Stamford, CT November 2024 by City Lifestyle

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Letter from the Editor

Is it me? Or, did this year just fly by!?! Here we are in November – the beginning of the holiday season. It’s a joyful time. It’s also a tough time for many. Be kind. Be patient. Take time to check in on friends and neighbors. It’s also time for the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. This will be Motts Pelazza and my twenty-first year hosting at the Old Town Hall. I would have to say, in my humble opinion, that our section is the best section and we hope to see many of you there.

Speaking of the parade, it’s a great time to enjoy Jimmy Locust and his Performing Arts Center dance students. Jimmy graces our cover and is featured this month. You’ll learn about this very special, kind, magical human being. I’m thankful that I learned to dance with Bill DeFormato and Estelle Bass at the Bell Town Fire House a very long time ago. We were so excited when our student teacher, Jackie Chidsey, went on to become one of Dean Martin’s Golddiggers. For today’s students, imagine knowing that your teacher worked with Michael and Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul and so many more!

(NOTE: Jackie Chidsey and Norma Pirre Stella were both student teachers under Miss Bass. I loved them both. It was such a pleasure to work with Norma as the choreographer for Stamford’s Summer Youth Theater production of “Annie” in 1996. Still rates as one of the BEST theatrical experiences!)

This is our "Thankful" issue. So we are taking a look at what folks are most thankful for and how they are giving back.

Cingari Family Markets makes giving back part of its culture by supporting health, wellness and environmental stewardship.

November 11th is Veterans Day. Philip Morris International supports veterans all year-round as well as other non-profit organizations.

Jacqui Justice provides tips to stay healthy through gratitude.

We are thankful for you - our advertisers and most of all, our readers. We truly appreciate your kind words, comments and suggestions. We wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. Don't forget to VOTE! LAURIE

A.GUZDA, EDITOR

November 2024

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

Sarah Bamford, Jacqui Justice, Marty Shapiro, Laurie A. Guzda

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian O'Connor

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

NOVEMBER 2024

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: 9/11 Memorial service at Woodside Fire House. 2: Stacy, Chris, Roberta, Lynn and Laurie -Stamford Senior Center End of Summer BBQ. 3: Staff and Board of Over 60 for the Stamford Senior Center End of Summer BBQ. 4: 50 Cent rocks Stamford Downtown in Mill River Park at the Hey Stamford Food Festival. 5: Minette Zambo End of Summer BBQ at Cove Island. 6: Off The Chain performing Labor Day Weekend at The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing. 7: Scripts on Tap at the Palace Theatre. “Two Sneakers in a Bucket.” by George Barnett.

BERNIE WEISS

PJ KENNEDY

8: Mat Wylie, Antiques & Artisans Gallery and Kate Cook, Senior Director Events Stamford Downtown. 9: JoAnn and Sal Latorraca with SCL Editor, Laurie Guzda aboard a sunset sail with Soundwaters. 10: Karen Kelly, First County Bank with Alon Marom of Kids in Crisis.

HOW CAN WE BEST SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED?

We’ve all thanked a veteran in one way or another. At the airport, in a parade, through a donation. As well we should. America’s military veterans didn’t just volunteer—they set aside years of their lives to defend our country, its values, and its allies. These 18 million men and women represent an essential strength of the U.S., embodying the nation’s spirit of public service, courage, selflessness, and leadership. Upon their return to civilian life, some service members transition easily, transferring their skills to civilian jobs and reentering the embrace of their families and communities. But this is not the case for all veterans. Many bring back with them traumas and injuries—physical or mental—that can last a lifetime.

When veterans can’t access the help they need, we all suffer— veterans and their families most of all. Those who need support deserve to be treated with respect by the nation for which they have sacrificed so much. In short, those who served deserve to be served.

Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched a nationwide initiative to empower the veterans community and support these men and women through national and local programs. We are sponsoring organizations with a track record of improving veterans’ lives, partnering with law schools in select communities to help veterans access benefits, and supporting military veterans and their spouses as we expand our business across the U.S.

