LYNNE COLATRELLA
Shaping Stamford's Arts & Culture
LIFE + CULTURE
GULLIVER GIRLS - A STORY OF STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE
Letter from the Editor
I'm absolutely thrilled about this month's issue - a celebration of the incredible women who shape our community! The power of sisterhood truly is remarkable. Together, we don't just move mountains; we transform landscapes.
This issue introduces you to the extraordinary Gulliver Girls, being honored this month by the American Cancer Society for their journey as survivors and supporters. I've had the privilege of knowing Lauren since she was a child and have grown to cherish her entire family - especially her remarkable mother, Sue. Their story reminds us of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. I must also acknowledge Lauren's husband, Dan, whose quiet strength and unwavering support throughout her ordeal exemplifies true partnership. Some heroes don't wear capes.
You'll also get an intimate look at my dearest friend, Lynne Colatrella, whose contributions to Stamford's arts and entertainment scene have been nothing short of transformative. This month brings special recognition as she's honored at The Palace Theatre Gala with Kool & the Gang while also producing Scripts on Tap (featuring moi!). and directing Jukebox at the Algonquin at Curtain Call. Her energy is boundless, her creativity inspiring.
What was I writing next.. oh yeah, menopause. Those unexpected hot flashes, the mysterious belly bloat, and the frustrating brain fog that comes with this significant life transition. I've joined forces with functional nutritionist Jacqui Justice and my nurse practitioner, Emmi Lucca, to share practical wisdom from our collective experience. While I occasionally miss my beloved indulgencesnamely alcohol and cheese - I've come to value a restful night's sleep far more.
Growing up in Stamford, we've all enjoyed a memorable event at Giovanni's - weddings, reunions and celebrations. During a recent dinner with friends, I realized what a great dining option they are, with or without a celebration. The warmth of their hospitality, coupled with consistently delicious cuisine, makes every meal there a special occasion.
As May brings us Mother's Day, I extend heartfelt appreciation to all mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and the aunties who mother with their whole hearts. Your love shapes our world in immeasurable ways.
And as Memorial Day approaches, let us pause to honor those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and dedication deserve our eternal gratitude.
Here's to celebrating the extraordinary women in our lives, embracing life's transitions with grace, and remembering those whose sacrifices make our celebrations possible. With warmth and gratitude,
LAURIE A. GUZDA, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Eva Glassman
AREA COORDINATOR
PJ Kennedy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Bamford, Jacqui Justice, Emmi Lucca, FNP
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Angela Strassheim, HappyHaHa
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
inside the issue
CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE
city scene
1: Mayor Simmons joins the Stamford Downtown team to unveil new wayfinding kiosks. 2: “Leaders of Impact” Mendi Paca, Cristina Vittoria, Sheri West, Marie Rocha, Nancy Coughlin, Isis-Rae Goulbourne 3: Mayor Simmons and Michael Fedele 4: NBC’s Vinny Fusco, Realist Lab’s Isis-Rae Goulbourne and Marie Rocha and Jon Winkel 5: The Fedele Family 6: Michael Fedele, this year’s State Street Debating Society honoree. 7: State Street Debating Society Scholarship recipients
Photography by HappyHaHa
1: Fedele with Waters Edge at Giovanni’s owners, Sal and JoAnn Latorraca 2: Susan Morelli and Robert Schiavone 3: Honoree Fedele with a large crowd of friends, family and community leaders to distribute scholarships.
