Dynamic Philanthropist takes the helm: JBFCS welcomes Tony Mann as new Board President

Dynamic Philanthropist takes the helm: JBFCS welcomes Tony Mann as new Board President

Tony Mann has taken office as Board President at the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS)— an honor that recognizes Mann’s twenty years of exceptional service to the agency. “Giving of oneself is more than a responsibility; it is a privilege,” says Mann. “Getting involved in something larger than myself, such as JBFCS, has taught me the importance of our accomplishments—both big and small. It is our collective impact in the city that counts and we do this by taking small steps. This has inspired me to work even harder.”

JBFCS provides a comprehensive network of mental health and social services to promote well-being, resilience and self-sufficiency for individuals and families in need in the New York metropolitan area. As leaders in the field of human services, the organization proudly serves people of all faiths, races and cultures. Today, JBFCS serves over 65,000 New Yorkers annually through a comprehensive range of 175 community-based programs, residential facilities, and day-treatment centers. With the single largest number of clinic licenses held by one agency, at any given moment, 6,200 New Yorkers are receiving treatment through the JBFCS network of clinics. For further details, please visit www.jbfcs.org.

In addition to his many years of service on the JBFCS Board of Trustees, Mann also served as chairman of Kaplan House, an urban residential facility for twenty-five adolescent males that provides an extensive independent-living skills program and therapeutic and support services. Last year, he launched the JBFCS Hudson Valley Ride, an annual bike ride fundraiser for JBFCS programs and services. The 2009 ride exceeded its first year goal of $250,000 to attain over $425,000. This year’s ride is July 18th with a $500,000 goal. (For more information).

“My vision for the future of JBFCS hinges on our practicing the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in serving families and communities,” said Tony Mann. “As we adapt to these uncertain times, we must remain optimistic as well as vigilant in serving the needs of a diverse population…and having a Board that reflects that diversity.”

A resident of Greenwich, CT, Mann is President of E-J Electric Installation Co., a 110-year-old electrical contracting firm in Long Island City, NY. E-J’s projects range from stadiums, water treatment and power plants to office buildings, transit facilities, schools and theatres. Notable projects under Tony Mann’s leadership include: Yankee Stadium, New York Times Headquarters, Bank of America – Mission Critical, 11 Times Square, Astoria Power & Poletti 500 MW Power Plants, WTC Path Station, Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History, JetBlue JFK Terminal, USTA National Tennis Center, Madame Tussaud’s, Jazz @ Lincoln Center, United Nations, and the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Research Center.

The Launch of Fund Art Now - Bringing Together the Global Art Community

The Launch of Fund Art Now - Bringing Together the Global Art Community
April 3, 2010

Fêting the launch of the newly-formed not-for-profit, Fund Art Now (F.A.N.), a who’s-who of New York City’s art community came together for an evening of art and music at the chic art space, Collective Hardware. Founder of F.A.N. David Zelikovsky kicked off the ten-day celebration of art, with a mission to instill a new Renaissance within the global Arts community and change worldwide consciousness. The night highlighted provocative works by several artists, including Zach Hyman – rumored to be the latest love interest on the MTV Show, The City for star Roxy Olin – as well as Anton S. Kandinsky and Brian Reed, and showcased Ulysses’ latest “animated art” endeavor, along with musical performances. Also in attendance was owner of the Chair and the Maiden Gallery, John Dabu. The F.A.N. launch event began its fundraising efforts for future projects.

Other events during the celebration include, the Nouveau Haiti Night, benefitting the New York City Haiti Relief Fund, the debut of Soul Mafia’s newest album and a performance by Ms. Annie Brazil. The evening’s sponsors include: Ace of Spades, Armand de Brignac Champagne, Steinway & Sons, The Global Syndicate, Diamond Club International, TR Luxury, Next Generation Beverage LLC, Barbados Tourist Authority, The Crane Resort, New York Historical Society, Heart-4-Haiti, One Heart For Haiti and Luxe Event.

