A Conversation with Bob Arnold, CEO of Family Centers

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Arnold, CEO of Family Centers in Greenwich, to explore the incredible work being done to empower children, adults, families, and communities throughout Fairfield County. Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to offering comprehensive education, health, and human services. With the support of over 300 professionals and hundreds of trained volunteers, Family Centers provides innovative and responsive programs designed to help individuals and families build strong educational foundations, overcome complex challenges, and lead healthy, productive lives.

Join us as Bob shares insights into the holistic approach that Family Centers employs to address the ever-changing needs of the communities they serve. Discover the impact of their multi-faceted network of programs, from early childhood education to mental health services, vocational support, and beyond. This episode offers a deep dive into how Family Centers is making a tangible difference in the lives of over 24,000 Fairfield County residents each year.

Tune in to learn about the transformative power of holistic care and the dedicated efforts of Family Centers to help everyone realize their full potential.

Celebrating Community with Brooke Shepard, founder of Monogram Mary, based in Old Greenwich!

In this episode, we dive into the story of Monogram Mary, a brand launched in 2016 with a mission to bring personalization and custom gifts back into the marketplace. At Monogram Mary, the philosophy is simple: celebrate who you are, always.

Join us as we explore how founder Brooke was inspired by her grandmother's beautifully monogrammed linens, napkins, and tablecloths—heirloom pieces that seemed to vanish amidst the rise of retail giants. Determined to revive this lost art, Brooke set out to create perfect, cherished gifts and special touches that make every day feel like a celebration. From cozy, beautiful robes to children's bath towels and ready-to-go weekend bags, Monogram Mary offers pieces that bring joy and comfort.

Inspired by an extraordinary woman named Mary, Brooke's late mother-in-law, known for her impeccable taste and unwavering grace, Monogram Mary encourages everyone to leave their special mark on the world. Be fearless, be creative, be YOU, and just like Mary... LEAVE YOUR MARK.

This week we sat down with Anshu Vidyarthi, co-owner of Le Penguin (Downtown Greenwich) & Le Fat Poodle (Old Greenwich) and owner of Siren Restobar and Juju Cantina in Old Greenwich. Anshu started in the restaurant business in Los Angeles, Moved to NYC and helped open the iconic Le Colonial on 57th street. He joined L'Escale in Greenwich to help with their bar program and was moved to Director of Operations after the 1st year. Anshu grew into the managing partner role after year three and left in 2009 to pursue developing and creating his own hospitality company. Fast forward to 2013, Anshu and his partner in business opened Le Penguin, followed by Le Fat Poodle in 2014. Opened Siren RestoBar in August 2023, Juju Cantina will open Summer 2024 and Siren in Port Chester in 2025.

We sat down to talk with the dynamic local power duo, Kate Truesdell & Frank Carpenteri this week. Born and raised in Greenwich, High School Sweethearts, parents of 5 (!!) children, and owners of two thriving businesses in town (Kate, Greenwich Dance Studio - Frank, Garden Catering) you will love learning more about them! Kate shares how she started Greenwich Dance Studio in 2004 and is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year with a special performance all about Greenwich. Frank shares what it is like to take over (with his sister) and grow a family business with deep roots in our community and a fiercely loyal fan base. Together, they share their secrets for managing all of it and being engaged members of the Greenwich community.

Thank you for listening!

Kim is one of the co-founders of Mothers' Day Movement (MDM). With a whopping $35 BILLION spent on Mother’s Day each year in the US, Mothers' Day Movement asks people to rethink their giving priorities in order to make Mothers' Day more meaningful. Rather than honoring a single mother, Mothers’ Day Movement seeks to help mothers around the globe as well.

Each year, Mothers’ Day Movement selects a 501c3 as its annual beneficiary. 100% of funds raised go directly to the beneficiary. Past beneficiaries have worked in the areas of education, maternal health, human trafficking and access to clean water.

