Issuu

Gemma Huck TikTok Teen Queen

LI F E + C U LTU R E

TH E FAM I LY, KI DS + PETS ISSU E A R T S + C U LT U R E

LO CAL ARTIST 5IVEFIN GA Z’ S M ISSIO N P R O F E S S I O N A L S E RV I C E S

FU N FO R TH E D O GS LI F E + C U LTU R E

STO RY O F A M AKE-A-WISH KI D AU G U S T 2 022

WHEN LOCAL KNOWLEDGE MEETS BUSINESS EXPERIENCE, YOU WIN.

Visit us today for all of your banking and lending needs.

Bank smart. Bank local. Bank well. 100 Post Road East, Westport CT (203) 652-2710

mybankwell.com Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Summer Sundays at Greenwich Polo Club

Connecticut 203.353.8000

marciaselden.com

New York 212.921.4100

August 2022 PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Family, Kids + Pets Issue August is family month. Vacations, swimming, and lots of ice cream fill these last weeks of summer. If you’re looking for a beach read, look no further than this issue! Starting with Gemma Huck, Weston’s TikTok famous competitive dancer and rock solid young woman with over 2.5 million followers. If you don’t know her, your kids do. Speaking of kids, Jake Beneski, now 21, and two of his brothers were Make A Wish kids, and these wishes changed his life. At ten years old he vowed to work at Make A Wish and now he does - take a look at his heart-warming story. Speaking of heart-warming (we’re all about segues this month!) artist 5iveFingaz recounts his journey to dedicating himself to spreading love. It’s an inspiring ride and a cool cause because, shoot, he’s a cool guy. Speaking of love, who doesn’t love a birthday cake? We’ve rounded up some of our favorites - rip out this article and use it all year ‘round for reference. Going on vacation? Do your kids know how expensive vacations are? You can teach them about money and finances with Total Cents, the amazing podcast program by Verso Studios and Tom Henske. Oh - and you’ll need a place for Fido while you’re away; Camp Bow-Wow is just the fun-filled spot for him/her. Staycation instead? You’ll want to know about kids’ sports coaches Sara Holland and Dan Starbuck Pelletier. But they’re not just about sports — want your kids to learn chess? To ride a bike? They’re on it. Or you can opt to make your own “camp.” How about about a visit to Wakeman Town Farm? I bet there’s a lot you may not know about their offerings, including… baby goats!!! (And free compost!) Now, I know you don’t want to talk about all of the laundry these kids manifest, so you don’t have to. However, we’ve included some of Closet Factory’s ideas about how to keep their closets better organized… every little bit helps. Though summer isn’t all about kids. It’s also about couples. So we have some great marriage advice from Carole Orland, a family law attorney who’s been married for 43 years. Lastly, we know the past few years have been tough, exacerbating mental health issues. We asked therapist Erica Adler about how to spot and treat an eating disorder - you’ll be happy to know you’re not alone and it’s a problem that can be solved. Enjoy August! MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ WESTPORT |

EDITOR

Robin Moyer Chung | robin.chung@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Anna Barnes, Meredith Guinness, Robin Moyer Chung, Erica Adler, Kristin Burnell CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

John Videler, Ethan Hill, Jerri Graham, J.C. Martin

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Westport Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westport area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Westport Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

AGE HEALTHIER & LIVE HAPPIER Discover how optimized hormones are changing the lives of women and men. Increase your energy, enhance your mood, memory, and mental clarity, restore libido, feel younger, healthier & happier!

DR. GOULD IS THE #1 BIOTE PROVIDER ON THE EAST COAST!

Giving you the choices you deserve.

79 South Benson Road Fairfield, CT 06824

203.292.5559 DrChristineGould.com

INVITATIONS • FLATWARE • LINENS • TABLE DECOR • FRESH FLOWERS CANDLES • SILVER • CRYSTAL • STATIONERY • REGISTRY

FO R TH E F IT M OM Fit Moms throughout the Northeast choose Dr. O’Connell for their tummy-tuck...that’s because he’s been Fairfield County’s ‘go-to’ plastic surgeon for 34 years and he’s a published authority on drainless abdominoplasty.

YOU DESERVE THE BEST. ALL BOTOX AND FILLERS ARE PERSONALLY ADMINISTERED BY DR. O’CONNELL

208 Post Road West Westport, CT | (203) 454-0044 | PlasticSurgeryCT.com | President Connecticut Society of Plastic Surgeons

AUGUST 2022

inside the issue The Kids and Pets Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

28 Everything Your Child Should Know About Money

Lifestyle Letter

Giving Back

City Scene

Mental Wellbeing

Business Monthly

Outdoor Adventure

Money Matters

Locally Sourced

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Party Planning

FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Local Limelight

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Pet Care

Our Town

Home Update

But Doesn’t Know the Questions to Ask

34 TikTok Teen Queen

Gemma Huck’s Fans Love Her for Who She Is

44 Love More Than Ever 5iveFingaz

50 The Year-Round Camp For Your Canine Besties Camp Bow Wow in Bridgeport

Family Care

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Road Trip

FI NA NC E + LEGA L S ERV I C ES

Events

PR O FES S I O NA L S ERV I C ES FI T NES S HO ME + DES I GN

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Ethan Hill Weston’s Gemma Huck, competitive dancer and TikTok-famous teen.

LI FE + C U LT U R E EDU CAT I ON

LI FE + C U LT U R E

T R AV EL

SEE YOUR PANTRY IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

Reinvent

PANTRY

CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • WALL UNITS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PANTRIES • CRAFT ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

Be reinspired. See your wardrobe in a whole new light. You will wonder why you didn't do this sooner. Call (203) 549-1287 for a free in-home or virtual design consultation and estimate. Visit us online at closetfactory.com. Showroom 100 Wooster St., Bethel, CT 06801 Showroom 110 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 ©2022 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

RE01PF

AUGUST 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

DANA CROWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

DANA CROWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY DANA CROWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

BEVY RUTLEDGE

1: The American Cancer Society’s - Women Leading the Way to Wellness. Robin Moyer Chung, Robin Selden, Marisa MacLean. 2: Lilly Loves Love hosted by Zac Mathias. Zac and friends. 3: AWARE’s Tapas @ Twilight. Erica Davis, Thuy Tranthi Rieder, Candace Savin, Jen Tooker, Amy Saperstein, Nicole Gerber. 4: Aaron’s Wish: Make A Wish CT To Take Over a Food Truck with local chefs at Don Memo. 5: Wish Kid Aaron serving food out of the Oar & Oak food truck. 6: Bill and Lory Pasqua of Westport at Aaron’s food truck. 7: Women of AWARE.

CONTINUED >

C I T Y SC E N E

D R . M A S H A KO G A N & D R . V I R G I N I A R O M A N O

203.227.8700 • DENTALCENTERWESTPORT.COM • CARE@DENTALCENTERWESTPORT.COM • 175 POST RD W, WESTPORT

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

8: Salon dada First Anniversary Party. Steven Gemignani, Sean Pitt, Benjamin Lagasse. 9: Melissa Rizzo, Kendall Rizzo, Talia Rizzo. 10: 5iveFingaz and guest. 11: Steven Gemignani, Dave Wojciechowski, Trevor MCclean. 12: Sofia Savvidis, Carmen Cobos. 13: Joel Lopez, Michelle Galeas, Juliette Galeas, Violet Karakasis. 14: Benjamin Lagasse with his mother, Faith Marra. Photography by Jerri Graham

CONTINUED >

C I T Y SC E N E

More ways to help you look and feel your best You want to look and feel your best. And you want to ensure that you entrust your care to the most skilled and fellowship-trained medical professionals. That’s the type of expertise you’ll receive with the cosmetic surgery services from Dr. E. Stirling Craig of Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. Procedures offered include: • Breast augmentation • Tummy tuck • Liposuction • Face lift • Injectable filler

Call 475.210.7002 for an appointment E. Stirling Craig, MD 1505 Post Road East Westport

HartfordHealthCare.org/Cosmetic

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

1: !mpaCT hosted their second gala benefiting Filling in The Blanks and Kids Helping Kids. 2: Marc & Erica Weber, Eric & Carly Ritter, Alissa & Sam Hendel. 3: Jennifer Bentley, Hannah Paddock, KHK Student Volunteers. Photography by J.C. Martin

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @westportlifestyle

Celebrating 25 Years Est. April 1, 1996

SGBBW Attorneys from left to Right: Jake DelGreco, Natassia M. Fodor, Aidan R. Welsh, Jill H. Blomberg, Cynthia C. George, Peter M. Bryniczka, and Molly C. Sanford

(203) 862-5000 | sgbfamilylaw.com 1700 East Putnam Ave Suite 206 Old Greenwich, CT 06870 | 180 Post Road E., Westport CT, 06880

Proudly introducing our new Westport office: 180 Post Rd. E., Westport, CT 06880 16

C I T Y SC E N E

Kitchen Traditions

Showroom and Design Center

Inspired designs, well crafted. 6 0 New town Rd Danbur y, Connec ticut 0 6 8 1 0 | ( 2 0 3 ) 7 9 1 - 0 5 0 1 | kitchentraditions.ne t

AUGUST 2022

Now more than ever, a house becomes a home.

