THE GENTLEMEN’S ISSUE
JERRY BOSAK. JOE CORSELLO. HARRY DAY.
Second Anniversary Issue
As I sit down to write this letter, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. This issue marks our second anniversary - a milestone that feels both humbling and exhilarating. Two years ago, we launched this magazine with a singular vision: to celebrate the unique people, places and spirit of our community. Today, we continue to grow, evolve, and explore the stories that make Stamford so special.
To mark this special occasion, our theme that pays homage to "Gentlemen."
What does it mean to be a gentleman in today’s world? It’s more than suits, cars and vintage watches. It’s about integrity, quiet confidence, cultural awareness, and a deep respect for others. In a city as dynamic as Stamford - where tradition meets innovation, and ambition is part of our DNA - this issue feels especially meaningful. The modern man here is multifaceted: he’s building businesses, raising families, pursuing passions, and contributing to the culture of our city in thoughtful, inspiring ways.
In this issue, we showcase several inspiring Stamford icons who embody this standard. You will be introduced to Joe Corsello, a Stamford native and legendary drummer, who got his start at Rippowan High School and traveled the world keeping the beat for some of the best jazz musicians to ever take the stage. You will meet Harry Day, the most recent recipient of Stamford’s “Citizen of the Year’ Award. Harry was on the Board of Representatives for nearly two decades and is perhaps best known for his role as President of the Board of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Finally, we will pull back the curtain on Jerry Bosak, another Stamford native, local businessman, and true renaissance man who continues to give back to the community he loves.
Whether you're flipping through these pages in your kitchen, your favorite barbershop, or while relaxing on your patio, we hope the stories within resonate.
To our loyal readers, collaborators, advertisers, and friends: thank you … thank you for being part of our journey. Your support fuels our mission and makes every issue possible. Here’s to two amazing years - and many more to come.
With sincere appreciation,
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Eva Glassman
AREA COORDINATOR
PJ Kennedy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amy Lionetti Scorziello, Sarah Bamford, Marty Shapiro, LA Guzda, Dan Pachter, Olivia Begasse de Dhaem MD
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jay Cohen, LA Guzda, Angela Strassheim, PJ Kennedy, Karlos Mikem, Mbiya Kabongo
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
MARTY SHAPIRO, PUBLISHER
CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-4: Stamford Chamber’s Taste of Stamford Annual Event. 5: Paolo Pasco, winner of the NY Times Crossword Puzzle competition held at The Stamford Marriott 6: Delta Dental and Philip Morris International: sponsors of the State of the City Address 7: UConn’s Jennifer Orlikoff, Mayor Caroline Simmons, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Heather Cavanagh
MBIYA KABONGO
DON CHRISTENSEN
KARLOS MIKEM
MBIYA KABONGO
MBIYA KABONGO
KARLOS MIKEM
MBIYA KABONGO
STAMFORD’S JOE CORSELLO
Keeping the BEAT... on the road and in the streets.
ARTICLE BY MARTY SHAPIRO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY COHEN
There is a lot of character to Stamford. There are also a lot of characters in Stamford, and Joe Corsello is certainly one of them. As a former drummer and the son of a former clarinet virtuoso, it was an honor to spend some time with a drumming legend and one of the last remaining musicians to have played with the legendary Benny Goodman (Goodman lived on Rock
“I didn’t realize I was in the presence of one of the most iconic figures in sports and American history.”
Rimmon Road in North Stamford from the 1950s until his death in 1986).
Now 78 years old, Joe has lived a life doing what he loves the most – playing the drums. Born and raised in Stamford, Joe was influenced from a very early age by his father, who was a line guitarist for Sammy Kaye, the famous bandleader whose tag line, "Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye", became one of the most famous of the Big Band Era. From an early age, Joe kept rhythm on anything he could get his hands on, and at the age of five, his father bought him his first set of drums.
Corsello attended Rippowan High School in the early ‘60’s and credits the school’s band director, Anthony Truglia, with providing him with the inspiration and encouragement to pursue a life in music. During this time, one of Joe’s closest friends was
Jackie Robinson, Jr., son of the legendary ballplayer and civil rights activist, Jackie Robinson.
Following his playing days, Robinson moved to Stamford where he raised his family. Joe recalls spending countless days and nights in the Robinson’s den, playing games with Jackie Jr., his sister and his parents. “Back then, to me, Jackie Robinson was just Jackie Jr’s father. At the time, I didn’t realize I was in the presence of one of the most iconic figures in sports and American history.” During that time, Joe was asked to be the house drummer in the band that performed in the Robinson’s backyard each year for the NAACP College Scholarship Program. As a teenager, Joe had the unique and distinct honor of playing with some of the most important jazz musicians of the era, including Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald.
