Hamptons Happenings

A Soulful Celebration: Art & Soul Hamptons Returns for a Powerful Weekend of Culture, Creativity & Cuisine

If there’s one event I mark on my calendar every summer, it’s Art & Soul: Hamptons. As someone who’s attended this incredible celebration in past years, I can tell you—it’s not just an event, it’s an experience. From the inspiring art to the mouthwatering cuisine (yes, I’m still dreaming about those crab cakes made by Chef Ronica Copes, Five Star Crab Cake—hands down the best I’ve ever tasted), Art & Soul captures the essence of what makes the Hamptons community so rich, so cultured, and so vibrant.

This year, Art & Soul returns on July 18-19, 2025, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. Hosted in partnership with the Southampton African American Museum and Southampton Arts Center , the weekend is a celebration of BIPOC artists from the Hamptons and beyond—through art, music, food, and storytelling.

🎨 The Artists: Passion. Power. Purpose.

Let’s start with the reason we gather—the art. This year’s featured artists are an incredibly talented group of creatives, each with a unique voice and story to tell:

• Reynoir Lewis brings his limitless energy to Southampton with his bold, abstract paintings and home décor pieces. Reynoir’s art is as vibrant as his personality—he draws from his Caribbean roots, DJ background, and love of storytelling to create pieces that are alive with movement and color. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the WOOD ART EXHIBITION at the Southampton Arts Center.

• Laura R. Gadson is a master of textiles. Her quilt, fiber, and mixed media work is deeply rooted in history, heritage, and heart. If you’ve ever been touched by the texture of a story told through fabric, you’re going to love meeting Laura and experiencing her work up close.

• Suliman Onque is the definition of multi-talented. From murals to comic books to wearable art, his creativity knows no limits. I love that he’s not afraid to explore every medium and tell stories that speak to identity, justice, and culture.

• Shaunt’e Lewis , who will be featured at the Southampton African American Museum, is an illustrator and fiber artist whose bold and colorful work celebrates powerful women and community resilience. Her story—from hairstylist to nationally recognized artist—is a beautiful reminder of the power of purpose and passion.

• And don’t miss the Shinnecock Artist Exhibition at Ma’s House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, featuring local Indigenous artists like Jeremy Dennis, Durrell Hunter, and Reebekah Wise. It’s an intimate experience that honors the deep cultural roots of our region.

🍽️ The Culinary Experience: Come Hungry!

Now, let me talk about the food—because y’all, the culinary team at Art & Soul knows how to throw down.

This year’s tastings will be brought to us by:

• Chef Cheryl Grigg of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering (bless her hands with her fried chicken beignets are a spiritual experience),

• and Chef Doug Gee, another culinary star who brings soulful, elevated flavor to every dish.

And for the cocktail lovers, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery will be serving up award-winning spirits passed down through generations. They’re the first Afro-Puerto Rican-American distillery in the country, and their story is as smooth as their rum.

🎶 Music, Vibes & Magic

As always, Art & Soul delivers on vibes. You’ll be serenaded by the incredible Dwayne Kerr, flutist for Erykah Badu’s band, and transported by Yacouba Sissoko and the SIYA African Band, whose traditional kora music bridges generations of African storytelling.

And yes, the red carpet is back! My favorite photographer (and husband) Kurt Leggard will be capturing the magic, so bring your style and let your soul shine.

🖼️ Beyond the Art: Walk, Learn, and Celebrate

The weekend includes a cultural Art Walk with stops at the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center, and Hidden Gem —a luxury home boutique founded by sisters Tanya and Temidra Willock. I love that this event also creates space to support Black-owned businesses right here in the Hamptons.

There’s also a private museum tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Reservation—one of my favorite hidden treasures in Southampton. The work being done there by Indigenous artist Jeremy Dennis is powerful and deeply rooted in legacy and land.

And for the film buffs, don’t miss the screening of Erased, executive produced by Idris Elba, which highlights the forgotten contributions of soldiers of color during WWII. This is the kind of storytelling that changes minds and hearts.