Kim was raised in Simsbury, Connecticut and received a BA from Lehigh University and an MBA from Fordham University. Kim began her career in marketing at MBIA in Armonk, New York and was a partner in STEPinteractive, a web development company. Kim is a member of the Connecticut Board of the Anti-Defamation League and was the recipient of their Daniel Ginsburg Humanitarian Award. Along with her husband Tom, Kim is very active with Pathways, a local organization working to stop the stigma of mental illness. She currently lives in Old Greenwich with her wonderful family, husband Tom and children Drew and Katy.

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Our campaign is focused around Mother’s Day so the most important date is the second Sunday in May. We drive donations to our selected charity up through Mother’s Day and a few days after. The best way for people to get involved is to make a donation in honor of a special mom in their life. They can have a Mother’s Day card sent to their honoree as well. Also, spreading the word is so important. Tell friends and family to “shift their gift” and follow us on social media.

You can find them on Instagram: @mothersdaymovementmdm

Larry Imbrogno is the Caretaker of Greenwich Point Park more affectionately known to locals as Tod's Point. Larry is a 4th (!) generation local here in Greenwich and now lives with his wife and two sons at Greenwich Point. They have been there for almost 7 years. Larry has been working for the town of Greenwich for 25 years. In his spare time he volunteers coaching youth football, and is on the board of both the Old Greenwich Association, and for the Generals youth football team, serving as the assistant treasurer.

In this episode, we chat with Dee Hernandez, the Executive Director the River House Adult Day Center in Cos Cob, CT. A native New Yorker, Dee has been in the social services field for over 25 years, working with both the City of New York, and major nonprofit service providers throughout the Tri-State area. She recently joined River House earlier this year as the Executive Director and talks with us about the services River House provides for older adults in Greenwich, CT as well as her commitment to helping those in need through love and respect. ABOUT RIVER HOUSE ADULT DAY CENTER: River House's mission is to provide adult day care that works for all families. Adults who wish to remain in their community but require daytime assistance come to River House up to five days a week to participate in vibrant activities, socialize with their peers, and receive compassionate care. Individuals challenged with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, depression, traumatic brain injury, cardiac or pulmonary disease, vision/hearing loss, or other age-related ailments, greatly benefit from River House’s team of nurses, health aides, and therapeutic recreation staff who are trained to support their unique needs. River House follows a medical care model where nurses work with every member, their doctors, and their family to provide a personalized plan of care that enhances the member's overall well-being. By providing this crucial daytime care, caregivers are given the respite and peace of mind needed to effectively care for themselves and their loved ones.

ABOUT DEE:

Dee has a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, and a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, both from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC. She's native New Yorker and have been in the social services field for over 25 years, working with both the City of New York, and major nonprofit service providers throughout the Tri-State area. She has dedicated her career to helping those in need and has a deep love and respect for those she serves along with her team. Through collaboration, purposeful planning, and intervention she has been able to successfully facilitate meaningful programing and robust services for those in need.

Hear from Cristin Marandino, editor of Greenwich Magazine in this episode! Lindsay, Scott, and Cristin discuss the multifaceted nature of Greenwich, CT and how it is so much more than just a wealthy town full of pretty faces. Cristin shares her journey of becoming an editor and explains the process of selecting stories and themes for the magazine. Cristin emphasizes the importance of going beyond the party pages and covering inspiring stories. -------- ABOUT GREENWICH MAGAZINE: Greenwich Magazine covers a range of topics, from hard-hitting journalism to highlighting the town's rich history. The magazine aims to address serious issues affecting the community, such as addiction, bullying, and domestic violence while also striking a balance between ads and editorial content, ensuring that important stories are given the spotlight. They feature wedding pages and promote charity events, partnering with nonprofits in the area. Greenwich Magazine also supports local restaurants and organizes Restaurant Week to showcase the town's culinary scene. They address current trends, including the impact of social media, and provide resources for the community. Additionally, they celebrate Greenwich's history and upcoming events, keeping readers informed and engaged.