March April 2026

No. 1 Brokerage North of NYC

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Heritage Fabrications designs, manufactures, and installs the highest quality bronze and steel fenestration Our team, innovatory technology, and fine materials ensure that we create a handcrafted, precision product.

info@bedfordnewcanaanmag.com TO SIGN UP FOR OUR E - NEWSLETTER, EMAIL WITH THE SUBJECT LINE: SUBSCRIBE. AND DON’T MISS OUR CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS AT www.BedfordNewCanaanMag.com @BedfordNewCanaanMag WE MAIL B&NC MAG TO THE 25,000 MOST AFFLUENT HOMES IN

PUBLISHER: MICHAEL J KAPLAN

PRESIDENT: CASEY KAPLAN

ART DIRECTION: EMMA ARTHUR

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE OPERATIONS: GILLIAN GAUGHAN

COVER IMAGE:

PHOTOGRAHY: ELEANOR CARTY

Designed by POP architecture in 2022

The Round House structure is nestled into the side of a hill on a picturesque 36-acre property in the Housatonic Valley and enjoys expansive views... and with its circular form is like a modern tholos to nature. The building is functionally efcient at only 2500 SF, but still feels grand in its public entertaining space with a 21-foot-tall ceiling and rooftop oculus. A living green wall connects the oculus skylight to the lower foor and terraced lawn beyond. And a curved staircase in the central atrium has glass treads, achieving a minimalistic aesthetic and further accentuating the green wall’s biophilic theme. The showcasing of nature is also found in the careful minimalist detailing of seamless curved glass windows, smooth plaster walls, and polished concrete foors. The exterior cladding is done in cypress wood that respects the surrounding forest and an exterior stair gives access to the roof, which serves as an additional entertaining space with a fre pit and panoramic views of the valley.

P resident’s Note

Our Cover Feature, ALEX COCO, who won the 2025 Best Picture Oscar for Producing the feature-length film Anora, is a ‘homegrown hero’ - someone who grows up locally and goes out into the world and makes us proud. And while we frequently focus our Cover Features on B&NC locals who are much more famous, like Martha Stewart, Clive Davis, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Chevy Chase, we relish the opportunity to sometimes also highlight our homegrown heroes and focus acclaim on their achievements.

Zach Allen, who grew up in New Canaan and now plays NFL’s Defensive End for the Denver Broncos - and who was our Jan/Feb ‘22 Cover Feature, and Will Reeve, who grew up in Bedford and was orphaned when his father Christopher Reeve and then his mother, Dana, both passed and who is now a leading ABC News correspondent and who was our - Jan/Feb ‘21 Cover Feature, are but two examples of the homegrown heroes we’ve been most pleased to honor.

In this issue, I also want to call your particular attention to our feature titled ‘Equicenter’ about how NORTH SALEM has become the equestrian epicenter of the Northeast, and to the article by awardwinning photographer and Bedfordite Emily Fisher titled The Man on The Ice about an ice fisherman she photographed out on the frozen Titicus Reservoir - also in NORTH SALEM.

As I wrote to you in the Jan/Feb 2026 issue wherein our Cover Feature on The Fabulous Humphrey Sisters, who together won the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse National Championship playing at the University of North Carolina in 2025, was meant to emphasize that Bedford & New Canaan Magazine focuses on things DARIEN…We are Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, but we’re much more than just BEDFORD and NEW CANAAN!

We’re NORTH SALEM too!

We bought the then 15-year old Bedford Magazine in 2020 and renamed it as Bedford & New Canaan Magazine to connote that we were redefining the publication’s coverage to circumscribe the real crossState-border community where we live…and we expanded the distribution to the 25,000 most affluent households in the area.

And, beyond BEDFORD and NEW CANAAN and DARIEN and NORTH SALEM, we also continually cover the people, places, and goings-on in, and distribute Bedford & New Canaan Magazine to: RIDGEFIELD, and to ARMONK, BEDFORD HILLS, KATONAH, MT. KISCO, PURCHASE, PLEASANTVILLE, POUND RIDGE, SOUTH SALEM, and WACCABUC.

We’re proud to be the magazine people in our cross-State-border community turn-to to be introduced to some of the most interesting residents in our community, to get in to see some of the most spectacular houses in the area, and to learn about the plethora of fantastic charities and cultural institutions that are the fibre - and the pride - of our region. …Our readers devote an average of one hour and twenty minutes to each issue of Bedford & New Canaan Magazine!

Casey Arden Kaplan

B&NC MAG PRESIDENT

OUR READERSHIP

BRLATrails

WILD THING…YOU MAKE MY HEART SING!

New Canaan resident Steve Zatz has transformed a once-swampy backyard into a thriving two-and-a-half-acre native meadow - complete with streams, paths, boardwalks, wildflowers, and wildlife. A former big-time CEO, Zatz shares how ‘rewilding’ his landscape became a meditative and ecological passion.

GARDENING

Gardening’s resurgence is more than a lifestyle trend - it’s a return to living with intention. In her first season at Big Titicus Farm, B&NC MAG President Casey Kaplan discovers the joys - and surprises - of growing food, tending an orchard, and embracing rewilding.

THE new COPLAND HOUSE AT BLUESTONE FARM

A new chapter begins for this cultural institution with Copland House at Bluestone Farm, a 24-acre cultural campus where Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties meet…right on the northern border of ‘B&NC Country’! Honoring composer Aaron Copland’s legacy, the expanded center, with over 37,000 square feet of interior space, will host concerts, residencies, education, and multi-arts programming… making world-class American music easily accessible to the B&NC audience.

COVER FEATURE AND THE OSCAR GOES TO… NEW CANAAN’S ALEX COCO

New Canaan’s Alex Coco, 33, produced Anora and won the 2025 Oscar for Best Picture. He’s a real rising star in the film industry, and sat down with B&NC Mag on the heels of his whirlwind winning year.

B&NC AT THE GRAMMYS

B&NC goes to the 2026 Grammys to report on B&NC locals Monte Lipman, Michael Sabath, and Clive Davis.

WORLD-CLASS NEUROSCIENCE EXPERTS RIGHT THROUGH THESE DOORS

From a new biplane angiography suite and a designated stroke center at Phelps Hospital, to noninvasive Gamma Knife® radiosurgery at Northern Westchester Hospital, Northwell's world-renowned neurology and neurosurgery teams are well-equipped for the most complex conditions.

It's all part of NY's most awarded health system a vast network where every door leads to extraordinary care, right here in Westchester. Northwell.edu/Westchester

EQUICENTER

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North Salem has emerged as the Northeast’s true ‘equicenter’... a sprawling horsecountry haven of grand farms, world-class riders, and deep-rooted equestrian tradition. From Olympic champions to hundreds of miles of bridle trails and The Hunt, the town’s rhythm is pure hoofbeat heritage.

THE MGA SENIOR MASTERS AT ANGLEBROOK GOLF CLUB

By Matt Sullivan - General Manager, Anglebrook Golf Club

The Metropolitan Golf Association is the governing body for golf in our region, and the Senior Masters is the MGA’s annual test-of-the-best for golfers 65 and over. …It’s a big deal to be asked to host the event, and the Anglebrook Golf Club was honored to be selected to host the MGA Senior Masters in 2025.

THE INNS OF AURORA

A Couple of Mother/Daughter Days in Western New York By Casey Kaplan

There are trips that feel like a simple change of scenery, and then there are trips that feel like a true pause. The Inns of Aurora, on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York, about a five hour drive from here, is where historic charm, lakeside serenity, world-class spa indulgence, and the vision and legacy of American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland all converge. The beautifully revived village of Aurora offers a retreat filled with wellness, beauty, and timeless magic.

THE MAN ON THE ICE

Bedfordite and award-winning photographer Emily Fisher recounts a snowy day on Titicus Reservoir when a lone ice fisherman became an unforgettable subject. What began as a quiet encounter turned into an award-winning image - and a moving story of solitude, connection, and the lasting power of being seen.

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OUT & ABOUT

See and be seen at the best events in our community!

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MARCH/APRIL 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CALENDAR

Your curated guide to what’s happening around town this March & April.

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Smith Ridge New Canaan CT $3,995,000

Your Private Resort Awaits: Pool, Pool House, and Perfection. A New Canaan stunner on Smith Ridge. Discover unparalleled luxury living in this exquisite 6-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom residence. Spanning four finished floors of custom designed space, this home offers comfort, elegance, and functionality. High ceilings 9 FT + and large windows flood the interior with natural light, highlighting beautiful hardwood floors and custom millwork that add to the home’s character and sophistication. Key Features: Gourmet Kitchen: The main level features a top-ofthe-line gourmet kitchen, complete with a breakfast room with a convenient coffee station, that flows seamlessly into a large family room with a fireplace. Four Levels of Living: Multiple expansive recreation rooms across the finished lower level and the third floor offers versatile space for play, a home theater, gym, or relaxation. Elegant Design: From the inviting foyer and parking courtyard, formal living/dining rooms to a dedicated home office and workshop, every space has been meticulously crafted for refined living. Outdoor Oasis: An oversized pool and dedicated pool house create a perfect retreat. The pool house includes a designer lounge and full bathroom, ideal for guest house or ease of poolside entertaining, all set within a large, level backyard perfect for any outdoor activity. Discover unparalleled luxury living in this exquisite estate.

ART DECO FIVE - STONE RING

@ SERPENTINE, GREENWICH

A future heirloom with Jazz Age allure, this Art Deco fve-stone ring centers on a striking emerald-cut diamond, fanked by sleek baguette accents that elongate the silhouette with architectural grace. Set in rich 18k yellow gold, it’s a timeless Mother’s Day tribute: elegant, enduring, and destined to be cherished for generations.

MOTHER’S

DAY Guide Gift

MANSARD BIO VISAGE FACIAL

@ CIEL EAU DAY SPA, NEW CANAAN

$325| 60 MINUTES

Gift mom some selfcare this Mother’s Day at Ciel Eau in New Canaan. A Parisian-born facial for the mom who values refned wellness. The Bio Visage treatment blends plant-based actives with the synergy of specifc currents to support lymphatic fow, sculpting, and cellular renewal - leaving skin clear, balanced, and luminous.

Don’t leave it to the last minute... Mother’s day is May 10th this year!

MONTHLY CHEESE CLUB MEMBERSHIP

@ CHERRY STREET CHEESE & PROVISIONS NEW CANAAN

$75/MONTH

From cheese afcionados to the cheese-curious, Cherry Street Cheese Club makes a unique and delicious gift for mom! Each month, Club members receive a selection of 3 artisan and farmstead cheeses, highlighting a variety of countries, milks, and styles, along with educational information to learn more about the cheeses and how they were made. The boxes also include curated pantry items to pair with the cheeses, such as small batch crackers or local jams. If you ask nicely, she may even share!

MISMATCHED BUD VASE SET

@ NEW YORK STONEWARE, BEDFORD

$180

Small but statement-making, these handmade in New York Bud Vases, shown in the color velvet, are proof that the tiniest details make the chicest impact. Designed to cradle a single bloom (or two) and even better styled in a playful trio, they’re the kind of efortless tabletop upgrade mom will use daily—and casually brag about forever.

CUSTOM CANDLE CO IN BEDFORD HILLS

$50

A luxury candle crafted in hand-blown glass, fnished with romantic rose-inspired tones and a sophisticated blend of scents. Thoughtfully designed for Mother’s Day and fnished with an elegant gift box, this is a great gift for mom - or to send a little love to other moms in your life!

THE CHLOE IN PINK SAPPHIRE @ LADY & LARSEN, BEDFORD

$890

The Chloe boasts clean lines, soft color and is efortless from day to night with its 14K gold chain bracelet and three lab-grown pink sapphires. A subtle statement with timeless beauty, it’s the gift that says everything and the kind of forever piece she’ll never take of.

3 PACK OF PRIVATE PILATES SESSIONS @CORE BURN PILATES, NEW CANAAN

$360

COUTURE FAUX FLORALS @ DIANE JAMES HOME

PICTURED: MS. VIOLET $825

Meet the new standard in forever forals: Diane James Home, based in Norwalk, creates statement arrangements meticulously handcrafted from the fnest fabrics, each one capturing the efortless romance of freshly gathered blooms. Lush, natural in look and feel, and delightfully maintenance-free, they deliver all the joy of fowers at home with no watering required...making them a luxe (and quietly genius) gift to enjoy for years to come.