ABOUT F.A.N.: With a mission to instill a Renaissance within the Arts community and change global consciousness, F.A.N. draws upon all types of Artists and Artisans across the globe and will create projects – such as the building of its foundation, brick-by-brick, through a joint effort – drawing international interest toward a focused goal. F.A.N.’s purpose is to create a public congregation in which common goals and interests can be developed in a performance and gallery space where improvisation and collaboration are encouraged— a space where All are welcome; the ultimate goal will be to fulfill Van Gogh's elusive lifelong desire for community among artists, a collaboration of dreams.

Art projects selected for sponsorship will be chosen based upon their appeal to the base of human nature, where religion and politics are given secondary status, and their perceived effective nature on a global stage with accessibility to the international public— making a simple statement simply. Breaking down barriers that education and socio-economic factors have established over the centuries, accessibility to the masses is of utmost importance to F.A.N.'s mission.

Through such globally-accessible artwork, F.A.N. hopes to instill a global dialogue that will ultimately alter the manner in which humanity thinks and expresses themselves, changing the basic ideas of value and so forth. As important as the air we breathe, and the water we drink, art, in all of its various incarnations, needs to be embodied by All.
For additional information, please visit www.fundartnow.org. To become a F.A.N. volunteer or donate.

Meet Thelonious "T.J" Johnson - Actor, Model, and Trainer to the Stars

Meet Thelonious "T.J" Johnson - Actor, Model, and Trainer to the Stars

April 2nd, 2010

Thelonious Johnson, better known as T.J., embodies a matchless triple threat, as an actor, model and fitness expert with such elite clients as CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Named one of 2008’s Most Eligible Bachelors by Extra, T.J. has established himself in many arenas, proving to be a sought-after actor while helping individuals reach peak levels of fitness.

T.J.’s career boasts a wide range of highlights. As a model, he has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue Italia, Details, and scored the cover of Maximum Fitness. He was also featured in a nationally syndicated commercial for Old Spice Hair & Body Wash. His acting highlights include roles on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, One Life to Live, and All My Children. Most recently, he has become the face of Capcom Viral Video for popular video game, Bionic Commando.

T.J.’s affinity for fine arts stems from his childhood— his father, a jazz musician, and mother, an artist, emphasized the importance of art throughout T.J.’s upbringing, even naming their son after famed American jazz pianist and composer, Thelonious Monk. Upon college graduation, T.J. focused his efforts on acting, while maintaining a level of physical activity that met his life-long fitness interests.

Thelonious introduces a new approach to fitness training— as he has shared on leading television program Extra, T.J. stresses the importance of preserving the body, and practices the belief that each individual should treat their unique form as a temple. Customizing training sessions to fit the needs and goals of each individual client, T.J. provides full-body workouts that target problem areas to achieve results. Results-driven, T.J. organizes total, comprehensive training sessions that positively affect the client’s physical form, while helping to instate healthier, happier lifestyle choices into his/her everyday life.

Thelonious organizes comprehensive training sessions that positively affect the client’s physical form, while helping to instate healthier, happier lifestyle choices into everyday life. T.J., being an adrenaline-junkie with interests such as snowboarding and extreme sports, offers workouts that embody his own interests. For thrill-seekers in search of an action and adventure-driven workout, he offers extreme outdoor training, providing sessions that feature mountain-biking, hiking, “tough man” workouts and boot camps.

For more information on T.J.’s fitness tips and motivation.

Welcome to Catskill Farms: The low-key celebrity hangout

Welcome to Catskill Farms: The low-key celebrity hangout
March 31, 2010

As a classic symbol of a simple, traditional and romantic way of life, designer and builder Charles Petersheim has re-envisioned the “old American house.” Providing picture-perfect countryside escapes from bustling New York City, Petersheim has singlehandedly transformed the architectural landscape of Upstate New York, while accruing a diverse celebrity and media clientele including Albert Hammond Jr., guitarist of The Strokes; David Cross, Comedian, Actor, and Author; Gavin McInnes, founder of Vice Magazine; Rob Christofaro, Founder of fashion line ALife Limited Street Wear; Leah McSweeney, Founder of fashion line Married to the Mob; Benoist Drut, Founder of Mid-Century French Antiques, Maison Gerard; and David Loud, Broadway Composer. A-list neighbors include Michelle Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Ruffalo and Joan Osborne.

