On Saturday, April 18, from 3:00–7:00 PM, Katonah Art Walk visitors will
experience the unveiling of a dynamic new mural created by teen artists from Artists For
Humanity NYC (AFH NYC). Installed in the parking lot of the Katonah Reading Room, the
mural transforms an everyday space into a bold expression of creativity, color, and community
spirit. The mural was commissioned by Gretchen Menzies, owner of the Katonah Reading
Room, whose vision for the space embraces art, beauty, inclusivity, and community engagement.
By partnering with AFH NYC, Menzies has brought an innovative, youth-driven creative project
to the heart of Katonah.
This project highlights the extraordinary talent cultivated within AFH NYC—a nonprofit
organization, based in Bushwick, NY , dedicated to employing and empowering city teens
through paid work in art and design. The mural, conceptualized and executed by AFH NYC teen
artists, embodies the organization’s core belief that young people are not just the future of art and
culture—they are actively shaping it now, in the present.
The Katonah Reading Room installation brings AFH’s signature vibrancy to Katonah, infusing
the space with joyful, colorful energy while demonstrating the transformative power of
youth-driven public art. Known for turning overlooked or underutilized spaces into meaningful
visual experiences, AFH projects are both aesthetically compelling and socially impactful. To
Menzies, this project, from its inception, was meaningful at every touch point: “At the heart of
this project is connection and community. The project was born out of a conversation during our
weekly Paint Break between me and AFH NYC board member Christina Lunny, and an idea
immediately took wings to bring the Reading Room and the AFH team together. With the help of
some equally excited benefactors we were able to make this collaboration a reality. We are SO
excited to bring this project to Katonah and immerse the community in beauty, while supporting
artists and students in getting their work into the world.”
What sets AFH apart from traditional arts nonprofits is its unique employment-based model.
Teens are not volunteers or participants—they are paid artists working on real commissions for
real clients. This model not only validates their creative contributions but also provides economic
opportunity, mentorship, and pathways to future careers in the arts and beyond. The partnership between AFH NYC and Katonah is a natural fit. Katonah has long been
recognized as an inclusive, vibrant, art-loving community that celebrates creativity in all its
forms. Through Menzies’ leadership and vision, this collaboration further strengthens the town’s
and The Katonah Reading Room’s commitment to supporting emerging voices and fostering
cultural connection.
The mural will serve as both a visual art piece for the Art Walk and an impactful reminder of
What’s possible when communities invest in young talent.
Event Details
What: AFH NYC Teen Mural Unveiling
When: Saturday, April 18, 3:00–7:00 PM
Where: Katonah Reading Room Rear Parking Lot, Katonah, NY
In Conjunction With: Katonah Art Walk
For event questions, please contact Gretchen Menzies at g@katonahbooks.com or Christina
Lunny at cvlunny@aol.com.
For more information about Artists For Humanity NYC or to inquire about future collaborations,
Please contact: Rich Frank
[rfrank@afhboston.org]
Our Greenwich Real Estate partner Julie Grace Burke filled me in on all the scoop today!!!! There is a quiet but unmistakable shift happening across Greenwich—and it’s one that is redefining the landscape of this traditionally single-family–focused market. A new wave of multi-family development is taking shape, bringing fresh inventory, modern design, and a new layer of opportunity to one of the most sought-after towns in the tri-state area.
A New Chapter for Greenwich Real Estate
From projects already rising out of the ground to those navigating approvals through Planning and Zoning, Greenwich is experiencing a meaningful period of growth. The 2026 Multi-Family Housing Report captures this moment in full, offering a comprehensive look at every significant residential development that is approved, underway, or proposed across town.
Among the standout names are Benedict Court and Chilston Court—two developments that signal both scale and intention. These projects are not simply about adding units; they represent a broader evolution in how Greenwich is thinking about housing, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
What’s Driving the Surge?
At the center of this movement is Connecticut’s 8-30g statute, a state law designed to encourage the development of affordable housing in towns where it is limited. While often debated, its impact is undeniable—it has accelerated approvals and opened the door for developers to bring multi-family projects to areas that historically resisted higher-density housing.
