Stamford, CT January 2026 by City Lifestyle

Taking a closer look at GLUTEN

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Editor

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com

Is it just me, or is time flying by faster and faster? Maybe one day we’ll bend the time/space continuum and find ourselves right back where we started. Would you do it all over again? And if so—what would you do differently? January always invites reflection. It’s a time for planning, visioning, and preparing for what we want to create in the coming year. I’ve shared in this issue a personal tradition that has become invaluable to me—exchanging an annual letter with a dear friend. But it’s not what you might think. It’s a ritual of gratitude, intention, and perspective—one I hope inspires you to start your own. Since this is our Health Issue, we’re starting the year by exploring ways to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Jacqui Justice gives us a deeper understanding of gluten—what it is, how it affects our health, and why it’s worth taking a closer look. We’re thrilled to introduce another new writer, Beth Styles, whose work highlights the extraordinary power of music to heal and connect. Beth’s local programs prove that wellness can be joyful, creative, and truly transformative. And speaking of transformation—meet Jessica and Peter Chichester of Haute Healing Oasis in Harbor Point. Their unique approach to holistic health is helping people recharge and realign—mind, body, and soul. This month also celebrates a special literary milestone: Linda Avellar, of the Ferguson Library, has released her debut novel, Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot. It’s a heartfelt story of memory, resilience, and rediscovering joy. For our business readers, we take wellness to the workplace. If you’re a business owner or corporate leader, you already know that your greatest asset is your people. A retreat that blends strategy with team-building can deliver enormous longterm value—and we highlight Woodloch Resort in Pennsylvania’s scenic Pocono Mountains as a premier destination for that experience. Finally, don’t forget to move! January offers plenty of ways to stay active in Stamford—from strength training to pickleball courts to simple, soul-clearing walks outdoors. Here’s to a year of wellness, creativity, and meaningful connection. Let’s make time count—not by slowing it down, but by filling it with purpose, laughter, and love.

L AU R I E A . G U Z DA , E D I TO R @ S TA M F O R D C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

E D I TO R

Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Eva Glassman AD M I N I ST R AT I VE C O O R D I N ATO R

PJ Kennedy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jacqui Justice, Sarah Bamford, Marty Shapiro, Laurie A. Guzda, Doug Cress C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Stamford Historical Society, L.A. Guzda, Jay Cohen

Corporate Team 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

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CULINARY• EVENTS • LIFESTYLE

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

18 24

Featured

10 14

18 24 6

My Breakup Story With Gluten How I Ditched It and Got My Energy Back

14 On the Cover

Departments

Taking a closer look at gluten's impact on our health.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS

Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

Inspired By SPORTS + RECREATION

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette HEALTH + WELLNESS

Our Town LIFE + CULTURE

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

The Mind-Blowing Power of Music

Producer and composer Beth Styles brings Stamford together through music, memory, and community connection.

The Woodloch Way

Investing in People is Investing in Success.

Linda Avellar’s New Book: Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot

Photography: Laurie A. Guzda

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city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Ribbon cutting for the new Astronomy Center at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. 2: Performance of The Addams Family at Project Music Gala event. 3: President and co-chairs of Project Music- Joyce DiCamillo and Gloria Sanagulia with SCL's Laurie Guzda.

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ARTICLE BY JACQUI JUSTICE

my breakup story with gluten How I Ditched It and Got My Energy Back Gluten and I used to be great pals. In fact, I hardly went a day without it. My routine was packed with what I, as a Functional Nutritionist, thought was the “healthy” stuff: yogurt with granola for breakfast, a sandwich on sprouted wholegrain bread for lunch, and wholegrain pasta or couscous with dinner. On paper, I was doing everything right. So why was I secretly feeling worse than most of my clients? I was constantly bloated, walking around in a brain fog, and so tired that no amount of coffee could touch it. It wasn’t until I ran a food sensitivity test on myself - one that I routinely use with my clients - that I found the culprit: gluten. Honestly, the change was unbelievable. As soon as I cut it out, it felt like a light switch had been flipped. Within a week, I was waking up before my alarm, feeling truly rested for the first time in ages. The chronic bloating I had just accepted as a normal part of my life was completely gone. My energy came roaring back. But the real test? That came when I cautiously