As a designer and builder of traditional homes with modern amenities, Catskill Farms has reinvigorated the architectural landscape of Sullivan County real estate. Over the past four years, Catskill Farms has designed, built and sold in excess of 40 new/old homes in Sullivan County, becoming the leading designer and builder of Upstate New York getaways. Providing a serene escape for those residing in bustling New York City, the Catskill Farms clientele base is largely composed of city residents ranging in ages thirty-two to forty-four years old. From young musicians, actors and comedians, to fashion entrepreneurs, alternative magazine publishers and lawyers, an extensive array of urban professionals have come to Catskill Farms in search of scenic homes, allowing for this small real estate company to outperform many larger firms during a challenging time for the property development industry.

Catskill Farms revisits the history of the area with our construction of country cottages and farmhouses — that are inspired by the traditional building styles. With new home construction eliminating any old home worries, residents have the best of both worlds— early American architecture, wide plank floors, fireplaces, painted salvaged wood ceilings, wrap-around porches, not to mention whole-house audio, security systems, and modern kitchens. Capturing the charm, beauty and character of the early 1900s. Catskill Farms eliminates all of the hassle and maintenance issues related to an old house.

Good homes have a soul, and Catskill Farms strives to ensure its homes provide not only sound and stylish construction, but also a sense of history— homes are constructed with authentic turn-of-the-century regional architecture as the basis of the design. Fireplaces, wide plank floors, shaker-style cabinets, and huge porches are installed as well.

In addition, Catskill Farms wants everyone to be able to afford a countryside escape, hence their brand new mini-cottages series. Priced from $225k to $400k, these homes feature two bedrooms, as well as a spacious floor plan and lots of open interior space. The sizeable basements continually amaze Catskill Farms’ space-starved clients.

Plan your A-Lister Fete with Insignia Productions

Plan your A-Lister Fete with Insignia Productions
March 25, 2010

Guestlists, themes, food, décor, music, venue— with so many countless details that go into planning an event, it’s no wonder that so many people seek outside help when planning their special occasions…which is where Insignia Productions steps in.

A luxury full-service event-planning firm, Insignia Productions specializes in intricate and inspired design, customized planning and the logistical production of all event types and sizes – from professional meetings and conferences to weddings and birthday bashes – based in New York City, the Hamptons and Los Angeles. Client specific, Insignia Productions works to fulfill the individualized needs of its clientele. Insignia Productions Owner, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir builds a personal relationship with every client, making certain that he/she is granted the necessary level of attention, which derives from a boutique firm. With her team, Ranee manages each event from beginning-to-end— attending each meeting, ensuring that the chosen theme is carried throughout all aspects of the event and each component is meticulously planned, absolute focus is placed on even the smallest of details. Ranee’s uniquely hands-on approach allows her insight into each client’s personality, resulting in events that are is carefully-crafted according to the client’s wishes, tastes and style. With an extensive background in New York City’s event-planning industry, Ranee established Insignia Productions in 2008, inspired by her passion for working one-on-one with clients, helping to celebrate milestones and create memories.

Insignia Productions offers three levels of service to its clientele to fit individual needs— Full Service (includes vendor suggestions, contract negotiations, production timeline, and the coordination of logistics the day of the event. From start-to-finish, each and every detail of the affair is planned and executed by Insignia Productions); A La Carte (perfect for the client who has planned much of the event on his/her own, but requires assistance with remaining vendors and details of the occasion); Day of Assistance (timeline construction and logistic coordination— includes one meeting prior to the day of event, logistical coordination and one Insignia Productions team member on-site for the day of the event).

Past Insignia Productions events have ranged from the traditional – a classic New York City wedding, held at the Plaza Hotel with entertainment by Kool & the Gang – to the trendsetting – including an Asian-fusion wedding at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall (featured in Bridal Guide Magazine), a fragrance launch-themed thirteen-year-old birthday, and chilly ice-themed soirée, complete with ice bar and décor. Recently, Insignia Productions organized and produced a pre-Oscar’s lunch with legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino to celebrate his eight-time Academy Award-nominated film, Inglorious Basterds.