business monthly
Love, Mommy by Amy Lionetti-Scorziello
Amy Lionetti-Scorziello is a first-time author and a proud native of Stamford, CT. Her debut book, Love, Mommy (An Unintended Book), is a heartfelt collection of life lessons written for her three children. It celebrates love, embraces joy, and, most importantly, highlights how timing affects everything in our lives. Amy’s writing is deeply personal and relatable, offering insight into the everyday moments that define the motherhood journey. Visit: lovemommybook.com
The Grounds Guys
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Shaping Stamford’s Arts & Culture
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA STRASSHEIM
LYNNE COLATRELLA
If you’ve enjoyed a Thanksgiving Parade Spectacular, Alive at Five concerts or street art in Stamford Downtown, then you can thank Lynne Colatrella. Lynne has been producing downtown events since 1999. She helped to grow the parade to one of the most significant in the country! The concert series was built upon local talent in a trailer in the park. Lynne’s vision elevated it to a big stage with big name performers like BB King, Joe Jackson, Shaggy and so many more. The concerts were so successful they moved to Mill River to accommodate even bigger audiences. Street Art in Stamford has featured Seward Johnson, Bjorn Skaarup and NYC Pop Artist, Charles Fazzino along with alternate years of highlighting local artists for themed sculptures such as: Horses, Dinosaurs, Spaceships and this year’s, OINK! with piggies.
Lynne has recently retired from Stamford Downtown but she continues to serve on the Stamford Arts & Culture Committee, a board member of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center along with several other organizations. Lynne created Scripts on Tap at The Palace Theatre, highlighting writers and performers. (In fact, I will be performing with Ray Michaud on May 5th, 7p for a reading of Steve Karp’s “When We Were Young.” Hope to see you there!)
Alive at Five
Bjorn Skaarup's Street Art
Thanksgiving Parade Spectacular
Lynne’s love of theater goes back to Stage Door for Youth with Joe Catalinotto. Other area students included Treat Williams, Pat Gorman, and Carmine Spinelli. Her first production was Carousel. Other plays included Gypsy, West Side Story, Finian’s Rainbow and more. It would be the beginning of a lifetime love affair with theater.
Lynne is a Cum Laude graduate from the University of Miami with a BFA in Theater. Fellow classmates included Ray Liotta, Steven Bauer, and Saundra Santiago to name a few. In Miami, Lynne obtained her equity status while performing in Grease. After college, Lynne headed to the west coast and the bright lights of Hollywood.
In Los Angeles, Lynne was part of an exclusive group of actors under the tutelage of Harvey Lembeck. You may know Harvey as the
motorcycle rebel in the Beach Blanket Movies of the 60s – Eric Von Zipper. He was best friends with Jack Lemmon and William Holden who often stopped by class. Harvey was an exceptional teacher and human. He fostered talent by building on their strengths and inspiring them to take bigger risks in their work, a lesson Lynne would adapt to her own teaching skills years later. Fellow students included Robin Williams, Penny Marshall, John Ritter and newbie, Bryan Cranston. Chris Lemmon, Jack’s son, was also a student and the class would often continue to Chris’ apartment afterwards where everyone improvised around the piano, sometimes with Jack.
Upon returning to Stamford, Lynne co-founded Curtain Call in 1990. The situation comedy workshop was the foundation for its
“Lynne has always shown unwavering passion for the arts. Her dedication to the arts and her
leadership in community engagement has
left an indelible
mark on Stamford.”
-
Michael Moran, President & CEO of The Palace Stamford
humble beginnings in partnership with the Stamford Community Arts Council. Curtain Call quickly outgrew the space on Prospect Street and moved to the basement of the State Theater on Hope Street. Once again, outgrowing the space, Curtain Call was invited to assume management of the Ethel Kweskin upon the retirement of Al Pia. Along with the move came the intimate Dressing Room Theatre, an adult and youth comedy improv troop – The Players and Half Pint Players, and a robust education program for youths and adults as well as the main stage productions.
Lynne’s contributions from Stage Door to Pink Tent to Curtain Call and Stamford Downtown is one of the reasons that she is being honored at this year’s 13th Annual Palace Theatre Gala with Kool
& the Gang on May 16th .
“Lynne has always shown unwavering passion for the arts. In addition to creating and producing countless live events, she is an actor and director - a member of SAG, AFTRA and AEA. Her experience and affiliations are exceptional. I am honored to have worked with Lynne in various roles over the past twenty-five years. Lynne’s dedication to the arts and her leadership in community engagement has left an indelible mark on Stamford. This honor is well deserved” asserts Michael Moran, President & CEO of The Palace Stamford.
