The Women Rising Gala and Awards Celebration is WBDC’s annual event to honor Connecticut’s women entrepreneurs and business leaders as part of its mission to promote economic equity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services. 

Six of Connecticut’s women business owners will be honored by the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) on October 27 as part of the 2023 Women Rising Annual Gala and Awards Celebration. The event, being held at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, will feature keynote speaker Katrina Adams, and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz will serve as the event’s honorary chair.

The Women Rising Award is presented annually to WBDC clients who show a strong commitment to WBDC and demonstrate success in their business and tenacity in pursuing their goals.

The 2023 Women Rising Award recipients are:

• Liz Ceppos (Photo)
  Owner, Cross Culture Kombucha (Danbury)

• Melissa-Sue John (Photo)
  Owner, Lauren Simone Publishing (East Hartford)

• Emmanuella Lauture (Photo)
  Owner, Ma Maison Childcare, LLC (Stamford)

• Neisa Medina-Nunez (Photo)
  Owner, The Learning Barn Childcare Center & Preschool (Naugatuck)

• Shellena Pitterson (Photo)
  Owner, Orchid Maids (Norwich)

• Kristin Vece (Photo)
  Owner, Elevate Healing Arts (Cromwell)

Read more about the 2023 Women Rising Award recipients here

“We are so proud of these amazing women entrepreneurs. It truly is exciting to witness their journeys as they grow and develop their businesses,” said WBDC Founder and CEO Fran Pastore. “These women have taken full advantage of the resources WBDC offers and have developed the tools to lead successful business enterprises in their communities. These women can be an inspiration to other small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs and are absolutely deserving of this recognition.”

In addition to the Women Rising Award, the 2023 Women Rising Annual Gala and Awards Celebration will honor a pair of business leaders with the WBDC Impact Award — which recognizes individuals who have personally exemplified WBDC’s mission and goals by promoting economic equality and prosperity for women. WBDC will also present a WBDC volunteer with the Patricia Billie Miller Award for Outstanding Community Service.

The Gala Title Sponsor is PMI. Other sponsors for the event include: Impact level – Hartford HealthCare, Mastercard, Travelers; Investor level – GenRe; Shipman; Webster Bank; Capital level – Alex Brown, a Division Raymond James; drbank; Gibson Dunn; Hearst Connecticut Media Group; Henkel; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Linde; M&T Bank; Moffly Media; Point 72; Tidal River; Union Savings Bank; Wiggin and Dana; Wondr Nation; Empower level – Alvarez & Marsal; Bourgeon Capital Management; Gilda Bonanno LLC; Hexcel; Libertas; PWC; Stamford Health.

For tickets to the 2022 WBDC Women Rising Gala and Awards Celebration, to become a sponsor, or to make a donation, visit ctwbdc.org/gala.

NEW WEATHER UPDATE:
DUE TO WET FIELD CONDITIONS, THE ART SHOW WILL BE CANCELLED ON SATURDAY
BUT WILL STILL BE OPEN FROM 10:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY OCT 1st AS SCHEDULED.

Please wear appropriate footwear.
Any activity changes will be posted.

1-Mile Walk and 5K Run Supports Abilis and Families with Disabilities

Mark your calendar! The 18th annual Walk/Run for Abilis will take place on Sunday, October 15, at Greenwich Point Park in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Participants can walk 1-mile or run a 5k. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at abilis.us/walkrun. Registration is free for walkers, $40 for adult 5k runners 18+, $20 for runners ages 11-17, and free for runners under 11 years old.

“We are so excited for the long-anticipated annual Walk/Run for Abilis event for all our families and friends,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “Each year we look forward to celebrating our community members and welcoming new friends of Abilis at the event. There is something for all ages and abilities. Whether you run, roll, walk, skip, or jog, we are so appreciative to have so much support on this special day.

Activities at this year’s Walk/Run for Abilis include celebrity fitness guru and choreographer Billy Blanks Jr., who will once again be the master of ceremonies and warm up the crowd with fun dance and exercise moves and stretching. The Dance Pointe troupe will be there to show off some of their dance moves; Carnival for a Cause, face painting and a balloon artist will entertain the kids. 