JOSEPHINE PASHMINA SHAWL @ NICOBLU, NEW CANAAN

$198

Wrap her in the efortless elegance of the Josephine Pashmina Shawl, pictured in lilac, a soft yet vibrant hue inspired by lavender felds in Provence. Softer than cashmere and beautifully lightweight yet warm, this luxuriously gentle pashmina is the perfect year-round layer for cool evenings and a timeless addition to her wardrobe.

Give mom the gift of bespoke movement with Core Burn Pilates’ private sessions - an intimate, one-on-one experience guided by a master instructor and tailored to her body, goals, and rhythm. Rooted in the classical method with a contemporary edge, the studio is especially beloved for its refned pre- and postnatal expertise, ofering restorative, feel-good strength in a beautifully personalized way.

Egrand ntrance

La Maison Fête is a full-scale event planning and design company From weddings, dinner par ties, luncheons, bir thdays and more, we make ever y gathering memorable.

Books you’ll love. Events you won’t want to miss. Owned by local author Fran Hauser, Bedford Books is where stories (and community) come to life.

‘Wild thing...

You Make My Heart Sing!

Wild Thing...You Make My Heart Sing...

The song may be about something else, but it’s exactly the way New Canaanite Steve Zatz feels about the two-and-a-half acres of native meadow plants he’s cultivated in his backyard!

“When we bought this house, we didn’t realize what a major undertaking the backyard would be,” Steve admits, “...and when we moved in, in January 2017, the yard was covered in snow. My wife Deborah had a vague notion about creating a pond, but we didn’t really know what we were doing with any of it. When the snow cleared and spring came around, we realized the backyard was a horror show! It was a swamp, with stumps and deep layers of invasive vines all over the place. We started referring to it as the Slough of Despond. One of my neighbors is the renowned architect Dinyar Wadia, so I asked him to assess the situation, and when he came over all he had to say was ‘It’s a disaster!’. The property is located just east of Oenoke Ridge and, particularly after heavy rains, water would drain into our backyard. We started to do a little clearing to see what was going on - until the Inland Wetlands Commission educated us on their requirements for doing work in wetlands. Fines paid, we hired Keith Simpson and Andrew Loglisci to make sure everything we did was compliant and to manage the project, and we really got to work cleaning it up. In the middle of the lowest point in the yard, under layers and layers of brush and dirt, we discovered a ‘farmer’s drain’. It must have been constructed in the 19th century and probably runs underground to Five Mile River, but the underground pipes were choked with mud. Once the top was clear and the pipes were cleaned, it consumed whatever water came into it. Andrew is an engineer by training and, working with Nick Cambareri, they constructed underground conduits to carry all the natural flow directly to the now-functioning farmer’s drain, via a lovely winding stream with multiple little waterfalls. ...And the swamp that was the backyard was no more!”

“I was intere ed and chalenged by what we could create”

“With the water situation under control, we decided to turn the backyard into a native meadow instead of a lawn,” Steve recalls. “I figured I would still have plenty of lawn in front of the house and, environmentally speaking, grass is essentially a bio-desert. I was interested and challenged by what we could create, and I really didn’t have very high expectations. We had to build a gravel access road skirting the wetlands to truck-in the three hundred tons of rock we used to shape the meadow and give form to the meandering stream and walking paths, as well the three dozen or so trees we planted. Keith Simpson designed the basic planting plan and an elevated wooden boardwalk to bridge a particularly wet section of the path. At that stage, we focused on what plants would do well in wet conditions, what would thrive in the shaded areas, and what would keep it visually interesting for as much of the year as possible. We planted the backyard in two sections which we refer to as the Pond Meadow and the Fox Meadow, and then decided to add the side yard, the Maple Meadow, as a third piece of the jigsaw. We get a lot of questions about whether the stream and pond breed mosquitoes…We’ve found that the mosquitoes are well managed by the abundance of dragonflies, tadpoles, frogs, toads, and bats.”

Wild thing...

“I like having mething to do”

Steve is a fascinating guy. He grew up in Bound Brook, New Jersey, went to Yale, then to Stanford to become a physicist - until being dissuaded from that pursuit by a professor telling him that any good physicist could rebuild a car engine, which Steve knew he could not. So he decided to become a doctor, went to Cornell Medical College, did his residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, then accepted a Robert Wood Johnson fellowship to earn an MBA at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. When, in 1989, he decided being a practicing doctor wasn’t for him, he turned to a career in the field of digital health information. After ten years working in several successful healthcare ventures, Steve began a twenty-year tenure at WebMD, becoming President and eventually CEO. He has since followed that up with executive roles at other companies. He also serves, locally, as a Member of the Waveny Park Conservancy Board.

“Deborah and I moved here from Westport with little understanding of why native species were important. The short answer is because non-native plantings generally don’t support native insects and birds, which are definitely under threat. Having learned that, we had to decide exactly what to plant,” Steve describes. “I knew I wanted classic and native plants for a Northeastern meadow, and consulted with Keith and later Teresa Mucci about what to plant in various locations. My personal favorites are the Ironweed and Joe Pye for their color, and Milkweeds for their support of Monarch Butterflies. We also have an abundance of Wild Bergamot, Echinacea, Vervain, Mountain Mint, Foxglove, Ohio Spiderwort, Boneset, Mountain Laurel, Witch Hazel, Ferns - in Sensitive, Christmas, and Hay-Scented varieties, Summersweet - for its fragrance, Elderberries, Blueberries and numerous Aster varieties that come in as all the summer blooms fade.”

“In the stream itself we’ve removed non-native Irises to make room for native Pickerel Rush, Sweet Flag, and Blue Flag. When you place plants where they want to be, they tend to do very well. Even the most desirable native plants, however, can become ‘over-achievers’, requiring management so they don’t crowd out healthy diversity. Sometimes the different meadows share plants with each other and things show up in one that were never planted there. We add additional plantings each year, and now have about a hundred species of wild flora. This year we’ve also planted an orchard with Apple, Peach, Pear, and Plum trees. And project begets project, so next year we’re planning to build an elevated viewing platform so we can climb-up and survey the early summer firefly show from above. Local ‘Firefly King’ Bill McDonald has been a constant inspiration to our work here.”

“I wanted a classic and native Northea ern Meadow”

“Everyone should at lea try a patch!”

“I don’t want to think about what our construction cost us, but in most cases I think the costs of installing and maintaining a lawn or planting a meadow are comparable,” Steve says. “There’s a war going on every day in a meadow - the plants you want versus the invasive species. I have help from a team from German Navarro’s company who have a great deal of experience maintaining meadows. Unlike lawn mowing, a fair amount of the meadow work is done by hand, removing invasive plants and cutting down the meadow annually. I like working in the meadow myself. It makes me feel connected to nature. It’s kind of meditative and quite enjoyable to be out involved in the natural beauty.”

“It’s unbelievable how the entire meadow goes from nothing to beautiful as winter turns to spring!” Steve proclaims. “It gets cut to the ground only once, in March, after all the wildlife has finished using it for the winter. Once it comes to life again, every day is a different picture. I love walking all the paths, really taking in nature, listening to the water bubbling, and enjoying the sculpture and follies we’ve positioned everywhere. Usually I choose and site the plantings while Deborah finds the statuary, then we decide together where the decorative items should go.

We have a wide variety of animal statues, mostly following two guidelines - they’re roughly life-sized, and they’re naturalistic renderings of local species. So for example we have lots of frogs but no card-playing frogs, and we have no lions or elephants. I often sit outside and work on the phone or on my laptop, looking out on the Pond Meadow. It’s the best office in the world!”

“The wildlife we get to enjoy is an added bonus,” Steve smiles. “We have rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and the occasional bobcat. The birds are absolutely spectacular! In the insect world, the Monarchs love the Milkweed and the fireflies love the freedom from insecticides and artificial lighting. And I’m quite sure all the bees in the neighborhood, including the Honeybees from hives in the Land Trust’s HannumEberstadt Meadow on Smith Ridge Road, love the biodiversity our wildflowers provide. A lawn is a monoculture, but we have to provide biodiversity for our ecosystem to survive.”

Like a Johnny Appleseed for wilding backyards, Steve declares, “You don’t need a big project like this to introduce some natives to your landscape. Everyone should at least try a patch!”

Plan

Tree, Shrub, and Ornamental Pruning

Tree Cabling, Bracing, and Removals

Custom Blend Fertilization

Insect, Mite, and Disease Treatments

Deer Browsing Mitigation

Organic Tick and Mosquito Treatments

Organic Lawn Care

www.heathergaudiofineart.com

GARDENING

By Casey Kaplan

Gardening has seen a major resurgence as not just an aspirational lifestyle trend, but a heartfelt desire to live more intentionally - rooted in health and wellness.

We live in an era when we’re all thinking more carefully about what we eat, what we’re exposed to, how we spend our time, and what truly nourishes us. The pull toward the land feels almost inevitable. Growing food. Planting flowers. Restoring meadows. Learning the rhythms of seasons. It’s all part of cultivating a lifestyle.

GARDENING AT BIG TITICUS FARM

2025 was my first summer in North Salem, as I was completing the renovation of the house on the property on the shores of the Titicus Reservoir that we acquired in 2024 - which we’re calling Big Titicus Farm. …A lot of my reason for purchasing the large property was to begin my own gardening journey… and eventually even try to do some farming!

We built an 18x24 foot garden with Cedar fencing and irrigation for timed watering… planted vegetables, herbs, and flowers…and I spent an average of about a halfhour a day on about 4 out of every 7 days tending to my new passion.

Beginning gardening has been joyful! The quiet satisfaction of doing something with my hands and then watching things grow. The beauty of nature, and the bounty that nature can produce. I’ve found gardening to be amazingly rewarding and restorative.

Of course I started-out with the notion that gardening would be, as they say, ‘one of life’s simple pleasures’...only I quickly realized it’s not so simple! Like many enthusiastic beginners, I figured I would just dig a few troughs and throw down some seeds…and I’d have delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers to enjoy.

Thinking we could do it ourselves and maybe just have a professional to do the irrigation, we set aside a weekend in the spring when we were going to start digging. …Which is when we realized we

didn’t know how the garden should be best positioned to take advantage of maximum hours in the sun or to avoid underground roots and other existing conditions that might be detrimental. …Reality set in almost immediately! We needed some expert help!

I turned to Homefront Farmers with the intention of having them build the garden and get it going. …And Homefront’s lead Horticulturalist, Miranda, became my gardeningangel over the course of the summer. Miranda taught me more in one season than I could have learned in five years of trial and error! …And the bounty has been astounding!

Homefront helped us thoughtfully spec out every inch of the garden, optimize the planting plan, and oversee the build. We worked together in the early spring carefully deciding what plants would make most sense in my life and on my property, and optimizing for growing conditions and results. I’d made selections from Homefront’s catalog for about two dozen different crops, and Miranda took those choices and mocked-up a garden plan fit to scale for what I was having built… And then explained that, for example, the cantaloupes I’d selected would take up an entire bed on their own, and maybe produce five or six cantaloupes over the course of the entire summer, with no time afterwards to repurpose the space. And suggested instead using that bed in the middle of the garden for a larger plot of basil that could be used in the majority of my summer recipes and for plentiful helpings of pesto. …I’d already made it clear that I like to cook…and love to eat!

The beauty that I found in Homefront’s approach is that they’re as involved as you want them to be. Personally, I chose to be fairly hands-on. From spring through fall, I joined Miranda in the garden during her weekly check-ins and harvests, using each visit as a master class in what helps plants thrive… and what, inevitably, causes some to struggle.

We had a tremendously successful first year, but not one without challenges. At one point, we encountered cucumber beetles, which are, unfortunately, one of those garden realities that can quite quickly and maddeningly spoil the plan. Miranda helped us assess the issue, try organic options, and - most importantly - know when to cut our losses and pivot to something else that still had time to grow within the planting cycle. …That, I’ve learned, is one of the great lessons of gardening: success is often about timing as much as intention.

On the gloriously successful front, there were the Sunflowers! Thriving, towering, almost impossibly cheerful. An everyday marvel that made the entire garden feel like a living celebration. And Miranda had the good foresight to plant a second batch that would bloom in a different part of the garden just as our first crop was nearing the end.

