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SOUTHAMPTON ANIMAL SHELTER UNDERTAKING MAJOR REPAIRS

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  Chris Teakle The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF), one of Long Island’s leading community resources for animal welfare, is currently undertaking a major repair and environmental modernization project to bring its facilities up to current standards and ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations. Unlike most shelters, the Southampton Animal Shelter is unique in its open-admission obligation whereby it accepts every animal in need, regardless of breed, age, health, or circumstance. That mission makes it one of the few organizations on the East End capable of serving as a true safety net for both animals and the residents who rely on its compassion and expertise. While the Town of Southampton owns the shelter property itself, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation bears responsibility for its maintenance, operation, and improvement. Recognizing the aging condition of the building and systems, SASF has undertaken a comprehensive repair and upgrade program to ...

THE MVVO ART COLLECTOR SERIES 2025 -- A NEW SALON FOR COLLECTORS

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  MvVO Collector’s Series “Art is not just for museums, it belongs in our daily lives, and I am excited to welcome guests into that conversation,” said Paul Woolmington, CEO, Canvas Worldwide, and host of the inaugural MvVO Collector’s Series event. MvVO ART, the platform known for bringing new art to iconic venues such as Sotheby’s, Oculus at the World Trade Center, Powerhouse Arts, the New York Stock Exchange, and on a monumental scale in Times Square, announces the launch of The Collector Circle Series, an intimate, invitation-only program designed to bring together collectors, aspiring collectors, and select cultural partners at the intersection of art, creativity, and contemporary culture. The launch, a private, exclusive event, hosted at the SoHo loft owned by Paul Woolmington. Guests will step into an environment where art feels personal, lived-in, and an essential part of everyday life. “Opening my home for The Collector Circle launch is a way to share how, for me, art is n...

GREAT CHARITIES FOR THIS GIVING TUESDAY DECEMBER 2ND, 2025

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  Ellen Scarorough And Chuck Scarborough @ Arf Hamptons This in Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, 2025, a coalition of leading nonprofits across New York and Palm Beach invites the public to participate in the global movement inspiring generosity and transforming lives. Whether rescuing animals, protecting wildlife, empowering women and families, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, or advancing world-changing medical research, these charities offer powerful, trusted ways for donors to make a meaningful impact. This year’s featured organizations include Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons, NYC Second Chance Rescue, ARF Hamptons, Animal Ashram, Brady Hunter Foundation, Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, ACE Programs for the Homeless, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, a leader in groundbreaking cancer prevention and treatment research. Saving Animals and Protecting Wildl...

JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS THANKSGIVING RECEPTION FOR NYC MISSION SOCIETY

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  Jean Shafiroff   Jean Shafiroff With Malan Breton And Camelia Entekhabifard In the spirit of gratitude and giving, philanthropist and 10-year Mission Society board member Jean Shafiroff hosted and underwrote a Thanksgiving cocktail reception in Manhattan honoring the Mission Society of New York City at her Park Avenue home. Founded in 1812, the Mission Society is one of New York’s oldest social service organizations, dedicated to breaking the cycle of multigenerational poverty by unlocking the potential of the city’s most underserved families. The elegant evening brought 75 guests together for a celebration infused with compassion, fellowship, and purpose. Surrounded by friends and supporters, Jean Shafiroff highlighted the organization’s enduring commitment to education, mentorship, and opportunity in Harlem and across twelve public school programs throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Jean Shafiroff With Shannon Lepre   Jean Shafiroff With Patrick McMullan “T...

THE BAKER HOUSE 1650 CROWNED BEST BY CONDE NAST JOHANSENS

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  The Baker House  The Baker House 1650, one of East Hampton’s most celebrated luxury inns, has been named “Best House, Villa or Serviced Apartment in North America” by CondĂ© Nast Johansens at the 2026 Awards for Excellence, held at London’s Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel. Recognized for its timeless charm, exquisite hospitality, and design that seamlessly blends 17th-century heritage with modern elegance, The Baker House 1650 has become synonymous with refined Hamptons living. The award—one of the most coveted in luxury travel—places the historic East Hampton property among the finest accommodations in the world. The CondĂ© Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, now in their 41st year, honor the very best in independent luxury hotels, spas, and venues worldwide. Each winner is selected through a rigorous combination of guest feedback, expert inspection reports, and online voting by discerning travelers. “It’s an incredible honor to receive this global recognition from CondĂ© Nast Johanse...

