Issuu

CREATING MEMORABLE MOMENTS

STARVIN MARVIN JR.

LIGHTHOUSE-BOUND

From New Canaan Mom to Party-Planning Entrepreneur

Meet Darien’s Unlikely Social Media Star

Greens Ledge’s New Boat— Education Meets Adventure

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 $6.95

TEENS to WATCH Meet the next generation of changemakers, creators and leaders

LEXI PARSONS

BEN ROLAPP Brunswick School

St. Luke’s School

Greenwich Academy

Sacred Heart Greenwich

TYLER TEMEROWSKI Greens Farms Academy

BHHAVYA SOMAYA St. Luke’s School

LILAH MEHTA

King School

Darien High School

GRACE VILLAR

Sacred Heart Greenwich

SCARLETT STEWART

New Canaan High School

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contentsSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 vol. 26 | issue 5

features

2026 TEENS TO WATCH From world-class athletes and groundbreaking young researchers to artists, entrepreneurs and passionate advocates, this year’s standout students from New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton are making their marks. Their stories reveal a generation driven not only by achievement, but by a desire to make a difference—through science, sports, the arts, service and leadership.

by liz barron

departments 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 10 FOUNDER’S LETTER 13 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ A local screenwriter inpires young writers; Greens Ledge launches new boat to transport guests and students to the lighthouse DO A New Canaan mom turns party planning passion into a thriving business; a local expert unpacks the mystery of teen sleep; travel agent with a knack for creating memorable multigenerational trips; what’s happening at Fairfield University EAT Darien’s “Starvin Marvin Jr.” shares his top local sandwich picks Rowayton renovation for a young family SHOP Getting ready for fall 50 MONEY MATTERS 53 PEOPLE & PLACES Henry Farmer Golf

Outing; Family & Children’s Gala, Glass House Summer Party, New Canaan Land Trust Gala, New Canaan Historical Society Celebration, Americares Airlift

107 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS CORRECTION : Dr. M. Bina Park of Dr. Bina Park Orthodontics was inadvertently omitted from the Top Dentist list in our July/August issue. Dr. Bina was selected for inclusion as a 2026 Top Dentist and should have appeared among this year’s honorees. We regret the omission.

cover photography by katharine calderwood NEW CANAAN• DARIEN & ROWAYTON SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026, VOL. 26, NO. 5. NEW CANAAN• DARIEN & ROWAYTON (ISSN 1942-1028) is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to NEW CANAAN • DARIEN MAGAZINE, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880.

CONTRIBUTED, STARVIN MARVIN BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA

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M W VOLUME 26

ISSUE 5

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

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editor’s letter

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 / EILEEN MURPHY

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s I write this Editor’s Letter for our annual issue celebrating our remarkable local teens, I am also preparing to take my oldest daughter to college—11 hours away. She has worked incredibly hard to get there, and I couldn’t be prouder of the person she has become. I’m also a little heartbroken as she leaves home and our incredible community. For so many years, our job as parents is to help our children grow—to work hard, discover what they love, overcome disappointments and, eventually, find their own way. And then, suddenly ... they do. That mix of pride, excitement and sadness has been especially present for me as we put together this issue. We received so many nominations that choosing just ten Teens to Watch (page 66) was no easy task. Every nomination told the story of a young person doing something meaningful—excelling in the classroom, giving back, pursuing a passion, overcoming challenges or finding a way to make the world around them better. As I read their stories, I found myself thinking about my daughter and about all of their parents. I thought about the early mornings, late nights, practices, setbacks and second chances—and about who these young people are becoming. Many are preparing for the same next step my daughter is about to take: leaving what is familiar and stepping into a life of their own. They will go to colleges and eventually workplaces, pursue their dreams and discover

new possibilities. As a parent, that is both exciting and terrifying. But as I look at these ten young people—and my own daughter—I also feel hopeful. If they are the ones taking on the world, the world is going to be just fine. And as they leave what is familiar and discover new places they might call home, this community will always be part of their story. It is where they grew up, found their footing, were encouraged and challenged, and became who they are. They may wind up across the country, or even across the world, but I hope they will all return to this community some day—to walk the familiar streets and visit the familiar faces that will always be cheering them on. As always, that sense of connection—to this place and to one another—runs throughout this issue. You’ll learn about Greens Ledge’s newly commissioned boat (page 16), named for local Charlie Erdmann, that will bring students to its living laboratory. You’ll meet a local mom who turned her love of creating memorable celebrations for her children into a successful party-planning business (page 20) and a local screenwriter who has returned home to teach the next generation of creative thinkers (page 13). In different ways, each story in this issue reflects what makes a community feel like home: the people who inspire us, challenge us and give us reason to give back.

eileen.murphy@moffly.com

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founder’s page

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 / DONNA MOFFLY

“When Liz Hart asked daughter Lolly how her first day of nursery school went, the little girl replied: ‘Well, nobody laughed and nobody cried.’”

ids will be kids, and some may turn out to be as remarkable as the teens we feature on these pages every September. But meanwhile, here are some classic examples of their pint-sized views on life. On Hospitality: Jane Kendall recalls her first Christmas pageant at Edie Bickell’s Nursery School. Little Janie had a screaming tantrum because Jesus didn’t have a grandmother. And the innkeeper, Carl Walters, said to Mary and Joseph: “I’m sorry. There’s no room in the inn, but would you like to come in for a drink?” On Curiosity: One Halloween, Dr. Jack Prunier lay down on an old examination table he’d rolled into the foyer of their house. When trick-or-treaters came in, he’d moan and slide a handout from under the sheet that his wife Suzanne, dressed as a witch, had draped over him. The older kids would take the candy and quickly back away. But one four-year-old boy earnestly asked: “Does he always sleep in the front hall?” On Godliness: My little daughter Audrey and I were kneeling by her bed saying prayers: “Jesus, tender shepherd, hear me, bless thy little lamb tonight…” when she looked up and said: “You know, I love Jesus.” Then added with enthusiasm: “And I like his father, too!” When visiting from Long Island, Kyle and Lauren Craig’s grandmother liked to stay at the Greenwich Hyatt and invite them for a sleepover. Fresh from religious education, the kids spotted her in the lobby and raced over, Lauren greeting her with “Glory to God in the Hyatt, Grandma!” Eight–year-old Miles Patrick McDonald, who was brought into the world through modern technology, was taking religious instruction in preparation for Confirmation. For homework, the kids were asked to write a prayer to God. So, he wrote: “Dear God: I don’t know who my father is, but please let him go to heaven, whoever he might be— except if he’s Donald Trump.”

On Romance: Susan Ward had a little nephew who she was especially close to. When she told him that she was in love and going to be married soon, he replied: “What’s he got that I haven’t got?” On Aging: The morning of her birthday, I woke up our daughter saying, “Happy Birthday, Audrey! You’re five years old today!” “Am I really five?” she asked, all excited. I assured her she was. “Oh, good,” she said. “I can go to school and beat up Sarah Sulger.” On Driving: With my grandson in a car seat in back, I drove over to Waveny to check out the site for a photo shoot behind the building. Pulling in, I gave Misha his choice: He could come with me or stay in the car. It would only take a couple of minutes. “Oh, D-D, I better come with you,” he said, “or a policeman might think I drove the car here all by myself!” On School: When Liz Hart asked daughter Lolly how her first day of nursery school went at the First Congo, the little girl replied: “Well, nobody laughed and nobody cried.” On Honesty: After a nursery school play at Country Day, the headmaster sang the children’s praises in assembly: “That was just terrific,” he gushed. “I just don’t know how you ever did it.” And from the back of the room, loud and clear, came Billie’s voice: “We practiced and practiced, you idiot!” (“Billie,” now a married man, is still too embarrassed to own up to the story.) On Generosity: Janie Galbreath and daughter Elizabeth were going through some old clothes she and her sister had outgrown. “Oh, what are we going to do with all these clothes?” she asked the seven-year-old, who promptly responded: “Let’s give them to that nice old man.” “Who?” Janie asked, Wondering what older gentleman would want smocked dresses. “You know, Mom,” said Elizabeth. “Good old Will!.” You can’t make this stuff up. Thanks for the memories, Kids.

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SCREENWRITER CLAIRE AYOUB’S UNCONVENTIONAL

BREAKTHROUGH IN CINEMA by l o g an roen

by logan roen

ward-winning filmmaker and New Canaan native Claire Ayoub knows the culture of hard work and high achievement that comes with growing up in Fairfield County. From an early age, students seem to excel and follow a welldefined path to success. Ayoub, however, has built her career by embracing the unexpected. A champion of unconventional paths, she believes success doesn’t have to be linear. In fact, the acclaimed screenwriter—whose work has earned honors at film festivals including Seattle International, Coney Island and Sedona International— never even attended film school.

CONTRIBUTED

left: Claire Ayoub. below:The film’s poster.

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graduation gift, her parents gave her sketch comedy classes, which reignited her creative spark and eventually inspired a move to New York City to purse a career in the entertainment industry. Building a creative career wasn’t always easy. To support herself while navigating New York City’s comedy scene, Ayoubjuggled copywriting and advertising jobs— even babysitting—to make ends meet. She maintained this hustle for over a decade, steadily building the foundation for the career she has today. One of Ayoub’s guiding philosophies was to move away from the daunting question of “Who am I” and instead focus on the more empowering questions, like “What can I do?” and “What can I make?” That mindset inspired her to write the script for a feature-length movie—a project far more ambitious than anything she had attempted before. Drawing on the determination she built during her New Canaan Public Schools education and resilience she learned from living in New York, Ayoub ultimately secured a multi-million-dollar deal for her debut film, Empire Waist. Nearly two years have passed since Empire Waist opened in theaters nationwide, including hometown screenings at New Canaan Playhouse and the New Canaan Library. Today Ayoub is expanding her creative horizons, working on a young adult fantasy novel while continuing to to inspire the next generation of storytellers. This past summer, she launched weeklong directing camps to complement her existing screenwriting and creative writing programs for Fairfield County students in grades 4-7. The camps are both a tribute to her younger self and a celebration of the community that fostered her creativity—first during her childhood and again when she returned as an adult. Ayoub has always loved working with children and watching their ideas come to life through writing. “A big core of my classes is empowering students to realize that they can make whatever is in their heads,” she says. “Sharing drafts is scary. A lot of it is being vulnerable with the students and letting them know that being a

New Canaan’s Claire Ayoub (left) on the set with the stars of her film, Empire Waist.

“focus less on making it and focus more on making something. it’s okay to scribble in the beginning without comparing yourself to monet ,” – claire ayoub’s advice to aspiring screenwriters As a passionate teenager with wide-ranging interests, Ayoub wasn’t sure what she wanted to study in college. Her father suggested she get a liberal arts education, as it would allow her the freedom to embark on a journey of knowledge and passion without locking into one career

from the outset. To this day, she still considers this best advice she has ever received. She went on to attend Wellesley College, where she majored in Middle Eastern Studies and minored, she jokes, in “everything else”. After college, Ayoub still didn’t have a clear plan. As a

Empire Waist star Mia Kaplan with Claire Ayoub at the 2024 Annapolis Film Festival

creative is about embracing being different. I want them to bring their full selves to class.” That philosophy—learning to “try anyway,” even if a dream seems intimidating—has shaped Ayoub’s own creative journey. It became such a central part of her work that she named her production company Try Anyway Productions. Through Try Anyway, Ayoub offers camps and year-round classes in writing and creativity for both children and adults, encouraging students to take risks, find their voices and bring their ideas to life. While Ayoub did not major in filmmaking, study child education or ever expect to write a novel, she has transformed each of these dreams into reality by following her curiosity, embracing uncertainty and taking action. “We always feel like we have to ‘make it’ in life right away. But what is ‘making it’? Focus less on making it and focus more on making something. It’s okay to scribble in the beginning without comparing yourself to Monet,” Ayoub advises. Her journey is a reminder that taking the scenic route can lead not only to success, but to a deeper sense of fulfillment, creativity and joy. Ayoub in a read-through for Empire Waist.

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LIGHTKEEPER’S LEGACY A NEW VESSEL BEARING CHARLIE ERDMANN’S NAME WILL INCREASE ACCESS TO GREENS LEDGE LIGHTHOUSE WHILE HONORING A LIFE DEFINED BY A DEEP CONNECTION TO LONG ISLAND SOUND.

painted proudly across the hull: Lightkeeper Charlie Erdmann. The story of how it got there begins, in a sense, with a lighthouse that almost didn’t survive. Standing a mile off the coast of Rowayton and Darien since 1902, Greens Ledge Lighthouse was once listed by the National Register of Historic Places in “deteriorated” condition—just one rung above “ruins.” In 2016, the Pettee family of Rowayton purchased the lighthouse at a federal auction for $150,000 and established the nonprofit Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society (GLLPS) to save and restore it.

hen the boat touched the water for the first time, Barbara Erdmann watched and stayed visibly emotional for a long while afterward. It wasn’t just a boat— sleek, aluminum, built for speed and purpose. The boat bore her son’s name, painted on a vessel that would carry people across the waters he loved for years to come. That boat—a 23-passenger Munson landing craft built to travel at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, carry more than three tons of cargo and beach itself directly on sand — departed a boatyard in Washington state on a Friday for a seven-day journey to Long Island Sound. Its name,

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What followed was years of painstaking, expensive work: stripping away decades of paint by hand, rebuilding a structure where nothing sits perfectly plumb and creating a self-sustaining building powered by solar panels, wind energy and a desalination system that makes seawater drinkable. By 2023, the lighthouse—repainted its signature red and white, with its interior fully restored— opened to the public for the first time ever, hosting tours, weddings and overnight guests lulled to sleep by waves breaking against the caisson a mile from shore. The organiation’s original plan was to lean on third-party charter operators to ferry visitors to the lighthouse. It didn’t take long to realize that approach had limits. “The third-party charter business was lacking in the Norwalk-Darien community,” says Tim Pettee, president of GLLPS. About three years ago, his son, Alex, proposed a different solution to the board: purchase their own vessel. Alex Pettee had already been imagining a vessel designed for more than ferrying visitors. He envisioned one that could land directly on local beaches, making trips to the lighthouse possible for school groups that couldn’t otherwise afford a private charter. They found their answer in Munson Boats, a builder best known for its fireboats, police vessels and military craft— rugged, workhorse boats built for demanding conditions, not just leisurely cruises. GLLPS placed its order in December 2023, then waited out a long production queue for a boat intentionally designed to fit within reach of an all-volunteer organization: big enough to carry an entire school group out to the lighthouse, yet small enough not to require a large crew that they didn’t have. By the time the boat was ready to be named, everything had changed. On March 2, Charlie Erdmann—a 28-year-old Norwalk native and an avid boater and fisherman who’d spent much of his life on Long Island Sound—was killed in a car accident in Stratton, Vermont. His parents, Jeff and Barbara, had been fixtures in the Fairfield County community for years,

with deep ties to the Maritime Aquarium, where Jeff’s father had logged more volunteer hours than almost anyone in the organization’s history. At that point, the boat had no official name—just a working title: the Lightkeeper. Within days of Charlie’s death, board members Tim Pettee, Alex Pettee, Chris Walker and Anthony DeChellis proposed naming the vessel in his honor. “It provided a meaningful uplift amidst their grief,” Tim Pettee says. “It provided a channel for them to think about Charlie in the future.” Still reeling their loss, the Erdmann family immediately embraced the idea. Naming rights of this kind typically come with a hefty contributionthe community quickly met in Charlie’s memory. “Charlie was constantly on the water,” board member Chris Walker says. “He probably went by Greens Ledge Lighthouse a thousand times in his boating life.” A plaque now mounted on the vessel captures his connection to the Long Island Sound: Charlie Erdmann knew the water the way most people know solid ground—by instinct, by feel, by the pull of something deeper than words. He was a boatman, an outdoorsman, and a friend to everyone who ever had the good fortune to step aboard a boat with him. This vessel carries his name because it carries his purpose: to bring people together on the water. What GLLPS leaders saw was a family who’d given generously to a shared cause, and a young man whose connection to the Sound mirrored their own—not casual but deeply rooted. “It’s a very fitting tribute,” Alex Pettee says. “His passions are very much shared by us and are consistent with our mission.” The Sound has a way of drawing people to it—a wide, working, occasionally unpredictable body of water now watched over by a restored 1902 lighthouse that serves as an education center and gathering place. Charlie Erdmann spent his life exploring those waters. Now, his name on the bow of a sturdy vessel will carry his legacy forward, helping others discover the same connection to the water that meant so much to him.

“it’s a very fitting tribute. his passions are very much shared by us and are consistent with our mission.” –alex pettee on naming the boat after the late charlie erdmann

top: Greens Ledge Light’s President Tim Pettee (left) with Kevin Conroy and Laurie and Lizanne Galbreath. above and below left: The Erdmanns thank the community, with Jeff addressing the crowd and Barbara christening the boat with champagne. below right: Alex Pettee (right) gives Anthony Whitworth a peek inside the wheelhouse.