The summer was filled with armfuls of Zinnias, bouquets of Dahlias that felt like something out of an English countryside daydream…and an abundance of food that we couldn’t have imagined. We grew Jasper Red Cherry Tomatoes, Sungold Tomatoes, Butterflay Spinach, Green Butter Lettuce, Watermelon Radish, Cornito Peppers, Cascadia Sugar Snap Peas, Lemon Verbena, Ripbor Kale, Fernleaf Dill, Green Finger Cucumbers, Shishito Peppers, Merengo Celery, Nantes Carrots, Bopak Bok Choy, Sweet Italian Basil, Astro Arugula, and a few varieties of parsley. I was thrilled to use the food from my garden as our primary source of vegetables and herbs for almost the entire summer.

The flavor of the food that my garden produced was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted from a grocery store, and the peace of mind - knowing exactly what’s been in my soil and on my food…and what hasn’t - has been immeasurable.

I would recommend a veggie garden - big or small - to everyone. Whether you decide to give it a go yourself or call Homefront for some help… some of their first season tips and tricks are:

•Starting easy with an herb garden, even right in the kitchen, is always a great way to dip your toes in the water - and feel like a gardener instantly! Basil, parsley, chives, thyme, mint (be sure to put mint in its own pot as it’s pretty invasive).

•If you want to try some crops outside this spring, the easiest crops we recommend starting with are:

• Lettuce + Salad Greens: left lettuce, arugula, spinach, kale - they’re best in the spring and fall as they don’t fare that well in hot July heat.

• Radishes: can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked (usually late March or early April) as they grow best when temps are around 50–70°F. They’re fast gratification - as they’re usually ready for harvest in just about a month.

• Carrots: can be directly sowed outdoors from seed, and require very little attention other than keeping the soil evenly moist (especially in the first few weeks). The growth stage is fairly long, so getting carrot seeds in the ground in April will mean having nice sweet carrots ready for July. We like Nantes Carrots!

Some of the biggest mistakes that new gardeners make are:

• Many crops need to be harvested on a weekly or even twice weekly basis in order to keep producing! Leaving old fruit or foliage on the plant can send a signal to the plant to stop producing. So harvest often for better production!

• Everyone loves cutting flowers from the garden, but did you know that by cutting long stems, deep into the plant, you encourage that plant to send up stronger, taller and re-grow? Cutting short stems will keep plants weak and top-heavy. This method works on basil too!

• While some crops produce all season long, many need to be replanted in order to keep production going. Plant crops like lettuce, bok choy, radishes and baby greens every couple weeks to keep the harvests coming.

“IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR A YEAR, GET MARRIED. IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR A DECADE, GET A DOG. AND IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, MAKE A GARDEN.”

- MARTHA STEWART

THE ORCHARD

The Orchard we inherited at Big Titicus Farm is, I would say, ‘an opportunity’ to expand our gardening endeavors. …But, here too, I’ve come to understand that orchards require a special stewardship, and that the advice and help of experts is an imperative!

We have fifteen mature fruit trees, including apple, peach, and mulberry.

…We had an extraordinary yield of peaches, and even made peach pies that were quite the hit at our August family reunion!

…What we weren’t so smart about is how we didn’t realize that the racoons were all summer patiently waiting to harvest our apples, or that we needed these tin sleeves that go over the trunk of the tree to prevent critters from getting to the fruit! …On the

morning I went out to the Orchard, basketin-hand, eager to pick a thousand apples and then make apple pie…I found that racoons had masterfully taken the entire loot! …This year’s task is to figure out exactly what day to harvest - when the apples are ripe, but before the critters come take it all!

Another thing I didn’t fully realize is how important it is to do a winter pruning. The end of winter - before budding begins - is the closing window to shape those trees for a healthy year ahead.

…Planting fruit trees is also one of the most charming ways to add long-term value to a property, and we will be adding a dozen or so new trees in 2026. It’s an investment in the future… and - especially for children - it becomes its own kind of magic.

WILD IT!

I’ve been inspired with the idea of turning some part of the fields and meadows at Big Titicus Farm into an area for wildflower and indigenous species planting - a current shift away from lawns of grass in the world of horticulture and which I like to call just ‘wilding’.

A large lawn will always have its place - especially for play and recreation - but we have quite a bit of land, and I find myself far more drawn to the idea of looking out at a flowing meadow than a stretch of uniform grass.

A meadow changes daily. No two mornings look the same. The blooms come in waves. The movement is softer, wilder, more alive.

We got a nice little start last year with a mix of annuals and perennials, some of which we may not see bloom until this coming summer. But making it wild, I quickly learned, is a true labor of love in and of itself…and, again, might be best undertaken with the advice and help of experts. …It’s not just about sprinkling some seeds!

So we’ve turned to the experts at Plan it Wild. They’re a local family-owned company that’s really passionate about the sustainability of rewilding. They do a beautiful job of transforming a landscape into something that is even more desirable, and they work on projects of all sizes.

They’re also launching an app this year, called Wildr, to help everyone get going with some rewilding of their own.

Plan it Wild has already got me focused not just on the beauty of the project, but about bio-diversity, pollination, habitat, and long-term ecosystem health and sustainability.

Their advice is simple to follow: Start small. Start with plugs. Learn the rhythms of your site. Expand over time. …A mini meadow doesn’t require a green thumb - just a patch of ground and the willingness to tune in and let go.

They recommend beginning with a 5’x5’ section, sourcing native plants locally, watering through the first season, leaving seedheads through winter, and embracing the reality that nature is a partnership… not a perfection project.

PLANNING FOR THE SEASON AHEAD:

MARCH & APRIL IN B&NC COUNTRY

In March - Start Now Indoors:

For anyone feeling the pull right now, March is the perfect time to get started. Find a space to set up shelves and seed trays, and get your seeds growing in the warm indoors - so they’ll have a higher success rate as plugs in late April and May. Some good things to start with are slow-growing perennials like echinacea and milkweed, herbs, and early vegetable starts like tomatoes and peppers - for late spring transplanting.

In Early April - Cool-Weather Outdoors:

Different crops have different growing requirements! Planting cool season crops like peas too late is not ideal, just as planting warm season crops like tomatoes can also encourage slow growth, disease or even plant death. Early April is a good time to start planting peas, spinach, kale, arugula, lettuce, radishes and carrots. It’s also a good time for bare-root fruit trees and berry bushes. And of course, as soon as the snow melts, it’s a good time to start building beds and mapping out plant cycles.

Late April - Preparing for May Planting:

Late April is a good time to get the meadow started. Start with tarp grass or sheet-mulch with leaves. Order plugs for native meadow patches before supplies run out, and start planting seeds! You’ll want to plant a mix of annuals and perennials - especially in the first season - as perennials likely won’t start showing until at least the following year, or maybe longer, so you’ll want to mix in some annuals to get those immediate gratification pops of color in the first season.

Start small. Ask for help. Learn as you go.

This isn’t about chasing a trend. …It’s about building a life that feels rooted and enjoying the process.

Allow yourself to take particular pleasure from the things you grow!

And keep In mind that in gardening, as in life, hope springs eternal!

To follow along on my gardening and farming journey, find me on Instagram @titicusfarm

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ARON COPLAND THE new COPLAND HOUSE AT BLUESTONE FARM

Born in 1900 in Brooklyn, Aaron Copland became known as the ‘Dean of American Music’ and was, most would agree, the most influential American classical music composer of the 20th Century. Notably influenced by Stravinsky and by Schoenberg, Copland is best known for having adapted the classical context to create a distinctly new musical lexicon - what Copland called his ‘vernacular’. His symphonic Fanfare For The Common Man and Third Symphony, his ballets Appalachian Springfor which he won the Pulitzer Prize in Music in 1945, Billy The Kid, and Rodeo, and his movie score for The Heiress - for which he won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1950, incorporate American folk tunes into classical forms to establish what became known as the ‘American sound’. He was the first subject of the PBS American Masters series. …Copland inspired and informed Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and the general trajectory of American classical, theatric, jazz, and even modern musical composition.

…right on the northern border of ‘B&NC Country’!

In 1960 Copland acquired a modest home in Cortlandt Manor, known as Rock Hill,

where he lived and worked until his death in 1990. A grassroots coalition saved the house from being sold after Copland’s passing, and a non-profit called Copland House Inc. was formed to operate the property as a creative center and a living tribute to Copland’s lifelong advocacy of American music, and opened Rock Hill as Copland House in 1998.

As an organization, Copland House has become the steward of the Copland legacy, and more generally a key supporter of American music today.

The organization has THREE core functions:

1• Multi-faceted composer support, including artist residencies and fellowships, commissions, performance and recording opportunities, mentoring, and career development programs

2• Educational Activities - including Copland House’s widely-varied learning programs - which have been the recipient of the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award, and in conjunction with local schools and colleges across America.

3• Presentation and Production of Live and Recorded Performances, featuring its touring Copland House Ensemble, which performs between twenty and forty concerts all over the world each year and includes a roster of internationally-active musicians - who are also heard on the Copland House Blend label

The Copland House Ensemble will give two more concerts in its “preview” series this spring at Bluestone Farm. On April 26, the Copland House Ensemble will perform “Waters ... Fractured”, featuring award-winning works by Joan Tower, Chen Yi, Shawn Okpebholo, and Mason Bates,

and on June 7 the Copland House Ensemble will showcase its CULTIVATE emerging composers institute with the World Premieres of six new works commissioned especially for this concert.

Current and new albums on the Copland House Blend label feature music by Aaron Copland, Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts, Grammy winners Richard Danielpour and Shawn Okpebholo, John Musto, Pierre Jalbert, and many other leading and emerging composers. And the Copland House Ensemble can also be heard on an NPR Tiny Desk Concert and the Person Place Thing podcast.

Copland House Inc. has now completed its acquisition of the 24-acre campus…which shall now be known as

...But almost all of Copland House Inc.’s operations have always taken place ‘of-site’ from Copland House, and the organization has always been greatly constrained by the size and nature of Rock Hill …until now!

It was formerly the Melrose School and was acquired complete with 37,000 square feet of fully usable interior space.

And it’s located at 100 Federal Hill Road in Brewster…where Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties meet…right on the northern border of ‘B&NC Country’!

COPLAND HOUSE AT BLUESTONE FARM!!!

The New Copland House

The new Copland House at Bluestone Farm is a game changer

…for everything Copland…and for every local who will now be able to get Copland House’s topquality programming right in the neighborhood.

Michael Boriskin, who has been Copland House’s Artistic and Executive Director since soon after the organization got started and is an accomplished Concert Pianist, Recording Artist, and Producer in his own right, will now spearhead a planned Copland House transformational expansion.

Boriskin declares, “I see our having Copland House at Bluestone Farm as an enormous opportunity to rethink what it means to be a creative and cultural center in the mid-21st Century. I’m passionate about what we’re doing and about American music, and I feel we’ll be able to engage so much more with the whole region, and especially with young people. I want us to share Copland and the entire American musical landscape with everyone!”

“The new campus includes an auditorium for multiarts programs with seating for up to 200, a dance space and theater that will hold around 100, studios and living quarters for visiting artists, an exhibition area and community gathering space, and more,”

Boriskin sets forth. “That allows us to host a regular diet of American music, presented in a wide variety of formats. And we can and will choose programs intended to be popular to wider audiences.

Thematic concert series celebrating jazz, blues, and Broadway, in addition to innovative and traditional presentations of Copland’s work and influence in each of the decades of his career, and the work of countless other emerging and renowned American composers. We’ll certainly build out the Copland House Ensemble’s ‘preview’ concerts that we’ve already been presenting, to become our mainstage series of six or eight concerts every season; that’ll run from September through June, ranging across one hundred fifty years of America’s soundscape and featuring around two dozen works by as many composers. We’ll also expand our ten-day-long annual CULTIVATE emerging composers institute to serve as the core of our summer activities, with four or five concerts premiering brand new works by outstanding next-generation artists.”

“Bluestone Farm’s enlarged physical capacity will enable us to offer a vastly broadened menu of multiarts programming for ‘culture vultures’ in the B&NC area and beyond!,” Boriskin expounds. “Our future will include a dance series, highlighting composerchoreographer collaborations, as well as an ongoing showcase that’ll offer a sneak-peek into works being developed on campus, where one might well catch the next ‘West Side Story’, ‘Hamilton’, or ‘Porgy and Bess’ before anyone else does! And our seasons will also include lifelong learning programs, meetthe-artists events, and various educational activities for young and old. …As we want Bluestone Farm to be a welcoming place for the entire community to gather, reflect, and refresh, we’re planning to reclaim and revive this whole long-dormant and neglected campus, and also partner with some of our regional museum, gallery, and artist colleagues to place outdoor works around the site.”

