HELLORIVINGTON!Celebrating Community& New Beginnings
WELCOME LETTERTHE RIVINGTON CURRENTMay 2026 | Volume 1, Issue 1Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Rivington Current.Rivington is more than a neighborhood — it’s a vibrantcommunity filled with stories, talents, businesses, andconnections waiting to be shared. Created as anindependent, modern online magazine, The RivingtonCurrent serves as your central hub for staying informed andengaged.Here, you’ll find clear updates on community happenings,coverage of group activities with photos, resident spotlights,and a comprehensive calendar of events — all in oneconvenient place. You’ll also discover new ways to getinvolved and support local and resident-owned businessesthat help our community thrive.Beyond neighborhood news, we curate relevant andinteresting articles tailored to our residents — from lifestylefeatures to practical insights — designed to inform, inspire,and add value to everyday life. Our goal is not only to keepyou updated, but to help you discover the area together,experience more of what makes it unique, and we hope tobring you a bit of joy and happiness along the way.Designed with a clean, welcoming style, this publicationbrings everything together in one easy-to-navigate space.Our mission is simple: strengthen connections, celebratewhat makes Rivington special, and provide a reliable platformthat serves every resident.This is your community. This is your voice. Welcome to TheRivington Current.Linda and LauraLinda TesonePublisher and Executive EditorLaura AdamExecutive Director of OperationsThis publication is independently owned by RivingtonMediaLLC and not affiliated with any Rivington HOAor Toll Brothers. RivingtonMedia LLCJoseph R. Tesone Lisa Jones HanrattyFounder Founder
contents / featuresThe Quiet Power of aGrandmother’s LoveTHE RIVINGTON CURRENTClubhouse Roundup Patio Gardening for SmallSpacesMemorial Day Events / PoolOpeningThe Benefits of WalkingHandyman Mike’s CornerTerra Restaurant Review
THE QUIET POWER OF AGRANDMOTHER’S LOVEByLINDA TESONEThere is a rare kind of love in this world—one that doesn’t seek applause or spotlight. It doesn’t need top billing to befelt. It is steady, deeply rooted, and everlasting. It is the love of a grandmother.A Love That Feels Like HomeA grandmother’s love is a gentle blend of wisdom, grace, and unconditional acceptance. It is the kind of warmth thatwraps around you like home—familiar, comforting, and safe. Quiet in its presence yet powerful in its impact, she isthe matriarch, the soft strength that holds generations together. Through her, you inherit more than traditions andcherished stories. You learn how to love without limits, how to forgive with grace, and how to stand firm withtenderness.Always in Your CornerShe knows—almost instinctively—when you need a hug, a listening ear without judgment, or a small, thoughtfulcomfort.“Banana bread made just for you, my love.” She carries your joys and sorrows as if they were her own. Shecelebrates your victories with pride and gently reminds you that every challenge is shaping you into who you aremeant to become. She sees your strength even when you cannot. She believes in your endless potential. She adoresyou.THE RIVINGTON CURRENT
The Legacy We LeaveAs grandmothers, we may not always witnesshow deeply our love takes root. Yet it quietlyweaves itself into our grandchildren’s hearts. Itshapes how safe they feel, how deeply theybelong, and how freely they give love in return.We are blessed with four children and ninegrandchildren, and through them, our lovecontinues—carried forward in laughter, inlessons, and in the values we hold dear.Rich in LovePerfection is not the requirement. Presence is.Patience is. Love is. My mother used to say shewas a millionaire because she was rich in love.That is the truest wealth of all. May ourgrandchildren always feel that same abundance—loved beyond measure, cherished beyondwords, and supported every step of their lives.THE RIVINGTON CURRENT
MONTHLYCLUBHOUSEROUNDUPSEach month we will cover our residentled clubhouse groups and their latestupdates
Tony ZaccardoEtta Kantor Liz CastorePICKLEBALL MAH JONGGTENNISTony ZaccardoBOCCERUMMI QTHE RIVINGTON CURRENTMike SchnepfPOKER347-899-1731MIKEYFIOS@YAHOO.COM845-656-1692203-940-1801TZACCARDO1@GMAIL.COM203-984-0883ETTAKANTOR@[email protected]@GMAIL.COMEtta Kantor
Jane SmithZUMBA203-984-0883Jane SmithMAT PILATES203-984-0883CHAIR YOGAJane Smith203-984-0883Jane SmithAEROBICS203-984-0883Giovanni TripodiBILLIARDS914-275-1951THE RIVINGTON CURRENT