Tickets for the Palace event are available online at PalaceStamford.org .
Lynne has no plans for slowing down. In fact, she is excited to dedicate more of her time to theater. She is currently in production directing “Jukebox at the Algonquin” by Paul Stroili, May 1-18 at Curtain Call. Tickets are available at curtaincallinc.com .
In addition to her love of theatre, Lynne is also active with emergency preparedness. She is founding member of CERT (Stamford’s Community Emergency Response Team). She’s active on Dr. Nero’s Hands for Life team. Lynne is a founding member of Paint the Town Pink - a breast cancer awareness initiative in partnership with the Stamford Hospital. And, she is a Fairy Godmother for the Cinderella Project.
Lynne’s influence is woven into the fabric of our community - a testament to how one person’s passion and perseverance can transform not just a place, but the very spirit of a city.
Scripts on Tap at The Palace Theatre
Senator Blumenthal
Rollerskating Venice Beach, CA with Steven Bauer
the GULLIVER girls
A STORY OF STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE
On Thursday, May 8th, at 11 AM, the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich will host the American Cancer Society’s annual Women Leading the Way to Wellness luncheon. Among this year’s honorees are Sue, Lauren, and Morgan Gulliver—three extraordinary women whose journeys with cancer have inspired many. Lauren and Morgan will be recognized for their individual battles against cancer, while Sue is being honored for her unwavering dedication to fundraising and cancer initiatives. Let’s meet these remarkable women.
Meet Sue Gulliver, mother of Lauren and Morgan. Sue vividly recalls the moment she learned of her daughters’ diagnoses. “My first reaction was shock. Each situation was different, but both were overwhelming, and I felt completely unprepared. Especially with Morgan—she was just 17. I had no idea what lay ahead. And, of course, there was fear—fear of how they would get through it. No parent ever wants to face that.”
The Gulliver family found strength in the unwavering support of relatives, friends, and an outstanding medical team. Sue emphasizes that supporting a loved one through illness requires presence and understanding. “No one can truly understand, and everyone seeks support in different ways. I appreciated friends and family who acknowledged the reality of our situation and met me where I was emotionally, in any given moment. Sometimes you need someone to sit with you in your fear and anxiety; other times, you need a distraction or encouragement. And sometimes, words aren’t necessary—just being there is enough.”
For those looking to support a loved one, Sue offers this advice: “Ask what they need in that moment and follow their lead. Try not to project your own fears onto them or rush to say, ‘It’ll all be okay.’ I understand the instinct, but nobody wants to hear that constantly. Just because someone is strong doesn’t mean it’s easy, and just because they appear okay doesn’t mean they truly are. The most important thing is to let them know you’re there, exactly where they are, every step of the way.”
CONTINUED >
gulliver
MORGAN gulliver
Morgan Gulliver was diagnosed at just 17. Through her darkest days, the love and support of her mother, family, and friends carried her forward. Her doctors worked tirelessly to put her in remission in time for two major milestones—prom and high school graduation.
“The day my mom dropped me off at college, she told me, ‘Nothing here is life-threatening, and you just made it through something that was.’ That advice stuck with me, and it helped me face the stress and challenges of college—and everything that came after.”
Morgan has since adopted a mindset of acceptance and resilience. “I’ve learned that life isn’t about perfect
outcomes but about finding peace in uncertainty. That perspective has allowed me to focus on what brings me joy, and trust that no matter what happens, I’ll be okay.”
She also highlights the importance of continued support. “Often, once someone appears ‘better,’ the support fades. But that period can be incredibly isolating. Healing doesn’t have a timeline. Even over a decade later, I’m still processing what I went through and how it affects my life. It’s okay to still need support, and it’s okay to feel scared, angry, or like you’re just getting by. Being strong isn’t about ignoring those emotions—it’s about moving forward while allowing yourself to feel them.”
Sometimes you need someone to sit with you in your fear and anxiety; other times, you need a distraction or encouragement. And sometimes, words aren’t necessary—just being there is enough.”
