We like to think that it’s the giving season all year long, but there’s something about this time of year that just makes you feel a little extra generous.
Studies show that charities raise roughly half their annual online revenue during November and December, with about 12% of all annual giving happening in the final three days of the year. Here in the Hamptons, once you cut through all the face-value stuff of it being an only-rich-people-live-here place, it becomes clear just how many people really do need help from their fellow human.
Take the East Hampton Food Pantry, which in recent weeks has served, at least, a couple thousand people in need. They’re having a Holiday Food Drive, where products can be pre-purchased online. Items purchased will be shipped directly to the food pantry at the close of the drive (see details below). Also this weekend, Lucia’s Angels and the Coalition for Women’s Cancers co-host the annual Girls’ Night Out charity gala at Gurney’s in Montauk, which helps to raise funds and support women facing breast and gynecological cancer diagnoses on Long Island.
There’s a wide range of cool and exciting events happening this weekend across the Hamptons, but, in the spirit of giving, please take the time to consider your fellow human, because kind is always the coolest thing to be.
Lobster rolls and Mahjong at Lunch
On Friday, Nov. 13, learn the basics of American mahjong while sating your afternoon hankerings with a lunch menu filled with your faves. Each ticket ($75) includes your choice of main (think things like mini lobsters rolls, Black Angus burgers, and the like), fries, coleslaw and a glass of wine or soda fountain drink. Hosted by Hamptons Mahj, it runs from 11:30 to 3 p.m.. Get your tickets here.
“To Kill A Mockingbird” at Bay Street
The great Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” adapted for the Broadway stage by screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin, is at Bay Street Theater (1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-9500) on select night now through Nov. 29. Part of the Sag Harbor locale’s “Literature Live!” series — Bay Street’s signature educational theater program, created specifically to bring important works of literature from the classroom to the stage for middle and high school students at no charge — Sorkin’s play is direct from Broadway and casts siblings Scout and Jem Finch as the narrators in sharing their experiences in their small town set in 1930s Alabama during which their father, Atticus, represented a wrongfully accused black man in a controversial trial. Tickets start at $44. Showtimes for this weekend are as follows: Thursday, Nov. 12, Friday, Nov. 13, Saturday, Nov. 14, all at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Take in some tunes at Stephen Talkhouse
On Friday, Nov. 13, Jack Marshall Trio takes the stage at Stephen Talkhouse (161 Main St., Amagansett, 631-267-3117) starting at 8 p.m. Beloved for its guitar-driven songs spanning the jazz, funk and soul genres, the band is led by longtime East End music staple Jack Marshall. Cover is $22. Stick around for La Herencia, a nine-piece salsa, cumbia and Latin soul powerhouse group based on Long Island and led by pianist and bandleader Nick Corredor, taking the stage at 10 p.m. $10 per person. On Saturday, it’s Simply Stapleton, a Chris Stapleton tribute, starting at 8 p.m. (tickets are $28) followed by the Reservoir Dawgs going on at 10 p.m., bringing back the awesome music of the 90s ($10).
Support the East Hampton Food Pantry
According to East Hampton Food Pantry administrator and Springs resident Kitty Merrill, in recent weeks, the food pantry served over a couple thousand people. Between now and Dec. 4, if you can, help make the holiday season a little happier for your neighbors by supporting the pantry’s online Holiday Food Drive. Items purchased ship directly to the food pantry at the close of the drive. Help to purchase most-needed products online, and make donations, here.
Walk through historical workshops
The East Hampton Historical Society and Preservation Long Island co-host a special tour of the Dominy House Museum and Hook Mill Inn (73 North Main St., East Hampton) on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Led by preservationist Bob Hefner, attendees will experience a special, behind-the-scenes tour of the house and workshops of some of Long Island’s most celebrated craftspeople. $20 per person.
Girls’ Night Out at Gurney’s
Don you best, wildest pink outfit and head to the annual Girls’ Night Out — a charity gala to raise funds for women facing cancer diagnoses on Long Island — at Gurney’s in Montauk (290 Old Montauk Highway, 631-668-2345) on Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Hosted by Lucia’s Angels and the Coalition for Women’s Cancers, the event is emceed by Joseph Gaviola and will support a spa weekend and assistance for breast and gynecological cancer patients. The night will include raffles, complimentary wine and cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing and music from DJ Rah-G-Raj. Transportation is available via the Hampton Jitney with four stops located between Hampton Bays and Gurney’s. Contact [email protected] for details. Special room rates will also be available for Girls Night Out guests (call Gurney’s to book). Tickets are $80 in advance, $100 at the door. To purchase tickets, or to donate, click here.
Howl if You Love Your Local Musicians
Join musical chanteuse Nancy Atlas for another edition of The Howl, her live-music, music-packed performance featuring a who’s who of local musicians, all getting together to help inspire the next generation of instrumental and voice performers on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Bridgehampton Middle School (2685 Montauk Highway). The Howl raises money to support and create dynamic musical programming in our local schools and was created by Atlas to keep the music playing. Grab your tickets here.
Craft your next centerpiece on Shelter Island
“Second Saturday Crafts” is at the Shelter Island Library (37 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-0042) on Saturday, Nov. 14 beginning at 11:30 a.m. This month’s craft involves creating marble-dyed fall lanterns. The workshop will result in a gorgeous lantern out of antique-style glass for a table centerpiece.
Music, games and poetry at Hampton Bays Library
The Good Ground Ukulele Players perform at the Hampton Bays Library (52 Ponquogue Ave., Hampton Bays, 631-728-6241) from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. All are welcome to join in for a fun, relaxed music meet-up led by intrepid librarian Stephen. All skill levels are welcome. Just bring your ukulele, play along and enjoy! Saturday, Nov. 14, an informal poetry group led by Beverly Livernoche, meets from 1 to 3 p.m. A good opportunity to read and share your works and generate ideas. Bridge, Canasta and Mah Jong games are all available at the library on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 1:15 to 4:15 p.m.
War stories with a former CIA agent
A series of storytelling workshops is at LTV Studios (75 Industrial Road, Wainscott, 631-537-2777) starting this Sunday, Nov. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. The session will be three hours and will include a visiting storyteller of note who’ll share their experience, showcasing the art of storytelling. Led by Academy Award and Emmy Award nominated filmmaker and teacher Jerome Gary, the class will then workshop their own stories, with input from the group. The first class will feature Arturo Munoz, a former highly decorated member of the CIA, senior political scientist at RAND Corporation, author and screenwriter. Currently, Munoz is working on his latest book, “Covert Operations: Lessons Learned.” For ticket info click here.