💃 The Afterglow

From the Art After Dark Soirée to the Caribbean cocktail-fueled afterparty with DJ Infmatick, every moment of Art & Soul feels like a love letter to culture, creativity, and connection.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Art & Soul is one of my favorite events in the Hamptons. It’s a beautiful blend of art, soul food, music, and community. It fills me up and reminds me why I love being a part of this place. If you’re looking for a weekend that inspires, uplifts, and feeds both your soul and your appetite, don’t miss this.

🎟️ Grab your tickets. VIP Weekend Pass July 18 & 19, 2025, Art & Soul Hamptons 2025

Come hungry. Come inspired. And don’t forget to try the crab cakes—you’ll thank me later.

The Power That Comes with Being a Politician

Is It More Addictive Than Doing the Right Thing?

The Power That Comes with Being a Politician; Is It More Addictive Than Doing the Right Thing?

When Power Becomes the Goal, Politics, at its best, is public service.

A politician is meant to be a protector and an advocate—someone the people trust to speak for them, fight for them, and protect their interests.

To hold office is to hold a sacred responsibility; you are in a position to make change for the good of the people; but somewhere between intention and reality, things often go off course.

So we have to ask:

Is power so intoxicating that it overrides doing what’s right?

Power vs. Purpose

Most leaders begin with a mission. They want to bring change, address injustice, and uplift their communities. But power—especially in the political arena—isn’t neutral. It flatters. It elevates. It rewards loyalty, not always integrity.

What starts as purpose can slowly shift into performance.

Power doesn’t always corrupt—sometimes it seduces. If you really want to know what drives a politician’s choices, just follow the money.

• Campaign donations

• Lobbyist pressure

• Political favors

• Hidden backroom deals

Money has the power to distort good intentions. It silences dissent and keeps the power-hungry clinging to their positions—not for the people, but for personal gain.

The Shift: When Power Feeds on Itself

There’s a moment when power stops being a tool and starts becoming the goal.

That’s when it becomes dangerous.

Does power start to feed upon itself?

Absolutely, and from there, fraud, manipulation, and corruption can take root.

Suddenly, politicians aren’t working for the people—they’re working to protect the system that protects them.

They’ll say anything. Do anything. Spin any narrative to stay in the spotlight.

Would You Do Anything to Keep It? This is the heart of the issue.

Is power so addictive that a politician would:

• Ignore the truth?

• Silence whistleblowers?

• Mislead constituents?

• Stay in office even when it’s no longer in the public’s best interest?

Too often, yes.

Even when stepping down would be the right and honorable move, too many hold on tightly. Not out of service, but out of fear of what they’ll lose.

“The longer one clings to power, the less they serve the people and the more they serve themselves.”

Doing the Right Thing Isn’t Always Rewarded

In politics, doing the right thing rarely makes headlines.

It might cost you your popularity, your party’s support—even your job.

But doing the right thing—especially when no one is watching—is the definition of real leadership.

“Legacy isn’t about how long you stay in power. It’s about how you used it.”

What is our Role: what do we reward? We, the public, are part of this equation. Are we voting for real change—or just charisma and clickbait?

If we want better leaders, we have to:

• Ask better questions

• Demand transparency

• Reward courage over comfort

When Power Is No Longer About People

A politician’s role is to serve—not rule.

To protect—not manipulate.

To uplift—not enrich themselves.

But when power becomes a shield instead of a service, democracy suffers.

So, the question remains: When does the pursuit of power become a betrayal of purpose?

And if that moment comes—will they do the right thing, or anything to stay in office?

If the answer ever stops being the people—it’s time to go.

Call to Action

Let’s demand leaders who lead with integrity—not ego.

📢 Share this if you’re ready for politics that serves people, not power.

Celebrating Women 2025: Power, Possibility, and the Bold Leaders Shaping Our Future

Jacqueline Woodson, Fran Drescher: Photo Credit: BFA/Bre Johnson, PMC/ Sean Zanni

Celebrating Women 2025: Power, Possibility, and the Bold Leaders Shaping Our Future

This year’s Celebrating Women® Breakfast, hosted by The New York Women’s Foundation at the New York Marriott Marquis, was more than a fundraiser—it was a movement. With over 1,000 advocates, partners, and changemakers in the room, the event raised over $1.2 million to power community-led grantmaking and grassroots solutions across New York City and beyond.