This has created a ripple effect:
- Increased housing diversity, appealing to young professionals, downsizers, and those seeking a more turnkey lifestyle
- Modern amenities and design are elevating the standard of new construction across the board
- Strategic location choices, often centered around walkability, transit access, and proximity to Greenwich Avenue
Where It’s Happening
The activity is not isolated to one pocket of town. Instead, it is thoughtfully dispersed, with developments appearing in areas that balance residential charm with accessibility. From central Greenwich to emerging corridors, each project contributes to a broader reimagining of how people can live within the community.
This distribution is key—it allows Greenwich to evolve without losing the character that has long defined it.
Why It Matters
For buyers, sellers, and investors alike, understanding this wave of development is essential. More inventory introduces new price points, new competition, and new opportunities. It also signals where the market is heading.
For longtime residents, it offers a glimpse into the future of Greenwich—one that blends tradition with thoughtful growth.
And for those looking to enter the market, it presents something that has historically been rare here: choice.
The Bigger Picture
Greenwich has always been synonymous with luxury, privacy, and timeless appeal. What we are seeing now is not a departure from that identity, but rather an expansion of it.
These new developments are adding a modern layer to a classic town—creating spaces that reflect how people want to live today, without compromising the elegance and prestige that define Greenwich.
Explore the Full Report
For a deeper dive into every project, including locations, timelines, and approvals, you can view the full 2026 Multi-Family Housing Report here:
👉 Team JGB Market Insights Blog
This report offers a valuable, detailed look at what’s being built, where it’s happening, and why it matters—giving you a true insider perspective on the future of Greenwich real estate.
There’s something undeniably romantic about lace in the spring—it feels like the sartorial equivalent of the first warm breeze after a long winter. This season, lace is stepping out in fresh, modern ways, moving beyond the expected into silhouettes that feel effortless, feminine, and quietly statement-making. From delicate eyelet day dresses to intricately layered blouses paired with tailored trousers, lace is no longer reserved for special occasions—it’s becoming an everyday luxury. Whether styled crisp and polished for daytime or softened with flowing fabrics for evening, lace offers a timeless way to embrace the lightness and beauty of the season ahead.
From Left to Right:
Top:
Bottom:
One of the things I love most about the NS Lifestyles community is how curious, adventurous, and globally minded our readers are. From Palm Beach to Paris, from the Hamptons to the Amalfi Coast, travel has always been part of the lifestyle we celebrate here.
That’s why I’m so excited to introduce our newest travel partner, Katherine Bitterman Hazan, a luxury travel advisor who specializes in creating deeply personalized journeys for travelers who want something truly extraordinary.
For those of us who believe that travel should feel magical, Katherine is exactly the person you want planning your next adventure.
A Global Traveler Turned Expert Travel Advisor
Based in New York, Katherine has spent years exploring the world and transforming that firsthand experience into beautifully curated travel itineraries. Her philosophy is simple: every trip should reflect the traveler’s personality, interests, and dreams — not just a standard itinerary.
Whether it’s hiking along Bhutan’s historic Trans Bhutan Trail, sailing through the Galápagos Islands, discovering hidden boutique hotels in Italy, or planning the perfect Paris escape, Katherine draws from real travel experiences to craft journeys that feel personal, immersive, and unforgettable.
Her specialties include:
• Luxury travel
• Boutique hotel experiences
• Adventure travel
• Safari and wildlife journeys
• Cultural travel
• Unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations
For NS Lifestyles readers who value beautiful hotels, thoughtful planning, and insider access, this is exactly the kind of travel expertise that elevates a trip from great to truly extraordinary.
Katherine works with Fora Travel, a modern luxury travel agency that connects travelers to exclusive partnerships and preferred hotel programs around the world.
That means when you book with Katherine, your trip often includes benefits travelers typically cannot access on their own, such as:
✨ Complimentary room upgrades when available
✨ Daily breakfast at luxury hotels
✨ Resort or spa credits
✨ VIP welcome amenities
✨ Priority reservations and curated experiences
In other words, Katherine doesn’t just book the trip — she enhances the entire experience.
