Stamford - July/August 2026

CELEBRATING OUR READERS’ FAVORITES IN 170+ CATEGORIES

GAME

Edona Thaqi Rises From Local Courts to the WNBA Broadcast Stage

contents JULY/AUG 2026

44 ON THE BALL

From pickup games on Stamford’s basketball courts to one of the sport’s biggest stages, Edona Thaqi has built a broadcasting career fueled by passion, preparation and an understanding of the game. Now a rising voice in WNBA coverage, she reflects on the mentors and milestones that have shaped her journey.

By Scott Thomas

80

WATERS RECEDE, BUT HELP REMAINS

Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene unleashed catastrophic flooding and destruction across western North Carolina, the recovery effort continues. Stamfordbased Americares remains on the ground, helping communities rebuild by providing critical health services and support to residents facing a long road back to normal.

By Kim Kavin.

50

THE BEST OF THE GOLD COAST

The votes are in. Readers have spoken in Moffly Media’s annual Best of the Gold Coast awards. Discover who earned top honors this year, and see which beloved businesses and hidden gems made the winners’ list.

76

THE BEST OF STAMFORD

As Connecticut’s fastestgrowing city continues to evolve, dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment scenes are thriving along with it. Readers say these places stand above the rest.

8 FOUNDER’S LETTER by donna

moffly

10 STATUS REPORT BUZZ

The Baby Whisperer of Stamford, back to nature with Bill Brucker, and Hamilton Colwell’s relentless search for the perfect cup of yogurt.

DO

The Essay Conqueror has advice for students crafting essays for college applications. Plus, don’t miss these family events around town this season.

GO

A newly refurbished historic yacht is one great reason to visit Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

SHOP

Patriotic pieces for the holiday.

34 MONEY MATTERS 36 PEOPLE & PLACES 94 POSTSCRIPT 95 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

TOP DENTISTS

Our guide to expert local practitioners is one more great reason to smile.

MORE ROOM FOR WHAT MATTERS™

LEADERS IN CANCER CARE.

HERE WHERE YOU NEED US MOST.

Stamford Health’s Bennett Cancer Center is proud of its relationship with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, ranked #3 nationally for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report.* This comprehensive collaboration ensures that our patients receive world-class, clinical expertise – closer to home. Our physicians work together with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center physicians to provide virtual second opinions, access to the latest clinical trials, and the most advanced evidence-based best practices and standards in cancer treatment and research.

*Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center is #3 nationally for cancer care, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2025-2026.

vol. 17 | no. 4 | july/august 2026

editorial

editorial director Cristin Marandino

contributing editors Megan Gagnon–editor, athome Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing

Eileen Murphy–editor, new canaan • darien • rowayton Samantha Yanks—editor, westport • weston • wilton

copy editors Dave Johnstone, David Podgurski

contributing writers

Liz Barron, Elizabeth Hole,Stefanie Horn, Kim Kavin, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Joey Macari Scott Thomas, Georgette Yacoub

art

senior art director Amber Scinto

production director Tim Carr assistant art director Lisa Servidio senior photographer Bob Capazzo

digital

digital

marketing manager Rachel MacDonald

digital assistant Lloyd Gabi digital assistant Jeffery Garay

business

president Jonathan W. Moffly

business manager Elena V. Moffly

cofounders John W. Moffly IV and Donna C. Moffly

Calendar@Moffly.com Editor@StamfordMag.com Weddings@StamfordMag.com

sales

publisher Jonathan W. Moffly jonathan@moffly.com

sales & marketing

Gina Fusco publisher, new canaan•darien•rowayton gina.fusco@moffly.com

Gabriella Mays publisher, westport•weston•wilton gabriella.mays@moffly.com

Hilary Hotchkiss account executive

Morgan Howell account executive morgan.howell@moffly.com

Liz Norfleet account executive liz.norfleet@moffly.com

Kathleen Godbold Dyke associate publisher, Greenwich kathleen.godbold@moffly.com

Brynn T. John partnership, big picture & operations manager brynn.john@moffly.com

Lemuel Bandala sales assistant lemuel.bandala@moffly.com

Eillenn Bandala business assistant eillenn.bandala@moffly.com

published by

205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 fax: 203-222-0937 mail@mofflymedia.com Publishers of GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN - DARIEN, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome Magazines advertising inquiries Lemuel Bandala email advertise@mofflymedia.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE, renew, or change your address, please email us at subscribe@stamfordmag.com, call 203-222-0600, or write to STAMFORD magazine, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $34.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign, U.S. $40/1 year; $69/2 years. Prices are subject to change without notice. FOR REPRINTS or E-PRINTS, please call 203-222-0600 or email reprints@moffly.com.

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STAMFORD magazine™ is a trademark of Moffly Media. © 2026 Moffly Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the publisher, except as permitted by law. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published are not necessarily those of the magazine.

Publishers of GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN • DARIEN + ROWAYTON, WESTPORT • WESTON • WILTON, STAMFORD, and ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY magazines, and BEST OF THE GOLD COAST CONNECTICUT awards; Moffly Media, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 email: mail@moffly.com

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founder’s page

“Coming back from class one day, I passed my roommate who said: ‘By the way, Jack, Albert Einstein called and wants you to call him back.’”

OF THE LOVE OF SAILING

The sailing season is upon us, and I can’t resist sharing a favorite family story.

As a Princeton undergraduate, Jack Moffly (Class of ’49) was Commodore of the Princeton Yacht Club, a fancy name for the sailing club that had an old broken-down tin shed and four dinghies on Lake Carnegie. At that time, Albert Einstein was teaching at the Institute for Advanced Study, separate from the University, and lived a short distance off campus.

Our daughter Audrey recorded her father telling us (complete with German accent) how the two met.

Said Jack: “It was rather unusual, because nobody saw much of him. In any event, coming back from class one day, I passed my roommate who said: ‘By the way, Jack, Albert Einstein called and wants you to call him back.’ I said, ‘Yah, yah, I know.’ His nickname was Joker, so I didn’t take him seriously.

“But later at the dorm he asked me: ‘What did Albert Einstein want?’ I said you gotta be kidding. Anyway, he convinced me it was actually Einstein’s hausfrau who’d called, and he had the number. So, I called, and sure enough, Dr. Einstein would like me to come for tea because he understood I knew all about sailing on Lake Carnegie.

“My roommate said, ‘Oh, my God, a chance to meet Einstein!’ He was an Engineer and tech-oriented, so I immediately appointed him Vice Commodore so he could join me.

“So, we knocked on the door and were warmly greeted by the fraulein. ‘Oh, you were so nice to come. Let me take you up to meet Dr. Einstein.’ And she led us up a long flight of stairs into the sunroom. Every surface of every table was covered with heaps of papers and books, and emerging from this cacophony of paper was this great gray mane. You’d know it anywhere.

“We were served tea, and Einstein said: ‘I had a terrible time finding you so I could sail on Lake Carnegie and hoped you could tell me how.’ I told him we’d certainly try.

“ ‘How do I get there?’ Well, I said there’s a bus, but they’re not very frequent. Or you could take a cab if you don’t drive.

“ ‘Well, I have sails, you see. What do I do about them?’ Well, we have an old tin shed, but I wouldn’t trust it. People might get in and steal the sails.

“ ‘I see. How about a boat. Can I launch a boat down there?’ Well, we keep our dinghies on shore and drag them down. ‘I guess I could drag one, too.’ We have a dock, I said, but frankly we’re afraid to use it. It’s a little wobbly. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘maybe I could launch it from there. But I have to get there. Maybe I take my bicycle?’

“Well, maybe not. You’ve got your sail bag in one hand and riding a bike, I don’t think so. ‘Maybe I could take a limousine?’ I thought he might think this was a yacht club and we’d have a limousine. I told him we didn’t.

“To make a long story short, he was most gracious but beginning to get the idea that these two clowns weren’t going to be helpful at all. (Chuckle)

“Finally, we parted company; but as we were leaving, he turned to me and said, ‘You know, I wanted to sail on Lake Carnegie, so I called the Crew House, then the Sports Department, then I called this person and that person, and finally I get YOU. It’s just like Chain Reaction!!!’

“I almost fell down the stairs.”

So there ends the story, except for Jack’s final comment after the videotape ended: “It was such a pleasure to talk to somebody with the same love of sailing that I have.”

May the wind be at your back this summer and always.

buzz

The Baby Whisperer of Stamford

FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, KIMBERLY MOTILL HAS HELPED STAMFORD PARENTS BREATHE EASIER THROUGH PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND BEYOND

by liz barron

Years ago, Kimberly Motill set out on a quest to support families through “every season of life.” The founder of Family Tree Yoga & Wellness in Stamford has been helping expectant and new parents for almost 20 years, with classes that range from prenatal yoga and birth education to doula and perinatal wellness coaching.

A mother of four and a new grandmother, Motill has years of life experience in every phase of family growth, and she weaves that knowledge into everything she does. This includes the classes she gives all over Stamford—in churches, hospitals, coffee shops and even a studio on Hope Street. She moved to Stamford in 1999 from Manhattan and truly loves where she lives.

“Owning a business here has been so rewarding,” says Motill. “Stamford has so much to offer and so many resources I can share with my families. I love meeting pregnant clients and then seeing them with babies in their arms. There is nothing that gives me greater joy than witnessing that transition.”

Her work with parents and children has

taught her many lessons, and she’s generous with advice. “Prenatal yoga provides participants with physical relief from many of the discomforts that come with pregnancy,” she says. “Emotionally, the classes provide expectant mothers with a place to slow down, connect with their babies and meet others who are on the same journey.”

The physical benefits of prenatal yoga range from less back pain and nausea to increased stamina prior to labor, better sleep and circulation. “After birth, many of our mamas come back for our new-mother’s group, or what we call the ‘fourth trimester,’ ” she says. “They can see the same faces that they saw

at prenatal yoga and deepen that connection to create lasting friendships. Later, many will attend our baby-and-me classes, where they extend their community foundation.”

Motill also offers Empowered Pregnancy and Birth Education courses, where participants have access to comprehensive learning in one place. They’re taught CPR, baby-care basics, breast feeding, nutrition and more. “I love to care for parents who are so invested in their pregnancies,” says Motill.

Family Tree also has courses for toddlers, ranging from yoga to music to sleep education. “Community is the main thread,” says Motill. “Everything we do is to foster community. I bump into people all over town who are still in touch with the core group of people they met at the prenatal stage. They have a special place in each other’s hearts.”

When she’s not teaching or attending a birth, Motill likes to spend time with her children and husband at Scalzi Park. “I also love being at home,” she says. “Our house was built in 1840, and we’ve put a lot of TLC into it. After I’ve been hopping around all day to teach, coming home feels wonderful.”

BACK TO NATURE WITH BILL BRUCKER

STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER WELCOMES A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL AS ITS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR by liz barron

After spending two decades in leadership positions at local nonprofits, Bill Brucker says joining the Stamford Museum & Nature Center feels like a natural fit and a “no brainer.” The longtime Stamford resident took his new post as the museum’s executive director in April.

“I always knew I was meant to be

part of an organization that has an impact in the community where I live,” says Brucker. “The Stamford Museum & Nature Center has a tremendous reputation across the entire state. This position is such an exciting, service-based opportunity. The museum is a pillar of the community. We love welcoming families and individuals to our campus. It’s a place of wonder, joy and

discovery for people of all ages.” Brucker has experienced firsthand how much of an impact the center can have on visitors of all ages. “I have fond memories of bringing my boys here, going to the farm and the museum and walking around the trails,” he says. “My youngest son developed his love of animals here and ended up volunteering at Heckscher Wild. For that reason,

we have a Russian Tortoise living in our house.”

From educational programs and community events at The Knobloch Family Farmhouse to the Planetarium and Astronomy Center, interactive exhibits, art shows, and a play structure in the woods like no other, the museum truly has something for everyone who drives through its gate. In his new role, Brucker

above: Two residents of the Edith & Robert Graham Otter Pond. right: Petunia is a fan favorite at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, a 22-year-old Scottish Highland cow and longtime resident of Heckscher Farm.

oversees daily operations while helping shape the organization’s long-term vision and strategic direction. He’ll focus on financial stability, philanthropic growth, community outreach and work that strengthens the organization’s ties to the community. With deep local roots, Brucker understands how meaningful this location is to residents of Stamford and surrounding areas.

“When I talk to people in the community, I realize so many have created core memories here. It’s not a place you grow out of. It’s a place you grow with,” he says.

Brucker lives in Stamford with his wife and two sons and loves its big-city-small-town feel. Outside of work, he is an avid runner who has participated in multiple

marathons. When he’s looking for a slower pace, Brucker spends time outside, either on the trails at the museum or in Mianus River Park. He’s also a musician who’s been playing in a band called Finster for nearly two decades, performing at local bars, clubs and parties.

Brucker is excited about his first summer at the Museum, and encourages all residents to check out some of the events planned for the season. That includes Yoga Under the Stars in the planetarium at 6 p.m. on July 9, and the Farmer’s Market, which runs every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit stamfordmuseum. org for a full list of events and programs.

TOP 10 MUSTS AT SM&NC

Walking Trails

Trails wind through more than 80 acres of woods along the Poorhouse Brook. This peaceful setting gives visitors the chance to observe changing seasons and spot local wildlife including ducks, foxes, frogs and turtles in the area’s vernal pools.

Nature’s Playground

This play structure features a giant slide, a moving bridge, swings, a sand pit, a hawk’s nest and a replica of an anchored boat. Picnic tables and benches give adults a place to relax and take in their surroundings.

Heckscher Farm

This 10-acre working farm has open pastures, an organic vegetable garden and animals. Meet cows, goats and chickens, or stop by the pig pen to see if there are any new piglets.

Heckscher Wild

An indoor exhibit, it features reptiles, amphibians and tropical plants from around the world. Feeding sessions allow for a close look at lizards, snakes and feathered friends.

Planetarium & Astronomy Center

Explore the night sky at this state-of-the art facility, where there’s an immersive dome theater, roll-back roof observatory and telescopes.

Bendel Mansion

Once home to department store owner Henri Bendel, the mansion now serves as museum galleries showcasing collections throughout the year.

Edith & Robert Graham Otter Pond

Watch North American river otters slide, dive and swim in their natural habitat. Residents Sadie and Rom are most active during their daily feedings at 1 p.m.

Maple Sugar Fest Sundays

Over 200 maple trees are tapped each season, producing sap that’s crafted into syrup. Its sweet aroma often carries all the way to the parking lot. These seasonal events include food trucks, music and more.

Wheels in the Woods

An accessible trail on a boardwalk leads visitors over a peaceful brook and deep into the woods. Observation platforms are great for birdwatching.

Knobloch Family Farmhouse

This gathering space overlooks Heckscher Farm and serves as a hub for educational programs and events.

THE CULTURE OF CURIOSITY

HAMILTON COLWELL ’S RELENTLESS EXPERIMENTATION HELPED TURN MAIA YOGURT INTO A REGIONAL SUCCESS STORY

by linda tuccio-koonz

Hamilton Colwell was that kid—the one with a gazillion questions and the gumption to find answers. That curiosity eventually turned into something more practical and entrepreneurial. He launched his own healthy food company in his 30s following years of kitchen-based experiments in his apartment.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve had the curiosity of a child,” says the Stamford father of two, who refined his Greek yogurt recipe until it was right. Today, Maia Yogurt is sold in more than 400 stores across the Northeast. Big Y is among them; Stew

offering taste tests. “If you see me out and about, there’s a 50-50 shot I’ll have yogurt in tow,” says Colwell, who has a portable cooler that serves as his backpack. But persistence can also be complex, as he learned this past winter when a milk truck went off the road in a storm. “We were unable to produce yogurt— essentially 63,000 cups of yogurt.”

Colwell had to tell every partner what happened and how he was addressing the shortfall. “There was a week-and-a-half delay in production because cows are milked, people buy the milk and you just have to figure it out. But yes, we were able to find milk through our family farmers and service our customers.”

“I came home with raw unpasteurized milk from the farmers’ market. I added yogurt cultures and literally concocted my first batch of Maia Yogurt on my gas range in my tiny New York City apartment on 77th and 1st.”

He and his roommates would put yogurt samples in Dixie cups, walk to 2nd Avenue and start “sampling the product with strangers.” The response, then and today, keeps him moving forward.

Leonard’s and Stop & Shop, too. “We’re the fastest growing yogurt at Wegmans,” he says, of the brand named for the Roman goddess of spring. The name also reflects a focus on natural ingredients. Maia Yogurt is made with milk from 100-percent grassfed cows.

Colwell, who founded his company in 2010, says getting into Wegmans was an eightyear process. “You have to be persistent to get lucky,” says the entrepreneur, who lives with his family in an old French farmhouse. “You can be lucky without persistence, but that’s not sustainable.” Persistence can be as simple as

People appreciate clear and candid communication, says Colwell, who grew up in Cheshire, and whose background is in restaurant management (Greenwich Village and beyond) and finance (JP Morgan Chase). He and his wife moved to Stamford before the birth of their first son (their boys are 5 and 2) because they wanted access to excellent transportation, awesome restaurants (“We love to eat,” he says) and great grocery stores. Looking back on his journey, he says Maia Yogurt was born of necessity during a time when he had pregnant siblings and cousins (including one with gestational diabetes), seeking nutritious food options. His curiosity kicked in when he learned some yogurts contained sugar servings similar to what you’d find in a candy bar. Appalled, he tried to figure out how to make his own.

