Letter from the Editor
This month, our Pets and Kids issue, was so much fun! We worked hard to compile the most compelling and engaging content for you.
Pets. Seriously, how cute are the dogs we captured from Bark in the Park? We could have filled the whole issue with photos of cuteness! Angela Strassheim did an outstanding job capturing these images. I love the backdrop and the option to embellish with doggy accessories and attire. If you missed the event, you can contact Angela (www.AngelaStrassheim.com) and schedule a personal photo shoot.
Sarah Bamford introduces us to Sam Ramsdell, a community member of unusual talent… and a pet lover! Sarah also spotlights Stamford's K9 team - Officer John Gale and Knox.
I first learned about Kids Helping Kids through my friend Tom Chiapetta. Kids Helping Kids (KHK) aligns with the same philosophy and focus (as does sports) to empower youths with lessons they will carry throughout life. I was surprised that I had not heard of this worthy organization before. Then he told me that my goddaughter, Livia, was very involved. When I spoke to her about it, I was blown away by the scope of contributions that these kids are creating. It reminded me of the early days of Curtain Call and particularly in bringing back Summer Youth Theater. We created a youth board of directors to oversee the management of the program. It exceeded all expectations – and continues to do so.
KHK is a Stamford-based organization that really should be state-wide if not national! At the very least, they should have a presence throughout the entire local school system. Who is the best person to help make that happen?
And, speaking of amazing kids… we take a look at the King School Frog Project. I am so impressed with the students and their teacher, Mr. DeFelice. The passion and commitment is extraordinary. These students are articulate, enthusiastic, and dedicated in such a way that again, could have filled the entire issue with this one story!
My takeaway from this month’s issue is that Stamford continues to innovate, planting seeds for a continued and bright future.
Hope you are having an amazing summer!
LAURIE A.GUZDA, EDITOR
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com
AREA COORDINATOR
PJ Kennedy
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Eva Glassman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amelia Stone, Sarah Bamford, Daniel Pachter, Laurie A. Guzda
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Angela Strassheim, Jay Cohen, Bob Capazzo, Laurie A. Guzda, Marty Shapiro
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
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Pawsitively Perfect
King Students with Global Impact
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Greg
Riverbank Ramble organizer. 2:
Stamford Donates Over
to Lucky Dog Refuge and Boys & Girls Club. 3: Rebel Kicks closing out the Riverbank Ramble in North Stamford. 4: Music lovers enjoying the Riverbank Ramble. 5: Cycle Co is back and touring Stamford Downtown with Ron and Jacqui at the helm. 6: Governor Lamont and Mayor Simmons on hand for the ribbon-cutting to open Frank Pepe’s Pizza. 7: Stamford Chamber of Commerce celebrates the debut of the newly rebranded “Cingari Family Markets”
Werlinich,
Subaru
$75k
PJ KENNEDY
BOB CAPAZZO PHOTO
BOB CAPAZZO PHOTO
BOB CAPAZZO PHOTO
“La Gentilhommière” | Stamford, CT | $7,995,000 Listed by
Personal Spotlight
K9 Officer John Gale and Knox
Knox became a K9 officer when he was just 2 years old following a year of training at the Stamford Police Department. He is 1 of 5 specially trained K9 officers in Stamford and according to WebMD, in dog years Knox is about 50 years old. During his downtime, he loves to stay active with his family by hiking at West Beach or fishing at the Reservoir. His family loves having a police dog in the home and the kids say that it makes them feel protected.
Officer Jonathan Gale shares more information about his K9 partner.
WHAT IS KNOX SPECIALIZED IN?
Knox was trained to detect narcotics, clear a building, apprehend and track a human scent. Aside from police work, Knox is involved in community activities and regularly visits local schools. As a team, we also participate in the Stamford Police Department PAL Program which sponsors sports for kids ages 5-14.
HOW DOES KNOX KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO CLOCK OUT?
