Westport, CT November 2025

“IT WAS A CHANCE TO PROTECT SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL” PAI GE

ON STEPPING IN TO SAVE A BELOVED WESTON FARM

Your Retirement Date Is Base Camp.

Reaching your retirement date is like climbing to base camp. It’s a challenging journey that requires planning, discipline, and perseverance. But many people spend their lives working toward that date without giving much thought to what comes next. Just like in climbing, reaching base camp isn’t the summit; it’s the start of the real adventure.

At Darwin Wealth Management, we help you prepare for the climb ahead. From creating sustainable income streams to mapping out the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve, we help make your retirement the start of a fulfilling new chapter.

RETIREMENT

Gratitude

November is such a natural time to reflect on the things that make us grateful, and this issue is filled with stories that capture that spirit right here at home.

We begin with our cover story, "Saving The Farmstand." It tells the story of founder and creative director Paige Lorenze, who rescued the treasured Weston farm that is home to Viv’s Veggies. Paige and Viv show how creativity and community can preserve local traditions while inspiring the next generation.

That same sense of connection runs through many of the other features in this issue. You’ll meet Emily Roberts, who brings honesty and heart to her podcast conversations. We also shine a light on organizations doing incredible work right here in our community, and we hope these stories inspire you to get involved. From there, we take you behind the scenes with a local couple whose talents are behind some of the most iconic children's television programs of all time. It is proof that creativity and storytelling are at the heart of community, too.

Of course, gratitude can be celebrated around the table as well. We’re giving you a first look at Massi Co, Westport’s newest eatery, which promises to bring people together over good food and warm hospitality. As we approach the holiday season, we also highlight Speckless, an inspiring effort started by a Westport teen to help people shop smarter. November also marks the start of our City Lifestyle Corporate Giving Campaign, and we hope you’ll take a moment to nominate organizations close to your heart.

As always, we close with our editor's pick, small reminders of the joy, inspiration, and creativity that surround us each day. Above all, we are thankful for you, our readers, our partners, and our team. You make it possible to share these stories month after month.

MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Sienna Schwartz, Emily Roberts, Elizabeth Ginns Britten

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brenna Marie, Dairy Boy, Liz at Lucky Share, Luanne Sliva, Andrea Carson Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Fractional

city scene

a custom crossword puzzle made by Will

13: A sold-out crowd at BOOKED for the Evening 2025 at the Westport Library. 14: Sarah Jessica Parker receives a Westport Library card.

22: Group of attendees in the front gallery of "Ink and Impression: 110 Years of SAGA." 23: Artists, supporters, and community members gathered in the Burt Chernow Galleries for the exhibition. 24: Attendees reference the full-color printed catalogue when viewing artworks in the gallery. 25: Members of the Society of American Graphic Artists with Dr. Kamari Collins, and Dr. Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye. 26: Visitors examine one of the walls in the back gallery. 27: A participating SAGA artist signs one of two posters of the exhibition. 28: Alex "Fdez" Fernandez, SAGA member, winner of the McClains Printmaking Supplies award, with his print.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Westport Writers' Workshop Hosts Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Join the Westport Writers' Workshop for a special event featuring critically acclaimed journalist, author, and screenwriter Taffy Brodesser-Akner on November 13th at the Sacred Heart University Community Theater (1420 Post Road, Fairfield). She will discuss her career, including as a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and her debut novel Fleishman Is In Trouble,  which she adapted into a popular TV series for FX/Hulu. Tickets, $54, at westportwriters.org

The Importance of Being Earnest Debuts at the Playhouse

For the first time on the Westport Country Playhouse stage, see Oscar Wilde's  The Importance of Being Earnest, "a trivial comedy for serious people." Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson, this classic is sure to delight and entertain. Through November 15. Tickets, from $50, at westportplayhouse.org

'The Edge of Water' Wins The Westport Prize for Literature

The Westport Prize for Literature celebrates its third edition by honoring  The Edge of Water, the miraculous, multi-generational debut novel by Olufunke Grace Bankole in a ceremony on November 6 at 7 p.m. in the Trefz Forum. Bankole will be awarded the prize and take part in a special conversation with The Yale Review editor Meghan O’Rourke. Free, register at westportlibrary.org

Hot Tommies: Where Chic Meets Cozy

Created by local entrepreneur Ashley Langer, Hot Tommies is a fashion-forward heated vest designed for women who refuse to sacrifice style for warmth. With luxe details like a gold zipper, a fleece-lined neckline, and a hidden pocket for your phone, Hot Tommies keeps you looking chic while staying cozy—whether you’re at the airport, on the sidelines, or out for après-ski. Available in pink and black, sizes S–XL, at hottommies.com.

Photography by Lo at Space 67 Studios

CELEBRATING

8 YEARS OF WELLNESS IN WESTPORT

With gratitude to the Westport community that makes Restore possible. For the past eight years, Restore has been proud to bring cutting-edge wellness therapies to Westport. From cryotherapy and IV drips to red light therapy and skin health, our mission has always been simple: to help our community feel better and live better. Thank you, Westport, for trusting us on your wellness journey, we look forward to many more years together!

203.557.0644 @rhw_westport 877 Post Rd E, Westport CT 06880

The Main Street Weston Holiday Market Pops Back Up

On November 14th and 15th, Main Street Weston Holiday Market returns, presented by the Weston Women’s League. Over 14 years, the event has raised more than $100,000 for the Weston Warm-Up Fund, which provides vital heating assistance to Weston families in need. You'll find more than 20 local artisans and vendors, ranging from clothing, jewelry, home goods, artisanal breads and more!  Thank you to Platinum sponsor Camelot Real Estate. For tickets and info, visit  westonwomensleague. org/mainstreetweston

Want to be featured? GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ WESTPORT

The Big Move

EMILY ROBERTS' PODCAST CELEBRATES THE CHANGES THAT MAKE US WHO WE ARE.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ AT LUCKY SHARE

Emily Roberts came to Westport just about a year ago, but she is no stranger to big moves. She and her husband moved to Westport from Greenwich, and Greenwich from London, where they lived for six years after her husband's job took them from N.Y.C. to the U.K. Emily, a content creator, was inspired by her move abroad. “I was surrounded by such inspiring women on this international level—brand founders, entrepreneurs, industry experts. I just felt this call to start a podcast,” she tells  Westport Lifestyle. The show she launched in 2019, The Big Move, chronicles all kinds of life changes, from the professional to the personal to the geographical to the mental (think: becoming a parent). “It was a really organic way for me to extend my existing content and share the inspiring women around me,” she explains.