ByContainer Gardening 101First thing I did was invest in a raisedgarden bed. One of the many benefits ofthese beds is how efficient they are withspace. Another advantage is that they offer superior soil control, improveddrainage, fewer weeds, and higher yields.Next, I got some felt container pots. Theycome in a variety of sizes, anywhereranging from 5 to 10 gallons. They areexcellent for tomatoes promoting airpruning for healthier roots, superiordrainage, and portability. They also preventroot circling, allowing for more vigorousgrowth.PATIO GARDENINGFOR SMALL SPACESCreate a Gorgeous Garden AnywhereGrowing up I always looked forward tohome grown summer tomatoes. I couldn’tcontain my excitement when my dadwould say the tomatoes were ripe andready to eat. I would stare in awe of thesebeautiful fruits and vegetables we grewfrom seed.Needless to say, when I moved to a spacewithout a yard I had to get creative with mygardening. I have a north facing deck thatdoesn’t get much sunlight in the latemorning or afternoon. However I wasn’tgoing to let that stop me.When to PlantA good rule of thumb is to plant two weeksafter the last frost, which in our area istypically late April or early May. With the helpof my daughter we took the cherry tomatoeseeds and planted them in the felt containers.From there we place the containers in an areaof our deck that had adequate sun. Then wemade sure to water them every morning. Thisensured that there was maximum moistureabsorption, reduced water loss toevaporation, and minimizes disease risk byallowing leaves to dry quickly.The Art of ArrangementThe last step was to get a companion plant forthe tomatoes. Basil is a wonderful companionplant for tomatoes. It can help to repel pestsand when planted next to each other canpromote better production.Herbs are also another great plant for smallspaces. You can start them inside on awindowsill where there is plently of sun.One way to enusre a full and healthy plant is toregularly snip them to encourage bushiergrowth. With the right amount of sun, soil, water andlove our patio garden thrived. In just a few shortmonths the tomatoes were ripe and ready topick. Along with the basil, I was able to savor theflavors of summer into the fall.THE RIVINGTON CURRENTLAURA ADAM
ByTERRA RESTAURANTREVIEWWhere Elevated Dining Meets EffortlessStyleTerra Restaurant, from the Z HospitalityGroup, delivers a dining experience inDanbury that feels both elevated andeffortlessly inviting. Tucked just oneminute down the hill inside Hotel Zero,Terra immediately sets the tone. From themoment you walk through the door, theManhattan‑styled ambiance and cool,modern vibe signal that this is a placedesigned for more than just dinner—it’smeant to be experienced. The room feelspolished without being pretentious, andthe warm welcome from the staff makessettling in feel natural and unforced.First Impressions: Style Meets ComfortThe atmosphere at Terra strikes a rarebalance—refined yet relaxed. Its sleek,urban aesthetic evokes the energy of adowntown Manhattan dining room whilemaintaining the warmth andapproachability that makes guests want tolinger. It’s the kind of setting that elevatesan ordinary evening out without everfeeling formal or forced.THE RIVINGTON CURRENTRobert FollieriOpening Sips & StartersWe began the evening with Terra’ssignature margaritas, which strike an idealbalance between bright citrus and asmooth finish. They’re confident cocktails —refreshing, well‑crafted, and easy tolinger over.Alongside them came the PEI mussels,served in a white wine garlic broth thatwas deeply aromatic and clean in flavor.The mussels themselves were succulentand impressively fresh, and the perfectlybaked crostini invited generous dipping,making this a starter that encouragessharing without distraction.The Pizza CourseNext up was the margarita wood‑firedpizza, a crowd‑pleasing classic executedwith care. The crust carried just the rightchar, the sauce was vibrant, and thebalance of cheese and basil kept it lightenough to complement what followedrather than compete with it.Standout EntréesFor the main course, we shared thebranzino, and it quickly became thestandout of the night. Perfectly crispy onthe outside and delicately tender within, itwas simply prepared and flawlesslycooked. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’trely on excess—just skill and respect forthe ingredient. Easily one of the bestbranzinos we’ve had, anywhere. The strip steak matched that standard,pan‑seared to perfection with a rich,savory flavor that spoke to quality sourcingand confident technique.