Police dogs are trained to stop working after their shift. Like a human police officer, K9s have a uniform and when it's removed they understand that they are now off duty. When he’s home with the kids and I’m out of uniform he understands it's family time. He loves being around them!
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR KNOX?
I’m with him more than anyone else. Or, I should say he’s always with me! I designed a special diet for him using an all-natural raw protein that I now sell through my small business, Complete K9 in downtown Stamford. I also offer treats, training, and boarding at my small business located at Belltown Road.
Officer Gale is a Stamford native and was named Police Officer of the Year in 2020. Payton, 11; Mason,8&Stamford Police DepartmentK9OfcerKnox , 7
ARTICLE BY SARAH BAMFORD
PAWSITIVELY PERFECT
Capturing Canine Charm in Dog Portraits at Stamford Downtown’s Bark in the Park
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA
Stamford's diversity isn't limited to its residents. Angela Strassheim captured beautiful pet portraits (while I grabbed some of those while waiting in line). Costumes and accessories were optional. Capturing each canine's personal charm was the goal. The result is an abundance of cuteness! Big and small, long and short hair, these fourlegged friends teach us the power of unconditional love.
CONTINUED >
Dog
by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
The dog trots freely in the street and has his own dog’s life to live and to think about and to reflect upon touching and tasting and testing everything investigating everything without benefit of perjury a real realist with a real tale to tell and a real tail to tell it with
CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE
COLUMBUS PARK, appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish and great wine list. A fun and fashionable location where the food and sevice are exceptional.
COLUMBUS PARK, centrally located in downtown Stamford, boasts of its extraordinary appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish and great wine list. A fun and fashionable location where the food and sevice are exceptional.
COLUMBUS PARK'S small-to-medium sized private parties such as corporate affairs, rehearsal dinners and family events. Columbus Park Trattoria will help to make your party unforgettable at a cost which is surprisingly affordable.
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Healthy Lifestyle Guide:
ARTICLE BY DANIEL PACHTER @PURECONDITIONING
Finding things that children both enjoy eating and are healthy can be a challenge.
Kids love snacks. Fruits and veggies are always a great choice. Here are some other “better” versions of kid friendly snacks.
HEALTHIER CARBS
• “Siete” Cassava (a nutritive root veggie) and Potato Chips use avocado oil
• “Barnana” Plantain Chips made with organic plantains, coconut oil and Himalayan pink salt
• “Bare” Baked Organic Apple Chips - nothing but baked crispy apples Healthier Protein
• “Chomps” Grass Fed & Finished Beef Sticks. 10 grams of protein, 0 carbs and no sugar
• “Whisps” Cheese Crisps (parmesan, cheddar, asiago & pepper jack, hot & spicy) - high protein and low in carbohydrates
• “Epic” Baked Pork Rinds. 11 grams protein per serving, with pink Himalayan salt/sea salt, no carbs, low in fat, and no seed oils.
• “Quest” Chips have a variety of flavors and contain 20 grams of protein with only 5 grams of carbs and low seed oils.
KING STUDENTS WITH GLOBAL IMPACT
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY COHEN
The campus of King School is more akin to a college than a high school. Apparently, so is the curriculum.
Five years ago, students Nic Perez and James Hilton approached Nick DeFelice, Chair of the Science Department at King with a proposal… Can we implement the creation of a vivarium to breed a critically endangered species of frog, the Oophaga lehmanni?
The red-banded dart frog is endemic to a small section of rainforest in the Anchicaya Valley of western Colombia. King partners with the Calle Zoo in Colombia.
They are the boots on the ground. The goal is to provide prominent zoos globally with offspring to continue to foster populations as well as an educational resource.
Andres Posso-Terranova is a professor of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. In his 2020 study he explains, “They benefit the ecosystem as a healthy addition to the genetic diversity of the tropical rainforest. Genetic variation ensures stronger, more disease-resistant populations, both animals and plants. That's why it's important to preserve these frogs."
The Frog Project – A Conservation effort that educates, empowers, and connects. Students, teachers and community come together in a most unique and satisfying way.
