Hoboken to the Hamptons

On October 15, 2020 I unpacked my boxes and unlocked the door to my Hoboken apartment. It symbolized change, opportunity, and, above all, freedom. A place entirely to myself. Well, one year later and that 750 square foot apartment has become much more than where I live— it’s become home, in every sense of the word. It’s where I feel safe and comfortable, a place that I miss when I’m gone. But it’s also where I built myself, something I didn’t anticipate when I initially signed the lease.

October 15, 2020

I arrived amid the pandemic, when the price was right but social distancing made crafting a social life from scratch near impossible. For my first six months as a Jersey resident, I felt isolated, despite my newfound sense of independence. I envisioned Hoboken as my future while simultaneously refusing to accept the Hamptons as my past. So, I attempted to sustain my Hamptons community while building a Hoboken one. Selfishly, I wanted to straddle the line of realities and make both places my own. And I did.

Today, as I walk the cobblestones of Court Street holding the latest issue of James Lane Post in hand, I’m reminded of all that I have built for myself since my move exactly one year ago. I’ve kayaked countless miles across the Hudson River with the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, celebrated City of Water Day with Fund for a Better Waterfront, went back to the 80s with the Hoboken Shelter, and tested my limits at the Hoboken City Challenge Race. Throughout that same duration, I wrote for and held a Weekly Wellness column with James Lane Post and AFLOAT USA, moderated a nutrition panel in East Hampton, and co-organized the inaugural Southampton Shop and Stroll to benefit the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Somehow, someway, I kept the Hamptons close to my heart as I rooted myself in Hoboken’s mile-square city. 

Hoboken City Challenge Race

All the while, I transitioned out of a career as a traditional journalist and began my own business as a contract brand storyteller, working with clients from Hudson County to the Hamptons and everywhere in between (even down south to Virginia!). This has been my greatest achievement because it allowed me to connect communities through conversation, and it continues to fuel my passion for people every day.

with Thuyen Nguyen in East Hampton

When we look back on our lives it’s usually through rose colored glasses (psychologists refer to this as rosy retrospection). I’m not saying that this year didn’t come with its fair share of problems, or that I’m impervious to the realities of starting my own business. On the contrary, the initial struggles of my move propelled me forward and forced me to step out of my comfort zone, and I have grown in ways I may not even realize for months or years to come. 

So, cheers to me and my Hoboken-versary. May the next year bring even more memories and friendships, clients and community, from Hudson County to the Hamptons and everywhere in between. 

Curated by THUYEN

Proper skincare starts internally with our physical and mental health. When we’re stressed, worn down, dehydrated, ailing, unhealthy, it all shows up on the surface— most notably on our skin.  Thuyen Nguyen is known from Manhattan to Montauk as the facialist to the stars, but his brand is much more than skin deep. With 26 years of wellness expertise, Thuyen stands out as a holistic practitioner aimed at improving overall well-being from the inside out.

“Skincare is half psychology. The more we allow mental and emotional stress to impact our internal balance the more our skin will show the ‘wear and tear’ from the daily grind that we all endure.”— Thuyen Nguyen

In May of this year, Thuyen opened the doors to a carefully designed wellness destination in East Hampton, Curated by THUYEN, that invites guests to escape their every day lives and immerse in self-care.

The Facial Room

A single private treatment room welcomes clients to partake in healing sessions that last one hour. Choose between the signature facial that Thuyen performs with his own hands (a true massage just for the face), innovative cryo sculpting and cellulite services by Tiffany Lee of Viva Cryo, and nutrition consultations from anti-aging specialist Cindy Chang.

The decor of antique, Asian wood furnishings and artisan pieces were meticulously hand-picked for a fully transformative experience to allow complete relaxation for any treatment of choice.

Retail Therapy

Before or after a special treatment in the facial room partake in some retail therapy. All items sold at Curated by THUYEN were chosen with the intention to enhance mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. Each company holds a special connection between Thuyen, his clients, and the community at large to provide pure, positive energy.