Walk/Run for Abilis provides a fun opportunity for family, friends and Abilis community members to join together for a morning of physical fitness and to enjoy the beauty of Greenwich Point Park. Walk/Run for Abilis is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and its signature “friend-raising” event of the year. Many who take part in Walk/Run for Abilis do so because they are inspired by a friend or family member with a developmental disability.

“Last year, we raised more than $225,000, which surpassed our goal,” noted Amy Montimurro. “This year we hope to exceed that goal again. The funds raised at Walk/Run for Abilis will be restricted to new initiatives at Abilis to support the 800+ individuals with disabilities and their families, throughout lower Fairfield County.”

Prizes are awarded for best outfits and teams are encouraged to create team t-shirts, buttons, hats or create their own banner to increase visibility, show team spirit and potentially win an Abilis creativity award! The morning event opens up at 7:30 a.m., with the 5k run and kids’ activities at 9:00 a.m, followed by the 5k run awards, a Walk warm-up session and other activities, with the Walk starting at 11:00 a.m. The whole event is over by 12:00 p.m.

Abilis thanks its generous sponsors including its Platinum Premiere sponsors Holland & Knight and DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich | Infiniti of Greenwich; as well as its Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors William Blair, The Custar Family, J.Dwyer Builders, The First Bank of Greenwich and Moffly Media. Those interested in becoming a sponsor for Walk/Run for Abilis should contact Rebecca Muskus at muskus@abilis.us or 203-531-1880.

Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families from birth throughout their lives. Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful supports to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care. For more information, visit www.abilis.us, or follow on Facebook @Abilis, Inc., Instagram @abilis_us or Twitter @Abilis.

Landmarks Recognition Recognizes Structures for Value in Preserving Greenwich’s Unique Architectural Heritage

Greenwich Historical Society’s Landmarks Recognition Program awarded plaques to the Greenwich YMCA and the Julian W. Curtiss Home for design excellence and value in preserving Greenwich’s unique architectural heritage at a reception at Greenwich Historical Society’s Annual Meeting. More than 300 structures have received plaques since the Landmarks Recognition Program was initiated in 1987.

“Preservation of our cherished architectural heritage, which is fast disappearing to make way for newer more contemporary designs, is the driving force behind the Landmarks Recognition program,” says Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debra Mecky. “Our review panel selected these two structures which represent different styles and periods. They are architectural gems that enhance Greenwich’s character, and each bears relevance to the town’s sports history, a theme for many of our events this year due to our “Sports! More Than Just a Game” exhibition which closed earlier this month and was extremely popular among residents and visitors.”

Greenwich YMCA - 1915

The Greenwich YMCA at 50 East Putnam Avenue, designed by M. L. and H. G. Emery, is one of the town’s most recognizable and prominent buildings. Its distinctive tower, rounded porch, and impressive two-story Doric porticos grace the corner of East Putnam and Mason and have become an integral part of the streetscape of the northern entry point into the Greenwich business district.

The $100,000 building was built and given to the town by Rebecca Witherell completely furnished in memory of her husband Nathanial Witherell, president of the Consolidated Kansas City Smelting and Refining Company and real estate developer who was instrumental in financing Belle Haven.

While the interiors have been altered over the years and the building has been enlarged and modernized, they still manifest original details, materials and high-quality workmanship including many of the original fireplace mantels, stone details, and low-relief plaster ceilings.

Greenwich is extremely fortunate to have had continual use of this notable community structure for over 100 years. It continues to contribute to the architectural integrity of one of Greenwich’s main thoroughfares and to enhance the social life of the town with low-cost recreational facilities.

Julian W. Curtiss House – 1907

Julian Wheeler Curtiss moved with his family from Belle Haven to this Georgian Revival home in 1908 or 1909. They referred to the property as "Oak Farm." Entrance to the level, five-acre lot is made through elaborate, wrought-iron gates on the east side of Lake Avenue. Oriented to the north, the six-bay facade of the main block of the home focuses on the projecting, pedimented ell containing the main entrance and defined by colossal, corner pilasters resting on paneled pedestals. Directly above the entrance is a tall stair window crowned with round-arched transom showing tracery.

The rear (south) elevation is no less impressive, featuring three pairs of French doors opening onto a full-length terrace, the central pair sheltered by a porch supported at each outer corner by three Tuscan columns.