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

tried to eat it again. Wow! I felt like I’d been hit by a freight train. That intense reaction was all the proof I needed. Here’s the thing - my story isn’t unique. I see people in my practice all the time who are being dragged down by this sneaky protein. It’s in obvious places like bread and pasta, but it’s also a master of disguise, hiding in oatmeal, salad dressings, soups, soy sauce, and even seasonings. You’ve probably heard of celiac disease, but that’s just a small piece of the puzzle. It’s way more common to have what we call Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. So, what’s actually happening in your body? In simple terms, gluten can cause tiny gaps to open up in your gut lining (this is “leaky gut”). When that happens, little particles of food and toxins can leak into your bloodstream where they don’t belong. Your immune system sees them, freaks out, and starts a wave of inflammation all over your body. And let’s talk about that brain fog. Your gut and brain are in constant communication via the gut-brain axis. When your

“ When your gut is inf lamed, it sends s tress signals s traight to your brain.”

gut is inflamed, it sends stress signals straight to your brain. That foggy feeling isn’t your imagination; it’s a real, physical response that can tank your mood, focus, and memory. Plus, today’s wheat has been engineered to have way more gluten than the stuff our grandparents ate, making the problem even worse. If any of this is ringing a bell, I want to invite

you to try something. Give up gluten, 100%, for just 30 days. See what happens. Pay attention to your body: your energy, digestion, and mood. Listening to your body is the best way to know if it’s a problem. Ditching gluten was the best decision I ever made for my health, and it might just be for yours, too.

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the mind-blowing power of music Producer and composer Beth Styles brings Stamford together through music, memory, and community connection. Tuesday and Thursday mornings have become some of my favorite moments of the week. That’s when I get to sing and kibbitz with some of the most inspiring people I know — participants in Music & Memories Studio, an eightweek “shared community experience” for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. We also welcome anyone who simply loves to sing and wants to make a difference. Each week, the sound of laughter and music fills the lobby at Temple Beth El in Stamford and Mozaic Senior Life in Bridgeport. Together with my longtime collaborator — vocalist and choir director extraordinaire Jason L. Terry — we take the group on a musical journey through time. What happens there continually takes my breath away. Watching someone with memory loss, who struggles to speak, suddenly sing every lyric of a beloved tune — eyes bright, voice strong, even just mouthing the words — feels nothing short of miraculous. The first time I witnessed it, I was awestruck. It reminded me of the 1990 film Awakenings with Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. For care partners, these breakthroughs become new, joyful memories — small moments that help heal and transcend despair.

ARTICLE BY BETH STYLES

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Our sessions explore different musical eras, themes, and trivia, sparking stories and laughter while building connection. The final session of each program culminates in a professional song recording and music video — a keepsake for participants and families. In Stamford, we don’t mess around: we record at the Grammy Award– winning Carriage House Studios, which is always a thrill. Science supports what we feel every week. Studies show that communities who sing together experience improved physical, mental, and social health. Singing strengthens social bonds, elevates happiness, and even boosts the immune system. For those living with dementia, there’s overwhelming evidence that music enhances memory, mood, and communication. Jason and I aren’t music therapists, nor do we have medical degrees — but in our world, we like to think of ourselves as “doctors of love.” Before launching Music & Memories Studio, we spent a decade leading The New World Chorus (2011–2021), Stamford’s

interfaith community choir devoted to the vision One World, One Voice, United in Love. Through that experience, we saw how music dissolves barriers and builds bridges — bringing people together across cultures, beliefs, and generations. Building on that legacy, we’re now developing our next big project: SING! Stamford, launching in spring 2026. These city-wide singing events — inspired by Choir! Choir! Choir! — will transform the entire town from audience to performer, reminding everyone that they already belong to something greater. When I was about four, I remember feeling bewildered that neighbors living on the same street could believe such different things. It didn’t make sense. For a while, I worried that people were destined to remain divided.