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do Meet the New Canaan entrepreneur turning gatherings into unforgettable experiences. by l i z ba rron

the art of celebration W

ith a career that began as an orthopedic surgery assistant, Jayne Benton never imagined she would one day run her own event planning business. After stepping away from medicine to raise her two sons, Benton devoted herself to volunteering in the community—a path that unexpectedly led her toward a new career. The turning point came when a friend running a charitable foundation asked Benton if she’d be willing to donate a cupcake baking class as a live auction item. The friend knew Benton’s creative talents firsthand. For years, Benton had dreamed up imaginative parties for her children, handling everything from the baking and elaborate decorating to the creative details that brought each celebration to life. She also regularly volunteered her talents for class and team events and was known for baking and creating alongside her own children and the neighborhood kids. Still, Benton was unsure whether anyone would be interested. She was surprised when “Baking with Jayne” became the most sought-after item of the night. newcanaandarienmag.com

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“i can't believe i get to do this. i get to see my friends, my kids, this community— and create experiences that people remember.” —jayne benton, elm street events

Benton loves finding unique locations that reflect her clients’ personalities. Greens Ledge Lighthouse (below) was the perfect setting for the 50th birthday of an avid outdoorsman. After arriving by boat, guests enjoyed cocktails and a sunset dinner.

Jayne Benton (far left) turned her love of entertaining into a full-scale party planning business, creating memorable moments—from a sabrage bottle opening for a champagne toast (left) to a flower-filled pickup truck for a New Canaan Garden Club event (above).

Inspired by the response, Benton began teaching baking classes at the New Canaan Library through the Parks and Recreation Department, and at after-school programs throughout New Canaan, Darien and Greenwich. “At one point I was baking more than 250 cupcakes every week,” says Benton. As her children grew, so did Benton’s involvement in the community. Holding board and committee positions on every organization from her children’s schools to nonprofits like New Canaan CARES, she found herself increasingly drawn toward organizing fundraising events. Those experiences also marked a shift in her business, moving beyond children’s baking classes and toward more adult-focused celebrations.

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“My first private event was helping to plan a 40th birthday party for a friend,” says Benton. “From there, things just expanded organically and it’s been word of mouth ever since.” Today, Benton designs everything from engagement parties and milestone birthdays to corporate events and galas. Over the past year, she has helped plan the 10th Anniversary Waveny Park Conservancy Gala and the inaugural New Canaan Land Trust Legacy of the Land gala. “I can’t believe I get to do this,” says Benton. “I get to see my friends, my kids, this community—and create experiences that people remember.” SETTING THE TONE Floral arrangements, linens and color palettes are often what

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When construction at Waveny House forced The New Canaan Land Trust to relocate its inaugural gala, Benton reached out to the owners of The Roger Sherman Inn. The event pivoted to an indoor, family-style dinner, beginning with an outdoor cocktail hour featuring an elegant grab-and-go bar and a quartet of New Canaan High School musicians.

people think about first when it comes to planning an event but Benton encourages her clients to start somewhere deeper. “The biggest thing people forget is to lead with the feeling— not with the flowers,” says Benton. “I always ask people what they are trying to create, what they are celebrating and what feeling they want their guests to walk away with. We talk about what tastes and smells they want to include and people always have an answer. That’s

to traditional venues, she often encourages clients to consider unexpected spaces that allow guests to connect more deeply with the purpose behind the celebration. For a recent event, Benton transformed a firefly sanctuary into a magical evening setting, despite having virtually no electricity. Guests followed softly lit lanterns down wooded paths, cocktails were crafted from a trailer hidden among the trees and carefully placed lighting preserved the natural beauty of the fireflies without disrupting the surroundings. “It was an experience—and that’s what people remember,” says Benton. For Benton, creating that kind of memorable experience also means making sure an event feels deeply with the purpose behind the celebration. Benton drew on his love of the outdoors, incorporating his collection of vintage décor and mounted pheasants into the design. “He loved it because it reflected who he was,” she says. “That’s the vibe I’m always aiming to create.”

when I start to get excited.” These initial conversations become the foundation for every decision that follows, from selecting the perfect venue and choosing décor and design elements that bring the overall experience to life. THE SMALLEST DETAILS Whether the goal is festive, intimate, nostalgic or glamorous, Benton believes the emotional vision should guide every element of an event. Rather than defaulting

Benton says the experience should start before guests even walk into the party. Whether it’s live acoustic music greeting people at the door or valet attendants dressed in themed attire, she believes it’s the unexpected touches that make an event memorable. “It’s the little surprises and hidden details that people discover throughout the night that set the tone and stay with people.” A FAMILY AFFAIR Although Benton is the creative force behind every event—from the initial planning to execution— she is often supported by her husband and sons. “My secret weapon is definitely my family," she says. Her husband Tom helps manage invoices and logistics for the business and her sons have grown up lending a hand, helping with everything from building backdrops and transporting décor to pitching in wherever an extra set of hands is needed. “It's always been a family effort,” she adds. Follow Benton on Instagram @elmstreetevents to see what she’s planning next!

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do Before she became a sleep scientist, Rebecca Robbins was a competitive swimmer at Darien High School, balancing early morning practices, double sessions and year-round competition. She drove to Wilton for training, then merged onto I-95 exhausted before the rest of the world was even awake. “It's a miracle I didn't kill myself in a fall-asleep car crash,” she says. Looking back, she remembers the cumulative toll that sleep deprivation had on her. What she didn't know then was that her body was working against her in ways no coach had ever explained. She would go on to spend her career figuring out why.

BY THE NUMBERS

Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night to support healthy development

for many teenagers, the body’s natural bedtime doesn’t begin

until 11:00 p.m. or even midnight. more than 80% of u.s. schools

start before 8:30 a.m.

CONTRIBUTED

Nearly 70% of teenagers don’t get enough sleep on school nights.

She worked with the Orlando Magic to introduce structured sleep behaviors and schedules for the players. That season, the team went on to win the Eastern Conference Championship. The research is clear: Sleep-deprived athletes are slower to react, struggle to regulate nutrition and body weight, and face a greater risk of injury. ”If we're pulling them into the weight room, the pool at four or five in the morning,” Robbins says, “we might be risking their safety.” The mental health stakes are even more sobering. Teenagers needs. In other words, teenagers who get fewer than six hours of are chronically sleep-deprived at sleep a night are more than twice more than twice the rate of the as likely to experience suicidal adults around them. thoughts compared to their wellAnd yet the response is rarely rested peers. Rates of anxiety systemic. School districts resist and depression increase; mood changing start times, citing bus regulation suffers. “This can get schedules, teacher contracts and really serious really fast,” Robbins athletic programming. Robbins says. “It's unfortunately often an acknowledges those logistical afterthought—how a student is hurdles—she's worked with her own sleeping.” former school system in Darien on For parents looking for ways to exactly these interventions—but she improve their teen’s sleep habits, questions the logic. Robbins recommends a few “How can we, in the face of that concrete shifts. Push screen-heavy evidence, not ask homework ourselves how best earlier in the to set up our school afternoon, when systems to support blue light is less TEENAGERS our youth?” she asks. disruptive to ARE MORE Studies tracking the circadian THAN TWICE districts that have system. Model delayed start times the behavior— AS LIKELY by even one hour put your own AS ADULTS have found significant phone down— TO BE benefits for teens. and consider CHRONICALLY Contrary to the creating a windcommon assumption, down ritual as a SLEEPkids don’t simply stay family. DEPRIVED. up later. Their biology Robbins keeps their bedtimes points to Danish relatively stable. The culture, which real problem has has a word always been the wake-up time. for the cozy, intentional time For many Fairfield County families share before bed: hygge. parents and coaches, perhaps Gathering, talking, dimming the the more persuasive angle is lights—cues to the brain and the what sleep can do for athletic body that the day is over. performance. A colleague of The chronotype shift that makes Robbins' conducted research with teenagers night owls, Robbins the Stanford University basketball notes, typically resolves in the team, asking players to prioritize early 20s, when most people sleep by averaging one more hour return to their genetically wired per night. The result? A significant sleep patterns. But it’s during increase in their free-throw the teenage years that we push percentage. Sleep wasn't simply hardest—the grades, the teams, helping them feel more rested. It the applications. We ask the was making them better athletes. most of them precisely when Robbins has also brought her their biology is least equipped to research into professional sports. comply.

Today, Dr. Robbins is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a sleep scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. What she has to say about teenagers and sleep is something every parent in Fairfield County—and beyond— needs to hear. Not just because our kids are glued to their phones. That's part of it. But the deeper problem is structural, biological and largely invisible to the adults setting their schedules. Once they hit puberty, teenagers need more sleep than they did in middle school—eight to ten hours a night, often well into their early 20s—at precisely the moment our culture starts expecting them to require less. At the same time, most teens experience a fundamental shift in their circadian rhythm, or chronotype—the internal clock that governs when we feel alert and when we feel drowsy. Melatonin, the hormone that signals to the body that it’s time to sleep, secretes later in the teenage brain. The result is that for many teens, 11:00 p.m. or even midnight is when their bodies are naturally primed to fall asleep. Not because they're being difficult. Because of their hormones. This makes a 7:30 a.m. school bell feel like a biological assault. “We are virtually pulling teenagers into the classroom with their heads still back on their pillows,” Robbins says. Yet more than 80 percent of schools in America start before 8:30 a.m. The consequences show up in the data: 70 percent of teenagers don’t get the sleep they need on school nights. To put that into perspective, only 30 percent of adults fall short of their own sleep

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A hot air balloon ride is one of many unforgettable experiences that can bring multiple generations together while traveling. From floating above the countryside to exploring a vineyard near Mount Etna in Sicily (below left), the best family trips offer something special for every generation.

Taking in the views on a South African game drive.

by m al ia m ck

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G N I K A M S E I R O M E M

or Anita Bausman, some of life’s most treasured moments happen far from home: a grandmother and her granddaughters sharing OR CRAFTING IS V D A EL S IE AV M IL an evening at the Paris ballet before sitting M EET T H E T R VENTURES FA ATIONAL AD E. IM MULTIGENER T to paint a famous French bridge, or three R E FOR A LI FE W IL L T R EASU generations of a family learning to make fresh cheese on a farm high above the Amalfi Coast. As founder and CEO of On the Fly Travel, an affiliate of Travel Experts, Inc. and a Virtuoso member, Bausman has built a career around exactly these kinds of trips. “These trips are so special because it brings families together for communal experiences, whereas their normal day-to-day lives don’t overlap,” she says. Bausman has become a connoisseur of memory-making across generations, likely due to her own upbringing and wanderlust. “My heart has always been in Denmark, where I intermittently grew up, but my family went back and forth between Europe and the U.S. our whole lives, which gave me an appreciation for visiting other places,” Bausman says.“Being with my family in faraway countries was special—there’s a kind of bonding that occurs when you all collectively immerse yourself in another culture,” she adds.

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Multigenerational travel is about creating unforgettable moments together—from cruising Paris in a vintage sidecar to arriving by seaplane in the Maldives, sharing tea and camel rides in Morocco and discovering hidden caves.

Before travel became her career, Bausman spent years as an event planner and freelance painter in New York, though she was always finding reasons to pack a suitcase. “During this time, I decided that I wanted to take groups on treks in Asia, so I spent months backpacking there and around Europe,” she remembers. That desire to explore eventually led her to travel school in San Francisco, where—true to her detail-oriented nature—she had to memorize the city and give a walking tour to fellow students from a moving bus. “I love to create itineraries and experiences for people, so this went hand in hand with my love of travel,” she says. “When my kids were grown and out of the house, I dove in full time.” Clients describe her as warm and energetic, with a planning style built on relationships rather than transactions. Bausman relies on a global network of local partners to arrange her itineraries at the best locations, many of which she has personally visited. Her trips tend to mix well-regarded accommodations with local cuisine and off-the-beaten-path adventures, personalized for a range of ages, budgets and activity levels. “I have an ability to identify a client’s personality, travel style, comfort level and

priorities, and I get to know them personally, so every itinerary reflects their interests and approach to travel,” she says. “It’s not about putting everyone in five-star hotels all the time. I want my clients to have a quintessential experience and absorb the culture where they are visiting. If they’re in Thailand, I want them to feed and bathe elephants in a protected sanctuary; if in Tuscany, they should learn to make mozzarella and tomato sauce that they can serve their own family for years to come.” Bausman’s specialty, and favorite trips to plan, are multigenerational ones.“I’m a specialist in Africa, Italy, Europe and beyond, particularly with multigen families, and I’m able to find appropriate accommodations and itineraries for a range of ages and abilities,” she says. “I also love planning milestone trips and making sure these get their proper gravitas.” Bausman recently planned a 30-person family reunion on the Amalfi Coast, where newcanaandarienmag.com

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three generations gathered at a working farm for dinner, learning to make mozzarella and limoncello from scratch before designing their own aprons to take home as keepsakes. Another upcoming trip will send a grandmother and her granddaughters to Paris, where an evening at the ballet kicks off a stay that also includes a stop at Monet’s house in Giverny to paint the iconic Japanese bridge. She’s also recently booked clients in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, as well as a private catamaran trip for 30 people in Ischia. For those considering working with an advisor for the first time, Bausman is candid about both the cost and the payoff. Fees vary based on the complexity of a trip—multicity, multigenerational itineraries take more planning than a simple weekend away—but

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“it’s not about putting everyone in five-star hotels all the time. i want my clients to have a quintessential experience and absorb the culture where they are visiting. if they’re in thailand, i want them to feed and bathe elephants in a protected sanctuary; if in tuscany, they should learn to make mozzarella and tomato sauce that they can serve their own family for years to come.”

• Desert glamping in Morocco • Private ice cave excursions in Iceland • Gorilla trekking and a village school visit in Africa

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she believes the investment pays for itself. "A good travel agent will make sure you maximize your trip with a balance of fun new experiences, relaxation and special activities, plus you’ll get special perks at the places you’re booked," she says. On the Fly Travel handles everything from a weekend hotel booking to a full bucket-list safari, along with destination weddings, honeymoons, private jet bookings, milestone celebrations, multicity international travel and sporting event trips. That support extends beyond the planning stage. Bausman and her team are reachable 24/7, working with global partners to rebook cancelled flights or salvage dinner plans gone awry. “I use experienced on-location colleagues, and we have strong reciprocal relationships with them. There’s not a problem we can't troubleshoot,” she says. It’s this kind of hands-on attention, she adds, that clients often don't expect until they’ve experienced it firsthand: “Booking through a travel advisor gives you VIP amenities, unique experiences, welcome gifts that will become keepsakes and upgrades you can’t get when you book yourself.” Many of Bausman’s clients are repeat customers, and she says she’s become close enough to some to consider them family.“I develop special relationships with my clients, especially families, and I really enjoy planning their trips because it’s personal for me,” she says, citing the idea that making memories with loved ones is invaluable, especially given everyone’s busy lives. “Travel allows the monotony of daily life to be left behind so you can learn about and enjoy other cultures—I’ve learned this on my own family trips. Now I have a job where my goal is for everyone to make memories to cherish forever. That’s what life is all about.”

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WHAT’S NEXT

From world-class performances, films, music and dance to groundbreaking exhibitions and conversations with today’s leading thinkers, FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY invites you to an exciting world of ARTS & MINDS experiences.

PHOTO FROM BFI NATIONAL ARCHIVE

B Y S A M A N T HA YA N K S

this photo: The Fab Four run from mobs of fans in Richard Lester’s A Hard Day’s Night. newcanaandarienmag.com

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La Noce d’Alfonse by the Québécois troupe Cirque Alfonse

above: Audrey Flack, Lux Eternal, 2022, acrylic and mixed media on canvas. Image courtesy of the Audrey Flack Foundation.