For further information, please visit www.insigniaproductions.com.

Ambassador John L. Loeb jr. to Deliver "Beyond Tolerance" at the 41st Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture

Ambassador John L. Loeb jr. to Deliver "Beyond Tolerance" at the 41st Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture
March 24, 2010

The selection of Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. to present the Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture on March 25 marks the first time a descendant of the Lehman family has been invited to address this event. Lehman College has the tradition of inviting well-known speakers for the annual event and past speakers have included Israel’s Abba Eban, Kitty Carlisle Hart, chairman of the New York State Council of the Arts until her death in 2007, former U.S. Senators George McGovern, Daniel Moynihan, Albert Gore Sr. and George J Mitchell, and noted historian Arthur M. Schlesinger. Ambassador Loeb, who represented the United States in Denmark from 1981-1983 is the founder of the George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom. He will address the 41st Annual Herbert H. Lehman memorial event on the subject of tolerance.

Herbert H. Lehman, for whom the Memorial Lecture is named, was the son of one of three founders of the original investment bank, Lehman Brothers, where he worked for 30 years. He later served both as governor of New York State and as a U.S. senator, having a clear passion for business, politics, and philanthropy. A veteran of World War I, during the Second World War he was the first director of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) created by President Franklin Roosevelt, which provided aid to the population of the Allied nations. The work of UNRRA involved the shipment of some 18 million tons of clothing, shoes and bedding to war ravaged countries. Following the war in 1946, Lehman College in the Bronx, an arm of the City University of New York became the temporary headquarters of the United Nations with early U.N. Security Council meetings held in the college gymnasium.

Herbert H. Lehman was not afraid to stand up and speak out against political injustices of the day. In the early 1950s, he was one of the earliest opponents of Senator Joseph McCarthy and his ideologically motivated hearings of individuals suspected of communist leanings.

For former US Ambassador to Denmark, John L. Loeb Jr. the opportunity to speak on a subject of deep personal passion, “Beyond Tolerance” is not only a privilege but also a deeply satisfying personal event for he shares his ancestor’s passion for speaking out on issues of religious freedom. Ambassador Loeb has recently produced a book about the contribution of early Jewish families to the United States and is championing educational projects regarding George Washington’s early efforts to establish religious freedom in this country.

The Lecture will be held on Thursday March 25, 2010 at 11:00am in the Monroe and Rose Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College.

For further information, please visit.

Filmaker N.C. Heikin's Critically Acclaimed Kimjongilia Opens in New York City

FILMMAKER N.C. HEIKIN’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED KIMJONGILIA OPENS IN NEW YORK CITY

Kimjongilia is a haunting look at the reality inside the most secretive country in the world. Told from the perspectives of North Korean refugees who shine light on the atrocities taking place in their homeland, and juxtaposed with clips from North Korea's mass propaganda machine that has indoctrinated citizens to worship the North Korean leadership, Kimjongilia is a film that shocks, enlightens and stays with you. –Laura Ling, journalist, held captive in North Korea over five months in 2009.

KIMJONGILIA, The Flower of Kim Jong Il (Lorber Films), is the first film to fully expose the humanitarian crisis of North Korea, examining the mass illusion possible under totalitarianism and the human rights abuses required to maintain that illusion.

North Korea is governed by a totalitarian regime that has controlled all information entering and leaving the country for the sixty years since the conflict with South Korea. A cult of personality surrounds its two leaders: Kim Il-Sung (“Great Leader”), and his son, Kim Jong-Il (“Dear Leader”). For Kim Jong Il’s 46th birthday, a hybrid red begonia named kimjongilia was created, symbolizing wisdom, love, justice, and peace. The film draws its title from the rarefied flower and reveals the extraordinary stories told by survivors of North Korea’s vast prison camps, devastating famine, and every kind of oppression. Filmmaker N.C. Heikin provides a historical backdrop to North Korea’s situation in her deeply moving documentary that examines why defectors fled, gives accounts of their harrowing escapes, and reveals the dangers they face in China, hunted by both Chinese and North Korean police. The refugees, who were interviewed in South Korea, where they now live, come from every walk of life, from child concentration camp inmates to an elite concert pianist. Their stories, however, all speak to repression and the breaking of body-and-soul. In essence, these humble heroes are inspiring, for despite their unimaginable suffering, they continue to hold out hope for a better future. For further information on Kimjongilia, please visit here, or the Facebook Fan page here. For film times and tickets, please visit www.cinemavillage.com.


