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Welcome to the June issue of Stamford City Lifestyle, where we explore and celebrate the theme of “Gentlemen.” In a time when the pace of life often feels overwhelming and values can be easily overlooked, it is more important than ever to pause and recognize the qualities that define true character. Being a gentleman today is not about formality or tradition alone—it’s about integrity, respect, accountability, and the way one shows up for others. By highlighting these traits, we aim to honor the individuals who lead with purpose, uplift their communities, and set a meaningful example for future generations.
We are honored to feature Richard Blumenthal, who graces our cover this month. Senator Blumenthal’s longstanding commitment to public service and advocacy reflects a deep sense of duty and integrity. In our feature, we pull back the curtain and take a closer look at his career, his connection to Stamford, and the principles that have guided his decades of leadership.
Also highlighted in this issue is Stamford’s own Bobby Valentine, a sports legend whose impact extends far beyond the field. From his storied career at Rippowan High School to his playing and managing career in professional baseball to his continued contributions to the local community, Bobby exemplifies passion, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
Throughout these pages, you’ll find stories that define what it means to be a gentleman today—whether through professional achievement, community involvement, or quiet acts of kindness. We hope this issue inspires you to reflect on the values that matter most and to recognize the gentlemen—past and present—who help shape Stamford into the vibrant city we are proud to call home.
As always, thank you for being part of our community and for inviting us into your homes each month.

MARTY SHAPIRO, PUBLISHER @STAMFORDCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Eva Glassman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dan Pachter, Tom Chiappetta, and Laurie A. Guzda
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jay Cohen
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick



CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE CULINARY • •



















1: Brian Walter, Diane Shortelle, Tom Chiappetta, Faith & Richard Valenzon, Laurie Guzda, Gail Meehan, Sue Valenzon 2: Ashley Chinwe, Romney Donald, and Krystal Dogolo at CIty Events Launch. 3: Serotonin's owner Chris Rotondi, Melissa Eboli, and SCL's Publisher, Marty Shapiro. 4: Elsi Pacheco, Lauren Clayton, City Events Founder Isis-Rae Goulbourne, and Santana Grant. 5: Silvia Santacruz, Isis-Rae Goulbourne, Krystal Dogolo, and Melissa Olguin launch City Events 6: The cast of JUNK premiere reading at Norwalk Conservancy of the Arts 7: Residence Inn by Marriott's ONE CLUB Tequila Lounge serving up delicacies at Taste of Stamford
















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ARTICLE BY TOM CHIAPPETTA

Fresh off his induction into the New York Mets Hall of Fame, Stamford native Bobby Valentine returned to his hometown to another kind of honor—the enduring affection of the community that has cheered him on for decades.
For the city’s favorite son there is still no place quite like home. His Bobby V’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, along with his sports academy, have long been staples of the community— places where sports, stories, and local pride come together.

"I'D TELL THE YOUNGER ME TO LISTEN A LITTLE MORE. BUT, KNOWING ME, I PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAVE LISTENED."
While at Citi Field in late May being recognized for his accomplishments as both a former Mets player and the manager who led the team to the 2000 Subway World Series against the Yankees, Valentine also revisited a moment that cemented his place in baseball lore.
On June 9, 1999, Valentine was ejected from a game and sent to the clubhouse. Soon after, he reappeared in the dugout, attempting to hide behind the wall. When television cameras caught him, viewers saw Valentine wearing a hastily painted black mustache and sunglasses in disguise. The stunt became an instant classic in baseball history.
His list of sports accomplishments are far too extensive to capture in full, but a few early highlights hint at the remarkable career that followed:
• As a freshman at Rippowam High School, he returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown the first time he ever touched the ball in a varsity game.
• In baseball, he batted .404
• He became the first football player in the state to be named All-State three times.
• As a senior, he was featured in the national publication Sport Magazine, signaling that his talents were already gaining national attention.
Valentine remains as active as ever. In addition to serving as an advisor to the general manager of the Los Angeles Angels and overseeing his Stamford businesses, he has taken on several new ventures. He recently joined the advisory board of Steel Sports, a global organization focused on youth development through athletics. Its signature program, “Kids First,” aims to elevate and standardize coaching practices under a philosophy named for Valentine’s mentor and former manager, Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. Known as “The Lasorda Way,” the initiative will take Valentine back to Japan, where he achieved rock-star status as the first American manager to win the country’s championship series.