“What’s more, at least until we build larger audiences, we intend to keep the model of having no fixed charge for events, allowing anyone to come and contribute whatever they want!” Boriskin commits.

“…And the Copland House at Bluestone Farm is really convenient to get to, as it’s only a couple of minutes off I-684, I-84, and Route 22…and there’s plenty of free parking!”

Boriskin continues, “In addition to giving us the capacity to offer a wide variety of events, Bluestone Farm will enable us to host entire composer-led creative teams working together to develop large, multi-arts projects including dance, theater, and opera - which we could never do at Rock Hill. …And Bluestone Farm has two very livable houses for us to host several artists-in-residence - and the campus offers the kind of isolation and serenity that supports creativity and productivity in the artists-inresidence experience. We already have hundreds of applications from gifted artists in all stages of their careers seeking an inspiring place to work!”

“…And Bluestone Farm also has a school-full of classrooms and other large flexible spaces! We’re already begun utilizing some of these classrooms as studios for our artists-in-residence and for artists who are collaborating in a wide array of our sponsored activities. …But having an entire campus to work with gives us the opportunity to greatly expand the scope of our programs and operations, and to establish a first-of-its-kind center for American music and arts that truly embraces the entire artistic process, from creation and development, to study, performance, and preservation!”

“We boast a particularly involved, substantive, and effective Board, with up to two dozen voting members, led by our current President - who’s a neurosurgeon, experienced film and stage actor, and an amateur violinist, Ezriel Kornel,” Boriskin explains. “But having Bluestone Farmwhile always continuing to maintain and utilize the Copland House, and regard Rock Hill as our institutional and inspirational base - means a whole other level of capital will be required! …We will be able to deploy new funds as quickly and directly as any new donor may desire, we have plenty of naming opportunities for significant donors, and we’re developing a capital campaign to enable us to realize our vision for Bluestone Farm - with a likely price tag of around fifteen million dollars.”

“I’m in awe of Copland, and I love the feeling of helping to build something from scratch,”

Boriskin shares.

“In addition to having given concerts in over thirty countries and served as a program or project advisor for Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic, and the U.S. State Department, I’ve served as the Music Director of Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, and was involved in establishing, and then running for a decade, the Rhode Island Summer Music Festival, and all my experience and all the feedback we’ve received tells me we’re getting started on something really special with Copland House at Bluestone Farm!

…I guarantee it won’t be long before artists and audiences are flocking to our varied year-round offerings for young and old…and we help foster a Copland - and American music - renaissance! It’s our mission to give Copland to an everexpanding audience!”

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NEW CANAAN’S

Alex Coco is the newest of New Canaan’s homegrown heroes! In 2025, at the age of only 33, Alex won the Oscar for being the Producer of the feature-length film Anora, which won the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. Anora also won the Palme d’Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, in spring of 2024. “The whole experience has been a whirlwind…a real magic carpet ride! It’s hard to even really think when you’re in the middle of it. I feel like I’m still kind of processing it a little bit,” Alex reveals.

“I don’t know… I was pretty much like any normal kid in New Canaan, for the most part,” Alex recalls. “I always liked getting into something with my friends, and several of my buddies from growing up are still some of my best friends today. Running around the neighborhood and getting into as much trouble as we could was our whole world. Paintball, airsoft guns, building forts, and climbing the huge tree in my parent’s backyard.”

“I was up in the attic one day - I must have been about 13 - and I kind of happened across my dad’s old cameras. He had an Hi8. VHS was a little out of style already at that time,” Alex laughs, “...but I kind of started fooling around with it at the house and making some videos. There was something about it that made me curious and kind of sparked my imagination.”

“By then I was already experimenting with some of the early editing software. A friend had the software on his desktop at home, and I’d go over there and tinker with it, making little films of my friends or whatever …Thinking back, it’s kind of amazing that people made movies before digital editing software existed. But, anyway, that elective class at school started to give me the structure that I needed and the skillset to start knowing what I was doing and the language to talk about it.”

“By the time I got to New Canaan High School and got to choose my first elective as a freshman, I selected the Intro to Filmmaking class,”

BY THE TIME I GOT TO NEW CANAAN HIGH SCHOOL AND GOT TO CHOOSE MY FIRST ELECTIVE AS A FRESHMAN, I SELECTED THE INTRO TO FILMMAKING CLASS,”Alex recounts

“Peter Kingsbury, who was my film teacher at New Canaan High School, was just awesome!” Alex declares. “He would teach us the technical components and also show us a lot of great films, like independent movies and art house movies and avant-garde cinema. I had liked the idea of making movies before that… but I didn’t really know much about it besides the mostly Hollywood stuff I’d had access to. I’d seen a lot of movies as a kid - mostly what kids watch - with the occasional horror film, like The Exorcist, or something a little grittier. But for the most part, movies felt like a different world - like nothing I could access. Especially growing up here, where you don’t really have exposure to the industry. Peter introduced me to that other side of filmmaking that I hadn’t been exposed to. He was a big influence for me, and probably even more impactful because he was so cool about it. He would show us all of this amazing stuff and then let us apply it however it struck us to our own projects we were working on… sometimes we would talk about it or whatever, but it was never like he was trying to drill something into us. He was just trying to get us inspired a little bit.”

ALEX COCO

Sitting in his parent’s house for the B&NC Mag interview, Alex is wearing a worn-in and faded T-shirt with a pair of Converse - he looks like someone who has never had to try to look interesting. He’s tall and lanky, quietly handsome in an unstudied way, a little shy at the start of the conversation, but warms up quickly. There’s a distinctly nerdy intelligence at work, paired with a mischievous, goofy undercurrent that surfaces once he relaxes. His humility is palpable… and it’s immediately apparent that this is how he’s always been; effortlessly ‘cool’ and beating distinctly to his own drum.

“I remember we watched Stranger Than Paradise, the Jim Jarmusch movie, we watched a bunch of Fellini films - and I did a report on 8½. Just some really great things from all over - American and European. We studied a lot of Stan Brakhage, who Kingsbury loved, Maya Deren, and Jean Cocteau - Blood of a Poet, which really inspired me and I basically made a whole short around that movie. It was all this deep art-house, avant-garde cinema that felt more accessible in a strange way. Like, these people just went and made a movie by themselves. Meshes of the Afternoon - it feels like Maya Deren set up the camera, walked in front of it, acted, and made the movie. And I was like, ‘Okay - cool! That’s something I could actually do with my camera’. It was just sort of wandering in your own imagination, wandering in your own head,” Alex smilesseemingly wandering in his head right then through all the great recollections of these pivotal films. “And then Eraserhead was the one that he showed us that really made me decide officially that I wanted to be a filmmaker. It looked handmade but also had a beginning, middle, and end - that’s the movie that really showed me that I could exist as a filmmaker. I think I was in tenth grade at the time.”

Alex took a different one of Peter Kingsbury’s electives every semester: Intro to Documentary, Intro to Narrative Filmmaking, one semester of Photography, and lots of Advanced Filmmaking. “I think I had to take an elective outside of the arts to qualify for graduation, so I did one semester of Home Economics…but otherwise I spent as much time as I could in the film studio. I was just making stuff, pulling friends together, coming up with ideas, and editing it into a story. With Final Cut 7 I did the highlight video for the football team. …Other than making films, I was mostly a sports kid. I played football and lacrosse but developed an issue where my shoulder would dislocate all the time and so I had to give both sports up during my sophomore year. …So track became my sport. I could do it all seasons and I actually enjoyed it. The repetition and the commitment was good for me. …But a bunch of my friends were still on the football team, so with Final Cut 7 I would just literally hangout on the sidelines and shoot video of them and put together highlight tapes.”

ALEX COCO

During Alex’s senior year, The Fritz Eager Foundation for Art Education, which was established in 1969 in memory of NCHS graduate Frederick ‘Fritz’ Eager - with the purpose of buying student art, acquired one of Alex’s high school era film projects, The Tale of Three Lovers. “It was about three different people and their approach to relationships. I had friends who jumped into relationships really fast…and then friends who had a healthier approach - getting to know somebody, then dating… and then friends who took forever to commit and didn’t really have girlfriends. So I was thinking about that.” Alex laughs, “It feels so immature now - because it was high school relationships - but it was kind of a metaphor. I was just making stuff…whether I had an assignment or not. It was second nature. And sometimes in class, I’d convince teachers to let me make a movie instead of writing a paper - or I’d show a movie and talk about it. If we could make something, I’d always turn it into a film project.”

AND SOMETIMES IN CLASS, I’D CONVINCE TEACHERS TO LET ME MAKE A MOVIE INSTEAD OF WRITING A PAPER

COCO

Alex went on to Colgate University, Class of 2012, where he was recruited for track and ran the 110-meter Hurdles. Next, he earned a Masters in Fine Arts at the USC School of Cinematic Arts - using a movie he’d made as his application. “Film school was exciting because I was around other kids who wanted to make movies. At Colgate, and even in high school, I was always convincing people to help. In high school my friends were down, but in college, people would say they wanted to help… then the weekend would come and they’d have a frat party. So film school was great because everybody around me wanted to make movies and all my classes were about making movies. I didn’t have to take astronomy or any of the other stuff that I didn’t like. I could just take French Cinema and watch French movies! It was great!” Alex smiles. “A lot of the people I’m collaborating with now are friends from USC.”

“During my last year at USC, I’d go to screenings and Q&As wherever I could in L.A., but especially for filmmakers I liked. I was trying to meet people and get a job - an assistant job, PA job, whatever…just to work for someone I admired. Sean Baker was one of the people who took me on. I met him at a screening of Tangerine. He did a Q&A and I went up after and basically said, ‘Everything you described - making that moviethat’s exactly the experience I want. If you need an assistant, a PA, whatever…I’ll do it.’”

2020, but the pandemic hit and the border made it impossible, so we pivoted to Red Rocket. We made that for like a million dollars…tiny. And it was kind of perfect for my first serious producer credit on Sean’s films because I had to wear a lot of hats. On that kind of budget, everyone has to do more.”

“Every single person that I put on set was somebody that I had hand-selected,” Alex says. He looks for technical ability, but also focuses on temperament, saying that, “I want people who can stay flexible, who can shift plans quickly, and who don’t need ten layers of permission to do their job. …They always say half of directing is casting…well I feel like half of producing is hiring.”

Alex treats a small set like a practical creative strategy - less noise, fewer spectators, more control over tone, more room for actors and director to work and create.

CREATIVE PEOPLE NEED AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEY CAN REALLY CREATE, YOU KNOW?

“We stayed in touch, and he hired me as his assistant. I graduated from USC, and my first job out of film school was working as Sean’s assistant on The Florida Project. The movie was a bit fraught - there was tension with the crew because it was a union Florida crew used to a different style, and Sean was coming off a $100,000 iPhone movie. So there was a bit of a clash. I took on a bigger role out of necessity. Even though I was his assistant, I did a lot more than I was technically qualified - or even ‘allowed’ - to do, because I understood Sean’s working style. I ended up with like seven or eight credits on that movie.”

“After that, Sean said, ‘I’d like you to produce on my next film’. So I went from his assistant to a producer! It was a pretty big leap,” Alex recalls. “We spent about two years prepping and researching a film in Vancouver we were going to shoot in spring

Alex explains, “Like, you don’t need a million people standing around when you’re making something. It’s probably not beneficial to the director or the actors, or even the cinematographer. You get this really special raw feeling when there aren’t unnecessary spectators around and there’s a more intimate environment. If you’re shooting in public, it’s better to have a tiny splinter crew of just a few people too, because then you can go out on the street and you can just shoot under the radar. …You end up just having normal people walking past and get that all into the film and on screen. But if you bring in a crew of like a hundred people and shut down the street and bring in extras, now it’s like a whole different thing. If you’re trying to recreate reality, it’s really hard to recreate that authenticity…and you have to be really good. We try not to spend a dime on stuff like that. …Instead of hiring all these people and shutting down an area and bringing in extras, we just go shoot with like five people and the actors and just get this really raw footage.”

ALEX COCO

...which is still really small in the scheme of things. So we would just go out onto the boardwalk on Coney Island to shoot a lot of those scenes from the night chase,” Alex grins. “It’s wild to me to think that there are so many people that saw what we were doing and probably thought we were doing a film school project or just fooling around…and then the thing went on to win five Academy Awards! …It’s all pretty crazy!”

