating a space where people feel cared for. After 25 years, that’s still the dream.”

Lori Dodd,

“FROM DAY 1, IT’S BEEN ABOUT CONNECTION—KNOWING OUR CLIENTS AND MAKING THEM FEEL AT HOME.”

left: The Hot Rock Massage will increase circulation and lull you into a sense of peace and serenity. middle: The Swedish Massage melts away stress, relieves tension spots and increases circulation. right: Dream Spa offers seven different types of facial treatments.

above:

owner of Dream Spa

Scan here for more great places to EAT & DRINK!

Heart and Heritage

FROM DON MEMO TO MASSI CO., A BELOVED WESTPORT TEAM REIMAGINES ITALIAN DINING.

by

samantha yanks // photograpy by andrea carson

There’s a quiet kind of magic in Westport's restaurant scene, a sense that great food is not just about the plate, but about the people, the place and the stories behind them.

This fall, one of Westport’s most cherished hospitality teams turns the page on a new chapter and promising warmth, flavor, and soul.

Massi Co., the highly anticipated new Italian-American concept from the creators of The Whelk and Don Memo, opens this September in the heart of downtown. Taking over the current Don Memo space,

Massi Co. marks a return to roots as well as a bold step forward for founder Massimo Tullio, a longtime Westport resident whose name has become synonymous with inspired, community-driven dining.

“We’ve always tried to create places that feel like home,” says Tullio. “With Massi Co., it’s even more personal: This is the kind of spot I’ve wanted in town for years. Italian food the way I grew up with it: simple, soulful and made to share.”

At Massi Co., guests will find hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizzas from a brick oven, housemade pastas kissed with seasonal

ingredients, and an atmosphere that’s casual and elevated, designed for lingering over cocktails and conversation. Behind the pass is Executive Chef Zach Hinman, the culinary mind behind the menus at The Whelk and Don Memo. Known for his reverence for local farms and peak-season produce, Hinman is reimagining Italian classics with a distinctly modern, Westport sensibility.

What truly sets Massi Co. apart is its unmistakable sense of soul. The restaurant will hum with a curated vinyl music collection — think old-school grooves, timeless Italian tunes, and unexpected gems spinning nightly

this photo: EVO-groni, Stregoneria, The Donna Marie, and the Ritorno di Mela. right: Rigatoni All'amatriciana with fresh grated parm Polpette di Manzo below: From left to right: Owner Massimo Tullio, Executive Chef Zach Hinman, and General Manager Ingrid Paronich.

this photo: Sourdough Margarita Pizza

above:

The Donna Marie this photo: Polpette di Manzo

this photo: From left to right: Executive Chef Zach Hinman, Owner Massimo Tullio, General Manager Ingrid Paronich, and Manager Nico Rainey Ray.

this photo: Good music with great pizza is your brain’s favorite combo.

WE’VE ALWAYS TRIED TO CREATE PLACES THAT FEEL LIKE HOME. WITH MASSI CO., IT’S EVEN MORE PERSONAL, THIS IS THE KIND OF SPOT I’VE WANTED IN TOWN FOR YEARS. ITALIAN FOOD THE WAY I GREW UP WITH IT : SIMPLE, SOULFUL AND MADE TO SHARE.

in a space that encourages gathering, laughter and long meals shared with friends.

The concept is being shepherded with polish and precision by hospitality veteran Ingrid Paronich, who brings experience from legendary Manhattan institutions like Le Bernardin and Gramercy Tavern. As Head of Operations for both Massi Co. and The Whelk, Paronich is focused on nurturing not only exceptional guest experiences but also a team culture rooted in mentorship and respect.

Local backing is also playing a big role. Mark Shapiro, President of WME and a fellow Westport resident, has joined as lead investor. His involvement signals a vote of confidence in both the concept and the community it’s designed to serve.

As we say good by to beloved Mexicaninspired spot Don Memo, the team plans to bring it back in a future space when the time is right. Their next chapter blends local pride, community connection, and culinary anticipation.

“It’s bittersweet,” Tullio reflects. “We’re incredibly proud of what Don Memo became. But Massi Co. is something closer to home — a place rooted in family, heritage and a love of sharing meals the way they were meant to be shared.”

As Westport readies itself for the changing seasons, the opening of Massi Co. feels perfectly timed — a warm, familiar space that promises to nourish both body and spirit.

This September, Italian dining comes home.

Massimo Tullio

this photo: Executive Chef Zach Hinman

this photo: Confit Artichokes

Something Is Brewing

TWO FAIRFIELD MOMS ARE CHANGING THE COFFEE GAME WITH ROAST RUNNER.

by samantha yanks

this photo: Co-founders

Stephanie Salomon and Amanda Subashi

When Fairfield residents Stephanie Salomon and Amanda Subashi found themselves juggling the demands of five kids, four dogs and never enough hours in the day, they realized they weren’t the only ones running on caffeine— and running out of time. What began as a daily search for good coffee quickly turned into a bold idea: What if they could bring high-quality, organic cold brew right to people’s doors?

That’s how Roast Runner was born.

“We were frustrated with the lack of organic cold-brew options that were actually convenient,” says Salomon. “Everything was either packed with preservatives, sitting on a store shelf, or just didn’t taste right.”

So the two friends took matters into their own hands, crafting a cold brew that not only tastes incredible but also aligns with their values: clean ingredients, sustainable packaging and a seamless delivery system.

With Roast Runner, customers simply head to roastrunner.com, select a bottle size—from 32 ounces to a family-friendly 128 ounces— and choose a delivery day: Tuesday or Friday morning. The cold brew arrives fresh at your doorstep, and the empty bottles from the week before are picked up for reuse. It’s simple, sustainable, and built for real life.

“We built Roast Runner for people like us,” says Subashi. “Busy parents, professionals, students—anyone who loves great coffee but doesn’t have the time to chase it down every morning.”

The pricing is refreshingly straightforward:

• 32-oz. for $27

• 64-oz. for $52

• 96-oz. for $77

• 128-oz. for $99

Behind each bottle is a business powered by more than caffeine—Roast Runner is fueled by friendship, community, and a commitment to making daily life a little easier (and tastier).

As Stephanie and Amanda like to say: “We’re just two moms who got tired of bad coffee and built something better.”

And with Roast Runner on the rise, it’s safe to say that something really good is brewing.

left: The cold brew can be served classic over ice or turned into a latte-style drink with milk or oat milk. below: Amanda and her family.

this photo: The organic cold brew, bottled as a concentrate for customizable at-home coffee.

right: Each bottle contains a proprietary blend of beans slowsteeped to create a bold, smooth cold brew. below: Stephanie and her family.

money matters

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

TIME TESTED TIPS FOR VOLATILE TIMES

AWhite House comment. A jobs report. An inflation indicator. A Fed response. And with each move, equity and bond markets soaring and dipping like competitors on TV’s Dancing With the Stars.

Where’s an investor to turn in these volatile times?

Right here, in lower Fairfield County. Some of the best money minds live and work among us: hedge fund hotshots, buttoned-up bankers, private advisers to the ultra rich, attorneys, CPAs and insurers who navigate the fine print to map out a financial GPS. In the dozen years of Money Matters, these experts have been generous with their time and expertise. Now especially, their messages bear repeating.

Drive With a Seasoned Navigator

This isn’t the time to go chasing big returns. Instead, partner with an adviser experienced in weathering storms. Plenty of suiters here serve the mass affluent—people with at least

$1 million in assets. (Lower Fairfield County counts more than 12,500 millionaires, reports a 2024 Henley & Partners study.) And while managing your money may seem easy in a bull market, when things get tough you want a partner who has been through this before and can act according to your needs and goals. Don’t let advisers intimidate you, hoodwink you with promises of high returns or use vocabulary you don’t understand. Find someone who cares about you, says Dan FitzPatrick of Greenwich, the president of Northway Wealth Advisors. What services does this person provide and how are they compensated?