“First, I taught myself. Then I surrounded myself with Cornell University dairy experts to understand what it takes to make the absolute best low-sugar, highprotein yogurt.”

Colwell’s roommates thought he was crazy. But soon they were helping him.

“The world of yogurt is competitive, but we’ve persisted through lots of challenges,” he says. That includes a fire that occurred at Maia headquarters in Hamden about 10 years ago. Even with setbacks, the brand’s popularity continues to grow. The product line consists of six core flavors—vanilla bean, strawberry,

blueberry, plain, pomegranate cherry and peach. And as for distribution, Maia continues to reach new markets. In spring, it appeared in the dairy aisle at Walter Stewart’s Market in New Canaan.

Meanwhile, Colwell has his family (all yogurt fans), to guide him. “I would say my boys are the driving force. I learn from my boys every day, what they like and what they need.”

HSS, #1 IN ORTHOPEDICS, IS LOCAL IN CONNECTICUT.

HSS has joined forces with Stamford Health to deliver Connecticutʼs most advanced orthopedic care. With top specialists in spine and joint care, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, and more, experience orthopedic excellence like nowhere else.

go

by eileen bartels

Celebrating AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Historic destinations, hands-on experiences and family adventures mark America’s milestone birthday.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with family adventures all summer long. Hop on the Amtrak to Boston, or drive to Virginia and visit Williamsburg, where the fight for independence and the birth of a new nation are brought to life each day.

Just as many of us still remember the Bicentennial celebrations of our childhoods, this could be the summer your own family looks back on with the same nostalgia. Add in road-trip podcasts, historical novels, movies and local Revolutionary War sites, and you have the makings of a season that brings history to life and sends kids back to school with a fresh sense of America’s foundation.

BOSTONBOUND

TRAVEL TIME: Stamford to Boston, 3 hours by Acela

DON'T MISS: Sail250 Boston, July 11–17, 2026

FOURTH OF JULY

HIGHLIGHT: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, July 4 • Free Admission

Ditch the car and Amtrak to Boston from Stamford. The Acela train line travels from Stamford to Boston’s Back Bay Train Station direct five times daily in just over three hours. Within blocks from the train station, stay at a range of hotels from the Marriott to the Fairmont, then walk or Uber to all the local destinations. Sail250 Boston is coming July 11 to 17. Witness the majesty of a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships as they sail into the port of Boston, or visit Beantown for Harborfest 2026, one of the nations largest Fourth of July festivals. Celebrate

the holiday starting July 2 throughout Boston with roving historical reenactments and band performances in Christopher Columbus Park, Downtown Crossing and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Cool off indoors at the Boston Public Library as they showcase rare copies of the Declaration of Independence at their exhibition Declarations: Printing a New Nation. All ages can be in the room where it happens at Ruckus! Experience Revolution opening July 1. This immersive show gives you a seat in the heart of the history among ordinary citizens as they debate the future of our nation at Old South Meeting House Boston. Complete your trip with a bang and stay for the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, free July 4 on the Charles River Esplanade.

revolutionaryspaces.org; bostonharborfest.com sailboston.com; bpl.org

OUR HISTORIC HOMETOWN

FAMILY SUNDAYS

July 12 and August 9

FREE TOURS

12 p.m. • 1:30 p.m. • 3 p.m.

DRESS FOR 1776

August 12 • $15 Members / $20 Nonmembers

History is right outside your door in Greenwich. Experience 250 years of it at Time Travelers Family Sundays at the Greenwich Historical Society Sunday July 12 and August 9. Enjoy free family friendly tours, along with an accompanying hands-on activity in the classroom. Please check in at the museum lobby before joining the fun. Walk-ins are welcome. Take a view of history through the lens of fashion at the current Greenwich Historical Society exhibition Fashioning America: 250 Years of Greenwich Style, chronicling the evolution of American fashion and how these styles reflect changes in American society and culture. See how the ideals of the American Revolution have shaped our national identity

via clothing worn throughout history. The exhibition is open during regular GHS hours or sign up for a day of dress up at their Dress for 1776 event August 12, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., $15 members $20 non members. Learn about 18th-century clothing and have the opportunity to see reproductions from that time period at this family friendly experience.

GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

47 Strickland Road Cos Cob, CT greenwichhistory.org

ROAD TRIP SOUTH

DRIVE TIME

7.5 hours from Greenwich

HISTORIC TRIANGLE Williamsburg • Jamestown • Yorktown

SLEEP IN THE 1700S

Historic Houses & Lodgings

Step back in time and travel to Williamsburg, Virginia, where history comes alive in one of the country’s best-preserved colonial destinations. Visit Colonial Williamsburg on its own or pair it with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, each offering a unique perspective on America’s founding. While the town of Williamsburg provides all the modern conveniences, Colonial Williamsburg offers a fully immersive glimpse into the 18th century. Dine in candlelit taverns, explore trade shops staffed by costumed interpreters and take part in the many hands-on experiences offered throughout the day.

A range of lodging options, from familiar hotel brands to historic inns, makes the trip accessible for a variety of budgets. For a truly memorable stay, consider Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Houses and Lodgings, where guests can spend the night in authentic 18th-century accommodations. The drive to Williamsburg is roughly seven-and-a-half hours from Fairfield County, passing through Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Richmond—all worthwhile stops for additional 250thanniversary exploration. colonialwilliamsburg.org

BRITISH HEADQUARTERS

Philipse Manor Hall

WALK IN WASHINGTON'S FOOTSTEPS

Albany Post Road & Waterfront

2.5-MILE GUIDED TOUR

July 5 • 1 p.m.

Revolutionary War history is just down the road in Yonkers. Visit Philipse Manor Hall, once the headquarters of the British Army, and explore the area's pivotal role in the conflict on a guided walking tour. Follow the route of the Continental Army along the Albany Post Road and waterfront while learning about troop movements, skirmishes and George Washington's time in Yonkers. philipsemanorhall.com

THE WAR IN WETHERSFIELD

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S HQ: Joseph Webb House

FIRST U.S. DIPLOMAT: Silas Deane House

THREE HISTORIC HOMES: One Museum Campus

The Webb Deane Stevens Museum in Wethersfield features three houses that played important roles in America’s founding. Visit the Joseph Webb House, which served as George Washington’s headquarters and the site of his meeting with French commander the Comte de Rochambeau as they planned the campaign that would lead to victory at Yorktown. Tour the Deane House, built by America’s first diplomat, Silas Deane, whose efforts helped secure France’s recognition of the newly independent United States. Finally, explore the Isaac Stevens House for a glimpse into everyday life in the Connecticut River Valley during the colonial era. wdsmuseum.org

SUNNY DAYS AHEAD

Summer is in full swing and the next two months are packed with OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE MEMORIES . From days at the beach to splash pads and live entertainment, here are a few ways to CREATE MORE FAMILY FUN by stefanie horn

No. 1 SPLASH AROUND

When the temperatures rise, Stamford offers plenty of ways for kids to cool off and burn energy. Spend the day building sandcastles at one of the city’s beaches. Visit West Beach for its waterfront playground, or ride the tram to the shore at Cove Island Park before exploring its bikefriendly paths. Splash pads at Triangle Park in Harbor Point and Scalzi Park provide another fun way for kids to beat the heat.

No. 2

STORYTIME ADVENTURE

Grab your little bookworms and head outdoors for storytime this summer. Children can enjoy stories, songs and fresh air at Latham Park every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. through August 25. Family Storytime is also held at Commons Park Mondays at 10:30 a.m. through July 27. Bring a blanket, settle into the grass and enjoy a morning designed to foster a love of reading and community.

No. 3

CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Celebrate the Fourth of July while honoring a milestone in the nation’s history at the Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence at The Stamford History Center. Beginning at 10 a.m. on July 4, the event offers families an opportunity to reflect on the ideals that shaped the country and to experience a cherished patriotic tradition as America marks its birthday.

No. 4 GREAT ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Fun Thursdays at Stamford Town Center, presented in collaboration with Stamford Moms, take place every Thursday from July 9 through August 13. These free events feature live entertainment, including a bubble show and a basketball trick artist. Movies in the Park at Mill River Park are family-friendly outdoor screenings held twice a month beginning at 8 p.m. Movies in Commons Park are also shown outdoors and begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.) on Wednesdays from July 8 through August 12. For those looking to escape the summer heat, Avon on Tour Matinees are held indoors in Stamford Town Center’s Grand Court on the first Saturday of every month. Upcoming screenings include The Wild Robot on July 4 and  How to Train Your Dragon on August 1.

No. 5

BLUEY HEADS TO THE PALACE

Fans of Bluey won’t want to miss this special event. Bluey’s Big Play comes to The Palace Stamford on Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m., bringing the beloved Heeler family to life in their first live theatrical production. Featuring imaginative sets, larger-than-life puppetry and all the humor and heart that have made the show a worldwide phenomenon, the performance promises fun for children and parents alike.

Follow Stefanie Horn—a Stamford-based mom of three chrildren—on Instagram (@stamfordmoms) and check out her calendar of local events at stamfordmoms.com.

SEAWORTHY Stay

The historic yacht Chanticleer, after an extensive winter restoration, is part of the Ocean House experience this summer.

by kim kavin

For a true waterfront adventure, the Chanticleer will be docked in Watch Hill Harbor this summer—just a short walk from Ocean House. Guests can stay on board the newly renovated 108-foot yacht with a captain and stewardess to handle all their needs. The luxury vessel has its own historical character, similar to the resort’s nautical-themed Morgan Suite.

THE HISTORY

In 1973, philanthropist and renowned horse-racing enthusiast Ogden Phipps took delivery of a new yacht that he christened after the 1966 Horse of the Year: Buckpasser This yacht was notable in several ways, including design and naval architecture by

Jack Hargrave, who had made a name for himself in the world of fiberglass sportfishing yachts with the Hatteras Yachts brand. At 98 feet long, Buckpasser was also the largest yacht that the well-respected Burger Boat Company had ever built, and it was the first Burger to leave the shipyard with a helipad.

As with many historic yachts, this one was celebrated with its new owner, but it eventually changed hands several times. In 1986, the singer and actress Frances Langford (who had married Ralph Evinrude, of marine engine fame) bought the yacht and renamed it Chanticleer. She converted the helipad to a dining area and lengthened the vessel to 108 feet by adding a sporting cockpit. The changes suited the two primary ways she went on to

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use Chanticleer: fishing and entertaining.

“Langford was a huge entertainer. A lot of presidents and celebrities have been on the boat,” says Chanticleer’s project manager, Rob Saunders. “She would fish from sunrise to sunset, and even after sunset, she’d be out there fishing all night.”

After Langford died, Chanticleer passed through additional owners. And now, another admirer of historic American vessels has stepped in to build on Chanticleer’s already notable legacy.

This storied American-built yacht spent the winter undergoing a significant refit under the new owner’s direction—and this summer, for the first time, Chanticleer will become available to Ocean House guests in New England.

MODERN LUXURY

Chanticleer’s next chapter includes being used as a floating space that’s akin to a fourbedroom Ocean House suite or cottage. It will be docked in the heart of Watch Hill Harbor, providing access to resort amenities and personal waterfront views. Guests can also use Chanticleer as private accommodations at the dock without ever firing up the yacht’s engines, or they can cast off for customized charters around the area to see the sights. The twin 435-horsepower Caterpillars allow for a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 12 knots.

Chanticleer provides Ocean House guests with the true experience of a bygone era, whether the occasion is a family’s summer vacation or a special event such as a wedding. As just one example, Chanticleer could be used for a private rehearsal dinner afloat with family. Or the yacht could serve as the platform for a truly one-of-a-kind engagement cruise ahead of a long-weekend wedding on the main property.

“There’s something special about classic American craftsmanship. Ocean House on land and Chanticleer on the water both capture that spirit,” the new owner says.

YACHT RESTORATION

Chanticleer spent much of this past winter at Cracker Boy Boat Works in West Palm Beach, Fla., where the yacht underwent extensive restorative work inside and out. The

Coming Soon to Long Island Sound

INSPIRED INTERIORS

“Kellie Burke is the muscle and design expertise behind the restoration,” explains the new owner.

“My intention, with her assistance, was to create a design that reflects Chanticleer’s inheritance: dignified American repose, suspended in nature and time.”

To bring the design into focus, the owner explains her inspiration:

“Materials and decorative elements were selected to honor Burger’s legacy of craftsmanship, durability and performance, while expressing those qualities with weightless radiance. The palette takes its cues from the natural world— romancing luster and endurance through fresh color, artisanal detail and tactile richness—alongside finer fixtures and ornament that preserve the clarity of air, water and salt. In dialogue with the yacht’s original wood tones and varnished finishes, the result is an interior suggestive of buried treasure under a blue sky, harmonizing jewel-like accents drawn from sea and shore.”

Our redesign captures the relaxed American heritage, in the spirit of Burger, with lighter sea tones and rich materials—and maybe even some quiet winks to 1973.

kellie burke

interior designer

exterior received new paint as well as all-new teak decking, bringing the two most visible elements of the yacht back to perfection.

Designer Kellie Burke worked closely with the owners to bring their vision to life. “Our redesign captures the relaxed American heritage, in the spirit of Burger, with lighter sea tones and rich materials—and maybe even some quiet winks to 1973.”

Inside, the guest staterooms are true to the yacht’s era, but were refreshed with paint and new wallpaper, as is often necessary on classic vessels. An entirely new master bathroom was renovated. The other bathrooms received new tile and stone, also with the intent to refresh the yacht without changing its historic accuracy. Choices of materials were made with great care, to ensure the work was restorative.

“We’re rebuilding this yacht to honor the history and craftmanship,” Saunders says.

“The Chanticleer just has that feel to it. Some of the retro-mods are interesting, but they’re not real. You hop on this boat, and it’s 100 percent authentic. You can look around and see things, like some of the showers are a little shorter. It’s from back when they were built as boats, not as megayachts.”

A few invisible modern systems were included in this winter’s yard work, such as new ducting with an ultraviolet-light system for air purification—a frequently requested system on charter yachts ever since the pandemic. Rewiring was also done on the yacht, along with the installation of new Furuno and TimeZero navigation equipment at the helm.

Underwater lighting was added too, as well as era-correct cushions for the exterior lounge spaces where guests can relax with a wide view of the surroundings.

NEXT CHAPTER

Similar to the meticulous renovation of Ocean House, Chanticleer was preserved in an authentic way to capture the correct era while infusing modern touches for discerning guests.

“Pretty much everything you see, touch or feel outside is new,” Saunders explains. “All the chrome was sent out, all the 1973 originalbuild components; those are being chromed as original. It is an elegant floating suite that reflects the Ocean House luxury.”

FROM IDEA TO ADMISSION

MEET THE COACH HELPING STUDENTS SUCCESSFULLY BRING THEIR VOICES TO LIFE ON THE PAGES OF THEIR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

by liz barron

The infamous college essay. It’s something some students start thinking about as early as middle school but don’t tackle until their senior year in high school. By then, the pressure is on, particularly when it comes to choosing the right topic. For tips on how to write a winning essay, we talked with Suzanne Gannon, a Greenwich resident known as “The Essay Conqueror.” This writing coach has helped more than 230 students earn admission to 100-plus undergrad and graduate universities, and colleges worldwide. Step 1, she says, is to start writing now, as the best time to get to work on that essay is during the summer.

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN STARTING A BUSINESS AS A COLLEGE ESSAY COACH?

Because I’m a professional writer, over the years my friends with kids would often come to me for advice on their application essays. It was fun to do, and I really enjoyed being a mentor. I taught my first class in 2020, and that was the beginning of my business. I’m hyper extroverted with a background in reporting. I love getting to know people. The ability to interview students is essential to help them figure out how to present themselves. »

WHAT’S YOUR METHOD OF COACHING?

When someone isn’t accustomed to writing a first-person narrative, it can be a struggle. Reading is the best way to make yourself a better writer. If you’re not reading, how could you expect to become a writer? I’m often working with kids who don’t have a lot of practice, so I’ll ask them to write something, then I read it and recap out loud to them what I interpreted from their writing. Next, I ask them if what I said matches what they mean to say. Often the response is no, which means it needs more work.

DO MOST STUDENTS COME TO YOU WITH AN IDEA FOR THE ESSAY, OR DO MANY REQUIRE HELP FIGURING OUT WHERE TO START?

I’d say 85 percent have no idea where they want to start. A lot of them say they don’t have anything unique, dramatic or shocking to say about themselves. I remind them that every person on this planet has somewhere between one and 1,000 stories to tell. It’s just a matter of finding out where the energy is and working with them to figure out how to convey that through their writing. And often, through a discovery process, we find out that their best story doesn’t involve what they originally thought it might. Many times, a tale of inspiration ends up being anchored to another individual, someone important in the student’s life that they love and admire. That can end up becoming a portrait of another person, not a story revealing something important about the student.Writing about what makes you tick, what brings you joy or what character traits you want to showcase are good places to start.

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF COACHING?