Thursday, Sept. 17 Fairfield University Art Museum Hieroglyphs to Hype: The Modern Afterlife of Ancient Egypt Opening Night Event and Reception 5:30 p.m. Event 6:30 p.m. Reception Dolan School of Business Event Hall, Bellarmine Hall Galleries, and streaming on Arts & Minds Live Join Megan Paqua, registrar of the Fairfield University Art Museum, and Michelle DiMarzo, PhD, curator of education and academic engagement for a lively discussion on ancient Egypt, scholarly research and how history is reshaped through pop culture. Free; register at fairfield.edu/museum below: Arthur C. Brooks

Sunday, Sept. 27 Cirque Alfonse La Noce d’Alfonse 4 p.m. Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts This is a family affair! Step into a wildly joyful spectacle where love takes center stage. La Noce d’Alfonse blends impressive acrobatics, live Québécois folk music and playful humor into an unforgettable “wedding” celebration honoring the union of one lucky couple from the audience. $35 | $5 Fairfield University student | $25 Quick Member tickets at fairfield.edu/quick

and combating the sense of emptiness caused by modern, fast-paced technological and societal changes. $35 | $5 Fairfield University student $25 Quick Member tickets at fairfield.edu/quick

Wednesday, Oct. 7 Arts & Minds and the British Film Institute, Screening: A Hard Day’s Night 7 p.m. Wien Experimental Theatre, Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts This exuberant 1964 romp follows 36 hours in the life of The Beatles at the height of Beatlemania. Director Richard Lester captures John, Paul, George and Ringo’s cheeky Liverpudlian wit as they dodge screaming fans and race around London. Featuring songs like “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “If I Fell,” A Hard Day’s Night is a time capsule from a moment when the Fab Four captured the hearts of the world. This screening is part of a new educational partnership between Fairfield University and the British Film Institute. $15 | Free Fairfield University student | $10 Quick Member tickets at fairfield.edu/quick

Tuesday, Sept. 29 Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum Arthur C. Brooks “Finding Meaning in an Age of Emptiness: An Evening with Arthur C. Brooks” 7:30 p.m. Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts Arthur C. Brooks is a social scientist and one of the world’s leading authorities on human happiness. He is a Vanderbilt University professor, columnist and host of the podcast Office Hours. Join us for an enlightening conversation as he provides a science backed, practical guide for finding deeper purpose

Tuesday, Oct. 20 Robert Cardinal McElroy, Archbishop of Washington “Catholic Teaching on War and Peace: a Breakthrough Moment” 7:30 p.m. Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, has raised profound questions about the church’s traditional understanding of “just war theory,” and warns of the dangers of the use of artificial intelligence in warfare. In June of this year, the consistory of cardinals met to discuss the encyclical and a new position on war. Cardinal McElroy will share his perspective on these developments. Presented by Fairfield University’s Office of Mission and Ministry. Free; register at fairfield.edu/artsminds

above: Robert Cardinal McElroy, Archbishop of Washington

For a comprehensive listing of all upcoming events and for more information on each, please visit fairfield.edu/artsminds

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From casual counters to waterfront tables, Patrick “Starvin Marvin, Jr.” Ferris reveals his FIVE FAVORITE LOCAL SANDWICHES

ongtime Darien resident and insurance industry road warrior Patrick “Starvin Marvin, Jr.” Ferris found himself spending a lot more time at home during the pandemic. Passionate about food, his kids began filming him in the kitchen, turning a casual cooking habit into something much bigger. His Instagram account, @starvinmarvinjr, started gaining followers when those early cooking videos were posted. But when COVID restrictions eased and he began traveling again for work, he pivoted the page into a go-to source for sandwich lovers across Fairfield County and beyond. Whether he's tracking down an old-school breakfast sandwich at a neighborhood diner, reviewing an Italian combo from a local deli or discovering hidden gems during business trips across the

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country, he approaches every sandwich with equal parts enthusiasm, humor and genuine appreciation for small businesses. Part of his appeal is his personality. Friendly, self-deprecating and unassuming, Ferris doesn’t take his growing social media following too seriously. His easygoing authenticity comes through in his reviews, making followers feel less like they’re watching an influencer and more like they’re getting recommendations from a friend. While his reviews have earned him a loyal audience—and occasional public recognition—his children, he says, remain firmly unimpressed, often finding his sandwich “fame” more embarrassing than noteworthy.

For Ferris, it’s never been about the notoriety. It’s about supporting local businesses, connecting with the community and celebrating the simple pleasure of a great sandwich. In fact, he swears by a rule passed down from his father: If the parking lot is filled with landscapers, contractors and work trucks, you’re probably about to have a great meal. It’s a philosophy that has guided many of his favorite discoveries— and one that reflects his appreciation for unpretentious places that focus on doing simple food well. We asked Ferris to share his five favorite sandwiches in the New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton area—and, unsurprisingly, he had plenty to say.

LIGHTNING ROUND with STARVIN MARVIN, JR. Hot or cold sandwiches? Hot Chips or fries? Fries Mayo: yes or no? Absolutely (and lots of it) Favorite bread? Semolina bread with sesame seeds Least favorite bread? Ciabatta, by a mile Breakfast sandwich or Italian combo? Italian combo Death-row sandwich? Chicken Parmigiana Best hangover sandwich? Bacon, egg and cheese with a hash brown and hot sauce Biggest sandwich pet peeve? Too much bread Most overrated sandwich? Chef's Club Most controversial sandwich opinion? Skipping a sandwich entirely if it's served on ciabatta

JAKE’S PLACE Bacon, Egg & Cheese (with a side cup of chili) “Small in size, huge in heart. Jake’s is the kind of old-school greasy spoon that reminds you why simple food done right never goes out of style. The bacon, egg and cheese hits every time, but the small cup of chili on the side is the pro tip you don’t want to miss. Owner Jeff, along with Sylvia and Linda, make this place feel less like a breakfast stop and more like part of the neighborhood.”

4 Ledge Road, Darien jakesplacect.com

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eat DARIEN BUTCHER SHOP Turkey Club “Every great sandwich list needs a classic turkey club, and Darien Butcher Shop delivers one worth talking about. This is the kind of sandwich that reminds you why classics became classics in the first place—stacked properly, balanced perfectly and somehow even better after the first bite. Skip the ciabatta and order it on toasted bread instead—that’s a personal bias, not theirs—and focus on what DBS does best: simple food executed at a seriously high level.”

13 Grove Street, Darien darienbutchershop.com

“A cheesesteak might not be the first thing you’d expect to order in New Canaan, but Uncorked absolutely nails it. Thinly sliced ribeye, perfectly caramelized onions and American cheese that comes together nicely on a buttery, toasted roll. It’s messy, rich and ridiculously satisfying— the kind of sandwich where you take one bite and immediately know you made a great decision.”

15 Elm Street, New Canaan uncorkedrestaurants.com/ new-canaan

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TONY’S DELI Ram’s Chicken Cutlet (chicken, bacon, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato and Russian dressing on a wedge) “Everything Tony Gencarelli touches turns into deli gold. From Tony’s Corner Deli to Village Table and Mama Carmella’s—plus the original Vavala’s— his legacy in the local sandwich game speaks for itself. The Ram’s Chicken Cutlet is the perfect combination of savory, crispy and heart—all built around some of the best chicken cutlets in town. A sandwich here is made by deli royalty.”

75 Pine Street, New Canaan tonysdeli-newcanaan.com

ww ROWAYTON SEAFOOD Barramundi Milanese Club (off menu) “This isn’t a place most people think of for sandwiches, but that’s part of the charm. One of the best meals in Fairfield County becomes one of the best sandwiches around when the Barramundi Milanese gets tucked between bread. It’s technically offmenu, but if you ask your server nicely—or tell owner Kevin Conroy that Starvin Marvin sent you—you just might get lucky to get your hands on this decadent masterpiece!”

89 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton rowaytonseafood.com

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HERMÈS

Cape Cod mini model watch; $9,400. Greenwich; hermes.com

LOUIS VUITTON

Short shearling bomber; $7,200. louisvuitton.com

fa ll fo re e a

MARCO BICEGO

18K White gold and diamond coil ring; $10,800. Fairfield; hcreidjewelers.com

COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

HA N NA H DE E LY

RALPH LAUREN ISABEL MARANT

Duerto leather western boots; $1,190. us.isabelmarant.com

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s 2026

RAILS

Flora top; $228. Darien; dariensportshop.com

CULT GAIA

Cheetah-print hair-on-hide shoulder bag; $558. Greenwich; saks.com

The season's freshest styles are here 8/19/26 4:02 PM

REFORMATION

Haircalf shoulder bag; $348. Greenwich; thereformation.com

ANNIE BING

Cotton baseball cap; $60. Norwalk; nordstrom.com

FREDA SALVADOR

Elba haircalf loafer; $395. Greenwich; unsubscribed.com

FENDI

DOLCE & GABBANA

Leopard print midi dress; $4,195. Norwalk; bloomingdales.com

wild thing A new breed of statement prints GANNI

Stretch cotton pocket cargo pants; $390. ganni.com

KERRI ROSENTHAL

Featherweight cashmere cheetah sweater; $388. Westport; kerrirosenthal.com

NVLT

Animal print jacket; $199. Westport; anthropologie .com

FASHION newcanaandarienmag.com

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Senior Living the Whole Family Will Love

Independent, Assisted & Memory Care Living 1 Parklands Drive, Darien 475-208-3293 | residenceselleckswoods.com

Ultra-Private, Clinically-Proven Retreat Programs for Lasting Results For nearly 25 years, Privé-Swiss has set the global standard in private luxury mental health care. Trusted by executives, professionals, and other high-functioning individuals worldwide, we welcome only a few clients at a time for exceptional privacy, personalized attention, and fully customized care. Located on the serene Connecticut shoreline, our clinically-intensive programs offer a tranquil setting to find the clarity and strength needed for lasting change.

Call (800) 866-2948 or visit priveswiss.com.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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NOUR HAMMOUR

Briar cropped bomber; $1,760. nour-hammour.com

ZARA

KHAITE

Leather Jordan jacket; $5,900. khaite.com

Faux leather jacket; $119. Greenwich; zara.com

maverick madn ess Pilot your wardrobe to new heights with these leather bomber jackets

ALLSAINTS

Cropped leather bomber; $625. Norwalk; nordstrom.com

TWP

BABATON

Synergy UnReal leather bomber; $248. Greenwich; aritzia.com

VERONICA BEARD

LONGCHAMP

Loose-fit leather jacket; $2,775. longchamp.com

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Leather silversmith dickey jacket; $2,798. Greenwich; veronicabeard.com

8/19/26 4:02 PM

John’s Island

Perfect Setting. Personal Bliss.

The Westy Guarantee… WESTY guarantees that a Customer’s rent will not be increased for two years from the Agreement date. WESTY guarantees that there will not be a registration or administration fee. WESTY guarantees your total satisfaction. If you are not totally satisfied for any reason within the first seven days of signing your Agreement, Westy will refund all your money and void your Agreement.

STAMFORD

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50 Keeler Avenue

(203) 961-8000

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105 Sago Palm Road : $14,950,000 5BR/4.5BA : VIP Guest Suite : 7,006± GSF

Welcome to John’s Island. A cherished ocean-to-river haven enjoyed by generations who have discovered the undeniable allure of life by the sea in Vero Beach, Florida. With three championship golf courses, 17 Har-Tru clay tennis courts, pickleball, squash, and luxurious clubhouses, discover the ideal place to call home with beachside bliss in Florida...

ANXIETY & OCD TREATMENT CENTER Specialists in treating OCD and anxiety disorders in children, adolescents & adults. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety, Fear of Flying, PTSD, Trauma, School Refusal, Separation Anxiety, Depression.

380 Indian Harbor Road : $10,950,000 Luxe Design : 5BR/6.5BA : New Build Direct Fairway Views : 5,221± GSF

600 Beach Road #137 : $3,200,000 Oceanfront : 3BR/2BA : Chic Finishes Double Length Terrace : 1,825± SF

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FARMINGTON, CT 10 Forest Park Drive: 860.269.7813 email: info@ctanxiety.com

Exclusively John’s Island

ctanxiety.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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ERDEM

DOLCE & GABBANA

Textured satin midi dress; $3,195. erdem.com

Rose silk tie-neck blouse; $2,345. Greenwich; saks.com

ZIMMERMANN

Ascent pleat pant; $895. zimmermann .com/US

CINQ À SEPT

Camille Polka Dot RosetteDetail Midi Dress, $595, Greenwich; saks.com

MANOLO BLAHNIK + EMILIA WICKSTEAD

Floral print pumps; $950. net-a-porter.com

CHRISTIAN DIOR

moody blooms These romantic florals are proving pretty can have an edge RAILS

Willow blouse; $198. Darien; dariensport shop.com

VERONICA BEARD Wilde cotton jacket; $898. Greenwich; veronicabeard.com

VERONICA BEARD Ohemia cotton skirt; $348. Greenwich; veronicabeard.com newcanaandarienmag.com

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T H A N K

E X C L U S I V E

Y O U

H E A L T H C A R E

T O

1 5

W E L L N E S S

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S P O N S O R S !

H o s t e d

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P E T

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Z o n e

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h o m e

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H e a l t h y

F o o d

B e v e r a g e

Z o n e

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SEPTEMBER 12 SATURDAY

F L Y E R

p r e m i e r

m e d i a

S P O N S O R

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10AM - 5PM

HARBOR POINT BOARDWALK, 1 HARBOR POINT RD, STAMFORD, CT M E D I A

130

EXHIBITORS

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FREE FREE FREE ONE-DAY GROUP CLASSES

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Your Family. Your Business. Your Charities. Your Wealth. Your Legacy. At Cummings & Lockwood, you receive sophisticated and carefully curated legal advice based on decades of experience and tailored to your specific goals, together with the personalized attention and elevated client experience you should expect from your professional advisors. n Private Clients | Trusts and Estates n Fiduciary and Probate Litigation n Corporate and Finance

BOB CAPAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY (203) 273-0139

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S P O N S O R S

n Business Litigation n Commercial and

Residential Real Estate

Stamford 6 Landmark Square Stamford, CT 06901 203.327.1700 Greenwich 2 Greenwich Plaza Suite 230 Greenwich, CT 06830 203.869.1200 West Hartford Blue Back Square 75 Isham Road, Suite 400 West Hartford, CT 06107 860.313.4900

STAMFORD | GREENWICH | WEST HARTFORD NAPLES | BONITA SPRINGS | PALM BEACH GARDENS

www.cl-law.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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JL ROCKS

14K yellow gold lab diamond necklace; $3,200. Greenwich, Westport; jlrocks.com

NAGI JEWELERS

Bold toggle chain earrings in sterling silver with 18K yellow gold by David Yurman; $1,100. Stamford; nagi jewelers.com

VHERNIER

CARTIER

RUSS HOLLANDER MASTER GOLDSMITH

ROBERTO COIN

18K yellow gold, diamond, black jade and mother of pearl reversible medallion necklace; $3,260. Greenwich, New Canaan; manfredijewels.com

18K rose gold and ebony pop chain link necklace; $19,900. Greenwich; betteridge.com

Vintage Cartier Paris gold diamond French poodle necklace; $13,750. Greenwich; stevenfoxjewelry.com

18K yellow gold and pearshaped diamond modern bypass curved ring; $32,600. Stamford; 203-363-2200

main attraction Sparkling stunners steal the spotlight

DAVID WEBB

18K yellow gold pavé set diamond necklace; $66,000. Greenwich; shrevecrump andlow.com

PETER SUCHY JEWELERS Diamond Tahitian South Sea black pearl white gold earrings; $5,500. Stamford; petersuchy jewelers.com

LUX BOND & GREEN

Custom-design 18K yellow gold and old mine cut diamond ring; $43,500. Westport; lbgreen.com

FAMILLE BY PAUL MORELLI

Black acrylic cuff with diamonds and blue sapphires; $50,000. Greenwich; famillegreenwich.com

ASHA BY ASHLEY MCCORMICK

18K yellow gold demi Florentine cuff with diamonds; $6,900. Greenwich; ashaby adm.com

newcanaandarienmag.com

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Now is the moment we’ve been waiting for. With new methods of detection and treatment emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, now is the time for hope. But not the time to stop.

IS THE TIME FOR ACTION

Help us keep the momentum going in your community munity t at the Alzheimer’s Association ty Associa Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest la fundraiser to fight the disease.

Sunday, October 25th, 2026 Sherwood Island State Park, Westport Join us at alz.org/walk. 2026 National Presenting Sponsor

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

Is not just something we do; it is what we do. WILLS AND TRUSTS WEALTH TRANSFER TAX PLANNING PHILANTHROPY DAVIDSON, DAWSON & CLARK LLP

DREW KLOTZ

COUNSELLORS AT LAW

KINETIC SCULPTURE

60 East 42nd Street New York, NY 212-557-7700

203 451 2902

18 Locust Avenue, 2nd Floor New Canaan, CT 203-966-8759

www.davidsondawson.com

DREWKLOTZ.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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JIMMY CHOO

Leather fringe hobo bag; $2,195. jimmychoo.com

reded-y or ot not MIU MIU

Burgundy, merlot, oxblood ... autumn autumns’s richest shades have arrived

Acetate sunglasses; $518; Greenwich; sunglasshut .com

TANYA TAYLOR

POLOGEORGIS

Nadia coat; $1,995. West leather pant; $895. Greenwich; tanyataylor.com

Knitted mink hat with pom; $300. Greenwich; pologeorgis.com

SIMKHAI

Genne draped midi dress; $495. Greenwich; saks.com

BACK 70

Leather Cloud Nine sneakers; $155. Darien; tnuck.com

NILI LOTAN

Leather barrel pant; $1,990. Greenwich; nililotan.com

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

HERMÈS

Lofty marled cardigan; $3,400. Westport; shop.mitchell stores.com

Kelly pocket 18 belt; $2,150. Greenwich; hermes.com

newcanaandarienmag.com

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State of Giving in Fairfield County Light a Fire is back! Reimagined and ready to spark what’s next. With a refreshed format and focus on the future of giving, this year’s event amplifies a simple truth: we’re Better Together when individuals, towns and organizations collaborate to solve challenges bigger than any one effort alone. Join nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, foundation executives, dedicated donors and businesses for an evening that honors those who lead with heart and act with purpose. Plus, don’t miss our Light a Fire(side) chat on what’s next for giving in our community, from shifting economic pressures to the strategies shaping philanthropy’s future. Scan here for event and ticket information. Or, visit MofflyLifestyleMedia.com/LightAFire

Sponsored by

Scan me

2026 2024 Light a Fire event. Photography by Kyle Norton

LIGHT A FIRE

Tues, Nov 10, 2026 | New Canaan Library

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money matters

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

SAVING FOR COLLEGE

Jamie Hunter

ith college costs averaging nearly $61,000 a year at private institutions and $46,000 at public schools, paying for higher education is a tall order. Short of hemorrhaging retirement accounts or saddling Muffy with six-figure debt on graduation day, what’s a parent to do? Start saving now, says Jamie Hunter, a vice president at Fairfield County Bank and financial adviser with Osaic Institutions Inc. in Westport. “In our area, we want our kids to have a better chance than we did, and we believe college is the way to get there,” says

CHET account, and there is no contribution minimum. If you open one before Baby’s first birthday, Connecticut will contribute $100 to the cause. Anybody can open a CHET account, whether a parent, friend or grandparent, and this is where things can get interesting, says Hunter. Account-holders may contribute up to $19,000 a year (or $38,000 for married couples filing jointly) to a 529 without incurring a gift tax, but there is no maximum contribution. Grandparents with a robust nest egg, for example, can superfund Muffy’s 529, combining five years’ worth of contributions in one year ($95,000 for a single contributor or $190,000 for a couple) without incurring a gift tax. “You can continue to contribute until the account reaches $550,000,” Hunter says, adding, “it’s a legacy plan that’s always in the grantor’s name.” If the original beneficiary of a 529 doesn’t need the money for school, accountholders can name a new beneficiary. While a 529 is the most popular savings vehicle for college, Hunter recommends adding a second, less-utilized but very handy tool

Hunter, who has put his own kids through college and can relate to the challenge. He has watched parents in lower Fairfield County sink every free penny into their homes and retirement accounts, only to come up short at tuition time. Then they raid those very accounts to pay the tuition bill, adding insult to injury. “Your life’s not over after you get the kids through school,” Hunter says. Saving for college can be a family affair, Hunter suggests, with everyone having skin in the game, from grandparents to the little scholars themselves. Start with a 529 plan. Designed as a tool to pay for school, a 529 lets you invest money in a brokerage account, where it grows tax-free so long as you use the funds to pay for qualified education expenses. Fidelity administers our state’s plan, the Connecticut Higher Education Trust, and contributions are tax-deductible, up to $10,000 per year for jointfilers. Superfunding — or making five years’ worth of contributions at one time — can net joint-filers up to a $50,000 tax deduction in Connecticut. It costs nothing to set up a

to the mix: a cash value, wholelife insurance policy. Sure, the primary goal is to pay a benefit upon death, but the policy also accumulates a cash value that can be used for college costs, if necessary. You can even borrow against the cash value — loaning yourself the money if you need it. Another benefit: whole-life insurance is not counted as an asset in federal financial aid considerations. A Roth IRA account — for Muffy — is a third item in Hunter’s toolbox. Parents, grandparents and kids themselves can contribute 100 percent of the child’s earned income into a custodial Roth IRA, up to $7,500 each year, and have that grow taxfree. Money earned babysitting, cutting lawns, stocking shelves at the store, work in the family business — it all counts as income. Contributions cannot exceed the child’s total earned income, so kids log earnings, as it needs to be verifiable. Come college time, if Muffy doesn’t need that money, it can keep accumulating, tax-free. Muffy will thank you later, when it’s time to pay for her kids’ college.

