Stamford, CT June 2023

Helping people is our passion.

The SK Homes Team at Compass, led by Principal agent Suzette Kraus, brings 20+ years of expertise and knowledge to buyers and sellers across Fairfield and Westchester counties. Since the team’s launch in 2020, the SK Homes Team has helped over 130 families get to their new beginnings.

Suzette Kraus

SK Homes Team at Compass

suzette.kraus@compass.com

M: 914.582.2551 | O: 203.309.6712 skhomesteam.com | compass.com

THE WORLD’S #1 IN ORTHOPEDICS TEAMS UP WITH STAMFORD HEALTH

HSS, the world's #1 in orthopedics according to Newsweek, is proud to team up with Stamford Health to bring the most comprehensive musculoskeletal care to Connecticut. Our industry-leading experts are here for you from diagnosis, non-surgical and surgical orthopedic treatment options, through post-operative care. Now you can get back to moving better and doing what you love, sooner.

Scan to learn more or visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

Most major insurance plans accepted.

Letter from the Editor

I have lived in many places throughout my life, but I have always appreciated calling Stamford my home. Born and raised in this community yet having New York City as a backyard playground, makes this an ideal foundation for having the best of both worlds.

Stamford represents the best of two worlds – those native and those that have chosen to live here. We value the beautiful nature that surrounds us – from hiking in oak forests to the sands of Long Island Sound. We have a plethora of entertainment, variety of cuisine, museums and shopping. We have quality in education for all levels. We have history.

For this first issue of Stamford Lifestyle, we spotlight some of the women who have helped make Stamford exceptional. Women are the original creators. Whether we are birthing children, businesses, art or ideas, we are creators that are diverse and inclusive.

In this issue, we’ve included a mere sampling of the amazing women contributing to the quality of living in Stamford. Over the coming months we look forward to meeting and sharing and spotlighting so many more.

Also included are some great suggestions for celebrating the father-figure in your life. Stamford truly has so much to offer.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for taking this journey together. I invite you to share your opinions and suggestions. And I ask that you support our advertisers. Let them know that you saw them in Stamford City Lifestyle.

LAURIE A. GUZDA, EDITOR @STAMFORDCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Marty Shapiro | marty.shapiro@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

PJ Kennedy | pj.kennedy@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Todd Kosakowski

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Angela Strassheim, Heart Stone Photo

Wah Studio, HappyHaHaPhotography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Thank you to all of my Founding Partners.

Marty Shapiro Stamford City Lifestyle Publisher Agora Day Spa agoradayspact.com

Audio Help Hearing audiohelphearing.com/locations/stamford

Barkbusters barkbusters.com

Coldwell Banker | Linda Sorbo lindalsorbo.com

Columbus Park Trattoria columbusparktrattoria.com

Compass | Suzette Kraus compass.com/agents/suzette-kraus

Cycle Bar cyclebar.com/location/stamford

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits deutschfamily.com

Exercise Solution exercisesolution.com

Farmhouse At The Crossroads farmhouseatthecrossroads.com

Greenwich Med Spa greenwichmedicalspa.com

Hanna & Mazer Dental Group hannaandmazerdental.com

Imported Cars Of Stamford King School kingschoolct.org

Nagi Jewelers nagijewelers.com

Nikki Glekas Collective nikkiglekascollective.com

Orchestra Lumos orchestralumos.org

Restore Hyper Wellness restore.com

RPM Raceway rpmraceway.com

Sign Of The Whale signofthewhalect.com

Stamford Anti-Aging & Weight Loss Center stamfordantiaging.com

Stamford Museum & Nature Center stamfordmuseum.org

Stamford Senior Center stamfordseniorct.org

The Primping Place theprimpingplace.com

U And I Art Deco uandideco.com

UConn Stamford stamford.uconn.edu

Young Dermatology youngskinmed.com

Zody’s 19th Hole zodys19thhole.com

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @stamfordcitylifestylemagazine

1: Mayor Simmons along with Stamford Downtown and dignitaries break ground for Pickleball America. 2-3: Stamford Chamber of Commerce Event. 4: Lynne Colatrella and Marissa Rogo of Stamford Downtown with Trevor Noah. 5: Palace Theater Director Michael Moran with Trevor Noah. 6: Trevor Noah at The Palace. 7: Trevor Noah performs to a full house at The Palace Theater.

WAHSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

WAHSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

WAHSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

WAHSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF PJ KENNEDY, HEY STAMFORD!

PHOTO COURTESY OF PJ KENNEDY, HEY STAMFORD!

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Women's Business Development Council

The Women's Business Development Council is an excellent resource in providing the training and education necessary for women to launch and scale their businesses.

Women’s Business Development Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing the tools and resources to help women thrive in business. They believe that when desire, education, and preparation come together, opportunities are created, ideas are ignited, and economies are expanded. ctwbdc.org

The Alliance Center

The Alliance Center is the only holistic maternal mental health center of its kind in the area. We specialize exclusively in the needs of new and expectant parents through an integrative lens. Because our leadership team is made up of social workers, we are focused not only on individual challenges but also on the structural and systemic issues that create barriers to healing. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality care.  TheAllianceCenterCT.com

Glekas Collective

Our events go above and beyond! I’m passionate about attention to detail and wowing every client by bringing their vision to life. I love every second of producing an event, which shows when you see the finished product. My enthusiasm and energy are contagious – everyone on my team feels it. Our food establishments consistently serve only the highest quality fresh food, everything we make is based on healthy, delicious Mediterranean cuisine. NikkiGlekasCollective.com

Nikki

Suzette Kraus

My focus is on my client's best interests, and to provide the highest level of experience. Even in a seller's market, I look to identify opportunities to increase value in order to sell at the TOP of the price range. My specialty is staging and I offer this service to every seller. I’m also fortunate to be able to offer Compass Concierge, a free loan, to enable sellers to make repairs and minor improvements. suzette.kraus@compass.com

Julie Gabay – Pacific Cycling & Triathlon

My biggest joy is the process of selling bikes and forming relationships with customers. We know how overwhelming shopping/fixing a bike can be so we simplify the process.

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

When starting a business, figure out what your strengths are, and delegate the rest if you can. This is not always possible because when you start up a business you literally have to do everything but eventually you learn!

Maryellen VelahosCenter for Acupuncture & Traditional Medicine

Women’s health issues are often multi-faceted and complex.  The typical medical model has a specialist for each seemingly unrelated symptom.  In my practice, I first, listen to what is being reported, observe what and who is in front of me, and then formulate a plan to treat each woman as a whole while still addressing the symptoms she has presented.  I strive to be an excellent practitioner of acupuncture & Chinese medicine. velahos.com

in 1875 and nestled between Old Long Ridge Road and New Long Ridge Road, The Farmhouse at the Crossroads is a celebration of almost 150 years of old and new cuisines, traditions, and culture.

Wendy King PhillipsInterlude Home

Finding inspiration in nature.

Wendy King Phillips, Creative Director of Interlude Home, Muses on a Typical Day in the Life of her Design World and Why Fashion, Architecture and Global Culture are an Endless Source of Inspiration.

People often ask me how I ended up in the design world.  I first started out in the fashion industry, with stints at Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine. I realized that my love of fashion and style reflected well in interior and furniture design, and I moved on to my second act – which is now Interlude Home, a fashion-infused, modern home decor brand featuring sleek silhouettes and rich textures. But if I really think back, my love for interiors and furniture started long before.  When I was growing up I constantly redecorated my room, moving furniture around with abandon and loving every minute of it. When I met my

husband Carl, CEO of Interlude Home, and I started traveling with him, I began to insert my opinion and slowly he started listening. I incorporate my love of fashion coalesced with my love of interior design in my role as Creative Director of the company.