I ask students to write down notable things like biographical facts, preferences, experiences, accomplishments and achievements. But once we’ve narrowed down a subject, conditioning kids to think in terms of specificity can be challenging. For example, if a student told me they liked to swim, I’d want to know if it’s in a pool or at the beach. Through questioning we could end up narrowing it down to a story about a yearly polar bear plunge, which would reveal that the student is a thrill-seeker with a high tolerance

for cold water. The character of a student can really explode out of one fact.

WHAT

ARE THE SIGNS THAT A STUDENT IS CLOSE TO FINDING THEIR TOPIC?

I know we’re on the right track when a student’s face lights up. I notice wide eyes and instant energy. When there is a lot of laughing and fast talking, I know there is a story to be told. Sometimes students want to write about difficulties with mental health or personal situations. Those instances can be incredible sources for material and character development, but we make sure to focus on telling a story of resilience, where they came out the other side and how they got there.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO PARENTS WHO WANT TO SET THEIR CHILD UP FOR SUCCESS WITH APPLICATION-RELATED ESSAY WRITING?

They should tell their children to read, read, read. That includes asking their kids to review sample essays that others have written to get into similar schools. They may not like the topics or the structure in those samples, but they’ll learn. Elite athletes don’t show up at the most important matches of their lives without watching tape. They’ve seen themselves screw up and have observed their opponents. I like to say that specificity trumps summary every time. Details tell the story. The goal is to show, not tell, and to be as reliable as you can as a narrator. Admissions officers want to read writing that’s thoughtful and observant, whether it’s an obsession with red lollipops or growing mushrooms in a garage. If you are a reliable witness, you can tell a story of having been there. What you don’t want is a recount from someone else who was standing 50 yards from the action.

HOW CRITICAL IS THE ESSAY FOR ADMISSION?

When all credentials are the same, the essay distinguishes Candidate A from Candidate B, whether it’s the topic or the way that it was conveyed. I always suggest having students carve out some quiet observation time when they start documenting things for the essay.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?

There’s nothing like watching a student get to the point where they are in the groove and

trusting the process. It’s like watching them mature when they can express themselves in their own way with their own words. I love hearing from parents who say their child became more confident because of learning how to write better.

Suzanne Gannon is a published author whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Town and Country and The Financial Times. For more information on her coaching services, visit theessayconqueror.com.

QUICK TIPS FOR ESSAY WRITING

Read every day, everything from personal college essay samples to fiction, nonfiction, sports features, opinion columns, obituaries (yes, obituaries) and profiles on sites like the New York Times.

Set up a CommonApp account—it’s free—and then cruise around, look at schools you’re interested in and what type of essays those schools require.

Observe details all day long. Good details make for a stronger essay.

Create a timeline for your writing, working backwards from your deadlines. Include the phases of your writing process, such as brainstorming, research, interviews, drafting, revising and editing.

Create your own accountability group of friends and check in with each other on the writing progress. You don’t have to show each other your work.

Each day, take 10 minutes to document one thing in writing. That could be anything from something you saw that was odd or beautiful to an emotion you felt.

Check out the College Essay Guy podcast or scroll through the website.

by georgette yacoub

NEW BLUEPRINT FOR WEIGHT LOSS

WITH GLP-1 MEDICATIONS ACCELERATING RESULTS, EXPERTS ARE DEVELOPING STRATEGIES TO ENSURE PATIENTS ALSO MAINTAIN MUSCLE, HAIR AND FACIAL VOLUME THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.

Merry Thornton has seen it so many times it has become almost ritual. A woman walks into Element Medical Aesthetics in New Canaan—often after significant weight loss on a GLP-1 medication—and pulls the skin along her jawline upward, showing how her face used to look. The familiar words follow: hollow, sunken, gaunt.

Before they begin talking, I can often tell they’ve experienced rapid weight loss,” she says. “Their face will have a hollowness in the temples, cheeks, and nasolabial folds and a loose, inelastic appearance at the jawline.”

Since Thornton founded Element, she has watched this particular kind of dissonance become one of the defining patient experiences of the GLP-1 era. By most clinical measures, the medications are genuinely effective tools for weight loss. But they are tools. They suppress appetite. They do not protect the face, the hair or the muscle. That part requires a separate strategy—and according to the specialists treating this wave of patients across Fairfield County, most people are realizing it far too late.

“Ozempic face,” as it has come to be known, is not a single change but a series of converging losses. The facial fat pads that give cheeks fullness and jaws definition shrink as overall fat declines. Collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity, do not regenerate on the same

timeline, particularly in patients over 35. Bone density decreases. Muscle diminishes. “The skin looks thinner, dehydrated, and crepey,” says Thornton.

The hollowing of the temples, the deepening folds around the mouth—these are the visible results of a face that has lost its underlying support. And because GLP-1 medications tend to produce faster weight loss than diet and exercise alone, the skin has less time to adapt.

The standard clinical advice is to wait until a patient reaches their goal weight before addressing any of these changes. Thornton disagrees: “It is always easier to prevent laxity and volume loss that has not yet occurred than to correct these issues.” At Element, she recommends beginning collagen-stimulating treatments early in the weight loss journey.

Sofwave, which uses ultrasound energy to heat the mid-dermis and trigger new collagen production, is most effective when started before significant loss occurs. Sculptra, a biostimulator injected into the face, gradually rebuilds structural support while restoring volume, helping address the deflation many patients experience along the jawline. For the deeper issue of fat loss itself, Thornton often turns to Renuva—an injectable designed to stimulate the body to regenerate its own fat cells over the course of three to six months. It works best, she explains, in areas where facial fat naturally exists: the cheeks, temples, etc.

A combination approach is typically required, with follow-ups every two to three months to assess changes and adjust treatment as needed. “You don’t have to choose between your body and your face,” Thornton says. “You can have your healthiest body and the best version of your face simultaneously.”

Hair loss is the other concern she hears about regularly, and the one most likely to send patients into a panic. The shedding typically begins two to four months into significant weight loss and is a stress response. The GLP-1 drug itself is unlikely to be the direct cause; caloric restriction and nutritional deficiencies are the more probable drivers. The

“you don , t have to choose between your body and your face. ” —merry thornton, pa-c

reassurance, however, is clear: it is almost always temporary. Once weight loss stabilizes and nutrition improves, shedding typically resolves within three to six months.

In the meantime, Thornton recommends a mix of at-home care, including nutraceuticals, laser devices and topical growth serums, along with in-office regenerative treatments such as PRP and Keralase. But she emphasizes that maintenance drives results.

The nutritional piece extends well beyond hair. Barbara Schmidt (a New Canaan-based MS, RDN,

pounds on a GLP-1 can sound like an unambiguous success, but if 15 of those pounds came from muscle rather than fat, the metabolic picture becomes far more complicated than the scale suggests. Muscle is the primary site of glucose metabolism; losing it can increase insulin resistance (a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes) and slow resting metabolism setting the stage for rapid weight regain once medication stops.

His prescription is progressive resistance training: a structured program designed to get incrementally stronger over time, with enough frequency and volume to give the body a reason to preserve muscle. Adequate protein is equally non-negotiable, according to both Schmidt and Charise.

Charise points to the work of Dr. Donald Layman, a protein metabolism researcher whose findings suggest that a minimum threshold of 2.5 to 3 grams of leucine—an amino acid found most reliably in animal proteins and quality protein supplements— is required to meaningfully stimulate muscle protein synthesis. In practical terms, that translates to roughly 25 to 30 grams of protein per meal. The protein-labeled chips, muffins and granola bars now crowding grocery store shelves, he notes, rarely come close.

CDN) works with GLP-1 patients whose appetite suppression is powerful enough to crowd out the nutrients their bodies still need. Her focus is on pace. “One to two pounds a week is really the goal, even on these GLP-1s,” she says. Faster than that, and the body starts making trade-offs—muscle being among the first sacrifices. Which brings the conversation to muscle. Chris Charise, a personal trainer who runs 203 Fitness, makes a point he finds himself repeating constantly: Not all weight loss is created equal. Losing 30

He also raises a structural concern. GLP-1 medications, unlike bariatric surgery, typically come without built-in guidance on exercise or nutrition. Bariatric patients are supported by multidisciplinary teams and followed closely over time. GLP-1 patients, in many cases, receive a prescription and little else. “There is no real further conversation about resistance training or the need to increase your protein,” Charise says. That gap is where patients are most vulnerable— not to the medication, but to the absence of support around it.

The drugs work. That, at this point, is well established. What is less established—and what the specialists most want people to understand—is that the sustainable results require building something alongside the medication. The face, the hair, the muscle: None of it maintains itself. But all of it can be supported.

Nominations being accepted in the following categories:

Most Involved in the Arts

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money matters

ESTATE PLANNING: SPELL IT OUT

Need help preparing your pre-vacation checklist?

OK. Sunscreen? Check. Passports? Check. Travel insurance? Check.

What about your estateplanning documents?

These might be the most important of all, suggests Christine Tenore of Wilton, an

attorney and partner at Eliovson & Tenore in Fairfield. “Estate planning is not just about when somebody dies,” Tenore says. “It’s also life planning.”

Vacations can heighten that need. Hiking and zip lining, boogie-boarding and birdwatching, traipsing through ruins, even tipsy afternoons by the pool or schlepping gear (and kids) up and down unfamiliar stairs can lead to debilitating accidents with lifelong consequences, both physical and financial, Tenore says.

She tells of one Fairfield County husband who tumbled down stairs, resulting in a brain bleed and permanent disability.

“The bulk of the couple’s money was in retirement accounts, and the wife was trying to withdraw money for his care. But (without estate planning documents in place) a spouse has no say over

WHO GETS WHAT?

retirement accounts so she had no access to that money.”

Tenore cites another couple’s vacation in Africa, which screeched to a halt when the wife fractured her hip and the husband remained with her to navigate her recovery. “They had financial matters here that couldn’t be handled from Africa.”

Wills and trusts dominate many estate-planning conversations among older, highnet-worth families here in lower Fairfield County. Millennials — too young to be preoccupied with who gets what upon death, too busy raising kids or paying off loans — tend to exclude estate issues when it comes to their financial planning.

“But there’s more than just having a will or trust,” Tenore says. “The younger generation doesn’t recognize that power-ofattorney and healthcare directives

are key to planning for the unexpected.” These documents can be critical, especially, for nontraditional families, children of divorced parents and unmarried couples who live together.

If you, your spouse or your partner, if your parents or your adult kids were to suffer a catastrophic accident, who would make the medical decisions? Who would manage the finances or care for dependents? Contrary to popular belief, a family member can’t simply step in and make decisions for their incapacitated loved one. You need durable powers of attorney and a health care directive, legal documents that say you’ve granted the person named the authority to make your decisions for you.

“Make sure you have those documents,” Tenore says, “then put them in the drawer, and hope you never need them.”

According to the 2026 Estate Planning Report by DIY estate planning company Trust & Will, 58 percent of millennials and 62 percent of Gen Xers don’t know what will happen to their assets if they die. The answer, in short: If you don’t spell out who gets what — and fill out the right names on the right forms — the court will decide for you. For example: In Connecticut, if a house is in one spouse’s name and the owner dies without a will, the owner’s spouse gets $100,000 plus half of the remaining estate, and the kids split the other half.

And when the owner of a retirement account dies, a will cannot dictate what happens to the account’s assets. That’s the job of the named beneficiaries. With no beneficiary explicitly named, the funds go to the deceased’s estate and are sorted out in probate court. Same goes for life insurance policies, investment accounts and bank accounts. A marriage, divorce, birth, injury or death all have significant consequences on long-term financial health. Make sure your documents are in order and revisit them regularly, Tenore says, and start now, when you are able.

people&PLACES

PLANNED PARENTHOOD / Hyatt Regency Greenwich

Planning Parenthood

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) drew a crowd of over 500 enthusiastic supporters—both virtually and in person—to its annual Spring Luncheon at the Hyatt in Old Greenwich. Our Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, avowed fighter for reproductive freedom, was honored with the Community Impact Award; and Speaker Barbara Pierce Bush, co-founder of Global Health Corps, had a lively conversation on stage with journalist Sam Lansky. All drew standing ovations. Co-chairing the event were Susan Beyman, Jane Carlin, Lindy Lilien and Mini Nunna. It raised a record $1.55 million in support of reproductive healthcare for 60,000 patients across Connecticut and Rhode Island. plannedparenthood.org »

1 Jane Carlin, Mini Nunna, Sam Lansky, Barbara Bush, PPSNE CEO Amanda Skinner, Lindy Lilien, Susan Beyman 2 Rabbi Gerry Ginsburg, Julie Geiser, Dr. Frances Ginsburg, 3 Kim Galloway, Cristin Marandino 4 Jane Carlin, Marianne Pollack, Robin Woods 5 Simone Quarterly, Amanda Skinner, Kay Maxwell 6 Samantha Bee at the podium 7 Elissa Garber-Hyman, Barbara Bush, Kate Hyman, Brandon Lomuto 8 CT Att. Gen. William Tong, Cynthia Blumenthal

1 Mayor Caroline Simmons, Ferguson Library CEO Alice Knapp, Honorees Susan and Edward Greenberg, Ferguson Library Board of Trustees Chair RJ Mercede

2 Gina Atanasoff, Lise Leist, Patricia Togra 3 Shivonne Mathison, Vicki French Sanches 4 Blaire Spaulding, Kristin Armani-Hill 5 Enjoying a taste of Sunshine Cuisine

6 Musicians entertain the crowd.

7 More than 350 guests attended.

8 Nikki Glekas Collective 9 Rosanne McManus, Stephanie O’Shea, Tamu and John Lucero 10 Melanie Soper raises her paddle.

Between the Stacks

The Ferguson Library welcomed more than 350 guests at its 15th annual fundraiser, A Novel Affair, raising $332,000 to support the library’s programs and services. Stamford businesses treated everyone to delicious cuisine, along with a wine and spirits tasting. A live auction with coveted events and experiences helped generate record-breaking numbers. The benefit honored Susan and Edward Greenberg for their dedication and contributions to the library. fergusonlibrary.org »

Global Reach M

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 »

11 Sonia David, Jonathan Moffly, Kristina Herman 12 Christine Squires, Tony Goldwyn, Shonda Rhimes 13 Nigel and Cristen Barker 14 Americares

Leadership Team members Eric Jovan Pérez-López, Kellen Thomas, Monica Barber, Tony Goldwyn (board member), Christine Squires, Elana Lopez, Dr. Julie Varughese, Felicia Macdonald

15 Christopher Buckley, Dr. Katy Close

16 Event Co-Chairs David Yount and Erica Hill (board member) 17 Sophie Stanwick, Steph Rego, Lucy Williams 18 Tony Goldwyn (center) with Event Co-Chairs

Jason Weinberg (left) and Merritt Johnson (right) 19 Shonda Rhimes, Tony Goldwyn, Bellamy Young 20 Steven and Joan Weisman 21 Event Co-Chairs Dr. Eric Weintz and Joy Gustafson Weintz »

1 Russell Jones; Walker Beard, Susanah & Naeem Fayyaz President and CEO; Board Chair Thomas Herbig; Music Director Michael Stern 2 Board Member John Jove 3 Russell Jones, Senator Richard Blumenthal

4 Barbara Berk, Karen Joelson, Russell Jones, Margreth Knehanas, Joan Weisman 5 Russell Jones, INTEMPO CEO Lou Chen 6 Naeem Fayyaz, Russell Jones, Susanah Fayyaz

7 Gala Chair and Board Member Julie Forrester, Larisa Martínez, Russell Jones, Joshua Bell, Michael Stern

8 Board Member Tomas Haendler, Russell Jones 9 Lisa Welch, Betsy Stone, Paul Welch 10 Kathy Sachs, Russell Jones, Peter Sachs

Musical Vision

assing the baton at the annual gala, former Orchestra Lumos CEO Russell Jones was honored for his impressive leadership. His successor, Waker Beard, now serves as the Susanah and Naeem Fayyaz President and CEO. A lively crowd of 270 celebrated with a cocktail party, dinner, auction and special Voice & the Violin concert, featuring Joshua Bell and Larisa Martinez. Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons was on hand to declare May 3 “Russell Jones Day,” while Sen. Richard Blumenthal delivered a moving speech. orchestralumos.org

Wednesday, July 22 • 6:30-9:00 p.m.

(Rain Date Thursday, July 23) Harbor Point, Stamford

GAME CHANGER

Edona Thaqi rises from Stamford basketball courts to the WNBA broadcast stage, building a voice shaped by every level of the game by scott thomas

Edona Thaqi found sanctuary in 94-foot-long, 50-foot-wide rectangles. On basketball courts throughout Stamford, the American daughter of immigrants from Kosovo discovered passion, purpose and a lasting community.

“She was very shy when we first met,’’ says Liz Grosso, a longtime friend and teammate. “When we started playing AAU in Stamford, she would always get to the gym early and warm up by herself, running laps and not really talking to anybody. It wasn’t until we all started getting to know each other that she came out of her shell.”

Thaqi’s rise began on courts in Stamford, where she developed her game at Westhill High School. After graduating in 2016, she went on to play Division I basketball at Fordham University. While there, she built a foundation in broadcasting that bridged her on-court experience with off-court analysis and reporting. She went on to work in basketball media and development. Today, Thaqi is a reporter and analyst for the

Women’s National Basketball Association on the USA Sports network, which began televising games in May and will continue through the much-anticipated playoff games in September.