COMPARE STICKER PRICES One way to shrink college costs is to find a lower price tag to begin with. Connecticut community colleges cost about $5,200 per year, versus about $17,000 for only tuition at UConn. (Tack on another $20,000 or so for room, board and fees.) Going the community college route saves literally tens of thousands of dollars, all while and the fancy diploma. An added bonus: Connecticut awards community college attendees tuition-free grants to cover a shortfall between federal and state grants received and actual tuition costs. Awards are first-come, firstserved, and are not income-restricted. Apply online at CTState.edu/free-tuition.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

getting those required courses out of the way. Then Muffy can transfer to another school for upper-level classes

newcanaandarienmag.com

HOU

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8/19/26 10:14 AM

Join us at D arien Library’s Darien

p remier fundraising luncheon premier Darien Library’s 11th Annual

NOVEL TEA

Featuring Patrick Ryan

Wednesday, October 21st

Wee Burn Country Club Finalist for the 2026 Ohio Book Award Longlisted for the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award New York Times bestseller • Amazon’s Best Book of 2025 • Read With Jenna pick • New York Times Notable Book of the Year • Washington Post Notable Book of the Year • one of People Magazine’s 15 Best Books of 2025 • Barnes & Noble National Book Club selection • Barnes & Noble Finalist for Book of the Year • New York Times Editor’s Choice book • Book-of-the-Month Club selection • one of Apple’s Best Books of 2025 • American Booksellers Association / Indie bestseller • Indie Next List pick • Backstory’s Novel of the Year • Runner-Up for the 2026 McKitterick Prize

Tickets available at darienlibrary.org/noveltea

HOULIHAN LAWRENCE REAL ESTATE

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GALA

Life is a Parkway: Preserving the Journey

25th ANNIVERSARY

GALA

Saturday, October 24, 2026 The Guest House Saturday, October 24, 2026 Sacred Heart University, Fairreld The Guest House

Sacred Heart University, Fairreld Celebration Honoring 25 Years of the Conservancy’s Celebration Honoring 25 Years of the Conservancy’s Stewardship and and Preservation Preservation of of the the Iconic Iconic Merritt Merritt Parkway Parkway Stewardship Blank_singleAD.indd and 1 Places_Sept_Oct_2026.indd 52 52_63_NCD_People

TICKETS TICKETS

Life is a Parkway: Preserving the Journey

MERRITTPARKWAY.ORG MERRITTPARKWAY.ORG

8/14/26 8/19/26 10:17 12:10AM PM

people&PLACES by eliz abeth hole

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISABELLA ROSS 1

HENRY L. FARMER V FOUNDATION GOLF FUNDRAISER /

Oak Hills Park Golf Course

A Beautiful Life

H 9

onoring the memory of a Darien High School student who loved playing hockey and golf, more than 130 supporters teed up for the third annual Henry L. Farmer V Foundation Golf Fundraiser. Event proceeds will provide scholarships for students in need as well as help local organizations. henryfarmerfoundation.org »

1 George Brown, Bob Brown, Darien High School Golf Coach Tom O’Donnell, Darien High School Golf Coach Bill Van de Graf 2 Sue Blenke, Rachel Constas, Kari Cardone, Sima Farmer, Aileen Wiatt, Cory Gillette 3 Colin Kilroy, Todd Lombra, Henry L. Farmer, IV (Chip), Henry L Farmer, III (Hank) 4 Beverage cart sponsor KVO Collections 5 Shedd Glassmeyer, Lee Sigal, Will Jennings, Will Glassmeyer 6 Apara Chandavarkar, Sarah Donnelly, Katie Galligan, Brooke Bodick, Lily Farmer, Rachel Greca 7 Tom Kurz, President CEO of FuelRyte 8 Oak Hills Park Head Pro Nick Novak 9 Alex Crawley, Quinn Kilroy, James Whitticom, Peter Knag 10 John O’Neill, Jim Barlow, Ed Kosnik, John Amirsakis SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

ORG

6 10:17 AM

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Corporate Sponsors & Community Partners

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people 1

FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S AGENCY / Hyatt Regency Greenwich

Hope in Action MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO; PHOTOS 8, 11 BY GABRIELLE MARAZZO AND DOUGLAS SIMPKINS OF IN FOCUS LTD

uilding a community of care for more than 80 years, the Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) held its signature gala, IMAGINE, raising more than $500K for programs that support clients in every phase of life. The Norwalk-based nonprofit welcomed 300 guests to a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner and live auction. Saturday Night Live cast member Mikey Day, host of Is it Cake?, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. familyandchildrensagency.org »

1 Jennifer Toll, George Bauer 2 IMAGINE Co-Chair Lilwyn Lucas Dyer, Paul Dyer 3 Auctioneer Lydia Fenet 4 Rob Cashel, FCA President and CEO; Barbara Smyth, Mayor of Norwalk 5 FCA Board Chair Charlie Pieterse, Master of Ceremonies Mikey Day, Rob Cashel 6 Senator Bob Duff; Cheryl De Vonish, Campus President - CT State Norwalk; Kamari Collins, Campus President - CT State Housatonic 7 Margan Walsh, Julene Greenshields, Mandy and Tim Murphy 8 Lydia Fenet, Mikey Day 9 Sam Oritz, Hazel Gracia, George Rivera, Jose Gonzalez 10 Chris and Caitlin LaCroix, Sophia and Will Murphy 11 Charlie Pieterse, Mikey Day, Rob Cashel SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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THE GLASS HOUSE SUMMER PARTY / Grounds of The Glass House

Spirit of Design 6

1 Solange Knowles 2 Kirsten Reoch, Debbie Probst, Dozie Kanu, Jonathan Olivares 3 Mark Hannah and Jennifer Pastore 4 Andrea and Keith Attkiss 5 Christa Carr, Scott Fellows, Barney Leohnis, Craig Bassam, Amanda Leohnis 6 Debbie and Michael Propst 7 Christina Carr, Daniela Madrazo, Ava Pagano

NEIL LANDINO: 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16; BFA: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 17

uests admired the Philip Johnson-designed Glass House at the Summer Party, while enjoying an afternoon picnic and exploring the iconic New Canaan campus. Organizers created “moments of connection, creativity and celebration” through music and dance performances, curated food and drink, a silent auction and art displays. Knoll, which featured a design installation, served as presenting sponsor, while Max Mara, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, Design Within Reach and Land Rover Darien offered other unique experiences. The annual benefit helps fund educational programs, exhibitions and site preservation. theglasshouse.org »

newcanaandarienmag.com

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people 8

8 Guests make their way to the Glass House’s Pavilion in the Pond for a special performance. 9 Members of the Saint Heron dance company 10 Kim Solow, Kate Reibel, Courtney J.Martin 11 Summer style meets modern architecture at The Glass House 12 Guests enjoy an alfresco picnic lunch by Chef Luke Venner of Elm 13 Lizzie Bickford Meadow, Andrea Attkiss, Cas Friese 14 Malcolm J. Merriweather + The Voices of Harlem and Artina McCain 15 Bo Zhang, Kristen Cloud, Fatou Niang, Siska de Vreeze 16 The Glass House’s rolling green fields make for an elegant backdrop 17 Mica Carabin, Michael Rozen » SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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ANNUAL GALA / New Canaan Museum + Historical Society

Preserving History

PHOTOS BY KATE EISEMANN

he New Canaan Museum + Historical Society welcomed 350 guests under the moonlight for its annual benefit. Honorees Tom and Cynthia Monahan were recognized for their ongoing dedication to the nonprofit and for helping fulfill the Museum’s mission. Event highlights included live music by the Fake ID Band, catering by Diane Brown, a mentalist, hand-rolled cigars and a tasting by Litchfield Distillery. nchistory.org »

1 Leslie Crowley, Christen Farley, Brianna Benedetti, Robin Lord, Jayne Benton, Jennifer Skyrm, Betsy Greene, Julia Deane, Jane Schoenholtz 2 Elizabeth Stuart, Tom O’Dea, John Jessop, Lenox Stuart, Kerry O’Dea 3 Erica and Fernando Moreno 4 Dionna Carlson, Steve Karl, Amy Murphy Carroll 5 Jamie O’Shea, Amy Orser, Ryan Fazio, Parker O’Shea 6 Karl, Stewart and Franco Families 7 Steffi Loomis, Pete and Melissa Jones, Lisa Ferrante 8 Whitney Williams and Nancy Geary 9 Taylor Holden, Oke McAndrews, Anthony Sillo, Kevin and Brian Karl 10 Evening Honorees (and Board President Tom and Cynthia Monahan 11 Janice Luddy, Joe Vittoria, Toni-Ann Vittoria and Tom Luddy 12 Amy Orser, Jamie O’Shea, Louise York, Claire Salvatore 13 Jennifer Essiga, Christen Farley, Randy Salvatore, Mike Greene SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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NEW CAANAN LAND TRUST GALA / Roger Sherman Inn

Scenic View

PHOTOS BY LANEY LLOYD

elebrating the “Legacy of the Land,” New Canaan Land Trust hosted a special gala with an outdoor cocktail reception and farm-totable dinner at the Roger Sherman Inn. The organization honored Chris Schipper for his commitment to conservation and for helping shape the Land Trust. Under his leadership, Schipper preserved open space, created walking trails and revitalized the Bristow Bird Sanctuary. Dressed in garden-inspired attire, the colorful crowd raised funds to protect the land and preserve the future. newcanaanlandtrust.org » 1 Legacy of Land Committee 2 Chris Schipper, Isabelle Schipper, Kevin Moynihan 3 Robin Bates Mason ED, Nic Wickam-White, Marion Andersson 4 Marley Thackray, Sarah Hering, Jessica Knowles, Julia Stewart, Genevieve Schettino 5 Stephen and Polly Boeschenstein, Cara Herdeg, Meredith Landis, Fell Herdeg, Sanny Warner, Tina Miller 6 Toddy Turrentine, Eads Johnson, Susan and Peter Bergen 7 Chandler Kenny, Ainsley Hayes, Tracey Karl 8 Jim Tierney, Helen Appleby 9 New Canaan Land Trust Board 10 Reilly Esposito, Shanleigh Ciena, Anthony Ciena, Dan Juvan, Sophie Juvan, Kevin Cottrell 11 John Fusek, Cristen Cottrell, Christy Bonner 12 Alicia Wyckoff, Victoria and Tom Reynolds

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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2026 JUDGES

awards

the premier home design competition

ZOË FELDMAN

NEAL BECKSTEDT

Zoë Feldman Design

Neal Beckstedt Studio

MATT BERMAN

CHRISTOPHER LAGUARDIA

Workshop/APD

LaGuardia Design Group

get your tickets! for the

17th annual A-List Awards Wednesday, September 16, 2026 The Village, Stamford Visit athomealistawards.com for more information

PLATINUM SPONSOR

A-List_July26_Ad.indd 52_63_NCD_People and1 Places_Sept_Oct_2026.indd 62

GOLD SPONSORS

HADLEY WIGGINS

DAVID MANN

Hadley Wiggins

MR Architecture + Decor

VENUE SPONSOR

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people 1

AMERICARES AIRLIFT BENEFIT /

26 2:58 PM

Pier Sixty in New York City

DIA

Global Reach

M 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10: ROY ROCHLIN / GETTY IMAGES FOR AMERICARES; 3, 8: DANNY BRISTOLL/ DIRTY SUGAR; 7: MIKE DEMAS; 11: JEREMY VARNER/ DIRTY SUGAR

ore than 500 supporters attended the Americares Airlift Benefit, raising $2 million for health initiatives worldwide. The Stamford-based organization honored Actor, Director, Producer and Americares Board Member Tony Goldwyn for his philanthropic work. Shondaland CEO Shonda Rhimes presented the award. After the event, a group of guests joined an airlift to Asheville, N.C., to witness Americares’ recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. americares.org

1 Americares board members 2 Christine Squires, Tony Goldwyn, Shonda Rhimes 3 Cristen and Nigel Barker 4 Event Co-Hosts Bellamy Young and Jean Smart 5 Tim, Sara, Diane, Kristin and Jim Bosek 6 Carol Bauer, Sherri Cooke, Jennifer Toll, George Bauer, Laura and Hans Dijs 7 Sebastian and Renee Bea 8 Guests at the 2026 Americares Airlift Benefit 9 Event Co-Chairs David Yount and Erica Hill (board member) 10 Shondaland CEO and Presenter Shonda Rhimes; Actor Jean Smart; Actor, Director Producer and Honoree Tony Goldwyn; Americares President and CEO Christine Squires; Actor Bellamy Young 11 Brandon Wilson, Jim, Diane and Kristin Bosek SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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vows by eileen murphy

OLIVIA LINNARTZ & SEAN MCCAFFERTY 1

1 The wedding details 2 The bride and bridesmaids at Castle Hill Suite 3 The bride with her mother Victoria Linnartz 4 The groom at the altar with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Chapin Garner of New Canaan’s Congregational Church. 5 The bride with her father John Linnartz 6 The groom and groomsmen 7 The couple with the groom’s family: Andy and Kelli Losinski (left) and the his mother, Trish McCafferty. The groom’s late father, Edward McCafferty, was remembered throughout the day. 8 The newlyweds.

KRISTA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

livia and Sean first crossed paths at Denison University during a Halloween party, only to discover they were living across the hall from one another. What began as a casual introduction grew into something more, and the two dated for a little over two years before Sean proposed on the seal in front of the Denison chapel, with both families there. The bride, daughter of John and Victoria Linnartz of New Canaan, graduated from the School of the Holy Child in Rye before earning her undergraduate degree from Denison University and a Master’s in Teaching from American University. Olivia is now working as an elementary school teacher. The groom, son of the late Edward McCafferty and Patricia McCafferty of Cincinnati, attended Anderson High School and earned his degree from Denison University. He works in sales at Comscope. The couple married at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, in a heartfelt ceremony led by the Rev. Dr. Steven Chapin Garner. The celebration got an extra dose of suspense when the couple’s dog, Bud, went missing—he turned up again just in time for the cake cutting. Olivia and Sean now reside in Arlington, Virginia.

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vows

9 Old Fashioneds with Bud on the specialty stirs 10 The bride with childhood friend Audrey Trussell 11 The place setting and dinner menu 12 The bride and Cate Kaplan 13 Gaby Vishnevakaya, Amanda Hilton, Chris Hilton, Stephanie Hilton, Ricky Marchese 14 Jack Linnartz, Sean and Olivia McCafferty, Victoria and John Linnartz 15 The couple’s Denison friends 16 Bill Moran, Chuck Hilton, John Linnartz 17 The father of the bride shows off the “Forever your little girl” patch from his daughter 18 The cake cutting SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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by LIZ BARRON photog raphy by KATHARINE CALDERWOOD

TEENS TO

WATCH MEET THE STUDENTS TURNING TALENT INTO PURPOSE — ONE

CHAMPIONSHIP, RESEARCH PAPER AND ACT OF SERVICE AT A TIME.

very year, a fresh group of remarkable students emerges from the high schools of New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton—and this year’s class is no exception. Among them: a two-time World Cup fencing champion, a published neuroscience researcher working

alongside a Yale lab, a state champion debater bound for aerospace engineering and a licensed pilot. There’s a football quarterback who plays piano and teaches Sunday school, a dancer who trains 20-plus hours a week while running her own mental health initiative and a valedictorian shadowing physicians at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who is also a gifted painter. Others have channeled their ambition into service—collecting prom dresses for girls in need, traveling to Lourdes on a healing pilgrimage, founding clubs for cancer awareness and pediatric oncology research. Their achievements go far beyond test scores and grades—spanning science, athletics, the arts, service and leadership. Individually, each is exceptional. Together, they represent what’s possible when talent meets purpose.