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

3 KENSINGTON PLACE | WESTPORT, CT | $5,500,000

... BROSS CHINGAS BROSS T E A M

Barbara Bross, Alexander Chingas & Doug Bross #1 Real Estate Agent Team in Westport & Weston, CT home sales 2013-2022 YTD

MoCA Exhibit: Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse is on view at MoCA Westport through September 4, 2022. “The marriage of the female artist to the textile medium, both outwardly and socially expected to be weak, in the hands of these artists, is affirming that strength lies in durability, pliability, and resolve,” explained Ruth Mannes, MoCA Westport’s Executive Director. Alina Rodriguez and Damien Rojo Justice Bell III, 2020 Silkscreen on textile, hoop skirt frame, LED

Scan to read more.

203.454.8000 | Info@BrossChingas.com 355 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 BrossChingas

BrossChingasBross

WWW.BROSSCHINGAS.COM

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Photography Neil Landino

Marcia Selden Catering Wins Prestigious CATIE Award The International Caterers Association Announces the 2022 CATIE Award Winners. The Spirit of the Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence (CATIE) Awards recognizes exemplary achievement. The ICA is pleased to announce the 2022 CATIE Award for Caterer of the Year as Marcia Selden Catering. All awards were presented at the 2022 CATIE Awards Celebration during the Catersource + The Special Event Conference on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Scan to read more.

Rebecca Swanson Exhibit at GFC "Emerging" is Rebecca's first solo show and the first for the Gallery at Greens Farms Church since 2019. The art space, which will host rotating exhibits curated by Diane Parrish, is at GFC which has just completed a two-year, foundation-to-steeple renovation of the building. ‘"Emerging" runs through August 22 at 71 Hillandale Road, Westport. CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

New Paradigm Theatre, Maritime Aquarium Partner for The Little Mermaid New Paradigm Theatre has partnered with The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk for “The Little Mermaid.” “It aligns with Disney's ‘The Little Mermaid,’ and with our nonprofit’s mission of promoting social responsibility and fostering creative problem solvers, leaders and global citizens through theater-arts education and productions. These shows entertain with Broadway pros, local performers and youth of all abilities on stage and connect directly to our community." August 19 and 20, Black Rock Church theater. NPTheatre.org Photography Megan McCool Photography

Forbes Global Properties x Higgins Group Private Brokerage Forbes Global Properties is proud to welcome premier luxury real estate leader The Higgins Group Private Brokerage to its prestigious ranks.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Established in 1997, The Higgins Group Private Brokerage team of more than 450+ premier real estate advisors will exclusively represent the brand throughout Connecticut. A respected independent brokerage founded and led by industry veteran Rick Higgins together with his wife Adele and son and COO Richard Higgins, The Higgins Group specializes in the sale and purchase of luxury real estate in Fairfield and New Haven Counties in Connecticut.

YOUR WATERFRONT

SPECIALIST 36 BERMUDA ROAD | WESTPORT

A Message from Dr Virginia Romano (and Conor) While completing my residency, my husband and I visited Compo as often as possible, believing we would some day live here. What we didn’t realize then is that Westport is not only beautiful but a wonderful community. I love being part of the business community and working with Dr. Kogan at the Dental Center of Westport. Working in the town I live in allows me to connect with my patients on a more personal level.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Westport

MICHELLEANDTEAM.COM | 203.454.4663 (HOME) AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

BUILDING CLIENTS FOR LIFE... ONE HOME AT A TIME

Photography by Danielle Vanessa Studio

www.titusbuilt.com

Photography by Jane Beiles

203.834.0275

@titusbuiltllc

LIFESTYLE

C O A C H I N G

Scan QR code for free session WELLNESS COACHING

Life, Attitude and Nutrition coaching will improve your performance in every aspect of your life. Motivation, better decision making, how to create a highlevel plan; A coach will help enable you to reach personal, professional and relationship goals.

DARK HORSE COACHING 275 Post Road East Westport 203-490-6708

www.DarkhorseHealthandWellness.com

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | LI F E + CULTURE

Baby Goats AND MUCH MORE AT WAKEMAN TOWN FARM! STILL... BABY GOATS.

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

WTF Volunteer Danna Rogers. (Photo: Emily Mikesell)

Wakeman Town Farm (WTF) is incredible, and not just because they have baby goats. Though baby goats would be enough to make any place incredible. Except for, maybe, the dumpsters in Parking Harding, though they could certainly benefit from a few baby goats. Now, we all know WTF. Their garden, cooking classes, and camps. But in this visit, while hunched down in hopes of enticing a kid to clamber onto our backs, we learned about a lot of great stuff we didn’t know. But first, Nigerian Dwarf baby goats. This spring a goat farmer informed WTF that she had two pregnant adult goats, and would the Farm want them for educational purposes? Which, for WTF, was an irresistible offer.

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

“An amazing two-week apprenticeship program offers 6th-8th graders a hand-on learning experience for everything from pollinator pathways to farm-to-table meal preparation.”

The does arrived and birthed their kids late March. Volunteers are feeding and raising them while human kids are learning how to care for the mini billies and does and watching them grow. These are the Farm’s first goat offspring and they plan to keep the two females. But around the corner from the goats, right passed the chickens (did you know they had chickens?) there was more…

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT WTF: • There are three alpacas and a big fluffy sheep living at WTF. Workers and volunteers use the animals’ excrement for compost/fertilizer. • Alpacas look hysterical with the right haircut. • Do you love free compost? Help yourself to some right outside the fence! It contains the remains of pretty much all of the garden and animal waste, including egg shells. • You can buy Wakeman-grown produce at their Farmstand every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. during the summer. (I’ll see

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | LI F E + CULTURE

•

• •

•

you there unless it’s zucchini season. Not a fan.} Want to sponsor a chicken? For $100/year you can name a chicken and keep it happy and healthy and brimming with gratitude. The chicken eggs are used in Tim’s Kitchen and are not for sale. Check their site for farm-to-table chef-prepared meals (they sell out quickly so don’t waste time second-guessing a fabulous dinner.) They’re renovating the barn across from Tim’s Kitchen. And if you’ve ever been inside the barn, you know this is a really, really good idea. Feel free to contribute. An amazing two-week apprenticeship program offers 6th-8th graders a hand-on learning experience for everything from pollinator pathways to farm-to-table meal preparation. Plus, they’ll get to hang with the baby goats and hug the chickens (it’s a thing - they’re surprisingly cuddly.) For more (there’s always WakemanTownFarm.org

more!):

WHERE ART AND TECHNOLOGY CONVERGE

“As a board-certified dermatologist who has personally struggled with hair loss, I understand the importance of acting early in recognizing, diagnosing and treating hair loss. A thorough evaluation is necessary to accurately diagnose hair loss and formulate a treatment plan that is effective and most importantly works with your lifestyle. I use a unique combination of treatments that is customized for each patient. These include special compounded medications, oral medications, supplements, and my favorite treatment to perform in the office-Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy? It is a simple procedure I perform in the office that uses your own plasma (a component of your blood) to stimulate hair growth. We spin down your blood, then inject the plasma with the growth factors into your scalp that supports the hair follicle and results in hair growth. Our system actually uses PRFM (platelet rich fibrin matrix) which in my experience is superior than standard PRP.”

LAUREN L. LEVY, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

W H AT P AT I E N T S A R E S AY I N G “Dr. Levy is the best doctor I have ever seen. She is brilliant and extremely

“Dr. Lauren Levy was amazing. She scanned all of my freckles and moles

thorough. She gave me lots of advice and was incredibly effective. She takes

thoroughly and took biopsies of one that she was concerned with and one

the time needed to examine her patients. Besides her outstanding level of

that I was concerned with. Her bedside manner was great. She was super

knowledge I also found her to be very warm and friendly. Everyone in this

easy to talk to and extremely knowledgeable. I’ve already recommended

beautiful office was welcoming and nice, you don’t find this everywhere!”

her to all of my friends and I totally recommend you too!!”