Beth Styles & Jason L. Terry

But over time, I realized that our differences don’t have to separate us. Our diversity is like a sea of voices in one great choir — rising together in infinite harmony. Ultimately, my goal is simple: to help people feel more connected, more alive, and more loved. And music — with all its beauty, mystery, and power — just happens to be the best way I know to do that. The next Stamford session of Music & Memories Studio begins January 6, 2026, at Temple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road, running Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. The program is free and open to all. For more information, contact Beth Styles at bstyles@me.com.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STA M F O R D C T

A Letter to Yourself A TRADITION OF FRIENDSHIP, INTENTION AND INSPIRATION January marks the start of a new year—and for the past sixteen years, my friend Carol Shwidock and I have shared a tradition that has become one of the most meaningful parts of our lives: a new year letter exchange. Between December and February, each of us writes a letter of inspiration to ourselves. We set an intention for the coming year, along with a single word or phrase that captures its essence. We seal and stamp the envelope, tuck it inside another, and mail it to each other—trusting the other to keep it safe until it’s time to send back, any time after Thanksgiving. We never talk about when it’s coming, but we always know. And when it arrives, it feels like a treasured gift—filled with love, hope, and wisdom from a former version of ourselves. Opening the letter has become a ritual of its own. I often light a candle, play favorite music, and reread last year’s letter first. Later, Carol and I share how the experience felt—how the year unfolded in ways both unexpected and true to our intentions. This exchange has carried us through loss and love, aging and hope, fear and renewal. Some years I rush to finish by Valentine’s Day; other years I take my time, adding drawings or small pieces of art. After sixteen years, these letters have become the story of our lives—intimate, transformative milestones that remind us who we are, and who we’re still becoming.

ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

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THE WOODLOCH WAY Investing in People is Investing in Success.

ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA

I NSP IR E D BY | SP O RTS + RE CRE AT ION

The health of your business isn’t just measured in profit margins or performance reports—it’s reflected in the well-being of your people. A thriving company is one where individuals feel valued, supported, and connected. In today’s competitive environment, maintaining that sense of connection has become both more vital and more challenging. When employees are happy and engaged, the entire organization flourishes. That’s why investing in your team’s growth and wellness is one of the smartest business decisions you can make.

That’s where Woodloch Resort, nestled in the serene Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, comes in. Long celebrated as one of America’s top family resorts, Woodloch has also become a sought-after destination for corporate retreats and team-building events. The reason? It combines professional development with pure fun, offering companies a chance to recharge their culture, reignite creativity, and strengthen the bonds that make great teams unstoppable.

A PLACE WHERE WORK FEELS LIKE PLAY

From the moment you arrive at Woodloch, the mood shifts. The air is fresh, the scenery stunning, and the hospitality genuine. The resort’s setting—surrounded by water, woods, and wide-open skies—creates an atmosphere that invites people to slow down, laugh more, and rediscover what it means to work together. Woodloch’s corporate programs are designed with intention: they blend strategy, recreation, and reflection in ways that feel effortless but deliver lasting results. Whether you’re a startup seeking innovation, a sales team aiming to strengthen communication, or a leadership group needing a reset, Woodloch offers customizable experiences that align with your goals and company culture. As Matt Butler, Senior Corporate Sales Manager, puts it: “At Woodloch, we believe a meeting should be more than an agenda. It should be an experience that inspires

people to think differently, connect deeply, and return to work more motivated than ever. That’s why so many of our corporate partners come back year after year—they know they’ll leave here as a stronger, more connected team.”

TOP 5 TEAM-BUILDING FAVORITES

Woodloch’s activity lineup is legendary, offering hundreds of creative, high-energy, and sometimes downright hilarious ways to build trust, spark imagination, and celebrate success. 1. Boat Build Challenge Armed with everyday household items—think cardboard, plastic wrap, and duct tape—teams design and build seaworthy vessels to race across the lake or pool. It’s part engineering, part creativity, and 100% laughter-filled chaos. The result? A shared sense of accomplishment, no matter how soggy the ending. 2. Scavenger Hunt There’s no better way to explore Woodloch’s expansive grounds than through a fast-paced, clue-filled scavenger hunt. Teams race on foot to uncover hidden treasures, solve riddles, and outsmart the competition. It’s an ideal icebreaker for newcomers and a perfect way to re-energize seasoned colleagues. 3. Soup du Woodloch Food brings people together—and this fan-favorite competition proves it. Teams go head-to-head crafting CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STA M F O R D C T

“an experience that inspires people to think differently, connect deeply, and return to work more motivated than ever.”

