RADIO DJ
JIMMY FINK
Letter from the Editor
February, the LOVE issue. There are so many ways to love and so many things to love. In this issue we explore several favorites: Chocolate, Travel, Art and Music.
Jacqui Justice keeps us on track in wellness with some decadent options.
Layla's Falafel is food served with love. Layla and Dino Sakakini take great pride and what they serve and love how customers enjoy the offerings.
Travel is food for the soul. This month, I wanted to share the magic of Cappadocia, Turkey. Long on my list to visit, it didn't disappoint!
Art is also food for the soul and we are so fortunate to be surrounded by a plethora of options. From world-renown museums in NYC to area museums, parks and galleries. If you haven't already, make time this year to expose yourself to some amazing art!
One of the things I love most about being the Editor of SCL is reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I remember the first time I heard FM radio. It was 1972, after a Stamford High football game and David Lionetti had a new car (a Cougar, I think) with an amazing sound emanating from the radio! After years of the tinny sounds of Cousin Brucie loudly announcing the latest Jackson 5 single, here was something pretty spectacular. I was entranced as the music danced from side to side in my head. WPLJ was a favorite station with notable DJs like Jim Kerr, Pat St. John, Tony Pigg and Jimmy Fink.
Meeting Jimmy Fink was special. He's part of my life's soundtrack. He is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. In his mid-70s, he maintains a playful curiosity and love of life. A devoted family man, you have to look very deep to try and find any ego. He's someone who appreciates everything in his life and it is reflected in the kindness he shares.
I hope you LOVE this issue. We LOVE hearing your comments and suggestions. And, we LOVE our advertisers. Please support them whenever possible. May you be surrounded by LOVE this month ...and every month.
February 2025
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
Sarah Bamford, Jacqui Justice, Marty Shapiro, Laurie A. Guzda
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jimmy ienner Jr, Laurie A. Guzda, PJ Kennedy
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
LAURIE A. GUZDA, EDITOR @STAMFORDCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
scene
1: PJ Kennedy and SCL’s Marty Shapiro at Grand Opening of the Hey Stamford! retail store. 2: Richard “Cookie” Thomas performing at the 100 Black Men of Stamford holiday event. 3: Jesse Baker and Marty Shapiro at 100 Black Men of Stamford’s Holiday Toy Drive Party. 4: Lynne Colatrella closes 25 years as VP of Stamford Downtown - Events Producer. 5: Maisie Mellette enjoying the parade. 6: Clowning around before the kickoff for the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. 7: Stamford’s Charlie Pia has been entertaining kids of all ages for over twenty years.
business monthly
Pranna Physical Therapy and Wellness
Pranna Physical Therapy and Wellness is a physical therapy office located at 125 Strawberry Hill Avenue in Stamford. Deesha Marvania, the founder, opened her outpatient private practice in 2018. Her practice focuses on providing therapeutic services to help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, and mobility impairments. She offers customized treatment plans that include exercises, manual therapy, pain management techniques, and rehabilitation programs aimed at improving physical function, reducing pain, and preventing further injury.
Serendipity Labs
Located in a unique loft-style building in the heart of Stamford’s vibrant South End, Serendipity Labs is a flexible, upscale co-working space that caters to the needs of companies of all sizes with private offices, co-working, meeting and event facilities. Serendipity Labs provides inviting and inspirational workplaces, and combines state-of-the-art design, technology and security to ensure its tenants receive the highest level of service. Serendipity Labs is a short walk from the Stamford Transportation Center. serendipitylabs.com/us/ct/stamford
Mack Events
Mack Events, a specialized audiovisual company providing staging, audio, video and lighting solutions for corporate and nonprofit events, concerts, conferences and other special occasions. Through the years, Mack Events has flawlessly executed some of the largest events in Stamford. Principal owner and Stamford native, Kelvin McGregor proactively addresses the needs of corporate event managers and planners by providing detailed plans that not only help keep their event on schedule, but more importantly, within budget. mackeventsllc.com
Layla & Dino Sakakini
Layla’s Falafel Co-Founders
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AND YOUR CUSTOMERS?
We love food and feeding people real, unprocessed, good-quality food! Hospitality and food are a huge part of our culture. Sharing the cuisine we both grew up eating is what we love the most. Seeing customers' reactions when eating at Layla’s Falafel brings us pure joy. It’s more than a shared meal. It’s comfort, it’s love.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? ANY ADVICE?
The Layla’s Falafel story began by accident in our family’s chain sandwich shop in downtown Bridgeport, CT. Layla’s Falafel was never the plan, but it became our family’s American Dream.
It all started when a customer asked Layla if she could make him tabbouleh after learning that she had recently immigrated to the US from Lebanon. We opened up the first Layla’s Falafel in Fairfield, CT in 2000.