BROADCASTING BREAK

Thaqi’s broadcasting break was a fortuitous bounce in her basketball career. She graduated from Fordham University with a degree in economics, and later earned a master’s degree in media management. She had zero experience in front of a camera or behind a microphone.

“Like any college kid, I was just trying to get a foot in the door,’’ Thaqi says. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do at that point. I just knew I wanted to be around the game in some capacity.”

Kathleen Reidy, a former Fordham player who works in broadcasting for the National Basketball Association, encouraged Thaqi to interview for a broadcasting assistant

A HOME COURT THAT’S HALF A WORLD AWAY

Edona Thaqi built her basketball career in Stamford. Her legacy, however, is becoming established thousands of miles away. Each summer, she travels to Kosovo to lead a basketball camp for young players. She also played on the Kosovo National Team in the 2022 FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries.

While she’s a Stamford native, Thaqi maintains dual citizenship with the United States and Kosovo. Her parents, Hatman and Meta, emmigrated to the U.S.  in 1985 with her two older siblings amid social unrest in the Southeast European nation. “I try to visit whenever my schedule allows,’’ she says. “The basketball camp is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.”

She established the camp with assistance from Brian Kriftcher, her former coach at Stamford Peace AAU. The Kosovo Heritage Basketball Academy trains more than 400 players with a mission to educate, empower and inspire young athletes. “Edona’s Albanian heritage is very important to her,’’ says Kriftcher.

Kriftcher says the goals of the academy in Kosovo are “not to discover the next LeBron James, but to give people a better outcome than they might otherwise have had because of the intersection of sport and mentorship.”

While her promising career as a basketball broadcaster takes flight, Thaqi also promises to continue to carve out time for young players in Kosovo.

“Coach K was the first person to help me see that vision, fully invest in helping it come to life,’’ Thaqi says. “He helped get it off the ground and running, and I will always be grateful for that. The camp is a way for me to give back. I became very aware of how fortunate I am and the opportunities I have in America, and I feel a responsibility to bring some of that back home.” —S.T.

role. “I had no idea what the job entailed,’’ Thaqi says. “Katheen told me I would either love it or hate it, but now was the time to find out.”

Thaqi landed the behind-the-scenes position, which involved serving as liaison in the NBA’s broadcasting operations center, writing detailed recaps for national TV games and learning the media landscape from the ground floor. During a Brooklyn Nets game where she worked as a timeout coordinator, Thaqi met Sarah Kustok, who a few years earlier had become the first female analyst for an NBA team.

“When I saw her preparing, a lightbulb went on. I thought, ‘I want to do that’,’’ Thaqi says. “But I was afraid to admit it because I felt I was behind. I didn’t go to college for this. I didn’t have the reps. But Sarah immediately made me feel like I could do it, even when I didn’t fully see it in myself. She was so encouraging and so willing to share her experiences and advice. That had a huge impact early in my journey.”

Kustok remembers her initial impression of Thaqi.

“The one thing that stood out was her energy, warmth and attitude of gratefulness,’’ she says. “She’ll be successful at anything she puts her mind to because she is committed; her work ethic is second to none; and she has a positive attitude

that resonates with anyone she’s around.”

Thaqi worked that position for two years and then landed roles as an analyst and commentator for WNBA games and the Connecticut Sun. USA Sports announced in January 2026 that Thaqi would join its national team for the WNBA. Kustok is also part of the USA Sports team.

Brian Kriftcher has known Edona for about 15 years, having coached her at Stamford Peace AAU and Westhill. He recognized her discipline and work ethic early on, particularly during her frequent visits to his office. “She was always going to outwork anybody,’’ Kriftcher says. “When preparing for games, her work was off the charts. Your potential is your potential, but how close you get to realizing its fullness is a question of work ethic.”

INJURIES AND CHALLENGES

Few people appreciate Thaqi’s broadcasting ascent more than Kriftcher, who started working with her when she was a shy fifth grader with the Stamford Peace AAU elite travel basketball program. He witnessed her blossoming into a standout player, and the challenges she encountered after three ACL injuries derailed her playing career.

“From the beginning, there was just something about her,’’ says Kriftcher, who started Stamford Peace nearly two decades ago. The nonprofit organization uses basketball instruction, travel teams and clinics to teach student-athletes life skills, academic responsibility and citizenship. “She showed athletic promise and skills beyond her years, but she was also a quiet kid. I dare say the Stamford Peace experience unleashed in her this sort of self-confidence, and friendships that she had the entire time. She has taken off and run with it.”

Thaqi appeared headed for a Division I basketball opportunity after her junior year at Westhill. Then, her first torn ACL injury came during a summer AAU tournament at the height of the college basketball recruiting season. When she suffered another torn ACL the following year, her college basketball plans were thwarted.

“The first injury was devastating,’’ Grosso says. “She had her heart set on college basketball, and she didn’t want this to put her behind in any capacity. But through the adversity, I watched her persevere, and she never lost sight of the dream of playing in college.”

Thaqi selected UConn Stamford to begin her college journey

PREDICTIONS FOR THE WNBA SEASON

After 23 years, the Sun sets on the WNBA’s Connecticut franchise this year. The Sun will relocate to Houston, leaving the state without a major sports franchise. “I think the move to Houston makes business sense, but it’s still sad for Connecticut fans because the Sun weren’t a failing franchise, They were one of the league’s most respected teams,’’ says Thaqi, who earlier this year joined the USA Sports team covering the WNBA. “Connecticut has such a strong women’s basketball culture that it feels strange to lose a team with that history.”

The Mohegan Tribe announced last year it planned to sell the team to reduce its debt burden. The tribe purchased the team in 2003 and relocated it from Orlando.

“At this point, I’m not shocked they’re leaving, since rumors had been around, and the league’s growth made bigger markets more attractive financially, but I am a little surprised the WNBA couldn’t find a way to keep a team in New England,’’ Thaqi says. “Houston is a logical destination, though.”

The Las Vegas Aces, who have won three of the last four league titles, face a tough road in trying to extend their dynasty.

“It’s hard to bet against a core led by A’ja Wilson,’’ Thaqi says of the four-time league MVP. “The New York Liberty has star power and a talented roster, too. Minnesota is a tough defensive matchup, and they have good chemistry. I think the Atlanta Dream will surprise a lot of people, and Indiana has a high ceiling if Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell can stay healthy.”

WNBA games will be televised through September on USA Sports with doubleheaders every Wednesday night. USA Sports’ WNBA coverage includes dedicated pre-game, halftime and postgame studio programming. The network will also present first-round playoff games and up to five WNBA Finals games. —S.T.

and then played for a year at UConn Avery Point before finishing her playing career at Fordham, where she eventually earned a scholarship. But on the cusp of earning significant playing time for the Division I Rams, a third ACL injury forced her to the sidelines for the final time. This type of injury is not uncommon in women’s basketball, but three ACL tears take an extraordinary toll.

“They weren’t all identical plays, but they came from similar basketball movements, a quick change of direction followed by an awkward landing,’’ Thaqi remembers. “That’s the part that makes injuries so difficult mentally. They can happen during something you do constantly in practice.”

The forced time on the bench helped Thaqi see the game in a different light. “I was able to see the game from multiple perspectives,’’ she says. “I’ve been a player coming off the bench. I’ve been relied on as a go-to player. I’ve also been injured and forced to watch from the sidelines. Each of those situations gave me a different lens.”

Watching basketball from these points of view has been beneficial to her blossoming broadcasting career. “Calling a game gives me many of the same feelings I had as a player. There’s the adrenaline rush, the preparation, the anticipation before tipoff. It even helps with the scouting report, because you’re studying tendencies the same way I would when I was

playing in college and high school,’’ she says. “The difference now is viewing the game through a wider lens, and communicating those details and emotions to the audience.”

AUTHENTIC EDONA

With just a few years of experience, there is no telling how far the Westhill High grad can climb in the competitive broadcasting field. “There’s a lot of room for improvement,’’ Thaqi says. “Communication is a huge part of my job. I know it sounds a little basic, but it’s learning how to simplify and convey ideas in a way that someone who doesn’t know basketball at a high level can easily digest. I want to continue to grow as a storyteller and be versatile across all different roles.”

Her supporters have no doubt she’ll go far.

“Edona’s a really great teammate to everyone around her,” Kustok says. “That quality has allowed her to move very quickly as a broadcaster.”

Thaqi has outgrown the shyness of her younger days, and her friends find that maturation wonderful to behold. “Her personality has never changed, and that’s what makes her so beautiful,” says Grosso. “What you see is what you get. She’s 1,000 percent authentic, and that’s what makes her special. She makes friends with everybody and can connect with strangers wherever we go. And you can really see that in her work.” S

FOOD TRUCK // COPPS ISLAND OYSTER SHACK

Parked at marinas in Stratford and Norwalk, Copps Island Oyster Shack has earned a devoted following for its lobster rolls, ultra-fresh oysters and raw bar classics. The family-run favorite lives by its “boat to table” philosophy—growing, shucking and serving its own oysters with the kind of dock-to-tray freshness that tastes unmistakably like summer on the Connecticut coast. In Norwalk, live music and sunset views add to the scene; in Stratford, the quieter marina setting feels like a hidden gem locals almost want to keep to themselves.

FOOD & DRINKS

“Where should we eat?” may be the most commonly repeated phrase in Fairfield County—and lately, the answers just keep getting better. The challenge isn’t finding somewhere good; it’s narrowing down the options. From new additions and old-school institutions to neighborhood gems locals almost hesitate to share, this year’s winners reflect how we really eat now: spritzes on sunny patios, impeccable Italian meals served with a side of trivia, Chinese takeout on regular rotation and lobster rolls worth going out of your way for. These are the spots people return to again and again—the standing reservations, the comfort orders and the places locals insist you absolutely have to try.

photograph by VENERA ALEXANDROVA

RESTAURANT

BEST SERVICE

TONY’S AT THE J HOUSE

1114 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-698-6999; tonysatthejhouse.com

BUSINESS LUNCH MILESTONE

2 Main St., Redding, 203-587-1700; milestonect.com

CREATIVE MENU THE COTTAGE

49 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-769-1220 | 256 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-3701; thecottage.kitchen

HOTEL RESTAURANT ARTISAN

275 Old Post Rd., Southport, 203-307-4222; artisansouthport.com

NEW RESTAURANT ROOTS OCEAN PRIME

14 Grove St., Darien, 203- 202-8340; rootssteakhouse.com

OUTDOOR DINING + SEAFOOD THE RESTAURANT AT ROWAYTON SEAFOOD

89 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, 203-866-4488; rowaytonseafood.com

PRIVATE DINING/INTIMATE VENUE GABRIELE’S OF WESTPORT

27 Powers Ct., Westport, 203-454-4922; gabrielesofwestportct.com

SPECIAL OCCASION/DATE NIGHT TAVERN AT GRAYBARNS

194 Perry Ave., Norwalk, 203-580-1900; tavernatgraybarns.com

STEAKS

WASHINGTON PRIME

141 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-857-1314; washingtonprimect.com

SUSHI OKO

6 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-557-8404; okokitchen.com

TAPAS

BARCELONA WINE BAR

4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800 | 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800; See all locations at barcelonawinebar.com

editor’s pick

SPECIAL OCCASION + DATE NIGHT

“I love that every visit to GrayBarns can feel completely different—charcuterie and a glass of wine with a friend at The Mercantile, a quiet date night on the porch overlooking the Silvermine River or a fun group dinner in The Tavern.”

Eileen Murphy, Editor, New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton

AMERICAN THE AMERICANO

261 Main St., Stamford, 203-276-8918; theamericanobar.com

ASIAN/ASIAN FUSION DIPPIN' CHICKEN

236 East Ave., Norwalk, 203-286-6355; dippinchicken.com

CHINESE CHING'S TABLE

64 Main St., New Canaan, 203-972-8550; chingstable.com

FRENCH RIVE BISTRO

299 Riverside Ave., Westport, 203-557-8049; rivebistro.com

GREEK/MEDITERRANEAN KOUZINA GREEK TAVERNA & BAR

223 Main St., Stamford, 203-588-0110; kouzinataverna.com

INDIAN COROMANDEL CUISINE OF INDIA

25 Old Kings Hwy. N., Darien, 631-837-2419; coromandeldarienct.com

ITALIAN CAFÉ SILVIUM

371 Shippan Ave., Stamford, 203-324-1651; cafesilviumct.com

JAPANESE OKO

6 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-557-8404; okokitchen.com

MIDDLE EASTERN LAYLA’S FALAFEL

2088 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-384-0100 | High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-461-8004 | 1535 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-955-1583; See all locations at laylasfalafel.com

MEXICAN BARTACO

222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-323-8226 | 20 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-222-8226; bartaco.com

THAI LITTLE THAI KITCHEN

4 West Ave., Darien, 203-662-0038 | 21 St. Roch Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-2972; littlethaikitchen.com

VEGETARIAN GREEN & TONIC

54 West Park Pl., Stamford, 203-274-7454 | 7 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, 203-869-1376 | 1098 Post Rd., Darien, 203-656-1036 | 21 Forest St., New Canaan, 203-594-1851 | 17 Jesup Rd., Westport, 203-557-6392; See all locations at greenandtonic.com

BEST SERVICE // TONY’S AT THE J HOUSE

Which Greenwich restaurateur is known for remembering your name, checking on every table and casually quizzing diners between bites of steak and pasta? The answer, of course, is longtime maître d’ Tony Capasso. After decades in the restaurant business—and since opening Tony’s at the J House in 2019—Capasso has brought his signature warmth and throwback hospitality to the dining room, making guests feel like regulars from the moment they sit down. The expertly cooked steaks, classic Italian favorites and strong martinis certainly help—but it’s Tony himself, working the room with his trademark charm and rapid-fire trivia questions, who keeps people coming back.

NEW RESTAURANT // ROOTS OCEAN PRIME

At Roots Ocean Prime, dinner comes with a little old-school swagger. Servers in white jackets glide through the dining room, martinis arrive ice-cold with backup frozen glasses waiting in the wings, and the steaks are exactly what you want them to be: perfectly cooked and worthy of the hype surrounding Darien’s buzzy newcomer. Then there’s the giant sundae: a towering, slightly over-the-top finale that practically guarantees at least one neighboring table will ask, “Wait…what is that?”

BEST editor’s pick

FROZEN YOGURT

“My love of froyo existed long before the current buzz, and 16 Handles gets that. No trend-chasing, no fuss. For me, just the original tart with a swirl of mint chip, a handful of strawberries and carob chips, always. Conveniently located in downtown Fairfield. Easy parking, the vibe is good, and it’s the spot where everyone walks out the door looking genuinely happy. The 16 Handles froyo joy is real.”

Samantha Yanks, Editor, Westport, Weston & Wilton

BOWLS // CHOPT

CHOPT cracked the code on the workday lunch: customizable bowls that feel virtuous without being boring. Fresh ingredients, bold dressings and plenty of protein options keep regulars coming back.

CASUAL DINING

BAGELS UPPER CRUST BAGEL CO.

980 Post Rd., Darien | 11 South Ave., New Canaan | 19 First St., Norwalk | 203-655-7566; uppercrustbagelcompany.com

BBQ BJ RYAN’S BANC HOUSE

16 River St, Norwalk, 203-853-7926; bjryansbanchouse.com

BOWLS CHOPT

1271 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich | 1081 High Ridge Rd., Stamford | 203-409-5811; choptsalad.com

BREAKFAST

TASTY YOLK

2992 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 475-282-0015; thetastyyolk.com

BRUNCH + CAFÉ/BISTRO TERRAIN GARDEN CAFÉ

561 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-9195; shopterrain.com

BURRITOS LA TAQUERIA

10 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich | 1077 Boston Post Rd., Darien | 203-557-9195; taqueriact.com

COFFEE SHOP (INDEPENDENT)

CFCF COFFEE

118 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-661-9494; cfcfcoffee.com

DELI

A&S ITALIAN FINE FOODS

2290 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-333-1448; asfinefoods.com

DINER THE STAMFORD DINER

135 Harvard Ave., Stamford, 203-323-9988; thestamforddiner.com

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT + PIZZA

COLONY GRILL

1520 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-1989 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-866-5252 | 172 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, 203-359-2184; See all locations at colonygrill.com

FOOD TRUCK COPPS ISLAND OYSTER SHACK

Galley at Cove Marina, 50a Calf Pasture Beach Rd., Norwalk | 638 Selby’s Pond Rd., Stratford, coppsislandoystershack.com

FROZEN YOGURT

16 HANDLES

1300 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9841 | 219 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-817-0707; See all locations at 16handles.com

HAMBURGERS

LI LE PUB

531 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567 | 41 Saugatuck Ave., Westport, 203-227-0511 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122;   See all locations at littlepub.com

BRUNCH + CAFÉ BISTRO // TERRAIN

A trip to Terrain in Westport is always a good idea. You may come for the endless home and garden inspiration, but the café has become just as much of a destination— especially on a leisurely weekend when the only real agenda is brunch, browsing and possibly leaving with a new plant you definitely didn’t plan on buying. Located within the dreamy lifestyle store, the restaurant serves beautifully plated seasonal dishes in a setting that feels equal parts greenhouse, garden party and welcome escape from real life.