Mr. Curtiss was an avid sportsman and civic and business leader. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of sporting goods manufacturer A.G. Spalding and Bros. He was a member of the first Yale crew to race Harvard at New London and served as the first president of the Greenwich YMCA. Among many other local roles, Curtiss served as chairman of the Board of Education, was a member of the RTM, and president of the Greenwich Country Club (where he was an avid golfer).

Mr. Curtiss married Mary Louise Case in 1880 and had four children, Mary Louise Curtiss Pease, Jean Beardslee Curtiss Gibbons, Margaret Curtiss and Henry Tomlinson Curtiss.

The Annual Meeting took place at the Belle Haven Club.

About Landmarks Recognition Program

The Landmarks Recognition Program has presented plaques to more than 300 structures since its inception 37 years ago, with a goal of promoting pride in ownership and the preservation and adaptive use of distinctive properties. Unique to Greenwich, the landmarks designation ensures these structures secure their rightful place in the town’s history.

Photos of YMCA and Julian Curtiss House by Ellen McDermott Photography, provided with permission.

Enjoy afternoon artistic adventures at the Carriage Barn Arts Center with instructor Tiffany McKay Grades K - 4! Join us for a 4 week session focused on specific artists and their work. 

Acrylic paint will be used in each class so please remember to dress for a mess.

FEE is $190 per 4-week session /  $175 for family level members (all supplies included).

Four Thursdays Oct 26, Nov 2, 9, 16 from 4 - 5 pm

Learn more: https://carriagebarn.org/after-school-art-adventures-oct/

Dancing Stars of Greenwich, one of the most anticipated events of the year, is sold-out, but there is still time to VOTE for your favorite dancer(s)!! The fifth annual Dancing Stars of Greenwich charity dance-off, hosted by The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich, benefits Abilis, the nonprofit that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities in Fairfield County and their families.Voting for the stars by way of donating is a way to cheer and applaud for the dancers, and also support Abilis. Funds raised at the event go toward supporting the acquisition and renovation of new program space for Abilis. The dancer(s) that raise the most money for Abilis will be awarded the “People’s Choice” award! To vote, visit greenwichdancingstars.com.

This year’s star-studded dance-off features celebrity judges including Brendan Fraser, a celebrated and award-winning actor fresh off winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his film The Whale; Meg Tolin Piper, a Broadway actress and dancer; Eric “Champagne” Shoji, a DJ and song producer and international DJ/emcee; and Ali Wentworth, actress, comedian, producer, host of her podcast Go Ask Ali and New York Times bestselling author, who will be the event’s MC - or Mistress of Ceremonies. 

“We are so excited for this year’s Dancing Stars of Greenwich event,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “Dancing Stars is truly one of our favorite events each year and are so appreciative to The Fred Astaire Studio of Greenwich who continue to support Abilis in this very special way. We are thrilled to have our wonderful celebrity judges and master of ceremonies back year-after-year — and the incredible dancing stars who give so much of their time to come out and support Abilis with their wonderful performances. Funds raised at the event go toward supporting the acquisition and renovation of new program space for Abilis, which is greatly needed as we continue to grow above and beyond what the state provides for services, care and needs of children and adults with disabilities. The dancer's and the audience’s support enable us to deliver on our mission to provide high-quality programs and supports to our more than 800 Abilis program participants and residents throughout Fairfield County.”

Dancing Stars of Greenwich mirrors the hit TV show and features a Dancing with the Stars dance competition where community and business leaders are paired with Fred Astaire Dance professionals to perform their own personalized routines with their own dance style of their choice. The celebrity panel of judges determines the winner of the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. A People’s Choice Award is given to the dancer who raises the most in donations for Abilis. 

Dancers at the event include: Afton Fraser of Greenwich; Amy Farber of Greenwich; Daniella Mini of Greenwich; Elaine Madonna of Greenwich; Dr. Jennifer Werely of Greenwich; Kristy Hickman of Norwalk; Lauren Eisler and Benjamin (Benji) Rabinowitz of New York, New York; Paul Scicchitano of Greenwich; Shari Aser of Greenwich; Terry Lamantia Cataldo of Greenwich; Makeda Mays-Green and Kenny Green of Stamford; and Trevor Crow of Greenwich. 