In imagining and creating our collections, I look to fashion, architecture and global culture for inspiration, and as I write I’m actually sitting in Hoi An, Vietnam. We arrived here after Bangkok, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi where we traveled with friends. It was a trip planned for March 2020 which was canceled when the world shut down and we finally made it. I’ve learned more on this trip than in all the years of history classes. The inspiration has been unreal, from the French Colonial architecture, Angkor Wat and the temples, the rocky islands of Ha Long Bay, the

Wendy King Phillips

Ankor Wat

Photo: WKP

local craftsman, the habitat, I could go on and on.  I adore traveling the world and am so lucky it’s part of my job. Aside from my travels through Asia, when people ask me where I go for inspiration my answer always seems to be Paris, which really offers it all. The inspiration is endless, as are the croissants!

Right now, we are preparing to debut one of Interlude Home's biggest launches to date.  Our new IH Naturals Collection will come out this April -- this new extensive collection will exude Interlude Home's signature contemporary style with a new casual, resort chic vibe. Design details include rattan, sisal, grass cloth and wood, along with a myriad of new finishes designed to work seamlessly with their overall aesthetic. A typical day for me starts with emails, usually something from my husband, Carl.  He’s up earlier than I am and is communicating with Asia.

If I’m in the office, we have a creative team meeting where we review marketing plans, go over deadlines and always leave open time to brainstorm which is one of my favorite things to do. I always take time to look at fashion, interior and travel destinations for inspiration, talk to PR and Social teams, and check-in with the showrooms. If furniture samples have arrived, we go over them with a fine tooth comb and plan introductions. Then, it’s back to emails and follow-up.

I think what Interlude Home does better than anyone is have a point of view and stick to it. We feature textured neutrals and believe in the calm sanctuary they provide. Secondly, we have an amazing Luxury Quick Ship program where you pick your upholstery style, pick a fabric and it’s out the door three weeks later. And, lastly, we design our furniture to go seamlessly with our upholstery so everything works beautifully together. We’re also known for our vast selection of dining chairs.

We just worked on a really fun collaboration with Rayman Boozer that juxtaposed the neutrality of Interlude Home with Rayman’s signature vibrance. What I’m thinking about next is asking a handful of Interior Designers to design their favorite IH chair and showcase them in an art gallery. Then, of course, have a cocktail party “opening”!

Paris Photo: LAGuzda

Young Monks Ankor Thom Photo: LAGuzda

ELLEN KRINICK PORTO

A Labor of Love

For forty years Ellen Krinick Porto has been helping to birth babies as a Labor and Delivery RNC with Stamford Hospital. When asked how many babies she has helped to deliver, Ellen’s response is “A small New England town?”

Not having an exact number, it’s safe to say it’s thousands. The other half of this equation is Ellen’s brilliant sense of humor. Audiences have delighted in Ellen’s performances throughout Fairfield County.

Originally from Hamden, CT, Ellen’s mother was a nurse. “She’s the most amazing person I know” beams Ellen as she talks about her mom. “I grew up with it, it was a natural choice.”

The acting, dancing, theatre and comedy came from her dad. Ellen was fortunate enough to have a forward-thinking theater program while in high school. They were studying Uta Hagen in ninth grade.

Ellen’s first two years of nursing were in Oncology. Questioning her career choice, Ellen met Suzanne Ortez, a midwife, while at Hartford Hospital in 1984. Ellen was inspired. She applied and was accepted to Emory University in Atlanta for their midwifery program. They recommended that she consider a year in Labor and Delivery for some experience beforehand. She did and she never left. Ellen had found her place in the world.

“There’s an art form in the physicality of labor”

Always Patsy Cline with Lynne Colatrella and Ralph Pastore

Ellen’s first show at The Ethel Kweskin Theater was Thurber’s Carnival, directed by Tony Sherer (known for his role in Trading Places with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.) That was around 1984. Since then she has graced the stage numerous times most recently as Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret. Her other favorite roles include Charity and Love Letters.