Individually and collectively, we have an opportunity to do something meaningful for America’s veterans. Working together, with an eye to the future, we can deliver measurable progress so all veterans have a fair shot at succeeding at home, at work, and in their communities.

See how we can better serve those who served DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER

Companies GIVING BACK

ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA

Life is about choices. Sometimes our choices are difficult and sometimes it can be as simple as where you prefer to shop or eat or where you might want to work. Companies that make giving back part of their internal culture use the collective power of people and passion to affect positive impact.

“Local involvement reflects our commitment to making a difference in the everyday lives of our customers.”

Since 1929, the Cingari Family Markets have been dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the communities they serve in southwestern Connecticut.

Through the efforts of employee volunteers and a charitable foundation, they strive to create a cleaner, greener future while supporting the local organizations and initiatives that matter most to our community.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:

• Community Support: Over the years, the Cingari Family ShopRite Foundation has donated more than $5 million to local organizations, including vital food donations to soup kitchens, pantries, like the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County as well as shelters, and senior centers.

• Healthcare Contributions: They support local healthcare institutions, with significant monetary gifts to Stamford Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, and the Cingari Family Boutique at Smilow Cancer Hospital, helping to provide better care for patients in our region.

• Grassroots Giving: They actively engage in grassroots initiatives, offering support to local schools, sports teams, and other community projects. This local involvement reflects a commitment to making a difference in the everyday lives of their customers.

• Environmental Stewardship: Their efforts toward a cleaner, greener future include implementing energy-efficient refrigeration across all store locations and diverting approximately 12,000 tons of unsold food per year for composting or animal feed. Additionally, the Green Team associates volunteer in local environmental projects, such as beach cleanups and landscaping efforts, to further the commitment to sustainability.

CINGARI FAMILY MARKETS

Stamford-headquartered Philip Morris International (PMI) works to be good neighbors where they live and work. The PMI corporate social responsibility team looks to support existing community organizations with a great track record in service to others and focuses on causes such as those that help military veterans, empower women and that fund hyperlocal solutions.

Since relocating their headquarters to Connecticut in 2022, they’ve invested in the local community with volunteer time and resources, including a record-setting $5 million in the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). For veterans, they sponsored a benefit concert featuring Wyclef Jean in support of Career Resources Inc. and their work helping veterans advance their civilian careers via job training and workforce transition services. PMI also launched HONOR, an employee resource group where employees share and celebrate the many contributions of our military service members and organize volunteer opportunities.

Veterans are a key focus of their efforts both locally and across the country. Nationally, they work closely with organizations like The Bob Woodruff Foundation and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to impact the lives of veterans and their families. Their initiatives include significant contributions to veterans’ law clinics at major universities to help make sure vets can access all the benefits they’re entitled to based on their service.

“Focused on causes that help veterans, empower women and fund hyperlocal solutions.”

PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL

Employees of PMI and its U.S. affiliates pack care packages for military veterans

COLUMBUS PARK TRATTORIA

“Our parents taught us the importance of community and giving back. Food is a powerful way to say we care.”

What began as a small family business has now grown to include three very successful restaurants in Fairfield County. The Marchetti family opened Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford in 1985, followed in 1994 by Osteria Applausi in Old Greenwich and Tarantino Restaurant in Westport.

Michael Marchetti is one of Stamford’s leading business owners and generously donates to so many organizations and people that it’s hard to keep count. Giving back is in their nature. They provide food and sometimes the location for fundraising events. But, it’s not surprising when Michael or a family member or staff show up at the front door bearing trays of food for comfort at difficult times.

The Marchetti’s have been feeding Stamford folks for a long time. This family business is truly one of the best in so many ways. They may not staff as many employees as other companies but they make up for it in the number of people and organizations they support.