I NSP IR E D BY | SP O RTS + RE CRE AT ION

the most creative and delicious soup, judged on flavor, presentation, and flair. The kitchen becomes a playground of teamwork, time management, and taste. Bonus: everyone gets to sample the results. 4. Archery Tag Equal parts adrenaline and strategy, Archery Tag is making a comeback. Using foam-tipped arrows, teams face off in a thrilling, safe game that blends competition with camaraderie. It’s great for building focus, quick thinking, and trust under pressure. 5. Campfire & S’mores Sometimes, the simplest activities deliver the deepest connections. As the sun sets over the lake, teams gather around a crackling fire to share stories, roast s’mores, and unwind beneath the stars. Add local craft cocktails and acoustic guitar tunes, and you’ve got a perfect ending to the day. It’s more than a night by the fire—it’s a memory that lingers long after the embers fade.

(Other popular options include escape rooms, game show-style competitions, and ropes courses—each customizable to match your company’s goals and group dynamics.)

WHAT’S NEW FOR CORPORATE PROGRAMMING

Woodloch’s team understands that no two companies are alike. To help planners tailor their retreat or meeting experience, they’ve introduced a fresh approach called “The Three Meeting Lenses”—three customizable paths designed to fit every style of gathering. 1. Hardcore Meetings – Focused & Professional For teams that need to dig deep and stay productive, Woodloch offers state-of-theart A/V-ready meeting rooms, flexible breakout spaces, and concierge-level planning support. Companies can balance structured sessions with rejuvenating downtime, using quiet corners or lake-view patios to reflect

between presentations. Flexible meal scheduling and refined dining options elevate the experience, turning what might have been a typical offsite into an executive retreat that truly inspires. 2. Company Picnic – Reward & Relaxation Not every meeting needs a slide deck. Sometimes the best investment in your people is play. The Company Picnic format features outdoor BBQs, carnival games, and lake recreation—paddleboats, kayaks, waterslides, and more. Family-friendly accommodations make it easy to include spouses and kids, turning a corporate outing into a weekend of gratitude and joy. Themed dining, bonfires, fireworks, and even branded swag make the experience memorable and morale-boosting. 3. Mandatory Fun – Teambuilding That Sticks Yes, “Mandatory Fun” is a real program—and one of Woodloch’s most popular. These guided, laughter-filled activities combine entertainment and empowerment. Every challenge is designed to strengthen communication, leadership, and collaboration. The result? Teams return to the office with renewed motivation, trust, and shared purpose.

THE ROI OF JOY

What makes Woodloch truly special isn’t just the activities—it’s the philosophy behind them. Every detail, from the meals to the meeting design, is crafted to strengthen the human side of business. Companies that bring their teams here consistently report improved communication, higher engagement, and greater retention. In a world where burnout and disconnection are at an all-time high, Woodloch reminds us that fun is serious business. When people laugh together, face challenges together, and celebrate victories together, they return to work recharged and reconnected. That’s the real return on investment. So, whether you’re planning your annual strategy session, launching a new product, or rewarding your team for a year of hard work, Woodloch Resort offers far more than meeting space. It offers a shared experience—a blend of purpose and play that strengthens company culture, builds trust, and fuels growth. Because when you invest in your people—the rest naturally follows.

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L INDA AV E L L A R’S NE W B OOK : CASSIE LINDEN FINDS HER SWEET SPOT

ARTICLE BY LAURIE A. GUZDA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY COHEN

T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

A story of memory, resilience, and rediscovering joy. For Stamford author Linda Avellar, the release of her debut novel, Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot, marks the culmination of a long and winding creative journey—one filled with persistence, passion, and a deep love of storytelling. “I’ve written other books before this one,” Avellar admits, “but this is the first to be published. My publishing journey has been long and bumpy, but I’m so happy to be where I am now.”