A restaurant is not an easy thing to start. My advice is that food needs to come from the heart. If you’re not cooking from the heart, do not start a food business. – Dino
My advice is to build step by step and always make sure you have a solid foundation. Take it slow. – Layla
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT STAMFORD?
We love the people of this city, its diversity, and its geographical location. We meet people from all over the world and we love how familiar they are with our cuisine. Stamford is such a special city to us and the community has been nothing but warm and loving. Thank you to the Stamford Community and all of Fairfield County for all your love and support throughout the years together. We are also excited to announce we have launched a food truck for private events and corporations and we cannot wait to feed you!
ARTICLE BY SARAH BAMFORD
LOVE AT FIRST BITE
ARTICLE BY JACQUI JUSTICE, MS FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONIST @JACQUIJUSTICE
The Sweet Benefits of Chocolate
Chocolate, considered the universal language of affection, is used as an expression of love around the world. From its velvety texture to its soul-soothing sweetness, chocolate has been wooing humanity and tantalizing our taste buds for centuries. But beyond its role as a treat for the senses, chocolate boasts impressive health benefits that make it even easier to love - with one caveat: it must be dark chocolate (70% or higher).
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Rich in Antioxidants: Flavonoids help combat free radicals and support overall health.
Heart Health: May lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, promoting cardiovascular wellness.
Mood Booster: Stimulates endorphin release, enhancing feelings of happiness.
Stress Relief: Magnesium supports relaxation and reduces stress.
Brain Support: Improves blood flow to the brain, aiding focus and cognitive function.
This Valentine’s Day, savor some rich, decadent dark chocolate not just as a treat but as a celebration of self-love and well-being. Your heart, mood and taste buds will thank you.
Love TRAVELCappadocia, Turkey
A MAGICAL LAND WHERE GEOLOGY, HISTORY AND HOSPITALITY MEET.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURIE A. GUZDA
To “travel” is different than a vacation. To travel is to immerse oneself into a culture. And, rather than merely relaxing, one is transformed. Some notable travel experiences have included a gorilla safari in Uganda, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru and the Kumbh Mela in India.
Recently, I had the privilege to experience Cappadocia. I had visited Turkey years ago. I love Istanbul! I also enjoyed Antalya. Time restraints prevented me from visiting Cappadocia but thirty years later…
Cappadocia is a fascinating historical and geographical region located in central Turkey. It is known for its unique and surreal landscape, rich history and cultural significance. Famous for its distinctive “fairy chimneys” – tall, cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years. These formations have been carved into homes, churches and underground cities by various civilizations throughout history.
Home to ancient civilizations including the Hittites, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, it was a significant refuge for early Christians escaping persecution. It is known for traditional handicrafts, especially pottery and carpet weaving.
Hot Air Balloon rides are incredibly popular especially in Goreme. Each morning - in-season, before first light, you will find around 300 balloons rising overhead. Many of the hotels are built into the rock formations with roof top views of the magical display. It is a sight to behold!
The hospitality of the Turkish people is exceptional. You are their guest and they will do everything they can to ensure you have an excellent experience. The food is delicious. The coffee and tea are quite strong. Shopping is not just a purchase but a connection with the shop owner or artisan just waiting to meet you.
If you plan to go… Turkish Airlines is great! They offer roomy seats and tasty meals. There are three locations for staying in
Cappadocia: Uchisar, the highest point with incredible panoramic views. It is more peaceful and less crowded. It’s romantic and luxurious. Urgup is upscale and sophisticated. It’s a quieter atmosphere offering higher end boutique hotels. Goreme is the most popular and located in the heart of the unique landscape. Here, you can walk to dining, dancing and shopping but know that there are lots of hills and steps. It is the most traditional experience offering great value for accommodations.
The Vista Cave Hotel was spacious and quite lovely, including a delicious breakfast for approximately $80/ night. If you are looking to purchase a beautiful rug, the Galerie Ikman has a wide-selection at reasonable prices.
With that, I say to you...Muhtesem bir gezi… Turkish for Wonderful Journey
If you need help booking your adventure to Turkey, contact Dominick Carpanzano at Advance Travel - 203-975-8833. The food is delicious and Turkey has some amazing wines! Ask your hotel to arrange a driver for the day, a great way to explore. You don’t want to miss having a Turkish Bath. And, book your airport transportation through your hotel. Be sure to include a few days in Istanbul in your itinerary.
Love
ART
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA
We are surrounded with great art - we need only to make time to appreciate it.
Looking for ART in your own backyard?
The Mayor’s Gallery features the work of local artists. The Stamford Museum and Nature Center hosts beautiful exhibits featuring works reflecting Nature. And, next door in Greenwich is the fabulous Bruce Museum.