The Big Move has featured notable women including Jennifer Fisher, Rebecca Minkoff, Emily DiDonato, and The Granola Bar’s Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain. Her new season, which launched this past September, is a bit of a revamp-slash-new-iteration of the

podcast, reflecting Emily's season of motherhood, and digging in with her guests on the topic of parenting, identity, and finding ourselves in these new phases of life. At the conclusion of each episode, Emily asks the same thing of all her guests:  What lights a fire in you? What is it that keeps you moving forward each day?   “At its core, I want this podcast to be motivating, and so ending with that question brings it back to their why, their purpose,” Emily explains. “It lets us hone in on what’s keeping  us motivated and moving forward each day.  As women, it can feel like we're carrying the weight of the world. My hope is this show helps us feel even a tiny bit more connected to each other and inspired to keep it all going.” In honor of  Westport Lifestyle’s Thankful issue, Emily shared some of her favorite responses to these questions, from the nearly 100 episodes of The Big Move. Here’s to whatever lights a fire in your life.

The Big Move is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Emily at @emroberts.m

NEHA RUCH

founder, Mother Untitled, and author of ‘The Power Pause’  @neha_ruch

“I still hear women saying, I'm just a mom. I don't think I could stop doing this work until people stop saying that.  When I entered into motherhood, I never thought of it as ‘just a mom.’ I put my mother on a pedestal; she was the backbone of our family. She was such a multihyphenate. She was at home with me for many years, but I saw it as fluid, and I want that for my daughter. I want my daughter to have that same sense, [that] motherhood can open me up to all these incredible ways that I'm gonna grow and be in the world.”

EVA AMURRI

digital creator, Happily Eva After, designer and actress   @thehappilyeva

“ Something that really lights me up is connection, communication, learning new things, experiencing new things, [and] cultivating new skills. I find that a lot of times when I'm feeling burnt out, I have to tap back into that outside of work. I'm very motivated by new experience. Discovery is a constant theme throughout my life, and I think that that is extremely motivating. I would rather spend money on experiences with my family than things. Life experiences [that] we're putting in our collection to look back on.”

CAMERON OAKS ROGERS

podcast host, Conversations with Cam   @cameronoaksrogers

“ I think it's feeling like I am making some form of a difference. If I can help my kid work through a tantrum, I feel like I can run the world. Or [if I] feel like I'm making a difference in helping women—specifically moms–navigate that postpartum mental health journey, or feel seen, or have them watch a video and be like, wow, okay. I'm not the only one who feels that way. That to me, lights the fire.”

JEANELLE TEVES

chief commercial officer of Bugaboo  @jeanelleteves

“Learning and helping people. I think that we never stop learning. I love reading, listening, observing people doing great things in the world. I believe that my impact is in telling stories and sharing. When someone DMs me and says, ‘I just got this job that's going to change my life, and I used your presentation tips’ that makes me feel really great. To play such a small role in someone's life that way? That really lights me up.”

DANA NOORILY AND JULIE MOUNTAIN co-founders of The Granola Bar Hospitality Group  @thegranolabar

“The people. It starts with Dana, and it goes to our team, every employee that we're able to touch and change their lives

in a positive direction, and our customers. Our customers are a reflection of us. We are our customers. I love my job. Not every single minute of every day, but I love my job, I love coming in and laughing, and crying. [What] really lights a fire is being able to now bring what we've created to a bigger audience.”

JENNIFER FISHER

jewelry designer   @jenniferfisherjewelry

“ I do it for a few reasons. I do it as a role model for my kids as a parent, because I want my kids to understand and to see the power of a working mom.

I do it because I love it.  I fight for this because I love it, and I see the potential of it. And it's fun. I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the entire world to get to go and do this every day. I never said I wanted to be a jewelry designer. I never said that I wanted to make salts, or go into lifestyle, or make furniture like I did for CB2. But it all has naturally evolved, from me being true to myself.”

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Funding Fertility

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Building a family looks different for everyone. For Westporter Carmela Rae and her husband Geoffrey Lynch, it was not an easy road. After meeting Geoffrey in her late 30s, Carmela endured a series of miscarriages, followed by years of IVF treatments, and an attempt to conceive via egg donation that, unfortunately, did not work out. “You never know what’s going to happen to you in this process,” Carmela tells  Westport Lifestyle. “There are rugs that get pulled out from under you in so many directions.” After years of challenges, Carmela recalls Geoffrey saying: “‘Look, I want to have a family, but not at the risk of losing you to get it.’ He really gave me permission to stop and think about whether this was something I wanted to continue to put myself through emotionally, physically, and financially.” While it might sound less significant, the financial part of fertility treatments is no small thing—Carmela says they had spent about $80,000 of their savings on trying to have a child up to that point. “After we decided to stop trying, I thought to myself: what is the rest of my life going to be about if it’s not going to be about raising a family? What am I going to give back to the world? I decided to create what I wish I’d had, and that’s when the idea for EggFund

was born.” And so, Carmela founded and became the CEO of EggFund, a fertility financing platform that helps people going through fertility treatments, surrogacy, or adoption access affordable loans.