325 RIVERSIDE AVE, WESTPORT, CT 06880 P H O N E : 2 0 3 . 2 2 6 . 3 6 0 0 / T E X T: 2 0 3 .6 6 6 .6 6 0 4 I N F O @W E S T P O RT D E R M .C O M / W W W.W E S T P O RT D E R M .C O M

Tom Henske with Travis Bell, Audio Studios Manager of Verso Studios. (Photo: Jerri Graham)

Everything Your Child Should Know About Money But Doesn’t Know the Questions to Ask ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG A friend of mine had this conversation with her teenage son: Mom: “School’s almost out. Have you started looking for a job?” Son (playing a video game): “Mom, I have a car and dad’s credit card. Why would I need a job?” After that, $#@! got real. Let’s set aside the credit card and the car and all of your other thoughts. The real problem is: not understanding money. This problem isn’t exclusive to Westport, either. It’s an issue in almost every family in every town, regardless of their financial circumstances.

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

IN AMERICA: • 1 in 6 students do not reach the baseline for financial literacy • 44% of adults are unable to cover a $400 emergency expense • 1/3 of credit card holders pay the minimum due • 56% of adults may not have enough money to retire This, in a country clever enough to invent personal computers and create a market for Slankets. Which is a thought wealth advisor Tom Henske had 17 years ago when a friend lamented his kids’

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

Total Cents podcast. (Photo: Jerri Graham)

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

lack of monetary acuity. To which Tom responded, “Our country needs a better way to teach kids about money.” His friend chuckled, “You better get on that.” And reader, he got on it. Fast forward to 2019. Tom, whose professional signature is now appended with roughly 37 acronyms beginning with “C”, has been advising for 26 years. He’s seen plenty of financially unenlightened folk throw stress around his office. Had these palm-sweaters learned “good money habits” in their childhood, he reasons, they wouldn’t be panicking. “Small problems in their young adulthood got bigger later on.” His kids are now teenagers and he’s been coaching varsity high school soccer for about 10 years. “I understand how kids think, learn, and what language to use as we try to educate them.” At the same time, Westport Library unveils its shiny, new, state-of-the-art Verso Studio, and executive director Bill Harmer is prowling for local talent to create podcast content. Among the expertise on his wishlist: finance. Then Tom lands on Bill’s radar. They meet, synapses blaze, ideas accrue. What started as an idea for a podcast about personal finance becomes an idea for a podcast to teach kids things like budgeting, investing, borrowing and credit. Money stuff. Make it okay to talk about money. Adults could do the teaching (and may learn a bit themselves) to encourage conversation and the podcast would explain exactly how to do it. The short and witty lessons make the conversations super-easy: Kids: “Mooooommm, what’s for dinner?” Mom: “Chicken and I’m giving you money.” Kids: “Why?” Mom: “Because it shouldn’t be a taboo topic. I also want you to learn about money, and teaching you about finance without cash is like teaching you tennis without a racket. I’ll show you the TikTok later.” Kids: “Cash… I’m listening.” Mom: “How do you suppose adults get money?” Kids: “Win the lottery.” Mom: “Excellent. Keep going…” Of course, this is only the beginning.

“There really is no part of Westport that doesn’t have a financial component to it. We all need money to live. Therefore we all should have some basic understanding of the fundamentals” Then the guys realize: holy cow, no one else is doing anything like this. No one else is creating such a model to master money matters. While a podcast is a great start, it’s just the interest on the mortgage. We need an entire financial education system! They conjure a plan for that - TikTok videos, website. It could include a class at Staples, local businesses, and more. Says Tom, “There really is no part of Westport that doesn’t have a financial component to it. We all need money to live. Therefore we all should have some basic understanding of the fundamentals” Moreover, Westport has the best financial minds, a top-notch recording studio, excellent faculty, and creative people who can make the learning compelling and enjoyable. According to Tom, “We realized that Westport, CT could become the epicenter of financial literacy education in this country.” Woah! So they coin it “It Makes Total Cents - 12 Conversations to Change Your Child’s Financial Future.” It includes a book, podcasts, website, TikTok videos, social media sites, and (hopefully) a monthly spot on CNBC. But, Tom states, “You don’t have to use everything. You can just listen to the podcast.” Though you may recognize some people in the TikToks… Listen to Total Cents (almost) anywhere you listen to podcats.

HUGS

WOOF

KISSES

MEOW

WAGS

M LY

2 0 2 MAGAZINE 2

We appreciate the love. Thank you for voting us Best of The Gold Coast! 925 Post Road E., Westport, CT • 203.222.7173 • earthanimal.com •

Danna Rogers & Jen Kass Team

at The Higgins Group LOVE where you LIVE

What happens when two friends decide to partner up and provide “hand-holding” service to all of their customers, in the most competitive market Fairfield County has seen? OVER 40 HAPPY FAMILIES HAVE BOUGHT AND SOLD IN 2022 (SO FAR)...

30 Elm Street Bedford Square, Westport CT 06880

higginsgroup.com Danna Rogers • (917) 282-6292 • dannakrogers@gmail.com | Jen Kass • (203) 368-8032 • jenkass32@gmail.com

Connecticut Dermatology Group

Be sun smart. Protect your skin and get checked. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Schedule your annual skin check today call 203-810-4151. ctdermgroup.com Greenwich

Stamford

Norwalk

Milford

TikTok Teen Queen

GEMMA HUCK’S FANS LOVE HER FOR WHO SHE IS ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | L IF E + CULTURE

Gemma dancing. (Photo: Ethan Hill)

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

Gemma Huck (Photo: Suzanne Sheridan Photography)

To be TikTok famous is to have 500K followers. Gemma Huck of Weston has 2.5M. A competitive dancer, Gemma, 18 this month, posts primarily dance and lip-sync videos with friends. Her fun, friendly, and often witty videos have inspired numerous “fanpages.” She heads to college this fall.

WLM: WHY DID YOU JOIN TIKTOK? Gemma Huck: “Before Tiktok, I was on Musical.ly where I enjoyed posting lip sync and dance videos. I started on TikTok in 2019 because it really seemed like a fun app to use. It gave me the opportunity to create a variety of videos to share first with my friends, and then later with a broader audience. I think most people know that Charli D’Amelio and I have been friends for a long time. Our friendship and watching her creativity and content, seeing what she does as an influencer, has definitely been a positive influence and motivation."

WLM: AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE TIKTOK FAMOUS? GH: “I guess it was the first time I was recognized in public. The first few times were locally in Westport while out to eat at Bartaco and shopping in stores downtown such as Brandy Melville.”

WLM: WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING SO MANY FOLLOWERS? GH: "The best thing about having so many followers is the opportunities I’ve gotten that I most likely wouldn’t have without my platform. I’ve had the chance to create my own collection for an athletic apparel line called J80 Fit, be on The D’Amelio Show on Hulu, and film content for NFL. “Also, my social media platforms showed me that there are people around the world that support me and what I do creatively. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some pretty great people who’ve been very supportive.”

WLM: WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT IT? GH: “Well, it really is all the haters that like to troll around social media. It’s just unfortunate that certain people will always make hurtful comments on videos and posts that you’ve done. It’s the worst part about it, especially if it’s something that you worked really hard on or feel really proud of. “I try to avoid [trolls], which is hard because you want to engage with your followers. There are times that I won’t look at my comments. I’ve never turned off my comments before but that’s a way some people cope with it.”

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | L IF E + CULTURE

WLM: DO YOU HAVE ANY LONG-TERM PLANS FOR YOURSELF WITH TIKTOK AND SOCIAL MEDIA? GH: “Funnily, the answer is no, not really. Living day by day and just enjoying any opportunities that come to me is where my head is at right now.”

WLM: I LOVE THAT YOU’RE SO POPULAR YET YOUR ACCOUNT IS TAME - HIGH SCHOOL GIRL DANCING, NO TINY OUTFITS OR PROVOCATIVE MOVES. DO YOU DO THIS OR DO YOUR PARENTS IMPOSE RULES? IF YOUR PARENTS IMPOSE RULES, WHAT ARE THEY? GH: “My videos truly express who I am as a person. It’s my choice of what I wear in videos and what dances or trends I’m participating in and I do what’s comfortable for me. “My parents are very supportive and don’t necessarily impose ‘rules’ for my videos, however, they’ll let me know if they don’t feel comfortable with my doing a specific dance, using an extremely explicit song, or wearing a provocative outfit. To me, that’s just them doing their job as a parent.”