Some advisers charge a flat fee fee, some charge a percentage of the assets they manage and still others earn a commission based on the products they sell you. Steer clear of someone trying to sell you a product versus guiding you in your decision-making, FitzPatrick says.

Be Ready When the Going Gets Rough

When you meet with your adviser, forget best-case scenarios and home-run returns. Explore what should happen when, say, the market tanks or you lose your job. Will you still be on target to meet your goals? This, from Andrew Billinghurst, senior vice president and wealth management adviser with the Erdmann Group in Greenwich, who suggests meeting at least annually with your financial holy trinity—your CPA, your attorney, your financial adviser—to talk about life events. “Tell them, ‘This is what I’m thinking of doing. Am I still on track?’”

In the meantime, sock away at least six months of living expenses. In the event of a surprise, “cash is king,” Billinghurst says.

Take Triple-Tax Advantages

You know by now to contribute to your 401(k), at least up to the company match. Otherwise, you’re giving away free money. The same holds true for a Health Savings Account. With an HSA,

THE POWER OF COMPOUNDING

your pre-tax contributions reduce your payroll taxes, your earnings grow tax-free over time, and you pay no taxes on withdrawals if you use the money for medical expenses. That’s a triple-tax advantage—an opportunity unheard-of with other investment vehicles. Daniel Paige of Park Avenue Capital suggests fully funding an HSA and investing it as you would your 401(k). At the same time, stash cash in an emergency account to be used for out-of-pocket medical expenses, should they arise. Save those receipts. Down the road, you can reimburse yourself for medical expenses that you paid years prior, so long as you still have the receipts and you had an HSA when you paid the expenses.

“HSAs are not use it or lose it,” says Paige, and there is no Required Minimum Distribution. So invest your money in an HSA account now, then dip in down the road as you need to pay for your qualified medical expenses, including some Medicare premiums and long-term care insurance costs. W

While you might be tempted to sit with your cash on the sidelines, don’t forget that dynamic duo of compounding and time. Jennifer Nicasio of HTG Investment Advisors in New Canaan cites the “price of procrastination calculator” when extolling the benefits of compounding. Sock away $100 monthly, she says, and if your money earns six percent, you’ll have more than $8,000 in six years. At that same rate, you’ll exceed $20,000 in twelve years. Raise that savings and investing to $500 monthly and you’ll reach $42,000 in six years, more than $102,000 in 12 years, and in excess of $333,000 in 25 years.

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 .

people&PLACES

Studio 54 Soirée

The Inn at Longshore shimmered for CLASP’s 19th Annual Taste of Westport, themed “A Night at Studio 54.” 23 culinary stars, champagne, caviar, extraordinary beverages and a spirited silent auction made for a glamorous night. Proceeds from this signature event sustains CLASP’s life-changing work with adults with autism and intellectual disabilities throughout Fairfield County. W

1 Bill Loftus, Lisa Martin, Lara Cairns, Stuart Jamieson 2 All Chefs and Participants 3 Christian Rovere and Carlos Aponte, Executive Chef and Partner of The Bridge, Stephen Lewandowski 4 Ballroom at The

5

6

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN VIDELER

TASTE OF WESTPORT / The Inn at Longshore

Inn at Longshore

George and Lillie Tsahirides, Gabriele and Bradley Topar

DJ Matt Zako 7 Volunteer, Caroline Valerio, CLASP Senior Program Director, Clancy Horan 8 CLASP President, Tracy Flood, Volunteer Miggs Burroughs

MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES

Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.

A LIFE WRITTEN IN STYLE, STORY AND SUBSTANCE

Ona September evening in Westport, a town where creativity and community thrive, an icon of stage, screen, and the printed page will be honored not for the red carpet roles that made her famous, but for her enduring devotion to the written word.

This fall, The Westport Library welcomes Sarah Jessica Parker, Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, publisher and businesswoman, as the guest of honor at its 26th annual BOOKED for the evening... celebration. Taking place Wednesday, September 10, in the Library’s vibrant Trefz Forum, the event pays tribute to Parker’s profound contributions to literature, libraries and culture.

“Sarah Jessica Parker is not only an esteemed actor and successful producer. She is also a powerful voice speaking about the importance of

reading and of literature, and the important role that libraries play as American civic institutions,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “We could not possibly be more delighted to have her coming to the Library, and we’re thrilled to introduce her to all her fans and admirers in Westport.”

While Parker is instantly recognizable for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City and its revival And Just Like That…, her love of literature has long shaped her public and private life. It’s a connection that transcends hobbies and hashtags, rooted instead in belief that reading also moves us beyond ourselves.

“Reading fiction is the gateway to other cultures, traditions, smells, sounds, personal triumphs and disappointments,” Parker says. “It is the transport to empathy, compassion, and greater understanding of lives wonderfully different from my own.”

Through her imprint SJP Lit, has championed underrepresented voices with a growing list of critically acclaimed titles. Her publishing journey began as editorial director for SJP for Hogarth, where she helped bring nuanced global narratives like A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza and Golden Child by Claire Adam to American readers.

This year alone, her scope ranges from judging the prestigious Booker Prize to receiving the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, placing her among today’s most influential literary advocates.

SARAH JESSICA PARKER IS NOT ONLY AN ESTEEMED ACTOR AND SUCCESSFUL PRODUCER. SHE IS ALSO A POWERFUL VOICE SPEAKING ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF READING AND OF LITERATURE, AND THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT LIBRARIES PLAY AS AMERICAN CIVIC INSTITUTIONS.

Bill Harmer // WESTPORT LIBRARY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SARAH JESSICA PARKER

BY THE NUMBERS

0 Limits on her love for libraries

3 SAG Awards

26 Years since SexandtheCity debuted

1 Booker Prize judging seat

4 Golden Globe Awards

2 Emmy Awards

6+ Published books under SJP imprints 1976

Year she first appeared on Broadway

1 THEY DREAM IN GOLD by Mai Sennaar

2 WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST by Alina Grabowski

3 A QUITTER’S PARADISE by Elysha Chang

4 COLEMAN HILL by Kim Coleman Foote

5 A PLACE FOR US by Fatima Farheen Mirza (SJP for Hogarth)

6 GOLDEN CHILD by Claire Adam

7 DAWN by Selahattin Demirtaş

The Legacy of BOOKED fortheevening...

Celebrating 26 years of cultural icons with a look at some of the past honorees.

Mission: To honor those who enhance public understanding through their work in literature, journalism, the arts or culture. For more information and tickets, visit westportlibrary.org/booked-for-the-evening/

LIBRARIES AREN’T JUST BUILDINGS WITH SHELVES. THEY ARE A BEACON. THEY ARE SANCTUARIES OF POSSIBILITY. THEY ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Sarah Jessica Parker

A Library Advocate in the Spotlight

In many ways, Parker is a natural honoree, The Westport Library’s signature fundraiser each year celebrates individuals whose work reflects the Library’s mission to spark learning, understanding and community through knowledge.

She joins a prestigious list of past honorees who, like Parker, have used their platform to broaden perspectives and celebrate storytelling in all its forms.

But Parker’s connection to libraries is personal as well as professional. She has served as honorary chair of the American Library Association’s Central Book Club, a board member for United for Libraries, and executive-produced The Librarians, a 2024 Sundance-premiered film spotlighting the cultural fight against book bans.