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Greenwich Academy

LILAH MEHTA

St. Luke’s School

King School

BEN ROLAPP Brunswick School

BHHAVYA SOMAYA

St. Luke’s School

LEXI PARSONS Sacred Heart Greenwich

Darien High School

GRACE VILLAR

SCARLETT STEWART New Canaan High School

Sacred Heart Greenwich

TYLER TEMEROWSKI

Greens Farms

Academy SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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Hometow n: DARIEN

High School: GREENWICH ACADEMY Class of 2027

Athletics: TWO-TIME JUNIOR (U20) WORLD CUP FENCING CHAMPION; JUNIOR (U20) WORLD TEAM MEMBER (2026); CADET (U16) WORLD TEAM MEMBER (2025)

National Titles: TWO-TIME JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPION National Medal: GOLD MEDAL, DIVISION I SENIOR NATIONAL COMPETITION

INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY. WHAT SUBJECTS EXCITE YOU MOST? I

WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO FENCING? The Princess Bride first

drew me to fencing. After seeing the movie and driving by a club in Stamford, I had to try it! I was around nine or ten when I started and only became serious about it going into high school.

FENCING IS A MENTALLY INTENSE SPORT. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT HANDLING PRESSURE AND SETBACKS? “You win or you

learn.” This phrase reminds me that the lesson is a gift not always appreciated in the moment. Some of my biggest wins have come immediately after a crushing defeat and, while those losses really sting, I have learned that I have an opportunity to start addressing the biggest issues right away in my technique, timing or strategy. I have learned that I control my response to failure, and the faster I focus on what I can learn, and practice those changes, the more success I will see later.

HAS THERE BEEN A DEFINING MOMENT IN YOUR FENCING JOURNEY? A big turning point in my

really enjoyed my Comparative Government class. My teacher, Mr. Kress, is a fantastic lecturer and keeps us engaged by weaving current events into every class. Last year, I was lucky enough to have a U.S. History class and English class where my teachers, Mr. Sliter and Mr. Sullivan, taught their classes in tandem, interweaving the literature of the time while teaching the history of the era. It was a wonderful way to examine the events shaping the United States through different lenses and literary styles from all across the country. As a result of both classes, I am thinking about majoring in history, government or political science.

career was a Junior World Cup in Budapest. Before the World Cup, I felt discouraged and unhappy with my recent results, and wasn’t even sure if I should travel to compete. Two weeks before the tournament, I decided to double down on bringing a positive attitude to practice every day no matter what. When I shifted my focus to controllable factors like attitude and energy, I ended up not only enjoying the sport much more, but I also won the World Cup.

WHAT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED? It’s

easy to become consumed in your sport. One way I stay grounded is by spending time with my family and shifting my focus to other things we like to do together— like board games, movie nights or being active together. I also stay grounded through other hobbies like cooking and reading. When there is time, I love to experiment in the kitchen with my mom.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF OUTSIDE OF COMPETITION? I really crave

being part of a team. I love working in school groups like SPARC, a research collaborative I participated in this year aimed at studying and improving student life on campus. I also work on local service projects with my sisters. Even casually, I like to organize groups for studying during my free blocks at school, or crash an improv session on campus to revisit the class I took sophomore year.

WHAT DO YOU THINK FENCING HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT LEADERSHIP?

To me, leadership in fencing is leading by example. As one of the older teens, practicing sportsmanship by example is mostly about how I react

YOUR TEACHERS DESCRIBE YOU AS SOMEONE WITH GENUINE

consistently at practice, but even more critical in high stakes situations. Learning to control your emotions and having respect for your opponent is important, especially in front of the younger students. At my club, we emphasize always staying at the competition until all your teammates are done competing, and to cheer loudly and support them through every bout. My goal is to show them through example to keep composure on the strip, respect everyone and, hopefully, give them the kind of support that I love getting from them while I am fencing. BEYOND MEDALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR FENCING JOURNEY? As a

student athlete, I hope to emerge as someone who constantly seeks to get a little bit better every day. Fencing has a way of exposing one’s weaknesses both technically and mentally, and I’ve learned to face those head-on rather than avoid them. Improving every day, no matter how small that improvement, compounds into real growth. I hope to carry this mindset into every aspect of my life, not just as an athlete or student, but as a sister, daughter, leader and friend. There is always something to learn and room to grow. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I can usually point to one or two things to work on tomorrow, and that’s enough to keep moving forward.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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Preparing boys for life in a changing world. An independent, college preparatory day school, providing character-based education for boys in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

RSVP FOR OUR

OPEN HOUSE

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Hometow n: DARIEN

High S chool: DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2027 Leadership: PRESIDENT, EmpowHER

Honors: SAINT LAWRENCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AWARD Athletics: CIAC & FCIAC ICE HOCKEY CHAMPION S er v ice: HENRIK LUNDQVIST FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR

WHAT WAS IT LIKE JOINING A CHAMPIONSHIP-LEVEL VARSITY HOCKEY TEAM AS A FRESHMAN?

While it was intimidating, I was excited to find the environment welcoming and incredibly supportive. The camaraderie of this team is its defining strength and that atmosphere allowed me to feel comfortable trying new strategies and skills. As a rising senior, I now see my role as a mentor and leader responsible for creating a positive community for my younger teammates. HOW HAS HOCKEY INFLUENCED YOUR APPROACH TO TEAMWORK?

Hockey has taught me that improvement always demands purpose, consistency and a willingness to bounce back from disappointments. I have learned that cooperation yields the best results, and that I can benefit from listening to the input and perspective of others. WHAT DOES GIVING BACK MEAN TO YOU? Throughout my work

outside of school, giving back to the community is what keeps me motivated. Volunteering gives me purpose and I have found that I am my best self when I have goals that relate to others, not only my own. Balancing my jobs with athletics has helped teach me time management as well as taking responsibility for myself. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE PROM WITH PURPOSE? I believe

social media has really changed

the landscape for young women today, adding pressure to look and dress a certain way. Prom dresses can be really expensive, and I hated the idea that cost could keep someone from feeling included in such a fun experience. Knowing that many young girls do not have the resources to spend on dresses and accessories, I was inspired to do what I could to ease the pressure, and ensure all women had the chance to attend their prom with confidence. WAS THERE A MOMENT DURING THE PROJECT THAT FELT PARTICULARLY PIVOTAL? One moment that stayed

with me was seeing how many people donated dresses, showing me how powerful a community can be when it comes together. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity from people I had never met. It was amazing to realize that one idea could turn into over 100 dresses and help real students.

feel included and supported. WHAT HAVE YOUR JOBS TAUGHT YOU? Lifeguarding and retail

taught me independence, responsibility and how to communicate with all kinds of people. Lifeguarding taught me to stay calm under pressure. Both helped me become more confident because I was trusted to take responsibility and manage challenges on my own.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK WITH BUILDING ONE COMMUNITY AND EMPOWERHER? I think my

commitment to inclusion and empowerment is tied to my experiences as a female athlete. Darien has a reputation for stellar sports teams, and being a younger member introduces pressures that can, at times, feel daunting. When older members set a tone that emphasized belonging, I saw how a positive, supportive atmosphere can build a cohesive team. I love working with the kids at Building One Community on their homework and playing games, helping them to

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

What excites me about environmental science is how the challenges we face are the direct result of the decisions we humans make regarding our Earth. Environmental science has helped me to see that positive change is truly a matter of changing human attitude and behaviors. Unlike

other areas of science—like biology or physics—environmental science introduces an empowering level of control with respect to improving outcomes. I am drawn to the fact that positive change is in our own hands and we have the power to pivot! WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE FOR YOUR CAREER TO MAKE ONE DAY? As an eventual career,

I hope to make an impact on the environment and encourage sustainability through my work. Outside of my career, I am sure that I will continue to work to create inclusive spaces and empower individuals who may lack resources or a voice. I hope to always find ways to incorporate volunteer work into my life and continue to be a leader and impactful figure in my community.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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Patrick in Fifth Grade

Patrick Gunn and Nate Samelson began their SLS journeys together in fifth grade.

Nate in Fifth Grade

Ever since ninth-grade biology, I’ve wanted to know the ‘why’ behind things. At SLS, that curiosity grew far beyond science class—into the humanities, a cancer research project, and countless insightful discussions with friends and teachers. It’s a mindset I’ll carry with me through college and my career.”

One of the things I appreciated most about my time at SLS was the freedom to explore so many different things, from Shakespeare and conversational Mandarin to advanced abstract math. SLS always pushed me to challenge myself, ask good questions, and think critically. We were lucky to learn in an atmosphere that encouraged curiosity and creativity.”

—Patrick Gunn ’26, Valedictorian, STEM Scholar, Darien Teen to Watch, attending Vanderbilt University

—Nate Samelson ’26, Salutatorian, STEM Scholar, Stamford Teen to Watch, attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Join Our Open House Sunday, October 18, 12–3 p.m.

Learn more:

SLS is a secular (non-religious) day school for grades 5-12, serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York.

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WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN MEDICINE? I have

Hometow n: DARIEN

Independent Study and STEM Scholars project. I approach ScienceDirect and PubMed articles expecting to encounter gaps in my knowledge and to correct some of my previous assumptions. I often bump into terms I’ve never heard before— what even is ferroptosis, anyway?—and happily dive down rabbit holes to discover not just answers, but many more questions. It’s thrilling to stumble upon complexities I’d never considered; it’s like finding a secret door in a familiar room.

loved the natural sciences since my 9th-grade biology class, where I found myself curious about the “hows” and “whys” behind physiology. With that interest, and because I wanted a career with immediate human impact, I realized early in high school that I wanted to pursue medicine.

WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL WHEN YOU CREATED PREMEDEXPO? In high

school, I found myself wanting to ask medical professionals and physicians about their day-to-day work and research, but there weren't many opportunities (it's not every day you can talk to a neurosurgeon!). I figured a forum designed to connect those interested in healthcare with medical professionals would offer a solution, which is why I created PreMedExpo. Having students from other countries participate was terrific, particularly given the different healthcare models operating.

HOW DOES ART INFLUENCE YOUR APPROACH TO SCIENCE? I find

that my art plays into my scientific inquiries. Specifically, as I have been striving for hyper-realism in my paintings and drawings, I feel my objectivity has only grown over the years. With that, science has been able to come more naturally. WHAT HAS PAINTING TAUGHT YOU?

I try to follow my art teacher’s advice: “Paint what you see, not what you think you know.” I’ve realized that much of the challenge in painting isn’t just the technical skill itself but seeing past your bias and depicting what’s actually there.

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST EYE-OPENING MOMENT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IN A MEDICAL ENVIRONMENT? Shadowing an

N/IICU doctor at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I was able to sit in on a department case review. I felt as if I were watching a scene in a medical TV show, where doctors are collaborating to solve technical problems they encountered in a life-saving ICU situation. That really solidified my interest in medicine, exciting me with the prospect of working with like-minded professionals on intensely meaningful problems.

WHAT VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE HAS IMPACTED YOU? Recognizing

that many individuals lack access to the arts, I founded Painting with NonProfits in 2024 to provide free lessons to underserved communities across Connecticut, sharing the comfort and growth painting has brought me. While I’ve learned how to manage an organization, the most meaningful part has been making art accessible to all.

HOW HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH?

My research hit many bumps over the years, particularly in the lab; the cell batches died twice due to fungal infections. I have found research is rarely a linear path; you have to remain flexible and be comfortable with things not always going as planned, regardless of how carefully you design a study.

WHAT KEEPS YOU CURIOUS ABOUT SCIENCE? The same curiosity I

had back in 9th-grade biology has sustained me throughout my

High School: ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL Class of 2026 College: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY Academic Honors: CLASS VALEDICTORIAN National Recog nition: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

PROGRAM CANDIDATE (2026); NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WINNER (2026) School Honors: DARTMOUTH BOOK AWARD (2025); ST. LUKE’S HONOR AWARD (2024) Leadership: FOUNDER, PAINTING WITH NONPROFITS; CREATOR, PREMEDEXPO Ar ts: SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS: THREE GOLD AND FIVE SILVER AWARDS (PAINTING & DRAWING)

LOOKING AHEAD TO VANDERBILT, WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE? As I plan to pursue an

MD-PhD, I aim to connect with and care for people in a clinical setting and to make research contributions. In that way, I can work to improve disease prognoses and people’s lives. I’m excited about the prospect of using my clinical experience to inform my research, keeping patient care and needs front and center throughout the investigative process.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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FFLD Pre

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Others Others Fairfield College Preparatory School, a Jesuit, Catholic highPreparatory school of excellence, Fairfield College School, develops young men into compassionate a Jesuit, Catholic high school of excellence, Fairfield College Preparatory School, Fairfield College Preparatory School, leaders through a rigorous academic program. develops young men into compassionate a Jesuit, Catholic high school of excellence, a Jesuit, Catholic high school of excellence, In a faith-filled community, students deepen leaders through a rigorous academic program. develops young men into compassionate develops young men into compassionate their with God and one another, In arelationships faith-filled community, students deepen leaders through a rigorous academic program. leaders through a rigorous academic program. transforming Others. their relationshipsinto withMen Godfor and one another, In In a a faith-filled faith-filled community, community, students students deepen deepen transforming into Men for Others. their their relationships relationships with with God God and and one one another, another, transforming transforming into into Men Men for for Others. Others.

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BHHAVYA SOMAYA

Hometow n: NORWALK

High School: ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL Class of 2026 College: PURDUE UNIVERSITY Research: CONDUCTED AEROSPACE-FOCUSED QUANTUM COMPUTING RESEARCH THROUGH PIONEER ACADEMICS. PUBLISHED A 15-PAGE RESEARCH PAPER ON OPTIMIZING CUBESAT MISSION PLANNING USING IBM’S QISKIT SOFTWARE Leadership: STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT; RANKED #1 IN CONNECTICUT IN VARSITY POLICY DEBATE; QUALIFIED FOR THE NATIONAL SPEECH & DEBATE TOURNAMENT

Mathematics: SELECTED TO REPRESENT CONNECTICUT AT THE AMERICAN REGIONS MATHEMATICS LEAGUE (ARML) NATIONAL COMPETITION

Advanced Course work: COMPLETED UNIVERSITY-LEVEL APPLIED LINEAR ALGEBRA, DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, AND ADVANCED DISCRETE MATHEMATICS WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN ENGINEERING, DEBATE AND MUSIC? I’ve always been

curious about how things work. When I was younger, I started teaching myself math topics because I wanted to understand them. As I progressed through high school and was exposed to more advanced classes, that curiosity expanded into physics and engineering, where I realized I could use those concepts to design and build things that exist in the real world—or more recently, in my STEM Scholars project, even a prototype that hadn’t been made! Music developed alongside that journey, because where engineering satisfied my desire to understand physical systems, music gave me a way to express myself and connect with people.

WHAT’S A PROJECT OR EXPERIENCE THAT YOU ARE ESPECIALLY PROUD OF? I’m especially proud

of teaching math to students in India. I went in expecting to share what I knew, and although I did so, I ended up learning just as much

from them. Watching students who initially viewed math as just another school subject begin asking questions about its realworld applications, and which resources I used to fuel my love of the subject was incredibly rewarding. It only reinforced my belief that mastery isn’t just about understanding something yourself, but about helping others discover their own confidence.

to you, and without being attentive, your rebuttal could mistakenly be a response to something they’d never claimed to begin with. At the very least, you’d risk not being entirely accurate. That’s where I learned that the most productive conversations are not about winning—they’re about learning. WHERE DOES MUSIC FIT INTO YOUR LIFE COMPARED TO EVERYTHING ELSE YOU’RE DOING? Long before

I discovered engineering, I picked up a guitar and continued to strum until I’d put together a melody that transported me into an entirely different dimension. As this evolved into piano, drums and, most recently, vocals, I’ve recognized music as being the glue to everything else I do, and what gives me a sense of balance in such a busy life. Much of my academic and extracurricular life revolves around solving problems and working toward long-term goals; music is what allows me to slow down, be present and make connections with friends and others I’ve never before met.

WHAT HAS DEBATE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT HOW TO THINK, LISTEN OR COMMUNICATE THAT SURPRISED YOU? One thing I’ve learned through

debate and leadership is that the strongest communicators are often the strongest listeners. Early on, I believed persuasion came from having the best argument. Now, a good argument is absolutely crucial to your case, whether that’s in debate or in any good conversation you have. Over time, however, I realized it comes more from imagining yourself in the other’s shoes—and the good part about a debate is that you don’t have to imagine it. They read their case out

WHAT HELPS YOU STAY GROUNDED?