Extraordinary Trips, Designed Around You
One of the things that impressed me most about Katherine is her ability to design both iconic luxury trips and truly unique adventures.
Some of the experiences she can help plan include:
• A Northern Lights adventure in Norway
• A cultural hiking journey through Bhutan
• A private safari in Botswana or Tanzania
• A boutique hotel tour through Italy or France
• A Caribbean escape at one of the world’s most beautiful resorts
Her goal is simple: to design travel that tells your story.
And in today’s world of overwhelming travel options, having a trusted advisor who truly understands luxury travel is invaluable.
Travel has always been one of the most requested topics from our readers. Whether you’re planning:
• a milestone anniversary trip
• a multi-generational family vacation
• a honeymoon or special celebration
• or simply a perfectly planned European summer
Working with someone who has insider knowledge and global connections makes all the difference.
Katherine brings exactly that — along with warmth, creativity, and an authentic love for helping people experience the world in meaningful ways.
Start Planning Your Next Trip ✈️
If you’re dreaming about your next destination, Katherine would love to help design something unforgettable.
NS Lifestyles readers are invited to connect with Katherine to begin planning their next adventure.
👉 Learn more and contact Katherine here:
https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/katherine-bitterman-hazan
From bucket-list journeys to perfectly planned getaways, the best trips start with the right travel advisor.
And with Katherine Bitterman Hazan, your next adventure is just beginning. 🌍✨
If you’re hosting Easter this year and want that effortlessly polished, magazine-worthy table without the stress, the Easter Table Bundle from Piece of Cake Party is exactly the kind of shortcut we love at NS Lifestyles.
Designed with entertaining in mind, this curated bundle takes the guesswork out of styling your table. Instead of sourcing plates, napkins, and décor piece by piece, everything is thoughtfully coordinated for you—creating a cohesive, elevated look that feels both festive and refined.
Easter entertaining is all about celebrating spring and gathering with family and friends, and a beautiful table truly sets the tone. Think soft pastels, charming seasonal motifs, and layered textures that instantly make guests feel welcomed. Even the simplest brunch feels special when the table is styled with intention.
What makes this bundle especially appealing is its ease. It allows you to focus on the menu, your guests, and the moment—while still delivering that “wow” factor when everyone sits down. Because the reality is, the table often becomes just as memorable as the meal itself.
NS Lifestyles Tip
Pair your table bundle with fresh tulips, a few decorative eggs, or a simple floral centerpiece to bring everything to life. It’s those final touches that make the setting feel personal—and unmistakably yours.
Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. With a curated bundle like this, Easter entertaining becomes effortless, elegant, and exactly what it should be: joyful. For more information or to order the bundle, click HERE!!!
As Easter approaches, there’s a certain joy in dressing for the occasion—something light, polished, and effortlessly celebratory. This season, J.McLaughlin delivers exactly that with their newest arrivals, offering a fresh take on timeless spring style.
Think soft pastels, vibrant florals, and beautifully tailored silhouettes that feel both classic and current. Whether you’re attending a garden brunch, hosting a family gathering, or heading to church, these pieces strike that perfect balance between refined and relaxed. There’s an ease to the collection—polished without trying too hard—that makes getting dressed for Easter feel as joyful as the day itself
From breezy dresses that move with you to crisp separates that can be styled again and again, these new arrivals are designed for real life, with just the right touch of elegance. It’s the kind of wardrobe refresh that carries you seamlessly from Easter Sunday into the rest of the spring season.
Here are the items pictured above…
This cardigan looks like a tweed blazer but fits like a cardigan. I love the blue color.
I love the colors in the Paisley skirt.
This blouse would look amazing with white pants or jeans. Great summer staple.
I bought this zebra dress and the colors are so great. The photo does not do it justice.
But maybe you would prefer the top….
I love this dress too..the colors are fabulous.
Here is the Pasley print in a dress….Perfection!!!
I bought these pants too..the colors are beautiful…
Here are 4 more blouses I love…