“To censor a book is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy and inspiration,” she said during her PEN America Gala speech. “Libraries aren’t just buildings with shelves. They are a beacon. They are sanctuaries of possibility. They are the heartbeat of the neighborhood.”

Westport Welcomes a Woman of Wise Words

Though best known for her style and screen presence, Parker’s longstanding cultural influence is enriched by her literary leadership and civic engagement. A former member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, she now serves as vice chair of the board of the New York City Ballet, evidence of her lifelong passion for the arts in all forms.

In recent years, she returned to Broadway, starring opposite her husband Matthew Broderick in Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, a performance that earned her a 2024 Olivier Award nomination. And with Pretty Matches Productions, she continues to create acclaimed content for television, including Divorce, And Just Like That…, and future literary adaptations.

But on September 10, the focus is on a quieter, deeper force behind her glamorous legacy: a woman who reads voraciously, publishes courageously, and defends the transformative power of books with the same energy she brings to every red carpet and green room.

As Westport welcomes Sarah Jessica Parker, it’s not just a celebrity that’s being honored. The library is honoring a storyteller, a steward of libraries, and a woman whose life has been written in style, story and substance.

TEENS to WATCH

WESTPORT, WESTON AND WILTON ARE PRODUCING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GAME CHANGERS

There’s a lot of chatter about the incredible resumes of our high-achieving teens, as they nab spots at Ivy League schools and are recruited by top college teams. You’ve heard the stories: kids who take five AP courses, play two varsity sports, volunteer on weekends, work part-time, earn perfect GPAs. It seems like a lot of embellishment, parents and kids spinning tales of impossibly crammed schedules.

Well, these ten teens prove that the stories are true…or maybe slightly understated. Recordbreaking powerlifter, math prodigy, top wrestler, class president, Eagle Scout, Kung Fu Black Belt, Tournament of Champions debater, Investment Club founder, All-NEPSAC soccer player, Global Scholar, sailing commodore, Night to Shine buddy, data analyst, violist, varsity squash captain, Komera member—this is just a smattering of the titles these supercharged teens can claim. They have too many awards to cram on a page and top colleges clamoring for them.

Introducing our 2025 TEENS TO WATCH. Remember their names, because these young people are sure to change the world: Abe Lobsenz, Aidan Weismann, Bruce Matos, Dash GilrainLennon, Emmett Tolisano, Georgia Bennett, Kate Caporrino, Lars Maechling, Mohini Rathore and Sahana Bettegowda.

BY JILL JOHNSON MANN

GEORGIA BENNETT St. Lukes

St. Luke’s Storm Award winner Georgia Bennett excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete, Global Scholar and artist during high school. She received accolades across the board for her drive, consistency and compassion.

In soccer, the Fairfield resident played on St. Luke’s varsity team junior and senior year (All-NEPSAC Team 2024 and finalist 2023). She was the captain of varsity lacrosse junior and senior year and broke St. Luke’s record, scoring 204 career goals (All-NEPSAC and All-FAA League, 2024). On the court, she was a member of the varsity basketball NEPSAC Championship Team in 2023 and a finalist in 2025.

“Heading into my senior lacrosse season, I set an ambitious goal: to reach 200 career goals,” says Georgia. “I saw it as a culmination of everything I’d poured into the sport: hours of practice, periods of frustration and the resilience I developed along the way. When I scored my 200th goal, it reminded me how powerful goal-setting can be when paired with hard work and belief in yourself.”

Georgia was honored to be invited into St. Luke’s Global Scholars program, a privilege offered to top students. “It wasn’t just a course but was a year long deep dive into global issues, research methodology and collaborative learning,” she says. And the bow on top of her many gifts: winning the St. Luke’s Art Award twice.

Not one to take for granted all the good things in her life, Georgia actively gives back on a local and global scale. She was Vice President of the Building for Nonprofits Club from 2022 to 2025, served as a volunteer camp counselor at CIRI Ukrainian Children’s Camp and also gives her time to the Midnight Run Club and Filling in the Blanks. Working with Ukrainian refugees had the biggest impact on her. “Service is about being present, and sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply show up,” says Georgia. “Not to mention I made new friends with people from an extremely different background. We still talk often via our camp group chat!”

Georgia was recruited by Bowdoin for lacrosse and is studying government and law, with a minor in French. “I see myself following an academic path that blends economics with international studies,” she says. “Whether that leads to foreign affairs, international development, policy work or something entirely unexpected, I’m excited to keep learning and see where it takes me.”

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

Balancing the demands of being a three-sport varsity athlete with a rigorous course load and high academic expectations. Managing multiple varsity seasons meant early mornings, long nights and constant physical and mental

pressure. There were times when the balancing act tested my endurance, time management and discipline. The challenge wasn’t a singular moment, it was a long stretch of learning how to prioritize, stay focused and maintain personal standards across all areas of my life.

What would you tell your freshman self?

You have this! Each year started with what seemed like insurmountable challenges but with small steady steps the mountain will fall away.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

If I had to choose two who had the most profound impact, it would be Mr. Schneider (Advanced Physics) and Mr. LeBris (Physics). Mr. Schneider taught me just how much a teacher can have an impact on a student. I took on advanced physics with some fear surrounding the challenging material. However, as the year progressed, with ups and downs, one thing always stayed the same: Mr. Schnieder was there to offer advice, help with tricky problems or cheer me on at sporting events. With his patience and positive attitude, he helped me to build confidence in myself in and out of the classroom. Mr. LeBris had an equally powerful influence because he taught me how to approach problems methodically and never shy away from intellectual risk. His feedback was honest and constructive, which helped me grow from mistakes rather than be discouraged by them. He also came to class every day with an unforgettable humor that made learning incredibly engaging.

Words to live by?

“It will never get easier, so handle hard better.”

—Coach Kara Lawson (Duke Basketball)

SAHANA BETTEGOWDA Greens Farms Academy

Wilton resident Sahana Bettegowda has a range of passions and talents that have taken her from court to art room and a cappella stage to service across the globe. If she is curious about a topic, Greek mythology for example, she doesn’t just study it, she creates a mythology workshop to share with underserved kids.

Sahana was a varsity squash, tennis and soccer player at GFA. She captained the squash and tennis teams, led the squash team to a New England Championship and won the Coaches Award. “I

was the only senior on the team this past year, and entering into the season, I had no idea that we would be capable of winning our division for the first time in ten years,” says Sahana. “We also jumped two divisions for High School Nationals, competing in Division 2 with the top squash teams in the nation.”

Sahana sang with GFA’s a cappella group, Harbor Blues, and also loves art. “I think everybody needs something they can do to escape, and for me that is watercoloring,” she says. “During free periods my senior year I would go to the art room to watercolor and sit in on the AP Art class.” Sahana has also won poetry and writing awards and served as the art director of Penumbra literary magazine.

A Greek Mythology unit in fifth grade caught Sahana’s attention, and she decided then that she would take Latin in high school. As mythology is not taught in all schools, Sahana developed a workshop. “The workshop was designed to introduce the Greek gods and goddesses along with their symbols and powers, and have the students eventually create their own powers and symbols,” says Sahana. “I specifically designed it in this way to teach a basic understanding of Greek mythology, but also to encourage self-confidence from the students through their own gods and goddesses.”

Through GFA’s Komera chapter, Sahana was passionate about supporting women’s education and empowerment in Rwanda. “I was a member all four years of high school and eventually became a leader of the club,” says Sahana. She helped organize and fundraise for a trip to Rwanda to deliver refurbished computers, tablets and cell phones. She was also Co-Chair of GFA’s DEI Board.

Sahana will attend Duke this fall and hopes to explore the overlap between architecture and psychology.