LAUREN gulliver travers
Meet Lauren Gulliver Travers. Lauren’s diagnosis came while she was pregnant, shifting her concerns immediately to her baby. “My first thought was, Is my baby going to be okay? I was willing to do whatever it took, as long as my baby and I would both be okay.”
Having witnessed her younger sister battle cancer, Lauren had a sense of what was ahead. “In a way, that was comforting. I wasn’t prepared, but I had a peripheral understanding of the road I was about to travel.”
She attributes much of her strength to the love surrounding her. “I am beyond lucky to have a huge support system. My mother is one of the kindest, most thoughtful people on the planet, and because of her, people were eager to help. The whole Gulliver family reaps the benefits of that generosity. I also have my Curtain Call Theatre community, which has been a part of my life since 1993. My closest friends—including my husband—came from that theatre. Through every moment of this fight, I was never alone.”
Lauren stresses that small gestures of support can be profoundly meaningful. “Everyone is different, but during treatment, the most helpful things for me were having my house cleaned and my kids taken out for fun activities—things I physically couldn’t do at the time. But even something as simple as a message saying, ‘I’m thinking of you,’ meant a lot. At first, everyone checks in, but as time passes, life gets busy. Continuing to reach out, even months later, makes a real difference.”
Her final thoughts: “Tomorrow is not promised. I’m going to show up for the people I care about and do the things that bring me joy—now.”
JOIN THE CAUSE
The Women Leading the Way to Wellness luncheon is dedicated to the prevention and early detection of cancer. Since its inception, this event has raised over $1 million for the cause. Join us in celebrating the Gulliver women and supporting this critical mission.
For event tickets: e.givesmart.com/events/E8c/ page/tickets-donations
To make a donation if you cannot attend: e.givesmart.com/events/E8c
Let’s stand together in the fight against cancer.
www.groundsguys.com
U N DERSTANDINGMENOPAUSE
Before, during, and after menopause, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. One of the biggest misconceptions is that we should let nature take its course and simply endure the symptoms. However, science has shown that comprehensive blood panels and early hormone replacement can have a significant positive impact on a woman’s health when it comes to aging and disease prevention—specifically addressing bone loss, heart disease, and dementia.
BEING PROACTIVE AS OUR BODIES CHANGE CAN HELP LESSEN SOME OF THE EFFECTS AND MAKE THE TRANSITION MORE COMFORTABLE.
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA, JACQUI JUSTICE AND EMMI LUCCA
Laurie Guzda
Post Menopause -
I’m not crazy and I’m not alone.
After years of diets and exercise regimens, I was exhausted. I decided it was time for professional help. I became a fan of Jacqui Justice through Daily OM, long before SCL. I scheduled my consultation, and doing a deeper dive into bloodwork identified a sluggish thyroid. No amount of dieting was going to be effective— we needed to address the cause, my cause.
Working with Jacqui and my doctor gave me a wellness team. A weekly check-in with Jacqui keeps me accountable. My routine now includes regular exercise, healthy food choices, and time for meditation and creativity. Eliminating cheese was hard. I prefer life without alcohol. Eliminating sugar and refined white flour helped reduce bloat. I’m not giving up caffeine, but at Jacqui’s suggestion, I enjoy a cup of water first thing in the morning—sometimes with lemon and ginger—to give my tummy a refreshing shower to start the day.
It’s not so much what I weigh as how I feel. Creating new habits that are good for me and that I can sustain over time is what matters. I’m not about to deny myself some of life’s great culinary pleasures. I want to be the healthiest 90-year-old that I can be.
CONTINUED >
Jacqui Justice
Functional Nutritionist
Laurie’s story echoes countless others I’ve heard throughout my 28-year career as a Functional Nutritionist. Menopausal women ambushed by debilitating fatigue, stubborn hormonal weight gain, and resistant belly fat—all while growing increasingly disheartened by failed diets and exercise plans. Most have heard the same dismissive advice: “This is normal at your age, just eat less and exercise more,” a profoundly inadequate prescription that often worsens their condition.