Avellar grew up in the sunny suburbs of Fullerton, California, a time she recalls as “idyllic.” Childhood days were filled with bike rides, backyard forts, and adventures with her two younger brothers. “Kids weren’t so scheduled back then,” she says. “We just went outside to play.” In 1995, she and her husband relocated across the country to Stamford, Connecticut, drawn by its mix of urban energy and natural beauty. “It was the perfect balance—a small, vibrant city with the woods just a few miles up the road,” she says. The couple settled in North Stamford, where they still live today. It was there, while raising her children, that Avellar found a new professional home at The Ferguson Library. A former freelance reporter, she joined the library’s team as a part-time communications staffer—an opportunity that quickly grew into a career encompassing marketing, public relations, and fundraising. “I’ve always loved books and libraries,” she says. “It’s been such a rewarding place to work all these years.” That lifelong relationship with reading and writing eventually led her back to fiction. Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot centers on a woman confronting family, memory, and identity at a pivotal crossroads in her life. Cassie faces the decision of whether to get tested for the genetic mutation that caused her mother’s early-onset Alzheimer’s while also caring for her aging father, managing her wayward son, and tending to her father’s beloved bees. “It’s a story about resilience and transformation,” Avellar explains. “Cassie is juggling a lot—her father’s memory issues, her own fears about the future, and an unexpected relationship that helps her reimagine what a full life looks like.”

The novel’s recurring theme of memory is deeply personal. Avellar wrote much of the book while her own father was declining with Alzheimer’s disease. “It’s not about him,” she says, “but writing it helped me come to terms with what was happening.” She ultimately dedicated the book to him. Nature also plays a starring role. “I love hiking and gardening and have always been fascinated by bees,” she says. “When I started researching for the novel, I didn’t know much about beekeeping, but I quickly became enthralled. Bees can teach us a lot about cooperation, community, and resilience.” As with her heroine Cassie, Avellar’s own story is one of perseverance. “Writing, like life, isn’t a straight line,” she reflects. “There were plenty of rejections along the way. But every step, every draft, every setback taught me something.” Now, as she shares Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot with readers, Avellar hopes her story reminds others that it’s never too late to rediscover purpose—or joy. “Don’t give up,” she says with a smile. “Even when it’s hard. Keep going. You never know what sweet spot might be waiting for you.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STA M F O R D C T

Haute He a l i ng Oa sis Peter & Jessica Chichester Created a Wellness Sanctuary Maximizing the Latest Technologies

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2. HOW DOES YOUR BUSINESS SUPPORT WELLNESS IN THE COMMUNITY?

Our center offers quick, non-invasive sessions—most 20–30 minutes—that help people de-stress, sleep better, reduce pain, and recover so they can keep showing up for life. Beyond the walls, we support the community with giveback vouchers, partnerships with schools and nonprofits, and accessible intro offers.

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We love the human connection that comes with owning our business—the

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

EASY HABITS ANYONE CAN START NOW:

• Protect your sleep: stick to the same wind-down routine and bedtime. • Take two “reset minutes” during the day—slow nasal breathing, eyes off screens. • Move most days: a 15–20 minute walk; add light strength twice a week. • Morning light + hydration to set your rhythm. • Put self-care on the calendar so it actually happens.“If you want to know the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” - Nikola Tesla.

ARTICLE BY SARAH BAMFORD @HYBRIDMEDIACOMM

For us, wellness means having the capacity to recover—feeling clear, calm, and able to show up for life. It’s less about perfection and more about consistent self-care. Day to day we keep it simple: we protect sleep, build in short pauses to breathe and reset, and set healthy boundaries around our time and stress. Most importantly, we make space for quiet, connection, and gratitude.

ability to truly help people when they need it most. Every day, we meet individuals seeking relief, hope, or transformation, and it’s an honor to guide them toward feeling better in body, mind, and spirit. What inspires us most is witnessing those quiet moments of change: someone walking in exhausted and leaving renewed, lighter, and smiling. Our community here in Harbor Point makes that possible—people who care about wellness, kindness, and growth. It’s more than a business; it’s a calling to serve, uplift, and remind others of their innate power to heal.

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mmhomeprojects.com 203-548-1570 Contact: Vitaliy Kuzmych vk@mmhomeprojects.com

(203) 349-2749 www.AirSolutions.tv Air Solutions, Inc. 430 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06902 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STA M F O R D C T

Visit our website to see all of our services and click the scheduler.