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

I had a friend pass away suddenly last year. In addition to dealing with grief, his passing caused me to rethink my priorities and perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in school, sports and stress, and feel like you are just working to get to the next day. But my friend loved every day and lived life in a vibrant, joyful way. After his passing, I made an effort to take on his philosophy of not wasting a minute of life. I opened myself up to meeting new people and appreciating the little things. I have said yes when for years I would’ve said no, and that is only because of him.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Do the things you care about. It’s not embarrassing to care about something or want to learn more. Never let anyone else’s perceptions impact the way you act and carry yourself.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

Mr. Karolinski taught me to laugh, and that conversing is a form of learning. Mrs. O’Grady taught me the power of curiosity and questions. Mr. Dalesio taught me that if you care enough, you can find a way. Dr. Mederer (Doc) taught me that I am more capable than I think, and that frustration is positive because it means you are learning. His class was definitely the hardest I’ve experienced academically, but the most stimulating and exciting classroom to enter.

Words to live by?

“All

you can do is try.”

I’ve heard this countless times since I was a little girl. It has guided me in every aspect of my life. No matter what challenge I face, I try to put my best foot forward, as our effort is all we can control.

KATE CAPORRINO Lauralton Hall

Commodore/President of Pequot Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team, New Canaan Mounted Troop Equestrian Captain, Junior Ambassador/ECHO intern at Maritime Aquarium, Beardsley Zoo intern, Science Club Principal Investigator, Engineering Team, Ski Team, Business Club, Spanish Club, Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Band, Science Club, Key Club, Peer Mentor, nOURish Bridgeport, Night to Shine buddy—this is just a sampling of Kate Caporrino’s activities! Meanwhile, the Wilton resident earned a 98% average and won the St. Anselm College Book Award, Frances Warde Service Award, AP Scholar Award and was inducted into the National and Spanish Honor Societies. Earning the Spanish department medal was a highlight. “I’ve always loved learning new languages and have been striving to become fluent in Spanish since third grade, so being honored for my commitment and effort

in the subject meant a lot to me,” she says.

Freshman year, Kate joined ski team with no racing experience. “By senior year, I had earned my varsity letter and transformed into a skilled skier, conquering a challenge that once seemed daunting,” says Kate. “That journey from novice to varsity athlete is one of my proudest accomplishments.” A lack of experience also didn’t stop Kate from joining orchestra when they needed a percussionist.

Kate treasured her time as a Peer Mentor to freshmen

“I shared everything I wish I knew as a freshman, hoping that aids them in gaining their footing and discovering what excites them as they become comfortable at LH,” she says.

“I loved being both a resource and a friendly face during what can be a stressful time.”

Kate’s experience at Maritime Aquarium also stands out.

“I loved having the chance to connect with visitors and spark a passion for ocean conservation in them. It’s rewarding to see people walk away knowing their small actions can make a difference for our planet,” says Kate. She recalls a specific moment at the aquarium that inspired her to pursue environmental stewardship.

“I saw an entire wall covered with plastic waste—bottle caps, bags, everyday things— gathered from nearby beaches. It was shocking to see the direct effects of pollution in my own community. That display made something abstract feel so real, and I realized how important it is for people to connect with these issues personally. Since then, I’ve wanted to use my communication skills to inspire others to care and take action for our planet.”

Kate will be majoring in communications at University of Southern California this fall.

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

Competing in a sailing regatta in 2024 with intense wind conditions and a new boat I barely knew how to handle. I capsized multiple times and struggled not just physically but mentally as everyone around me was quitting. I refused to give up and instead chose to adapt my strategy to the circumstances and keep pushing forward. Finishing the race taught me that true success often comes from resilience, perseverance and adaptability. I’m grateful for the confidence I gained from overcoming that day’s obstacles.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Embrace new experiences, even when they feel intimidating. The moments you spend outside your comfort zone often become the most memorable, and you’re capable of more than you realize. Also, remind yourself to take a step back every once in a while to enjoy the moment. Talk to everyone and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

Over three of my four years at LH, Mrs. Gorman was my English teacher and had such an enormous impact on me. I’ve always enjoyed writing and expressing myself creatively, but it was her contagious passion that truly ignited my love for communication and liberal arts. She showed me that there’s no single “right” answer when it comes to creative expression and that there’s beauty in its individuality. She’s a huge reason why I chose to study communications.

Words to live by?

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved the saying:

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

It reminds me to never be afraid to go for my dreams and challenge myself, even when things feel uncertain.

DASH GILRAIN-LENNON

St. Luke’s

You don’t want to get into a debate with St. Luke’s grad Dash Gilrain-Lennon. The Westporter has argued circles around the top debate team students in the nation. He and his debate team partner made history as the firstever team from Connecticut to qualify for the Tournament of Champions, where they placed second in 2024. Dash is also among the few debaters in history to get bids to that prestigious tournament in the Public Forum, Policy and Lincoln-Douglas categories. He also won St. Luke’s History and English Awards in 2023.

This past year, Dash won the John Edie Holiday roundrobin debates hosted by The Blake School, was the top seed and a semifinalist at the Newark Invitational, was a semifinalist at the Lakeland Tournament, and again earned bids to the TOC. Last year, he was named champion of the Policy division at the University of Pennsylvania Liberty Bell Classic, was ranked No. 4 in Public Forum and had the highest number of National

Speech & Debate Association points among debaters in Connecticut.

“I became obsessed with debate in my freshman and sophomore year, when I got out of my local circuit,” says Dash, whose friend convinced him to try it in eighth grade. “I saw how much better the top competitors were, which made me want to improve to get to their level. I think I succeeded in debate by learning to be adaptable. The topic is always changing, and your opponent and judge change every round. You need to let go of the idea you can control every little thing, and focus on building skills and strategies that will give you options to roll with the punches.”

Dash was also an active member of the Chess Club. He offered free chess coaching and lessons through the New Canaan Library and provided volunteer debate coaching and judging through NOVA DEBATE, a free, online debate camp. He has also interned at The Door, a child advocacy organization, helping to draft grant applications and organize databases.

Dash will major in English or political science this fall at UC Berkeley. He is also sure to be a huge asset to Berkeley’s policy debate program, which has a long history of national level success.

“After college I want to go to law school,” says Dash. “Right now, I think a lot of public-sector law, especially constitutional law, is super interesting, but I’m not fixated on one specific endpoint.”

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

The biggest challenge for me was time management and organization. I always had a lot of time-consuming interests in and outside of school and, left to my own devices, I’ll sometimes forget about things until I’m in a real time crunch. Especially my senior year, I had to learn to plan my time out earlier on because otherwise it could be unmanageable. Fortunately, becoming more organized has made my life a lot less stressful. It’s surprising what you can make work with some planning and rescheduling.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Don’t worry too much about how everything’s going to turn out. You’re never going to be able to control everything, and things will turn out way different than you could ever predict in the long run, so you should try to focus on what’s right in front of you.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

My chemistry teacher, Mr. Lebris, had the biggest impact on me. For the most part, my interests in high school leaned very heavily toward the humanities. But the way he taught chemistry really caught my attention and lead to me taking two more years of chemistry classes with him. Those classes were two of the hardest I ever took, but through those classes I learned how to approach learning and studying material which takes time to come to you, which really helped me grow.

Words to live by?

“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”

—John Steinbeck

SLS faculty foster an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and independent learning. Teachers would often meet with Lena and other classmates during off-hours to explore topics that were part of the set curriculum, and also of personal academic interest to the students. The SLS core curriculum, as well as the encouragement to explore more advanced topics, has provided a lifelong love of learning and a solid foundation for the rigors of college.