After graduating from Rippowan, Corsello attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and studied under drumming legend Alan Dawson. However, Joe quickly found himself playing in Boston night clubs almost every night until 4:00am and his grades suffered. He dropped out of Berklee after a year and a half and joined the U.S. Army. He played in the First Army Field Band, stationed in Staten Island.
Following his stint in the Army, Joe’s career really took off when he started playing with the Glenn Miller Band. That led to years traveling around the world with the famous jazz singer, songwriter and actress Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett and one of the great jazz saxophonists of all time, Sonny Rollins.
“I had a euphoric feeling playing with Peggy Lee. She was such an amazing talent. That’s when I thought for the first time that I had made it,” said Corsello, reflecting on his 6-decade career as a jazz and swing drummer. “There was a night when I was on a riser, looking around at a packed house playing with Sonny Rollins, when I felt goosebumps.”
In the mid ‘70’s, Joe formed a jazz/rock fusion band called New York Mary, which released two albums on Arista Records for the great Clive Davis. They frequently played at The Bottom Line in Greenwich Village, and opened for the likes of Stevie Wonder, the B52’s, Hot Tuna and Patti Smith.
In 1980, at the urge of Stamford’s police chief, Victor Cizanckas, Joe joined the Stamford Police Department, where he would spend 22 years serving our community, including several as a homicide detective. In 2021, lifelong Stamford resident Joe Corsello threw his hat in the ring and ran for Mayor of Stamford.
“I had a euphoric feeling playing with Peggy Lee. She was such an amazing talent. That’s when I thought for the first time that I had made it.”
Today, Joe does everything he can to give back to the city he is so proud of. His jazz trio plays around Stamford at places like Ferguson Library, nursing homes and senior living residences. He says that “Stamford is such a great place to live” and he is so excited to have raised his four sons here (Evan is an EVP with the First Bank of Greenwich; Dan and Joey are members
of the Stamford Fire Department; and Matthew is an EMT and Ambulance dispatcher). Joe and his wife of two years Debbie are also the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. Joe Corsello is a Stamford treasure. He has been all over the world keeping the beat for some of jazz music’s legends, but he has always come home to the city he loves and has done so much for.
ARTICLE BY MARTY SHAPIRO
JIMMY IENNER JR
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY HE LOVES
JERRY BOSAK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
HOW DID GROWING UP IN STAMFORD SHAPE WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
Growing up in Stamford grounded me with a strong sense of community, hard work, and service. Stamford is a city with deep roots and diverse neighbor-
compassion and respect. In addition to my professional role, I’ve served on the Stamford Board of Finance, the Board of Education, and currently the Zoning Board, always advocating for a city where every voice matters and every family has a place.
“NO MATTER HOW MUCH STAMFORD GROWS, IT STILL FEELS LIKE HOME.”
hoods, where everyone seems to know someone in your family. I was raised to value tradition while also embracing change. It also gave me the opportunity to know generations of people and forge long lasting relationships that I am still honored to have today. Whether it was volunteering, supporting neighbors in times of need, or standing up for what’s right in the courtroom or at city meetings, those early lessons have never left me. Stamford didn’t just give me a place to grow up, it gave me purpose.
STAMFORD IS KNOWN FOR ITS DIVERSE COMMUNITY. WHAT ROLE DO YOU PLAY IN THAT COMMUNITY?
I’m proud to be both a product of that diversity and a provider within it. As a fourth-generation funeral director and the owner of a longstanding family business, I’ve had the privilege of serving families from every background, faith, and walk of life. In moments of deep grief, I’ve stood beside Stamford residents with
HOW HAS STAMFORD CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
Stamford has grown tremendously over the years from a tight-knit industrial town to a bustling city with a vibrant downtown and expanding neighborhoods. As a child, I remember walking up Atlantic Street with my grandmother, stopping into local vendors, waving to the postman, and feeling a deep sense of community. Today, that same street is lined with high rises, tech companies, and new developments. The city has become a hub for business and innovation, drawing in people from all over the world, which is something to be proud of. But with that growth has come real challenges. We’ve seen small, family-run businesses struggle to survive amidst rising rents and regulations. Long-time residents have voiced concerns about affordability, safety, and a loss of connection to the Stamford they once knew. As someone who has served in city government and continues to serve the community through my family business, I believe
growth is only meaningful when it honors our history and protects our neighborhoods and people.
OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I’ve always been passionate about helping people heal whether emotionally, spiritually, or physically. My life has been spent walking beside others during some of their most difficult moments, especially in my role as a funeral director. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself overwhelmed by the constant grief and loss around me. As a first responder in the death care industry, it became clear that I needed to find a way to protect and restore my own well-being so I could continue caring for others. That’s when I turned to traditional Chinese medicine. I enrolled in an intensive two-year program focused on herbal remedies and natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Through that journey, I became a certified herbalist, and I now develop natural formulas for family and friends. I’m also passionate about my long-standing support of Revolution Boxing, led by owner Ahmad Mickens and trainer Victor James. Their powerful youth outreach program is one I have proudly supported for over 15 years. The experience deepened my appreciation for the mentorship, discipline, and confidence this program instills in Stamford’s youth.
“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT
HELPING PEOPLE HEAL.”
WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE?
My mother, Barbara Bosak, profoundly shaped who I am today. Her life has been a testament to hard work, devotion to family, and quiet strength. She always believed there was a middle ground to every disagreement, and that everything could be settled with love and respect around the dinner table. Her grace, patience, and unwavering dedication taught me the true meaning of commitment and compassion. The second is Mrs. Ann O’Connor. Without her, I may never have discovered my passion for education. She spent countless evenings working with me at her kitchen table when I was in high school. Thanks to her encouragement, I went on to earn my master’s degree and am now pursuing a Ph.D.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT STAMFORD?
What I love most about Stamford is that no matter how much it grows, it still feels like home. There’s a deep sense of connection here between neighbors looking out for one another, of generations sharing the same sidewalks and stories.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
What’s next for me is both deeply personal and professionally meaningful. I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Forensics at the Henry C. Lee College of Forensic Science, a long-term goal that reflects my lifelong dedication to justice and advocacy for victims and their families. It’s a field that’s not only rooted in science, but in compassion and truth-seeking, which aligns with everything I’ve stood for throughout my career. At this point in my life, everything I pursue whether in education or public service is about giving back to the community that raised me and ensuring no one is forgotten or left behind.
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA STRASSHEIM
“Be open-minded and respectful with people you do not always find agreeable.”
HARRY DAY
Stamford’s Citizen of the Year
Harry Day grew up in New Canaan but has called Stamford home for nearly 50 years. He served on the Board of Representatives for 17 years, 15 of which were as Chair of the Land Use/Redevelopment Committee. Throughout his tenure, Harry played a key role in enhancing Stamford’s downtown area and spearheading the revitalization of its southern and western regions.
In addition to his public service, Harry has served as President of both the Stamford Land Conservation Trust and the Stamford Museum & Nature Center (SM&NC).
An avid golfer, Harry made history as the youngest person to win the Golf Championship at Woodway Golf Club. A lawyer by profession, he is deeply committed to thoughtful development that harmonizes with and supports the environment. One of his proudest achievements is the recent acquisition of 64 acres of land, accessible from Riverbank and Den Roads, which will be preserved as open space.
The best advice Harry ever received? “Be open-minded and respectful with people
you do not always find agreeable.” Words of wisdom that have guided him throughout his life—as a top student, lawyer, politician, and dedicated community servant.
Beyond his hardworking father and phenomenal golfing mother, Harry’s heroes include Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, as well as Elvis Presley—a combination that speaks to his charm, dedication, and strong sense of leadership. His warmth and infectious smile, paired with wisdom, intelligence, and passion, make him an influential figure in Stamford’s development.
Now retired from the board of SM&NC, Harry remains actively involved in efforts to bring a new Astronomy Center to Stamford—an initiative that will benefit residents for generations to come.
The Stamford Citizen of the Year (COTY) event will take place on June 4th at 5:30 PM at The Italian Center on Newfield Avenue. Now in its 20th year, COTY helps fund scholarships for Stamford’s high school seniors and honors veterans. For tickets, ads, and more information, visit stamfordcoty.org
Donny Raus, 44
Espresso Expert and Lifestyle Entrepreneur
Donny Raus, owner of Raus Coffee Company, travels the world doing what he loves—crafting great coffee and chasing meaningful experiences. His solo journeys to more than 60 countries reflect a deep commitment to living life with purpose and passion.
1. WHAT DOES EXPLORATION MEAN TO YOU?
To me, exploration means getting out of your comfort zone and the day-to-day patterns that trap you into a fixed mindset. It is remembering that there is a big world out there to be explored that puts life's challenges into perspective, while also serving as a reminder to live each moment.
2. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STAMFORD GEM?
My favorite thing about Stamford is Cove Park. I try to go there early morning to watch the sun come up in the summer. I’ll also bring my meal while slinging a hammock to watch the afterglow of sunset. Stamford has grown with regard to its population, but what I find is that during these times of the day, which are the most beautiful and precious, there are often the least number of people there.
ARTICLE BY SARAH BAMFORD
3. ADVICE FOR FUTURE EXPLORERS (IN THE COMMUNITY AND ABROAD).
Book the ticket. There will always be reasons not to—excuses, bad timing, fear—but eventually, it comes down to your priorities and your willingness to step into the unknown. Change is scary, even when it’s just a trip somewhere new. But here’s the truth: you won’t regret the journey. When you return, the world may look the same— but you won’t be. You’ll have grown. You’ll be different. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Go see the world. It’s worth it.
donny@donnyraus.com
June is Mental Health Month
What is brain health and why does it matter?
Brain health consists in trying to 1) prevent or reduce the likelihood of neurological diseases and 2) optimize the function of our brains on a day-to-day basis.
Over one in three people worldwide are living with a neurological disorder. A good proportion of neurological disorders are preventable, 90% of strokes and 40% of cases of dementia for example. Dementia is a decline in cognitive/ thinking function. So, if one starts off with a higher cognitive function which we call cognitive reserve, they will be less impacted by that decline. Brain health helps you build up that cognitive reserve. A lot can be done in terms of prevention and optimization through a healthy lifestyle.
• Sleep helps us clear the waste accumulated in our brains during the day. A regular sleep schedule in a dark quiet cool room is key. Avoid screens right before bedtime and develop a calm ritual before bed.
• Try to get exposure to sunlight and exercise in the morning. Alternate between
moderate intensity exercise and/or high intensity interval training and strength/ resistance training. Walking and other exercises like yoga can also be very beneficial. Exercise helps with memory, learning, brain flexibility; reduces inflammation; and reduces anxiety and depression.
• Protect your head from injury.
• Stay hydrated. Limit processed foods and alcohol. A study showed that following the ‘MIND’ anti-memory loss diet, most of the time, cut the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by more than half. This diet consists of at least one serving of fish a week, 3 servings a day of whole grain carbs, at least 2 servings of poultry a week, nuts 5 times a week, 3 servings of beans a week, 6 servings of leafy greens a week, 2 servings a week of berries, and daily vegetables.
• Stay socially connected and keep your brain engaged and active.
• Finally, brush your teeth and floss regularly. Oral bacteria are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
BY
The West Side Boys
A MONTHLY GATHERING FOR FOOD, FUN & FRIENDSHIP
ARTICLE BY AMY LIONETTI SCORZIELLO
Victor Terenzio's '39 Ford
The West Side Boys have one thing in common: they grew up on the West Side of Stamford. They gather monthly at what they call “The West Side Dinner” to honor themselves and the beloved section of Stamford where they grew up.
The inaugural West Side dinner traces back to a Saturday night nearly 40 years ago, when Roger Toronto, founder of the group, organized the first gathering at Chapter II restaurant, owned by Jim Sabia. However, the consistency of these dinners wouldn’t begin until years later when Roger, Jim and eight other men started meeting more regularly at the 19th Hole restaurant and at Roger’s house on Bell Street.
After Roger’s passing, Jim kept the tradition alive. When he was ready to hand over the leadership position in 2020, Michael Reppucci assumed the role. The dinners have remained true to their original spirit of honoring the memories and camaraderie of the West Side.
The West Side dinners are still planned the old-fashioned way, by phone call. A dedicated group of “callers” personally reach out to each member with the time and location for the next dinner - typically held at Pellicci’s, Columbus Park, Villa Italia and other area restaurants.
So much has changed about the West Side, but for these men, what remains the same are their stories and memories from childhood. It was where they learned to ride bikes through the streets of Finney Lane, Schuyler Avenue, Stephen Street, Ann Street, Stillwater and Connecticut Avenue.
Many remember running errands for their mothers to places like Frattaroli’s Chicken Market, Yanelli’s deli and Biancardi’s bakery. Many milestones were
celebrated with family at Sabia’s Open Door, The Brass Rail, Cipri’s Pizza and Pellicci’s.
“Each corner and each street hold a different memory for each of us and we will never forget what it gave to us,” said Alex Lionetti, who grew up on Schuyler Avenue.