“It’s simple: the highest form of energy that breaks down any walls, heals, inspires and is infectious to our deepest parts of our heart and soul is love. When I work I am exchanging love and nurture, so every brand and artisan that’s featured in this shop has a true connection to me and my ethical standards.”— Thuyen Nguyen

Shop the exclusive capsule collections by Casa Nata (Germany), Saaksha & Kinni summer dresses (hand-embroidered in India), ultra soft summer cashmere scarfs with endless custom prints designed by retail shop partner James Paul Cheung (USA). Indulge in an artisan jewelry collection, co-designed by Thuyen himself and west coast jewelry designer Sonya Hay, featuring handmade pieces with rare stones and crystals.

A positive mind-body connection boosts the immune system and overall well-being. When we’re happy and healthy it shows. But what makes Thuyen unique is the love he puts into every detail of the store, his guests, and the world around him. When you walk through the doors of Curated by THUYEN you are entering a home that always has the door open.

Thuyen has locations in the Hamptons and Tribeca but half of the practice involves house-calls. He makes weekly drives along the South Fork and will do trips around NYC and Connecticut for VIP clients. Contact him for more information. Email Thuyen@Thuyenskincare.com

The weekly wellness series is in partnership with James Lane Post, an East End experience

The LongHouse Experience

The weekly wellness series is in partnership with James Lane Post, an East End experience.

The past year caused a chaos within ourselves likely unmatched by anything we’ve experienced prior. As a collective, we were overwhelmed by the news, isolation, death, fear — the list of pessimistic pandemic associations goes on. It left us in a wake of distress, frazzled, and in need of an emotional recovery, as much as a physical one.

Post-Pandemic Wellness

The end of Mental Health Awareness Month happens to be in alignment with America’s reopening, and thus recovery, in a post pandemic world. However, (without sounding too cliche) mental health matters more now than ever. We’ve been conditioned to stare at screens, cover our faces, and live in fear of what’s beyond our front doors. As we return to the world we’ve known, we cannot ignore the trauma of what we experienced and the toll it has taken on our overall health — maybe 2021 should be declared Mental Health Awareness Year.

As our lives return to a new normal, we will, undoubtedly, be more conscious of our overall health. Defined by the World Health Organization, “health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” So the question lies in: why do so many of us hyper-focus on physical wellness and treat social and mental health as secondary? This summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, my column will feature ways to stay healthy physically, socially, and mentally. 

Fortunately, there is a place to visit that addresses all three: LongHouse Reserve.

The LongHouse Experience

LongHouse Reserve is a 16-acre property and sculpture garden, located in East Hampton, centered around its art and garden installations. It’s best described as spiritual therapy, an immersive experience that excites the senses and calms the mind.

According to Holger Winenga, horticulturist, LongHouse has thousands upon thousands of flora varieties — daffodils, hellebores, hardy geraniums, sweet pepper bushes, butterfly bushes, to name a few, and the collection continues to grow. Upon first glance, the natural beauty is positively overwhelming. The areas of First Lawn and Peter’s Pond are vibrant and expansive, where open fields of East Hampton meet picturesque beauty reminiscent of Monet’s Gardens.

There’s an abundance of wildlife — bullfrogs, painted turtles, toads, box turtles, garter snakes, eastern cottontail rabbits. Overhead, watch robins, catbirds, chickadees, cardinals, and Baltimore orioles (bird, not baseball) fly into the trees. The sensation of being among the fauna provides a greater perception of self-awareness as they all move about undisturbed, as you are in their environment.

Some LongHouse sculpture installations are permanent, while others are displayed seasonally. Work highlights include pieces from Willem de Kooning, Yoko Ono, Daniel Arsham, and Buckminster Fuller. Riddled throughout the property are benches and chairs for guests to sit back and enjoy the view with loved ones, although some of them are confused for the art installations themselves (guilty).

The LongHouse experience is emotionally, mentally, and thus physically healing. Akin to a Band-aid for the soul. To simply call it a sculpture garden would underrate all the benefits it provides, beyond what the eye can see. 