Alex says, “It’s hard to wrap your head around. I mean, look, it’s not anything that we thought was going to happen. I knew it was a great movie, but the thing is that it’s hard to make movies for everybody…so you kind of have to make a movie for yourself and just hope that other people like it, you know? So we loved what we were making. And everyone, it was palpable on set, there was like a real energy, and the whole crew and cast had this excitement you could feel every day on set. We knew this was special. But again, I think everybody’s thought was like, this is gonna be great…We’re gonna get this movie into Cannes, and then, you know, we’re going to premiere it and people are going to think it’s really cool. And that’s kind of what we were thinking. We hoped that it would make it into the main competition in Cannes, and that would have been a fine result for me. And that’s where I thought it was going. So…we really didn’t expect what happened. It was way more than I think any of us could have imagined. …And then the Oscars…the biggest award for filmmakers on the world’s stage…and the people that have won that award are some of the greatest filmmakers of all time…not just like filmmakers who have made money, but like some filmmakers who have made some of the greatest movies and pound-for-pound films, regardless of box office. …I’m really proud to be on that list!”

When probed about the coolest Oscar experience, Alex blushes, “I went to Jay-Z’s Gold Party after the Oscars. I guess that was pretty cool. I danced with my Oscar and Jay Z and Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothy Chalamet, and Adrian Brody had his Oscar, and so did Kieran Culkin. Jay Z gave me a big hug and took my Oscar and was dancing with it. And then he put all of our Oscars up on the DJ booth. It was definitely wild.”

ALEX COCO

AND AS IF ALL THE OSCAR EXCITEMENT WASN’T ENOUGH,

Alex smiles from ear-to-ear, “...in October 2024 my wife, Erin, gave birth to our first baby, Wynn! …I met Erin through friends in L.A. when I was just starting film school. She was already in production, coordinating major photo shoots for major magazines and people like Annie Leibovitz - until the pandemic hit. When I was heading to Texas for Red Rocket, I asked her to come join our tiny crew in production - and she crushed it! She’s worked on every project with me since, and now we travel together for jobs, and Wynn comes with us too!”

“But I’m not resting on the laurels of my first Oscar,” Alex commits. “I just try to file it away as a really good year…and I just want to keep making stuff!” Alex’s work as a Producer includes features like The Sweet East and Pet Shop Days, and he’s also worked in the music video/commercial space with projects involving Childish Gambino, Vince Staples, and Addison Rae. “I’m having fun doing all of it - everything from making movies to music videos. For me it’s about making something that people talk about and get excited about - that makes people think. I’ve always loved seeing people’s reactions. I want to make movies that elicit some kind of reaction from people. I feel like I’m just getting started making films…Anora was really only my fifth movie! …So I’ve got a lot more to do and a lot more stories to tell!”

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AT THE GRAMMYS!

In 2026 the GRAMMY Awards unfolded under the bright lights of Los Angeles, but at least a few of the producers shaping the biggest records in the world, executives steering the industry’s most powerful labels, and legendary tastemakers whose influence spans generations…were actually B&NC’s locals!

B&NC is proud to highlight three hometowners who were at the heart of the 2026 Grammy awards:

Katonah-native Mike Sabath, who was featured in the May/ June 2021 Issue of B&NC MAG, was honored for socially impactful songwriting

Katonah-native and Republic Records CEO Monte Lipman, who was the Nov/Dec 2021 B&NC MAG Cover Feature, received the Recording Association’s® Salute to Industry Icons® award

Pound Ridger Clive Davis, who was the Jan/Feb 2023 B&NC MAG Cover Feature, and who is the living legend known for bringing us ‘The Soundtrack Of Our Lives’… and whose famed pre-Grammy party remains one of the most coveted invitations in entertainment.

…B&NC LOCALS SHINE! …EVEN ON MUSIC’S BIGGEST STAGE!

AT THE GRAMMYS!

MIKE SABATH

Katonah-native Mike Sabath received this year’s Recording Academy’s® Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award - as one of the writers of the hit ‘Ice Cream Man’ - performed by Raye on her critically acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues. The award is intended to honor songwriters of message-driven music that speaks to the social issues of our time, and The Recording Academy® called Ice Cream Man “a poignant anthem that transforms deeply personal trauma into a purpose.”

Mike said the following while accepting the Grammy:

It’s a real honor to be trusted by the artists I work with, and for RAYE to trust me with such a sensitive and vulnerable story means a lot to me. …Getting to work with Raye is always a privilege and so special. It’s such an honor to be recognized for the art we make. But even more so, I feel it’s so important and significant that the Grammys are honoring and recognizing people speaking their truths and advocating for change in this world, because that’s really the whole point of all of this for me. I make music and I do what I do and I live my life in order to spread more light and use the platform to bring more hope and inspiration as often as possible, because I really do believe in humanity.

As B&NC reported about Mike Sabath’s collaboration in 2020 with Meghan Trainor on ‘Wave’, Sabath has a special talent for bringing out the best in performing artists. In addition to collaborating with Raye, including on her hit ‘Where Is My Husband?’, Mike has produced hits for JADE, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, Zara Larsson, Lizzo, Empress Of, and Niall Horan.

real energy in real moments

A recap from the May|June 2021 Issue - B&NC MAG

Katonah native Mike Sabath has been on an extraordinary musical trajectory from the very beginning. First known locally as the kid drumming in a family garage band, cover[ing] Green Day, Sabath quickly evolved into a formidable producer, songwriter, and studio talent with a roster that, in his early twenties, had already included Meghan Trainor, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, and the Jonas Brothers. His calm, collaborative presence and creative instincts made him the kind of artist others want in the room, drawn to what he calls “real energy in real moments”.

That sense of purpose shaped one of the defining decisions of his young life: saying no to Harvard in order to pursue music full-time. “Halfway through the gap year I was just like, no,” he recalled. “It just wasn’t time.” In a twist that now feels almost fated, Sabath says that within hours of sending his email turning down the Ivy League, he received his first offer from Sony… an early signal that his leap toward music was exactly the right one.

AT THE GRAMMYS!

MONTE LIPMAN

Katonah-native Monte Lipman, who’s the CEO and Co-Founder of Republic Records, together with his brother Avery Lipman, who’s the COO and Co-Founder of Republic Records, were honored with the 2026 GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons® award.

As the Recording Academy® noted, “Republic Records has become the music industry’s most successful label of the past decade, earning Billboard’s “Hot 100 Label of the Year” 11 of the past 12 years while dominating the global charts in nearly every genre of popular music.”

And as Clive Davis proclaimed, “Monte and Avery are two of the music industry’s most illustrious leaders, and I am thrilled that they will be this year’s Salute to Industry Icons® honorees. Their longtime trailblazing commitment to supporting songwriters across the music spectrum as well as their staunch dedication to advocacy, diversity and equality in the music business are exemplary. Artists and the industry at large are fortunate to have Monte and Avery’s insights and passion at the helm.”

Monte is not just an icon in the music industry, he’s a giant in the B&NC community. He and his wife, Angelina, have been major supporters of the Bedford Riding Lanes Association and the Westchester Land Trust, as well as other worthy organizations… and anyone who’s been lucky enough to attend a bash at the Lipmans’ knows the festivities often include a private concert from one of Monte’s star recording artists!

And Monte has been honored for his philanthropic and charitable endeavors beyond the B&NC borders, including having received the City of Hope’s Spirit of Hope Award, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s Spirit of Hope Award, the UJAFederation’s Music Visionary of the Year, the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year, and special recognition from the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation and the DKMS Foundation. Monte has also served on the Board of Directors of the Robin Hood Foundation since 2022.

his ear is as good as his instincts!

A Recap From The Nov|Dec 2021 COVER FEATURE:

Monte is the Founder and Chairman of Republic Records, working alongside his younger brother, best friend and Co-Founder, Avery. A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic’s roster includes Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, The Weeknd, and many, many more.

Monte’s reputation as a leader and a good guy in the music industry is well established. CNN Commentator and former Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America, Hilary Rosen, said, “Monte is really impressive. He’s the rarest of top execs who run a business and have such a close relationship to artists. And his ear is as good as his instincts!” And as Larry Rudolph, a veteran music business manager who has managed Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, and many others over his own 30+ year career in the industry, puts it, “Monte is one of the true legends of the music business. His track record is literally unmatched by any other executive in the industry today. Just look at the charts on any given week, and look at the artists he’s signed to Republic. It’s crazy! Monte is as good as it gets as a label head. The gold standard. And a great guy on top of it!”

AT THE GRAMMYS!

CLIVE DAVIS

Clive Davis is a fixture of the GRAMMYS.

As the Recording Academy® noted about Pound Ridger Clive Davis, “Davis has earned four GRAMMYS in his role as Album Producer, has received the GRAMMY Trustees Lifetime Achievement Award, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and, in 2010, The Recording Academy® named The GRAMMY Museum theatre in his honor. His autobiography, The Soundtrack Of My Life, published in 2013, has become the largest-selling book involving music in history and a New York Times bestseller. The Ridley Scott firm-produced and Chris Perkel directed award-winning and highly praised documentary film on his life: Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, which Apple TV, Apple Music and iTunes launched worldwide in 2017 and debuted at No. 1 on iTunes, stayed at #1 for five consecutive weeks and is now available on Netflix.”

“Mr. Davis has impacted the worlds of Pop, Rock and Roll, R&B, Country, and HipHop, and has played a key role in the careers of countless artists across those genres including: Janis Joplin, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago, Santana, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Earth, Wind & Fire, Simon & Garfunkel, Sly & The Family Stone, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Gamble and Huff, Patti Smith, Sarah McLachlan, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, The Kinks, The Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick, Carly Simon, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Toni Braxton, Notorious B.I.G., Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Luther Vandross, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Hudson, and he launched the first six American Idol award winners to multiplatinum success.”

And in addition to all of his music industry and Grammy accolades, Clive is maybe best known for his pre-grammy party. An annual unofficial kickoff to Grammy weekend, Clive’s party has been one of the most coveted invitations in entertainment for the last half-Century. The tradition began in the 1970s, when Clive was running Arista Records, intended as an intimate dinner meant to bring together his artists, executives, and close friends on the eve of the awards. Over time, it evolved into a glamorous, star-packed gathering that came to symbolize Clive’s unique role as both kingmaker and curator.

his contributions are immeasurable

The thing with Clive is, that the man behind the legend …is really a legend of a man…

As Monte Lipman told B&NC Mag: “I’ve been very fortunate to know Clive for many years. I continue to marvel at his impact on popular culture, and I’m truly inspired by his passion for life, and dedication to his family, friends, and community. Clive Davis is one of the most iconic music executives and producers of all time, and his contributions are immeasurable.”

…And that’s just how Clive would have it. Known and admired as a living legend, and “Someone who created a haven for many genius artists - whose music affected mankind and will go on forever,” as Clive puts it. “And I’m proud to be doing philanthropy toward the study of contemporary music at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and to have helped to finance the Clive Davis Arts Center at the Bedford Playhouse to benefit local artists and filmmakers. And I’m pleased to be doing a small part environmentally, funding the clean highway program on Route 684, where a plaque - that my friends often kid me about - tributes my contribution. …But most of all, I want to be remembered as a great father and grandfather. …And finally, I’d like it to be remembered that my annual pre-Grammy parties were the greatest parties ever!”

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‘EQUI CENTER’ THE OF THE

NORTHEAST

NORTH SALEM

is the Northeast’s equine epicenter…the ‘equicenter’!

While Bedford will always be regarded as the heart of horse country, and remains a place defined by elegant estates set aside the trails of the prestigious Bedford Riding Lanes Association…North Salem takes the ribbon as the new nexus of the serious saddle set!

It’s one of all of America’s most authentic and vibrant equestrian communities! It’s the capital of klippetyklop! The best bet for the bit-and-bridle bunch!

A bit further north than Bedford but within B&NC Country’s borders, North Salem offers an even more undisturbed landscape of rolling hills, dirt roads, and large bodies of water. …And what stands out most about North Salem is the enormity of the equestrian properties!

It’s all about the land!

…With a total land mass of about 22 square miles or about 13,600 acres, and a total population of about 5,300, the population

density of the entire town, including the busy hamlet of Croton Falls, is only about 250 people per square mile - compared with Bedford’s 460 people per square mile.

…And, more critically, North Salem includes a dozen properties with over 100 acres, another dozen properties with over 50 acres, and another 50 properties of between 10 and 50 acres! In total, over 40% of North Salem is held by fewer than 70 families.