Columbus Park Trattoria

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

ARTICLE BY JACQUI JUSTICE, FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONIST @JACQUIJUSTICE

Grateful

Heart, Healthy Mind & Body

Thanksgiving is all about reflection and gratitude, but it goes way beyond the feast and family gathering. Numerous studies have shown that there is actually a powerful connection between being thankful and feeling good, both mentally and physically.

When we focus on the good stuff in life, we naturally let go of the negativity, helping us see things in a more positive light. This simple mindset shift can lead to some amazing benefits such as reduced stress, anxiety and depression; better sleep quality, stronger immunity, and even healthier blood pressure levels.

HERE ARE 4 SIMPLE WAYS TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE:

• Keep a daily gratitude journal

• Simply tell people thank you

• Find the positive in the negative

• Go for a nature-appreciating “joy walk”

So, this Thanksgiving, let’s all take a minute to really think about what we’re truly grateful for and share that gratitude with the people around us. Then, commit to making this a habit, and watch the mental and physical benefits roll in…

jacquijustice.com

Leon Hanna, DDS and Kayla Mazer, DDS provide comprehensive general dentistry for the entire family, as well as cosmetic procedures including veneers, dental implants and same day (CEREC) crowns.

hannaandmazer.com

COLUMBUS PARK, appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish and great wine list. A fun and fashionable location where the food and sevice are exceptional.

COLUMBUS PARK, centrally located in downtown Stamford, boasts of its extraordinary appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish and great wine list. A fun and fashionable location where the food and sevice are exceptional.

COLUMBUS PARK'S small-to-medium sized private parties such as corporate affairs, rehearsal dinners and family events. Columbus Park Trattoria will help to make your party unforgettable at a cost which is surprisingly affordable.

COLUMBUS PARK'S private dining room can accommodate 64 people. Specializing in small-to-medium sized private parties such as corporate affairs, rehearsal dinners and family events. Columbus Park Trattoria will help to make your party unforgettable at a cost which is surprisingly affordable.

ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA

JIMMY LOCUST

The Joy of Dance

It’s November which means that the Thanksgiving Parade Spectacular is around the corner and that includes an audience favorite – dance students of the Locust Performing Arts Center.

Jimmy Locust has worked with top entertainment industry stars such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen. He has performed at the Grammy Awards, Academy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Mr. Locust was one of the head choreographers for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics (opening and closing ceremonies). He has choreographed projects for Nicholas Cage, Justin Bieber, Joe Jonas, Nelly and Gloria Estefan. He is the Artistic Director/Owner of Locust Performing Arts Center in Stamford and the Founder/Director of Harmony Nation, an educational anti-bullying program that performs for schools and youth organizations. He also directs Locust Contemporary Dance Works, a youth company which performs in New York City. Most recently, he founded The Locust Foundation, a non-profit that provides free and affordable arts education for youth.

Jimmy and Janet Jackson

Jimmy and Paula Abdul

Jimmy, Paula Abdul and Students

Having a world-renowned artist like Mr. Locust in our backyard is a gift. His enthusiasm and kindness are infectious. His talent is exceptional and his uplifting impact on youths is empowering.

Jimmy was inspired by his mom who taught him to never give up on his dreams. He thought he would be a computer engineer until his childhood friend, Nic Arp, introduced him to dance. It is through dance that Jimmy found his personal confidence and a powerful and creative way to navigate life.

Jimmy never let the word “No” stop him from achieving his goals. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to use his artistic ability to create a business as well as launch a nonprofit to benefit

children. One of the greatest moments for Jimmy was to dance alongside Michael and Janet Jackson as well as performing on the Academy Awards. He hopes to one day collaborate with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.