LongHouse Reserve is located at 133 Hands Creek Road in East Hampton. There are timed-ticket reservations available. Each time slot is for one hour and 15 minutes, but it’s understandable to linger a little longer. Contact them at 631-329-3568 | info@longhouse.org.

East Hampton Hosts Panel Discussion on Nutrition

Photo credit: Lisa Tamburini

Left to right: Alyson Follenius, Michele Sacconaghi, Thuyen Nguyen, Charlotte LaGuardia, Dr. Gerry Curatola, Nicole Teitler

The conversation surrounding health and nutrition has been at the forefront of individual minds since the onset of the pandemic. Now, as mask regulations ease up and America reopens its doors, the question remains: how do we not only become healthy, but stay healthy? 

On Thursday, May 20, I returned to the Hamptons to moderate a panel discussion surrounding nutrition at The Hedges Inn. It was part of Wellness East Hampton, a month-long series in East Hampton hosted by Discover the Hamptons, James Lane Post, McKenna Interactive Media, Discover Long Island, and the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce. In conversation were Thuyen Nguyen of Thuyen Skincare, Dr. Gerry Curatola of Rejuvenation Health, Charlotte LaGuardia of ThriveEast Nutrition, Hamptons Wellness Coach Alyson Follenius, and Wellness Foundation President Michele Sacconaghi. Each individual added their own take and expertise to what is an ever evolving field of study.

Nutrition is typically defined as a branch of science surrounding food and nourishment for the human body. In taking a step beyond the traditional definition, the talk touched upon the ways human health is linked to our every day world— from stress, to family ties, to the very basics of what we eat.

Here are my 5 personal takeaways from the nutrition panel discussion:

  1. The “deposit” and “withdrawal” method. Each action, especially what we consume, is either adding to our nutritional value or taking away from it.
  2. No two individuals are alike. As such, we should manage our expectations and rid the word “diet” from our vocabulary. There is no one size fits all to health.
  3. It’s possible to reverse hereditary chronic illness through healthy eating habits and awareness. We have the power to change the future of our health.
  4. Move away from continental breakfasts and include more fruits and vegetables for added variety. Pack in nutrition at the start and all throughout the day.
  5. What you eat, how you sleep, how you move all influence stress. It’s a triangle of wellness where one directly impacts the other.

Watch the full video here.

Hamptons Gala Season Gone?

The Hamptons has a world-wide reputation for being a location of means. On the outside, it’s seen as a place of luxury homes and fancy parties, lined by beautiful beaches and noted celebrities. But those on the inside know that part of what makes the Hamptons truly special is its philanthropic community.

For decades, Memorial Day weekend has meant the kick-off to roaring summer nights spent gala hopping or cheering former presidents and Hall of Famers from the bleachers at the Artists and Writers Softball Game. Each event raises funds for a charitable cause, some local, some national, sprinkling in the magic of the season and an influx of tourism. As COVID-19 devastates the East End, perhaps one of the hardest felt hits in its wake will be the reality of a socially distant summer. Gala season has been canceled.

“We are still on and eager to do our part for our charities. We’re holding out hope that we’ll be able to gather in one way or another. This is the worst rain delay I’ve ever sat through,” said Benito Vila, president of the Artists and Writers Softball Game.

The famed AW Softball Game is typically held at the end of August, distributing funds to several charities. While outdoor sporting events are still up in the air, many nonprofits have been forced to cancel.

“What we will miss most is the chance for our animals and supporters to come together at our events,” said Scott Howe, executive director and CEO of Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons. “There is always such joy at ARF events. Having our animals there makes our mission tangible to people, and they allow us to thank our community in person. That personal connection is what I will personally miss, but we are already making plans to communicate in new ways while, at the same time, our work continues and evolves to help people and their pets impacted by COVID-19 and all the ways it has changed our lives.”