“There’s an art form in the physicality of labor” explains Ellen. “I enjoy keeping the mood light, funny – in one of life’s most precious moments. I like to joke that there’s a two-drink minimum and an entertainment tax added to the bill.” That sense of humor along with her incredible work ethic and deep compassion has brought great comfort to so many families.

Ellen is retiring at the end of this month. Twelve to fourteen-hour shifts on your feet, barely time to go to the bathroom, much less eat, takes a toll on your body. Ellen will miss her nurse sisterhood . They are a family. She will greatly miss the people, creativity, love and friendship.

What’s next for Ellen? More theater for sure. Ellen has never done a drama. She has done many comedies, dark comedies and deep, rich characters for musicals, but never a true dramatic role. The challenge of balancing work and weekends is no longer an obstacle. We will see more of Ellen on stage.

But the true gift of retirement for Ellen is time dedicated as co-chair for Perinatal Bereavement. They provide social outreach, emotional, physical support to families who have lost a child or a stillborn. Ellen explains, “If you lose a spouse, you’re a widow. If you lose your parents, you’re an orphan. That’s natural. There’s no word for when you lose a child.” This program is near and dear to her heart.

After forty years it does not come as surprise for Ellen to find herself working next to an anesthesiologist that she helped to deliver. And more often she finds herself delivering babies of babies she delivered.

A special moment for Ellen was one time, while taking her son to the doctor, a woman sitting across in the waiting room recognized her. Ellen had assisted in her difficult delivery. The woman told Ellen that she too became a nurse because of her and that experience.

A mother, wife, nurse, actor, friend. The many pieces that make up the whole of Ellen… she’s hysterically funny and truly one of the most thoughtful, compassionate and kind people you will ever meet. The world needs more Ellens.

As Fraulein Schneider in Curtain Call's "Cabaret

Photo Credit: Kevin McNair Photography

“If you lose a spouse, you’re a widow. If you lose your parents, you’re an orphan. That’s natural. There’s no word for when you lose a child.” This program is near and dear to her heart.”

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

SPOIL HIM WITH BREAKFAST IN BED

Breakfast in bed isn’t just for Mother’s Day. Dads can enjoy it too! Whip up some of his favorite brunch treats and start Father’s Day off the right way.

06 09

HAVE A WINE AND PAINT NIGHT

Sign up for an artistic experience at a local wine and paint shop so Dad can let his creative side show and you can have a custom piece of art for years to come.

TACKLE A TASK TOGETHER

Is Dad a hands-on guy? Why not spend the day constructing a tree house or painting a birdhouse? Or better yet, help him organize the garage or start a garage redesign.

DO A FITNESS CLASS TOGETHER

Consider signing him up for a fitness class together. Whether he likes cycling, boxing or HIIT, encourage him to be adventurous and try something new.

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FIRE UP THE BACKYARD GRILL

There’s no greater way to get to a Dad’s heart than the word “barbecue”. Grab extravagant meats like a rack of ribs or wagyu beef burgers and go to town.

CONSTRUCT SOMETHING OUT OF LEGOS

Harken back to Dad’s childhood with a specialty kit of legos. Embark on a family project of helping Dad build models of favorite movie props like the Death Star or Hogwarts castle.

HAVE AN OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

07 10 11 13

COOK SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS

If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 1ST

Greenwich Medical Spa

Grand Re-Opening Celebration

1285 E. PUTNAM AVENUE IN THE RIVERSIDE COMMONS

SHOPPING CENTER | 9:00 AM

Greenwich Medical Spa is excited to host our Grand Re-Opening Celebration on June 1st. Join us at our flagship location, 1285 E. Putnam Avenue in the Riverside Commons Shopping Center. Enjoy live music by Greenwich local Dj April Larkin, lite bites, refreshments, entertainment, live treatment demonstrations, $30,000 in raffle prizes and much more!