…As one measure of what’s available in North Salem versus Bedford - and what a bargain North Salem still is, consider that Darlington Manor in North Salem, a spectacular English estate with pristine equestrian facilities and expansive paddocks set on 83 bucolic acres sold in 2025 for only $7.2M, while the 214-acre Sunnyfield Farms, the very recognizable stables everyone passes on South Bedford Road in Bedford and one of the few properties of its scale in the town, sold for $30M+!

TRAINING, BOARDING, AND ACADEMY LESSONS

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THE MGA SENIOR MASTERS

At ANGLEBROOK GOLF CLUB

BY MATT SULLIVAN GENERAL MANAGER, ANGLEBROOK GOLF CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHY: GILLIAN

The Metropolitan Golf Association is the governing body for golf in our region, and the Senior Masters is the MGA’s annual test-of-the-best for golfers 65 and over. …It’s a big deal to be asked to host the event, and we were honored to be selected to host the MGA 2025 Senior Masters at Anglebrook Golf Club.

Anglebrook was the last golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. - when he was 88 - after creating more than 500 courses worldwide. So hosting a senior championship at Anglebrook feels like a quiet nod to longevity, mastery, and the idea that great work - and great golf - have no expiration date.

THE MGA SENIOR MASTERS

At ANGLEBROOK

SPREAD ACROSS 240 ACRES,

much of it protected land, Anglebrook doesn’t feel like a typical golf course. It feels more like a landscape you happen to be playing through. Fairways unfold unexpectedly. Native grasses glow gold against bright white bunkers. And the greens, in particular, define the experience. Large, fast, and full of movement, they reward imagination as much as precision - exactly the kind of test that suits players who’ve learned to rely on feel and patience over raw force.

Each season brings a new perspective, and the 2025 Senior Masters took place on an overcast and chilly day in October near the end of the golf season. Our Greenskeeper, Scott Imbro, completing his second full year making our great course even greater, had the course in perfect condition, with greens running fast despite the inclement weather.

When the age range in a tournament runs from 65 to 75, the rhythm shifts. The competition is real - fierce, even - but it’s tempered by perspective. There’s more laughter. More reflection. And an underlying gratitude that’s impossible to miss. And there may be some pre-round conversation about stiff backs or sore knees, but once the first tee shot is struck, the fire is unmistakably still there.

Anthony Fioretti, a long-time successful amateur golfer hailing from Newton Country Club in northwest New Jersey - who hadn’t won a golf tournament in seven years - shot a 71 and was the only one of 70 players to break par - to win the event. He’d competed at Anglebrook years

earlier, and he stated that something about the course really suits his eye. After a shaky opening hole in stiff wind, he found his rhythm quickly, birdieing three of his first five holes, and adding key birdies later to pull away.

Fioretti didn’t start playing golf until his thirties, but by his forties he was already competing. What hooked him was the combination of challenge and camaraderie. “Golf has been a huge part of my life,” Fioretti declared. “It’s kept me young. And I think most of the guys out here would say the same thing. A lot of us have been playing these events together for years. Reconnecting, getting paired with familiar faces - that’s really what it’s all about.”

THE MGA SENIOR MASTERS

At ANGLEBROOK

Thomas Trakoval, who finished second with an even-par 72 - just shy of his 69th birthday - was playing Anglebrook for the first time. After a rocky start, he steadied himself the way seasoned golfers do - by trusting his putting and letting the round come back to him. A late run of birdies brought him squarely into contention.

Trakoval summed it up simply saying, “Only in golf are we still out here competing at our age. That’s what makes it such a special, lifelong sport.”

THAT SENTIMENT ECHOED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

…At this stage of life, golf becomes less about power and more about craft. Tempo replaces speed. Strategy matters more than distance. The joy comes not from overpowering a hole, but from thinking your way through it…and from doing so alongside players who’ve spent decades loving the same game.

…Anglebrook has always operated with a certain discretion. Despite being ranked by Golf Digest - along with Winged Foot, Quaker Ridge, Westchester, and Hudson National - as one of the 20 Best Courses in New York State, and a résumé that includes hosting the U.S. Amateur Qualifying Tournament in 2007, the U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifying Tournament in 2016, several New York State Open Qualifiers, and other major amateur championships and international competitions, Anglebrook remains understated - and confident enough to let the experience speak for itself.

THE MGA SENIOR MASTERS At ANGLEBROOK

WE RUN DOZENS OF LARGE OUTINGS EACH YEAR,

including Hockey Hall of Famer and six-time Stanley Cup Champ Mark Messier’s annual outing to benefit his foundation that supports programs focused on sports, healthy living, and education for those in need. But we took special pride in organizing, seamlessly executing, and hosting this prestigious event. …The shotgun format made the whole day unfold communally, and the atmosphere all-day was competitive but convivial. Players gathered on the range and around the clubhouse before play, and then again after the golf was over, to share stories and reflections…and a sumptuous meal. …And this group of senior golfers were one of the most passionate field of players I’ve had the pleasure to host in the near quarter-century I’ve been General Manager here!

When the trophies were handed out, the real takeaway seemed much less tangible than the awards…and much more about a shared appreciation that everyone there got the opportunity to play and compete, and a reminder of the role the game of golf has played - and will continue to play - in each of the competitor’s lives.

Perhaps the real story of the 2025 MGA Senior Masters at Anglebrook is that…on a course becoming known as one of Westchester’s most demanding tests…a group of senior golfers gathered not just to compete, but to celebrate the fact that the game still challenges them, still connects them, and still gives them reason to show up, swing away, and smile while doing it, just like they did when they were kids.

Anglebrook is currently enlisting new members in each of its six membership categories - ranging from a weekday membership with limited weekend afternoon privileges, to full and unlimited-access options for individuals and corporations. There is even an under-35 membership. While there is a modest initiation fee for the full-access programs - and annual individual dues of just $17,000, several plans require only an annual dues payment and no initiation fee. Corporations can enlist as ‘Weekday-Plus’ members with up to four designees for as little as $9,600 per person. Designed for doing business at the golf course, Anglebrook maintains liberal policies on number of visitors, number of visits per guest, and on unattended guests. Members can even sponsor non-member groups to enjoy the club three times per month.

This private Pound Ridge retreat is a rare generational compound featuring a resort-style cascading pool with waterfall spa, a spring-fed pond, lush mature gardens, and a beautifully renovated neo-classical post-and-beam main house. The residence offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, sunlit open living spaces, a dramatic cantilevered staircase, and a luxurious primary suite with 20-foot ceilings and pond views. A separate 1,500 sq ft one-bedroom guest cottage provides ideal space for guests or income. With multiple outdoor entertaining areas, lake rights to Lake Kitchawan, and total seclusion just an hour from NYC, this is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary.

INNS ofAuroa

A MOTHER/DAUGHTER WEEKEND IN WESTERN NEW YORK

BY CASEY KAPLAN

THERE

ARE TRIPS

THAT FEEL LIKE A SIMPLE CHANGE OF SCENERY, AND THEN THERE ARE TRIPS THAT FEEL LIKE A TRUE PAUSE.

My recent trip with my mom to the Inns of Aurora, on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes, about a five hour drive from here, was just the rest and restoration we needed.

The village of Aurora looks like a picture postcard, frozen-in-time from the region’s halcyon days, when the nearby Erie Canal was at the center of American commerce.

The entire village is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Streets lined with historic brick homes, lots of greenspace, an adorable post office and whitewashed clapboard churches, and spectacular views of Cayuga Lake and the surrounding Evergreenblanketed Catskill mountains.

But while Aurora appears timeless, it’s actually a town that has evolved along with America’s fortunes…

uroa’s histoy

is closely tied to Wells College, founded in 1868 by Henry Wells - the Wells in Wells Fargo and the Founder of American Express - who lived in Aurora. In fact, Wells started American Express in order to provide loans to the farmers who were banking with Wells Fargo. He built an Inn about a block away from his residence so business people could come to meet with him. …And when it was time for his four daughters to gain a higher education - with nearby Cornell University still being all-male - he envisioned an all-female college which would provide a rigorous liberal arts education for his daughters and other women, and began construction of Wells College’s stunning lakeside campus only a few blocks from the Inn. For generations, Wells College shaped the intellectual and cultural fabric of Aurora, lending the town a quietly literary, reflective character. Wells College was late to turn co-ed in 2005 and, also suffering the regular financial exigencies of operating a small college in economically-depressed Western New York and the reality of a declining enrollment relating mostly to the national shift from liberal arts to professional education, Wells College closed in 2024.

…Enter Pleasant T. Rowland, the Founder of American Girl Doll - Wells College Class of ‘62who can now be credited with Aurora’s modern day revival and renaissance…

Rowland is best known as the Founder of American Girl Dolls. She was a teacher and journalist who believed that dolls could be more than toys, and noticed a gap in the market for toys with substance, narrative, and educational depth. With American Girl Dolls she created dolls that represented real girls from different moments in American history, each with her own family, values, challenges,

and dreams. She built American Girl Dolls into an influential and culturally resonant brand, and sold to Mattel in 1998 for $700M.

…In the ‘90s, when Wells College was calling for a financial lifeline from its wealthy alumnae, Rowland paid to have some of the buildings in Aurora converted into an Inn and donated to Wells College, in order to serve the College’s need for a place for parents to stay and be an attractive place for out-of-town visitors to come and enjoy the lake, and be a revenue generator for the College.

…In 2001, with the Inn failing and the College desperate for funds, Rowland again stepped-in and this time bought the Inn from the Collegethough the cash infusion provided was not enough to save Wells in the long-run - and then decided to undertake the gargantuan task of rescuing the entirety of Aurora’s historic architecture from decline, reviving the local economy, and creating a living model of how heritage, hospitality, education, and the arts can coexist and prosper.

Rowland also acquired the MacKenzieChilds company, which has a corporate campus that looks more like a fabulous farming estate on a gorgeous hilltop about a halfmile down the road from the Inn. She turned the fortunes of the company around and sold to a private equity investor - ensuring that the property would be utilized, maintained, and vibrant. …And MacKenzie-Childs is open for public visits! Well worth a few hours, the factory is an exuberant world of pattern, color, and craft, and touring the grounds feels like stepping inside the brand’s imagination - with whimsical gardens, a dramatic barn-turned-showroom, artisans handpainting ceramics, and displays that celebrate maximalist joy.

Through the Aurora Foundation, Rowland spearheaded an ambitious multi-decade town-wide restoration effort, purchasing, rehabilitating, and repurposing historic homes, academic buildings, and civic landmarks throughout the village. What might have become forgotten relics instead became vibrant, reimagined spaces, cultural venues, dining destinations, and community hubs, all carefully restored with architectural integrity and aesthetic sensitivity. Investments included educational initiatives and partnerships with arts organizations. Rather than building something flashy or disruptive, Rowland chose a quieter, more enduring path of stewardship over spectacle. The result is a village that feels both preserved and alive, rooted in history yet relevant to modern travelers.

The Inns of

Auroa

is a collection of a dozen or so old historic estates, gracious homes, and academic buildings...

…All the buildings share a design language and sensibility that feels elevated and warm, thoughtful and playful, layered and refined. Collected antiques. Tailored upholstery. Contemporary art. Crisp linens. Rich fabrics. Lots of texture. Marble baths. Spaces that feel curated rather than staged, inviting rather than intimidating. Classic Americana, interpreted through a discerning Modern eye. …And there’s a sense of intention behind every detail and Rowland’s vision is evident everywhere. Her quiet stewardship. Her integration of art, wellness, education, and gracious hospitality. Preservation over replacement. Comfort without excess.

…While each of the properties has its own personality…

The Aurora Inn, built in 1833 by E.B. Morgan - coFounder of The New York Times, stands proudly on Main Street, anchoring the town with classic Federal-style elegance.

E.B. Morgan House leans into Italianate grandeur, with sweeping lake views and stately proportions.

Rowland House, once a private estate, carries a more playful spirit - punctuated by MacKenzieChilds flourishes and a sense of eclectic charm.

Wallcourt Hall, formerly a Wells College dormitory, is layered with books, art, and bold patterns, and offers a cozy collegiate feel.

…And the Spa at the Inns of Aurora - designed by the noted Hart Howerton Architecture firm and opened in 2020 - is world class! The Spa offers a full-day immersion, built around hydrotherapy, nature, stillness, and restoration, and the Spa has already earned the prestigious WELL Gold Certification, reflecting a holistic commitment to health, sustainability, and thoughtful design.