Poison frogs are highly sought after on the international black market and collectors love them for their amazing variation in colors and patterns. Each frog is worth up to $2,000, which prompts local impoverished people to sell them to traffickers. But the Colombian government is campaigning with locals to offer alternative income sources that could stop the trafficking.
King School, Mr DeFelice and these amazing students are not just learning science. They are making a difference while developing confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Duncan Baird, the current student lead on the project, wants people to know that “Nature is NOT a hobby. We’re not doing this because we want to, we’re doing it because we have to.”
So what does this teach students at King School?
It’s about the environment, giving back and student empowerment. It’s inspirational and an awareness for detail. For some students, it’s a connection to other students, which is helpful when you’re new to the school. It’s unique. It’s a joint effort from the top down. It reflects King School’s philosophy to empower students through education, teamwork, confidence and pride in their accomplishments.
It’s truly a project of awesome impact. You can watch the video of the construction of the vivarium on the King School website. And, if that wasn’t daunting enough, how about this - they breed their own flies to feed to the frogs.
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Kids Helping Kids
ARTICLE BY AMELIA STONE
“Cultivating the next generation of leaders while addressing critical community needs.”
Imagine a place where young students are handed the reins to craft their very own service project. The project is designed by them, based on their passions, and it serves their local community.
This isn’t a dream - it’s a reality thanks to Kids Helping Kids (KHK), a local youth-led service organization in Stamford. It’s an organization that has greatly impacted not just me, but thousands of other volunteers and over 65,000 youth that it has served.
KHK closes a gap that other organizations don’t; they empower the youngest voices from any and every background to advocate for themselves and for what they believe in. Then, the organization provides the support and resources students need to make their projects happen.
I first encountered KHK as a shy fourth-grade student with a crippling fear of adults. I attended an orientation meeting and was asked to write down my passions. For 9-year-old me, that was live theater, and one year later, I turned that into a project.
Co-founder Jennifer Kelley told me at that orientation meeting that I would be able to turn any passion of mine into a service project to help others. She said I could make it happen all by myself and as KHK does with all of its volunteers, Kelley showed me the skills I needed to take 20 people from Stamford’s homeless shelter, Inspirica, to see live theater for the very first time.
The feeling I had during my project, seeing the delight and awe on the students’ faces, knowing I had made it happen as a fifth grader, is one I’ll never forget. That feeling is the reason that KHK has such an impact on not just the children it serves, but the volunteers it shapes into leaders.
Along with the leadership skills I’ve gained, I’ve met incredible people like fellow volunteer Biyeni Eusebio, now a rising senior year at the University of Southern California. She credits her accomplishments to her early days with the organization, beginning back in 2014.
“The great thing about volunteering and the great thing about Kids Helping Kids is that you put so much into the community and it just all seems to come back through learning different types of leadership skills and making new friends and connections,” Eusebio said. “It really just changed my perspective on who I am and I genuinely don’t think that I would be as successful without it.”
When Eusebio first started, she was shy and quiet, taking tasks as assigned but never sharing her ideas. One day, however, it all changed when someone told her they were impressed by her volunteering.
From then on, Eusebio became a leader in largescale projects like the Handled with Care Boutique, an opportunity to shop for free formalwear, the Gift of Giving, a free holiday fair designed to give kids the opportunity to feel the magic of gift giving, and even the Pumpkin Bread Bake, the organization’s biggest fundraiser every fall that sells breads and donates the proceeds to Inspirica.
“It’s just the best foundation to get to where you want to be, because I’m where I want to be, and I’m sure that in 10 years I’ll be where I want to be because of everything that Kids Helping Kids has taught me.”
Another amazing volunteer I met was recent graduate Livia Guzda who joined Kids Helping Kids for confirmation requirements. Yet, after her 50 required hours, she was too passionate to step away.
“KHK has truly shaped me into the woman I am today,” Guzda explained. “I grew into myself without even realizing how far I’ve come.”
