Sag Harbor Archives - Hamptons Mouthpiece

Brunch, Purpose and Power, TMCF Returns to Sag Harbor

Brunch, Purpose & Power: Thurgood Marshall College Fund Returns to Sag Harbor This Summer. Last summer, I had the incredible honor of attending the inaugural Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Brunch in the Hamptons, hosted by powerhouse Racquel Oden, Chair of the TMCF Board of Directors. Let me tell you—it was one of those events. Thoughtful. Inspiring. Beautifully curated. And filled with people who are truly invested in the next generation of Black leaders.

I’m beyond excited to be attending again this summer, when the brunch returns to Sag Harbor on Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., once again held at Racquel’s beautiful private home.

This isn’t just brunch—it’s a moment. A celebration of nearly 40 years of TMCF’s unwavering commitment to students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs). And it’s also a gathering of hearts and minds that believe in real investment—financial and otherwise—in the future of Black excellence.

Why it matters:

The event is about more than mimosas and music (though there will be music, thanks to The Rakiem Walker Project 🎶). It’s about supporting students like Chelsea Grant, a standout TMCF scholar and participant in the Hennessy Fellows Program, who will be sharing her story. It’s about hearing directly from TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams and connecting with board members from Google, the NBA, Breakthru Beverage Group, and GCM Grosvenor—leaders helping shape the pipeline for tomorrow’s changemakers.

As Racquel said:

“Last year was a success and we will build on that momentum this year. It’s an incredible opportunity to invest in the impact and success of our students while helping chart the course for the next 40 years.”

🎟️ Tickets are $200, with suggested donation levels of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000—and every dollar helps expand opportunities for Black college students.

➡️ Reserve your spot or make a donation here: Purchase Tickets here

If you’re in the Hamptons this July and looking for a meaningful way to give back, get involved, and be inspired—this is it.

I’ll be there. Hope to see you too. 💛

No Taxes on Tips? Here’s What That Really Means

No Taxes on Tips? Here’s What That Really Means

So there’s been a lot of talk lately about “no taxes on tips.” If you work in a restaurant, bar, salon, spa, or anywhere you get tipped—you might be thinking finally!

Well… here’s what’s really going on.

✅ What Just Happened

Congress passed a huge new bill (like, trillions of dollars big), and tucked inside it was something called the No Tax on Tips Act.

It means this:

👉 You won’t have to pay federal income tax on up to $25,000 in tips each year.

👉 But you still have to report your tips and still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (those come out of your paycheck like always).

👉 It only counts for cash tips that you report to your boss.

👉 This is good for 2025 through 2028 — after that, it might go away unless Congress brings it back.

💁🏽‍♀️ Who This Helps

If you work in:

• Restaurants 🍔

• Bars 🍸

• Hair or nail salons 💅

• Spas or hotels

• Any job where you get tipped in cash…

This law could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on your taxes.

But Read the Fine Print

Before you go celebrating too hard:

• You must report your tips to get this benefit. If you’ve been keeping tips off the books, you won’t qualify.

• You’ll still pay payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare. That part didn’t change.

• If you make over $150,000 a year, you don’t qualify.

• It’s temporary. This is only good through 2028 (for now).

So Is This a Big Deal?

Yes, for a lot of workers, this is a big help.

You work hard, and tips are your livelihood. This law lets you keep more of the money you’ve already earned. That’s real money in your pocket—especially when rent, groceries, and gas prices keep going up.

But it doesn’t help everyone. People who work behind the scenes—like dishwashers or cooks—don’t get tips and won’t benefit at all.

And it’s not a total tax break—you still have to follow the rules, report your income, and pay some taxes.

Bottom Line

If you make tips, report them, and earn under $150K—you win.

This new law gives you a tax break on up to $25,000 in cash tips per year. That means more money stays with you.

Just keep track of your tips, report them the right way, and be smart when filing your taxes.

Got questions about how this works for you personally? Ask a tax pro or drop a comment on our social media post. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Sagharbor @Hamptonsmp

Harriette Cole: In Her Happy Place, Sag Harbor

Harriette Cole is a storyteller, a coach, a media powerhouse—and someone who finds peace and purpose right here in Sag Harbor.