The theme, “Together, we create power and possibility,” resonated deeply. It captured the urgency of now—and the promise of a future led by those closest to the challenges we seek to overcome.

“People closest to the pain should be closest to the problem,” was a guiding truth echoed throughout the morning.

Leading With Empathy and Impact

Fran Drescher, the iconic actor, advocate, and founder of Cancer Schmancer, took the stage as a voice of courage and clarity. Her words were raw, real, and unforgettable:

“Be bold. Go after what you want. I’m a voice in the wilderness, speaking truth at a seminal crossroad. I call people on their untruths—and I don’t need to emulate male energy to lead. I lead with empathy.”

She reminded the audience that “how you live directly affects how you feel,” and left everyone thinking deeply about wellness, the planet, and self-worth:

“Make yourself the center of your universe. You are what you eat. Don’t hurt yourself—and don’t hurt the planet.”

Lola C. West, NYWF Board Member and Steering Committee Co-Chair, called Fran “a badass”—and the room agreed.

Celebrating Leadership That Creates Change

Honorees included:

• Jacqueline Woodson, author and founder of BALDWIN FOR THE ARTS, uplifted the role of artists and activists:

“We’re trying to make this world safer—for gender-expansive people, for women, for everyone who dares to live their truth.”

• ERA Coalition Forward was recognized for building a national, multi-generational movement to enshrine equality in the U.S. Constitution.

• New Yorkers for Equal Rights celebrated the passage of the New York Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), affirming protections for all New Yorkers.

• The Young Women’s Coalition – Long Island Community showed how local leadership drives lasting change.

• JPMorganChase received the Vision Award for their investment in equity, opportunity, and inclusive economic growth.

• NYWF also spotlighted community partners like The Brooklyn Economic Justice Projectand The Informed Consent Coalition, organizations addressing the root causes of inequality with intersectional, community-based solutions.

Building a New Foundation for the Future

President and CEO Ana L. Oliveira grounded the event with powerful intention:

“The Foundation will continue in the discipline of hope and the commitment of determination. Our acts of generosity and solidarity matter.”

What does it mean to celebrate women in 2025?

It means investing in mental health—building a foundation that supports women facing loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

It means amplifying young leaders, lifting up community coalitions, and making sure that leadership works for all of us.

It means recognizing that New York Women’s Foundation is changing the world—one act of solidarity, one grant, one bold voice at a time.

Because when women lead with empathy, purpose, and vision, anything is possible

Let’s Swirl over to Long Island Vineyards

wine tasting at Croteaux Vineyard in Southold, Long Island. photo credit: Hamptons Mouthpiece — friends at Croteaux Vineyard in Southold, NY

Wine Legs, Long Island Blends and a Giant Pair of Legs in the Hamptons

Let’s talk about wine legs. Nope, not something you wear—though you could enjoy them in a cute outfit. We’re talking about the streaks that form inside your wine glass when you give it a swirl.

So, what are wine legs?

When you swirl your wine, you might notice little droplets forming and sliding down the inside of the glass. These are called legs. They’re kind of like the wine’s signature dance move. You’ll usually see them more clearly in wines with higher alcohol content. The more pronounced the legs, the higher the booze. It’s a neat little visual trick that happens thanks to evaporation and surface tension. Science in your glass!

Let’s swirl over to Long Island…

Wolffer vineyard glass of wine, photo credit Hamptons Mouthpiece

Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages—and yes, some pretty amazing wine. One of the coolest things local winemakers are doing is blending. That means mixing different types of grapes (like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and others) to create smooth, balanced wines with lots of character.

small plates at Wolffer Vineyard, photo credit: Hamptons Mouthpiece

Blended wines are like a group project where everyone actually pulls their weight. The result? Rich, complex flavors that reflect the region’s sunny days, salty breezes, and sandy soils. Wineries like Wölffer Estate, Paumanok, and Bedell Cellars are masters at this.

Larry Rivers legs Sculpture, photo credit Hamptons Mouthpiece

Now, about those other legs…

If you’ve driven around Sag Harbor, you might’ve spotted a giant pair of legs—literally—sticking out of the ground. That’s artist Larry Rivers’ famous sculpture, called “Legs.” It’s bold, quirky, and just a little bit cheeky, much like a good glass of red.