We started with a 30-Day Clean Eating Plan to cleanse and nourish, decrease bloat and sugar cravings—a necessary step to rebalance hormones and heal metabolism.
Standard lab ranges are designed to identify disease, not optimal wellness. These ranges are often too broad, meaning many women with clear symptoms are told their results are “normal” when they’re actually far from optimal.
Laurie’s analysis revealed subclinical hypothyroid and insulin resistance (both common in menopause) that conventional testing would have dismissed. This discovery explained why traditional approaches weren’t working. No amount of dieting or exercise could overcome her underlying metabolic imbalances.
With a personalized blueprint, I designed a plan to naturally lower blood sugar and boost thyroid function. Laurie is no longer a stranger in her own body.
Schedule a consult at jacquijustice.com and use code MENO20 for 20% off your first visit.*
Emmi Lucca
Family Nurse Practitioner
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) right for you? Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros: Decrease in heart disease, bone loss, and dementia. Slower aging of the skin. Relief from hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and anxiety.
Cons: Risk of blood clots (particularly if you’re a smoker), though rare. Potential increased risk of breast cancer (if already prone to estrogen-driven cancers). Possible increased risk of stroke and heart disease if started after age 60.
Some of the biggest concerns regarding menopause are long-term diseases—heart disease, osteoporosis, and dementia. Also troubling are weight gain and overall changes in body composition, along with skin changes—decreased collagen can cause sagging and reduced elasticity. Brain fog— forgetfulness (often confused with dementia) and hormonal fluctuations can cause quick changes in mood, hot flashes, and irritability.
Some of the simplest things every woman can do to make menopause easier include eating healthy (nutritious foods as well as portion control), avoiding alcohol, exercising (specifically strength training), and considering hormone replacement early (during perimenopause, but definitely within 10 years of stopping menses).
EVENT TICKETS AT
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 5TH
Scripts on Tap
Palace Theatre | 7:00 PM
Presenting Steve Karp's, "When We Were Young" starring Ray Michaud and Laurie A. Guzda performing under the direction of Lynne Colatrella.
MAY 15TH
Stamford Boys & Girls Club Corporate 5K at Mill River Park
Mill River Park | 7:00 PM
Join us for a memorable day filled with energy, camaraderie, and the joy of giving back to the community! For more details, visit the event website. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner, this 5K race is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, engage with fellow participants, and celebrate health and fitness in a vibrant outdoor setting.
MAY 16TH
Kool & the Gang
Palace Theatre Gala
The Palace Theatre | 6:00 PM
The Palace Theatre annual gala featuring Kool & the Gang. For tickets: palacestamford.org
Versha Munshi-South
Education Consultant
Versha Munshi-South serves as the Vice President on the Stamford Board of Education. She is a former teacher, instructional coach, and principal currently working as an education consultant at TNTP, a national education nonprofit. Versha has two kids who attend Westhill High School.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A WOMAN?
What I love most is being a mom. I’m blown away by how much I’ve been able to learn about myself, adapt, and innovate in my parenting. Starting from pregnancy to now raising teenagers, I am so grateful for the unique bond that I have with my kids; it’s incredibly powerful.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATION OF WOMEN IN STAMFORD?
We live in a beautifully diverse city but it’s easy to stay in your bubble. I would encourage women to get out of their comfort zone
and engage with people who are different from yourself. In my volunteer work I meet people that I would never encounter professionally or socially and I learn so much from being exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences. We’re in an era of isolation and the best antidote to loneliness is by finding ways to give back. There are so many great ways to volunteer, whether it’s with our amazing community-based organizations, supporting political campaigns, or even running for office. You will meet the most interesting people and feel more invested in our city.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES AND BUSINESSES IN THE STAMFORD COMMUNITY?
So many! We moved here from NYC seven years ago and I have no regrets! I love eating at Teff or getting takeout from Layla’s Falafel. Bartlett Arboretum has lots of peaceful trails and the NY Comedy Club is reliable for a great night out!