In August he reconnected with Paula Abdul in Hartford while she was opening for New Kids on the Block. Jimmy is one of the most loved people in the business. His relationships continue well past the project, production, or event. Yet, his impressive resume working with so many industry greats is only one part of the man. His ability to foster confidence in youths helping them to believe in themselves is what feeds his soul. His nonprofit, The Locust

Foundation, established in 2021, is giving back to our community. Their Mission is to give youth free and affordable arts education and dance classes locally and nationally. Last year, The Locust Foundation supported students in need by donating over $19,000 in scholarships. Jimmy admires kindness and compassion. Not surprising that he is a reflection of the same. When asked what the best advice he received, “Be kind to everyone as you never know what they have been through or facing at the time you are with them.”

PASTITSIO

A HOLIDAY FAVORITE FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY

ARTICLE BY NIKKI GLEKAS

This classic Greek comfort food is my husband’s favorite meal. It makes a large portion great for family gatherings. I often make it on the weekend and we eat it for dinner a few times during the week.

MAKES ONE LARGE 9’’X13’’ TRAY, about 12 servings

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Cook time: 45 to 55 minutes

Ingredients

For meat sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon sea salt, more if needed

• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 6 oz. (3/4 cup) tomato paste

• 1 ½ fl oz, (or 3 tablespoons) brandy or cognac

For béchamel

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 6 tablespoons flour

• 2 cups cold whole milk

• 4 cups hot whole milk

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon white pepper

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• large eggs, divided

• 1/3 cup of grated parmesan

For pasta

• 16 oz pastitsio pasta, or a thick noodle with a whole in the center like bucatini

• Salted water for boiling

For assembling

• 6 oz pastitsio pasta, cooked to al dente

• 2 large eggs

• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, divided

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup béchamel

Directions

1. Bring a large skillet to medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil along with your chopped onion.

2. Sauté onions for about 5 minutes or until translucent with the edges just starting to turn brown.

3. Lower the heat to medium and add in meat. Keep the meat moving in the pan to fully cook, about 5 minutes. Once cooked (browned with no pink), add in nutmeg, cinnamon stick, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 7 to 9 minutes or until most moisture is gone from pan.

4. Move meat to one side of the pan, add in brandy and flambé until all liquor is cooked off, about 2 minutes.

5. Add tomato paste and fully combine. Once incorporated, add enough water (about 2 cups) to cover the meat and set on low to simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so. Most of the liquid should be cooked off.

6. While the meat sauce is simmering, prepare Béchamel. Add butter to a medium pot over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk to keep moving until you smell a nutty aroma and the flour is a light toasted brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.

7. Slowly whisk in cold milk until a thick sauce is formed. Add in warm milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Continue slowly whisking until the sauce is a thick, pudding like consistency and coats the back of a spoon.

8. Remove sauce from heat. And very quickly whisk in two eggs (you must work quickly to ensure your eggs don’t scramble). Once fully incorporated, fold in 1/3 cup of parmesan.

9. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is pre-heating, coat a 9 x 13” baking dish with cooking spray.

10. While your oven is pre-heating, bring a large pot of water to boil and season with salt. Cook noodles according to package directions, but to al dente as the pasta will continue cooking once assembled and in the oven (I usually cook one minute less then package suggests). Once cooked, drain pasta and pour into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

11. In the bowl with your cooked noodles, stir in two eggs, 1/3 cup parmesan, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 cup béchamel sauce. Toss to fully coat.

12. Add half of your noodles to the prepared baking dish, top with all of the meat sauce, and layer the remaining noodles on top.

13. Using a piece of parchment, place on top of your noodles to press the mixture into the pan, condensing the noodles and sauce together in a nice layer. This ensures there will be enough room for your remaining béchamel. Remove parchment and add the remaining béchamel in a nice, even layer. Top with remaining 1/3 cup of parmesan.

14. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This will ensure your béchamel is set.