LIMP IN...RUN OUT SPORTS ORTHOPEDICS PRE/POST OP CARE VESTIBULAR PELVIC FLOOR DRY NEEDLING HOME VISITS ALWAYS 1 ON 1 212-353-8693 zionpt.com

PERSONAL TRAINING | COACHING INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENGAGEMENT ATHLETE CONDITIONING CORPORATE WELLNESS EXPERIENCES 203-255-2320 sherpafit.com

“I’ve had the chance to create my own collection for an athletic apparel line called J80 Fit, be on The D’Amelio Show on Hulu, and film content for NFL.” Saul Zion, DPT, SMP, CMP, AHC and Jean Paul Desrosiers Free Consultation – zoom or in person 1555 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880 AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

H OM E I S FAMILY, FAM I LY I S EVERYTH IN G As the proud mom of five, I know how important it is to find a home that checks all the boxes or to sell a home that may no longer be the perfect fit. My years of experience as both a mom and a top realtor translates to a personal approach and outstanding results for each of my clients. I’d love to help you, just as I’ve helped so many others.

Whether you are buying or selling, expect an exceptional experience from Cindy Raney & Team.

203 - 62 5-102 5 C I N DYRA NEY.COM

@CINDYRANEYANDTEAM

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

Happy Birthday Cake! FIVE OF OUR FAVORITES

Cakes are to a birthday what fireworks are to July 4th. Good ones make the party; great ones make a celebration! We chose five bakers-of-cakes in five different styles, because we all have different taste. With one caveat: every single cake has to be super delicious. Here are our picks: Confections By Crystal - gorgeous, skillful decoration. She creates pretty much anything kids might want - and adults (Banksy inspired. How fabulous is that?) ConfectionsByCrystal.com Great Cakes - Beloved for his amazing cakes and generosity, Rick Dickinson’s simply decorated and witty cakes are now available at The Granola Bar. The GranolaBar.com

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

The Cake Box - Westporters had to drive to Ridgefield for these fun retro-glam cakes, until they opened a bakery downtown. Oh - and everything they make is available gluten-free. TheCakeBoxOfCT.com Seasalt Bakery- Not into cake? How about an enormous gourmet cookie (Ghirardelli chocolate, European butter) conveniently delivered to your home? SeasaltBaking.com Samantha Leuzzi - If “wildly inventive” is your thing, Samantha’s your go-to. We couldn’t resist her ramen cake! @leuzzisamantha

The Cake Box The Cake Box

Confections by Crystal

Seasalt Baking Co. cookie. Seasalt Baking Co. cookie.

Samantha Leuzzi

Confections by Crystal The Cake Box

Confections by Crystal

Great Cakes at The Granola Bar Great Cakes at The Granola Bar

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

inspired swimming pools and landscape design 203-939-9777 || in2bluedesign.com

HOME DECOR | GIFTS | DESIGN SERVICES 1799 Post Road East • (203) 292-5700 • thepostct.com • V @thepostct

Love More Than Ever 5iveFingaz

"Passion makes the world go 'round. Love just makes it a safer place.” Ice-T Love comforts and heals. It makes us kinder, more forgiving people. It makes happiness possible. Unfortunately, love is often absent when we need it most. Which is ironic, because love is often a choice we make, and now is an excellent time to choose love. Artist and Norwalk native 5iveFingaz is making it his mission to remind us: Love More Than Ever. Though he himself keeps a low profile, his message is gaining traction, as measured by the increasing popularity of his artwork and Instagram posts. But who, exactly, is he and why is he doing this? Growing up, he loved art and sports. His heroes were, and still are, Mr. Rogers, Dr. Seuss, Bob Ross, Basquiat, Frida Kahlo, and Keith Haring. During his childhood he was “über shy” and he struggled with bouts of anxiety and depression. At twelve years old he started DJ’ing. He scratched with five fingers, earning himself the moniker 5iveFingaz (“Call me 5ive”). He and his friend rapped, 5ive playing instrumental, often practicing loudly in his basement (“My poor parents”). In high school he fell into the “wrong” crowd and lost friends to violence and jail, but it taught him the value of life. He practiced spray-painting graffiti on abandoned buildings and got into trouble. Occasionally he “shut down” due to his depression. He was ashamed of his anxiety and depression, so he hid it well.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

5IVEFINGAZ WANTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

Now-iconic Love More Than Ever

“Spreading love and positivity has been another form of therapy.”

When he was a freshman in high school, a hall monitor, Ms. Dunn, rebuked him for skipping classes. “You don’t want to start out that way,” she warned him. She watched out for him for the next four years, attending his games and giving him hugs, When he graduated she gave him $250 toward college. 5ive reminded her of her son who had died from cancer. 5ive received a basketball scholarship to college, but the pressure of his classes got to him. His grades fell and he lost the scholarship.He learned his girlfriend was pregnant, and when his daughter was born he became determined to go back to school. Sacred Heart University rejected him twice, so he made an appointment with the dean and persuaded the school to accept him. CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

He graduated, then earned a masters in Design Management. He got a job in the corporate world and stopped painting due to the long working hours. Yet a few years later his depression worsened to the point of insomnia. A yogi, to whom he confided his affliction, advised him to paint “until your mind goes to sleep.” So he began painting again, two pictures almost every night; it became his therapy. Finally, he could sleep. His life began to “flourish” and he found an audience for his work. However, in 2016 his friend sent him a link to a story about racist flyers found in mailboxes. The news distressed him: why the abuse? “We need love move than ever,” he repeated to himself. Four words, four letters. The graphic designer in him loved the symmetry. He painted his now-iconic Love More Than Ever (LMTE) graphic and it went viral. “Maybe this is the message I’ve had inside of me,” he wondered. Part Mr. Rogers, part Basquiat. “Everywhere I go, I’m going to promote it,” 5ive decided. Wherever he traveled after that he brought stickers and stencils of LMTE. He went to tent city in Chicago and hung his paintings on the walls with $20 bills behind them and a note, “If you find this and find the $20 you can buy a meal or buy a meal for someone else.” A woman from California messaged him. “I walked out of the hospital after learning my dad was sick, then turned the corner and felt [your painting] was a sign from the universe.” In 2019 Reebok released t-shirts with a near-identical image of 5ive’s LMTE. He sued, and they settled in 2021. During COVID he ramped up his art and has seen several more LMTEs go viral. “It’s a little funny when it happens. It’s never the ones you expect.” 5ive's scholarship fund recipients.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

5ive is pursuing an emotional upheaval by sharing and showing the power of love. “Spreading love and positivity has been another form of therapy,” he concedes. His enthusiasm and energy are palpable and inspiring. He’s the “cool” guy who looks for the goodness in people, not the cringe-inducing self-prophet of solicitous banalities. He speaks to students from elementary through high school about his affirmative message. He teaches kids to paint murals. He creates “guerrilla” art filled with words of kindness and kinship and hides paintings for people to find. And this is just the beginning… Like most people trying to make a difference, he has moments of self-doubt. “Sometimes I get imposter syndrome. Just like I’m an artist… big deal… there are so many real problems out there,” he shrugs. But ask the people collecting his art. Ask the children who’ve drawn their own LMTE’s for him. Ask the thousands of people who believe in his message. There’s no denying his impact is real. LoveMoreThanEver.com @5iveFingaz

_ AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

LANDSCAPE DESIGN MASONRY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 3369 Fairﬁeld Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut (203)923-2648

jpphilbinlandscapes@gmail.com

Dr. Audrey Paul MD PHD

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES Physician personalized care for children and adults Baseline testing for individuals and sports teams Concussion treatment and clearance Most major insurances accepted GARDEN CITY LOCATION

901 Stewart Ave. Suite 212 Garden City NY, 11530 516-726-9884 | kidsconcuss@gmail.com

WESTPORT LOCATION

127 Kings Hwy North Westport CT. 06880 203-936-6805 | kidsconcuss@gmail.com

ARTICLE BY ANNA BARNES

CAMP BOW WOW IN BRIDGEPORT

The Year-Round Camp For Your Canine Besties

Gunjan, Kinsuk, and Kiaan Shah with pup, Benji (Photo: John Videler)

P E T CA R E | PR OFESSION AL S E RVI CE S

When Gunjan Shah and her husband, Kinsuk, lived in New Jersey they loved taking their beloved dog Benji to Camp Bow Wow. The employees knew the Shahs by name and Benji would be so excited to spend the day playing with his four-legged friends. The entire experience was excellent. Though both Gunjan and Kinsuk are in the pharma industry, they couldn’t deny their love for dogs, so they decided to open their own Camp Bow Wow location. Then life happened, the couple relocated to Weston, welcomed a baby, and - to our good fortune - opened Camp Bow Wow right here in Fairfield County. CONTINUED >

Aside from boarding, Camp Bow Wow also offers training, bathing, and grooming!