While at KHK, Guzda spearheaded a variety of projects including a science class, Girls' Night Out, a carefree night of pampering for local girls, and an annual mental health fair. She’s also led new volunteer orientations.
“I remember going to my first orientation meeting being so nervous to meet new people and stand in front of a crowd to introduce myself.”
Guzda served on the Youth Advisory Council for several years where she not only led the monthly orientation meetings, but led presentations at Kids Helping Kids’ launch event last year where she spoke to hundreds of people.
Guzda and Eusebio are proof of KHK’s mission to not just enrich the community, but transform its volunteers.
“It’s really rare to be told, ‘Yes, you can do whatever you want as long as you’re passionate about it and it can help someone else,’” said Eusebio. “To this day, I haven’t found anything like Kids Helping Kids when it comes to giving youth power.”
As for the future of KHK, Executive Director Jennifer Bentley says she hopes to, “strengthen our presence
in the Stamford community, positioning Kids Helping Kids as the premier nonprofit for cultivating the next generation of leaders while addressing critical community needs.”
Bentley started as a parent volunteer in 2016 but her passion for and love of the mission and model led her to a full-time role with KHK a year later.
“KHK is unique in that our youth volunteers inform our decisions and the direction of our programming,” Bentley explained. “They share their personal interests and work together to lead service projects that benefit the community.”
Bentley also talked about increasing the volunteer base, particularly among students. The variety of volunteer commitment levels and unique opportunities are what make KHK so special to its volunteers and the thousands that their projects serve. If that isn’t convincing enough, hear how Eusebio would convince someone to join:
“I would tell them to think about the person that they most look up to and the person that inspires them the most, and I would tell them that there’s a possibility to reach that point and that the best way to start is with Kids Helping Kids.”
ARTICLE BY SARAH BAMFORD @HYBRIDMEDIACOMM
Meet Sam Ramsdell
Sam Ramsdell is a Stamford-based comedian and social media creator by way of Maine, with over 4 million followers and two Guinness World Records for the Largest Mouth and Widest Mouth.
Aside from being known for her big mouth (physically and emotionally), she is a phenomenal operan singer. She performs reguarly in New York City both improv and stand-up comedy with Upright Citizens Brigade and the Peoples Improv Theater. Sam has appeared on Italy's Got Talent, The Drew Barrymore Show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She’s been featured in People magazine, the New York Post, and countless other media outlets around the world.
If you follow her on social media then you know that her comedy offers an absurd angle on her experiences being a Guinness world record holder, growing up “weird”, and tells relatable stories of the nuances of being a millennial with mental illness and the world's largest mouth gape. Another side to Sam that you might know from following her on social is that she is passionate about animals and volunteers in her local community. She currently lives with her partner James, who regularly appears on her social platforms, along with their 4 cats, and 2 dogs. Together, Sam and James are the hosts of the Weird and Proud podcast. Read our exclusive interview in honor of this month’s pet issue to learn more.
SCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A PET OWNER.
SR: Growing up I could only have pets without fur or that could be kept outdoors because my dad was allergic to fur. I had turtles, frogs, birds, mice, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and lizards. The night I got into my condo in Stamford I went straight to the Animal Refuge League in Westport and asked for the cat that had been there the longest and took her home. Her name is Nala and now she's 13 and the leader of the house. Currently, I have 6 pets in total, 4 cats (Nala, Simba, Kiara, Sarafina) and 2 dogs, Peach and Prudence.
SCL: I SEE YOU VOLUNTEER A LOT WITH LOCAL ANIMAL GROUPS. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND GIVE READERS ADVICE ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED.
SR: My dream is to have as many animals as possible. I've always been a huge animal lover and my first job out of college was working in the veterinary industry (which I did for over 10 years). I also am a huge believer in adopting animals over buying, so I love working and promoting local animal refuges like Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford. They are always looking for volunteers and help! When you’re ready to adopt, look at your current lifestyle and research what type of breed or pet you can responsibly handle –mentally, physically, and financially!
SCL: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FOOD AND PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PETS?