Carmela didn’t have a traditional background in tech or finance before launching EggFund. Although she holds a BBA in Banking and Finance and worked for the SEC, she left the finance world to pursue her passion for art, enjoying a successful career in the art industry. However, she quickly adapted to the startup scene, gaining acceptance into the Founders Institute Accelerator for startups. Just as she was about to begin, she found out, at 45, that she was pregnant. Their daughter Elisabeth was born in June of 2018, and six months later, EggFund officially launched.

Bringing her daughter and her startup into the world in the same year proved to be exactly the poetic happy ending it sounds like: Elisabeth is thriving in Westport, where her parents moved during the pandemic, and EggFund is now the largest platform for fertility financing. “We basically created the Lending Tree of fertility loans,” explains Carmela. Their goal is to make fertility financing as simple and as

CONTINUED >

“What is my life going to be about? What am I going to give back to the world?”

cost-effective as possible (think: no dings to your credit score for checking with their lenders to see what you’re preapproved for, no obligations, and stretching the repayment period from the stan dard five years for unsecured per sonal loans to sometimes as much as 20 years). “We’re looking for a better solution to save people more money, give them more flexibility, and be responsive to the actual needs of people going through the process,” she says. It helps that the CEO knows the process so well, of course. “When I hear from people, whether it’s when they’re applying with me or after they submit, ‘wow, that was so easy, I wish the rest of the fertility process was like this?’ I feel like I’ve accomplished what I was supposed to do.”

For more information about EggFund, visit myeggfund.com

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

There are few things that bring families together quite like quality children’s television. These series often represent some of our earliest memories, and watching them is an experience that has the power to foster connection between family members, introduce academic and emotional concepts, and make kids and adults alike stop and smile.

“Social-emotional skills are a real focus for Sesame Street today, in addition to letter and number literacy,” explains Eric. “It’s something I’m proud to be associated with, to continue this legacy of a show and to be able to perform these characters that are icons in our culture.”

Creating children’s programming that does all of this is a passion for local couple Eric and Mary Jacobson.  They met on the set of Sesame Street, where Eric is still a performer, puppeteering iconic characters like Grover and Bert. When they connected over the craft services table, Mary was interning with Sesame Workshop after taking a children’s television writing class in college.  “It was taught by someone who wrote on several international co-productions of  Sesame Street, and something just stuck,” Mary recalls. “I just said that’s what I want to do.”

After her internship at Sesame Workshop, Mary went on to become a production assistant at Discovery Kids, then worked in on-air promos for Nick Jr. “Nickelodeon was really my master class,”

she says. “I learned about directing, writing, producing, and working with both kids and adults. It really helped me grow.” Eric and Mary got married, and when their first child was born, Mary transitioned to freelancing, and has since written for shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Gabby’s Dollhouse. (Their two children are now 15 and 13.) She also does writing and voice directing, on projects including children’s podcasts and the screen-free audio player Tonies. Eric has remained a key member of the Sesame Street team, taking on Oscar the Grouch after his original performer, Carroll Spinney, retired in 2018. (He also performs with The Muppets, and is the principal performer for Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Animal, and Sam the Eagle.)

Top: The Jacobson family in Disney World. Bottom: The 2023 Children & Family Emmys, where both Eric and Mary were nominated (Eric for two puppetry performances, Mary for writing).

With so much hands-on experience in the children’s television space, both Eric and Mary have a unique appreciation for the role children’s television plays in shaping young minds. “Social-emotional skills are a real focus for Sesame Street today, in addition to letter and number literacy,” explains Eric. “It’s something I’m proud to be associated with, to continue this legacy of a show and to be able to perform these characters that are icons in our culture.” Mary writes for PBS shows like Phoebe & Jay and Skillsville  that teach many similar concepts, and she loves it when she can do so through humor. “Especially now, there’s more anxiety and stress for kids,” she says. “So when I get a chance, I feel the need to push the funny in my writing. Even on a curriculum-based show, if we can do it in a clever way, where they’re laughing and enjoying while they’re learning, that’s the secret sauce for me.”

One of the rewarding parts of creating children’s television is fostering your own inner child in the process. “I think the best advice I could give anyone who wants to [work in this field] is just to do what we did and never grow up,” says Eric. “It’s just carrying your childhood, your innocence, and your sense of playfulness throughout your life and never letting go of that.” Mary couldn’t agree more. “Life should be silly and playful,” she says. It’s why she works so hard to make kids laugh—to teach them what the best of life can look like. And they both say spending time with their family, from playing on the floor when their children were little to running lines for their high school plays to crafting and playing board games together— is a touchstone, too. “Staying creative, and finding joy

“I’m very grateful for what children’s television gave me as a child, and as an adult, it’s now given me a career. It means the world to me.”

with our family, has really helped us stay in touch with our inner children,” says Mary.

Seeing the effect their work has on children is unquestionably powerful, too. Even though puppeteering and writing are, by their nature, less visible roles, whenever they get a chance to hear from viewers, they are deeply moved. “I’ve heard people say something like the Daniel Tiger hospital episode we wrote helped when their kid had to go to the hospital, and that’s always satisfying,” says Mary.  “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that someone loves a particular

episode or a character I play,” agrees Eric. “I’m very grateful for what children’s television gave me as a child, and as an adult, it’s now given me a career. It means the world to me.”

So the next time you sit down with a child in your life to watch a show together, think of Eric and Mary and the power of children’s TV. “Entertainment should bring families together, as opposed to using screens to put up walls,” says Eric. “The joy that comes from knowing I have affected people’s lives, even if just in a small way, fills me up with the most pride.”

CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE

FARM STAND

This time last year, for the first time in 12 years, Vivian Simons didn’t believe her beloved Weston farmstand, Viv’s Veggies, would come back for the 2025 season. She was grieving the loss of her father, and taking on a season at the farm seemed like too much. “It’s a full-time commitment,” Viv tells Westport Lifestyle. “And I usually lose money here. I work so hard, and every penny I make goes to paying the staff.”