THE POPES OF FARRAGUT STREET AT THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY

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  THE POPES OF FARRAGUT STREET  Melanie Maria Goodreaux’s new play THE POPES OF FARRAGUT STREET will premiere at Theater for the New City in New York City. Following the success of RITA IS THE GOAT, ENOUGH VO5 FOR THE UNIVERSE, and THE WHITE BLACKS, Goodreaux returns with her latest work for a limited 12-performance engagement, November 6th – 23rd, 2025 (Thursday – Saturday starting at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3:00pm). Blending the mix-ups and crossed affections of Shakespeare’s finest comedies with the soulful storytelling of August Wilson, THE POPES OF FARRAGUT STREET is a lively exploration of regret and romance, family, faith, and identity set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans’ cultural and spiritual life. In Conrad Patsy’s “Shade Tree” auto shop, a tight-knit crew of mechanics, dreamers, and spiritual seekers buzz with excitement over news that the newly elected Pope Leo XIV is an American—born in the 7th Ward of New Orleans and, some say, a Black Creole. As gossip, p...

THOMAS J. HENRY'S FIRM HAS FAR REACHING EXTENSIVE CHARITABLE INITIATIVES

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  Thomas J. Henry Thomas J. Henry, nationally recognized for his steadfast commitment to justice, is also making a transformative impact far beyond the courtroom. A new analysis conducted by Sage Policy Group quantifies the far-reaching economic and social benefits generated by the firm’s extensive charitable initiatives over thirty years.  According to the report, Thomas J. Henry’s charitable giving has supported over 1,200 jobs, labor income, and nationwide economic activity. These findings underscore how the firm’s sustained generosity drives employment, stimulates business growth, and enhances community well-being across the United States and the world.  Thomas J. Henry’s philanthropic reach is both deep and broad, spanning causes that include hunger relief, education, animal welfare, women’s empowerment, and disaster recovery. The economic ripple effects of these efforts extend across at least 80 distinct industries, with the greatest impact observed in community foo...

YOGMATA KEIKO AILAWA RETURNS TO NEW YORK CITY FOR PEACE

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  Yogmata Keiko Aikawa World-renowned spiritual leader Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first female Siddha Master and Himalayan Great Saint, will return to New York City this week for a series of engagements blending spirituality, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. The visit culminates in her participation at the United Nations WEDO Summit on Friday, November 14th, 2025 where she will offer a “Moment of Silence for Global Peace” from 10:05am to 10:13am inside the UN Headquarters. The weeklong visit, organized by the Science of Enlightenment, follows Yogmata’s decades-long mission to foster inner awakening and world harmony through authentic Himalayan meditation practices. Her previous appearances at the United Nations include addresses during International Yoga Day and keynote meditations for peace, earning her recognition as one of the few living Himalayan Great Saints to bring these ancient teachings to a global audience. Arriving in New York on Saturday, November 8th, Yogmata lead a wo...

MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC HONORS DR. HAN JO KIM AND ISABEL LEONARD

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  Manhattan School of Music Manhattan School of Music (MSM) will honor two distinguished alumni, Dr. Han Jo Kim (P ’98) and Grammy Award-winning opera star Isabel Leonard (P ’98, HonDMA ’21), at its upcoming Precollege Gala on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, in New York City. Hosted by CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano, the evening will celebrate more than a century of MSM’s leadership in arts education and the enduring impact of its Precollege Division on generations of young musicians. The Precollege Gala recognizes individuals whose careers embody the artistry, innovation, and mentorship that define the institution’s mission. Dr. Kim, an internationally renowned spine surgeon and Director of the Complex Spine and Scoliosis Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery, is celebrated for his groundbreaking surgical contributions and humanitarian work in Ghana, where he has performed life-changing operations on pediatric and adult patients. Isabel Leonard, one of the most acclaime...

ON TRACK TO WIN: THE CARMEN JORDA STORY

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  Carmen Jorda  Motorsports Carmen Jorda celebrated the U.S. launch of her inspirational children’s book, On Track to Win: The Carmen Jorda Story, in SoHo New York City. Published by Lightswitch Learning, the vibrantly illustrated book chronicles Jorda’s journey from a fearless young girl racing go-karts in Spain to breaking barriers in the elite world of Formula 1. With a message centered on resilience and courage, On Track to Win inspires children everywhere to take the wheel and chase their dreams. Guests at the book launch, included figures from motorsport, publishing, and the arts who came to toast her success. The reception included an intimate fireside chat with Jorda where she reflected on her racing career and the inspiration behind her new book: “This story is about believing in yourself.” said Jorda “An inspiration to children that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”  About Carmen JordĂ¡: Carmen Jorda, former development driver of Lotus and Renau...