Elka Rifkin, director of The Watermill Center noted that it’s closed for the foreseeable future. “It is our great hope to re-open as soon as possible to continue to provide time and space for international, national, and local artists to create new work. We are grateful to those who have helped to support us in the past and during this difficult time.” Other canceled events include the Sag Harbor Historical Society gala, Breast Cancer Research Fund Paddle for Pink, and The Surfrider Foundation’s One Ocean Montauk benefit.

Zooming Into The Season

Some organizations are making adjustments rather than pulling the plug entirely. For example, The Surfrider Foundation is taking a unique approach to its 18th Annual Surf Movie Night, typically held at Guild Hall, by considering a potential drive-in movie experience. Others have decided to go completely virtual.

“We decided to pivot very early from an in-person event to a virtual event because we are truly an essential service. Canceling was not an option, as we are still providing all services to victims of domestic violence and have no choice but to raise money to help our clients continue their path toward healing,” said Ellie Kurrus, vice president of the board of directors at The Retreat. She is also the event chair for The Retreat’s All Against Abuse gala. This year, the gala will open up bidding on Friday, June 12, at 12 PM and it will remain open until 5 PM on Monday, June 22. On Saturday, June 13, at 6 PM will be the special Zoom Cocktail Party where bidding will be allowed on premier auction items.

Loretta Davis, The Retreat’s executive director, said of the organization’s largest fundraising event, “We are so excited to share this incredible experience with our guests. This is a new frontier for The Retreat and we have beautifully enhanced the journey. For the first time, access to the gala will be open to people across the nation. We have some superstar guests who will share their experience with The Retreat and some awesome auction items.” Guests are welcome to party in their pajamas, but gala attire and champagne glasses are encouraged.

The American Heart Association’s annual Hamptons Heart Ball will also be held through Zoom on Saturday, June 20.

“Through the Hamptons Heart Ball, we have been able to raise funds to further research and education here on Long Island. Of course, there will be a different feel to the event not having it in person,” said event chair Cristina Civetta. “The details really mirror the program portion of how we do our live event. All of our honorees, speakers, emcees, survivors and event chair will all be dressed in their best Hamptons chic and will provide you with a captivating evening that will encompass the mission of the American Heart Association. We are so excited to be having a live auction that evening also.”

A Means For Survival

For the vast majority of nonprofits, the summer galas are more than a reason to celebrate — they’re a means for survival. “The Parrish acted swiftly on modifications to the schedule of several events,” said Susan Galardi, communications director for the Parrish Art Museum. The nonprofit adapted quickly to its digital platform with online programming. While the Summer Family Party remains on schedule for its August date, the highly popular Midsummer Party and Late-Night Party, the museum’s most important fundraiser, has been canceled for July, and it has not been rescheduled at this time. “Despite the achievements in continuing to serve the community, the museum’s closure has led to a 75 to 80-percent reduction in resources, both staff and revenue,” Galardi added.

Diana Aceti, director of development at South Fork Natural History Museum, noted the museum’s gala, which celebrated 30 years last July, raises two thirds of the organization’s operating budget. “It is extremely important to raise necessary funds for environmental programs, initiatives, and operational costs.” At present, the annual SoFo gala is scheduled in-person for August 15 with social distancing adjustments in place, but Aceti acknowledged the possibility of having to go digital. “If we host an event online, we will include special surprise guests and other special surprises so that guests can enjoy a dinner, drinks, and a concert. We are brainstorming ideas daily,” she said.

The option to go to digital is giving The Ellen Hermanson Foundation a chance it otherwise may have lost — an opportunity to celebrate 25 years. “Twenty-five years is a big achievement and we do not want to let this pass without acknowledging that this is a very big deal for us. We know it is disappointing to have to cancel our in-person fundraiser, but we are confident that we will be able to create a fun, creative, and interactive event while bringing in much needed funds for The Ellen Hermanson Foundation,” Julie Ratner, president of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation said of both the summer gala and Ellen’s Run.

“We are grateful for all the professional, courageous, and compassionate heroes who keep us safe while combating COVID-19 on the front line and we are proud to be part of our strong caring and resilient community pulling together to face this challenge with love and support for each other,” added Ratner.