Viv, was, of course, prepared for some disappointment from community members, but there was one text she couldn’t bring herself to answer. The message was from Paige Lorenze, 27, the founder and creative director of Dairy Boy and American Charm, with over a million followers on Instagram. It just read “when are you opening?” “I didn’t reply at first,” Viv admits. Paige and Viv had met a few years back when Paige, a Connecticut native, first stopped by Viv’s Veggies. “I have always loved taking photos of the farm, because I always thought it held so much beauty,” Paige tells Westport Lifestyle. “I couldn’t help myself from capturing content there. It was just so beautiful, I wanted to share it with

my community. I’ve always been drawn to places that feel special, and the farm had that magic right away.” Viv was dreading telling Paige about the closure. A few weeks later, Paige asked again about the reopening date, and this time, Viv finally responded. “I don’t think I’m going to open this year.”

Twenty minutes later, Paige called. “She said, ‘Viv, I’m gonna help you.’”

Paige says when she got that text, “my heart honestly sank. The farm had already become such a special place to me, especially when I first moved back to Connecticut. It made me feel part of a community right away in a new town.” An avid gardener herself, Paige says “the idea of it not being a big part of my summer felt unthinkable, since I was going every weekend and enjoying the produce so much. I knew how much it meant to Viv, to me, and to so many others. Stepping in didn’t feel like a decision I had to weigh, honestly. It felt natural, something I wanted and needed to do. It was a chance to protect something beautiful while opening it up for even more people to experience.”

And so, along with her fiancé, tennis phenom Tommy Paul, she got right to work, cleaning up the farm, building new shelving units, a new, air-conditioned shed to store vegetables in at night, and a new potting shed for the flowers. It’s breathed new life into the operation, now known as The Farmstand by Dairy Boy + Viv’s Veggies. “I loved every part of [the restoration],” Paige says. “But what stands out the most is getting to bring in those small, thoughtful details that make a space come alive again. From choosing colors to arranging displays and rolling up my sleeves to help bring it all together, it was so rewarding.” For Viv, who admits she is “only on Facebook,” seeing a whole new generation discover her farm through Paige’s social media reach has

been nothing short of moving. (Some visitors, she says, stop by just to take a photo with the Dairy Boy-branded sign!) And while it’s been exciting to meet new customers, hearing from longtime ones is moving, too. “The moments that stay with me most are when people get emotional talking about The Farmstand, and how it’s been part of their core memories growing up here,” says Paige. “That means everything to me, because community is at the heart of why I do what I do. Knowing that others feel the same way I do about this place makes it all the more special.”

As their first official season as partners wraps up, Paige and Viv are full of gratitude.“I feel so lucky,” says Viv. “I feel like my dad is watching over me: Paige called, and all these really good things started happening.” Not least of which was the

relationship between these two extraordinary women. “I’m most grateful for the friendship and trust that has grown,” says Paige. “Viv has become such a meaningful part of my life, and what we’ve built together is about so much more than saving a farm. It’s about creating something lasting, rooted in love and community, and being able to share that with others. A partnership where your values and your heart are in complete alignment is such a gift, and I’ll always cherish that.”

The Farmstand is located at 235 Lyons Plain Road in Weston, open weekends and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m. until the first hard frost. Follow @paigelorenze, @thefarmstand, @dairyboy, and @americancharm

Thank you,

From the ver y beginning, your love and suppor t have been the hear t of Bloom Ever y visit, kind word, referral, and smile has helped us grow into the salon we are today.

We are endlessly grateful for the trust you place in us, the laughter we share, and the community we ’ ve built together Here’s to many more years of beauty, creativity, and good vibes by your side.

First Look:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ANDREA CARSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Behind the scenes of one of Westport's newest restaurants.

Massi Co

In September, Massi Co officially opened their doors. The Naples-style Italian eatery hit the Westport scene fast— the grand opening happened just a few weeks after Don Memo, the previous restaurant occupying the space, closed in August—but Massi Co represents a dream that owner Massimo Tullio has had for nearly two decades. “I have always wanted to do something like this,” Massimo tells Westport Lifestyle. “It’s been stirring up in me for 20 years, easily, and finally it was the right time.” That right time arrived because earlier this year, iconic Westport restaurateur Bill Taibe took ownership of his two Kawa Nis, in Westport and Denver, while his longtime partner Massimo took ownership of The Whelk and Don Memo. “Don Memo was amazing, but with the separation, now felt like the time for a new location,” he says. Westport Lifestyle sat down with the people who brought Massi Co to life—Massimo himself, executive chef Zach Hinman, who is also the chef at The Whelk, and head of operations Ingrid Paronich, a longtime hospitality world veteran who has her masters in Italian gastronomy and tourism from the University of Gastronomic Sciences—to dive deep on this new gem in our dining scene.

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE: HOW DID YOU ALL ORIGINALLY COME TOGETHER, AND HOW DID YOU FIGURE OUT THE CONCEPT FOR THE RESTAURANT?

Massimo Tullio, owner: Ingrid helped us open The Whelk in 2012, and Zach came on as the sous chef back when this was Jesup Hall. I had the right partners, so we said ‘this is the time to pivot, let’s do this.’ We didn’t want to do an American Italian restaurant. It’s our take on this classic, Southern-style restaurant. I went to Italy and studied in Naples on how to do Naples-style pizza, at the only school where you can get certified.

WL: PIZZA SCHOOL SOUNDS AMAZING. WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL?

MT: It’s 13 days at the AVPN [Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana]. For Naples-style pizza, you can only use flour from the area, tomatoes from the area, and fior di latte or bufalo mozzarella from the area. And the ovens have to be brick. Everything is very specific. I was there every day from eight in the morning until seven at night just learning. I was making like 400 pies a day.

WL: AND THAT’S HOW YOU MAKE THE MASSI CO PIZZA?

MT: I do deviate just a hair, with a little more fermentation in my pizzas than they usually allow. But I had mentioned to them trying to figure out how to

keep my certifications while doing a little more of that fermentation, because we’re using a sourdough starter for our dough. They’re working on it!