LEESA ROWLAND & LARRY WOHL'S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY 'MIDNIGHT AT THE MET'

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  Marc Bouwer With Leesa Rowland And Larry Wohl   Cindy Guyer Leesa Rowland and Larry Wohl set a dazzling new benchmark for New York’s Halloween season with their annual celebration, “Midnight at the Met.” The highly anticipated event transformed Chelsea Industrial into a shimmering world of fantasy where art, fashion, and performance intertwined in spectacular form.   Gianni Musso Stewart F Lane And Bonnie Comley Inspired by the grandeur of the Met Gala, guests were invited to “dress like it’s your last day of your life,” and arrived in avant-garde, couture-inspired costumes that turned the evening into a living museum of creativity. Designer Marc Bouwer created Leesa’s striking look for the evening, making her the “fire” to Marc Bouwer’s “Ice” costume. Under moody, golden light, more than 300 attendees mingled amid dramatic installations, live performance art, and theatrical flourishes that made the night a feast for the senses. A show-stopping performance by Luke K who...

MARIEBELLE NEW YORK WELCOMES FALL CHOCOLATE COLLECTION

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  Charlii Sebunya With Mirabel Lieberman Mariebelle New York welcomed the fall season with an elegant celebration at its flagship SoHo location, inviting guests to savor the new Fall Chocolate Collection inspired by the rich colors, scents, and sensations of the season. Set against the backdrop of the brand’s signature blue-and-gold salon, the evening captured the artistry and refinement that has made Mariebelle synonymous with luxury chocolate for over two decades. Guests sampled chocolates and had the chance to catch up while savoring each piece, hand-made with the brand’s distinctive designs. From the aroma of freshly poured hot chocolate to the music playing through the cocoa-scented air, the soirĂ©e embodied the warmth and sophistication of fall in New York. Attendees from the worlds of art, design, and fashion gathered to toast the new collection and enjoy conversation over cups of Mariebelle’s signature Aztec Hot Chocolate and decadent petits fours. “Chocolate has always been...

THE DIANA MAHRACH BRIDAL COUTURE COLLECTION 2026

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  Diana Mahrach Couture Collection  Fashion designer Diana Mahrach presented her latest Bridal Couture Collection in an intimate showcase at 263 West 38th Street, drawing an audience of editors, stylists, and influencers eager to preview her vision for 2025 brides. The Diana Mahrach Bridal Couture Collection 2026 unveils a breathtaking array of elegant, couture silhouettes crafted for the modern bride. Each design captures mesmerizing textures and exquisite tailoring, celebrating femininity in all its forms.  Handcrafted in her New York atelier, Diana’s creations embody sophistication, artistry, and timeless elegance — qualities that make her one of the most distinguished names in bridal couture today. From New York City to Dubai, Diana Mahrach continues to redefine bridal luxury with her signature attention to detail and commitment to perfection. Every gown is custom designed to reflect the individuality and beauty of each woman, available in sizes 0 through 30. The even...

THE FREEDOM TO RECOVER FROM ADDICTION AND TRAMA 'EXPERIENCING TRANSCENDENCE

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  Experiencing Transcendence Can you truly recover from addiction, not just manage it for life? In Experiencing Transcendence: The Freedom of Recovering from Addiction and Trauma (released, October 2025), leading addiction recovery expert Richard Taite and global resilience researcher Constance Scharff, PhD, make a bold claim: complete recovery is possible. Unlike traditional programs that frame addiction as a chronic illness requiring lifelong abstinence, Experiencing Transcendence reimagines recovery as a transformative process, one that leads to a state of wholeness, presence, and love so complete that a person can live fully, freely, and without fear of relapse. Once the underlying trauma is healed, the need to self-medicate disappears. Taite and Scharff aim to revolutionize how addiction and trauma are treated, shifting care toward love-based, outcomes-driven practices that improve lives. “Recovery should not feel like a life sentence,” says Richard Taite. “This book will chan...

CONSUELO VANDERBILT COSTIN SPEAKS AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS

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  Consuelo Vanderbilt-Costin   Entrepreneur, recording artist, and philanthropist Consuelo Vanderbilt-Costin — founder of SohoMuse today delivers her opening remarks as President of the 2025 Sessions of the Council of Global Change (CGC) at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. In her address titled “Sovereign Pathways for Development,” Vanderbilt-Costin calls for a redefinition of global cooperation grounded in both national identity and shared progress. “True development is never imposed from the outside,” she said. “Sovereignty is not isolation—it is strategic participation.”  Drawing on her family’s legacy of innovation and public service, Vanderbilt-Costin underscored the need to translate ideals into measurable systems that unite government, technology, and culture. As leader of the CGC Sessions under the overall leadership of David Sanchez, Secretary-General Council of Global Change, Consuelo champions a pragmatic framework that empowers nations through res...