SR: My animals eat better than I do some days. My dogs eat Farmer's Dog which is healthy, fresh ingredients, and my cats like Dave's which is also natural food. Other pet products I like are a water fountain for filtered water that the cats love, lick pads for the dogs, lots of good healthy treats like freezedried liver, minnows, and salmon that the cats and dogs can enjoy, and cats always love a cat tree.
SCL: WHERE ARE SOME PET-FRIENDLY SPACES IN THE COMMUNITY?
SR: Luckily there have been more and more restaurants allowing dogs, especially now that summer is here and we can eat outdoors. We love going to Third Place/Half Full Brewery, we also love Harbor Point for lots of dog-friendly restaurants and walking around. We live near Cove Park, so you can normally find us walking there with our dogs. When we travel, we have the most amazing pet sitter who stays at our house to watch all the animals.
Youngskinmed.com
Please
DOG gone GOOD
Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).
at the Nights Out
See what’s new and stamford museum.org /next
Upcoming adult programs you won’t want to miss!
Masterclass with Alan Pastrana
Thursday, Aug 1 | 6 – 8 pm
Spend an evening with master airbrush artist Alan Pastrana, whose work is currently on view as part of this season’s exhibition, Under Pressure: Painting with Air. Alan will share his artistic process and demonstrate his unique airbrush painting techniques. From Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle to Nike, and even the New York Mets, Pastrana’s work has been commissioned by recording artists, fashion designers and iconic brands worldwide.
Me mbers: $15 | Non-Members: $20 at the SM&NC
Day Trip to Hill- Stead Museum
Thursday, Sept 19 | 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Take a chartered-bus day trip to Hill-Stead Museum. Designed in 1901 by pioneering female architect Theodate Pope Riddle, the Farmington institution is home to magnificent masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Manet, Whistler, Cassatt and more. We’ll enjoy a private docent-led tour of the house and grounds –a must-see for garden and architecture enthusiasts! Transportation, admission, tour, beverages and artisanal boxed lunch by Marcia Selden Catering included.
Members: $125 | Non-Members: $150
Cidering & Hard Cider Tasting
Thursday, Sept 26 | 6 – 8 pm
Enjoy an evening celebrating the apple. Come try your hand at making your own fresh cider in our Cidery, and sample local hard ciders from in and around the state of Connecticut. We’ll add to your already-ample apple appreciation adventure with tasty food pairings and classic apple favorites, like apple pie. Adults 21+ only. Members: $40 | Non-Members: $50
this season’s Nights Out! Scan our QR code or visit stamfordmuseum.org/nightsout
Awaken your senses and expand your horizons! Our social programs for adults are tailored to complement our exhibitions, celebrate the seasons, and promote connections to our local, natural and cultural heritage.
AUGUST 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 2ND
Things with Wings Night Hike
Stamford Museum & Nature Center | 7:00 PM
Take a sunset hike to look for resident bats and birds, look for signs of our local owls, and see what insects are out and about. Meet at the Overbrook Nature Center. Limited to 20 participants. All participants, 3 years and over require a ticket. Children may not be dropped off for this program. Members: $8/person Non-members: $10/person
AUGUST 8TH
Wyclef Jean - Alive at Five
Mill River Park | 5:00 PM
Wyclef Jean is a Haitian rapper, singer-songwriter, musician and actor. He first achieved fame as a member of the New Jersey hip-hop group the Fugees. Jean has won three Grammy Awards for his musical work. Music starting at 5pm with DJs, Opening Acts, Food Trucks and a Large Variety of Beer, Wine and Cocktails for purchase. Over 21 only.
AUGUST 16TH
The Hey Stamford! Food Festival
Mill River Park | 5:00 PM
The Hey Stamford! Food Festival returns to downtown Stamford for TWO BIG WEEKENDS: August 16-18, August 23-25. In its 7th year, the region’s largest food + music festival will see more than 50 food vendors each weekend with live, local music, celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations and so much more! For tickets and more information visit HeyStamfordFoodFest.com