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

“We loved the model for Camp Bow Wow,” says Gunjan, who explained that the pups in their care get the best allday recess us humans can imagine. They play in an indoor/ outdoor space to their heart’s content, are served meals in a private cabin (never a crate), then a little R&R time. A schedule, I think, we could all get behind. Camp Bow Wow also offers training, bathing, and grooming for their campers. There are several cameras throughout so pet parents can easily check in on their canine besties. Viewing these

Live Footage of the Campers

P E T CA R E | PR OFESSION AL S E RVI CE S

sweet pups is as easy as can be with a simple click from the location’s website or mobile app - no signing up and trying to remember a password. For anyone who’s starting to spend more time at an office, in need of boarding, or just wants to treat their dog to a day of fun, Camp Bow Wow will take good care of them and send them home exhausted. CampBowWow.com/Bridgeport

(Photo: John Videler)

FAMILY & MATRIMONIAL LAW Exceptional representation customized to the unique needs of your family through • Litigation • Arbitration • Mediation • Collaborative Divorce

We work closely with our clients to guide them through a broad range of complex family matters, with experience you can rely on.

(203) 222-8686 conlonmcglynn.com 222 Riverside Avenue Westport, Connecticut 06880 AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

(Photo by Heidi Curran)

TUNE UP YOUR MIND & BODY FOR OPTIMAL WELLNESS SUGI ACUPRESSURE offers the health benefits of acupuncture, but without using needles--just manual pressure. It is an effective style of bodywork therapy well-suited to treat acute aches and pains or chronic maladies. Reduce inflammation and boost your mood. Manage anxiety and depression. Maintain overall wellness with a truly holistic approach that unifies the mind and body.

By appointment only.

I NJAE CHOE PHD, LMT 20+ Years Experience | sugiacupressure.com Serving Westport, Weston and surrounding towns. House calls available.

Text 646.823.5386 | injae.choe@gmail.com |

@sugiacupressure

New Location: Sugi Acupressure, 21 Bridge Square, Westport, CT 06880

Providing in-home care is our profession. Touching lives is our privilege. As tenured caregivers by choice, our role is gratifying. We strive to develop endearing relationships by providing care centered on an individual’s unique life, needs and interests. Care that brings out the unique person from within. Building a legacy of excellence in care by enriching the lives of others. Touching lives…one person at a time.

sheraton.care | 203.221.0221

256 Post Road East, Suite 204, Westport CT 06880 Non-medical in-home care as needed | Memory care | Expressive arts

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

COACHES FOR KIDS ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS

TWO PEOPLE TO KNOW FOR SPORTS, STRATEGY, AND RIDING A BIKE

Sometimes it feels like you can’t toss a Nerf football in Westport without hitting an advertisement for a summer camp or youth athletics league for the next aspiring Giannis Antetokounmpo or Megan Rapinoe. That’s because Westport parents know that giving a child a chance to explore sports develops a lot more than just a killer jumpshot or the perfect breaststroke. Sara is one of a pack of top athletes sharing their love of the game – be it lacrosse, Capture the Flag, or chess – with children all over town. Originally from Oklahoma, the former gymnast/ dancer has called Westport home for several years. A former Division I softball recruit for the University of Kansas, she went on to earn a master’s in education at the University of Virginia, polishing the psychology and child development know-how she uses with her young charges today. As a mother of three, she’s learned that athletics give children a safe place to learn how to win, how to lose, and how to practice hard and get better. “Eventually, you find something you love and you begin to excel at that,” she says. Dan Starbuck Pelletier learned a similar lesson as a youth. Growing up in Wilton, he moved to Kentucky, honing his soccer skills along the way. Pelletier said he realized his build and skill set weren’t going to help much in basketball or football. But soccer? “With soccer, my body fit,” he says. “Still, I’m not a natural. If I wanted to be good at things I had to stick with it. I would be in practice for hours four

O UR TOWN | FITNESS

days a week. I wanted to perform at a higher level, so I worked harder. “You need something you have to prepare for. For me, it was soccer.” Pelletier, whose Team DIG USA (short for Determination, Integrity, Growth) now employs about 25 coaches for private and group lessons and camps all over the region, says there’s a positive offshoot to all the hard work. Youth who are busy practicing, eating right and getting enough sleep before games are less likely to get involved in drugs and alcohol. “I would be dead tired after the games!” he says of his grueling athletic schedule at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. “I didn’t have the energy to party too much!” Each coach has branched out in new arenas. Holland has a growing business teaching children to safely ride their bikes. While it might seem like a parent’s job, she said learning to ride from an instructor can be less stressful and quicker. “Some kids are highly fearful. My job is to break down that fear. And sometimes people in general respond better to others,” she says. “It’s kind of like hiring people to teach our kids to ski. Can I teach my kids to ski? Yes. Did I? No.” Pelletier added chess, one of his all-time passions, to his list of coaching and teaching options. The game works hand-in-hand with sports, honing a sense of strategy and the ability to read the field or the board.

Sara Holland

Sara H

olland

sy.

g ea

Sar

s ake

lan Hol

ridin bike

“THE KIDS WHO ARE THRIVING AND SUCCEEDING ARE THOSE WHO HAVE A LOVE OF MOVING THEIR BODIES.” — Sara Holland, owner of Sara Holland Sports CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

Dan Starbuck Pelletier

Dan

ds!

d ki

r an

tie elle ck P

b Star

Nerf C

aptur

O UR TOWN | FITNESS

e the

Flag.

It also helps kids learn respect for opponents and a little humility during matches with others who may be more advanced. “I prep my athletes to know that the next shark is coming and he’s bigger than the last one,” he says. Both coaches also give back to their communities. Pelletier is nurturing a popular girls soccer league in Bridgeport, where DIG outfits and trains about 45 middle-school girls for recreation league play. The two-hour, twice weekly practices and games and uniforms from team shirts to new cleats are all free to players, thanks to grant money from the city through pandemic funding, he says. “My goal is to produce college scholarships for these girls,” he says. “And they know it.” When not running themed week-long sports camps, Holland gives countless hours and supplies through the kids Fun Run sponsored by the Westport Young Woman’s League that attracts hundreds of participants each year. “I can’t say enough about this town,” she says of Westport. “It is so appealing to be here. This is a community that loves to see kids thrive.” For all the particulars on Sara and Dan's campsandclasses,visit SarahHollandSports. com and TeamDIGUSA.com.

“I PREP MY ATHLETES TO KNOW THAT THE NEXT SHARK IS COMING AND HE’S BIGGER THAN THE LAST ONE.” DAN PELLETIER, OWNER OF TEAM DIG USA

Veronica is in the top 1.5% of Realtors® nationwide and a member of Coldwell Banker’s prestigious International President’s Elite. She ranks as a 2022 RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals and is a top ranked agent at Coldwell Banker - the #1 top selling office in Westport and Weston. She has made Fairfield County her home for 25 years.

YOUR FAIRFIELD COUNTY L U X U RY P RO P E RT Y S P EC I A L I ST

With over 17 years of residential real estate sales experience, Veronica is a consummate Luxury Property Specialist. She has access to an online platform that allows her to showcase a seller’s home to luxury agents and discerning buyers who are both in and outside the Coldwell Banker® network globally.

C. 203.520.1568

VeronicaBarryMonahan@gmail.com 355 Riverside Avenue | Westport, CT @VeronicaMonahanCTRealtor /VeronicaMonahanRealtor

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the ®

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

IN-CLINIC & IN-HOME

Veterinary Care Dr. Jessica Melman Dr. Allison Duman 105 Woodrow Ave, Southport

(475) 888-9039

bespokevetservice.com

CONVENIENT and COMFORTABLE, CUSTOMIZED Veterinary Care

EXPERT VASCULAR CARE Largest Group of Board-Certiﬁed Vascular Surgeons in the Country At The Vascular Experts, our desire is to marry the small-town clinic feel of old, where every member of the team knows and deeply cares for you, and the big city beneﬁts of high-tech, innovative concepts and practices of the modern world of medicine. We are dedicated to serving our richly diverse communities by providing high quality vascular care to all of our patients.