Stories about the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sporting events and playing baseball in the Mickey Lione League. For Jim Ferrara and Michael Reppucci, the West Side was where their love of cars began and where The Black Roads Auto Club was created in a garage in 1957. Victor Terenzio proudly shares a photo. He’s standing on the corner of Burr Street and West Avenue in front of his rebuilt ‘39 Ford. They were not only building cars, but memories and friendships.
What keeps them coming back every month? Bill Gerardi says, “It’s like sitting in a barber’s chair. You get all the latest gossip and catch up on everyone’s family. It’s a great place to be every month and at our ages, you never know who may not be at the next dinner.”
The eldest member of the group, Michael Macri, 92, is joined monthly by his son Michael, like other father-son duos: Frank and Mike Chambers, Michael and Eddie Reppucci, and Anthony and Vinny Rizzi. The importance of joining their fathers has made it special for both generations.
The West Side Boys are more than just a group of friends sharing a meal. They share love and pride for their hometown and each other. They are proof that no matter where life took them, what path they chose to follow, what hardships and achievements they have experienced or how much time has passed, the West Side of Stamford will always remain the heart of who they are.
“Each corner and each street hold a different memory for each of us and we will never forget what it gave to us.” — Alex Lionetti
“It’s like sitting in a barber’s chair. You get all the latest gossip and catch up on everyone’s family. It’s a great place to be every month...”
—Bill Geradi
On view June 13 − September 8
Opening Reception Thursday, June 12
Tools as Art: Work & Play celebrates the transformation of common industrial objects into extraordinary works of art. The exhibition explores tools as icons of labor, labor as a component of creativity, and creativity as a form of play, around three interrelated themes. Showcasing 68 superb prints and drawings, this exhibition samples the breadth and beauty of International Arts & Artists’ own Hechinger Collection, which has the unique theme of hand tools and hardware.
Tools As Art: Work & Play is organized from the Hechinger Collection and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 2ND
OINK!
Stamford Downtown | 12:00 PM
Oink! in Stamford Downtown is an interactive outdoor sculpture exhibit featuring 26 fiberglass pig sculptures designed and painted by local and regional artists. The exhibit opens June 2 and will be on display throughout the Summer.
JUNE 2ND
CT TECH WEEK
Various
June 2 - 6, 2025. Showcasing the latest in technology and innovation across diverse sectors, connecting industry leaders and startups in the state of Connecticut. cttechweek.com
JUNE 12TH
Tools as Art: Work & Play
Stamford Museum & Nature Center 6:00 PM
Opening reception for the new art exhibit in the Bendel Mansion. Event is free but registration is requested. stamfordmuseum.org
JUNE 12TH
StokerCon2025
Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center 1 First Stamford Place Stamford, CT 06902 | 6:00 PM
StokerCon2025 is sponsored by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) The week long conference runs June 12 · 6pm - June 15 · 12pm. HWA was formed in the late 1980’s with the help of many of the field’s greats, including Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon, and Joe Lansdale. stokercon2025.com
Jim Dine Big Red Wrench in a Landscape, 1973, Color Lithograph,
Lawrence, The Builders,
boosting testosterone naturally
HOW MEN OF ALL AGES CAN MAINTAIN YOUTHFUL TESTOSTERONE LEVELS.
ARTICLE BY DAN PACHTER, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST @BODYBYPURE
As we get older, staying strong, lean, and energized means paying closer attention to what keeps our hormones in check, especially testosterone. High testosterone levels help preserve muscle, reduce fat gain, and slow signs of aging.
Here’s how men of all ages can maintain youthful testosterone levels through simple, natural practices:
What to Do:
• Strength Train (2–3x per week): Resistance training is one of the most powerful ways to stimulate testosterone production.
• Cold Exposure: Cold plunges or cold showers before workouts may enhance testosterone response and improve recovery.
• Eat for Hormone Support: Prioritize foods rich in magnesium, zinc, omega-3s, and dietary cholesterol.
Good choices:
• Grass-fed beef
• Pastured eggs
• Shellfish
• Sardines
What to Avoid:
• PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”): Found in plastic cups, containers, and bottled water. These chemicals disrupt hormones and increase estrogen. Use glass instead.
• PUFAs (Seed Oils): Canola, sunflower, safflower, and vegetable oils promote inflammation and lower testosterone.
Opt instead for:
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Beef tallow
• Butter
• Phytoestrogens: Found in soy products like tofu and soy milk. These can mimic estrogen and interfere with testosterone.
Pure Conditioning is a science-backed, results oriented program and the high intensity workouts require less time commitment than conventional exercise programs due to their technological and procedural breakthroughs. PureConditioning.com