Each dancer is paired with a professional partner from The Fred Astaire Studio. Those dancers are: Elmar Schmidt and Clemens Lengenfelder, co-owners of The Fred Astaire Studio of Greenwich, Matthew Ames, Carol Koutouvides and Christian Perry.

“Dancing is what we do and hosting Dancing Stars of Greenwich is just one of our favorite events ever,” noted Elmar Schmidt. “Local stars and leaders in the community have been training for months to compete just like on television. A panel of celebrity judges along with the audience selects the winner who will win the coveted Mirrorball trophy. It is so exciting!”

Brendan and Afton Fraser have been long-time supporters of Abilis and Dancing Stars of Greenwich throughout the years and are this year’s co-hosts. They are also parents to a son with disabilities and know personally how crucial programs and supports like Abilis offers are to families with children and adults with disabilities. 

“We are proud to support Dancing Stars of Greenwich and Abilis to help raise funds for Abilis’ programs and services,” said Afton Fraser. “We know how much it means to a family to have an organization like Abilis that can help provide training, education, social and employment opportunities for individuals and their families.It can mean the difference between living an isolated life and one full of friends and with meaning. They are really a great organization, and we are happy to help in any way."

To VOTE for a dancing star, please visit greenwichdancingstars.com.

Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families from birth throughout their lives. Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful supports to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care. For more information, visit www.abilis.us, or follow on Facebook @Abilis, Inc., Instagram @abilis_us or Twitter @Abilis.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich provides ballroom and Latin dance lessons to all ages and attracts participants from the Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan, Connecticut,  areas, and Armonk, Harrison, White Plains, Port Chester, Rye, Mamaroneck and Scarsdale, New York, areas. There is no partner or experience necessary to enjoy ballroom dance lessons. Fred Astaire Dance Studio has made it its personal mission to touch as many lives with a passion for ballroom dancing. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio is one of the happiest, friendliest spots in town due to the welcoming and encouraging staff and atmosphere. Fred Astaire’s mission is to enrich the lives of everyone and anyone with dance. The organization genuinely strives to make dance a daily practice in the dance studio. Fred Astaire doesn’t just teach someone how to dance, they invite them to become their personal best - in their dancing and in all areas of their life. Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich is co-owned by Elmar Schmidt and Clemens Lengenfelder, along with their wives Isabell Schmidt and Jessica Lengenfelder. To learn more, visit fredastaire.com/greenwich.

Historical Society’s History in the Making Awards Dedicated to Outstanding Individuals who Have Had a Positive Impact on Youth

Sports all-stars who have made a positive impact on the lives of Greenwich’s youth will be honored at Greenwich Historical Society’s History in the Making Award event on October 12^th. Greenwich resident Allan Houston will receive the History in the Making Award for his enormous contributions to improving the lives of children in Greenwich and throughout the country. Barbara and Ray Dalio, the 2021 History in the Making honorees, will present the award to Houston. Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the NHL’sNew York Islanders and their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Islanders will conduct a fireside chat with Houston, and Donna de Varona will present achievement awards to outstanding Greenwich sports coaches.

Established in 2003, History in the Making recognizes outstanding individuals from the community who are the history makers of our time for having made a positive impact on the region and the world, and to provide a forum for learning about their thought-provoking ideas and perspectives.

“Sports are a great unifying force in our community,” says Debra Mecky, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society. “We are fortunate to have such super stars as Allan Houston and Donna de Varona to set examples for our children and a large roster of talented coaches who are dedicated to helping them succeed in sports and life. It is a privilege to recognize them at this year’s event focused on the vibrant history of sports in Greenwich and the athletes and coaches who have impacted our past and future.”

For more information and to purchase tickets to the History in the Making Dinner please visit: https://greenwichhistory.org/history-in-the-making/

Photo credits:

1.      Allan Houston:  Courtesy of Allan Houston, provided with permission
2.      Greenwich coaches to receive History in the Making Sports Coach Awards. Coaches from left to right:  Terry Lowe, Angela Tammaro, Bill Smith, Katie Johnson, Jim Stephens, Pat Coleman, Nick Cavataro, Sarah Hill. Photo courtesy of Greenwich Historical Society, provided with permission.