· DVT/Venous Disease/Varicose Veins

· Carotid Artery Disease

· Aneurysm Disease

· Hemodialysis Access

· Peripheral Artery Disease

· Most Insurances Accepted

SPANISH SPEAKERS AVAILABLE AT EACH OF OUR LOCATIONS

CT: Danbury • Darien • Fairﬁeld • Farmington • Manchester • Middletown New London • Norwich • Old Saybrook • Stamford • Stratford • Watertown Affiliates RI: Wakeﬁeld, Warwick, Westerly • MA: Brockton • NY: Cornwall

Call Us at 844-4-VASCULAR (844-482-7285) or visit us at TheVascularExperts.com 60

ERIC J. BRODER

CAROLE TOPOL ORLAND

SARAH E. MURRAY

CHRISTOPHER J. DEMATTIE

BRODER ORL AND MURR AY & DEMATTIE

JAIME S. DURSHT

NICOLE M. DIGIOSE

ROBERT D. VOSSLER

KAITLYN J. PETERSON

ALISSA M. KORWEK

We’re growing…the firm welcomes Katy and Alissa!

LLC

Distinguished • Experienced • Attentive

MATRIMONIAL AND FAMILY L AW

Divorce Litigation, Mediation, and Arbitration

Westport, thank you for choosing us as Best Family Law Firm!

Alimony and Spousal Support Custody, Parenting Plans, Child Support, and Relocation Property Division including Complex and Alternative Assets Valuation Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Preserving Generational Wealth Post-Judgment Modification and Enforcement Appeals

55 GREENS FARMS ROAD, WESTPORT, CT 06880 | 115 EAST PUTNAM AVENUE, GREENWICH, CT 06830

203-222-4949 www.ctfamilylaw.com

WOOD BIN Solid Wood Furniture Founded in 1980

305 Federal Road Brookfield, CT (203) 775-1770 | woodbinfurniture.com

S ummer Sale now in progreSS AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

CEO NATALIYA BRYSKA SHARES HER TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR KID’S SPACES NEAT AND WELL FUNCTIONING

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

Say Goodbye to Kiddie Clutter with help from THE CLOSET FACTORY If you have ever dreamed of having a picture perfect closet space with an ideal organization system The Closet Factory will help fulfill those dreams. Their services prove that they are the industry leader in custom storage solutions for the entire home. Their perfectly crafted custom designs will fulfill your closet visions. Westport Lifestyle (WLM) caught up with CEO of The Closet Factory, Nataliya Bryksa (NB), to learn how their services can change your life for the better. WLM: CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT

CLOSET FACTORY AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER?

NB: For over 30 years, we have been creating custom solutions for every room in our clients’ homes. We have the most extensive product line and offer the widest range of accessories. We work individually with each client and design personalized solutions that are built around client’s organizational needs and aesthetic desires, while staying within their budget. WLM: WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE? NB: Every storage problem is unique, and no closet company is better equipped to help you organize your life than Closet Factory. Our closet systems are not your typical closet organizers. They are designed just for you, your space, your wardrobe, your needs, and your budget. We listen carefully to your wants and needs to create a closet design that will fit your needs and space perfectly. WLM: WHAT ARE YOUR BEST TIPS FOR HELPING PARENTS ORGANIZE THEIR KIDS CLOSETS EFFICIENTLY? NB: Closet Factory Designers work individually with each client to create the most efficient design that would max the space. To achieve the best results in creating the kids’ closets it is crucial to take inventory. This step cannot be skipped. This helps to determine how much space is being dedicated for hanging, folded clothes, shoes, accessories, and toys. Another very

important aspect is to discuss the size of the drawers. The Closet Factory custom approach offers our clients to choose what size, height, width, depth drawer they can have based on what needs to be stored inside. Most of our competitors would build standard drawers’ size 24” wide which limits clients flexibility. WLM: WHAT IS YOUR MOST POPULAR CLOSET DESIGN THAT YOUR CLIENTS PICK? NB: All of our staff members listen to each clients request to make sure they create the best solution for the current space.It can be a very simple closet with having just hanging space and shelves in there. However, with the product line that Closet Factory has to offer kids closets are built with the following; wire baskets, shoe organizers, jewelry organizers, drawers with countertop space and mirrors above, as well as hooks for extra hanging and lighting. WLM: AS A PARENT YOURSELF, HOW HAS IT HELPED YOU PROVIDE PERSPECTIVE AND ADVICE WHEN REDESIGNING FAMILY CENTRIC ROOMS? NB: As a mother of 3 kids, having the closets organized saves you time and energy. To achieve the best result while redesigning kids closets and mudrooms here are my tips: • First think of what is wrong with your existing space. It will help you create a new space by adding storage that you were lacking before. • Pick which items you would like to store in the closet or mudroom. This will help to determine what organization you need to have such as: baskets, drawers, open shelves, hanging rods, or bins. WLM: HOW CAN PEOPLE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU

AND WHERE CAN THEY FIND YOU?

NB: Visit our showroom at 110 Post Rd. Darien CT 06820 or 100 Wooster St. Bethel, CT 06801. Call 203616-5847 or visit our website at closetfactory.com to schedule your free consultation appointment.

ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

This could be a time for change

In today’s unparalleled real estate market, whether buying or selling, you can count on my experience and professional commitment to superior customer service, with persistence, attention to detail, creative negotiating and communication to result in a successful transaction.

I bring a wealth of knowledge of local markets gained from 30 years as a realtor, long-time residency in Westport, and active involvement in community service, youth athletic activities and schools. In navigating the twists and turns of a real estate transaction, I utilize my experience as a critical care unit head nurse to analyze a situation and respond quickly and appropriately. I look forward to the opportunity to prove .

experience matters

Luxury Properties Specialist • Westport Lifestyle Magazine Fairfield County’s Best Realtor • #2 Single Raveis Agent in Westport Over $20 Million in 2021 Sales

marilyn.heffers@raveis.com | marilynheffers.raveis.com 47 Riverside Avenue | Westport, CT 06880

203.984.1068

Our Family Law Team Provides Depth of Trial, Settlement and Mediation Experience

Livia DeFilippis Barndollar

Campbell D. Barrett

Jon T. Kukucka

Stacie L. Provencher

Judge Anne C. Dranginis (Ret.)

Kelly A. Scott

•Sophisticated representation, including: •High profile/High net worth divorce and custody •Collaborative divorce and Alternative Dispute Resolution •Asset division – commercial, tax and trusts & estates •Appeals to all courts

Listed a s Tier 1 in Family L a w by U.S . New s – Be st Law yers® Be st Law Firm s

253 Post 253Road PostWest Road•West Westport, • Westport, CT 06880-8180 CT 06880-8180 • 203.254.5000 • 203.254.5000 pullcom.com

pullman & comley, llc

pullcom.com

@PullmanComley

@pullmancomley

@PullmanandComley

architectural design . interior design custom homes . additions 203.227.1055

www.westportbuilder.com

8 wright street, ste 107, westport, ct 06880 AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

A Wish Lasts a L ifetime ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

The Story of Jake Beneski, a Make A Wish Kid

When Jake Beneski, 21, was young, he and two of his three siblings - all brothers - were “Make A Wish kids.” The experience changed his life. He now works for Make A Wish Connecticut (MAW). Westport Lifestyle is honored to tell his story. At six weeks old, Jake and his twin brother, Seamus, had suffered a string of ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Both were diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and Von Willebrand disease (VWD). CVID renders a person’s immune cells incapable of creating the antibodies necessary to protect the body from infection, primarily in the upper airways. Individuals with WVD lack the von Willebrand factor which enables blood to form clots, therefore they bleed more easily than those with the factor. Though it’s rarely life-threatening (uncontrollable bleeding) it can cause anemia and pain. The boys required medicine every four weeks “or they would die.” Each infusion took 36 hours,* administered at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Unfortunately, the frequent infections forced their parents to bring them far more often. Meanwhile, Jake’s mother became pregnant and had the baby tested in utero. The test came back positive and soon the twins had a younger brother, Eamon, with CVID.

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Life was hard. They had to quarantine every flu season and spent numerous other days in the hospital. “I was ostracized,” he recalls. “Kids were always saying ‘He’s sick all the time but he looks healthy.’” Whenever he tried to explain his story it “felt like I was backed into a corner” and he had to defend himself. A Child Life Specialist at the hospital recommended the boys to MAW. The boys thought “Great!” but the parents were terrified - what does this mean for their children? MAW was inaccurately known for granting wishes to only terminally ill children. Factually, they grant to critically ill children who often survive to adulthood. When the parents conceded, they were welcomed into the MAW family. “From that moment on,” says Jake, “I knew we were part of something greater.” Eamon wished to stay at the Sponge Bob hotel. A few years later, when Seamus was eight (in 2007) he saw a rainfall shower on the Travel Channel and thought, “Wherever that is, I want to go.” So MAW packed up the family and shipped them to Hawaii for a week. “We were so happy when we traveled,” Jake recalls. “Without our MAW trips I wouldn’t remember anything about my childhood. Because why would I?” His mother took a sick child to the hospital 250-300 days a year. Most days were spent wearing gowns, hooked up to IVs.