A Thoughtful Sweet FinishDessert brought the evening to a graceful closewith Terra’s olive oil cake. Light, moist, andsubtly complex, it complemented the mealrather than overwhelming it—a thoughtful finishto a well‑paced dinner.A Terrace Worth Returning ForAs the weather warms, the outdoor diningterrace becomes another reason to visit. Thespace is well‑appointed and serene, offering arelaxed setting that feels quietly removed fromthe bustle of the city.Terra Restaurant succeeds by blendingatmosphere, hospitality, and consistently strongexecution. It’s the kind of place that turns anordinary evening into a memorable night out.Terra has become one of our favorites—andwe believe once you try it, it will become one ofyours too.THE RIVINGTON CURRENT
Memorial DayWeekendEVENTSTHE RIVINGTON CURRENT Beginning Friday May 22 , the pools willbe open for the Summer season throughLabor Day.ndMonday, May 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.(starting from Jesse Lee Memorial Church).Includes a parade down Main Street followedby a ceremony at Ballard Park featuringveterans, bands, and local organizations.Parks around Candlewood Lake are set toopen this Memorial Day weekend, kicking offthe 2026 beach season with full staff andupgraded facilities. In Danbury, New Milford,New Fairfield, Brookfield and Sherman, townbeaches will operate through Labor Day withpasses required for entry.Aquila's Nest Vineyards, Memorial Dayweekend 2026 will feature a variety ofactivities, including live music, food trucks,and special themed events.CANDLEWOOD BEACH OPENINGRIVINGTON POOL OPENINGRIDGEFIELD MEMORIAL DAYPARADE & CEREMONYAQUILA NEST VINEYARDSThe Brookfield Historical Society hostsan annual Strawberry Festival inBrookfield, CT, following the town'sMemorial Day parade. The event takesplace in the museum's gardens,featuring local strawberry shortcake, livemusic, and antique car displaysBROOKFIELD STRAWBERRYFESTIVAL
If there is one thing that is undeniable about living in Rivington it is the ease of walking.With the accessibility of the sidewalks and beautiful scenic views you don’t need toleave the neighborhood to get in a good walk.The benefits of walking are endless but some of my favorites are boosting heart health,managing weight, improving mood and mental clarity, strengthening bones andmuscles, lowering risks for chronic diseases like diabetes, stroke, certain cancers,enhancing immune function, and improving sleep.The last couple of years I have seen all over social media the use of weighted vestsduring walks. I have incorporated a weighted vest over the last year and it has beengame changing. Rucking is not a new concept and is used in military training.Weighted vests have been shown to increase bone density, which we all need as weage.The resistance that weighted vestsprovide help to make your walks morechallenging. I have also noticed that myposture has improved from using it.One of the other amazing benefits ofwalking outdoors is the stress reductionfactor. Anytime I am having a problemthat I can’t solve I go for a walk. The walkalways helps to provide me with clarity.Listening to the birds chirping triggers ashift toward the parasympathetic nervoussystem, slowing the heart rate andrelaxing muscles.As we head towards summer and longerhours of daylight my favorite time to walkis after dinner. Just getting a ten minutewalk after a meal also helps to reduceblood sugar spikes and aids in digestion.Walking is the ultimate health hack. It’salso a great opportunity to meet up withfriends. Walking buddies are a great wayto hold yourself accountable.Next time you catch yourself in a mid dayslump, get those walking shoes on andget moving.THE RIVINGTON CURRENT THE BENEFITS OFWALKINGLAURA ADAM By
Spring• Replace HVAC filters and schedulesystem service• Test smoke and CO detectors;replace batteries• Deep clean kitchen and bathroomvents• Check under sinks and aroundtoilets for leaks• Clean windows, tracks, and blindsSummer• Run ceiling fans counterclockwisefor cooling• Inspect and clean dryer vents• Check A/C performance andthermostat settings• Wipe down baseboards andinterior doors• Declutter and organize storageareasFall• Reverse ceiling fans for heatingefficiency• Replace HVAC filters before heatingseason• Test all detectors again• Inspect caulking around tubs,showers, and sinks• Clean behind appliances andvacuum refrigerator coilsWinter• Check for drafts around windowsand outlets• Keep interior doors slightly openfor airflow• Run water occasionally in rarelyused faucets• Inspect pipes under sinks forcondensation or leaks• Clean and test humidifiers or airpurifiersHandyman Mike’s Seasonal Upkeep TipsFor Inside Your Rivington Home or Condo
For over thirty three years, Valbella has been a landmark in the Riverside section of Greenwich. This stately Victorian is an elegant venue for private parties, but one can also enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the three dining rooms, the wine cellar or on the patio amongst greenery, water features and fire wells. Our knowledgeable and courteous staff will be honored to make your dining experience a memorable one. RESTAURANT www.valbellagreenwich.com 1309 East Putnam Ave Greenwich, CT 06878 203.637.1155