-MicheleandGregOlbrys,parentsofLena

LenaisanSLSSTEMScholar.ShewillattendJohnsHopkinsUniversityandwillplayDivisionIIISoccer.

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For students entering grades 5-12

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 Olbrys family of Ridgefield: Cailin ‘27, Michele, Lena ‘25, and Greg

ABE LOBSENZ Staples

High School

Westporter Abe Lobsenz was Class of 2025 valedictorian.

While it seems like maintaining the grades needed to nab that title might be all consuming, Abe did not spend four years with his nose in a book. Sure, he was co-captain of the math team, but he balanced that bookish activity with competitive powerlifting in his spare time. “I picked up a few state records lifting weights,” notes Abe. He also got the highest score on CTs 3rd American regional math (ARML) team, published a paper/software on cell imaging in a preprint journal that’s racked up close to 200 downloads, did some science

In his valedictorian speech, Abe shared a message of retaining part of your childish self when transitioning into adulthood: “I gave the example that I still check under my bed at night out of habit from childhood, even though I lifted a barbell on the podium to show the audience that I had more strength than when I was younger—in case, you know, I needed to fight the monsters.”

Abe will be at Dartmouth this fall as a Jack Byrne scholar. “That comes with $5,000 during off terms for use in a research/ internship context, so I’m excited to direct those funds to trying out a bunch of different—mostly STEM—fields,” he says.

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

research, created a website for personal research projects and socially advocated on behalf of Staples’ We the People team.

Abe made time to volunteer at the Westport Book Shop. “My coworkers and managers always made my time there interesting, and spared no effort to show kindness to one another—and customers, of course,” comments Abe.

As far as academics, not surprisingly, Abe is most excited about math. “Beyond the ‘math is beautiful’ argument that has been spoken and heard by most every aspiring math student,” he says, “I think math has a unique advantage over most other subjects: 95 percent of your time is spent thinking, the remaining 5 percent doing. There is no spacing out, there is no mind wandering to what you’re going to have for dinner tonight—it’s just pure, unfettered focus. That’s pretty cool to me.”

tests correct. You had to show that you felt these concepts and that you could innovate with them. Beyond his curiosity-supporting teaching style, he’s also just a great, amazingly fun dude.

Words to live by?

One thing that I feel only people close to me know about me is that I’m a massive foodie. As I answer this, I’m sitting in a cafe in New York after essentially walking around and eating all day. I also cook nearly every meal I eat when I’m not traveling. So the following words suit the way I choose to live life nicely:

Don’t say, “I’ve got to eat dinner,” but “I get to eat dinner,” and make

sure you enjoy every

bite.

I was hospitalized for bradycardia during my first few weeks of freshman year. Health complications had driven my heart rate down to 32 BPM. Fortunately, it was reversible, but it still put me and my family through a lot of stress and uncertainty. Looking back on that time, it also negatively impacted my self-esteem. Throughout high school, I worked hard to make up for that, and not in an academic sense. I made good friends, met great mentors and learned how to let my personality shine through.

What would you tell your freshman self?

I’d tell him to take more chances, even if it meant a greater risk, in the pursuit of acting like the real Abe.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

At least half a dozen teachers at Staples had a monumental impact on me in some way, shape or form. I’ll answer with Mr. Forgette, though, my precalculus teacher and math team faculty coordinator. This man taught me something far more valuable than math: the ability to appreciate it rather than just use it. It was the first class where understanding the concepts wasn’t enough to earn full credit, even if you got everything on the

LARS MAECHLING Fairfield Prep

Lars Maechling is a scholar who balances his academic curiosity with enthusiastic and noble service to others. Lars is an Eagle Scout who has devoted himself to civic engagements—town hall meetings, parades, laying wreaths and flags on veterans’ graves— and service projects. Sleeping in

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King School is a PreK-12 independent, co-ed day school located in northern Stamford that educates students of Fairfield and Westchester counties.

a church basement and waking to serve breakfast in a NYC soup kitchen, distributing new clothing and supplies to the homeless— these are just several examples of many.

“Like my experience at Prep, I appreciate Scouting for its formational impact on my development,” says Lars. “Scouting lifted me up as a young man. It taught me character and the importance of humility. Along with that, I made some of my closest friends and best mentors within the program.” Lars has also volunteered with Filling in the Blanks, which battles childhood food insecurity, and he has traveled to the Dominican Republic for a week volunteering with Mustard Seed Communities.

At Prep, Lars was elected to student government for three years and served as Vice President senior year. He was selected to moderate when Prep held a special assembly on government with a Republican state senator and Democratic state representative. Lars participated in the Political Awareness Club, served as a Student Ambassador, hosted a German exchange student and traveled to Germany to stay with a host family. As a National Honor Society member, he was a sought-after peer tutor for underclassmen. He set a good example, with his nose always in a variety of books: mysteries, adventures, novels, and nonfiction books on any topic that would broaden his knowledge.

Lars was an athlete on the track team, throwing shot put, and the freshman football team, and a mathlete in Math Club. “The high points in my mathlete career were those ‘aha’ moments–the breakthroughs made working together as a team. I’ll always look back fondly on those moments spent with my friends,

huddled around a whiteboard.”

His grades placed Lars among the elite students in his graduating class. This fall he will be studying chemistry at Boston College. He adds, “I am currently planning on becoming a U.S. Army Officer through Boston College’s ROTC Program.”

What

is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

The greatest challenge I’ve faced was working off 50 pounds after my freshman year. I committed myself to dropping the weight I’d gained over a two-year period playing football. The goal was reached in four months, made possible by a program I’d created for myself. It was arduous at times, yet I learned that anything is possible with a disciplined mind.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Read more books. Reading, I’ve noticed, has been key to my growth in school and in my personal life. Through books, I’ve also discovered new interests. Recently, self-help and personal finance books have been receiving the bulk of my time. My favorite titles include Deep Work by Cal Newport and Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. I think reading is a key habit to success in anything.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

My freshman year Theology I teacher, Mr. Milazzo, has had the biggest impact on me. His class inspired my worldview and ignited my faith. After I finished Theology I, he continued to support me in both my academic and personal self-improvement journeys. Mr. Milazzo has always cheered me on, and I am extremely grateful for the positive impact that he has had on my life. He has also been a great mentor to my younger brother, David.

Words to live by?

“The good day starts the day before. The good week starts the week before. Be prepared.”

Preparation is a huge part of my life. I have noticed that readying things in advance has the power to relieve stress, and it has the capacity to dramatically improve whatever event or task you are anticipating. At home, I prepare my meals weekly, and I also have become best friends with my calendar notebook.

BRUCE MATOS Weston High School

Bruce Matos is one of those students whose accomplishments would fit more comfortably into a book, not a page. The rising senior was awarded AP Scholar With Honors his junior year, when his course load included four APs. He is an Eagle Scout, a black belt in Kung Fu, founder/president of the HOSA Health Professionals Club at WHS, Secretary-General of Model UN, and still has energy to run 300 meter hurdles on the track team.

“I joined Scouting in first grade, and it has shaped who I’ve become,” says Matos, “In eighth grade, I discovered the Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF). What

excited me is that it isn’t just an organization helping to fight food insecurity, it is also youth led. The first time I joined one of JHF’s weekly calls, I got to hear students my age not just volunteering, but leading, brainstorming and being trusted and encouraged to drive change.”

Soon after that, Bruce co-founded the JHF Connecticut Junior Advisory Board, helping expand JHF’s mission to CT. Eventually, Bruce became the head of the Partners & Sponsors team and was responsible for presenting to donors. “I learned how to engage corporate donors and build long-term partnerships,” explains Bruce.