FAIRFIELD COUNTY

The Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame & Youth Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes an active healthy lifestyle and personal development through sports. FCSHOFYF recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of having a significant impact throughout the county in educating and serving the area's youth. In the past three years, the Foundation has donated over $200,000 to 25 community organizations and charities that support young people's health and wellness in 10 different towns. It also has provided financial aid and resources to the two primary scholastic athletics conferences that oversee 32 high schools.
Valentine’s Makuhari Media, founded more than 15 years ago, remains active in 2026. Film production has accelerated under the leadership of his partner, Andrew Muscato. In April, the company played a role in the Prime Video release of Balls Up, a World Cup soccer spoof directed by Peter Farrelly. A second film, I, Rocky, is scheduled to debut in November.
Another commitment close to his heart is assisting the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame—which inducted Valentine in 2003—in its search for a new permanent home. In 2016 he was inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame.
Valentine’s career has stretched far beyond the baseball diamond. He has served as Stamford’s Director of Public Safety & Health, spent eight years as Executive Director of Athletics at Sacred Heart University—where the Bobby Valentine Health & Recreation Center now stands—and remained steadfast in his support of local charities, including The Mickey Lione Jr. Fund and the MS Dinner of Champions. No matter where his career has taken him, Bobby Valentine has never strayed far from his roots. Stamford has always been home—and it always will be.

















The road to competing in the FIFA World Cup is not built on talent alone - it is the result of years of disciplined preparation, intentional training, and mental resilience. The same principles that shape elite athletes can be applied to achieving any goal in life.
First, mindset is everything. Professional athletes understand that greatness takes time. They commit to structured routines that balance intense effort with proper rest. Similarly, when pursuing any goal—whether career, fitness, or personal growth—you must adopt a long-term mindset. Build habits that support consistency and accept that progress is gradual.
Second, skill conditioning is essential. Soccer players spend countless hours refining fundamentals like passing, shooting, and communication. In life, this translates to practicing the core skills required for your goal. Whether it’s studying, networking, or honing a craft, repetition with intention builds mastery. “Perfect practice makes perfect.”
ARTICLE BY DAN PACHTER, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST @BODYBYPURE
Athletes train at game intensity to ensure positive transfer—meaning their practice mirrors real performance. In your own pursuits, simulate real conditions. Don’t prepare halfway if success demands full effort.
Third, strength training reveals a key truth: real progress depends on developing both strength and endurance. Without this foundation, improvements stall and the risk of injury increases. Athletes don’t just play the game—they build their bodies to perform at a higher level. You must also strengthen your “weak links.” Identify these gaps in your abilities—whether physical (like weak rotator cuffs or poor hip mobility) or skill-based—and work on them directly. Growth happens when you target what you tend to avoid.
Finally, recovery, stress management, and sleep are non-negotiable. Even the best athletes know that burnout leads to failure. Sustainable success requires balance.
In the end, achieving any goal is like preparing for the world’s biggest stage: commit fully, train intelligently, recover wisely, and show up ready to perform your best.
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying,
sacrifice, and
most
of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."
- Pelé



AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”


“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.














ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY COHEN
For Richard Blumenthal, public service is not simply a profession—it is a deeply ingrained way of life shaped by discipline, relationships, and an unwavering commitment to others.
His daily rhythms, personal passions, and long-standing ties to community reveal a man who balances the demands of national leadership with a grounded, human-centered approach.
Blumenthal’s days begin early, anchored by physical exercise. Morning workouts are more than a health habit—they are a form of mental centering. In a role that requires constant responsiveness and resilience, this daily ritual provides clarity and steadiness.
Equally important to staying grounded are his regular conversations with family and friends. These touchpoints serve as a reminder of what lies beyond the political arena—relationships that offer perspective, humor, and emotional grounding. Weekends, however, are reserved for a different kind of connection: returning to Connecticut to listen directly to constituents. For Blumenthal, leadership begins with listening, and these in-person interactions are essential to understanding the real concerns shaping people’s lives.
Books also play a quiet but significant role in his routine. He gravitates toward history and biography—genres that offer context, lessons, and a broader lens through which to view contemporary challenges. These narratives reinforce the idea that leadership is part of a continuum, informed by those who came before.
Blumenthal does not point to a single defining moment that shaped his leadership style.
Instead, he reflects on the influence of remarkable mentors, including Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Harry Blackmun. From them, he learned that leadership is less about authority and more about courage and perseverance.
These lessons continue to inform his approach. Leadership, in his view, is not static; it evolves through experience, challenge, and the willingness to remain steadfast in the face of difficulty.
Years of interacting with people during their most difficult moments have profoundly shaped Blumenthal’s outlook. Whether addressing personal hardships or broader crises, these encounters have deepened his sense of gratitude for his own life—particularly the love and support he receives from family and friends.
At the same time, these experiences have strengthened his resolve to help others. Witnessing both struggle and resilience reinforces the importance of empathy in leadership. It is not enough to understand issues intellectually; one must feel their human impact.
Despite the demands of public office, family remains at the core of Blumenthal’s life. Thoughts of his wife, Cynthia, their four children, and two grandchildren are woven into his daily consciousness. Their well-being and future are not abstract concerns—they are deeply personal motivations that inform his work.
This focus on family also reflects a broader philosophy: that the policies and decisions made in government ultimately shape the lives of families across the country. For Blumenthal, the personal and the political are inseparable.

“The friendships formed through shared purpose and service are a priceless, enduring gift.”

One of Blumenthal’s most consistent themes is the importance of listening. He notes that schools rarely teach this skill explicitly, yet it is fundamental to success— not only in public service but in life.
Listening, for him, is an active, intentional process. It requires patience, openness, and the humility to learn from others. Whether in a town hall meeting or a one-onone conversation, listening forms the foundation of meaningful action.
Through decades in public life, Blumenthal has encountered individuals of extraordinary generosity, intelligence, and courage. These relationships have become one of the most enduring rewards of his career.
The friendships formed through shared purpose and service are, in his words, “a priceless, enduring gift.” They serve as a reminder that even in a demanding and often contentious field, human connection remains central.
What brings Blumenthal the greatest satisfaction is the tangible impact of his work. Helping constituents—whether addressing a complex legal issue or resolving a seemingly small concern—is deeply fulfilling.
He recognizes that what may appear minor on a policy scale can be life-changing for an individual. This perspective keeps his work grounded in real outcomes, not abstractions. The ability to make a visible difference reinforces his sense of purpose and commitment. Blumenthal’s connection to Stamford runs deep. He considers it his hometown—the place where his family began, his children were born, and his career took shape.
Driving through Stamford is, for him, a journey through memory. Each neighborhood carries echoes of friendships, milestones, and formative experiences. Whether running along its roads in the fall as leaves turn vibrant shades, or spending time on its shoreline in summer, the city remains a constant source of inspiration.
This personal bond extends to the broader state of Connecticut. Its natural beauty and the character of its people continue to motivate him, reinforcing his dedication to serve.
“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.” – Daniel Patrick Moynihan



Blumenthal is continually struck by the strength and diversity of Connecticut’s communities. He sees this diversity—not only in terms of background but in ideas and experiences—as a powerful asset.
In moments of crisis, he observes a consistent pattern: people showing up for one another. This collective spirit, grounded in shared values of law, decency, and compassion, inspires confidence and hope.
For Blumenthal, new challenges are not obstacles but opportunities to deepen his sense of purpose. The evolving nature of public service ensures that there is always more to address, more to learn, and more to do.
Even when challenges are daunting, he welcomes them. They are, in many ways, the driving force behind his continued commitment. Alongside this, he finds joy in watching his family grow and in the broader privilege of living and serving in what he considers “the greatest country in the history of the world.”