Exercise, music and spending time with the people I care about. Working out, rock climbing or picking up my guitar gives me a clearer perspective. Rock climbing is a newer passion of mine and it’s one I’ll take with me to Purdue. Not only does it give me the same physical challenge as working out does, but it combines that with a challenge for the mind. LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE IN YOUR FIELD OR BEYOND? I hope

to contribute to the future of aerospace engineering and space exploration, particularly through spacecraft systems and propulsion technologies. But alongside my career, I want to have an impact that goes beyond technical work. The mentors and teachers who invested in me shaped who I am today, and I hope to do the same for others. If I can help people become more curious and confident in their own potential—whether in math, music or service—I would consider that a meaningful legacy.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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Boundless Potential Starts Here

At GCDS, we empower individuals to take pride in their unique abilities, pursue a purpose-driven life, and unlock possibilities that create impact.

It’s how we think. Purpose. Pride. Possibility. 68_75_NCD_Teens_Feature 1 through 4_Sept_2026 2.indd 75

OPEN HOUSE

Grades N-8 November 1

Grades 9-12 October 25

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LEXI PARSONS

Hometow n: NEW CANAAN

High S chool: SACRED HEART GREENWICH Class of 2026 College: BOSTON COLLEGE Academic Honors: CLASS SALUTATORIAN • CUM LAUDE SOCIETY Leadership: STUDENT BODY CO-HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE • ADMISSIONS AMBASSADOR CO-CHAIR

S er v ice: ST. VINCENT’S HOSPITAL YOUTH SERVICE AWARD (2026); SISTER SHEEHAN SERVICE HONOR SOCIETY MEMBER Initiative: CO-FOUNDER AND LEADER OF THE GARDEN PROGRAM Ar ts: SACRED HEART ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL HOST AND 1ST PLACE, CREATIVE CATEGORY

WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TOWARD YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH? I was

first drawn to pursuing nursing and caring for others after my experiences with community service through mission. My interest in nursing was solidified after I attended a pilgrimage where I had the opportunity to work with sick and elderly individuals. In this role, I helped those seeking healing through their daily routines: assisting them with eating meals, maintaining hygiene and transportation. The ability to form personal relationships stood as a necessary part of what I hoped to gain out of my future career. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO TURN IDEAS INTO ACTION AT SCHOOL? Being a

founding member of the Garden Program is one example where I experienced the Sacred Heart community inspire and empower young women like myself to take initiative. Serving as the Student Body Co-Head of Community Service this past year, I addressed awareness through various service events and fundraisers. The possibility of making a difference in a marginalized community inspired me to embrace the support Sacred Heart provides to make ideas come to life. FROM TUTORING TO SOUP KITCHENS, WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE STAYED WITH YOU? [The

pilgrimage to] Lourdes has always

been an experience that I feel so connected to because of the lessons I learned about myself and others. Lourdes was an opportunity to grow in my faith alongside serving others. What impacted me most were the relationships I formed in just ten days. Being surrounded mostly by elderly people who are in search of healing either physically, mentally or spiritually was such a blessing. I had never heard so many stories of people’s childhoods and incredible journeys in life while helping them through simple tasks. Each person had their own story, and I am so grateful I was able to experience that and to share with others.

taught me that leadership isn’t about accomplishing everything on your own; it’s about bringing people together around a shared purpose. Although asking for additional support wasn’t part of our original plan, I learned that collaboration often leads to greater impact than working independently.

WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP LESSON YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK? One moment

LOOKING AHEAD TO BOSTON COLLEGE AND NURSING, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE PEOPLE YOU CARE FOR?

that something I organized didn’t go exactly as planned was the Carver Center Holiday Toy Drive. My partner as Co-Head of Community Service and I had worked to plan and execute the toy drive. However, the day before we had to deliver the donations, our faculty leader made an announcement calling students to bring in gifts since we barely had fifteen in our donation bins total. The next day there was an overflowing pile of donations. In the end, there were three extremely packed carloads of donated items that we were able to deliver to the Carver Center. This experience

I hope to have the same impact on others that they have on me. As someone who is always seeking to build meaningful relationships and learn from those around me, I hope to leave every patient feeling seen, valued and cared for. One experience that continues to shape my perspective happened during my time in Lourdes. During the Mass of the Intentions, I felt an overwhelming emotional calling to share my thoughts and prayers with one of the resident chaplains. I

was so torn between if I was doing the right thing at the right time or not. However, I realized it meant something that I was struggling so heavily with what to do in the situation and chose to act on my instincts. In that conversation, I experienced what it truly means to be cared for and loved selflessly by someone I may never see again. That moment changed the way I think about healthcare. I realized that the greatest miracles I witnessed in Lourdes were not those of physical healing—they were the miracles of hope, compassion and human connection. As I begin my journey in nursing, I hope to become a source of that same hope, love and reassurance for others. Lourdes taught me that caring for people extends far beyond medicine and procedures. Sometimes the most meaningful healing comes from making someone feel safe, heard and never alone.

greenwichmag.com

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WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN HEALTH SCIENCES OR MEDICINE? My interest in

Hometow n: DARIEN

medicine first started when I was six years old after meeting my friend Scarlett James. Scarlett was a year older than me and had just finished treatment for Stage 4 T-Cell Lymphoma. After her battle against cancer, she and her family started the Scarlett Fund, which raises money for pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Having met Scarlett right as the fund was founded, I grew up with it being a large part of my life. As I got older, I wanted to have more of an impact in what I did for the fund outside of just raising money. This led me to wanting to become a pediatric oncologist so I could help those like Scarlett. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND CANCER AT YOUR SCHOOL? I wanted to spread

the two issues that I am most passionate about. It is hard not to care about these issues once you are educated on them. Shoulder Check is very well known in Darien and the hockey world but not as well known outside of it. I wanted my friends outside of those communities to become a part of Shoulder Check’s mission of reaching out, checking in and making contact.

GRACE VILLAR

CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT FROM VOLUNTEERING OR SERVICE WORK THAT REALLY STAYED WITH YOU?

High S chool: SACRED HEART GREENWICH Class of 2026

One moment that really stayed with me was at Cycle for Survival this year, when I was talking to a woman who was helping with the event tell me her story of how she beat breast cancer. It was incredible to hear her story while knowing that the entire room was filled with people who have stories just like it. Cycle is one of my favorite things, as is the Shoulder Check Showcase, for the same reason of bringing people together because of something terrible. It is that unity that is formed at these events that I find particularly beautiful and meaningful—to see how well people come together to work toward a solution.

College: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA Academic Honors: ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL (2022–2026) Leadership: HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE (2026) S er v ice: GREENWICH AWARD (2026) • ST. VINCENT’S YOUTH

AWARD (2024) • SUSAN B. ANTHONY AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD (2025) • SACRED HEART GOAL 3 AWARD

Ar ts: SACRED HEART FILM FESTIVAL PSA 1ST PLACE (2023) • ESCU FILM FESTIVAL EXPERIMENTAL THIRD PLACE (2024) • SACRED HEART FILM FESTIVAL PSA 2ND PLACE (2026)

Film & Media: ALL-AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL FILM FESTIVAL DOCUMENTARY OFFICIAL SELECTION (2023) • ALL-AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL FILM FESTIVAL SPORTS FEATURE NOMINEE (2024) • COLUMBIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION GOLD CIRCLE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY 3RD PLACE (2025) • COLUMBIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION GOLD CIRCLE VIDEO PSA CERTIFICATE OF MERIT (2025) SCHOOL: SACRED HEART GREENWICH CLASS OF 2026

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART ABOUT STARTING A NEW INITIATIVE? I

would say the hardest part of starting an initiative is getting other people to buy into and be excited about it. A lot of the time people have very busy lives and it can seem like another thing to add to the to-do list, but going about it the right way can get people excited. WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU IN PRACTICE? Leadership

to me looks like hearing other people’s ideas and incorporating them into what you plan to do. It also looks like taking initiative and knowing when to step back, too. I’ve grown into a leaderwho wants to lift up others. YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN BOTH SPORTS AND CREATIVE WORK LIKE FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY—WHAT DO THOSE OUTLETS GIVE YOU THAT ACADEMICS DON’T? Being a part of

JVB Field Hockey was something that led me to have a fun way to get my exercise in at the end of my day. Sports photography is something that I have become very passionate about, and it has allowed me to still be creative despite my lack of any kind of artistic talent. WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE TRIED THAT DIDN’T GO AS PLANNED, AND WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE EXPERIENCE? Something

that I have tried that did not go as planned was my experience freshman year on the rowing team. Although I loved rowing, I was not the best at coxing like I had planned to be, but I dedicated more and more time into the sport hoping to get better. That experience taught me how to truly work hard for the things you want. It also taught me to know when to walk away and that it is ok to not be good at everything. LOOKING AHEAD TO UNC CHAPEL HILL, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE—ON CAMPUS OR BEYOND? I hope to continue

bringing The Scarlett Fund and Shoulder Check into the lives of my classmates and friends, expanding both of their reaches. I hope to continue taking photos and grow in my skill as well.

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For 50 years, Eagle Hill has empowered students with language-based learning differences and executive functioning needs to grow, succeed, and thrive.

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YOU HAVE A DIVERSE COURSE LOAD—FROM ETHICS AND PSYCHOLOGY TO RACE AND FILM. WHAT HAS STAYED WITH YOU THE MOST? One thing that sticks out

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to me is in psychology class we learned about something called reframing. When something happens, usually negative, reframing it in a positive light can literally change your mood and happiness. So after a bad practice or game, instead of sulking, you can reframe it as an opportunity to learn from mistakes and be a better player because of it. WHAT WAS IT LIKE JOINING THE BRUNSWICK FOOTBALL PROGRAM JUST BEFORE THE SEASON?

Stepping into a higher level of football challenges you mentally, emotionally and physically. While Brunswick and my coaches made it as smooth as possible, there’s always bumps along the road between summer workouts, fall camp and adjusting to new teammates. Everyone was welcoming and supportive, so the team did not feel “new” for long. YOUR COACHES HAVE DESCRIBED YOU AS VERY CALM. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN NATURALLY COMPOSED? I have always been

BEN ROLAPP

very levelheaded. Most likely because I grew up with two older brothers who liked to play tackle football with me when they were three times my size. But experience has also helped. I’ve started in around 35 varsity high school games, so I’m not saying I’ve seen it all, but I’ve been blessed to be a part of many different situations.

S chool: BRUNSWICK SCHOOL Class of 2027 (COMMITTED TO BOSTON COLLEGE)

TAKE US BACK TO THOSE FINAL SECONDS OF THE HOMECOMING GAME. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST CLEARLY? I remember

Leadership: BRUNSWICK FOOTBALL CAPTAIN (2026)

Coach McGillicuddy’s speech before letting us know that we rep two-minute drills every week in practice and this should be nothing new. This helped me put into perspective what I was doing so I wasn’t overwhelmed.

Athletics: NEW ENGLAND PREP FOOTBALL CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM QUARTERBACK (2025) • ALL-STATE HONORS (2024) • FIRST TEAM ALL-FCIAC (2024)

YOU RECENTLY TOOK ON A RIGOROUS ACADEMIC SCHEDULE WHILE ADJUSTING TO A NEW SCHOOL AS A STUDENT ATHLETE. HOW DID YOU MANAGE THAT TRANSITION? There is a reason

Brunswick is so esteemed. The

school’s classes are rigorous, yes, but the teachers are amazing and work with schedules and advisors help with time management because so many of the Brunswick students are high-level athletes, so it was not an issue.

YOUR COACHES SPEAK HIGHLY OF YOUR LEADERSHIP. WHAT DOES BEING A GOOD LEADER MEAN TO YOU? Being a good leader means

not just calling guys out and

screaming on the field. Being a leader means giving yourself the credibility to be able to lead others, meaning you have to be the first in and last out, put in time in the film room, be coachable and be present 24/7 before you can call someone else out and hold the team to a standard that your already at or exceeding. FOOTBALL CAN BE EMOTIONALLY INTENSE, ESPECIALLY AT A COMPETITIVE LEVEL. HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE PRESSURE? Don’t

take anything personally and don’t take football home with you. Meaning when you get chewed out, criticized or feel pressure, remember it’s a game and nothing is attacking you as a person; admit the mistake and move on. Not taking football home with you means if a bad practice or bad game occurs don’t let it leak into other aspects of your life because football is not the be-all and end-all. Brunswick also has so many good people that support you so it’s easy to get back on track. YOUR COACH SAID YOU ARE SOMEONE WHO CONNECTS EASILY WITH ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE. WHY IS THAT SOMETHING YOU VALUE?

I think social connection is the single most important thing for overall health and happiness, also something I learned in physiology with Coach J. It’s also easy to connect with people that are interesting and social like so many of my teammates and the people at Brunswick are, there is a reason it’s considered such a special place. WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT REALIZE ABOUT YOU BEYOND FOOTBALL?

I have played the piano since I was eight, and I am an avid golfer. I also team teach a Primary Class for six-year-olds at my church. WHEN YOU LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE, WHAT KIND OF TEAMMATE, STUDENT OR PERSON DO YOU ULTIMATELY HOPE TO BECOME? At

the end of the day I want to be a person who is at peace in whatever field I am in and enjoys time with people, family, friends and constantly stays curious.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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The Power of Wonder At King School, students ask big questions, explore ideas, and take ownership of their learning. That’s how engagement grows. That’s how students fall in love with learning. And those skills go far beyond the classroom. They shape how children solve problems, adapt to change, and take on any challenge with confidence and purpose. LEARN HOW YOUR CHILD CAN THRIVE AT KING.

Join us for Open House Sunday, October 4 kingschoolct.org/open-house WONDER IN ACTION: Geometry came to life as Grade 4 students designed and built mini-golf courses inspired by their own creativity and imagination.

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

BE BOLD. APPLY EARLY.

The Frederick Gunn School cultivates independent critical thinkers who are ambitious, courageous, and always learning.

KEY DATES FOR 2027-28 ENROLLMENT EARLY DECISION

REGULAR DECISION

Application deadline

December 1, 2026: December 15, 2026:

Decision notification

January 15, 2027: March 10, 2027:

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The Frederick Gunn School is a coed boarding and day school for 330 students in grades 9-12 and postgraduate located in Washington, CT | GoGunn.org

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LILAH MEHTA

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S chool: KING SCHOOL Class of 2027 Academic Honors: CONNECTICUT SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR (CSEF) FINALIST, HEALTH & MEDICAL CATEGORY • SELECTED AS 1 OF 18 STUDENTS STATEWIDE TO PRESENT RESEARCH AT THE HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM (HSHSS) Research: CO-AUTHORED AND PUBLISHED LITERATURE REVIEW, WITH YALE LAB TEAM IN CURRENT OPINION IN IMMUNOLOGY

Leadership: VARSITY TENNIS CO-CAPTAIN • MATH TEAM

CO-CAPTAIN • PRESIDENT, GIRLS ADVANCING IN STEM • CHAIRPERSON, GRASSROOTS TENNIS & EDUCATION AUTUMN CLASSIC FUNDRAISER

Athletics: 2024 NEPSAC ALL-PLAYE • 2025 FAA ALL-LEAGUE; LED VARSITY TENNIS TEAM TO THREE CONSECUTIVE NEPSAC CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES • KING RANKED #9 AT SMALL SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Civ ic Engagement: INSPIRICA VOLUNTEER Model UN: HONORABLE MENTION, BROWN UNIVERSITY

SIMULATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS • BEST DELEGATE, KING MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)

WHERE DID YOUR INTEREST IN ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH BEGIN?

My interest started in one of my math classes, with a teacher who didn’t just teach the subject but showed its applications. She discussed computational biology, and that idea stayed with me— that mathematics could be a tool for understanding living systems. Around the same time, a summer neuroscience course introduced me to how much we still don’t understand about the brain. When those two interests converged in my research internship at Yale, Alzheimer’s became the focus, and the more I learned, the more I became invested.

HOW DID YOU ADJUST TO PARTICIPATING IN THE RESEARCH INTERNSHIP AT YALE WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL? When I

first walked into Yale School of Medicine just having turned 16, the biggest adjustment wasn’t the science; it was learning to be comfortable not knowing things in a room full of people who did. I realized that asking good questions was actually what my mentors respected most.

WAS THERE A MOMENT DURING YOUR RESEARCH WHEN THE WORK STARTED TO FEEL MEANINGFUL?

work across different levels of expertise.

A stranger on my commute once overheard me talking about my research and told me her father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She asked me questions I wasn’t expecting, not about specific disease mechanisms, but about her hope for new treatments. Hearing stories such as hers reinforced how my work had actual stakes for real people, and could have meaningful impacts on their lives. I carried those encounters into the lab with me, and they became part of why the work mattered.

AS PRESIDENT OF GIRLS ADVANCING IN STEM, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ENCOURAGE IN YOUNGER STUDENTS? I hope to encourage

younger students to take more risks. Even if they are afraid of branching out into something that seems new and daunting, I want to inspire them to feel confident. I want to shift our culture from chasing perfection to embracing curiosity. I hope that I can inspire girls to realize their own potential, and go into STEM fields as a way to create real-world solutions that help others.

YOU’VE PRESENTED YOUR WORK AT MAJOR SCIENTIFIC FORUMS. HOW HAS THAT SHAPED YOUR CONFIDENCE OR PERSPECTIVE?