The J House Greenwich will celebrate its ongoing local artist pop-up series with a party for its Fall artist, Anthony Festa, on Tuesday, September 19 from 6-8pm.  Festa’s catalog of fine art photographic images captivate the senses and stirs the soul.

Tickets are $15 per person, including one glass of wine and passed hors d’oeurves, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.  To purchase tickets, click here

The J House Greenwich, an award-winning, luxury, boutique hotel located in Greenwich, Connecticut, offers business and leisure travelers 83 newly renovated, pet-friendly guest rooms and suites with state-of-the-art technology such as LED mirror televisions, fully-automated lights and shades, Toto Neorest advanced commodes and more.  Amenities include a seasonal, heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour business center, EV charging stations, valet parking and assistance with private jet charters.  As part of The J Life experience, the property also includes The J House Spa, Tony’s at The J House restaurant and The J House Coffee Bar.  Meeting and special event spaces are also available. 

For more information about the property, visit www.jhousegreenwich.com, or visit the property’s social channels on Instagram (‘@thejhousegreenwich) and Facebook (‘@jhousegreenwichct).   

​The Greenwich Art Society is offering: DRAWING & PAINTING SKILLS FOR THE SERIOUS YOUNG ARTIST -AGES 9-12 (In-person) with KATHIE MILLIGAN

4 SUNDAYS Nov. 5, 12, 19 & Dec. 31:00 pm to 4:00 pm

This four-week workshop is for students who want to improve their drawing skills and transition into painting. Drawing fundamentals such as composition, light and shadow, negative space and mark making will be covered. Painting in black and white will lead to painting in the gray scale. We will touch on color theory and paint with acrylics for the last class.

Special Notes

• For Ages 9 - 12

Required Supplies

• All materials included

Instructor(s)Kathie Milligan

Registration and information at www.greenwichartsociety.org

WBDC is announcing the hiring of Joy Braddock as Torrington Business Advisor and Annya White-Brown as Marketing Business Advisor

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is announcing the additions of Joy Braddock and Annya White-Brown to its team of Business Advisors. Specifically, Braddock will serve as Torrington Business Advisor, focusing on supporting emerging and existing business owners in Torrington, as well as other areas; and White-Brown, as Marketing Business Advisor, will use her own experience to guide Connecticut women entrepreneurs looking to expand their business through marketing. 

"Joy and Annya are amazingly talented and experienced entrepreneurs, and we are absolutely delighted to have them join our team of advisors,” said WBDC CEO Fran Pastore. “Each of them brings a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, but both have an absolute passion for supporting our state’s small business community.”

About Joy Braddock

Braddock brings with her nearly a decade of experience as a small business owner, and more than 20 years of experience in marketing and advertising. As the co-owner of a local Connecticut brewery, she understands the passion, drive and perseverance needed to start and run a small business. She represents an unbiased, knowledgeable guide to assist small businesses to run smoothly and efficiently.

Braddock is passionate about empowering women to take on business ownership and flourish. She is the co-founder and president of the Bombshell Project, a non-profit on a mission to help women enter and lead in the male-dominated craft brewing industry.  

About Annya White-Brown (Photo)

White-Brown is the founder and CEO of NaturalAnnie Essentials, a candle bar and candle studio based in Bridgeport. Heavily influenced by her Jamaican culture, she has mastered the ability to use scents to transport others to a tropical place. Her journey into entrepreneurship began in 2015 when her first daughter was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Since then, she has grown NaturalAnnie Essentials out of her kitchen to now selling her soy candles in more than 600 retail stores in the USA, Canada, Ghana, and the Caribbean. 

White-Brown is passionate about operating her small business and understands the important role marketing plays in a small business’ growth and development. She has worked with a number of well-respected companies such as TikTok, Maker's Mark, and Michael's —  sharing her craft and her marketing strategies.  

Prior to becoming Connecticut’s “Candle Queen”, Annya worked in IT Research at Gartner where she managed Gartner's North America, EMEA, and APAC Dedicated Vendor Briefings accounts. Her role included presenting clear and concise actionable direction to companies like Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Cisco and HP on how to deliver effective vendor briefings and building strong relationships with analysts, sales and the vendor/analysts relations community.

Business owners interested in meeting with Braddock or White-Brown should reach out to WBDC at info@ctwbdc.org.