Jake Beneski

The year after Hawaii, Jake wished to meet the cast of The Suite Life with Zack and Cody. “They were twins, I was a twin,” Jake smiles. MAW spirited them to Hollywood where they viewed the taping of the show and met the cast. But the best part? “A limo picks you up,” he recalls “I knew it was coming and I thought ‘This one’s for me!’” To this day, Jake feels the excitement of a limo ride, "When kids pull up in limos it takes me back to the joy I felt.” In 2010, when Jake was 10, MAW hosted its annual fundraiser and invited the Beneski family to be their “Gala Family.” As gala ambassadors, the boys were asked to speak to the donors during the party. “You go onstage in a room filled with people in tuxedos, wine glasses, fancy decoration, and they’re listening to you. You’re not saying anything ground-breaking, just your life experience. But your experience will help the next kid.” He was finally listened to without judgement. He credits this gala as the best memory of his childhood, gifting him life-changing confidence when he realized his life mattered and people cared. It was then he vowed to work at MAW when he grew up. But life goes on. Entering middle school, Jake is partially deaf having had 75 ear infections before his second birthday. He’s hitting adolescence, doesn’t fit in with his peers, and has acne. For a pimply sick kid, each day introduces a new struggle. He and his brothers weren’t getting support. Schools treated them as though they were perfectly fine because, shoot, they looked “normal” so why give them an extra edge? Jake’s grades dropped and he couldn’t keep up with the work from missing so many classes. The stress and indignation of not being acknowledged overwhelmed Jake and he dropped out of school. “I had a lot of anger,” he admits. His parents understood. But they also knew the situation wouldn’t improve for him - or anyone - if he didn’t speak up. “Listen, you’re

Video still from a frequent hospital visit.

Seamus, Jake, Eamon, Chancey, (front row) with the cast of "Zack and Cody."

CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

At the Sponge Bob hotel, Eamon's wish.

Taking a helicopter ride in Hawaii, Seamus' wish.

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

right,” Jake’s parents told him. “They don’t understand it. You can drop out or you can go in and say ‘This is what you need to do for kids like me’ and be part of the solution.” Speaking up as a misunderstood minority takes enormous courage; Jake, an infirm teenager, wasn’t up to the challenge. Then he considered his brothers and the other kids who’d have the same problems. He thought of the gala and how the adults listened when he spoke. He could do this. So he returned to school. He spoke up to the administration and helped them create online classes for kids who could’t attend in person. He began teaching a health class. He created what kids like him would need and, serendipitously, what every kid would need during the pandemic. He graduated from high school in 2018. Last September, MAW hired Jake as their Wish Journey Coordinator. He runs their alumnae program and all events for Wish families, past and present. Jake nods, “It’s great to come full circle.” Yet, although MAW creates miracles, it’s not all limos and sunshine. “I’ve seen things that are upsetting. We’ve seen kids pass and that’s very difficult,” he says soberly. “I’ve heard it so much that my job is too sad. I tell them, do we run from it or do we change it? We get to be the light that the families need.” And if he could have any wish right now? “My wish is corny,” he smiles. “I want everyone to experience the power of a wish. Not necessarily get a wish - you can donate one or volunteer.” Then he adds, “A wish isn’t a one time thing, it transforms lives.”

SEE WELL LIVE WELL state of the art technology and compassionate eye care in your community

147 Post Road East Westport, Connecticut

And in so many ways, it saves them.

(203) 557-8426

Wish.org/CT

drshreyapatel.net

*A few years later the medicine could be infused at home, taking three hours.

V drshreyapatelod B shreya patel od pc

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

How to Identify an Eating Disorder And How to Help ARTICLE BY BY ERICA ADLER, L.C.S.W.

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | EDUCATI ON

Erica Adler

My first exposure to an eating disorder was at sleepaway camp. My bunkmate started working out excessively, skipping meals, and disappearing. After a game of soccer in the summer heat she would hardly eat. She always had a reason why. She would say she was not feeling well or she already ate or that dairy made her stomach hurt, even though we all knew she loved chocolate milk. Our conversations would go silent and get awkward. I wanted to let her know she could confide in me if she ever needed to talk. But she grew more isolated and allowed herself only quick phone calls with her parents who we knew were concerned about her. I’ve never forgotten her struggle. She’s the reason I decided to become an eating disorder therapist, to help young women like her. I grew up in Westport; it’s a wonderful, privileged place in which to grow up. Many of our teens and pre-teens receive a great deal of love and promise in their lives. But they also face pressure from so many places: a wrong friend group, getting weighed at the doctor’s office, glamorizing a celebrity, anxiety over friends, peer pressure, to name a few. There are hopes and dreams they absorb from their parents, teachers, and friends. They're bombarded by social media messages that glorify being beautiful and thin. Our kids walk around with a monster in their pocket. All of these experiences can make adolescents feel they lack the control to live up to expectations, so they control what they can: their bodies. They do so by how much they eat and how much they exercise.

So how do we know if we or someone we love has crossed the line into dangerous territory? Typically, it’s when the individual becomes overly concerned with thinness and displays a heightened fear of gaining weight. Often those struggling with the disorder will avoid family meals, refuse to eat particular foods, or disappear after eating. Anxiety, obsessive exercise, and fad diets are all common signs. The kitchen, once a joyful arena in which to share a meal and conversation, becomes a contentious place. If you suspect someone is struggling with a food disorder, there’s no reason to wait to get help - in fact, early intervention is key. An eating disorder can quickly become a best friend, despite its cruelty. Love and family support is essential, but there are signs that a skilled therapist will recognize and can treat. In addition to traditional modalities like psychotherapy and group therapy, a therapist can provide on-location meal support. I’ve often gone to the homes of our patients and worked with them in their own kitchens and dining rooms - even restaurants - helping them to meet the challenge of getting through a meal. No one, not the person with the eating disorder or their family, should feel defeated or hopeless. Treatment is essential, but there is every reason for hope. Patients with eating disorders can and do improve, taking control of their bodies and their lives in a positive way and leading healthy, happy lives. HelloNorthStarWellness@gmail.com (203) 672-7613

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

ARTICLE BY ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

The Orland Family (Photo: Max Orland)

FAMILY MATTERS Q & A WITH CAROLE ORLAND

Carole Orland is a Co-Founding Member and Partner of Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, a Divorce and Family Law firm with offices in Westport and Greenwich. She lives in Westport with her husband.

WLM: YOU’LL BE MARRIED FOR 43 YEARS (TO THE SAME MAN, AN IMPORTANT DETAIL) THIS AUGUST AND YOU’VE PRACTICED FAMILY LAW FOR YEARS. SAFE TO SAY YOU’RE A MARRIAGE EXPERT. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SECRET TO A SUCCESSFUL UNION? Carole Orland: Respect, communication, honesty, trust, transparency, flexibility, humor, and a very thick skin!

WLM: I ALMOST CRIED WHEN I READ ABOUT THE CONTESTED SURROGACY CASE. YOU WON THIS CASE AND THE CHILDLESS COUPLE ENDED UP WITH THEIR BABY. THIS WAS, CLEARLY, A POWERFUL AND MOVING EXPERIENCE. HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE IMPACT YOU AS A MOTHER AND A LAWYER? CO: It was many years ago and still is probably the most impactful case of my career. To enable my client and his wife to fulfill their dream of having a child was almost like being a god and tremendously humbling. The litigation was excruciating, but the result was magnificent.

FAM ILY CA R E | L IFE + CULTURE

WLM: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS? CO: A dissolution does not have to be a War of the Roses experience. My firm handles many divorces that are quite amicable, and we encourage that. Very few get tried in Court so my philosophy is that if a case is eventually going to settle, why not get that done earlier than later and save financial and emotional capital? Couples who want to do the process amicably commit themselves to being transparent, trustworthy, and cooperative. Most importantly, they make sure their kids' interests are paramount and make other decisions with that in mind.

WLM: WHAT ADVICE DID YOU GIVE YOUR DAUGHTER BEFORE SHE GOT MARRIED? CO: Never go to sleep angry with your husband. Cherished advice carried down in our family from my grandmother who was married to my grandfather for 75 years!