Over the years, she’s inspired countless people to find their voice, step into their truth, and embrace their power. From her work at Ebony magazine to founding her own platform, Dreamleapers, Harriette has dedicated her life to helping others rise with intention.

Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Harriette in her happy place in Sag Harbor to talk about creativity, purpose, and the power of words. In our conversation, we touched on topics that are close to her heart—and ours.

Here are 5 questions we asked:

1. How long have you been coming to Sag Harbor, and what keeps drawing you back?

2. Why is literacy awareness such a vital part of your life and work?

3. You’ve worn so many hats—editor, author, coach, speaker. Which role feels most like home to you right now?

4. Was there a book or early moment that sparked your love of storytelling?

5. For anyone feeling creatively or personally stuck, what’s one small step they can take today to move forward?

🎥 Watch our full video interview below to hear Harriette’s thoughts in her own words—and experience the wisdom, calm, and clarity she brings to every conversation.

Want more inspiring voices from the East End and beyond?

Follow us @HamptonsMP and @SagHarbor on Instagram

Why Earth Day Matters and How You Can Make a Difference

Sag Harbor, Long Island, Hamptons
Photo Credit: Vanessa Leggard

Why Earth Day Matters — And How You Can Make a Difference

April 22 is more than just another day on the calendar—it’s Earth Day, a powerful reminder that we share a responsibility to protect the planet we call home.

Started in 1970, Earth Day sparked a movement that brought environmental concerns to the forefront. Today, more than 190 countries around the world take part in events, campaigns, and everyday actions that aim to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” focuses on one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution. From oceans and forests to our own communities, plastic waste is everywhere—and it’s harming wildlife, ecosystems, and even our health. Earth Day encourages each of us to do what we can to reduce our use of single-use plastics and find more sustainable alternatives.

AI produced
Photo Credit: Vanessa Leggard

But Earth Day is about more than just plastics. It’s about:
• Conserving energy
• Reducing food waste
• Supporting eco-friendly businesses
• Protecting green spaces
• Educating ourselves and others

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to change everything overnight. But small changes, made consistently, add up. Bring a reusable bag, skip the plastic straw, recycle mindfully, and talk to your community about why this matters.

The truth is—every day is Earth Day when we choose to live with intention and care. Let this April 22 be your invitation to do a little more, speak a little louder, and love this planet a little harder.

Beautiful Sunrise in Sag Harbor: A Love Letter to My Hometown

Sag Harbor: There’s something magical about waking up in Sag Harbor. Maybe it’s the crisp morning air, the stillness before the day begins, or the way the golden sun peeks over the horizon, casting shimmering reflections across the water. But for me, it’s the sunrise — the beautiful, breathtaking sunrise — that captures the essence of this town.

Every morning, when I would drive my daughter to school, and as we crossed the bridge, we were gifted with a view that never gets old. No matter the season, the sky puts on a show — hues of pink, orange, lavender, and gold dancing across the bay. It was our peaceful moment before the rush of the day, and it reminded me of why I loved living in Sag Harbor year-round.

Sag Harbor is one of the few towns in the Hamptons where boats and yachts dock right in the heart of town, thanks to our historic Long Wharf. The waterfront charm extends beyond the docks — you’ll find a beach just off Main Street, offering a place to dip your toes in the sand without leaving downtown.

But it’s not just the scenery that makes Sag Harbor special. With about 15 to 20 restaurants, there’s always something delicious to discover, whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Italian, sushi, or a cozy brunch. We also boast a beloved local theater that features live performances year-round, enriching our community with art, culture, and storytelling.

And perhaps the most underrated treasure of all? The people. Friendly, grounded, and full of pride for this charming seaside village, the residents of Sag Harbor make it feel like more than just a destination — they make it feel like home.

Of course, I may be a little biased. But don’t take my word for it. Come visit. See the sunrise. Walk the Wharf. Have dinner under the stars. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll fall in love with Sag Harbor too.