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s annual summer benefit is scheduled for August 1. Barbara-Jo Howard, the hospital’s director of communications and marketing will share news about the gala soon. However, she announced, “Later this year we look forward to beginning the largest campaign in our history; a campaign to build a new state-of-the-art community hospital. With lessons learned from the COVID-19 environment, this will undoubtedly be among the first post-pandemic new hospitals in our nation.”

Tom Dunn, executive director at Southampton Arts Center, said SummerFest is still in development, “We’re thinking about alternatives, maybe a smaller gathering and some other ways to come together safely as a community.” An announcement is coming in the next few weeks.

Looking At Other Options

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is looking into other options for its annual Hamptons Happening fundraiser. “To date, the Hamptons Happening raised more than $5 million for the SWCRF and its innovative research that is uncovering why cancer develops and how to treat and prevent the disease that affects 1.8 million Americans annually,” Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and CEO, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation said of the event that has been held for 15 consecutive years.

“This year, the SWCRF is working hard to create an exciting event that will observe social-distancing measures while bringing the community together. It is grateful to the many chefs, restaurants, wineries, distillers, and fine food purveyors for generously donating their specialties each year, and stands by these businesses and everyone affected by COVID-19 during this difficult time,” added Waxman.

The LongHouse Reserve’s summer gala, themed “Exotica,” has been pushed back “until the first possible moment when it’s safe to have it.” Dianne Benson, LongHouse board chair informed that a silent art and design auction will be available in July, “with a portion of the proceeds shared for the first time with participating artists” who have been hit noticeably hard by the pandemic. Other events pushed back to September include the Southampton Cultural Center’s 5th Annual Wine and Roses Gala and Southampton Historical Society’s 11th annual Insider’s View.

Some groups have made the difficult decision to cancel their events for 2020 and postpone to 2021: St Judes Hope in the Hamptons and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s Unconditional Love Gala. “While we were all looking forward to celebrating the 11th Annual Unconditional Love Gala, we have decided to cancel. We feel that this is the responsible thing to do. The health, well-being, and safety of our guests is our top priority. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to making our 2021 celebration even bigger and better,” said Katie McEntee, SASF’s director of adoptions and public relations and junior chair of the gala.

Prioritizing the safety of others, East End Hospice is encouraging supporters to host a Pig Roast Picnic and dress up for a summer gala at home while donating to their cause. “Many long-time supporters of these events, as well as new donors, have stepped up to make their gift a straight donation this year. Some have even increased their support because they know the need is urgent right now. Other longtime event supporters are pivoting to support our COVID-19 Response Fund or make in-kind donations of much needed PPE and other essentials for our staff,” said Mary Crosby, East End Hospice’s president and CEO. The annual Box Art Auction has been pushed to October, following state and Centers for Disease Control recommendations. 

The famed fireworks over Three Mile Harbor are still planned for July. The Clamshell Foundation’s Great Bonac Fireworks and sandcastle contest are both scheduled and the organization is hopeful that they will go on. “We have the permits. However, the safety and well-being of all is our top priority. We are putting 100 percent of our focus and funds into those in need right now, but remain hopeful the wonderful tradition of the fireworks and sandcastle contest will both happen,” said the foundation’s president, Kori Peters.

Founded in 1901, Southampton Fresh Air Home has been through worse than COVID-19 — it endured two world wars, the Spanish influenza, and the Great Depression. For 32 years, the nonprofit’s Grucci fireworks have been a signature touch to its annual American Picnic fundraiser, an event that typically raises over 25 percent of the organization’s annual operating revenue toward programs for physically disabled youths. While the picnic is packed up, the show will still go on. “Thanks to our rich history and continued support by our community, we continue to adapt and persevere during these trying times. We are currently offering virtual programs and activities which provide for a great distraction and socialization for many,” said executive director Thomas Naro. The annual Decorators, Designers, and Dealers event has been postponed to Saturday, August 29.

This article first appeared in The Independent Newspaper.