WL: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PUTTING TOGETHER THE CONCEPT FOR THE RESTAURANT?

MT: Eating! We did a couple of research trips into the city. My wife, Donna, did the decor, and it was her idea to include portraits of my family, so there’s that familial feeling in the decor. It’s really special. And the music! We updated the sound system and brought in hi-def speakers. We’re going to show off our record collection.  Zach Hinman, executive chef: For me, it was probably figuring out how to juggle everything. I went from American food at Jesup Hall to The Whelk, which is seafood-oriented, and I was at Kawa Ni for a while, which is Japanese, and then Mexican with Don Memo, and then Italian. That got me a skill where I can cook the style that I cook, while changing ingredients. Leading with seasonality, with just a little bit of that Mexican or Italian flair. Trying to do that all at the same time is what really made it fun for me.

Ingrid Paronich, head of operations: I really enjoy the creative part of this industry. It was challenging to think how do I take something like Italian cuisine, that’s been so tread upon, and make it fresh? How do I think of a new, creative way to enter this field?

WL: AND HOW DID YOU ANSWER THAT FOR YOURSELF?

IP: Trying to find a balance between giving people what they want and introducing something new to them. If we can be the restaurant that can provide a space for people to try some fresh version of a dish, with things that excite us, that excites me.

WL: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING THAT MADE IT ONTO THE MENU?

IP: The Boqueroni pizza. We get these amazing yellow tomatoes.

MT: They’re from the Pompeii area, so they’ve got the volcanic activity underneath, and they get that mineral character. We make a yellow tomato sauce with them.

"IT WAS CHALLENGING TO THINK HOW DO I TAKE SOMETHING LIKE ITALIAN CUISINE AND MAKE IT FRESH? IF WE CAN PROVIDE A SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO TRY SOME FRESH VERSION OF A DISH, WITH THINGS THAT EXCITE US, THAT EXCITES ME."

IP: And we do that with fresh cured anchovies, they’re like pickled almost. We layer those over the top. Salty-fishy is one of my favorite culinary flavor profiles, and you get the bright acidity from the yellow tomatoes, and the savory umami from the cheese. It’s just really awesome, and so interesting.

ZH: Our tuna crudo. My crudos are usually fruit-based with broth, and this one is totally different. Mass gave me the idea, and I ran with it, with the help of Ingrid suggesting some of the ingredients. We take our arancini [Italian rice balls], which we smash and then fry. We take Sorrento lemons, and we use the zest and make a Pecorino cream, so it’s citrusy but cheesy. And then the tuna goes on top, it’s almost like a play off nigiri.

MT: Mine is the escarole dish. I grew up with bitter, horrible escarole that my mom would make me eat. But I gave it to Zach, and it is insanely good. We do it with those same cherry tomatoes, but now they are confited.

ZH: It’s blanched to order with lemon juice, salt, seasoned bread crumbs,  a little Pecorino, and those tomatoes.

MT: And our cookies! We call them the Tullio cookies. My mom has made them ever since I was a child. They’re just to die for.

WL: WITH ALL THIS DELICIOUS FOOD, HOW HAS THE WESTPORT COMMUNITY RESPONDED TO THE RESTAURANT SO FAR?

MT: This might sound sappy, but the love I’m getting is so amazing. They just want to see us succeed. We love that we’re part of the community, and so when we show them these new things like Ingrid was talking about, they say I trust you

ZH: Honestly, I like hearing negative feedback, because that’s the only way I can improve. I don’t know how to get better from compliments. But a few people said things that weren’t harsh, but were good to reflect on.

IP: The best thing I’ve heard so far is ‘if this is where you’re starting, this is great.’ We all know it isn’t going to be perfect

right out of the gate. But it’s enough for me to know we started on the right foot.

WL: WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE FOR MASSI CO?

MT: I’m really invested in the pizza dough. I want to do cool new things at different fermentation levels. I love how reactive dough is, how alive it is. I just love everything about it.

ZH: I would say getting more comfortable with Italian cuisine and ingredients. I’m not Italian—at all—but I have experience with learning and grasping everything that gets thrown at me. Eventually, I will understand it and produce my best work. And I’m looking forward to getting to that level.

IP: For me, it’s engaging with the staff. Taking them along for the ride and educating them, giving them something interesting to think about when they come to work every day, instead of just, say, taking an order and putting it in the computer.  And having them feel like they’re taken care of. This is the greatest job in the world when customers let you give them hospitality. All we want to do is give you an amazing experience.

This interview has been edited and condensed. Massi Co is located at 90 Post Road E. For more, visit massicowestport.com

Every Cut, Every Curl Holiday Perfect.

Step into the season with hair that’s styled to shine — from fresh color to flawless curls, we’ll make sure you’re holidayready. Let us take care of every detail so you can arrive in style, confident and glowing.

V

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH GINNS BRITTEN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JENNY MCGUINNESS

HOW JENNY MCGUINNESS RECLAIMED HER STRENGTH AT 12,500 FEET.

'ONE STEP AT A TIME'

She packed real food alongside gels and electrolyte mix—PB&Js, Snickers bars, even potato chips. “You’re moving slow enough that it settles."

When Westporter Jenny McGuinness crossed the finish line of the TransRockies Run—a grueling 60-mile-and-8,000-foot-elevationthree-day ultramarathon in the Colorado Rockies—this past August, she wasn’t just completing a race, she was proving something far more powerful: that gratitude and grit can coexist with chronic illness and uncertainty.

Jenny’s relationship with endurance goes back decades. A lifelong runner, she competed in track and cross-country at Colgate University, a Division I school where she also met her husband, Luke, a teammate and kindred spirit. For them, challenge and motion were the norm. Their two sons, ages 12 and 17, have grown up surrounded by this culture, where signing up for a mountain race is simply what you do. Jenny and Luke moved to Westport from New York City in 2013, drawn by the schools, community feel, and proximity to both ocean and forest. She kept up her avid running here: favorite routes include the Saugatuck Trail in Weston and Redding, and a coastal road loop from Compo through Southport.