Growing up in Great Neck, New York—much like Stamford, where his parents later moved— Tim’s childhood was defined less by classrooms and more by books. Every wall in his home was lined with them. His father and older brother were avid readers, and he was encouraged to explore everything from Graham Greene to histories of Rome and the Civil War. Though he admits he struggled in school, distracted by dreaming and music, those books became his real education and shaped the curiosity that would guide his career.
That love of music took a decisive turn the summer after 11th grade, when he landed a job at a rock magazine in Manhattan. With the full support of his parents, he left high school early to work there full time—an act of trust he still credits as the beginning of his life’s journey. It was an unconventional path, but one that allowed him to immerse himself in the culture and energy of New York City at a formative age, discovering firsthand the world he would spend decades writing about.
At its heart, Dispatches From the Kingdom of Outsiders reflects his lifelong mission: translating the magic of rock and roll into words. He describes wanting to capture the feeling of shabby clubs, bright lights, and restless cities—the moments when music
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA
changes you. As he puts it, echoing Billy Idol, he writes because he wants to give others the same feeling rock and roll gave him. The book gathers essays, reviews, and reflections written between 1979 and 2025, offering readers a window into both the evolution of music culture and his own growth as a writer.

The new book differs from his 2022 release, Only Wanna Be With You: The Inside Story of Hootie & the Blowfish, which focused on the band he helped bring to Atlantic Records. This time, the story is more personal. While not a traditional memoir, it traces his own experiences discovering and writing about music from age 17 onward, collecting decades of work from both major and independent publications. Another book is already on the horizon for 2027, exploring New York City’s teenage punk underground and the powerful sense of identity young people found there during that era.
Looking back while compiling the anthology, one surprise stood out: how strong his teenage writing already was. Reading pieces written


nearly 50 years ago proved both humbling and affirming, revealing that his voice had formed earlier than he realized and that the instincts guiding him today were present from the very beginning.
His love of music began not with rock, but with opera, introduced by his father during childhood trips into New York City to attend performances at the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera. Later, a close friend introduced him to Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs, opening the door to folk music and, soon after, punk rock. Hearing punk for the first time in the late 1970s, he says, was the moment everything clicked—he had found his muse.
Today, his guiding philosophy remains simple: Make Magic. Be Kind.
Dispatches From the Kingdom of Outsiders: Writing on Music, Culture and More, 1979–2025 will be published August 4 by Trouser Press Books.



JUNE 2026
JUNE 4TH
Seeds of Hope Gala
The Loading Dock | 5:30 PM
Seeds of Hope Gala will take place on Thursday, June 4 at The Loading Dock in Stamford. Support Inspirica as they continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve, from homeless to home. Contact Events@InspiricaCT.org
JUNE 7TH
The Hope in Motion Walk
Mill River Park | 10:00 AM
This year marks a meaningful milestone. The Hope in Motion Walk is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Join this fun-filled community event featuring a 3-mile walk along the Greenway Trail to Scalzi Park! The Walk begins at 10:00 a.m. in Mill River Park and finishes back in the park.
JUNE 13TH
Arts & Crafts on Bedford
Stamford Downtown | 10:00 AM
Arts & Crafts on Bedford returns! The events feature 60+ talented local and regional artists offering unique, handcrafted goods. While you’re there — take a break from shopping to dine at one of the restaurants on Bedford Street and Spring Street offering outdoor dining.
JUNE 13TH
The Riverbank Ramble 746 Riverbank Rd, Stamford CT | 1:00 PM
Gates open at 12:30om. Music will begin around 1:30p and continue to 9:30pm. Tickets are $45. Check out @riverbankramble on Facebook for details.
JUNE 18TH
Drop the Mic Night
CoCreate 37 John Street Stamford, CT | 5:30 PM
Ten aspiring speakers will take the stage and share their take on BECOMING. Five minutes each. Raw, real, and unforgettable. These are people from your community, maybe your neighbor, your colleague, your friend, who have worked hard to craft and deliver a talk that will move you. Come ready to laugh, feel something, and leave inspired. https:// www.stamfordcocreate.com/
JUNE 21ST
Orchestra Lumos
SM&NC: The History of Jazz in 80 Minutes
Knobloch Family Farmhouse | 3:00 PM
As an Orchestra Lumos partner and Small Space Series host, SM&NC is delighted to present the Lumos Jazz Trio in the Knobloch Family Farmhouse. They will perform a repertoire from the beginnings of jazz history — including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Sonny Rollins and others. Tickets: orchestralumos.org



USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.
A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.
SOMETHING SWEET
This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.
SOMETHING TANGY
Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.
SOMETHING SPICY
This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.
SOMETHING LIQUID
It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.
SOMETHING TOMATO
You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.
THE SPICE COMBINATION
This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.

• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.




























