Life + Culture

Dispatches From the Kingdom of Outsiders

Tim Sommer - Writing on Music, Culture and More Article by Laurie A. Guzda 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...

Health + Wellness

World Cup Mindset for Everyday Success

How Elite Athlete Preparation Can Help You Reach Any Goal Article by Dan Pachter, Exercise Physiologist @BODYBYPURE "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    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...

Sports + Recreation

Bobby Valentine

A lifetime of leadership, loyalty, and Stamford pride Article by Tom Chiapetta 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...

Life + Culture

Senator Richard Blumenthal

Rooted in discipline, gratitude, and belief in the power of service. 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...

Life + Culture

Bold Women Leading Stamford with Impact

Bold, resilient leaders shaping Stamford through service, courage, and community—with just enough bad*ss energy to get things done. Article by Laurie A. Guzda | Photography by Jay Cohen Leadership is rarely a straight line. It is built through experience, challenge, and a deep commitment to something greater than oneself. The women featured in the following pages represent a powerful cross-section of Stamford—leaders in public safety, education, health, the arts, and community service—each...

Professional Services

Women in Tech

Stamford offers an abundance of support for women in the tech industry Article by Linda Drabova People often assume entering tech requires years of planning, connections, and perfect timing. But waiting for perfect conditions means you never move at all. Bravery isn't the absence of fear—it's looking at the risk, respecting it, and choosing to move forward anyway. Stamford has the energy of New York City without the anonymity. On any weekday, you can sit in a café and hear conversations about...

Professional Services

Heather Cavanagh A Leader with Integrity

Connecting people, strengthening business, and building a resilient, inclusive Stamford community Article by Laurie A. Guzda | Photography by Jay Cohen For Heather Cavanagh, President and CEO of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, leadership begins with values that don’t waver. Influenced deeply by her late mother, Nancy, she learned early the importance of integrity, trust, and making ethical, consistent decisions—especially when it’s hardest. Growing up in small family businesses reinforced...

Arts + Culture

A Cultural Dividend

Lynn Villency Cohen and Why Art, Community and Creativity Yield the Greatest Returns Article by Laurie A. Guzda | Photography by Jay Cohen In a city known for finance, technology, and corporate leadership, some of the most meaningful investments aren’t measured in quarterly returns—but in cultural legacy. Few people embody that long view more clearly than  Lynn Villency Cohen , an art historian whose career has bridged European museums, the federal government, and nearly twenty-five years of...

Real Estate

The Stamford Garden Club

A Century of Civic Beauty and Stewardship Article by Mia Schipani In the heart of Stamford, a quiet revolution in civic beauty and horticulture has been flourishing for more than a century. The Stamford Garden Club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, a milestone marking a dedicated community whose roots run deep in the city’s landscape, culture, and environmental stewardship. Founded in 1921 as a gathering of local women and gardening enthusiasts united by a love of plants and community...

Health + Wellness

Investing in Your Health & Wellness

Through the eyes of Two Dynamic Women and Health Practioners: Sharon Varianno and Maria Losito Article by Marty Shapiro | Photography by Jay Cohen and Angela Strassheim In a world where busy schedules often crowd out self-care, two local women are redefining what it means to invest in your health and wellness. Sharon Varianno manages a wellness facility (Restore Hyper Wellness); Maria Losito built her own studio from the ground up (The Body Reflex). Together, they’re helping clients see...