WLM: IF YOU WEREN'T A LAWYER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? CO: I’d be a television news program anchor and political commentator on MSNBC. Or an interior designer. After owning multiple houses over the years, with constantly evolving taste, I think I’ve gotten the hang of it. Carole Orland (Photo: Jerri Graham)

Carole Orland (Photo: Jerri Graham)

WLM: YOU LOVE ART AND THEATRE. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE PLAY/MUSICAL OR PAINTING TO INSPIRE A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

CAROLE ORL AND

CO: Well, it would have been ‘Woman in Gold’ because I was moved when I saw Klimt’s painting at the Neue Galerie. Coincidentally, I saw the movie later that day. How awesome is Helen Mirren?!

WLM: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PRACTICE FAMILY LAW? CO: One of my earlier mentors told me my specialty in law would find me, and it did. After working as a prosecutor and then a a criminal defense attorney, clients sought me out to represent them in divorce. And so it began! It’s very satisfying, as it’s an area of law that allows for personal contact and for making a difference in the lives of families, especially children.

WLM: TELL US YOUR FAVORITE (CLEAN) JOKE. CO: Well, it's not exactly a joke, but my husband told me if we ever get divorced, he wants me to represent him! CtFamilyLaw.com

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH HAIR FOR 45 YEARS.

Thank you Westport!

OUIDAD SALON 231 Post Road West, Westport, CT

Personalized journeys that change your perspective.

WE MAKE GETTING DRESSED

fun...

RENE PRASAD Westport, CT (866) 869-1760 grandexplorations.com

CURATED FASHION WITH A WEST COAST VIBE

117 Post Road East Westport (203) 557-4157

west2westport.com AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

Laguna Beach

Why This Quintessential California Colony Should Be Your Next Travel Destination!

Visit

There’s a reason people visit the southern California coastal city of Laguna Beach an average of five times in their lifetime. From its stunning ocean side bluffs overlooking 30 Pacific Ocean beaches and coves to its fusion of beautiful canyon wilderness with tranquil ocean life, fresh-ingredients cuisine and eclectic arts culture, Laguna Beach is a time-honored destination full of vibrant and invigorating seaside experiences. This month, our City Lifestyle community of luxury travel enthusiasts are thrilled to collaborate with Visit Laguna Beach to present a breathtaking view into this idyllic West Coast artist community. Plus, together, we have created an exclusive GIVEAWAY opportunity to win a 2-night trip for two. Get ready to experience the upscale and creative culture alongside the lively, yet quirky personality of Laguna Beach! When it comes to prestigious travel hospitality, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is highly regarded by luxury and discerning travel authorities such as Conde Nast, Forbes, and Travel & Leisure for its congenial service, elevated ambiance and reputable guest experience. The upscale, outdoor wellness offerings range from the uniquely designed 9-hole golf course within the canyon setting to the full-time farmer facilitating outstanding local dishes offered on the original homestead of Laguna Beach. When it comes to feasting on the local fare, resident restaurant and bar, Harvest, focuses on organic farming for seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner options. It boasts beautiful 180-degree views of Aliso Canyon as well as craft cocktails to sip and savor while overlooking the first tee of the golf course. Or, if sand beneath your feet is more your dining style, make the short walk to

R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

Ente r for a chance to win a geta way to Laguna Beach! Read on for details.

Aliso beach where you will find Lost Pier, an elevated eatery serving the likes of warm beignets and coffee in the morning, and ceviche, shrimp rolls and fisherman’s catch fish tacos for lunch. And what would the Laguna Beach culture be without all of the seaside activities? Kayaking, snorkeling and diving, whale and dolphin watching, SUP—you name it, you can experience it. Throughout your stay, you of course will want to make your way into town for endless entertainment options of “Laguna flavor.” Visit the community theater, The Laguna Playhouse, where Harrison Ford got his start. Hop on a free trolley and pop from brewpub Laguna Beach Beer Company pouring locally made craft beer, to one of two wine-tasting rooms where McClain Cellars serves award-winning wines from Santa Ynez Valley. Complement your thirst with a variety of cuisines among more than 100 restaurants to choose from. Local favorites include The Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill for a twist on Hawaiian flavors in a tiki-style venue, Las

Brisas for its incredible brunch menu and scenic views of Laguna’s Heisler Park overlooking cliffs that resemble the French Riviera, Broadway by Amar Santana for some of the most elevated cuisine you will find from a multi-Top Chef finalist, along with cocktails crafted seasonally by the restaurant’s mixologist. Take the free trolleys from gallery to gallery, and be sure to include the Laguna Art Museum, the second oldest museum in the state of California, specializing in California-themed art and artists. A special component to the Laguna Beach art scene is its foundation on ‘en plein air’ paintings, the outdoor painting style that Monet made famous. Every year the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational attracts painters from around the country to participate in a week’s worth of events, including a two-hour challenge of live painting. In short, Laguna Beach is seven miles of coves and beaches uniquely its own with breathtaking cliffs and recreational canyons and a hippy-loving-self-expression-embracing artist colony that you won’t want to miss in this lifetime. CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

WIN a 2-night GETAWAY to Laguna Beach! City Lifestyle and Visit Laguna Beach are giving one lucky winner and a guest the chance to explore Laguna Beach, CA with the ultimate Southern California escape encompassing scenic canyon and seaside views, fresh chef-driven cuisine and local recreation. This giveaway closes on August 31, 2022. This trip must be taken by August 31, 2023. For a chance to win, follow @citylifestyle and @visitlaguna on Instagram and tag friends and family on the August 1st giveaway post for additional entries to win.

Scan the code to ENTER to WIN at @citylifestyle on Instagram!

R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

$2,300 LAGUNA BEACH GETAWAY FOR 2 INCLUDES: • • • • • •

2 nights at The Ranch at Laguna Beach Breakfast at Harvest Tickets to The Laguna Playhouse Guided Kayaking Tour with Laguna Ethos Tickets to Laguna Art Museum $200 Visa Gift Card for Dining

OF W E S T P OR T, C T

ACCEPTING REGISTRATION: AUGUST 22ND- 26TH SUMMER CAMP! AGES 6 TO 17. SIGN UP FOR OUR SEPTEMBER 2022- JUNE 2023 DANCE YEAR. Classes for Adults, Kids and Tots in Group Classes, Private Lessons, Livestream Classes Available

Director Enrique Alarcon | (203) 341-8900 |222 Post Rd. West VTheDanceCollective | thedancecollectivect.com | Bring a friend and we will wave your registration fee.

THINKING ABOUT SELLING?

NOW IS THE TIME!

WITH LOW MORTGAGE RATES AND INVENTORY, THE MARKET IS HOT!

(203) 543-2697 + johnhackett.raveis.com + john.hackett@raveis.com AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

AUGUST 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUG U ST 1 ST

Story Walks All Over Westport

WESTPORT LIBRARY | 12:00 PM StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading outdoors. Pages from a book are installed along a trail so that, as you stroll along, you are led to the next page in the story. Check WestportLibrary.org for days and times. AU G U ST 7 T H

Romantic Piano Trios

WESTPORT LIBRARY, TREFZ FO R UM | 2:0 0 P M This is impossible to resist: The Fader-Gendron-Haas Trio presents an afternoon of romantic piano trios. All three members of the trio were born and raised in Connecticut, yet it wasn’t until after they graduated from the Juilliard School that they made music together. Their repertoire encompasses the hallmarks of standard classical and romantic trio repertoire alongside newly commissioned works. Register at WestportLibrary.org AU G UST 2 0 T H

Evergreen Burial Ground

WESTPORT MUS EUM FOR HISTO RY A ND C ULT UR E | 1 0 :0 0 A M Survey the resting place of past Westporters and learn their stories as you meander through Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Evergreen Cemetery. Discover gravestones belonging to everyday citizens as well as prominent individuals and families. And prepare to be blown away by the amazing people who lived here. Tickets $10. WestportHistory.org AU G UST 2 0 T H

Summer Shopping!

DOW N TOWN W ESTPORT | 10:00 A M Enjoy spacious and safe shopping outdoors throughout Downtown Westport! Closed streets and accessible parking will allow you to roam freely and enjoy special offerings from many local merchants!

The things you love, LOCAL. Shop SAVVYANDGRACEWESTPORT.COM THE BEST place for gift BASKETS. Made to ORDER! | CORPORATE • BIRTHDAY • BABY • HIS & HERS

DOWNTOWN, MAIN STREET «

EVE N TS

B@savvyandgrace V@savvyandgracewestport

WE SHI P !