HOTEL RESTAURANT // ARTISAN

Once the weather warms up, a table on the patio at Artisan becomes highly coveted real estate. Tucked into the charming courtyard at the Delamar Southport, it’s the kind of place to slow down and stay a while— lingering over coastal-inspired dishes, indulging in crisp glasses of wine and cocktails that taste even better outdoors. On summer evenings, with string lights overhead and another round on the way, it’s easy to forget you’re only a few minutes from home.

Raphaël’s familyrun bakery offers fresh sandwiches.

CASUAL DINING

HEALTH/ORGANIC FOOD GRANOLA BAR

1020 Post Rd., Darien, 475-328-0994 | 1876 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-692-4311 | 41 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-883-5220 | 700 Canal St., Stamford, 203-883-0304 | 275 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-0945; thegranolabar.com

ICE CREAM/GELATO

SUNNY DAES

2505 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-372-3058 | 808 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-256-9055 | 211 Main St., Norwalk, 203-295-8528 | 633 Shippan Ave., Stamford, 203-977-0661 | 30 Riverside Ave., Westport, 203-557-4212; See all locations at sunnydaesicecream.com

JUICE BAR

GREEN & TONIC

7 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, 203-869-1376  | 665 Commerce Dr., Fairfield, 203-345-0995 | 21 Forest St., New Canaan,

203-594-1851 | 17 Jesup Rd., Westport, 203-557-6392; see all locations at greenandtonic.com

LUNCH SPOT

SPO ED HORSE TAVERN

26 Church Ln., Westport, 203-226-0606; spottedhorsetavern.com

NOODLE BAR/NOODLES MECHA NOODLE BAR

1215 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8222 | 116 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-295-8718 | 151 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-801-7577; See all locations at mechanoodlebar.com

SALADS

AUX DÉLICES

25 Old Kings Hwy., Darien, 203-662-1136 |

3 W. Elm St., Greenwich, 203-622-6644 | 1075 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-698-1066 | 1035 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-9600; See all locations at auxdelicesfoods.com

staff pick

GOURMET TO-GO

“The French bistro ham and cheddar on a mini baguette is my go-to Aux Délices order. Paired with a side of kale salad and a lemonade–passion fruit iced tea, it’s a lunch that always hits the spot.”

Venera Alexandrova, Senior Art Director, Greenwich and New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton

BAKERY + DESSERT/PASTRIES RAPHAËL’S BAKERY

146 Mason St., Greenwich, 203-485-0450 | 370 Heights Rd, Darien, 203-655-3478; raphsbakery.com

BUTCHER STEW LEONARD’S

100 Westport Ave., Norwalk, 203-750-8000; stewleonards.com

CAKES/CUPCAKES DIMARE PASTRY SHOP

12 Largo Dr., Stamford, 203-967-2253; dimarepastry.com

CATERER MARCIA SELDEN CATERING & EVENTS

65 Research Dr., Stamford, 203-353-8000; marciaselden.com

CHOCOLATE SHOP BE CHOCOLAT

75 Hillside Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-5981; bechocolat.com

FARMERS’ MARKETS / LOCAL GOODS

WESTPORT

FARMERS’ MARKET

50 Imperial Ave., Westport, 203-293-9378; westportfarmersmarket.com

GOURMET GROCERY THE PANTRY 1580 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-0400; thepantry.net

GOURMET TO-GO AUX DÉLICES

25 Old Kings Hwy., Darien, 203-662-1136 | 3 W. Elm St., Greenwich, 203-622-6644 | 1075 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-698-1066 | 1035 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-9600; auxdelicesfoods.com

LIQUOR STORE

TOTAL WINE & MORE 380 Main St., Norwalk, 203-840-0007; See all locations at totalwine.com

SEAFOOD MARKET

FJORD FISH MARKET

1015 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-9473 | 158 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-661-5006 | 22 East Ave., New Canaan, 203-966-2200 | 1835 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-255-9331; see all locations at fjordfishmarket.com

WINE SHOP

HARRY’S WINE & LIQUOR MARKET 2094 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-4692; harryswine.com

CATERER // MARCIA SELDEN CATERING

THIS PHOTO Party-sized bites that capture New England summer

For decades, family-run Marcia Selden Catering has been behind some of the area’s most memorable weddings, galas and backyard celebrations, pulling off events that somehow feel both polished and deeply personal. Guests may remember the beautiful tables or impeccable service, but what really sets the Selden team apart is their ability to make events feel warm, lively and genuinely fun.

FARMERS’ MARKETS + LOCAL GOODS // WESTPORT FARMERS’ MARKET

A quick stop at the Westport Farmers’ Market rarely stays quick. One minute, you’re picking up tomatoes, the next you’re leaving with just-baked bread, fresh flowers, local honey and ambitious plans to cook something seasonal. Beloved for its mix of regional farms, artisanal vendors and strong sense of community, the market has become as much a weekend ritual as a place to shop. On any given Thursday, you’ll find chefs, families and devoted regulars weaving through the stalls with coffee in hand, catching up with vendors they’ve known for years.

BEST

BAR BOASTS

BEER SELECTION + OUTDOOR BAR

314 BEER GARDEN

314 Wilton Ave., Norwalk, 203-857-1516; 314beergarden.com

MARGARITAS

BARTACO

222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-323-8226 | 20 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-222-8226; bartaco.com

MARTINIS

WASHINGTON PRIME

141 Washington St., Norwalk, washingtonprimect.com

MICROBREWERY

TWO ROADS BREWING

1700 Stratford Ave., Stratford; tworoadsbrewing.com

MOBILE BAR + PUB + RESTAURANT BAR

LI LE PUB

531 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 |

2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567 | 41 Saugatuck Ave., Westport, 203-227-0511 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122;

See all locations at littlepub.com

NON-ALCOHOLIC / MOCKTAILS

MECHA NOODLE BAR

1215 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8222 | 116 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-295-8718 | 151 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-801-7577; See all locations at mechanoodlebar.com

SPORTS BAR

THE BLIND RHINO

3425 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-362-5001 | 15 N. Main St., South Norwalk, 203-956-7243; theblindrhino.com

WINE BAR

BARCELONA WINE BAR

4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800 | 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800; See all locations at barcelonawinebar.com

WINE LIST

CASA ME

7 Sconset Sq., Westport, 203-571-3230; casamecafe.com

NON-ALCOHOLIC+ MOCKTAILS // MECHA

NOODLE BAR

Mecha Noodle Bar’s playful, flavor-packed mocktails are every bit as thoughtful as the cocktails—bright, layered drinks that arrive looking just as good as everything else on the table. Whether paired with steaming bowls of ramen, bao buns or late-night snacks with friends, they’ve become a go-to order for anyone wanting something festive without the hangover.

Bright flavors, eye-catching presentations and a little sense of fun have made Mecha’s beverage program a local favorite.

& STYLE SHOP

Sure, you can click "Add to Cart." But there's still something satisfying about wandering into a shop and finding exactly what you didn't know you were looking for. Whether it's a special-occasion dress, a statement necklace, a custom sofa or the perfect finishing touch for a room, this year's winners remind us that shopping is as much about discovery as it is about the purchase. These are the boutiques, jewelers and home stores readers swear by—and return to often.

photograph by SERGIO KURHAJEC

DEPARTMENT STORE + MEN’S FASHION + MEN’S SHOES // MITCHELLS/RICHARDS

A Gold Coast institution, Mitchells and Richards continues to earn its reputation as a go-to destination for fashion. Whether shopping for expertly tailored menswear, standout footwear or a wardrobe refresh, customers return for the thoughtfully curated selection and personalized service that make the experience feel refreshingly effortless.

A masterclass in Italian tailoring, Brioni’s latest collection brings together heritage craftsmanship and modern sophistication.

FASHION

BEST

DESIGNER BOUTIQUE+ WOMEN’S

FASHION // DARIEN SPORT SHOP

A longtime favorite on the Post Road, Darien Sport Shop continues to set the standard for the modern onestop-shop experience. With a thoughtfully curated mix of fashion, accessories and lifestyle essentials, it remains a go-to destination for customers who appreciate both style and service under one roof.

ACCESSORIES

APRICOT LANE

1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9888; apricotlaneboutique.com

CONSIGNMENT

OLIVE MY STUFF

39 Sanford St., Fairfield, 475-231-5829; olivemystu .com

DEPARTMENT STORE + MEN’S FASHION + MEN’S SHOES

MITCHELLS/ RICHARDS

359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 | 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; richards.mitchellstores.com and shop.mitchellstores.com

DESIGNER BOUTIQUE + WOMEN'S FASHION

DARIEN SPORT SHOP

1127 Post Rd., Darien, 203-655-2575; dariensportshop.com

EVENT DRESSES/ BRIDAL GOWNS + BRIDESMAID DRESSES

A LI LE SOMETHING WHITE

987 Post Rd., Darien 203-309-5110 alittlesomethingwhite.com

EYEWEAR WARBY PARKER

122 Heights Rd., Ste. 218, Darien; 646-846-2168 | 344 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 475-275-9684 | The SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., South Norwalk, 203-648-9689; warbyparker.com

JEANS B CHIC

78 Old Ridgefield Rd., Wilton, 203-210-7037; bchicct.com

LINGERIE

LA SOURCE

132 Heights Rd., Darien, 203-276-8886 | 44 Elm St., New Canaan, 475-558-9101; lovelasource.com

LUXE LEISUREWEAR VUORI

340 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 475-335-9098 | 166 Main St., Westport, 203-293-4613; vuoriclothing.com

NEW SHOP REFORMATION

272 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 475-224-2895; thereformation.com

SWIMWEAR EVERYTHING BUT WATER

84 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-1878 | 136 Main St., Westport; everythingbutwater.com

TEEN FASHION GROOVE

420 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-557-8111 | 115 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-920-1700; shopgroove.net

The Lisa linen dress is a summer social staple (left), while the Olina drawstring pants arrive in the moment’s color: chartreuse.

BEST

NEW SHOP // REFORMATION

Now open in Greenwich, Reformation brings its signature blend of modern design and sustainability to The Avenue. The new store offers an edit of effortless, feminine pieces that have made the brand a favorite far beyond its California roots.

WOMEN’S SHOES SHOES ’N’ MORE

251 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-629-2323 | 1074-1076 Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-7702 | 121 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-972-8484 | 275 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-4224; See all locations at shoesnmore.com

JEWELRY

DESIGNER JEWELRY LUX BOND & GREEN

136 Main St., Westport, 203-227-1300; lbgreen.com

ESTATE JEWELRY

FAMILLE

23 Lewis St., Greenwich 203-489-0464; famillegreenwich.com

EVERYDAY JEWELRY NAGI JEWELERS

828 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-964-0551; nagijewelers.com

FINE JEWELRY

SHREVE CRUMP & LOW

125 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-6205; shrevecrumpandlow.com

SELECTION OF LOCAL DESIGNERS

R. HOLLANDER MASTER GOLDSMITH

154 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-363-2200; ringart.com

SPECIAL OCCASION JEWELRY

MANFREDI JEWELS

121 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 866-610-0705 | 72 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-966-8705; manfredijewels.com

WATCHES BETTERIDGE

239 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-0124; betteridge.com

WEDDING/ ENGAGEMENT RINGS

HENRY C. REID JEWELERS

1591 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-255-0447; hcreidjewelers.com

FAMILLE

WINNER OF BEST

ESTATE JEWELRY

LUX BOND & GREEN

WINNER OF BEST DESIGNER JEWELRY

Earrings with 15.58 cts emerald cut aquamarines, 4.47 cts emerald cut sapphires, .03 cts diamonds, set in platinum; price upon

request

Cable Collectibles® petite cable-linked necklace in sterling silver with 14K yellow gold, by David Yurman; $450

NAGI JEWELERS

WINNER OF BEST EVERYDAY JEWELRY

18K yellow gold bead stretch bracelet with diamonds by Hulchi Belluni; $4,899

BE ERIDGE

WINNER OF BEST WATCHES

CHANEL J12 Cosmic

White ceramic 33mm white dial; $8,250

ALL THAT GLITTERS—AND GETS VOTED ON

MANFREDI JEWELS

WINNER OF BEST SPECIAL OCCASION JEWELRY

Pasquale Bruni Heart-toEarth 18K white gold diamond earrings; $73,000

ROCK STARS

SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW

WINNER OF BEST FINE JEWELRY

18K emerald cut pale beryl, multi sapphire and diamond bracelet (white gold); $22,000

R. HOLLANDER MASTER GOLDSMITH

WINNER OF BEST SELECTION OF LOCAL DESIGNERS

4.50ct oval natural diamond set into a handmade platinum engagement ring with 1.00ct total weight, brilliant-cut diamonds; $78,400. Companion insert ring is 1.50ct total weight, brilliant-cut diamonds pave set into platinum; $10,200

WINNER OF BEST WEDDING/ ENGAGEMENT RINGS

HOME

LIGHTING // VISUAL COMFORT & CO.

If lighting is what makes a room, Visual Comfort & Co. is the reason so many rooms feel finished. With a roster of design collaborations and fixtures that range from minimal to unapologetically bold, this lighting company has become a not-so-secret weapon for better interiors.

editor’s pick

PAINT

Choosing a paint color sounds simple until you're staring at 47 shades of white. Fortunately, Ring’s End staffs people who can explain the difference between warm and cool tones without making you feel like you should already know the difference. Megan Gagnon, Editor, athome in Fairfield County

ANTIQUES/VINTAGE CASA ROSE I

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APPLIANCES AITORO

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CUSTOM KITCHEN SHOWROOM ORNARE

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DÉCOR +FURNITURE THE POST

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FINE ART GALLERY THE FLINN GALLERY

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GARDEN CENTER McARDLE’S FLORIST AND GARDEN CENTER

48 Arch St., Greenwich, 203-661-5600; mcardles.com

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LANDSCAPING SERVICES HOFFMAN LANDSCAPES

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LIGHTING VISUAL

COMFORT & CO.

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LINENS BOLL & BRANCH

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181 West Ave., Darien, 203-655-2525; See all locations at ringsend.com

POOL DESIGN SHORELINE

393 West Ave., Stamford, 203-967-1203; www.shorelinepools.com

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There are closets, and then there are California Closets. The brand’s custom-designed systems have become the go-to for turning everything from overstuffed wardrobes to chaotic pantries and built-in spaces into something that feels intentional, streamlined—and almost too good to hide behind closed doors.

photograph by KATHARINE CALDERWOOD

+TO-DO’S SERVICES

Call it the support system of daily life. The places you book without thinking, the pros you recommend without hesitation, the services that quietly keep everything together. From fitness and beauty to family logistics and everyday care, these are this year’s reader favorites.

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER // CALDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

A great portrait doesn’t just capture how someone looks—it captures how they feel.

Katharine Calderwood has built a reputation for doing exactly that, creating images that are intimate, honest and cinematic, whether she’s photographing families, creatives or public figures.

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COURT SPORTS CHELSEA PIERS

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DANCE STUDIO EMPOWERED AERIAL FITNESS

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INDOOR CYCLING CYCLE x STRENGTH

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PILATES CLUB PILATES

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PRIVATE FITNESS TRAINING RECESS

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YOGA

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HAIR REMOVAL THE WAXING SPOT

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MAKEUP APPLICATION HOPSCOTCH SALON

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MAKEUP SHOP BLUEMERCURY

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MANI/PEDI

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1077 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-309-5454 | 195 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-900-1099 | 401 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-222-8830; poshct.com

MEN'S GROOMING HAMMER & NAILS

88 Heights Rd. Darien, 203-779-0988 | 48 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-489-2220 | 606 Post Rd. E., Unit #205 Westport, 203-800-4120: hammerandnailsgrooming.com

SPRAY TAN BRONZED BY COY

231 Post Rd. W., 2nd Floor, Westport, 203-908-0184; bronzedbycoy.com

Good dog, good Earth Animal treats

ESSENTIALS

AUTO SHOP PRAY BODY SHOP

352 Elm St., Stamford, 203-359-3025; praybodyshop.com

BOOKSTORE WESTPORT BOOK SHOP

23 Jesup Rd., Westport, 203-349-5141; westportbooksaleventures.org

CAR WASH SPLASH

See all locations at splashcarwashes.com

CBD STORE

FINE FE LE

12 Research Dr., Stamford, 203-989-9133 | 191 Main St., Norwalk, 203-295-7861; finefettle.com

DRY CLEANING BESTEVER

69 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-3997

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE WESTPORT COUNTY PLAYHOUSE

25 Powers Ct., Westport, 203-227-4177; westportplayhouse.org

EVENT SPACE/WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE THE SPREAD

127 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-939-1111; thespreadsono.com

FLORIST McARDLE’S FLORIST AND GARDEN CENTER

48 Arch St., Greenwich, 203-661-5600; mcardles.com

GIFT SHOP SPLURGE

39 Lewis St., Greenwich, 203-869-7600; splurgegifts.com

LIVERY SERVICE RUDY’S LIMOUSINE

800-243-7839; rudylimo.com

LOCAL HOTEL DELAMAR GREENWICH

500 Steamboat Rd., Greenwich, 203-661-9800; delamar.com/hotels/delamargreenwich-harbor

PET GROOMER/PET SPA ALL FUR PAWS OLD GREENWICH

237 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich, 203-344-1270; allfurpawsct.com

PET SUPPLIES/CLOTHING EARTH ANIMAL

925 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-222-7173; earthanimal.com

PHOTOGRAPHER PORTRAIT CALDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Darien; calderwoodphotography.com