“Over the past 18 months, our P&S team raised over $43,000 from corporate sponsors, which has impacted more than 1500 families.” Bruce spent a year organizing a food drive that culminated in distributing over 12,000 pounds of food to underserved residents in South Florida last February. “I witnessed how meeting basic needs can build dignity and hope in so many ways. Each bag I distributed reminded me that at our core at JHF, we weren’t just handing out groceries, we were contributing to the well-being of an entire community,” says Bruce.

As a black belt in Kung Fu, Bruce has been an assistant instructor for two years at SDSS studio in Wilton and offers free classes in the community. “Kung Fu has shown me how physical discipline can transform a mindset, and it’s part of what sparked my interest in the connection between movement, the brain and behavior,” he says. As a summer intern in the Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences, Bruce has been researching how martial arts training in adolescents impacts neuroplasticity. His scholarly awards are too many to list!

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What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

Watching my father recover from a debilitating stroke that left him permanently disabled. It instantly upended his world and the family had to suddenly adapt to the outcome. Moments of fear and uncertainty also lead to moments that taught me strength, resilience and empathy. That experience is what first sparked my interest in research and neuroscience, and it’s the reason I aim to lead with compassion and pursue science with purpose.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Have faith in yourself. Trust that you are who you are supposed to be right now, and confidence will come with time and experience. Go ahead and embrace those awkward and difficult moments because they are part of your evolution and will transform you into someone stronger than you can imagine.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

My parents tell me “it takes a village,” and I think that’s very true. I’ve been lucky to have several mentors and teachers that have had a huge impact on me. Ms. Christine, my Kung Fu instructor, has taught me confidence and how to lead with intent; Ms. Claudia and Josh at JHF have believed in my abilities even when I didn’t and taught me not to secondguess myself; I will be forever grateful to my AP Language Arts teacher, Ms. Roehl, for teaching me the power of words and opening a wholenew world of expression for me; and my mom, for teaching me by example the true meaning of grit!

Words to live by?

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MOHINI RATHORE

Wilton

High School

Mohini Rathore quite possibly has a clone we don’t know about, because how can one person be a top player on Wilton High School’s varsity tennis team; director of public relations for Ms. President US; a data analyst at Wilton Hindu Mandir; a violist with her school’s Symphonic Orchestra; and a volunteer at Norwalk Hospital’s Emergency and Neurology Departments, Filling in the Blanks and ACEing Autism? She also earned her Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. All this, and Mohini is only just entering her senior year

young women.

At Wilton Hindu Mandir, Mohini has developed the temple’s social media strategy to engage younger generations. Her grasp of Hindi helps with minimizing language barriers and ensuring all community members are aware and included in activities.

As a volunteer for ACEing Autism, Mohini teaches tennis to children with autism, thereby enhancing their motor skills, social engagement and confidence. “I tailor my communication and teaching methods to each child’s unique needs, ensuring they feel confident and included. Through group sessions, I’ve helped children build not only tennis skills but also important social and emotional growth, contributing to their overall wellbeing,” she says.

in high school.

Mohini was captain of her tennis team and voted Most Improved in 2025. She is an FCIAC semifinalist and won the deciding match against Darien to clinch Wilton’s win against the rival for the first time in five years!

In her role as director of public relations for Ms. President US, Mohini oversees strategic communication efforts to empower young girls in politics. “By crafting impactful narratives, managing media outreach and organizing mentorship programs, I help equip the next generation of female leaders with the skills and confidence to engage in political and civic life,” explains Mohini. She also authored a published article, “Ms. President US Mobilizes Future Female Leaders in Statewide Event,” highlighting the organization’s efforts to inspire

Mohini is passionate about healthcare and hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of research and patient care. At Norwalk Hospital, she supports patients and medical professionals, facilitating patient care, streamlining medical records, training new volunteers and ensuring efficient hospital operations. “My role extends beyond clerical work—I provide direct assistance to patients, ensuring their comfort, aiding with meals and fostering a compassionate healthcare setting,” she says. Mohini is considering majoring in healthcare administration or public health. “As I continue to explore my passions, I plan to combine my academic knowledge, leadership experience and community-focused values to create meaningful change in the healthcare field,” she says.

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

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

Questioning my abilities was a significant challenge that often kept me from voicing my thoughts or stepping outside my comfort zone. This doubt made it difficult to take risks or fully express myself. Gradually, I built confidence in my skills and began seeking new opportunities to grow. With every step, I overcame hesitation and learned to embrace challenges as chances for personal and academic growth.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Enjoy your time on the tennis courts and don’t worry about the final score. The real joy comes from playing, bonding with teammates, and improving your skills through regular practice.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

My physics teacher, Mr. Durkee, taught me the importance of persistence. He made the classroom a welcoming place where I felt comfortable asking for help. He encouraged me to explore new ideas, learn from my mistakes and share my thoughts openly. This supportive environment helped me develop a love for learning that I carry today. Jan, my volunteer supervisor at Yale New Haven Hospital, deepened my passion for healthcare by showing me how powerful kindness and understanding can be in patient care. She welcomed each patient with a warm smile and spoke with empathy, making every interaction feel personal and meaningful. By watching and learning from her, I developed the ability to communicate with the same openness and compassion.

Words to live by?

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”

— Brené Brown

EMMETT TOLISANO

Fairfield Prep

Fairfield Prep grad

Emmett Tolisano was a leader at school and devoted himself to giving back. He volunteered with nOURish Bridgeport for the last few years, participated in several builds for Habitat for Humanity, and worked as a volunteer baseball coach (which turned into a paid assistant coaching job). Emmett was part of Prep’s Cardinal Key Society and Stock Market Club, and he is co-founder of the Student Investment Club.

“The service activity that has meant the most to me has been volunteering at NOURrish Bridgeport, which is ten minutes from my house,” says the Fairfield resident. “I went basically every Thursday to prepare meals during the school year, and I still go now. It means a lot to me because it’s the next town over. I feel very fortunate to live in a really great place, but it’s important for me to understand that just 10 or 15 minutes away, there are people who are not as fortunate, and they’re really hungry. Bridgeport is a food desert, which means there are not a lot of places to easily buy good, healthy food.”

Emmett led the three-day Kairos Retreat for students,

dedicating months to planning it. He gave a presentation on character at The National Honor Society induction ceremony and has represented Prep at several conferences.

Emmett’s Spanish teacher introduced him to the Stock Market Club sophomore year, and soon he was taking on a leadership role. “The president and I came up with the idea to have our own studentmanaged investment fund, modeled off of Fairfield University’s student-managed investment fund. We were lucky enough to have them come in a few times over the past few years to present to us about theirs,” explains Emmett. Junior year they created a mock portfolio and pitched it to the Board. “We asked for $30,000 and they ended up giving us $100,000,” says Emmett, who spent his senior year getting the bylaws, procedures, leadership and membership established. “We were lucky enough to buy our first few stocks and do our first few trades,” he says. “Getting this going on the right path was all that mattered to me, because I know it can be something that will last years at Prep.” A percentage of earnings will be invested back into the school.

Emmett will be studying finance at Boston College this fall.

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

I don’t think there’s necessarily one greatest challenge, but there have been hurdles. Fall of senior year was really tough. There was a lot going on: classes and college applications and starting a new club, and I was the leader of a couple clubs. Then my grandfather passed away. That was one of the harder parts of my Prep career. I actually lost both grandfathers during high school, the other sophomore year. My parents always say: Just keep pushing, keep your head down and seek out good resources to help you, and that’s what helped me still be successful through those times.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Not to say no. Get involved more than you think you should. Be open to meeting new people. Make the most of your time at Prep: go to the sports games, music events, all the activities that you can.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

Mr. Tremblay was my Spanish teacher for three years and moderated the Stock Market Club. I also was part of his tutoring program, helping underclassmen with their Spanish work every Tuesday morning. He had a large impact on me because of the amount of time I spent with him. He guided me on how to go about things at school, how to write a good email, how to talk to adults. Mrs. Lombardi, my dean, was also a resource and an outlet for me. I could show up in her office at any time and ask her a question or ask for advice. I’m sure any Prep kid would say this because her door is always open.