AS VARSITY TENNIS CAPTAIN, WHAT HAS SPORTS TAUGHT YOU THAT CARRIES OVER INTO ACADEMICS AND LEADERSHIP? Tennis has

Presenting complex concepts has taught me that if I can’t explain my work clearly in terms that people can understand, I don’t understand it as well as I think I do. I started to see each presentation as a way to test and alter my thinking, not just broadcast my results. It also made me a better collaborator, because I got comfortable translating my

taught me that losing can be a great learning opportunity. Whether I mess up a shot on the court or hit a wall in my research, I’ve learned to stay calm and figure out what went wrong. Embracing that trial-and-error process is exactly how I handle tough classes and leadership roles.

YOU MENTOR STUDENTS THROUGH MATH TUTORING. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT TEACHING OTHERS?

What I enjoy most is the mindset shift. I saw this with one particular student I worked with throughout the school year. He came to me dreading math, convinced he just wasn’t a “math person.” Over time, I learned how to connect algebra to things that made sense to him, and by the end of the year something had changed. He wasn’t just solving problems; he was actually enjoying the challenge. That transformation is what makes me love tutoring. YOUR WORK AT INSPIRICA INVOLVES BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE TAUGHT YOU? It has

taught me that true empathy means taking myself out of the equation and understanding what someone’s situation means to them. I am deeply inspired by the families we meet. I strive to step into their shoes by remaining entirely open to their stories and community without making any assumptions.

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Begin Here. GO ANYWHERE.

UPCOMING ADMISSION EVENTS www.countryschool.net/visit

635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT (203) 801-5608 | countryschool.net @nccountryschool

A co-ed day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9. Dedicated to honoring childhood | Committed to academic excellence Arts & Athletics | Full-day coverage options Summer Camp | Buses serve CT & NY

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WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO DANCE?

What first drew me to dance was simply that it was so fun! I started in hip hop and jazz, and the more I watched the incredible company dancers at New Canaan Dance Academy, the more I fell in love with the art form. What surprised me was how much it became about storytelling. Learning to hold your body with strength and stillness, to communicate emotion without just moving fast, that's a whole different challenge.

YOU CO-FOUNDED TEEN PAUSE, AND HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOCUS ON THAT ISSUE? I'm

sure I’m not alone; so many teens hit a rough patch at some point, whether it's a social crossroads, the first time recognizing signs of depression or anxiety creeping up as life gets overwhelming. Maybe you're lonely, maybe you just don’t know how to meet new people. Teens need a place to just breathe, a real pause. That’s exactly what Teen Pause is built around. We create after-school spaces where kids can decompress and actually have fun. There’s no grade, no judgment, just a room full of kids who maybe needed somewhere to be that afternoon. They come in for the [crafts] and stay because they found their people. And connection, more than anything, is what protects young people's mental health.

SCARLETT STEWART

WHAT LED YOU TO CREATE THE DANCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION?

Anyone who’s taken a dance class and traveled for dance [knows] that it’s unaffordable for most. At competitions, I’d see studios full of so much potential, but the reality is that the hours of training and the travel it takes to compete are just unrealistic for most. It bothered me for a long time. My dad owns our local grocery store, Stewart’s Market, a family business that’s been around 119 years and gives back to nearly every local charity. The Youngs, who own New Canaan Dance Academy, care just as much about our community. I thought Elaine Young would think I was crazy, but she gave me the biggest hug with tears in her eyes. So NCDAF is a 501(c) that raises money to break down the economic barriers to dance.

S chool: NEW CANAAN HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2027 Leadership: FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT,

NEW CANAAN DANCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION (11TH–12TH GRADE); CO-FOUNDER, TEEN PAUSE

Ar ts: CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP WINNER (2022–2026) IN BALLET, BALLROOM, JAZZ, AND ALL-AROUND CATEGORIES AT 24/7, JUMP, HEAT, RADIX, ASH, AND NUVO • HEAT NATIONALS SUPER NOVA WINNER WITH NEW CANAAN DANCE ACADEMY • HALL OF FAME TOP 10 SOLOIST, TEEN DIVISION (2024) AND SENIOR DIVISION (2025 )• HEAT TOP 10 SOLOIST, TEEN DIVISION (2024) • TOP 3 DUO/TRIO, TEEN DIVISION HEAT (2024) Initiative: ESTABLISHED A 501(C)(3) SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION SUPPORTING UNDERFUNDED DANCERS AND DANCE PROGRAMS ACROSS CONNECTICUT

WHAT WAS IT WAS LIKE TO PLAN A LARGE-SCALE FUNDRAISING GALA AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR LIFE? At

17 (16 when I started), I did need some adult help. First, we formed a board, with the help of Elaine and her lawyers. We had to define our mission, learn all the legalities and get the right paperwork done. The longest part was actually becoming an established 501(c). We got our legal status so late that we were suddenly rushing to plan an April event, and we realized we shouldn’t risk the integrity of the mission just to make a date work. It was a tough call at the time, but we decided to move the gala to September 26 and we feel so good about it now. Everything happens for a reason, and it means we’ll be at the New Canaan Library, which feels so fitting for this community story. It’s going to have an amazing dance performance with artistic direction by the iconic Sheena DiMatteo. We’ll also have an auction, and then a DJ with dancing. The proceeds will go to two or three charities. One we know is ASK at the Klein (After School at the Klein) — the only completely tuition-free performing arts program in Fairfield County.

YOU’RE ALSO INVOLVED IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND POLITICAL WORK—HOW DOES THAT INTEREST CONNECT, IF AT ALL, TO YOUR WORK IN THE ARTS AND NONPROFIT SPACE? You don’t get anything

accomplished by just talking about it. At the heart of civic engagement is just doing what’s best for your community to thrive. I’m proud to intern for Congressman Jim Himes. Being the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee and part of the Gang of Eight is genuinely impressive, and I can’t wait to learn from him, especially on issues like the future of AI, which, I’ll be honest, scares me a little. Starting a foundation taught me you don’t have to wait for permission to solve a problem you see in your own town. This internship feels like the natural next step in understanding how change works on a larger scale, and how government can show up for the people and the gaps that too often get missed. To me it's all connected. Art, giving back and wanting to make my community better are just different versions of the same instinct.

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Inspiring

Excellence

Feeding curiosity. Nurturing wisdom and intellect. Practicing responsibility and compassion. We empower students to grow into women who lead lives of purpose, faith, leadership, and service.

Find your future with us. SHGREENWICH.ORG

FALL OPEN HOUSES All school (Kindergarten–Grade 12)—October 24 at 9:00 a.m. Barat Center (3–5-year-old boys & girls)—November 6 at 9:30 a.m.

ADMISSION TOUR DAYS October 8, November 12, December 3, and January 7—Drop by campus anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

GOOD BEGINNINGS LAST A LIFETIME OCTOBER 2, 5-7 PM

OPEN HOUSE RSVP required 203.329.8815 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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Hometow n: ROWAY TON

TYLER TEMEROWSKI School: GREENS FARMS ACADEMY Class of 2027 Leadership: EXTRACURRICULAR CLUB CO-FOUNDER Av iation: COMPLETED SOLO FLIGHT AT AGE 16 Community & Civ ic Engagement: POLITICAL CAMPAIGN STAFF MEMBER FOR CONNECTICUT STATE REPRESENTATIVE TRACY MARRA

Athletics: TENNIS COACH Academic Suppor t: ACADEMIC TUTOR

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE? I took a trip to

Washington, D.C., when I was five with my grandparents. I had the privilege of going into the White House because of my grandpa’s service to this nation. By the end of the tour, I turned to my grandparents and said politics was my future. During COVID, I [hosted] weekly press conferences on COVID cases in Norwalk to my parents. I was inspired by all the governors and mayors who updated their constituents across the country. That's where my interest in speechwriting began. Then, inspired by my 8th grade government class, I started writing legislative bills. I want to help serve my community somehow, and what better way to do it than participating in local government.

HAVING WORKED ON A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT SEEING THAT PROCESS UP CLOSE? I’ve noticed

we aren’t always as divided as the media wants us to think. On a local level, people are genuine

the ground. On approach, I kept looking at my airspeed indicator and aiming point on the runway. As I came within ten feet of the runway, I waited for the wheels to touch the ground, and they did: gently greasing the runway for my first landing. As I taxied back to the runway I was met with smiles by family from the hangar, and I finally let out a deep breath.

and kind. Local government is the purest form of democracy. One evening I was at our local library to listen to five Connecticut state representatives talk about their recent legislative session. Among these representatives were three Democrats and two Republicans— [including] the representative I worked for, Tracy Marra. As the event went on, I began to notice the civility in the representatives’ tone. This is the type of discourse that we don’t see often. After the event, I went up and thanked the politicians for their time and for their neutral postures. I went home thinking, we need more of this.

PUZZLE CLUB IS SUCH A UNIQUE EXTRACURRICULAR—WHAT DO PUZZLES AND GAMES REVEAL ABOUT THE WAY YOU THINK? My

friend and I were inspired by our very own math teacher who hosts an annual Upper School puzzle hunt. His puzzles provided us with the groundwork to establish our own club. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to host our very own puzzle hunt for the Middle School, create crossword puzzles and other creative puzzle content for our school newspaper. But we don’t focus on the traditional jigsaw puzzles or even crosswords puzzles. It’s the type of puzzles where you may be given images, flavor text, symbols that either correlate to a theme or a shared idea. You have to use the context clues to figure out the theme which then corresponds to an answer, usually a location. The puzzle is a labyrinth—it requires a lot of thinking and problemsolving skills to complete the puzzles. Lots of friendly bickering, disagreements, until you come to

YOU ALSO COMPLETED A SOLO FLIGHT AT 16. WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND THE FIRST TIME YOU TOOK OFF ALONE? I

remember anxiously waiting to take off because I was third in line on the runway. I kept imagining scenarios on what could happen. I tried to distract myself by looking at the other planes departing. If they can do it, I thought, then so could I. I put in hours and hours of practice for this moment. I took off, mesmerized by the specks on

your ultimate solution. Science and math have always been weaker subjects of mine. Things didn’t click the same way as history or English had. I’d easily give up and get frustrated at myself. I didn’t view these subjects methodically. However, since getting my reps in with puzzles, I’ve changed my approach. Now, when facing something that seems difficult at first, I approach [it] the same way I approach puzzles: methodically, with patience, trying to connect different puzzle pieces in my head. It’s this step-by-step process, the ability to break down things has led me to become a more efficient and organized learner. LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE? I've discovered that

the extracurriculars I have participated in, such as politics and volunteering, have opened new doors. They take you places you may have never imagined. I hope to continue passing down knowledge, encouraging students to be eager about learning, whether that’s through coaching tennis or tutoring. I don’t need people to remember everything that I did, that should be reserved for myself, but I hope that along the way I inspired one or two people or more, and made a bit of difference in their lives, disrupting the order that they may have had without me.

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Small By Design. Transformative By Nature. An independent day school where students in grades 2-8 with languagebased learning differences and ADHD experience school the way it should be. Individualized, evidence-based instruction across classes No pull-outs – specialized support is built in 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio Strong bonds and belonging 3-year average enrollment

Rolling admissions are open for the 26/27 school year SouthportSchool.org

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On September 16, 2026, we’ll gather to celebrate the very best of the best as winners are announced at the A-List Awards networking gala and ceremony. Congratulations to this year’s finalists, and thank you to everyone who entered, as well as to our judges and generous sponsors for helping make this program possible.

Choosing the finalists is never easy. Our distinguished panel of judges reviewed an exceptional field of submissions, evaluating projects that exemplify excellence in design, craftsmanship and execution. We’re proud to present this year’s finalists below, along with dedicated project pages featuring images and professional credits at athomealistawards.com. We encourage you to explore—and share—their work.

Every year, the A-List Awards offer a snapshot of the remarkable creativity shaping homes and landscapes across our region. From timeless architecture and beautifully crafted interiors to innovative outdoor spaces, this year’s entries reflect the talent, imagination and dedication of the professionals behind them.

Welcome to athome in Fairfield County magazine’s seventeenth annual A-List Awards.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

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MM Interiors @mminteriorsstudio MM Interiors Greenwich; 914-565-7852 mmhomeinteriors.com

Manor + Woods @manorandwoods Kerry Jacobs Manor + Woods Larchmont, NY; 914-450-1490 manorandwoods.com

KID/TEEN BEDROOM

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

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

Ryann Swan Design @ryannswan Ryann Swan Design Greenwich; 203-561-9621 ryannswandesign.com

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

Calla Cane @callacane Calla Cane Rowayton; 203-810-9901 callacane.com

BATH DESIGN

Vicente-Burin Architects @vicenteburin Vicente-Burin Architects Fairfield; 203-319-9571 vbarchitect.com

Roger Ferris + Partners @rogerferrisandpartners Roger Ferris + Partners 11 Wilton Road Westport; 203-222-4848 ferrisarch.com

Marcus Gleysteen Architects @marcusgleysteenarchitects Marcus Gleysteen Architects Deep River; 617-542-6060 mgaarchitects.com

Granoff Architects @granoffarchitects Granoff Architects Greenwich; 203-625-9460 Palm Beach, FL; 561-320-2338 granoffarchitects.com

MODERN ARCHITECTURE

William Lyon Designs @williamlyondesigns Wiliam Lyon Designs Norwalk; 203-489-5624 williamlyondesigns.com

Prudence Bailey Interior Design @prudencebaileyinterior design Prudence Bailey Interior Design New Canaan; 203-859-9499 prudencebailey.com

Manor + Woods @manorandwoods Kerry Jacobs Manor + Woods Larchmont, NY; 914-450-1490 manorandwoods.com Period Architecture @periodarchitecture Period Architecture Greenwich; 203-971-0160 periodarchitectureltd.com

Calla Cane @callacane Calla Cane Rowayton; 203-810-9901 callacane.com Carly Weisman Architecture & Design @carlyweismanarchitect Carly Weisman Architecture & Design Watertown; 419-283-2888 carlyweisman.com

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

LIVING SPACE

KITCHEN DESIGN: Traditional/Classic

DK HOME @dkhomeco Danielle Perdue DK HOME Westport; 646-709-5547 dkhome-co.com

VAKOTA Architecture @vakotaarchitecture VAKOTA Architecture Greenwich; 212-655-9875 vakota.com

Nima Design @nimadesigninteriors Nima Design Greenwich; 646-426-7685 nimadesigninteriors.com

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

KITCHEN: Transitional/Modern

Studio Mason Design @studiomasondesignco Studio Mason Design Greenwich; 914-907-8962 studiomasondesign.com

Roost Interiors @roostinteriorsnj Roost Interiors Montclair, NJ; 973-337-8229 roost-interiors.com

Haver & Skolnick Architects @haverskolnickarchitects Charles Haver & Stewart Skolnick Haver & Skolnick Architects Southbury, 203-788-5920 haverskolnickarchitects.com

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

ENTRYWAY

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

Granoff Architects @granoffarchitects Granoff Architects Greenwich; 203-625-9460 Palm Beach, FL; 561-320-2338 granoffarchitects.com

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

Artemis Landscape Architects @artemislandarch Artemis Landscape Architects Sandy Hook; 203-683-1808 artemisla.com

LANDSCAPE: Less Than 1 Acre

Rosalia Sanni Design @rosalia_sanni_design Rosalia Sanni Design Greenwich; 203-918-4619 rosaliasanni.com

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

Hoblyn & Co. @hoblynandco Hoblyn & Co. Westport; 917-698-5686 hoblynandco.com

LANDSCAPE: Greater Than 1 Acre

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PLATINUM SPONSOR

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these collections with select Italian manufacturers and specialized workshops dedicated to bespoke production. From technical drawings and visual studies through sourcing, logistics, delivery, and installation, every phase is coordinated with precision.

drawings and visual studiesexclusively through sourcing, logistics, delivery, The Greenwich showroom represents Poliform and and installation, every phase is coordinated withGessi, precision. Flexform in Fairfield County, together with and complements

environments. company offers kitchens, walk-in closets,and The GreenwichThe showroom exclusively represents Poliform bathrooms, architectural paneling, custom millwork, systems, Flexform in Fairfield County, together with Gessi, andliving complements upholstered furniture, lighting, and architectural kitchen and bath these collections with select Italian manufacturers and specialized fittings. workshops dedicated to bespoke production. From technical

Since 1925, the Lucenti name has been connected to Italian craftsmanship and bespoke interiors. Today, third-generation founder Biagio Lucenti leads Lucenti Interiors, a high-end Italian interiors company with showrooms in Greenwich and New York City. Lucenti Interiors works closely withbeen architects, interior designers, Since 1925, the Lucenti name has connected to Italian craftbuilders, and homeowners to create complete, highly personalized smanship and bespoke interiors. Today, third-generation founder environments. The company offers kitchens, walk-in closets, Biagio Lucenti leads Lucenti Interiors, a high-end Italian interiors bathrooms, architectural custom millwork, living company with showroomspaneling, in Greenwich and New York City.systems, upholstered furniture, and architectural kitchen and bath Lucenti Interiors workslighting, closely with architects, interior designers, fittings. builders, and homeowners to create complete, highly personalized

lucentiinteriors.com

WEBSITE:

646-449-0128

PHONE:

389 Fifth Avenue | Suite 1108 | NYC, NY lucentiinteriors.com 122-124 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich, CT

ADDRESS: WEBSITE:

Lucenti 646-449-0128

PHONE:

389 Fifth Avenue | Suite 1108 | NYC, NY 122-124 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich, CT

ADDRESS:

Lucenti

OUR BRANDS

Greenwich showroom: 122-124 East Putnam Avenue - Greenwich, CT 06830 New York City Showroom : 389 Fifth Avenue - Suite 1108 - NYC, NY - 10016 Off.: 646.449.0128 - Info@lucentiinteriors.com - www.lucentiinteriors.com

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

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The company’s success is marked by their transparency, synergy and determination to adhere to the values and client services that make the company great.

the most respected architects and designers in the construction industry. They employ experienced, dedicated professionals and talented craftsmen to plan and execute every step of the “Hobbs Approach” for each project. Whether renovating an apartment in New York City, constructing a waterfront home in the Hamptons or building a family retreat in Connecticut, each team is in constant communication to deliver a superior building experience from concept to completion and beyond. Hobbs Care, a division of Hobbs, Inc., is available to clients to provide comprehensive maintenance programs, renovations and continual home improvement services.