The Lost Village of

Dantown

Drive along Ponus Ridge on the Stamford– New Canaan border and you might notice stone walls that disappear into the woods— and then into the water. Beneath the surface of the Laurel Reservoir lies Dantown, a once-thriving 19th-century village drowned in the name of progress. Founded by Francis Dan, a 17th-century settler who arrived in 1684, Dantown grew around the Rippowam River. The community

Photo Credit: Stamford Historical Society

prospered for generations, its families known for crafting oak-spun baskets prized by oyster farmers and clammers across Long Island Sound. At its peak, some 80 families lived here, their handiwork so essential it was traded as local currency. Dantown also had its own school and Methodist church. Residents gathered for square dances, picnics, and services on Sundays. The mill on the river supplied both work and rhythm to daily life. But prosperity began to fade in the early 1900s, when a typhoid outbreak linked to tainted oysters decimated the local trade. At the same time, Stamford’s population was booming. The city needed a dependable water source—and Dantown’s valley, rich with springs and fed by the Rippowam, proved ideal. In 1923, engineers from the Stamford Water Company began constructing a massive dam, clearing homes, mills, and farmland before flooding the basin. When the water rose, it swallowed Dantown whole. The project created the 265-acre Laurel Reservoir, now a vital link in the regional water system. But it also erased a piece of living history. Entire homesteads vanished, leaving behind only faint traces: a cemetery on a nearby ridge, and stone walls that vanish beneath the lake’s edge. During droughts, remnants of roads and foundations occasionally emerge—a reminder of a community sacrificed to quench a growing city’s thirst. www.callcress.com

Beneath the Laurel Reservoir lies a once-bustling community erased when Stamford dammed the Rippowam River. ARTICLE BY DOUG CRESS

O UR TOWN | L I FE + C ULT U RE

EAT | DRINK | VISIT Experience Igloo dining on Stamford’s premier rooftop, located in beautiful Harbor Point. Perfect for a small get together with friends and family. Accommodations for up to 8 people | $50 minimum spend per person for a two-hour experience

www.signofthewhalect.com | 203-883-8282 | 6 Harbor Point Rd, Stamford, CT

Industry-Leading Expertise in Lawn Care & Landscaping Services Trust The Grounds Guys of Stamford professionals to take care of your residential or commercial grounds. Contact Niko at 475-268-8667 to make an appointment

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STA M F O R D C T

STRENGTH,

Muscle,

ARTICLE BY DAN PACHTER, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST @BODYBYPURE

LONGEVITY Building Metabolic Health and Reversing Aging

For most adults, aging sneaks up gradually - until it doesn’t. As men and women enter what longevity researchers call the “marginal decade,” the final ten years of life, the decline often accelerates. Without deliberate action, statistics show that people can experience nearly a 50% drop in physical and cognitive capacity by this stage. Frailty, immobility, and chronic disease don’t appear overnight; they accumulate from years of under-training the systems that keep us strong. If you want to avoid the plaguing sickness and disability often associated with later life, the solution is to begin proactively strengthening your body now. Longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia underscores this point clearly. When evaluating the factors most closely linked with lifespan and healthspan, he notes that “There is a higher association with having a high cardiorespiratory fitness level, muscle mass and strength than metrics like cholesterol and blood pressure.” Strength, in other words, is not optional - it is foundational. One of the most powerful enemies of healthy aging is sarcopenia, the gradual, programmed death of muscle cells. Left unchecked, it erodes mobility, metabolic health, and independence. But the process is not inevitable. Strength training slows sarcopenia by stimulating the body to build new muscle, increasing bone density, and improving the resilience of the cardiopulmonary system. Muscle isn’t only for athletes; it is a biological insurance policy against aging. Building muscle goes hand-in-hand with maintaining mitochondrial health - the energy-producing engines inside every

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

cell. How robust are your mitochondria? Resistance training boosts mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, metabolic rate, and even triggers mitochondrial biogenesis, the creation of new mitochondria that keep cells youthful and energetic. Supporting this training with a high-protein diet, adequate recovery, and strong social ties (“great relationships”) amplifies results. And while starting early is ideal—planning in your 40s, 50s, and 60s - it is never too late to begin. Research shows that even individuals in their 70s can build meaningful muscle and dramatically reshape the trajectory of their final decade. Starting earlier simply provides more time to shore up physiological systems before injuries and chronic conditions create barriers that are harder to overcome. Complimentary practices that introduce controlled stress: hormesis (low dose stressors that in large amounts would be harmful) have a longevity enhancing effect in low doses. Examples include cold plunges, far infrared sauna sessions, fasting, and ketogenic dietary cycles. They activate cellular repair pathways and strengthen metabolic flexibility (the ability to use carbs or fat for energy). The message is clear: aging is inevitable, but decline is not. By prioritizing resistance training, nourishing your body, nurturing relationships, and strategically incorporating hormetic stressors, you can transform your marginal decade into a decade of strength, vitality, and independence. The work begins now.