With Cayuga Lake stretching wide and glassy below the resort’s rolling 350 acres, there’s a daily rhythm to the property that encourages lingering. Gardens and fields stretch outward in calming greens and golds. Fireplaces crackle in common rooms and a firepit at each house is kept burning - and equipped with complimentary s’mores kits as a sweet touch each evening. Libraries invite quiet reading. Porches with Adirondack chairs face the view of the lake and beyond, practically insisting on a pause.

It would be fair to say my mom and I ‘dove’ right in for the full Spa experience! The Spa has the most well thought-out hot and cold pools, steam rooms, saunas, and plunge baths - all integrated in a way that feels ancient and intuitive. Outdoor pools, with steam aglow on colder nights, are neatly integrated with the landscape.

Treatment rooms with dormered ceilings and window benches host an array of therapies, and we were particularly impressed with the quality of the therapists. Deeply restorative massages, facials, and body rituals are inspired by global wellness traditions. Quiet lounges encourage reflection. A light-filled café offers nourishing healthy fare. And woven throughout the space is another museum-quality art collection, featuring works by artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Alex Katz, and David Hockney - not as decoration, but as an integrated part of the sensory experience.

I particularly enjoyed the Manuka honey moisture drench and the deep tissue massage. I drifted off to the sound of birds chirping and water moving on the balcony of the relaxation room, overlooking the lake in my bathrobe and slippers. I felt like I was in some kind of a dreamlike state.

The Finger Lakes region offers all kinds of outstanding

scenic dries

and hiking trails, an appellation-full of wineries to go tasting, waterfalls and hidden swimming holes around every bend, cute towns chock full of antique shops and charming boutiques, and a number of interesting historic sites. The 100-mile ride around Cayuga Lake can be its own form of therapy, and the Finger Lakes National Forest is only an hour away from Aurora.

My mom and I took one afternoon to go meet my mom’s friend Jeri, who lives in Gilbertsville, for lunch in Ithaca, and then for the three of us to go walk the gorge trailwith 19 waterfalls in one-and-a-half miles - in Watkins Glen State Park.

We got to eat at both of the Inns of Aurora’s restaurants…

The 1833 Kitchen & Bar is the elevated and rather refined option. The restaurant is like a fancy clubhouse, with lots of rich mahogany and a large deck with the boss-view of the lake. Courses including fresh vegetables, beautifully prepared fish, seasonal pastas, and desserts are all quite indulgent without being at all heavy. The duck breast and mushroom risotto were particular favorites.

The Fargo Bar & Grill offers more casual fare, with the full feeling of a smalltown bar. Burgers and comfort food, delicious rootbeer floats, and of course… brews.

A village market, that felt more like a farmstand, filled in the gaps when we wanted to pick up something light in between meals.

We shared slow mornings, long conversations, a couple of great walks along the lake, and even took a row boat out on the lake together. It felt indulgent and highfalutin…and yet

grounding and restoatie

Our mother–daughter stay at the Inns of Aurora was a really sweet experience. We shared slow mornings, long conversations, a couple of great walks along the lake, and even took a row boat out on the lake together. It felt indulgent and highfalutin…and yet grounding and restorative at the same time.

I must reveal that I was something of an American Girl fanatic as a young girl. I used to read my dolls’ stories to my mom while playing with the dolls and imagining what life must have been like for them. Molly McEntire from WWII and Samantha Parkington from the Victorian era were two of my favorites. …And that American Girl connection with the Inns of Aurora definitely added an extra dash of magic to the excursion. In many ways, visiting Aurora is like stepping into the life of one of Rowland’s dolls, or at least into Rowland’s imagination.

…So it was an extra-special surprise and treat when we arrived at the Inns of Aurora to find out that Pleasant Rowland was actually also staying there and hosting her own annual family reunion on the same days we were at the resort! We got to meet her, however briefly, and I got the chance to tell her how she’d influenced my life, and how impressed we were with everything she’s done in Aurora!

We’ve already planned a return to the Inns of Aurora for 2026 but - because my mom couldn’t stop talking about what a good time we had with anyone who would listen - this time around it’s going to include a few of our mother/daughter friends!

…But it’s certainly NOT for women only! Truth be told, rowing on the lake, or sitting by the campfire watching the sunsets, or enjoying the many coed parts of the spa, would be incredibly romantic. …The Inns of Aurora is the perfect getaway for any occasion you want to make special!

I’ve even put the Inns of Aurora on my radar screen as a potential wedding venue, and my mom is saying it’s where she wants to host a large family reunion she’s planning for 2027. They have plenty of lodging and catering capacity, there’s a lot to do, and the setting can’t be beat.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

IMPREZA

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FORESTER

CROSSTREK

SOLTERRA

An essay by Bedford’s award-winning photographer, Emily Fisher

As a photographer, I am always searching for subjects to shoot. When I travel, they are easy to find; almost everything I see is foreign and new. At home, my subjects are usually my children, our animals, or the bucolic Westchester landscapes that surround us.

In the winter of 2018, I became intrigued by a group of ice fishermen I’d occasionally seen on Titicus Reservoir, which I passed frequently on my drives to and from our home in North Salem. Ice fishing struck me as an interesting, niche culture right in my own town. I decided I would photograph it during the next snowfall, as I prefer white skies for shoots—overcast, fog, or snow. No sunny days for me.

When the next snowstorm arrived, I suited up, grabbed my camera, and drove to the reservoir. To my disappointment, there was only one lone fisherman out on the ice. It wasn’t quite the scene I’d imagined—no group huddled around fishing holes, no colorful tents or piles of gear— but I decided to make the most of it.

The Man On the ICE

“Hello! Hello!”

I called from the frozen shoreline, waving frantically at the tiny, camouflaged figure in the distance. I could have walked out onto the ice to speak to him, but I wasn’t sure it was safe. What if he’d entered the reservoir from another spot where he’d tested the ice for adequate thickness? Standing there in what was essentially a down sleeping bag with sleeves, knee-high winter boots, and a camera fit for the paparazzi, I knew that if I fell through the ice, I’d sink straight to the bottom. Despite my yelling and waving, the fisherman didn’t notice me—or pretended not to.

I finally mustered the courage to take a step… then another. Everything seemed okay. I continued toward the middle of the reservoir, unsure of the reception I’d get. Did he want to be alone? Was silence part of the ritual of ice fishing? Would my presence scare the fish away?

The Man On the ICE

As I approached, I saw that he was older, with kind blue eyes and a weathered face. I explained that I was a photographer and asked if I could take some pictures of him while he worked. He agreed, surprised that I found him an interesting enough subject to shoot. He had been out in the blizzard most of the day and had caught four yellow perch - his dinner for the next couple of nights. Fresh and free. The harsh weather, he figured, kept the other fisherman at home. He explained that each hole held a fishing line connected to a flag that would pop up when it had a bite—no need to sit holding a rod, as I’d assumed.

As we walked around the ice, he told me to avoid a large fissure running the length of the reservoir (that was exactly the kind of expertise I’d been hoping for). I hopped over the dark, icy vein as instructed while he shared that his wife had recently died and that he had been feeling lonely without her. Fishing gave him a sense of purpose and kept his mind busy. He was embarrassed that he’d worn his old

coveralls, not his new ones, because he didn’t think he’d see anybody. While I was with him, his daughter called, and he proudly told her that a photographer was taking pictures of him. I felt relieved knowing someone was checking in on him.

I took some portraits of him, shot his gear and his catch, but it was near the end of my visit that I captured the image that took my breath away. He walked to the outer edge of his area to drill a new hole, turned in profile, and began working his large manual auger, his hands gloved in neon orange. I positioned myself so that nothing else was in my field of vision—just him and the drill against the backdrop of a whiteout.

After a couple of hours, I felt I had what I’d come for, so I thanked him for indulging me and went home to upload the images. As an artist, I know when I have taken a strong picture, and I felt a rush of adrenaline when that image appeared on my monitor. It needed very little editing. I couldn’t have staged it better if I’d tried.

Over the next few years, I submitted the photograph to competitions, juried shows, and publications, and it did very well. It was accepted into a juried exhibition, The Edge Effect, at the Katonah Museum of Art in 2019. The following year, it dawned on me that I should tell the ice fisherman about all the places he’d been! He had hung in The Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, California, and the Spiva Center for the Arts in Missouri, among others. He had been published in Art Quarterly, FotoNostrum Magazine, and the Minimalist Photography Awards book. But how would I ever find him? I never got his name, and we had since moved from North Salem to Bedford.

Then I had an idea: I would ask the internet.

I joined the Ridgefield, Connecticut, Facebook group and posted a message with some photos asking if anyone recognized the man I had photographed on Titicus Reservoir. I explained that one of my photographs of him had been exhibited at the Katonah Museum of Art and that I wanted to give him a print. Responses poured in—encouraging messages from people who hoped I’d find him and others tagging friends who might know him. Finally, a man named Jeffrey offered to post my inquiry on the New York Reservoir Fishing page.

The next day, Jeffrey reported back: he had a bite. The fisherman was Roger H. from Putnam Valley. Roger wasn’t on social media, but a fishing buddy recognized him and shared his contact information. Jeffrey sent me Roger’s number, and when I called it, he remembered me immediately. He was surprised to hear about the life the photograph had taken on and said, humbly, “No one’s ever taken a good photo of me.”

The Man On the ICE

I told him I wanted to frame a print for him and asked if I could deliver it in the spring. A few months later, I drove to his tidy, modest home, and we sat outside together on a warm day. He gave me some vegetables he’d grown in his garden, and we talked about life. Before we said goodbye, he hung the framed photograph on his living room wall for me to see.

That’s it—a simple story about two strangers whose paths crossed once and, thanks to the magic of the internet and this community, crossed again a couple of years later. I haven’t seen Roger since, but I like to imagine him still fishing, still hoping to get a bite, still finding comfort and purpose in the ritual. In my photograph, he is suspended in time, steady and intent. His image hangs on walls and appears in magazines and books now, but most importantly, it hangs in his own living room—a reminder that he was seen, even lauded, and that for a moment, his quiet life on the ice was worthy of a museum wall.

LongRidgeSchool.org

478 Erskine Road, Stamford, CT 06903

203.322.7693 | Admissions@LongRidgeSchool.org

Out & About

A HIGHLIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fundraiser

Friends packed oHHo for an electric night of live music, dancing, dining, and giving - where good vibes met a great cause. Leon and The People’s kept the energy soaring!

Out & About

A HIGHLIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY

BRLA’s Winterfest

A brisk winter hike gave way to a perfectly cozy finale at BRLA’s new patio and fire pit. With hot toddies in hand, s’mores by the flame, and good company all around, the afternoon was the perfect winter gathering!

PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER T MICHAELIS

1. Megan Young, Becca Shreiber, Melissa Liebersohn

2. Strauss Zelnick, Wendy Belzberg

3. Christy & Alec Guettel, Emily Fisher

Author Talk at Bedford Books

Laura Brown & Kristina O’Neill joined GMA Lifestyle Contributor Lori Bergamotto in conversation about their national bestseller, All the Cool Girls Get Fired.

4. Laura Brown, Rob & Marisol Thomas, Kristina O’Neill

5. Kristen Saladino, Hannah Deely

6. Fran Hauser, Lori Bergamotto

Boundaries Opening Reception

Out & About

The YWCA Valentine’s Bazaar presented by DARCARS BMW of Mt. Kisco

DARCARS BMW hosted an ultra-chic evening in Greenwich, drawing a glittering crowd of tastemakers and philanthropists for a night where couture met horsepower. It was an evening of unmistakable style, community and fashion in support of the YWCA Greenwich Harmony Project PHOTOGRAPHY: KENZICREATIVE, INC.

1. Matt Sposato, Shay Mehta, John Darvish, Hesham Hamayel

2. Kathy Seiden, Melissa Levin

3. Cecilia Lieberman, Tania Fabiani, Erica Bens, Vanessa Darvish, Joanna Pisani

4. Ross Mathews, Marcelo Quadro, Wellington Garcia-Mathews

5. Francisa Sagliocca, Lucas Magnum, Bruna Ribeiro, Tahyane Nascimento

6. Erica Bens, Mary Lee Kiernan

7. Special performance by Maria Rigopoulos and Enrique Alarcon

Boundaries Opening Reception

The opening reception of Boundaries at The Gallery at Yellow Studio welcomed guests into a dynamic exploration of abstraction, as art sparked conversation around complexity, change, and transformation.