For 20 years, Jenny ran injury-free. Then, life threw her a curveball.

In 2019, after completing an Ironman and transitioning into triathlons to preserve joint longevity, she began to experience inexplicable joint pain. A tick-borne illness triggered an autoimmune response, and soon after, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a physical therapist, she knew exactly what the diagnosis meant—and how devastating and physically limiting it had the potential to be.

What Jenny called "tent city."

“I spent a year pretty bummed out,” she recalls. “I had always defined myself by my physicality. Letting go of that identity felt like grieving a part of me.”

Worse, the uncertainty was maddening for her Type-A personality, which was used to scheduling her life down to the second. “Every day with RA brought a different version of my body,” she says. “But I made peace with that. I realized: there’s a grey area. That’s okay. I can still be me. I just have to adjust.”

And adjust she did. Slowly. Patiently. Layer by layer, challenge by challenge.

Then came the second blow: a heart arrhythmia that was first diagnosed in 2022, but with worsening and more worrisome symptoms that progressed in the spring of 2024. “I was like, ‘Really, Universe? Now this ?!’” she recalls. Jenny was told to scale back intensity and distance, which was especially concerning for the high-altitude TransRockies race she had just signed up for.  The race, she says, had long been on her “hardcore bucket list,” and when she learned 2025 would be its final run, she decided to register despite her RA and arrhythmia diagnoses. It was her way of proving she could still take on a challenge of this scale. The TransRockies race involves steep mountain ascents, unpredictable weather, trail terrain unlike anything she’d ever run, and camping alone each night between stages. “I chose to do it solo,” she says. “I knew with the altitude and the challenges of off-trail running it was gonna get ugly at times, and I needed to go to that dark place by myself.”

Jenny had to amp up her training, from a typical week of running about 15–20 miles with cycling and swimming mixed in to four weekly runs—two on roads and two on trails with a weighted pack of up to 22 pounds—plus twice-weekly strength sessions.

Even with her training limitations, her cardiologist, Dr. Linda Casale of Fairfield—who happened to be a fellow triathlete and trusted teammate—helped her find a path forward. “She’s a straight shooter and didn’t say no,” Jenny says. “She said, ‘let’s work within the boundaries. Let’s figure out how to do it safely.’ That was so enabling for me.”

Training began in earnest nearly a year before. She started with the smallest possible steps: bodyweight movements, what she calls “grandma-level” strength work, and short jogs with a backpack. She adapted each session based on what her body would allow. “Taking action was empowering,” she says. “I wasn’t going to sit back and let these diagnoses define me.”

Another critical layer in her preparation—one she believes made a huge difference—was heat training. Jenny added stair climber workouts followed immediately by sauna sessions twice a week. “There’s a ton of research now showing how effective heat training is for altitude adaptation,” she says. “It helps expand plasma volume, which really pays off at elevation.” She followed a targeted approach: 15–20 minutes in the sauna, ideally three times a week. She started nearly two months before the race, and always after a high-intensity effort. “I was consistent about it,” she says. “And I think that was massive in getting my body ready for the altitude.”

To prepare, she and three local friends—fellow endurance junkies and everyday sources of inspiration—tackled the Grand Canyon’s Rim-to-Rim route in May. It was 22 miles, 8,000 feet of climbing, and took 14 hours to complete. It was her test run, and it worked. “If I could do that, I could do this,” she recalls thinking.

On August 4th of this year, she set out on day one of her threeday run. After each of the full days of four- to six- hours of climbing, descending, sweating, and problem solving, she would set up camp in the wilderness, try to get some sleep, and do it all again the next day.

The lowest point came on the second day, as she climbed 3,500 feet to Hope Pass, 12,500 feet above sea level. The altitude sickness hit hard. “That whole day was such a place of darkness,” she says. “But I kept thinking: one step, then the next. Don’t think an hour ahead. Just keep it small, and just do.”

Jenny’s approach—part creative, part clinical—became her superpower. “It was a weird merger of my PT brain and my creative brain. I had to pivot every day. It kept things interesting, and forced me to listen closely to my body.”

Her family—Luke, and sons Gray and Hank—were waiting at the end to cheer her on, an hour’s drive from the course. “Seeing them from far away made me start sobbing,” she says. “I felt like Pac-Man chasing the dots to reach them.”

By the final finish line, she felt not broken, but whole.

“I’ve never said ‘I’m proud of this’ before,” Jenny admits. “But this? I’m proud. Just being at the start line was an accomplishment for me, with everything I had to overcome to even get there. And now, I know I can keep going.”

Gratitude has become a daily mantra. “Any day I can move my body through space, I’m grateful,” she says. “Perseverance is a word I have on my wall—but gratitude is right there next to it.”

As for what’s next?

She grins. “There’s a race in South Africa called Comrades—it’s 52 miles, all uphill or all downhill. I’m planning to do it in 2027.” She’ll have her husband and two local Westport friends with her in tow. She said it herself: if she can do this, she can do anything. And knowing her, do it she will.

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BROWN WEST-ROSENTHAL

Giving Tuesday: Local Organizations to Love

FOUR NONPROFITS WITH STRONG LOCAL TIES TO CONSIDER SUPPORTING THIS SEASON.

Giving Tuesday is a worldwide movement that takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The goal is to inspire people to donate, volunteer, or perform other acts of kindness. If you’re looking to make an impact with local connections, consider these nonprofits that would greatly appreciate and benefit from your generosity, time, and participation.