Of course, we live just outside of one of the greatest cities in the world for ART! MOMA, The Met, Guggenheim, Whitney and the Museum of Natural History are all world famous. There’s also The Cloisters, Jewish Museum, The Frick, The Morgan
Library and Museum, Fotografiska and so many more. In fact, if you include the boroughs – there are 170 museums in New York City. And, just outside of the city you can find Dia Beacon, off I-84 just before the Newburgh Bridge. Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River, this museum features works from the 1960s and on.
In Cold Spring, NY you’ll find Magazzino Italian Art where you can observe, contemplate and engage in postwar and contemporary Italian Art. Katonah Museum of Art presents a spectrum of artistic disciplines, cultures and historic periods. It’s a short drive from Stamford up Long Ridge Road through Bedford to Katonah.
If you are looking to experience something loftier, head up to North Adams, MA to Mass MoCA. This former-factory complex on 16-acres along the Hoosic River is one of the most exciting art experiences in America. It hosts events, exhibits, performing arts, education and public art. It’s approximately a 3-hour drive from Stamford. But, you may want to consider a weekend excursion so you can spend a full day at Mass MoCA and head to the nearby Clark Art Institute.
Clark Art Institute, founded by Sterling and Francine Clark, opened to the public in 1955. It is one of the few institutions in the USA that combines a public art museum with research and academic programs, including a major in art history. So, if you love ART, there is no shortage of opportunity to experience remarkable works. You have access to new artists as well as many of the most renowned pieces in history. Expose yourself to ART!
Whitney
Bruce Museum
MassMoCA
ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIMMY IENNER JR.
JIMMY FINK
Broadcasting Love: Mixing Music and Family Time
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN BROADCAST?
As a young college student home for the summer, I called a radio station in NYC to make a request. I was connected to a Vice -President of ABC Radio by mistake, and he began asking me questions about myself and music. It was a time when his FM radio stations were in a transition period from pre-recorded shows to going live with current rock music. There were many around him who knew about radio, not so many who were well versed in music. He said I had a nice voice and because of my music knowledge, invited me down to the station…. eventually putting me on the air. That summer job at WABC-FM turned into a 13-year relationship with ABC both on their Network and at their flagship station in NY that evolved from WABC-FM to WPLJ.
Billy Joel
Sir Paul McCartney
Lou Reed
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I am married to a girl I dated in High School (Eastchester High)….we got married in 1973. We were married for 16 years before we had kids. During that 16-year period, we traveled, sowed our wild oats at rock concerts and clubs & discos like Studio 54, then bought a house in Westchester. Our son Robbie works as an Associate Director at a Spotify division known as Spotify for Artists. I have twin girls, Allie and Lucie. Allie is the principal of an asset management company and Lucie is a wellknown social media influencer with over 500,000 followers on TikTok and YouTube. I’ve always been deeply involved in my kids’ lives and communication is the key to both a long happy
marriage and being a dad. I am very proud of all my children and the lives they have chosen and their accomplishments.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT STAMFORD?
We moved here in February of 2024 after living in Scarsdale for 34 years. I love being in the downtown area where I can walk to everything… restaurants, stores, the library and still have some greenery with Mill River Park so close to home. I love driving a short while to the beach (I like West Beach) and love the staff in my building, all so friendly and helpful. Apartment life is not new to me as for a while we also had an apartment in NYC. Stamford has the feel of a big city but still leaning towards suburbia. I’ve just
“I’ve always been deeply involved in my kids’ lives and communication is the key to both a long happy marriage and being a dad.”
started to get to know some new local friends and am proud to be part of a vibrant and thriving community.
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE MEETING PAUL MCCARTNEY?
I was invited with lots of press people to attend a sound check prior to a McCartney concert at Madison Square Garden. I had no intention of meeting, no less interviewing Paul. But when the sound check ended, a McCartney aide came out and said, “OK, who was here to interview Paul?” I looked around and no one was responding so I raised my hand and was immediately escorted backstage to a green room where Paul and I sat on a sofa and
With daughter Lucie at Taylor Swift's concert.
recorded our conversation. After interviewing so many luminaries, I know how to be totally prepared and research for interviews, but in this case since it was so impromptu, I was not. I was excited to sit next to a Beatle and we chatted, but it was not one of my best interviews. I was too busy looking at his shoes, his fingernails, his hair and found it so hard to concentrate. He was friendly and talkative, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with him.
TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE PEOPLE YOU’VE INTERVIEWED.
I thought David Bowie was particularly smart, Billy Joel is one of the nicest and most down to earth people, Elton John was friendly and funny and working with Howard Stern was always fun and challenging…more on that later.
FAVORITE NEW ARTISTS?