JUNE 4TH

Bark in the Park

LATHAM PARK, STAMFORD

DOWNTOWN | 11:00 AM

A special day for our four-legged friends! All friendly, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome! The event is FREE. Please consider a cash or item donation for animals in need to be distributed between the participating rescue groups. Suggested items include: Canned Food, Pill Pockets, Chew toys, martingale collars, frontline, heartgard and leashes.

JUNE 10TH

Arts & Crafts on Bedford

BEDFORD STREET, STAMFORD

DOWNTOWN | 10:00 AM

Shop one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods made by local and regional artists. Bedford Street restaurants will be offering extended outdoor patio cafés.  Fun for kids too! Check out the Imagination Station in Latham Park featuring fun activities for kids!

Congratulations

JUNE 10TH Farmers Market Saturdays

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK (130 ATLANTIC STREET) | 9:00 AM

Shop our weekly farmers market offers a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers.  You’ll also find breads, jams, baked goods, cheeses, oils and more!  Straight from the farm to your home! We proudly accept WIC & SNAP. The market runs every Saturday through October.

JUNE 10TH

Chess in Latham Park

LATHAM PARK | 1:00 PM

Improve your game, learn new skills, talk with the masters and meet other chess fans. Free and open to all ages and skill levels. Games are first come, first serve. Facilitated by the National Educational Chess Association.  Through September 9th -  weather permitting.

JUNE 15TH

Duck, Duck, Goose!

STAMFORD DOWNTOWN | 1:00 PM Duck, Duck, Goose! in Stamford Downtown is an interactive sculpture exhibit, similar to past exhibits: Space Invasion, Dinosaurs Rule and Horsin’ Around. Local and regional artists created 24 fiberglass ducks and 1 goose that will be displayed throughout Stamford Downtown June through August, 2023. The exhibit will captivate the imagination of young and old alike.

JUNE 24TH

Brews on Bedford

LATHAM PARK | 1:00 PM

Enjoy sampling beer from a variety of local, regional and national craft breweries. In addition to great beer, the event will offer live music, lawn games and local food vendors.

A 100-seat planetarium theatre a roll-back roof observation deck with lunar and solar telescopes state-of-the-art science technology a welcoming lobby gallery … scenic outdoor terraces two school and community program classrooms an elevator and ADA compliant facilities astronomy and technology offices all accessed by a walk in the woods.

We just broke ground on our Planetarium & Astronomy Center!

We’re sharing our Phase II vision and plans with you, our Stamford friends and neighbors, first.

Scan our QR code or visit stamfordmuseum.org/phase2 for more, including a full deck of schematics.

SM&NC NORTH CAMPUS : PLANETARIUM & ASTRONOMY CENTER AND FARMHOUSE

Our Phase I Knobloch Family Farmhouse was opened to the community on time and on budget in 2018.

Future Generations

The Campaign

Publisher meet the

New beginnings ... that’s been my theme since I arrived in Stamford last June. New beginnings ... both personally and professionally. Me and my 15-year-old “puppy” began a new chapter of our lives last summer, and I have fallen in love with Stamford and the people I have met.

Professionally, I have taken on the challenge of bringing a new, monthly publication to this energized city, and plan on making Stamford City Lifestyle a staple of the community.

Personally, I am a very proud father of three amazing kids - Maxx, Spencer, Marissa - and my furry friend, Duke. I love all sports, played baseball in college, and am an avid Yankees fan. I have explored many of the beautiful hiking trails in the area, began kayaking and paddleboarding, and still love a stroll through Central Park. I have also experienced some amazing local bands at venues throughout Stamford and Fairfield County. And ... I love a great cup of coffee!

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, and I encourage your feedback on Stamford City Lifestyle!

Marty Shapiro