PHOTOGRAPHER WEDDING CALLALILY STUDIOS

110 Prospect St., Suite 1, Stamford, 203-550-0867; callalilystudios.com

SHOE REPAIR

TONY’S GREENWICH

5 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-769-1916

FAMILY LIFE

ART CLASSES SILVERMINE ARTS CENTER

1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan, 203-966-9700; silvermineart.org

CHILD CARE WEE CARE NANNY

203-359-8410; weecarenanny.com

CHILDREN’S/BABY DÉCOR SPLURGE

39 Lewis St., Greenwich, 203-869-7600; splurgegifts.com

CHILDREN’S CLOTHES SPLURGE

39 Lewis St., Greenwich, 203-869-7600; splurgegifts.com

CHILDREN’S HAIRCUTS SHARKEY’S

1568 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-8700 | 350 Heights Rd., Darien 917-797-9525 sharkeyscutsforkids.com

CHILDREN’S MUSIC LESSONS FAIRFIELD SCHOOL OF MUSIC

2465 Black Rock Tpk., 2nd floor, Fairfield, 203-690-1888; fsmusic.org

CHILDREN’S PARTIES THE MARITIME AQUARIUM

10 N Water St., Norwalk, 203-852-0700; maritimeaquarium.org

STATIONERY/FORMAL INVITATIONS THE WRITE STUFF Weston; thewritestu ct.com

STORAGE

WESTY

2070 Kings Hwy., Fairfield, 203-256-2777 | 50 Keeler Ave., Norwalk, 203-899-1234 | 80 Brownhouse Rd., Stamford, 203-961-8000 | 65 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-7600; See all locations at westy.com

TAILOR

TED THE TAILOR

2 Church St., Greenwich, 203-869-5699; @tedthetailorgreenwich

VETERINARIAN NORWALK ANIMAL HOSPITAL

330 Main Ave., Norwalk, 203-847-7757; norwalkanimalhospital.com

CHILDREN’S PARTIES WESTPORT-WESTON FAMILY YMCA

14 Allen Raymond Ln., Westport, 203-226-8981; westporty.org

COLLEGE PREP COURSES CARNEGIE PREP

136 N. Old Stone Bridge Rd., Cos Cob, 203-352-3500; carnegieprep.com

TOY STORE AWESOME

TOYS AND GIFTS

970 High Ridge Rd., Stamford | 429 Post Rd. E., Westport, 424-293-7663; awesometoys.com

Best the

CELEBRATING OUR TOWN READERS’ FAVORITES

& drink food

GREEK KOUZINA GREEK TAVERNA & BAR kouzinataverna.com

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BEST SERVICE + ITALIAN CAFÉ SILVIUM cafesilviumct.com

BUSINESS LUNCH + STEAKS THE CAPITAL GRILLE thecapitalgrille.com

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HOTEL RESTAURANT DIVINA divinastamford.com

OUTDOOR DINING + MEDITERRANEAN KOUZINA GREEK TAVERNA & BAR kouzinataverna.com

SEAFOOD F.I.S.H. RESTAURANT fishstamford..com

SPECIAL OCCASION/DATE NIGHT COLUMBUS PARK TRA ORIA columbusparktrattoria.com

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TAPAS BARCELONA WINE BAR barcelonawinebar.com

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MIDDLE EASTERN SHAH’S HALAL FOOD shahshalalfood.com

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CASUAL FOOD

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BBQ AVELLINO FAMILY BBQ avellinofamilybbq.com

BOWLS + SALADS CHOPT choptsalad.com

BREAKFAST + BRUNCH + CAFÉ/BISTRO + HEALTH/ORGANIC FOOD THE GRANOLA BAR thegranolabar.com

BURRITOS OLE MOLE olemolestamford.com

COFFEE SHOP (INDEPENDENT) LORCA lorcaco eebar.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT + PIZZA COLONY GRILL colonygrill.com

FOOD TRUCK LUNCH LADY GERRI’S homeofthesloppy.com

FROZEN YOGURT 16 HANDLES 16handles.com

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BAKERY + CAKES/CUPCAKES + DESSERTS/ PASTRIES DIMARE PASTRY SHOP dimarepastry.com

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LIQUOR STORE + WINE SHOP VAL’S PUTN AM WINES valsputnamwines.com

SEAFOOD MARKET NEW WAVE newwaveseafood.com

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SPORTS BAR BOBBY V’S bobbyvsrestaurant.com

WINE BAR + WINE LIST BARCELONA WINE BAR barcelonawinebar.com

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FASHION

ACCESSORIES + DESIGNER BOUTIQUE + JEANS + WOMEN’S FASHION HOUSE OF HUMBLED houseofhumbled.com

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DEPARTMENT STORE MACY’S macys.com

EVENT DRESSES/ BRIDAL GOWNS/ BRIDESMAID DRESSES A STEP AHEAD astepaheadfashion.com

EYEWEAR COHEN’S FASHION OPTICAL cohensfashionoptical.com

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MEN’S + WOMEN’S SHOES HAWLEY LANE SHOES hawleylaneshoes.com

JEWELRY

DESIGNER JEWELRY+ EVERYDAY JEWELRY + WATCHES NAGI JEWELERS nagijewelers.com

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APPLIANCES COUNTY TV countytv.com

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FINE ART GALLERY LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION loftartists.org

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GARDEN CENTER DESIGNS BY LEE designsbylee.com

HARDWARE + PAINT WINDOWS/DOORS RING’S END ringsend.com

KITCHEN & BATH DEANE, INC. deaneinc.com

LANDSCAPING SERVICES EDEN FARMS edenfarmsllc.com

LIGHTING THE ACCESSORY STORE stamfordshades.com LINENS MACY’S macys.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE DWR dwr.com

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BLOWOUT + DAY SPA + MASSAGE WOMEN’S STYLING/ SALON NOELLE noelle.com

COLOR + MAKEUP APPLICATION HBAR hbarsalon.com

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WATERS RECEDE, BUT HELP REMAINS

Almost two years after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Stamford-based Americares is still on the ground

by kim kavin

Celo, North Carolina, is about an hour’s drive from Asheville along a rural mountain road so lush and green it’s hard to imagine anything bad ever happening there. But a walk through the behavioral health clinic and a few conversations with the providers on staff makes clear that the trauma still stings fresh and burrows painfully deep.

There’s a gravel walkway along the nearby creek. That walkway leads to a tree, one so big and old that you can feel small if you wrap your arms around its trunk. The 15 or so visitors with the global health and disaster relief organization Americares stood beside that tree and looked at the notches that local folks had taken the time to mark. Each notch denotes a year that a storm came through, a storm big enough that people remember it. And the damage it caused. And the families and friends who got hurt.

Most of the marks are near one another. “There’s a cluster, so your eyes go there automatically,” says Saqi Maleque Cho, vice president of U.S. programs for Americares.

And then there’s the mark for where the water topped out during Hurricane Helene.

“You have to literally look up, and there’s nothing for many, many feet of the tree,” she says. “And at the very top of the tree, there’s the little line that says 2024. It is so hard to fathom water levels that high.”

The Americares group went silent. Some people folded their hands behind their backs. Others stood with their necks craned and their jaws dropped, almost as if in reverence.

“You’d need a huge ladder to get to that—no, I don’t even think you can,” Maleque Cho says. “It’s that high. I wouldn’t want to be on that ladder.”

Hurricane Helene smashed into North Carolina in September 2024, killing more than 100 people in the state and causing the kind of destruction that leaves whole communities

without power, communications and hope for far too long. Americares, based in Stamford, was among the first groups to respond, and it continues to provide support to the recovering communities more than a year later.

The 15 or so individuals who visited Celo this past spring were part of a larger group of dozens of participants in anAmericares airlift. It’s a fly-in to show donors the importance of the organization’s work.

This particular airlift was the first to a U.S. location since Americares founding in 1979. It followed a 500-person benefit at Pier Sixty in New York City, where screenwriter Shonda Rhimes presented actor and director Tony Goldwyn with the Bob and Leila Macauley Humanitarian Spirit Award.

“It was a beautiful, amazing, wonderful evening where we got to tell the Americares story,” says the organization’s President and CEO Christine Squires, who lives in Connecticut and joined the airlift group after the benefit.

The airlift, Squires says, was far from her first. And sadly, it likely will not be the last

to a U.S. location where the kind of help Americares provides is desperately needed.

“We have been showcasing our international work, and more and more of our work has been in the U.S., especially as storms and disasters increase,” Squires says. “I went there one month after Hurricane Helene hit. I’ve visited other areas around the world after a disaster, but I was really struck by not only the physical devastation, but the toll that it was taking on communities that we visited in the health centers.”

Craig Olin, a Stamford resident and physician based in Old Greenwich who is also a longtime volunteer at the Americares Free Clinic of Stamford, says some of the stories he heard during the airlift in North Carolina were about how early assistance from Americares was key to getting health centers back up and running.

“Hearing from the people there that they had nothing, and the first generator that showed up was from Americares, we were able to help people get their medicines because of an Americares generator,” Olin says. “Almost everything just goes right to the people who need it.”

Francine Gingras, who lives in Greenwich and is a member of Americares Board of Directors, says the airlift to North Carolina was her second. The experience drove home for her that it is paramount to help

the helpers in a community going through a significant crisis. “We got to really talk to the people, to meet with the ministries, the health workers,” Gingras says. “Caring for the caregivers is critical. They, too, are survivors of the hurricane. They’ve lost homes, they’re struggling with their own family needs, yet they’re on the ground. They’re there to look after the people, and so they need support too.”

Alexa and Ward Horton, who live in Southport and are members of the Americares Leadership Council, have been on four airlifts between them. Even still, the airlift to North Carolina left a big impression.

“Being able to set foot into the worlds of the people affected by these disasters is really powerful,” Ward says. “In particular, going to western North Carolina, we were really moved by the self-reliance and the sense of pride that the community showed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Americares partnered with these health clinics by asking what they needed most—not going in and being overbearing. They were able to develop a level of trust by doing it that way.”

It’s a key point, Alexa adds: “They get to know the people and know how the community functions.”

And those relationships continue long after many other relief organizations are gone, Ward says. “It’s been a year and a half since Hurricane Helene came through there. The

needs of people change. Right now, they need mental-health services. Especially for children, the presence of rain or a storm is a problem.”

Squires says that having such a deep level of understanding—knowing that needs continue long after a crisis initially hits—is key to how Americares operates.

“We want to make sure that there is a long tail to recovery, and some of it is physical and some of it is emotional,” Squires says. “A disaster isn’t quick. It’s not in and out, and it does really take a toll on the community.”

Working with trusted local partners, she adds, is another critical element of the Americares program. Americares doesn’t just show up and give whatever it wants to give. The organization listens to try and understand what kind of help is most needed.

“Whether we’re talking about Asheville, North Carolina, or we’re talking about Jamaica or the Philippines or anywhere, we have about 900 clinic partners that we provide medicines and medical supplies to,” Squires says. “It is really important to understand what the needs are.”

Maleque Cho says the Americares staff includes technical experts who can offer mental-health and psychosocial support, as well as training tools that might be appropriate at different phases of a community’s recovery.

“It could be psychological first aid. It could be mental health first aid,” she says. “It’s doing that individual and group counseling in the moments, focused on things like stress management, tools to help people realize the distress that they’re feeling, how to respond effectively during moments of crisis, and how to lead through crisis trainings and workshops on developing practical coping strategies.”

Olin says he was also impressed with the way Americares managed to get those resources into the hands of North Carolinians who weren’t accustomed to asking for, or receiving, help from people they didn’t know.

“It just felt different for a very proud community that seemed to be suspicious of outsiders and not necessarily wanting to accept that they needed help from other people,” Olin says. “That the relief figured out a way—you know, we heard a story about how, whether it was clothing or food, people were too proud to say, ‘I need that, I’ll take it.’ But then someone figured out, if you just said, ‘Hey, I’m going to leave all this water, maybe you know someone who needs it,’ then they would take it. So that was pretty cool.”

Coming together in that way to help others, Olin says, isn’t something that happens every day. In fact, he says, the last time he felt the way he did after the North Carolina airlift was

following September 11.

“In Fairfield County, after 9/11, there was this great tragedy, and everyone just wanted to get together and help everyone else,” he says. “We were cleaning out rooms in the hospital, every sector of our economy. Everyone knew someone who we didn’t know if they were going to make it home, and obviously a lot of people didn’t, but the whole community came together in that moment. Everyone was there to help people.

“And you know, that’s what happened after this flooding down there,” he says of the storm in North Carolina. “Everyone opened their doors and made efforts to just help their neighbors clear their driveways, bring them food, bring them clothes.”

Given all the stress of day-to-day life that people feel nowadays, he adds, makes seeing that kind of community effort even more significant.

“There are times when you kind of forget the humanity that still exists in people, to just care about other people and do the right thing,” Olin says. “It was really energizing to see that even in 2026, there are so many people who just are committed to helping other people. There’s a lot of noise in the world today, but at our core, we’re human beings, and we care about other people.” S

Smile With Confidence

TOP DENTISTS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY 2026

Maintaining a healthy smile is essential for everyday well-being, and selecting the right dentist is an important step in the process. We are fortunate to have a wealth of leading practitioners to choose from in Fairfeld County. Whether you need a regular checkup or dental surgery, you’ll fnd the appropriate specialist in our 2026 Top Dentists Guide. Tis annual list is assembled by the experts at TopDentists™, with more than seventy years in combined experience compiling peer review referral guides in the legal, dental and medical felds. Te company used a comprehensive selection process to recognize our area’s elite dentists. Whatever specialty you need, our directory includes more than 200 top dentists to fnd the perfect ft. »

DENTAL ANESTHESIOLOGY

ABRA DILISIO

Pediatric Dental Sedation Specialists of Connecticut 37 North Avenue, Norwalk 203-817-2534 pdssct.com

ENDODONTICS

BRIAN AMOROSO 259 Stillson Road, Fairfield 203-333-3636 amorosoendo.com

ALEXANDRA BYRNE 5 Eversley Avenue, Norwalk 203-803-1849

TRISHA CHARLAND Coastal Endodontics 148 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-857-1284 coastalendoct.com

JOEL B. CHASEN

Advanced Endodontics of Connecticut 95 Armory Road, Stratford 203-377-1331 advancedendo-ct.com

EVAN D. CHRISTENSEN

Fairfield Shore Endodontics 61 Sherman Street, Fairfield 203-255-3636 fairfieldrct.com

JOSHUA L. DEMBSKY

Advanced Endodontics of Connecticut 95 Armory Road, Stratford 203-377-1331 advancedendo-ct.com

DAVID T. FONG

The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup.com

AGNES HERCEG

Advanced Endodontics & Microsurgery of Stamford 44 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford 203-324-9239 stamfordendo.com

KATE HUZA

Huza Endodontics 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-445-6000 huzaendo.com

RUCHIKA JOON

Greater Danbury Center for Endodontics 360 Federal Road, Brookfield 203-775-3344 danburyendo.com

PHILIP R. MASCIA

Greater Danbury Center for Endodontics 360 Federal Road, Brookfield 203-775-3344 danburyendo.com

JASMINE OGHAZ

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

DENNIS L. PIPHER

Endodontic Associates of Norwalk 120 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-635-6300 ctrootcanal.com

ALLEN J. ROSENTHAL

Advanced Endodontics & Microsurgery of Stamford 44 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford 203-324-9239 stamfordendo.com

IRENE WONG

Fairfield Endodontics 999 Summer Street, Stamford 203-325-3636 fairfieldendo.com

JOSEPH A. ZERELLA

Zerella Endodontics 21 Sherman Court, Fairfield 203-553-9700 zerellaendo.com

GENERAL DENTISTRY

STEVEN ALTMAN

Greenwich Dental Group 18 Field Point Road, Greenwich 203-869-3984 greenwichdentalgroup .com

THOMAS ANZALONE

Integrity Dental of Greenwich 235 Glenville Road, Greenwich 203-531-5595 integritydentalgreenwich .com

JAMES T. ARIS

Advanced Dentistry of Wilton 436 Danbury Road, Wilton 203-762-5100 drjamesaris.com

JEFFREY A. BABUSHKIN Cosmetic & Preventive Dentistry 888 White Plains Road, Trumbull 203-268-5881 cpdentistry.com

JANETTE A. BLACK

69 Sherman Street, Fairfield 203-255-1545 drscullyandblack.com

JAMES T. BOWMAN

70 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford 203-324-9506 jamestbowmandds.com

KENNETH N. BRODER 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-327-1167 drkenbroder.com

REBEKAH BROWDER

Westport Family Dental 489 Post Road East, Westport 203-254-8008 westportfamilydental.com

GRAHAM M. CAULKINS

New Canaan Dentistry 162 East Avenue, New Canaan 203-972-0588 newcanaandentistry.com

CINDY CHAGAS

Linhart Dentistry 40 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob 203-661-2279 drlinhart.com

BRIJESH CHANDWANI

Connecticut & NY TMJ 83 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-842-8658 tmdtmj.com

ANNA M. CHISILENCO

Smiles by Dr. Anna 67 Cherry Street, Milford 203-877-0377 mymilforddentist.com

DEIDRE CONDON

Newtown Family Dentistry 172 Mount Pleasant Road, Newtown 203-426-0045 newtownctdentist.com