The sculpture has become a landmark in its own right. It reminds us that art, like wine, is meant to be seen, felt, and talked about—even if people don’t always agree on the taste.

In the end…

Whether you’re admiring the legs in your wine glass or the ones standing tall in Eastern Long Island, remember: life is a little more fun when you pause to appreciate the details. So swirl, sip, and savor the flavors (and the sights) of Long Island.

Cheers!

AT&T Contributes $10,000 to BHCCRC Teen and College Prep Programs

AT&T Contributes $10,000 to the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center’s Teen and College Prep Programs

Bridgehampton, New York –AT&T today announced a $10,000 contribution to the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center to support online and in-person programming for The Center’s D.R.E.A.M Team and college preparatory programs.

The D.R.E.A.M. Team offers 8-12^th graders a space to build self-esteem, teaching leadership skills and social awareness. Free to teens, the program offers inspirational and educational seminars, chess clubs, cooking classes and field trips. Earlier this year, the program’s continued work with inspirational speakers helped to calm and encourage teens, during a time when many of their year-end plans had been cancelled. The Center’s college prep programs aim to help students make college decisions and prepare for college life. The programs include weekly SAT classes, college tours, networking, one on one college guidance for students and their families, and development programming.

“This year, young people have faced uncertainty and challenges in their academic journeys as schools and enrichment programs have been modified or canceled,” said Amy Kramer, President, New York, AT&T. “AT&T is committed to ensuring that Long Island students can still learn, have fun and interact this fall, and is proud to support the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center so they can safely offer in-person and virtual programming to teens in the community.”

“The Center is a unique place, the heart of our community for over 65 years. Our youth strive and thrive in our many programs. We are so honored to have the continued support of AT&T for our teen and college prep programs. You are helping improve the lives and futures for our teens. Thank you,” said Bonnie Michelle Cannon, Executive Director.

Assemblyman Fred Thiele stated, “The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center has long been a beacon in our community, offering educational and enrichment programs to students and serving as a lifeline to working families on the East End. Their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been unmatched as they have tirelessly supported students and families in navigating this new normal. The BHCCRC’s College Prep program in particular, has proved vital for many, helping countless students realize their potential and prepare to enter higher education. I can think of no organization more deserving of this generous donation. Thank you, AT&T for supporting the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center and the essential programs they offer.”

“Thank you AT&T for supporting the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center’s college prep program. Getting a college education is more important than ever for opening up economic opportunities for our youth,” said Jay Schneiderman, Southampton Town Supervisor.

AT&T’s support for the Center’s teen and college prep programs is part of the Company’s legacy of supporting educational programs in Long Island and throughout New York through AT&T Aspire, the Company’s signature $550 million philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue, including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring. Aspire is one of the nation’s largest corporate commitments focused on school success and workforce readiness by creating new learning environments and education delivery systems to help students succeed and prepare them to take on 21^st century careers.

Nationally, AT&T has commited an additional $10 million this year to create economic opportunities and foster upward mobility for Black and underserved communities who face long-standing social inequities and higher unemployment, all of which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the company has created the AT&T Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund, a $10 million COVID-19 relief program launched to give parents, caregivers and teachers tools they need to educate students remotely.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. OurAT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $550 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.

About The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center was born out of tragedy in 1949 after a fire in a migrant camp killed two children of seasonal workers. The summer colony rallied to create The Center, which has since served the East End community’s children with educational and enrichment programs for over 65 years. For many working parents, The Center is a lifeline. Their children flourish in our many programs and play safely on the six-acre farm and fields donated to establish The Center in the 1950s.

Contact Info:

AT&T: Marisa Rodriguez, mrodriguez@skdknick.com Debra McEneaney mcsanzo@hopeworksltd.com 917-741-6257| Marketing and Development, Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center www.bhccrc.org

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center was born out of tragedy in 1949 after a fire in a migrant camp killed two children of seasonal workers. The summer colony rallied to create The Center, which has since served the East End community’s children with educational and enrichment programs for over 65 years. For many working parents, The Center is a lifeline. Their children flourish in our many programs and play safely on the six-acre farm and fields donated to establish The Center in the 1950s.

Content provided by The Bridgehampton and Childcare Recreational Center