CATCH A LIFT FUND

THE MISSION

In 2010, Lynn Coffland founded Catch a Lift (CAL) in memory of her brother, Army Cpl. Chris Coffland, who lost his life in November of 2009 in Afghanistan. The charity’s mission is rooted in her brother’s lifelong belief that through fitness, one can reach their highest potential both mentally and physically. CAL has helped thousands of post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, in-home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION

For more than 15 years, CAL has supported over 14,000 veterans and caregivers nationwide, including in Westport. Their approach centers on four pillars—nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness, and community—delivered through coaching teams. These teams connect veterans across the country who are recovering from injuries like amputations, severe burns, brain damage, and PTSD. CAL invests approximately $2,400 per veteran annually,

covering programs, equipment, and continuous support. Notably, CAL is also one of the few veteran organizations to offer a dedicated Women's Veteran Initiative.

LOCAL PRIDE

For the past 11 years, Westport has proudly hosted an annual golf benefit for CAL, a deeply cherished local tradition. However, CAL's greatest achievement lies in its ability to unite the community—police, fire, VFW, town government, local gyms, businesses, and residents—in support of veterans. This spirit of unity is exemplified in various ways, including the Westport Police Department welcoming combat-wounded Veterans to CAL’s Warrior Weekends and 9/11 Memorial events. And Staples Football Gridiron Club organizes a “Murph Challenge” workout for every high school football player. This event not only raises money for veterans but also challenges the athletes physically, and a veteran speaker addresses the team annually.

Source: Adam Vengrow, Vice President of the Board

CONTINUED >

LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX

westportct.gov/donate

THE MISSION

Marcus Harper remembers his son Max as a young man with an "enormous heart" who also "felt the rules didn't apply to him." Marcus recalls frequently showing up at Staples High School to “apologize” on his son’s behalf. Tragically, Max died in a road accident on September 11, 2024. Later that same day, Max was supposed to meet with the Causeway Collective, a departure from traditional therapy (which hadn't been effective) that aimed to help Max develop practical life skills, planning, and coaching. In his son's honor, Marcus established Live Life to the Max. This grassroots initiative, a partnership between Causeway Collaborative and Westport Human Services, offers personalized support, mentorship, and scholarships to young men with ADHD.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION

Live Life to the Max aims to provide vital, life-changing support for teenagers with ADHD, particularly those who might otherwise be overlooked. Marcus is dedicated to

shifting the narrative around ADHD, including fostering greater parental involvement and support. Donations directly benefit young men aged 16-19, helping them develop self-efficacy skills and explore long-term academic and career paths through hands-on learning and mentorship. Structured in partnership with the Town of Westport, Live Life to the Max operates without any overhead, legal, or accounting costs, ensuring that every dollar donated directly funds the services provided.

LOCAL PRIDE

In just one year, Live Life to the Max collaborated with Staples High School, offering support to four local senior students with ADHD and financial needs. One of these students, who had previously dropped out, is now attending a local community college, and another, initially hesitant about higher education, is now enrolled in college with a full scholarship.

Source: Marcus Harper, founder, Live Life to the Max

PINK AID pinkaid.org

THE MISSION

Founded in 2011, Pink Aid addresses a critical need: supporting breast cancer patients facing financial hardship. Despite advancements in research and treatment, one in three patients experiences financial collapse, potentially leading to job and home loss, and delays in life-saving care. Pink Aid's mission is multifaceted. They offer support to ensure underserved breast cancer patients receive treatment with dignity. Pink Aid provides financial aid to those in need, and empowers breast cancer survivors to heal by paying it forward, inspiring and assisting others.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION

Since 2011, Pink Aid has been dedicated to supporting underserved patients across Connecticut through their Local Community Grants, and through their core initiative, the flagship Pink Purse emergency financial assistance program which launched in 2020. Through the Pink Purse program, Pink Aid provides crucial support and financial assistance for essentials such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Pink Aid collaborates directly with hospital social workers who identify patients in need and submit applications on their behalf. Once approved, financial relief is provided within 48 hours. Beyond emergency assistance, Pink Aid also provides local grants to hospitals

and nonprofits, funding free screenings, outreach, education, and covering diagnostic testing costs for uninsured and underinsured individuals.

LOCAL PRIDE

Pink Aid receives hundreds of thank-you letters from patients who have benefited from the compassion and financial support. Among these grateful recipients is Joan Miller, a Connecticut resident and military veteran. Diagnosed with breast cancer while nine months shy of her Doctoral degree, Joan had already exhausted her savings battling cervical and endometrial cancers. As a full-time student with no income, Pink Aid stepped in to cover her water and electric bills and provided a food card, helping her through a difficult period. Joan has since earned her degree and, in turn, shares her story at Pink Aid fundraisers to "pay it forward." Locally, in Connecticut, Pink Aid has supported over 3,500 patients through programs like the Pink Purse emergency financial assistance and Pink Posse Bags of Compassion, provided to patients undergoing mastectomy or chemotherapy. Nationally, Pink Aid extends its support to over 8,500 patients, having distributed more than $4.5 million to those in need through the Pink Purse Financial Assistance Program.

Source: Amy Katz, co-founder of Pink Aid

CONTINUED >

THE NEST EGG FOUNDATION nesteggfoundation.org

THE MISSION

Founded in 2015 by a compassionate group of Fairfield County doctors, healthcare providers, and community members, The Nest Egg Foundation addresses a critical gap in fertility care access. Its mission is to offer financial grants to residents of Connecticut and New York experiencing primary infertility who cannot afford the high cost of assisted reproductive technology. They believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a family, regardless of financial circumstances. The Nest Egg Foundation’s goal is to support hopeful parents on their journey with dignity, empathy, and community support.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION

The Nest Egg Foundation understands that in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval, and embryo transfers are incredibly costly and frequently not covered by insurance. Through the generosity of donors and sponsors, financial grants are awarded that cover a significant portion of these

medical expenses. That support provides a crucial path forward for families who might otherwise be unable to pursue these vital treatments. Every donation directly contributes to making those dreams of starting a family a reality.