CHARLES A. CRAPE 435 New Haven Avenue, Milford 203-877-4511 vaughnfamilydentistry milford.com

KARIMA DANIEL

Daniel Dental Studio 515 West Avenue, Norwalk 203-803-1645 danieldentalstudio.com

MARLA DANIELS

The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup.com

PETER DANTINI

Dantini Dental of Stamford 12 Camp Avenue, Stamford 203-322-5397 dentistdds.com

ANDREA DEAN

Imperial Dental Associates 15 Imperial Avenue, Westport 203-227-2520 imperaldentalassociates .com

VINCENT B. DEFINA Devine Dental Four Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-629-9009 dentistofgreenwich.com

SANTO A. DELALLO 122 West Norwalk Road, Norwalk 203-855-8877

BARBARA J. DEVINE Devine Dental Four Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-629-9009 dentistofgreenwich.com

JEANNINE DONAHUE Fairfield Dental Arts 320 Post Road, Fairfield 845-363-4312 fairfielddentalarts.com

SASHA DREXLER Sasha Drexler Dentistry 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-255-5999 sashadrexlerdentistry .com

YOLANI P. EDIRISINGHE

Family Dentistry of Milford 53 Cherry Street, Milford 203-878-1766 familydentistrymilford .com

ELIOT S. ESSENFELD

Vanlang & Essenfeld Family Dentistry 53 Old Kings Highway North, Darien 203-655-8887 dariendentists.com

WILLIAM J. FESSLER 116 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-838-3939 wfesslerdds.com

ANTHONY T. FESTA New Canaan Dental Care 41-43 Pine Street, New Canaan 203-966-9696 newcanaandentalcare .com

CAMILLO L. FONTANA Fontana Family Dental Care 1100 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-333-4700 fontanafamilydentalcare .com

JESSALYN FORELLA Fairfield Dental Arts 320 Post Road, Fairfield 203-254-3780 fairfielddentalarts.com

JOSEPHINE A. FRANZESE Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center 162 Danbury Road, Ridgefield 203-493-0556 danajonesdds.com

ADAM J. FREEMAN

Westport Dental Associates 329 Riverside Avenue, Westport 203-227-3709 westportdental.com

BRIAN A. FUSILLO

Dental Associates of Connecticut 680 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton 203-380-0660 dentalassociates.us

ROBERT GALELLA

Dental Associates of Connecticut 36 Padanaram Road, Danbury 203-748-5717 dentalassociates.us

MARILYN GENI Imperial Dental Associates 15 Imperial Avenue, Westport 203-227-2520 imperialdentalassociates .com

JEFFREY R. GENOVA Ridgefield Dental Care 38-B Grove Street, Ridgefield 203-438-0458 ridgefielddentalcarepc .com

MICHAEL D. GENTILE 49 Lake Avenue, Greenwich 203-869-2090 michaelgentiledds.com

TAHA GHOMI

Dental Associates of Connecticut 36 Padanaram Road, Danbury 203-748-5717 dentalassociates.us

PAMELA A. GIBSON Southport Family Dental 3530 Post Road, Southport 203-255-5142 southportfamilydental .com

RISHI N. GOGATE

Dearfield Family Dentistry 2½ Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-717-1717 dearfielddentistry.com

GARRETT B. GOLISANO

Newtown Family Dentistry 172 Mount Pleasant Road, Newtown 203-426-0045 newtownctdentist.com

DANIELLE D. GOODWIN Goodwin Dental 31 River Road, Cos Cob 203-869-2552 dgoodwindds.com

KRISTY L. GRETZULA Hawley Lane Dental 475 Hawley Lane, Stratford 203-377-9300 hawleylanedental.com

LOUIS V. GUARIGLIA East Avenue Dental Care 111 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-866-8585 eastavenuedentalcare.com

PAUL D. HARBOTTLE 162 East Avenue, New Canaan 203-972-0588 paulharbottle.com

MATTHEW HERBSTMAN Dental Associates of Connecticut 36 Padanaram Road, Danbury 203-748-5717 dentalassociates.us

BETHANY HORBAL Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield 2600 Post Road, Southport 475-271-2677 adfct.com

MATTHEW J. IWINSKI 45 Pine Street, New Canaan 203-966-5606 matthewjiwinskidds.com

DANA C. JONES Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center 162 Danbury Road, Ridgefield 203-493-0556 danajonesdds.com

SUNDAS KHAN The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup.com

MASHA KOGAN The Dental Center of Westport 175 Post Road West, Westport 203-227-8700 dentalcenterwestport .com

ROBERT ANDREW KRAVECS, JR. Fairfield Family Dentistry 1817 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-335-8830 fairfielddmd.com

ALISON KUDISH Trumbull Dental Arts 160 Hawley Lane, Trumbull 203-377-0638 trumbulldentist.com

MARYANN E. LEHMANN

Five Brook Street, Darien 203-655-0021 maldds.com

MICHAEL LEVIN

Levin Dental 1171 East Putnam Avenue, Riverside 203-637-5252 doclevindds.com

ZACHARY E. LINHART Linhart Dentistry 40 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob 203-661-2279 drlinhart.com

ALLISON LUBCHANSKY

Dental Wellness of Fairfield County 4697 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-374-1027 dentalwellnessfc.com

ANDREW M. MARCUS

Goldberg & Marcus Dental Associates 1825 Barnum Avenue, Stratford 203-375-6090 goldbergmarcusdental.com

ANGELA MARWAHA

Greenwich Dental Studio 211 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob 203-869-2884 www.greenwichdentalstudio.com

JACKQUELINE J. MCLEAN McLean Smiles 23 Hoyt Street, Stamford 203-327-6717 mcleansmiles.com

WAYNE A. MICHALKA

Commerce Park Cosmetic Dentistry 4699 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-372-3726 commerceparkcosmeticdds.com

DONALD W. MILLER

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry 1275 Post Road, Fairfield 203-255-6878 fairfieldcosmeticdentistry .com

DANIEL N. MINCHIK 148 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-866-4532 drminchik.com

ANDREW L. MOGELOF Mogelof Dental Group 2499 Main Street, Stratford 203-378-5588 drmogelof.com

SCOTT A. MOGELOF Mogelof Dental Group 2499 Main Street, Stratford 203-378-5588 drmogelof.com

CARLA M. MONTEIRO Goldberg & Marcus Dental Associates 1825 Barnum Avenue, Stratford 203-375-6090 goldbergmarcusdental.com

MARIANNE MORELLI 834 Federal Road, Brookfield 203-775-6167 drmorelli.com

GABRIELLA NOCERINO 1809 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-335-4413 michaelnocerinodds.com

MICHAEL A. NOCERINO 1809 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-335-4413 michaelnocerinodds.com

D. ASHLEY PACELLI

25 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-625-0301 valleygreenwichdental.com

HEMAL PATEL

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

EDWARD D. PAUL 161 East Avenue Suite, Norwalk 203-838-3938 norwalkdentistoffice.com

DAVID A. PEREIRA Dental Arts of Darien 800 Post Road, Darien 203-656-8079 dentalartsofdarien.com

MICHAEL J. PIZZO

Ridgefield Cosmetic and General Dentistry 65 Danbury Road, Ridgefield 203-438-8866 ridgefielddentistry.com

JOSHUA QUINBY New Fairfield Dental 132 State Route 37, New Fairfield 203-746-5707 newfairfielddental.com

DUSTIN F. RABINE Rabine Family Dentistry 865 River Road, Shelton 203-375-1932 rabinefamilydentistry.com

MICHAEL RAUCH Rauch Dental Associates 91 Cherry Street, Milford 203-874-5577 themilforddentist.com

STEVEN M. REGENSTEIN Esthetic Dental Group of Westport 327 Riverside Avenue, Westport 203-227-3421 edgw.us

MARK S. ROISMAN 225 Main Street, Westport 203-227-6338 mywestportdentist.com

FRANK J. ROMANO 2240 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport 203-372-0881 romanodental.com

JON C. ROSENBLITT Rosenblitt Family Dentistry 251 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-348-1632 rosenblittdentistry.com

DAVID ROSH 1 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-359-2244 roshdental.com

ZACHARY M. ROTH

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

STEPHANIE SAMRIN

The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup.com

JOHN J. SCHINTO III Schinto Dental 2001 West Main Street, Stamford 203-978-1184 schintodental.com

JASON M. SCULLY 69 Sherman Street, Fairfield 203-255-1545 drscullyandblack.com

CAROLINE A. SHENKER Perfect Smiles of Fairfield 1817 Blackrock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-366-7655 perfectsmilesoffairfield.com

FRANCIS SHIN 25 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-625-0301 valleygreenwichdental .com

JERRY M. SIMON

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

SARA L. SKRABL Fairfield Family Dentistry 1817 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-335-8830 fairfielddmd.com

MICHAEL B. STEIN The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup.com

JOSEPH P. SUAREZ 153 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-838-9997 josephsuarezdds.com

MARK R. SUTTON Greenwich Dentistry 391 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob 203-869-2066 greenwichdentistry.com

SEAN A. SUTTON Greenwich Dentistry 391 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob 203-869-2066 greenwichdentistry.com

COLLISHA SWANSON Dental 365 235 Main Street, Norwalk 203-866-7164 godental365.com/doctor/ dr-collisha-swanson/

JEFFREY A. TAMUCCI

Five Eversley Avenue, Norwalk 203-853-0669 tamuccidds.com

ROBERT N. TRAMPOSCH

Greenwich Smiles 25 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-862-9000 greenwichsmiles.com

DOUGLAS M. TREPP

The Town Practice 500 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-869-9252 treppandmiller.com

GEORGE TSANGAROULIS

Greenwich Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Four Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-633-4927 greenwichfamilydental .com

JACK VAYNER

Vayner Family Dentistry 1735 Post Road, Fairfield 203-336-1275 vaynerfamilydentistry .com

ROBERT S. WARREN

Brooklawn Dental Associates 990 Brooklawn Avenue, Bridgeport 203-335-6471 brooklawndental.com

STEVE WECHSLER

The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-703-9370 thesteindentalgroup.com

MASIS YETERIAN, JR.

Greenwich Dental Studio 211 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob 203-869-2884 www.greenwichdental studio.com

DAVID A. ZADIK

Greenwich Dental Group 18 Field Point Road, Greenwich 203-869-3984 greenwichdentalgroup .com

MARK L. ZAMAT

1200 Linden Avenue, Stratford 203-378-0182

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

GARRICK ALEX

Greenwich Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 6 Thorndal Circle, Darien 475-328-8500 greenwichoralsurgery.com

ABED ALKHATIB

Oral Surgery Associates 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-259-2665 oralsurgeryassociatesct .com

YAAKOV ALLAEB

The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup.com

MICHELE S. BERGEN

Infinity Oral Surgery 49 Lake Avenue, Greenwich 203-661-4231 infinityoralsurgery.com

TODD E. BLOOM

Fairfield Oral Surgery 760 Kings Highway West, Building B, Southport 203-259-2227 fairfieldoralsurgery.com

ANTHONY J. CAMILLO

Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons 107 Newtown Road, Danbury 203-797-0012 aomspc.com

PAUL M. CIUCI

Milford & Derby Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 708 Boston Post Road, Milford 203-874-1664 ctomfs.com

JON COHEN

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

CHRISTOPHER J. CUOMO

Northeast Implant & Oral Surgery 27 Hospital Avenue, Danbury 203-797-0008 neimplantandoralsurgery .com

NAUSHAD R. EDIBAM

Stamford Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Arts 27 Bridge Street, Stamford 203-325-2661 stamfordoms.com

SALVATORE J. FLORIO

The Facial Surgery Center 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-261-7800 drflorio.com

ROBERT HORNE

Oral Surgery Associates 4747 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-371-5595 oralsurgeryassociatesct .com

VASILIKI KARLIS

Maxillofacial Surgery of Greenwich 4 Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-717-1222 maxfacsgreenwich.com

MARSHALL D. KURTZ

Greater Connecticut

Oral & Dental Implant Surgery 129 Park Avenue, Danbury 203-790-0183 greaterctoralsurgery.com

HARRISON LINSKY

Southern Connecticut

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantology 1177 Summer Street, Stamford 203-349-8072 oralsurgeryofconnecticut .com

PHILIP F. PACELLI III

New Canaan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 166 Cherry Street, New Canaan 203-972-1581 newcanaanoralsurgery.com

ALAN R. RISSOLO

Oral Surgeons Associates 10 Mott Avenue, Norwalk 203-853-0500 norwalkdentalimplant .com

LOUIS V. THEODOS

52 Federal Road, Danbury 203-790-6288 drtheodos.com

MICHAEL F. TROFA

Norwalk Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants 148 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-866-0061 norwalkoms.com

THOMAS B. WILSON

Greenwich Oral Surgery

4 Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-661-5858 greenwichoralsurgery.com

ROBERT M. YUDELL

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of Stamford 90 Morgan Street, Stamford 203-327-9966 oralsurgeryofstamford.com

BRETT ZUCKMAN

Greenwich Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 4 Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-661-5858 greenwichoralsurgery.com

ORTHODONTICS

JOSHUA E. BAUM 241 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe 203-261-0650 baumbraces.com

FIGEN A. BAYDUR Baydur Orthodontics 1817 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-333-0050 drbaydur.com

JOHN S. BIBKO

JB Orthodontics 346 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-866-7806 jborthodontics.com

ORESTA L. BILOUS

Bilous Orthodontics 52 Beach Road, Fairfield 203-255-2677 bilous-ortho.com

IAN BOLIN

Bolin Orthodontics 44 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton 203-762-2322 bolinortho.com

CASS D. BURRELL

CT Braces 3909 Main Street, Bridgeport 475-207-4587 ctbraces.com

STEPHEN N. CAGLIOSTRO Westwalk Orthodontic Group 1799 Post Road East, Westport 203-857-9475 westwalkortho.com

PHILIP A. CAPORUSSO Caporusso Orthodontics One Golden Hill Street, Milford 203-874-5400 drcaportho.com

TIFFANY CHRISTENSEN Greenwich Braces 4 Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-869-2044 greenwichbraces.com

SHYAM G. DESAI

CT Braces 3909 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-374-1911 ctbraces.com

JEFFREY S. DRAYER

Stamford Orthodontics 999 Summer Street, Stamford 203-325-3331 stamfordortho.com

EMILY C. DRIESMAN

Embrace Orthodontics 22 Imperial Avenue, Westport 203-227-6061 westportortho.com

ALLISON ELLIS

The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup .com

PETER FEIBISH

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

STEVE GIANNOUTSOS

Georgetown Orthodontics 73 Redding Road, Georgetown 203-544-9338 georgetownorthodontics .com

GINA GILL

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

EROL GUND

Dental Associates of Connecticut 36 Padanaram Road, Danbury 203-748-5717 dentalassociates.us

SCOTT L. KESSELMAN

Riverside Orthodontics 1171 East Putnam Avenue, Riverside 203-450-4969 riversideortho.net

MELISSA LANDIN

Fairfield Beach Orthodontics 111 Beach Road, Fairfield 203-256-9500 fairfieldbeachortho.com

BLAINE J. LANGBERG 17 Danbury Road, Ridgefield 203-431-4466 braceyourselves.com

FERNANDA D. MARCHI

Fairfield County Orthodontics 1275 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-6644 bracesfairfield.com

GREGORY A. MCKENNA McKenna Orthodontics 131 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury 203-790-9155 mckennaortho.com

GARY L. OPIN

Opin Wide! Orthodontics 266 South Broad Street, Milford 203-877-3231 opinorthodontics.com

VICTOR PARDI

Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Greenwich 1212 East Putnam Avenue, Riverside 203-698-0794 childrensdentistry andorthodontics.com

M. BINA PARK M. Bina Park Orthodontics 42 Sherwood Place, Greenwich 203-900-1111 drbinapark.com

MATTHEW RHEE First Impressions Orthodontics 180 Post Road East, Westport 203-635-4005 rheesmiles.com

MARY E. RITTER Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics 4702 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-371-8282 commerceparkdental .com

ROSEMARY RYAN Greenwich Braces 4 Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-869-2044 greenwichbraces.com

MONICA A. TEREDESAI Smile Art Orthodontics 126 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton 203-210-7375 smileartortho.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

BLAKE ADAMS

Dental Care Kids 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-409-8988 dentalcarekids.com

HANNAH AHN 2001 West Main Street, Stamford 203-489-2112 aroundtheworldsmiles .com

KEITH CHIARELLO

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-344-7292 dentalcarestamford.com

JESSICA CORRIEL

Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics 4702 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-371-8282 commerceparkdental.com

ALEXI M. DAMASCUS

Ridgefi eld Pediatric Dentistry

22 Prospect Street, Ridgefi eld 203-403-3009 ridgefieldpd.com

JENNIFER D. EPSTEIN

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry 1478 Post Road, Fairfi eld 203-255-6851 kidsfirstdentistry.com

EMILY GABELER

MANHEIMER Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group 4 Dearfi eld Drive, Greenwich 203-422-5437 greenwichkidsdentist .com

ARIEL GINSBERG

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-884-0277 dentalcarestamford.com

LAURA HULING

Dental Associates of Connecticut 32 Church Hill Road, Newtown 203-426-5891 dentalassociates.us

SILVESTRO IOMMAZZO

Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Greenwich 1212 East Putnam Avenue, Riverside 203-698-0794 childrensdentistryand orthodontics.com