8. Amy Kupferberg, Tina Villaveces, Mary Negro, Rita Maas, Beth Dary

9. Allison Belolan, Tina Villaveces, Dawn Manwaring

Out & About

Sustainable Art Show at The DCA

An evening of art and community at the Meadowlands. All sales from the donated artwork supported DCA scholarships for Darien High School students.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BAMBI RIEGEL

1. Pam Landberg, Donna Collins, Lisa Thoren

2. Jessica Mancini, Stephanie Campbell

3. Judy Nielsen, Emily D’Andrea, Denise Cara, Lisa Webb, Ingrid Teschner

Chabad of New Canaan 15th Anniversary Gala

It was a festive night as guests gathered to mark the 15th anniversary of Chabad of New Canaan, enjoying an evening of dinner and live music in celebration of the lasting impact of the Weinman Jewish Academy and honoring Dr. Valerie and Yan Klats with a Young Leadership Award for their outstanding contributions to Chabad.

PHOTOGRAPHY: AVIVA MALLER

4. Michael & Hannelore Kaplan

5. Christine Kaculis, Dawn Weinman, Laila Weinman

6. Valerie Klats, Sara & Mordechai Rubinstein, Yan Klats

7. Michal Mendelow, Elaine Freidman, Michelle Glassman, Robin Caroll

8. Bea and Emily Meritt

Out & About

New Canaan Father Daughter Dance

The Father Daughter Dance at the Roger Sherman Inn was a night of twirls, conga lines, and unforgettable memories. Dressed to impress, dads and daughters filled the dance floor for an evening as sweet as it was special.

1. Elina & Ali Afshar, Isabella & Chris Uzpen, Ella & Mike Riordan, Olivia, Elizabeth & Greg Demirjian, Lucy & Caleb Dorsey, Eliza & James Johnson

2. Lilly & Ryan Lindner

3. Amalia, Uanderson & Arabella Benedetti

4. Rory, Greg & Isabelle Bennett

5. Claire & Mike Lee

6. Robert Harvey, Brendan Sweeney, Nick Domino

Art Show: Bedford

One of Bedford’s most anticipated annual events, the show featured an inspiring collection of paintings, photography, ceramics, wood carving, hand-made jewelry, and decoupage, celebrating the creativity of our local artists. All proceeds from the exhibition were donated to local charities.

7. Julie Betts Testwuide, Gregory and Hunter Goodwin

8. Meg Le Comte, Shelby Smith

9. Jen Gerken, Christopher Brescia

Out & About

Blossom Hill’s Galentines Afternoon

Friends gathered together for a heartfilled afternoon of connection, giving, and beautiful finds. Guests enjoyed a curated shopping experience with a dozen artisans, a flower bar, specialty teas and treats, making it a truly memorable way to celebrate with purpose.

1. Anastassia Aida, Grace Patel, Jennifer Ellis, Jess Heckerling

2. Susan Barr, Wendy Werneburg, Shiva Sarram

3. Ann Spilker, Susan Suh

4. Leila Pearson, Marisa Percy, Marni Larsson

5. Jennifer Dorrington, Adriana Perez, Steph Stuhlman, Annie McCarthy

Mom’s Night Out at the Katonah Museum of Art

Art-loving moms enjoyed an evening filled with art, connection, and celebration, while exploring the latest exhibit, Shen Wei: STILL/MOVING.

6. Kate Halahan, Liberty Howell, Amanda Listfield, Tatiana Oliver, Alli Rhodes, Jacki Chernicoff, Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe, Anne Mayhew

7. Top: Ali Tejtel, Daina Todorovic, Quinn Dowling, Lindsey Cullen; Bottom: Dana Jakubowski, Julie Creech, Maria Colaco

8. Suzy Wolfson, Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe, Marla Ratner, Debbie Notis

Out & About

Women’s Wolfpack Eco Pack Chat Series Kick 0ff

The gathering, hosted at the home of Veronique Pittman, marked the kickoff of the Women’s Wolfpack Eco Pack Chat Series.

1. Sarah Douglis, Janet Harkum, Charlotte Binns, Martha Handler, Veronique Pittman, Dierdre McMennamin, Lianne Sorkin

Crafts & Cocktails

Guests gathered at the salon at La Maison Fête for a beautiful reminder of the warmth that comes from gathering in community - sharing a table, creating side by side, and slowing down. The night was paired with festive hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and wine!

2. Alix Hyde, Renee Credendino, Jen Chandler, Caitlin Briffel, Charlotte Jackson, Michele Paz

3. Amy Miller, Anita Zander, Grace Amerling

4. Christy Counts, Jessica Reitman

5. Katherine Degnan, Brooke Savona

Gotham Songwriters Festival at Bedford Playhouse

The Gotham Songwriters Festival brought renowned singers and songwriters together for a benefit performance hosted by hitmaker Sam Hollander.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANK PETER FUNIGIELLO.

6. Sam Hollander, Kara DioGuardi, Toni-Ann Marinaccio, Jennifer Funigiello, Jeff Cohen

7. Kevin Griffin

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MARCH

Mar 1-15 @ Various Times A.C.T. OF CONNECTICUT PRESENTS DISNEY’S FROZEN!

Mar 2 @ 5.30pm HAYVN HATCH DARIEN Female Founder Pitch Night Series Hayvn, Darien

Mar 4 @ 7pm ADULT ENCAUSTICS WORKSHOP INTERMEDIATE Darien Arts Center

Mar 4 @ 6:30pm JOHN JAY HOMESTEAD LECTURE SERIES: American Eden with Victoria Johnson

Mar 5 @ 6:30pm WHAT THE COURT RECORDS

REVEAL: Families in Revolutionary Turmoil with speaker Cornelia Dayton

A sampling of what can be found online at: www.BedfordNewCanaanMag.com ... the largest amalgamated calendar in the region - and your free resource for all things local! Be sure to subscribe for free to our emails as well to receive regular highlights in your inbox on what’s happening in the community that you don’t want to miss!

Mar 5 @ 6:30pm AUTHOR TALK: Karen Dukess & Jeanine Cummins Bedford Books

Mar 6 @ 6pm THE ART OF SEASONAL WINES:

A Conversation & Tasting With Charles Lundington

Mar 6 @ 6.30pm FIRST FRIDAYS: ADAM MOEZINIA

Mar 6 @ 10am INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Mar 7 @ 8pm SETH MEYERS LIVE: Ridgefield Playhouse Spring Fundraiser

Mar 7 @ 3pm THE LAST FLAPPER: a One-Woman Play by William Luce

Mar 7 @ 3pm GRACE FARMS LECTURE & CONCERT

Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer Grace Farms, New Canaan

Mar 7 @ 2pm SIP & PAINT:

Springtime Themes with award winning artist Kendall Klingbeil Bedford Farms

Mar 8 @ 4pm DCA’S YOUTH LEADERSHIP BOARD TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER

Mar 8 @ 11am FEAST WITH FRAN HAUSER (Food, Education & Social Ties)

Mar 8 @ 2pm MOUNT KISCO ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Mar 8 @ 3pm AN AFTERNOON WITH THE WOOD FAMILY OF BRAEWOLD FARM

Mar 8 @ 3pm SCHWAB VOCAL RISING STARS

Mar 10 @ 5.30pm CLOTHING SWAP to benefit the Wolf Conservation Center

Mar 12 @ 7pm REMEMBERING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Darien Library

Mar 12 @ 7pm Bestselling Authors Allison Pataki and Deborah Goodrich Royce IN CONVERSATION

New Canaan LIbrary

CALENDAR of LOCAL EVENTS

Mar 12 @ 6:30pm THREE - CHEF COLLABORATION:

Chef Dan Meiser, Chef Renee Touponce, & Chef Prasad

Mar 12 @ 7pm CULT CLASSIC: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Mar 14 @ 2pm THE ALDRICH DECENNIAL ARTIST DANICA LUNDY STUDIO TOUR

Mar 15 @ 2pm FACES FROM THE PAST, AN ART EXHIBIT AND LECTURE

Mar 15 @ 3pm PERCUSSION FAMILY JAM FEST WITH RUSSELL FISHER

Carriage Barn Arts Center, New Canaan

Mar 15 @ 7:30pm PATTI LUPONE MATTERS OF THE HEART

Mar 18 @ 6:30pm 2026 ANNUAL MEETINGWomen in the American Revolution

Mar 18 @ 7:30pm JOHN SCOFIELD TRIO

Mar 18 @ 6:30pm WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION WITH LIVEGIRL

Bedford Books

Mar 20 @ 7:30pm GOITSE

Mar 21 @ 4pm OPENING RECEPTION:

Multitudes featuring Allison Belolan, Dorian Goldman, Anne Pollard James and Angela Strassheim

Mar 21 @ 7pm PICKLEBALL SOCIAL & FUN - RAISER

Mar 21 @ 10am HOPPY DAYS EASTER EGG HUNT

Mar 21 @ 3pm ARCHITECTURE OF TODAY & ITS THRILLING MEANING FOR OUR LIVES: Frank Gehry & Shigeru Ban

Mar 22 @ 3pm VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON, PIANO

Mar 22 @ 1pm WLD FOUNDATION OPEN HOUSE Kisco

Mar 22 @ 2pm AUTHOR TALK: Beneath with Ariel Sullivan & Jenna Bush Hager

Mar 24 @ 6pm SUSTAINABILITY BOOK CLUB AND LECTURE SERIES

Mar 26 @ 8pm ROSANNE CASH WITH JOHN LEVENTHAL

Mar 26 @ 9am DESIGN FOR FREEDOM SUMMIT

Grace Farms, New Canaan

Mar 27 @ 9am RIDGEFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOMEN’S FORUM

Mar 27 @ 5:30pm KMA GALA AND AUCTION

Mar 28 @ 12pm DROP- IN DRAWING

Mar 29 @ 1pm AUTHOR AMITY GAIGE PRESENTS “HEARTWOODS”

New Canaan Library

Mar 31 @ 7pm CLASSIC TUESDAY:

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid

CALENDAR of LOCAL EVENTS APRIL

Apr 2 @ 10:30am BAGELS & BOOKS BOOK CLUB

Apr 8 @ 7pm CULT CLASSIC: Cleo from 5 To 7

Apr 9 @ 10:30am STAR’S 12TH ANNUAL SPEAKER’S LUNCHEON & SPRING BOUTIQUE

Apr 9 @ 7pm PALACES OF POWER: THE HISTORY OF NEWPORT’S GILDED AGE MANSIONS

Darien Library

Apr 9 @ 6:30pm CHEF PRASAD COLLABS WITH CHEF CARLOS PEREZ OF AT THE CORNER

Apr 9 @ 11am GUIDED TOUR AT THE GUGGENHEIM

Carriage Barn Arts Center

Apr 12 @ 3pm JUNCTION TRIO

Apr 12 @ 7:30pm BEACH BOY AL JARDINE & THE PET SOUNDS BAND

Apr 14 @ 7:30pm MELISSA ETHERIDGE – THE RISE TOUR

Apr 16 & 17 @ 3 & 7pm CLARINET MEETS CLASSICAL ACCORDION!

New Canaan

Apr 16 @ 5:30pm YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARD CELEBRATION

Apr 17 @ 11am VOICES BUILDING BRIDGES LUNCHEON, HONORING STEWARDS OF MEMORY

Apr 17 @ 6pm KATONAH CHILI COOK- OFF

Apr 18 @ 6pm THE GREAT GATSBY GALA

Apr 19 @ 9:30am BRLA COMMUNITY TRAIL CLEAN - UP MORNING

BRLA, Bedford

Apr 19 @ 3pm

STEVEN ISSERLIS, CELLO & CONNIE SHIH, PIANO

Apr 21 @ 7:30pm BÉLA FLECK, EDMAR CASTAÑEDA, ANTONIO SÁNCHEZ TRIO

Apr 23 @ 12:30pm AMAZING ADAPTATIONS: A Live Animal Event with the Beardsley Zoo

Bedford Farms

Apr 25 @ 6pm ALDRICH GALA IN THE GARDEN

Apr 25 @ 4pm OPENING RECEPTION: Giselle Landers and Alissa Leigh

Apr 25 @ 6:30pm YACHT ROCK TO SUPPORT THE DARIEN FOUNDATION

Apr 26 @ 10am VOLUNTEER FAIR

Apr 30 @ 6:30pm CHEF PRASAD COLLABS WITH CHEF ASHLEY FLAGG

Apr 30 @ 8pm STARS OF LATE NIGHT COMEDY

Apr 30 @ 6.30pm THE PANTRY COMMUNITY TABLE

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