“Strength, in other words, is not optional - it is foundational.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STA M F O R D C T

203-397-3838

Largest Cigar Lounge Located in the Heart of Downtown Stamford

Live Music Every Thursday Night Stand Up Comedy 1st Tuesday of Month Live Magic Show 3rd Wednesday of Month Follow Us For All Events

Enjoy Life 32

Feed People. Save the Planet. #betherescue Volunteer or Support Food Rescue US-Fairfield County Food Rescue US is a national nonprofit committed to reducing hunger and food waste through direct, community-powered food recovery. Using our award-winning app, we engage volunteers to rescue surplus food from local businesses and deliver it directly to social service agencies serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

Get Involved Today! www.foodrescue.us

A whole new meaning to

SHOP LOCAL.

Olivia Begasse de Dhaem, MD, FAHS Board Certified Neurologist and Headache Specialist

Hey Stamford! The Store 4th Floor | Stamford Town Center

Comprehensive care for headache and brain health for a better tomorrow. www.instituteforheadache.com (203) 306-2949 | info@globalmigrainewellness.com 1275 Summer Street Unit 306, Stamford, CT 06905 | Free Parking JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/STA M F O R D C T

JANUARY 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S JANUARY 4 TH

Fierce Planets Stamford Museum & Nature Center | 10:00 AM Last chance to view Fierce Planets - A diverse group of artists from 11 countries around the world present their views of the universe in this fascinating collection of contemporary quilt and textile art. And, don’t forget to schedule your visit to the Astronomy Center! JANUARY 15TH

Neko Case - Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour The Palace Theatre | 7:00 PM Singer, songwriter, music producer, visual artist, and writer Neko Case is the consummate artist — fearless and versatile, with a fierce work ethic and a constant drive to search deeper within herself for creative growth. New York Times bestselling author of The Harder I Fight the More I Love You. “One of America’s best and most ambitious singer-songwriters” (Rolling Stone) JANUARY 22ND

DL Hughley New York Comedy Club Stamford | 7:00 PM

7 Planetarium Shows. 3 Distinct Experiences. LIVE | FULLDOME CINEMATIC | LASER

Daytime Shows 5 days a week, and Friday Evening Shows with Observatory viewing. For showimes & tickets, visit

stamfordmuseum.org/astronomy 34

EVE N TS

DL Hughley is one of the most popular and highly recognized stand-up comedians on the road today. His career includes television, film, and radio, and is the author of five books including two New York Times bestsellers. His afternoon radio show “The DL Hughley Show” is nationally syndicated in over 60 cities across the country. Performances Jan 22-24.

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ S TA M F O R D C T

THE WATERS EDGE AT

GIOVANNI’S

A Remarkable Culinary Experience DINE WITH US | HOST WITH US | MAKE MEMORIES WITH US! 2 74 8 P o s t R o a d

203.325.9979

www.watersedgeatgiovannis.com

INTRODUCING STAMFORD’S COOLEST NEW PLAYGROUND.

ADULT HOCKEY LEAGUE

LEARN TO SKATE / LEARN TO PLAY (3+)

PUBLIC SKATE SUNDAYS

Stamford’s coolest new destination has officially landed. Say goodbye to screen-time battles and hello to active, effortless fun. At Wings Arena, we’ve built the perfect escape from the weekly scramble. From toddlers taking their first steps in Learn to Skate, kids scoring goals in Learn to Play, and Adult League bragging rights… To Public Skating, Birthday Parties, and Saturday night Cosmic Skates — we have something for everyone. Unplug, lace up, and come earn your wings. The ice is ready! Learn more at wingsarena.com. BIRTHDAY PARTIES

COSMIC SKATES FRI & SAT EVENINGS

CHILL IN OUR VIEWING LOUNGE