DURGESH A. KUDCHADKAR

Dental Care Kids 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-717-9668 dentalcarekids.com

EUNICE LEE

Smile Ark Pediatric Dentistry 2480 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfi eld 203-763-4200 smilearkCT.com

GORDON K. LEE

Westport Pediatric Dentistry 305 Post Road East, Westport 203-226-5500 zerocavityzone.com

MEENAKSHI MADHU

Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics 4702 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-371-8282 commerceparkdental.com

GREGORY S. MOKOTOFF

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry

1478 Post Road, Fairfi eld 203-255-6851 kidsfirstdentistry.com

MICHELLE NEVES

Sasco Pediatric Dentistry 1 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfi eld 475-256-5319 sascopediatricdentistry .com

ASHLEIGH SEBRO

Wilton Pediatric Dentistry 101 Old Ridgefi eld Road, Wilton 203-529-1242 wiltonpediatricdentistry. com

NAOMI SEDANI

Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry 330 Post Road, Darien 203-309-0312 lildente.com

STEPHANIE JOSS SERPA

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry 1478 Post Road, Fairfi eld 203-307-1550 kidsfirstdentistry.com

SUSIE SHIM

Dental Associates of Connecticut 36 Padanaram Road, Danbury 203-733-9707 dentalassociates.us

ANNA SIMONIS

New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry 65 Locust Avenue, New Canaan 203-594-9500 newcanaanpediatric dentistry.com

ANDREW SPADINGER

Commerce Park

Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics 4702 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-371-8282 commerceparkdental.com

GABRIELLE SYKOFF Dental Care Kids 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-409-9162 dentalcarekids.com

HIROSHI TSUYUKI Dentistry for Children 1 Colony Place, Norwalk 203-838-4191 dentistryforchildrenct.com

LILIAN R. VIERA

Children’s Dental Care of Norwalk 10 Mott Avenue, Norwalk 203-866-5020 childrensdentalcareof norwalk.com

STACY ZARAKIOTIS

ALEXANDROU

Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group 4 Dearfi eld Drive, Greenwich 203-422-5437 greenwichkidsdentist.com

PERIODONTICS

RICHARD F. AMATO

Advanced Periodontics & Dental Implants 324 Elm Street, Monroe

203-268-2000 connecticutperiodontist .com

LAWRENCE A. DELIBERO 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-966-1210 drdelibero.com

TERENCE S. JACKSON Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Center 47 Oak Street, Stamford 203-252-2252 stamfordperio.com

SELMA KAPLAN Periodontics & Dental Implants 10 Mott Avenue, Norwalk 203-442-9554 norwalkperio.com

SUNGEUN STEPHANIE KOO

Newtown Smile Dentistry 27 Church Hill Road, Newtown 203-426-3310 newtownsmile.com

RUI “RAY” MA 1047 Old Post Road, Fairfi eld 203-254-2006 sonickdmd.com

JENNY MATHEWS 15 Roseville Road, Westport 203-227-8990 jennymathews-perio.com

BRETE D. MORAN 67 Cherry Street, Milford 203-876-0304 drbretemoran.com

RANDALL H. NEICHIN

Dental Care of Stamford 1500 Summer Street, Stamford 203-409-8261 dentalcarestamford.com

RYAN J. PRICE

The Stein Dental Group 1081 Hope Street, Stamford 203-329-8444 thesteindentalgroup.com

E. J. TRAYNOR

Traynor Periodontics & Implants 15 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-661-5885 tpigreenwich.com

ALEXANDER VOLCHONOK 4 Dearfi eld Drive, Greenwich 203-293-9555 mytetrahealth.com

PERRY A. WASSERLAUF Fairfi eld Periodontics 71 Beach Road, Fairfi eld 203-255-7771 fairfieldperiodontics.com

PROSTHODONTICS

JOHN CORINO Norwalk Dental Arts 10 Mott Avenue, Norwalk 203-854-9565 norwalkdentalarts.com

JACK DEGRADO

Stamford Dental Group 47 Oak Street, Stamford 203-325-4700 stamforddentalgroup.com

MARIE E. FALCONE

Dental Specialists of Darien 24 Old Kings Highway South, Darien 203-836-2744 dentalspecialistsofdarien .com

KIMBERLY A. FARRELL Westport Dental Associates 329 Riverside Avenue, Westport 203-227-3709 westportdental.com

CHRISTINE LEE Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfi eld 2600 Post Road, Southport 475-258-7683 adfct.com

JEFFREY D. O’CONNELL Gold Coast Dental 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-292-9292 goldcoastdentalpros.com

MIN SUNG YOON

Evergreen Family Dental & Southbury Smiles 1300 Post Road, Fairfi eld 203-259-7870 evergreenfamily dentalgroup.com

WILLIAM ZAPATA

Dental Specialists of Darien 24 Old Kings Highway South, Darien 203-408-2720 dentalspecialistsofdarien .com

Top Dentists

The Process Behind the List

To create our Top Dentists directory, we utilized the experts at topDentists™, which has more than seventy years in combined experience compiling peer-review referral guides in the legal, dental and medical fields. The research company, which started topDentists in 2007, uses a thorough selection process to recognize dentists who are chosen by other dental professionals.

INTRODUCTION

This list is excerpted from the 2026 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings of more than 210 dentists and specialists in the Fairfield County area. The list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dental professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903 or visit usatopdentists.com.

SELECTION PROCESS

“If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”

This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and of course physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of all dentists listed online with the American Dental Association as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received and status in various dental academies can play a factor in our decision.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course, there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere

Disclaimer

This list is excerpted from 2026 the topDentists™ list, which includes listings for over 210 dentists and specialists in the Fairfield County area. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2026 by topDentists, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

SEPTEMBER 12

SATURDAY 10AM - 5PM

PROFILES 2026 Dental

HEALTH FIRST

When focusing on your health, regular dental care plays a critical role. Having a healthy mouth, teeth and gums can decrease your risk of having a stroke or heart attack, while avoiding problems like gum disease, tooth decay and halitosis. We’ve made it easy to find the right

dentist for you and your family. The following pages introduce some of Fairfield County’s most prominent dental professionals who make your health a priority. Choose a trusted individual to provide you with the care you deserve. Put your health first, and your smile will come naturally.

About Dr. Dantini:

Peter Dantini, DDS received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree form Loyola University School of Dentistry and has been a lifelong resident of Stamford and New Canaan, an active member in both communities and the expertise behind Dantini Dental of Stamford.

Experience in the eld:

Since 1990, Dr. Dantini has created a warm familyfriendly atmosphere for patients and office staff. He is an active medical staff member at Norwalk Hospital, seeing patients at their dental clinic or operating room. Dr. Dantini utilizes the latest technology. He was the first in Stamford to obtain the amazing Cerec technology, used to create and fit crowns in as little as one hour, or take digital dental models without uncomfortable impression materials. Dr. Dantini uses 3D digital x-ray imaging of the head and neck to see and diagnose early medical/dental problems. As early adopters of digital x-rays, dental lasers and minimally invasive dentistry (air abrasion), patients often avoid injections and drilling.

Peter Dantini, DDS

DANTINI DENTAL

12 Camp Ave Stamford, CT

203.322.5397

dentistdds.com

@dantinidentalofstamford

dantinidentalofstamford

Riverside Orthodontics

DR. KESSELMAN

SPECIALTY: Orthodontics

1171 E. Putnam Ave., Building #2, Riverside, CT 06878

203.698.0045 | RiversideOrtho.net

Where Greenwich smiles get their signature look.

Mission:

Dr. Dantini makes personalized service for cosmetic, preventative, periodontal and restorative dental needs his priority. During treatment, your comfort is paramount, using his highly capable and gentle way to win over nervous patients and make your visit convenient and pleasant. With your comfort and care in mind, appointment times include early evenings and Saturdays of at least one hour each. Dr. Dantini participates with most major insurance plans and works within their guidelines to help cover your treatment. Free parking is available and convenient to Metro North and public transportation.

Services offered: Cerec crowns in as little as one hour, Dental Laser Treatment, Air Abrasion/ microdentistry, Zoom whitening, Lumineers/Veneers, CBCT and Digital x-rays, Cosmetic Dentistry, Prosthetic Dentistry, Implant restoration, Partial Dentures, Full Dentures, Endodontics (root canals), Extractions, Minor gum surgery, Treatment of gum disease, Bite guards/NTI, Nitrous Oxide/oral sedation, and Children’s Dentistry.

Riverside Orthodontics is Greenwich’s local, concierge-level orthodontic practice built around the simple question: “How can I help?” The team sees roughly 35 patients a day while still delivering highly attentive, specialist-led care, ensuring every visit feels personal, ef cient, and focused on your family’s needs.

Meet Dr. Scott Kesselman.

Dr. Scott Kesselman is a distinguished concierge orthodontist serving Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, and the surrounding communities for the last 25 years. Dr. Kesselman continues to personally oversee every smile in his practice.

Orthodontic treatments for kids, teens, and adults.

Every smile and every schedule is different. Riverside Orthodontics offers a full range of treatment options so families can nd what best ts their lifestyle, budget, and goals. Whether you prefer tried-and-true braces or nearly invisible aligners, you’ll receive a plan designed just for you, with clear explanations at every step.

CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS OF GREENWICH 1212 East Putnam Avenue Riverside, CT 203.698.0794

childrensdentistryandorthodontics.com

Silvestro Iommazzo, DDS & Victor Pardi, DDS

Why did you choose your specialty?

As a specialist in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Iommazzo cares for the oral health of children from infancy to early adult. As a specialist in orthodontics Dr. Pardi supports patients by improving their smiles and selfesteem, in addition to correcting even the most complex bite problems. We both have different passions but strive to do all we can for our patients.

What sets you apart from your competition?

Our practice has continued to serve our community for over thirty years. We provide state-of-the-art treatment in all phases of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, including emergency service 24-7. We are constantly engaged in continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to best serve our patients and families.

Danielle Goodwin

GOODWIN DENTAL

31 River Road, Suite 300, Cos Cob, CT 203.869.2552 | dgoodwindds.com

If you add up all the years Dr. Goodwin has been in the Dental Field as a Hygienist and a Dentist, you will see she has been taking care of teeth for over 20 years. “Time has flown by. I’ve had the opportunity to see so many changes in Dentistry.”

Technological advances really help her days go by with less stress. At her family practice in Cos Cob she uses the safest equipment and the most up-todate technology available. While there are many things I love about being a Dentist, treatment planning with the local specialists in town is very exciting for me. Being a solo Dentist at my office can get lonely sometimes, so it is great to work and collaborate with a group of talented dentists I also call my friends. I love watching kids I see at 3 or 4 years old grow up. Being a general dentist I can appreciate different stages of growth and even watch them have their own children. But the best

STAMFORD DENTAL GROUP, LLC

CELEBRATING

25 YEARS

SPECIALTY: Prosthodontics: Specializes in Complex, Restorative and Implant Dentistry

47 Oak Street, Suite 220, Stamford, CT 203.325.4700 stamforddentalgroup.com info@stamforddentalgroup.com

part about my job is the worklife balance it provides me of a mother of 2 active boys. I can get into work early, treat patients all day, and make it to their events after school. It is most important to me not to miss my children growing up, and Dentistry allows me to do just that.

Our practice has continues to serve our community for over 20 years. We provide state-ofthe-art treatment in all phases of dentistry, including after hour emergency care. We engage in continuing education to stay up to date with the latest technologies to best serve our patients and families. We get to know our patients very, very well. Our staff have been with our practice a LONG time. We love seeing our patients all over town. I love when kids run up to me to show me their wiggly teeth or when patients introduce me to their families. It’s a great feeling and the reason I love being a Local Dentist.

DR. JACK DEGRADO is an experienced dentist who has served the New York and Stamford communities for over 30 years. He graduated from Columbia College of Dental Medicine and trained in implantology at Brookdale University Hospital, followed by a specialty in prosthodontics at Montefiore Medical Center. He founded Stamford Dental Group over 25 years ago; today, his practice includes three passionate dentists specializing in prosthodontics who are certified experts in restoring and replacing teeth.

With his experience, Dr. DeGrado is recognized as a specialist in complex implant cases as well as replacement of teeth. His goal is to provide beautiful smiles to people suffering with difficulty chewing, dentures, or loss of teeth.

Stamford Dental Group offers Teeth in One Day, which includes placement of implants and fixed teeth, for immediate improvement. Dr. DeGrado states that “They fit, feel and function like natural teeth. It’s a life changing procedure.”

Stamford Dental Group is a state-of-the-art practice that uses the latest technologies and complies with strict CDC guidelines.

The 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography

(CBCT) is used for diagnostics, while the advanced laser technology is used to do painless fillings without anesthesia and gum surgery with minimal discomfort. They also use a modern digital scanner for patient comfort and increased accuracy.

Dr. DeGrado believes that “Great patient care goes hand-in-hand with customer service. From the minute people walk in, they see a difference.”

The entire team at Stamford Dental Group is focused on patients’ needs.

That is also why a lot of time is spent during the initial consultation, to understand each patients’ situation and their goals.

Dr. DeGrado also believes in giving back to the community.

For 5 years, he has held a Dentistry from the Heart event at this office and donated free dental care to those in need. He also supports the Food Bank of Fairfield County and Operation Smile, which provides corrective surgeries for children with facial deformities.

Whether you are interested in natural-looking tooth replacement options, repairing badly damaged teeth or improving your smile, his office can develop a plan tailored to your exact needs.

postscript

THE PACK STOPS HERE

If wrangling eight dogs at once sounds like chaos, don’t tell that to Kristen Carreras. The founder of Stamfordbased Stop & Sniff, a family-run dog walking company, was out with a pack of pooches in Riverside when this photo was snapped. What began as a passion project for this young entrepreneur has grown into a thriving business that now includes her husband and another team member. The Stop & Sniff staff serves clients throughout Stamford, Greenwich, Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, Darien, Norwalk and Rowayton. Proudly calling themselves “the crazy dog people,” the team welcomes pups of every shape, size and personality. At home, Kristen and her husband share their lives with a 100-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback—proof that their love of dogs doesn’t end when the workday does.

Send us your Stamford snaps to editor@stamfordmag.com for a chance to win $100. Please write photo submission in the subject line.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Raising Health for All: Nuvance

Health is Now Northwell

Raising Health for All: Nuvance Health is Now Northwell

While you may see a new name on the door of your trusted providers, this change represents a meaningful evolution of health care for communites across New York and Connecticut.

While you m a y see a new name on th e door of your t r u s ted pr o vider s , this chan g e represents a meaningful e v o l ution of healt h care for commun i tes a cross New York an d Connecticut . With Nort h well, the mo s t aw ar d ed healt h s y s tem in the tr i s tate, you n o w h av e acces s to more. M ore resource s M ore clinica l expertise. And a gre a ter i n v e s tment in th e future of health care. It ’s the s t r ength of a lar g e r, more connected s y s tem—b r ought t o the place you ca l l home .

With Northwell, the most awarded health system in the tri-state, you now have access to more. More resources. More clinical expertise. And a greater investment

L i s tening to each c ommun i t y ’s need s , Nort h wel l bring s in the programs an d spe c ia l i s ts that ma t ter mo s t l oc a ll y. Tha t a l so means i n v e s t i ng i n the l ate s t te c hnology and i n ne w, mo d ern i zed fa c il i tie s . A l l of these enhancements are be i ng don e a l ongsi d e broa d er e orts to ma k e it ea s ie r to a c cess support, me d i c a l re c or d s , virtua l and i n - person appo i ntment s and more And i t ’s a ll base d on a s imple, but p o we rfu l be l ief: where you l i v e shoul d ne v e r d e termine the qua l ity of care you rece i v e

Listening to each community’s needs, Northwell brings in the programs and specialists that matter most locally. That also means investing in the latest technology and in new, modernized facilities. All of these enhancements are being

make it easier to access support, medical records, virtual and inperson appointments and more.

Wh e ther yo u’re in a c i t y, s m a ll t o wn, s ubur b or rura l communit y, e v ery per s on d e s er v e s a c cess to an e x ce l lent s t a n d ar d of c a re, n o ma t ter you r zip c o d e .

in a city, small town, suburb or rural community, every person deserves access to an excellent standard of care, no matter your zip code.

Be c ause there shoul d n ’ t be a c ity s ta nd ard of c are an d a rur a l s tan da r d of c are. O r one expe c tation for New York and a n o the r for Conne c t i cut. The r e shoul d be one s tat e of c are—an d it s houl d be n o thing short o f e x cel l ent

Nuv a n c e H ealth i s n o w Nort h well. An d we ’re here to ra i se health for al l

Because there shouldn’t be a city standard of care and a rural standard of care. Or one expectation for New York and another for Connecticut. There should be one state of care— and it should be nothing short of excellent.

This Is What Your Summer Should Look Like

EFFORTLESS DAYS ON THE WATER. DOCK. DINE. DEPART. REPEAT.

Introducing Harbor Point South Marina, Stamford’s newest waterfront destination. Designed for effortless access to Long Island Sound and surrounded by Harbor Point’s vibrant dining, retail, and scenic boardwalk, boating has never been easier.

From high-speed fueling to walkable lifestyle amenities, everything you need is right here.

Arrive by land or by water and step into a better way to spend your summer.