15. Enjoy!

Nights Out

Whiskey & Woodfire

Friday, Nov 8 | 6:30 pm

See what’s new and stamford museum.org /next

Upcoming adult programs you won’t want to miss!

at the SM&NC

Sips and Slices are perfect companions! Join us for an evening of “spirited” whiskey exploration paired with freshly made New Haven Style pies by the oneand-only Sally’s Apizza. Sample the robust flavors of exceptional whiskies from around the world with Brand Ambassadors. Our event partner, BevMax will be on hand to place orders of any whiskies you may sample and wish to purchase, with a portion of all sales charitably supporting the SM&NC. Adults 21+ only

Me mbers: $70 | Non-Members: $80

The Evolutionary History of Eastern North America

Thursday, Nov 14 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Now a Ph.D. candidate at Yale’s Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Chase Brownstein has identified and cataloged over 1,500 specimens in the SM&NC’s paleontology collection over the past decade. From dinosaurs to today’s living fossils, Chase will walk us through the evolutionary history of North America to explore answers that may lie within fossil records, or even within the genes of animals living among us today.

Me mbers: $10 | Non-Members: $20

Holiday Market Sip & Shop

Thursday, Dec 5 | 5 – 8 pm

Shop local for the Holidays! Peruse artisan gifts and products from 20+ vendors, including hand knits, geodes & minerals, clothing, jewelry, candles, paper & stationery, home décor, crafted wooden goods, wellness items, and more. Enjoy complimentary champagne and gingerbread cookies while you shop. FREE | All are welcome!

NOVEMBER 7TH

Friendsgiving

Hudson Social - 128 Bedford Street | 5:30 PM

Stamford Chamber of Commerce invites members and non-members to connect and give back. Members: $45 Others: $50 21 and over only. Includes one drink and appetizers.

NOVEMBER 14TH

Connecticut Innovation Night

CoCreate - GE Appliances Micro Mfg. Plant & Showroom - 47 John Street | 4:30 PM

Join FORGE in partnership with Innovation Nights for an exciting evening of networking, tabletop demonstrations of physical products, and a pitch competition with $30K in non- dilutive funding to be awarded at CT Innovation Night. This event will bring together startups and innovative companies, local suppliers, service providers, manufacturers, startup ecosystem organizations, and investors in an informal setting.

NOVEMBER 14TH

Author Dr. James Forman Jr.- Dismantling

Mass Incarceration: A

Handbook for Change

Ferguson Library | 6:30 PM

Dr. James Forman Jr., the J. Skelly Wright Professor of Law at Yale Law School, will discuss the book Dismantling Mass Incarceration: A Handbook for Change, a vital reader on ending mass incarceration featuring advocates, experts and formerly incarcerated people. It was co-edited by Forman, Premal Dharia and Mario Hawilo. Registration required. https://www.fergusonlibrary.org/

NOVEMBER 16TH

Christmas in

Connecticut Expo

Chelsea Piers | 9:00 AM

The Christmas In Connecticut Expo –Fairfield County Edition, at Chelsea Piers in Stamford. This large holiday event includes, food, fun, crafts and gifts or the whole family. Saturday, November 16th & Sunday, November 17th.

NOVEMBER 22ND

President Bill Clinton

The Palace Theatre | 8:00 PM

The Palace Theatre is honored to announce an exclusive event featuring the 42nd President of the United States, President Bill Clinton. This event will offer an unfiltered view into former President Clinton’s perception of the world. He will discuss his highly anticipated memoir, Citizen: My Life After the White House, releasing November 19th.

NOVEMBER 24TH

Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

Stamford Downtown | 12:00 PM

The holiday season will officially kick off in Stamford Downtown on November 24, 2024 with the annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, one of the largest of its kind in the country!

Want to be featured?

ON Fall Fun STALKING up

Cornhusk Centerpiece

When life gives you lemons, or cornstalks as it seems, make something beautiful! The holidays can be stressful. Your table centerpiece doesn’t need to be.

To create this cornhusk centerpiece, simply remove the dried tops of the cornstalks, arrange them in a vintage soup bowl adding a few ears of corn to give more stability and visual interest. Add preserved pinecones for guests’ place settings and you have the perfect touches for your table. Pinecone instructions can be found at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/pinecones-leaves