The company sustains strong, collaborative relationships with

Hobbs, Inc. is an award-winning builder of distinctive homes in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Brothers Scott and Ian Hobbs are proud to honor the legacy of integrity, quality and client service instilled by their grandfather and founder, Theodore deFreyne Hobbs, over six decades ago. seventy years ago.

hobbsinc.com; hobbs-care.com

WEBSITE:

203-966-0726

PHONE:

Hobbs, Inc: New Canaan, CT | New York, NY Saddle River, NJ | Bridgehampton, NY Hobbs Care: New Canaan, CT | Saddle River, NJ

ADDRESS:

Hobbs, Inc.

PRESENTING SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR

A-LIST FINALISTS 2022

203.966.0726

www.hobbsinc.com

CONNECTICUT • NEW YORK • NEW JERSEY

DISTINCTIVE HOMES, ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

Ap roach”foreachproject.Whether enovatinganapartmentin NewYorkCity,constructingawaterf onthomeintheHamptonsor buildingafamilyretreatinCon ecticut,eachteamis nconstant com unicationtodeliverasuperiorbuildingexperiencefrom concept ocompletionandbeyond.Hob sCare,adivsionofHob s, Inc.,isavail bletoclientstoprovidecomprehensivemaintenance

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Our sales team would be happy to visit your job site or home for a free estimate for your dream project! Please give us a call at (845) 4528444 or email us at info@fairviewhearthside.com and we will be happy to speak with you!

Our pledge is to deliver an extraordinary service while maintaining a high level of professionalism, integrity, foresight, and fairness. We are committed to growing Fairview Hearthside through complete customer satisfaction.

Each project we take on involves careful thought and planning and we pride ourselves on the ability to work with the customer in choosing the fireplace that best suits their style and needs. Fairview Hearthside offers many services to complete your project, from designing the look that you want to achieve through the follow-up maintenance of your hearth product for years to come. We maintain a staff of experienced, welltraveled and fully ensured technicians, as well as specialists in our Sales/ Design team and we are confident that your project will be handled with professionalism, thoroughness, cleanliness, and with safety in mind.

For over 40 years, Fairview Hearthside is the Hudson Valley’s first name in hearth products. Our latest product line from Fairview Cast Stone includes fireplace surrounds in a variety of colors and textures. Please visit our newly renovated showroom at 68 Violet Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY, offering the latest indoor and outdoor gas, wood burning and electric fireplaces, gas log sets, fire pits, and custom fireplace doors. We continue to serve builders, architects, and designers with the very best of the hearth industry and we install every product we sell.

newcanaandarienmag.com

A-LIST FINALISTS 2022

TOP DISTRIBUTOR OF

To p D i s t r i b u t o r o f To p D i s t r i b u t o r o f

68 Violet Avenue | Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Call for a free estimate: 845 452-8444 fairviewhearthside.com fairviewhearthside.com | fairviewcaststone.com

68 Violet Avenue | Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Call for a free estimate: 845 452-8444 fairviewhearthside.com

Fairfieldand andOutdoor Westchester Counties Fireplaces Kitchens Serving Fairfield and Westchester Counties

The Leader in Sales and Installation of Fireplaces and Kitchens Serving The Leader in Outdoor Sales and Installation of Fairfi eld and Westchester Counties Fireplaces and Outdoor Products Serving The Leader in SalesHearth and Installation of

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

Thecompany’s uc es ismarkedbytheirtransparency,synergy and et rminationtoadher tothevaluesandclientservicesthat makethecompanygreat.

fairviewhearthside.com fairviewcaststone.com

WEBSITE:

845-452-8444

PHONE:

68 Violet Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

ADDRESS:

Fairview Hearthside Fairview Cast Stone

GOLD SPONSOR

A-LIST SPONSOR

Inc.,isavail bletoclientstoprovidecomprehensivemaintenance programs,renovationsandcontinualhomeimprovementservices. www.hobbsinc.com

CONNECTICUT • NEW YORK • NEW JERSEY 203.966.0726

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Vicente-Burin Architects @vicenteburin Vicente-Burin Architects Fairfield; 203-319-9571 vbarchitect.com

Granoff Architects @granoffarchitects Granoff Architects Greenwich; 203-625-9460 Palm Beach, FL; 561-320-2338 granoffarchitects.com

Christian Rae Studio @christianraestudio Christian Rae Studio Easton; 203-292-3090 christianraestudio.com

Asprea Studio @karenaspreastudio Asprea Studio New York; 917-309-4354 aspreastudio.com

PLAY SPACE: ADULT

Studio Mason Design @studiomasondesignco Studio Mason Design Greenwich; 914-907-8962 studiomasondesign.com

Sarah P. Major Interior Design & J. R. Held & Co. @sarahpmajor @jesserheld

Amy Andrews Interior Design Greenwich; 203-900-1700 amyandrewsinterior design.com

Charles Hilton Architects with Amy Andrews Interior Design @charleshiltonarchitects @aandrewsinteriordesign Charles Hilton Architects Greenwich; 203-489-3800 hiltonarchitects.com

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

RENOVATION

TDV Interior Design @tdv_interiordesign TDV Interior Design Weston; 646-369-6818 tylerdelvento.com

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

Sarah P. Major Interior Design @sarahpmajor Sarah P. Major Interior Design Darien; 860-575-3666 sarahpmajor.com

Calla Cane @callacane Calla Cane Rowayton; 203-810-9901 callacane.com

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

PLAY SPACE: KID

OFFICE/LIBRARY

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

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

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Ryann Swan Design @ryannswan Ryann Swan Design Greenwich; 203-561-9621 ryannswandesign.com

Lulu Home @luluhome.alana @luluhome.cami Lulu Home Greenwich; 203-340-2161 luluhomedesign.com

Karen Bow Interiors @karenbowinteriors Karen Bow Interiors Darien; 914-953-1517 karenbow.com

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

DINING ROOM

J. R. Held & Co. Norwalk; 508-269-6868 jrheldandco.com

Sarah P. Major Interior Design Darien; 860-575-3666 sarahpmajor.com

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

Roger Ferris + Partners @rogerferrisandpartners Roger Ferris + Partners 11 Wilton Road Westport; 203-222-4848 ferrisarch.com

Riverside Design @ michelerudolph_architect Michele Rudolph, AIA Riverside Design Pound Ridge; 914-764-1096 riverside-design.com

POOL HOUSE

Stephanie Rapp Interiors @stephanierapp.interiors Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors Westport; 203-216-5835 stephanierappinteriors.com

Sarah P. Major Interior Design @sarahpmajor Sarah P. Major Interior Design Darien; 860-575-3666 sarahpmajor.com

Roughan Interiors @roughaninteriors Roughan Interiors Weston; 203-769-1150 roughaninteriors.com

BEDROOM

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

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

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

Lovas Architects @lovas.architects Nancy A. Lovas Lovas Architects Westport; 203-858-8730 lovasarchitects.com

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE: Less Than 7,000 Square Feet

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

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

Period Architecture @periodarchitecture Period Architecture Greenwich; 203-971-0160 periodarchitectureltd.com

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE: Greater Than 7,000 Square Feet

William D. Earls AIA Architect Wilton; 203-219-7838 williamearlsarchitect.com

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From everyday transportation to rugged work trucks to the ultimate weekend drive, it’s here at Karl Chevrolet! Visit today to discover how nearly a century of trusted expertise combines with tomorrow’s automotive technology for an unmatched customer experience.

Karl’s no-hassle approach means honest MSRP pricing or better— never charging premiums or market adjustments. It’s simply the right thing to do. The dealership has become a Northeast leader in electric vehicles, excelling in sales of the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV while actively supporting EV charging infrastructure throughout Fairfield County.

The dealership offers Chevrolet’s complete lineup featuring cuttingedge technology and advanced safety features at exceptional value. From the world-class performance of Corvette to the powerful Silverado and all-electric Equinox EV, every vehicle includes the latest connectivity and driver assistance systems.

Karl Chevrolet is a proud third-generation family business founded in 1927, serving the Fairfield and Westchester County markets from New Canaan, CT. As a top-rated dealer recognized by CarFax, Cars. com, and DealerRater, Karl has built a stellar reputation through nearly 100 years of personalized service.

karlchevy.com

WEBSITE:

203-652-8008

PHONE:

261 Elm Street New Canaan, CT 06840

ADDRESS:

Karl Chevrolet

GOLD SPONSOR

Chevrolet Corvette C8

Chevrolet ChevroletCorvette CorvetteC8C8

From the work-day to From From the thework-day work-daytoto the weekend,we’ve we’ve the the weekend, weekend, we’ve got you covered! covered! got got you you covered!

Chevrolet Silverado Chevrolet Silverado Chevrolet Silverado

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

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GOLD SPONSOR

newcanaandarienmag.com

We invite you to visit our showroom at 48 W. Putnam Avenue in Greenwich to discover how California Closets can help elevate your home with beautifully organized living spaces.

California Closets is renowned for its legacy of innovation, organization, craftsmanship, and design leadership. Our talented team of design consultants and professional installers work together to deliver a seamless customer experience from initial California Closets is renowned for its legacy of innovation, inspiration to personalized design and expert installation. organization, craftsmanship, and design leadership. Our talented Whether designing walk-in closets, wall beds, installers kitchen pantries, team of design consultants and professional work entertainment centers, or home offices, our experienced together to deliver a seamless customer experience fromdesigners initial create customized solutionsdesign that bring beauty,installation. functionality, and inspiration to personalized and expert organization to every area of the home. Whether designing walk-in closets, wall beds, kitchen pantries, Our showroomcenters, is a thoughtfully space that showcases entertainment or home designed offices, our experienced designers our latest productssolutions while creating an engaging and immersive create customized that bring beauty, functionality, and environment for customers. A destination for design enthusiasts organization to every area of the home. and professionals alike, it highlights the quality, functionality, and Our showroom is a thoughtfully designed space that showcases craftsmanship that define California Closets. our latest products while creating an engaging and immersive We invite youfor to visit our showroom at 48 for W. Putnam Avenue in environment customers. A destination design enthusiasts Greenwich to discover how California Closets can help elevateand your and professionals alike, it highlights the quality, functionality, home with beautifully organized living spaces. craftsmanship that define California Closets.

californiaclosets.com

WEBSITE:

203-924-8444

PHONE:

203-924-8444 ADDRESSES: 48 W Putnam Ave | Greenwich | CT WEBSITE: 16 Saw Mill River Rd | Hawthorne | NY californiaclosets.com

PHONE:

California Closets

48 W Putnam Ave | Greenwich | CT 16 Saw Mill River Rd | Hawthorne | NY

ADDRESSES:

California Closets ™

CUSTOMXCLOSETS

ENTRYWAY

PANTRY

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HOMEXOFFICE

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Westchester 16 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne 203.924.84 4 4 | CA LIFO RNIACLO S ETS.CO M

ENTRYWAY

Westchester 16 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne Connecticut 48 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203.924.84 4 4 | CA LIFO RNIACLO S ETS.CO M SCHEDULE YOUR CO MPLIMENTA RY DESIGN CONSULTATIO N

CUSTOMXCLOSETS

Connecticut 48 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich SCHEDULE YOUR CO MPLIMENTA RY DESIGN CONSULTATIO N

™

MORE ROOM FOR WHAT MATTERS MORE ROOM FOR WHAT MATTERS

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

©2026 California©2026 Closet Company, California Closet Inc. AllCompany, rights reserved. Inc. AllEach rights California reserved.Closets® Each California franchised Closets® location franchised is location is independently owned independently and operated. owned Local andcontractor operated. licenses Local contractor availablelicenses at californiaclosets.com. available at californiaclosets.com. CT HIC #0657205. CT HIC #0657205.

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Experience the difference of working with a family that shares your standards.

As twin brothers and business partners, we are intimately involved in all projects, ensuring clear communication, refined craftsmanship, and a deep respect for your home. Whether you require an emergency repair before a closing or a full-scale renovation, our family is dedicated to protecting yours—with integrity, care, and unmatched attention to detail.

Serving the area’s most prestigious communities, we offer a concierge-level experience in asphalt, cedar, slate and copper roofing, custom exterior enhancements, and historic home restoration. Our name is trusted by discerning homeowners, architects, and real estate professionals who appreciate timeless quality and white-glove service.

newcanaandarienmag.com

CUSTOMXCLOSETS

ENTRYWAY

PANTRY

HOMEXOFFICE

7/20/26 12:50 PM

CUSTOM EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION

www.rinaldibrothers.com w ww ww. ww w.rinaldibrothers.com

C r a f t e d f o r t h e E x t r a o r d i n a r y.

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At Rinaldi Brothers, we specialize in premium exterior solutions tailored for homeowners who expect the highest standards of excellence, discretion, and detail. As a family-owned business, we bring both legacy and luxury to every project—combining artisanal skill with modern precision.

rinaldibrothers.com

WEBSITE:

203-404-7719

PHONE:

76 Tokeneke Rd | Darien, CT

ADDRESS:

Rinaldi Brothers

GOLD SPONSOR

ENTRYWAY

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CUSTOMXCLOSETS

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As a multi-generational family-owned and led business, Ring’s End is at the forefront of industry trends toward environmentally friendly products and local business growth. They introduce the latest and most innovative products, focusing on trends such as sustainable brands. Additionally, they educate customers on various topics, including building science, proper preparation and application of coatings, and the latest color trends. As an industry leader, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve. In addition to its retail locations, the company has three centralized distribution warehouses, a commercial paint and lacquer facility, a custom millwork shop, an education center, and a window and door installation department.

Ring’s End is the largest retailer of Marvin® windows and doors and Benjamin Moore® paint in the Northeast, with 35 locations serving both homeowners and building professionals. Eight locations operate as full-service lumberyards in Connecticut, Westchester County (NY), and South County (RI). The remaining 27 are dedicated paint centers, operating under the Ring’s End name locally, and as Johnson Paint in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

@rings_end Windows & Doors

GOLD COAST C O N N E C T I C U T • 2026

SOCIAL MEDIA:

MOFFLY MEDIA

ringsend.com

WEBSITE:

800-390-1000

PHONE:

181 West Avenue, Darien, CT

ADDRESS:

Ring’s End

GOLD SPONSOR

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

Windows and doors custom crafted to your vision.

Your Inspiration.

Marvin®. Creating better ways of living with more natural light, fresh air, and expansive views.

Our Expertise.

to the 2026 A List Award Winners

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EXCLUSIVE GIN SPONSOR

Learn more at marvin.com.

Driven by a spirit of possibility, our commitment to people goes beyond the products we make. We are dedicated to building longlasting and trusting relationships with our employees, customers, channel partners, and communities.

As a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, Marvin fosters a culture that is committed to living our values. Our commitment to doing the right thing, working stronger together, and thinking differently inspires us to be better every day. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch, and feel, beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time.

With every window and door we build, we strive to bring more natural light, and fresh air into homes, and help create deeper connections with the natural world. We put people at the center of everything we do by designing for how people live and work while imagining new ways our products can contribute to happier and healthier homes.

At Marvin, we are driven to imagine and create better ways of living.

marvin.com

WEBSITE:

888-262-4192

PHONE:

PO Box 100 Warroad, MN 56763

ADDRESS:

Marvin

GOLD SPONSOR

EXCLUSIVE FURNITURE SPONSOR

Your video produced by real journalists.

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pgarynproductions.com (203) 722-5401

Emmy Award winning Noah Finz is a veteran TV Sports reporter and anchor. He created and managed the Vantage Sports Network from Frontier highlighting CT sports. He spent 18 years as Sports Director for WTNH-TV, Connecticut’s ABC affiliate. He is a top producing real estate agent with Houlihan Lawrence.

NOAH FINZ

Emmy Award winning Kendra Farn is a veteran TV news reporter and anchor. She spent 13 years at WCBS-TV, and WNBC-TV in New York City, the country’s largest television market.

KENDRA FARN

Your business needs a high quality video. Still photos just don’t cut it. Nothing can sell you or your company better than video. Moving pictures and sound are far more engaging to customers and clients. Business videos can be multipurposed: to enhance your website, use for presentations, for e-newsletters, for social networking sites, and so on. Video is the way of today and is so easily accessible to everyone.

AWARDS CELEBRATION / SEPTEMBER 16 / 6 PM

Windows and doors custom crafted to your vision.

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8/19/26 11:04 AM

u o B E ST BARTE N D E R Y k n a h T 14TH ANNUAL

s r e n t r a P r u O

Photographs by: Sarah Snyder, @sarahsnyderphoto

C O NTE ST by

M AG A Z I N E

Participating restaurants, bars & brands

Osteria

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