Ugh….so many new artists. Some of them are new in terms of coming on the scene in the past several years…. others just came about in the past few months with a good song, but I don’t really know if they’ll be enduring. In the first category, I would put Lumineers, Decemberists, The Killers, Cage the Elephant, Noah Kahan and my son’s band, East Love. In the second instance, I like Sam Fender, British
Sir Elton John
David Bowie
Woodstock Day 3
singer/songwriter, Orla Gartland, Irish singer/ songwriter, a band called Peach Pit from Canada and Flipturn from Florida. In terms of my favorites of all times, I’ve always been a Beatle freak, both with the band’s music and the solo tunes the Beatles’ members released…. add Pink Floyd, Yes, Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra and Steely Dan and I could be stranded on a deserted island with their music and be very content.
WHERE CAN YOU BE FOUND THESE DAYS?
I can be found at my apartment most of the time where I built a radio studio and do all my shows from home. Otherwise, you might find me at the Aquarium in Norwalk or Stepping Stones with my grandson and of course at some of my favorite restaurants in Stamford, in particular - Siena on Summer Street, The Americano on Main Street for a burger or picking up pizza at Remo’s on Bedford. I also frequent the Ferguson Library where I’ve discovered some books in my favorite genre, historical fiction.
HOW WAS WORKING WITH HOWARD STERN?
My midday show on K-Rock followed his morning show, but he never got off by 10 o’clock when my show was supposed to start. Nevertheless, I always came into the studio at 10 and as a result became part of and one of the characters of the Howard Stern Show. There was always a twinkle in his eye when he would mock me or bust my chops, and I never took anything personally. It was always so much fun and I never got more reaction to things that happened on the radio than I did when I was on the air with Howard. Being part of his show also changed how I approached my on-air persona, and I think I became more real and less of just an announcer type after my time with Howard.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR JIMMY FINK?
What’s next…. I don’t have any plans to retire any time soon. I love working at 107.1 The Peak. I also write, produce, voice & record a daily hour of special programming
called the 10@10. It’s ten songs from a particular month of a particular year sprinkled in with some news headlines and radio commercials or movie trailer audio that you might have heard back then. I also let my free form radio passions out with a section of my show called After 6, it explores a theme one day, maybe play an entire album another or feature a particular artist…. whatever suits my fancy. I’ve never been told I can’t play something during that hour, no matter what the genre. It’s exciting to be able to do that at a time when so much radio is preprogrammed and sterile, and too many stations play a very limited number of songs in a very tight rotation of repetition.
CAN YOU SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON AI AND ITS IMPACT ON BROADCASTING AND MUSIC?
I am not sure of the impact of AI on the broadcast and music industries. AI technology, it seems, is still in its infancy and I’m sure there are many more developments to come as it advances. Yes, in some cases an AI robotic voice can replace a disk jockey, but whether it can replace an actual human personality is yet to be determined. The state of radio broadcasting is currently under fire as there are so many ways for people to listen to music…. Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, YouTube, iTunes and other streaming services, but they are also providing an outlet for budding musicians to get their music out there to the public. I think the key to the sustainability of radio and the philosophy of The Peak is to be live and local. You can listen to satellite radio, but it will never tell you what’s happening in your neighborhood the way a live, local radio personality can. Broadcasting and music have always been changing with the times and no doubt, will continue to change and evolve as the technology of delivering it progresses.
WHAT’S THE TITLE OF YOUR MOVIE AND WHO’S DOING THE SOUNDTRACK?
The title of my movie and book in development is Dead Air. I’ve been thinking about it for years and I’m not sure if it will ever come out…I’m not ready to reveal its exact plot line or soundtrack but the song Don’t Fear the Reaper by the Blue Oyster Cult might give you a hint.
An SM&NC Signature Event
Join us for a spacious feast on foot in our Bendel Mansion & Museum Galleries!
Join us for a lively evening sampling and savoring the very best of local gourmet fare with first-rate wines, craft beers from local breweries, and superb spirits from local distilleries. Bring your friends and your appetite!
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
It's Winter Thyme
Townhouse Gallery 39
Franklin Street | 12:00 PM
IT’S WINTER THYME! is an art exhibition at The Townhouse Gallery celebrating the joy of food and the warmth of wintertime feasts, embracing both coziness and indulgence. Last week! Exhibit closes February 6th, 2025
FEBRUARY 2ND
Sunday Funday –“The Runaway Beignet” by Connie Morgan
Mill River Park - Discovery Center 10:00 AM
Join us for Sunday Funday on February 2 at 10 AM at the Whittingham Discovery Center. We will be reading the book, “The Runaway Beignet” by Connie Morgan. The first 25 participants will receive a copy of the book that day! There will be free snacks and kids will make their very own mardi gras mask.
FEBRUARY 7TH
40th Annual Stamford
Literary Competition
The Ferguson Library
LAST DAY TO SUBMIT! For students - grades 3 though 12 who live, or go to school in, Stamford. Students may enter in up to two of three categories: fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Authors must fill out the online entry form completely, then attach their work to submit online. fergusonlibrary.org/friends/literarycompetition | Sponsored by Friends of Ferguson Library
