Portrait of Yanks by Leo at Story Alley Photography; others: contributed by Samantha
September and October in our coastal Connecticut towns have a magic all their own. The light shifts, the air turns crisp, and our community gathers for moments that remind us why we love living here. This issue is filled with those moments, from landmark events to hidden local treasures.
Our cover story celebrates a true cultural milestone. It is an honor for Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine to be the official media sponsor for the Westport Library’s sold-out signature fundraising event, BOOKED for the evening…, returning for its 26th year. This year, the Library honors actress, author and activist Sarah Jessica Parker for her contributions to storytelling, publishing and the defense of libraries in American life. SJP’s dedication to literature, her championing of diverse voices, and her belief in the power of empathy through reading make her a perfect honoree. Past recipients include icons such as Billie Jean King, a thrill to interview last year, Martin Scorsese, Shonda Rhimes and Patti Smith.
In this issue, we dive into stories that inspire and delight. For those seeking inspiration abroad, in Buzz, I take you to Parisian-style havens right here in Westport with La Source, maman, and Crêpes Choupette. In Do, I sit down with past cover star Jennifer Fisher ahead of the release of her new book Trust Your Gut, an inspiring guide to anti-inflammatory eating, and share the best of Fairfield University’s Center for Arts & Minds’ fall programming.
In Shop, we dub Main Street’s new wave of activewear destinations and profile five remarkable female-led fashion brands created here in Connecticut. In Eat, we bring you everything from the transformation of Don Memo into Massi Co Italian to the launch of Roast Runners, a cold brew delivery service from two inspiring local founders.
And in true spirit, we spotlight the talents at home shaping our community. This issue includes Teens to Watch, our inspiring A-List award winners, and a feature on Gaelle Dudley and Homes with Hope, as they reveal, together, the new Susie’s House she designed pro bono for those in need.
September and October invite us to savor the fall season to celebrate creativity and support one another’s work. Whether you are reading this curled up with a good book or headed for your next adventure, I hope these pages inspire you to explore more, connect more, and fall in love all over again with the place we call home.
Samantha Yanks