Words to live by?

“Love the life you live and live the life you love.”

—Bob Marley.

And:

“Honesty is the best policy.”

AIDAN WEISMANN Greens Farms Academy

We’ve all heard the term “wellrounded,” but Westport’s Aidan Weismann takes the concept to superhuman extremes: varsity wrestler and lacrosse player, nationally ranked squash player, Student Council President, budding fashion

Connecticut and also New England, which was a huge honor to be a part of,” says Aidan. “I was hesitant to train with people that were competing at such a high level, but the guys on both my sports teams really became family. I wouldn’t be the same person without them.”

As Student Council President senior year, Aidan helped reshape the culture around spirit weeks and sporting events, incorporating activities that made “everyone in the school feel connected.”

He adds, “I also served on the Judicial Council, which meant helping guide conversations around accountability and community standards, which was a pretty serious responsibility. It taught me a lot about fairness and integrity. It was another way, a more intense way, of creating a meaningful culture.”

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?

Probably letting go of the need to have everything figured out. I’ve always been someone who wants to do things perfectly, so examples like quitting squash, which had been my identity for years, forced me to redefine what success and growth look like. Taking risks in sports, leadership, creative work— that all helped me realize that failure is where the progress happens.

What would you tell your freshman self?

designer. Aidan displays a rare combination of grit and creativity. Comfort zone? It’s not in his vocabulary. Aidan was ranked in the top 80 nationally in squash when he decided to change sports his sophomore year at GFA. He picked up lacrosse and wrestling as fast as Clark Kent can do a quick-change in a phone booth. He played lacrosse for the rest of high school. Junior year, Aidan wrestled on the varsity team, and he competed nationally on the Prep team senior year. “That team ended up being ranked number one in

Aidan was also vice president of the Community Service Board and helped coordinate the October Food Drive, supporting more than 500 families; the Angel Tree program, providing holiday gifts for 150 children; and weekly service programs with local organizations. “That work meant a lot to me as well,” he says, “because it had a real impact and you got to see it firsthand. I got to help lead and shape those projects throughout the year, which made me very proud.”

Intrigued by observing how people express themselves through clothes, Aidan also has an interest in fashion design. “I started thrifting, reworking clothes and then sketching my own designs,” he says. Aidan has already begun developing concepts for a brand and studied fashion design at Parsons’ Paris campus in July. He will attend Wake Forest this year and sees his future melding design and entrepreneurship.

To try things that I’m scared to try. Sounds cliche, but especially the things you think you’re not built for. Some of the most important parts of my high school and life experience came from things I almost didn’t do because I was afraid of failing or looking out of place: joining wrestling, starting to design clothes, taking on leadership roles. I’d tell myself to stop worrying so much about being good at something right away. Growth usually happens in places where you feel a little out of place and out of your depth, so that’s not something to avoid; it’s something to chase.

Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?

Mr. D’Alesio, my art teacher, was a real mentor to me, and not just in art but pretty much everything creative, including fashion. He was one of the first people who took my ideas seriously and pushed me to keep experimenting. He helped me build the confidence in my creative instincts. Also, Mr. Matte, my junior year calculus teacher. He completely changed the way I saw learning. His class made me realize that understanding something deeply is a lot more valuable than getting to the right answer. He made math feel like discovery, and that carried over into how I approach challenges in life in general.

Words to live by?

Start before you’re ready.

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

Kathryn Herman Design New Canaan; 203-442-5848 kathrynhermandesign.com

MDLA @mdlandarch MDLA Boston, MA; 203-592-4788 m-d-l-a.com

LANDSCAPE: Less Than 1 Acre

Glengate @glengatecompany Glengate Wilton; 203-762-2000 glengatecompany.com

James Doyle Design Associates @jamesdoyledesign associates

James Doyle Design Associates Greenwich; 203-869-2900 jdda.com

KITCHEN: Transitional/Modern

Clarity Home Interiors

@clarityhome Clarity Home Interiors Riverside; 203-340-2468 clarityhomeinteriors.com

Douglas Graneto Design @douglasgranetodesign

Douglas Graneto Design Greenwich; 203-622-8383 douglasgraneto.com

Karen Bow Interiors @karenbowinteriors

Karen Bow Interiors Darien; 917-953-1517 karenbow.com

LIVING SPACE

Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design @apdarchitects

Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design Fairfield Co.; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 Palm Beach; 561-834-0191 apdarchitects.com

OFFICE/LIBRARY

Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design @apdarchitects Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design Fairfield Co.; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 Palm Beach; 561-834-0191 apdarchitects.com

lulu HOME @luluhome.alana @luluhome.cami Alana Irwin Cami Luppino lulu HOME Greenwich; 203-536-6216 luluhomedesign.com

Charles Hilton Architects @charleshiltonarchitects

Charles Hilton Charles Hilton Architects Greenwich; 203-489-3800 hiltonarchitects.com

Kaitlin Smith Interiors @kaitlinsmithinteriors Kaitlin Smith Interiors Essex; 203-530-6871 kaitlinsmithinteriors.com

The Rath Project @therathproject The Rath Project Fairfield; 518-542-6268 therathproject.com

Maison Sheik @maisonsheik Neva Alsheik Maison Sheik Westport; 312-330-4446 maisonsheik.com

KITCHEN DESIGN:

Traditional/Classic Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design @apdarchitects Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design Fairfield Co.; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 Palm Beach; 561-834-0191 apdarchitects.com

MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Steven Mueller Architects @steven_mueller_architects

Steven Mueller, AIA

Steven Mueller Architects Greenwich; 203-494-4164 stevenmuellerarchitects.com

DEANE, Inc. @kitchensbydeane DEANE, Inc. Stamford; 203-327-7008 deaneinc.com

Studio Bartolotta LLC @andrewbartolotta_aia Andrew Bartolotta Studio Bartolotta LLC Weston; 203-856-8211 studiobartolotta.archi

Robert Dean Architects with Studio Mason Design Co. @robertdeanarchitects @studiomasondesignco

Robert Dean Architects New Canaan, 203-966-8333 robertdeanarchitects.com

Tanner White Architects @tannerwhitearchitects

Tanner White Architects Westport; 203-283-4749 tannerwhitearchitects.com

Trillium Architects @trilliumarchitects

Trillium Architects Ridgefield; 203-438-4540 trilliumarchitects.com

Camden Grace Interiors @camdengrace_interior design

Camden Grace Interiors West Hartford; 860-944-2110 camden-grace.com

Thiel Architecture + Design @thieldesign Thiel Architecture + Design Westport; 917-679-8070 thieldesign.com

Studio Mason Design Co. Greenwich studiomasondesign.com

Studio LSI @studio.lsi

Studio LSI Stamford; 917-816-5723 studiolsi.com

ENTRYWAY

Camden Grace Interiors @camdengrace_interior design

Camden Grace Interiors West Hartford; 860-944-2110 camden-grace.com

BATH DESIGN

Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design @apdarchitects Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design Fairfield Co.; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 Palm Beach; 561-834-0191 apdarchitects.com

Curated Nest Interiors

@curatednest Curated Nest Interiors Greenwich; 414-418-7750 curatednest.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

KID/TEEN BEDROOM

Camden Grace Interiors @camdengrace_interior design

Camden Grace Interiors West Hartford; 860-944-2110 camden-grace.com

Deborah Pianin Interiors @deborahpianininteriors Deborah Pianin Interiors Stamford; 203-461-2232 deborahpianin.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.