LOCAL PRIDE

Since its inception in 2016, The Nest Egg Foundation has proudly awarded 35 grants, including eight in 2025 alone—their most impactful year yet. These grants have directly led to the birth of 18 babies, transforming families' lives. As a 100 percent volunteer-led and donor-supported organization, The Nest Egg Foundation relies entirely on the local community. All board members reside in Fairfield County, and every contribution, regardless of size, helps families in Connecticut and New York build their futures.

Source: Dana Gilland, President, and Amy Matton, VicePresident, of The Nest Egg Foundation

BUYING OR SELLING a home?

Whether you are buying or selling a home in the Westport area, it’s important to have the guidance of a trusted team with a proven track record and extensive knowledge of community. Danna & Jen have lived in Westport for over 20 years and sold over 200 homes. They will guide you through the process with their signature hand holding service! We can’t wait to work with you!

- Danna & Jen

WORKING WITH JEN AND DANNA WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE. THEIR EXPERTISE AND PERSONAL TOUCH RESULTED IN A SEAMLESS AND EFFICIENT EXPERIENCE. I HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM! - C.E.

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KASS (203) 368-8032

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ARTICLE BY SIENNA SCHWARTZ

Speckless-Approved Shopping

A WESTPORTER'S GUIDE TO MICROPLASTIC-FREE BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY BUYS.

I’m Sienna Schwartz, a 16-year-old student at Staples High School, and I founded Speckless to tackle the hidden threat of microplastics—tiny particles found in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. I started Speckless to raise awareness, share science-backed sustainable swaps, and make it easier for everyone to make choices that protect both human and environmental health. This holiday season, one of the busiest and most wasteful shopping periods of the year, I’m sharing nine simple holiday swaps that show sustainability can be practical, joyful, and accessible for everyone.

FROM CLASSIC

TO FANTASTIC

Over the past 30 years, Speedsport Tuning has grown from a small Porsche specialty shop to a full service, independent company serving Porsche street, competition and vintage enthusiasts nationwide.

As Porsche embraces the past, yet sets new standards in performance and technology, we also understand the passions that drive Porschephiles are as diverse as the cars themselves. Our vintage department is globally recognized for its expertise and skill, developed over decades of working on some of the world’s most coveted Porsches.

Modern Porsches receive the same attention-todetail in our street department as our staff uses the latest tools to diagnose, repair and enhance the finest vehicles from Stuttgart.

Track enthusiasts benefit from the expertise of our competition department that has delivered hundreds of podiums and numerous championships in PCA races up and down the East Coast.

No matter which Porsche you drive, or how you drive it, we’ve got you covered. Even if you forget to put the top up on your Speedster.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS NOVEMBER 2025

OCTOBER 28TH

The Importance of Being Earnest

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 7:00 PM

For the first time on the Westport Country Playhouse stage, see Oscar Wilde's  The Importance of Being Earnest, "a trivial comedy for serious people." Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson, this classic is sure to delight and entertain. Through November 15. Tickets, from $50, at westportplayhouse.org

NOVEMBER 6TH

2025 Westport Prize for Literature Award Ceremony

The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd. 7:00 PM

The Westport Prize for Literature celebrates its third edition by honoring The Edge of Water, the miraculous, multi-generational debut novel by Olufunke Grace Bankole. Bankole will be awarded the prize in a ceremony held in the Trefz Forum and take part in a special conversation with The Yale Review editor Meghan O’Rourke. Free, register at westportlibrary.org

NOVEMBER 7TH

The Fox on the Fairway

Music Theater of Connecticut, 509 Westport Ave., Norwalk | 8:00 PM

Ken Ludwig's  The Fox on the Fairway is a comedy about the uptight members of a country club with elements of classic mistaken identity farce. Through November 23. Tickets, from $50, at musictheaterofct.com

NOVEMBER 13TH

An Evening with Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Sacred Heart University Community Theater, 1420 Post Road, Fairfield 7:00 PM

Join the Westport Writers' Workshop for this special event featuring critically acclaimed journalist, author, and screenwriter Taffy Brodesser-Akner. She will discuss her career, including as a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and her debut novel Fleishman Is In Trouble,  which she adapted into a popular TV series for FX/Hulu. Tickets, $54, at westportwriters.org

Rediscover planning... with you at the center

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Our comprehensive approach coordinates world-class wealth management with sophisticated tax-strategies and long-term financia l planning solutions.

And, by learning what matters most to you before we advise, we can t ailor a personalized plan that creates the financial peace- of-mind you deserve.

EDITOR’S PICK:

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Thanksgiving desserts are a chance to try some of fall’s best flavors.  But choosing between them—apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, cozy crumbly toppings—is a tall, practically unfair order. Luckily, you don’t have to, if you order the mini pies from Kneads. These two-person sized treats are $10 each and allow you to bring a cornucopia of flavors to holiday meals: they come in apple, pumpkin, and pecan. Co-owner Brittany Moreno says Kneads launched the small pies after customer requests for petit versions. They’re made with local ingredients, like produce from Woodland Farms and sugar pumpkins from the Hudson Valley, and pair excellently with a pint of salted caramel ice cream from neighboring Momu. Order by November 23rd to guarantee you’re the hit of your Thanksgiving group.

Mini pies, $10 each at Kneads, 580 Riverside Ave., kneadsbakerycafe.com

WESTPORT, CT

Experience the Art of Living Well

Westport is more than a beautiful place to call home. It’s a community rich in culture, creativity, and connection. At the heart of it all stands the historic Westport Country Playhouse, a legendary theater that has welcomed worldclass actors, directors, and productions for generations.

From Broadway-caliber performances to thought-provoking premieres, the Playhouse continues to be a cultural cornerstone that offers residents the rare opportunity to experience world-class entertainment right in their own backyard.

backyard.

When you combine this vibrant arts scene with top-ranked schools, a thriving coastal lifestyle, and luxury homes that capture New England’s finest, it’s easy to see why Westport stands apart.

Let Jillian Klaff, Westport’s trusted realtor for 30+ years, open the door to a community where history, culture, and luxury living all come together.

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