Fairview Hearthside Fairview Cast Stone

A DDRESS: 68 Violet Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

PHONE: 845-452-8444

WEBSITE: fairviewhearthside.com fairviewcaststone.com

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

Cardello Architects @cardelloarchitects Cardello Architects Westport; 203-853-2524 cardelloarchitects.com

Phillip James Dodd @phillip_james_dodd Phillip James Dodd Greenwich; 203-343-6616 phillipjamesdodd.com

VanderHorn Architects @vanderhornarchitects Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com

Kaitlin Smith Interiors @kaitlinsmithinteriors Kaitlin Smith Interiors Essex; 203-530-6871 kaitlinsmithinteriors.com

BEDROOM Curated Nest Interiors @curatednest Curated Nest Interiors Greenwich; 414-418-7750 curatednest.com

Douglas Graneto Design @douglasgranetodesign

Douglas Graneto Design Greenwich; 203-622-8383 douglasgraneto.com

Morgan Harrison Home @morganharrisonhome

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE: Less Than 7,000 Square Feet

Morgan Harrison Home New Canaan; 203-594-7875 morganharrisonhome.com

DINING ROOM

D2 Interieurs @d2interieurs D2 Interieurs Weston; 646-326-7048 d2interieurs.com

Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors @ebolognino Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors Westport; 917-848-5441 elizabethbolognino.com

The Rath Project @therathproject The Rath Project Fairfield; 518-542-6268 therathproject.com

PLAY SPACE: KID

D2 Interieurs with Project Playroom @d2interieurs D2 Interieurs Weston; 646-326-7048 d2interieurs.com

Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors @ebolognino Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors Westport; 917-848-5441 elizabethbolognino.com

Kate Gelfand Interior Design @kategelfandid Kate Gelfand Interior Design Cos Cob; 203-485-0413 kategelfand.com

VanderHorn Architects with Kelly Rosen Design @vanderhornarchitects @kellyrosendesign

Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com

Burr Salvatore Architects @burrsalvatore Burr Salvatore Architects Darien; 203-655-0303 burrsalvatore.com

Doyle Coffin Architecture @doylecoffin Peter T. Coffin, AIA Alex T. Bellina, AIA Doyle Coffin Architecture Ridgefield; 203-431-6001 doylecoffinarchitecture.com

VanderHorn Architects @vanderhornarchitects Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com

POOL HOUSE

Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors @carolkurth Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors Bedford; 914-234-2595 carolkurtharchitects.com

VanderHorn Architects with Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design @vanderhornarchitects @amyhirsch_design Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com

Smart Playrooms @smartplayrooms Karri Bowen-Poole Smart Playrooms Rye, NY; 914-260-3042 smartplayrooms.com

Kelly Rosen Design New York, NY: 312-909-6088 kellyrosendesign.com

PLAY SPACE: ADULT

RENOVATION

Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design Greenwich; 203-661-1266 amyhirsch.com

Alisberg Parker Architects @alisbergparker Alisberg Parker Architects Old Greenwich; 203637-8730 alisbergparker.com

Camden Grace Interiors @camdengrace_interior design Camden Grace Interiors West Hartford; 860-944-2110 camden-grace.com

Morgan Harrison Home @morganharrisonhome

Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design @apdarchitects

Morgan Harrison Home New Canaan; 203-594-7875 morganharrisonhome.com

Conte & Conte, LLC @conteandconte Conte & Conte, LLC Greenwich; 203-869-1400 conteandconte.com

Saniee Architects @sanieearchitects Saniee Architects Greenwich; 203-625-9308 sanieearchitects.com

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Arkay-Leliever, LLC @arkayleliever Arkay-Leliever, LLC Fairfield; 203-685-5177 arkay-leliever.com

Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design Fairfield Co.; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 Palm Beach; 561-834-0191 apdarchitects.com

Boldt Studio @boldtstudio Boldt Studio Cos Cob; 631-745-0051 boldtstudio.com

Charles Hilton Architects @charleshiltonarchitects Charles Hilton Architects Greenwich; 203-489-3800 hiltonarchitects.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.

PHONE: 888-262-4192

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

and

WEBSITE: marvin.com

to everyone.

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

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.

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 •

Our Mission

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

To learn more visit

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

Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director

Susie’s House Makeover

Gaelle Dudley of GLDESIGN gives new meaning to the heart of a home

by jill johnson mann

“Ifirst heard about Homes With Hope through our local Gather ‘Round the Table event,” says interior designer Gaelle Dudley of GLDESIGN. “I have been a part of this designer tablescape event for seven years, and I absolutely am in love with the cause and have watched it grow over time.” Not one to sit back and just watch all the work being done by Homes With Hope to prevent homelessness in Fairfield County, Gaelle inquired about what she and her growing interior design firm could do to help.

“I reached out to the CEO of Homes With Hope to see how my firm could make a greater impact for these women in need,” says Gaelle, whose coastal-meets-chic design vibe is something most Homes With Hope clients have only seen in a magazine (Gaelle’s work, incidentally, has been in many).

The nonprofit organization had just the project for GLDESIGN: a makeover of Susie’s House. The pretty Colonial on North Compo Road serves as a residence for six young-adult women who otherwise might find themselves homeless. Gaelle says, “The house is in our backyard, and it felt like the right time!”

Last winter she and her team began planning. “We decided to make over the living room, which for me is a true heart of

home, where women can gather to share their journeys, take a break from the real world and create memories,” Gaelle says. “We designed the vision board from our hearts, measuring every nook and cranny, and reached out to local trusted vendors who were more than happy to donate everything from area rugs, stair runners, furnishings and textiles. I was blown away by their generosity.” The project took three months start to finish, with GLDESIGN donating time and talent.

The remodeled Susie’s House was unveiled in April. “The house is so welcoming,” says Gaelle. “The Homes With Hope team did a beautiful job on the exterior finishes as well as the interior selections. When designing the living room, we kept the historical setting in mind but incorporated a lighter palette to make the space feel bright, no matter the weather outside. The couch is probably my favorite part because the stripes make me so

happy, and the fabric is perennial so welcomes high traffic and lots of cozying up!”

Residents at Susie’s House, who are all women and usually between 18 and 24, have the benefit of an affordable year-long lease and case manager support, as they work towards self-sufficiency. Homes With Hope has 52 units of Supportive Housing across Westport and Norwalk.

Gaelle Dudley has a passion for infusing the most beautiful blend of coastal France, New England, California and Florida into her clients’ homes and her own. “My family and I have moved up the coast for quite a few years, starting in Rye, then Darien, Westport and now landing in Fairfield,” she says. “We live by the beach, where the streets are nice and wide for biking and long walks, and the views are incredible. We love the vibe of this ‘college town,’ and I truly live what I love, design-wise and more!” W

PHOTO BY NEIL LANDINO

this photo: Interior Designer Gaelle Dudley of GLDESIGN

WINNER

TOP LUXURY BROKERAGE

William Raveis is proud to be selected as one of the national Finalists for Top Luxury Brokerage, Golden I Club 2025 by Inman, the voice of REALTORS®.

Top Luxury Brokerage Award Finalists

The Agency

Amherst Madison

Brown Harris Stevens

Christie’s International Real Estate (acquired by Compass)

Corcoran Group

Engel & Völkers

Sotheby’s International Realty

William Raveis

We are honored to announce we are #1 in the United States thanks to our extraordinary sales associates, managers, marketing, technology and support teams.

WINNER: WILLIAM RAVEIS