ABOUT N.C. HEIKIN: A student of dance and theatre at Sarah Lawrence College, N.C. Heikin began working at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club upon graduation, with Wilford Leach and Andrei Serban, among others. There, Heikin created the title role in La Mama’s renowned production, Carmilla as well as a series of interdisciplinary performance pieces, shown in New York City and at theatre festivals around the world. Her performance background is exhibited in the manner in which she has crafted this innovative documentary. In 1986, Heikin began screenwriting with commissions from Paramount and Disney and has since done movies for television and episodic work. Heikin made her film directing debut in 2004, with her prizewinning narrative short, mañana, which debuted on Indiepix in May 2008. Kimjongilia is her first documentary. It received a grant from the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and was invited to the Sundance Story & Edit Lab in June 2008. It premiered at Sundance 2009 and has since played in festivals around the world, including the Sarasota Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Docuwest, Hamburg Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and South Korea’s Pusan International Film Festival.

Queen of Fur Helen Yarmak Unveils Her Fall/Winter 2010 Fur & jewelry Collections in an Exclusive Preview

THE QUEEN OF FUR—HELEN YARMAK UNVEILS HER FALL/WINTER 2010 FUR & JEWELRY COLLECTIONS IN AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

Helen Yarmak, known to fashion insiders as the Queen of Fur—adorning the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Chloe Sevigny and Steven Spielberg—unveiled her glamorous Fall/Winter 2010 Fur & Jewelry Collections in an exclusive fashion show at her NYC showroom. Mingling amongst the fashion-forward crowd included Celebrity Fashion Stylist Patricia Field and Olympic Gold Medal Figure Skater Oksana Baiul.

The evening included an art presentation by Barry Meisel, BMV Fine Art, LLC with works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Motherwell and Marylin Minter, a live jazz ensemble including vocalist Deanna Kirk, guitarist Chris Flory, saxophonist Harry Allen, bassist Clovis Nicolas and classical musical performance by Ezter Szilveszter (viola) and Artur Kaganovskiy (violin), as and a silent auction. A portion of the evening’s sales from Helen Yarmak furs and jewelry, as well as a Silent Auction, went to benefit the NYU International Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. Guests enjoyed gourmet bites by Opia Restaurant and cocktails by Akvinta Vodka.

For Fall/Winter 2010-2011, Helen Yarmak has showcased luxurious furs, including sable, mink, chinchilla and broadtail, in trendsetting silhouettes and vibrant colors. in distinctive styling, Helen Yarmak’s fur collections come in an array of colors, from the natural and neutral – grey, white, black and rich chocolate tones – to the enticingly bold - (sapphire blue and emerald green). From glamorous long coats to chic short jackets that add a level of exquisite elegance and allure to any woman’s wardrobe, to luxe yet masculine men’s coats and leather jackets, Helen Yarmak furs are inimitably designed in a range of styles.

The Helen Yarmak Jewelry Collections are comprised of intricate, luxury designs that sparkle with elegant style. Glittering diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and semi-precious stones make up the breathtaking jewelry designs — a full collection of statement-making necklaces, eye-catching cocktail rings and dazzling earrings, as well as cufflinks for men, complement Helen Yarmak’s fashion designs.

For more information on Helen Yarmak, please visit www.helenyarmak.com.

Serenity™ & The Canada Dry Bottling Company Team Up Delivering A Sense of Zen to Bustling New Yorkers

Serenity™ & The Canada Dry Bottling Company Team Up Delivering A Sense of Zen to Bustling New Yorkers

Next Generation Beverage LLC, the maker of Serenity Zen Beverage™ and a leader in the relaxation beverage category, has entered into a distribution agreement with one of the largest soft drink distribution groups in the United States— The Canada Dry Bottling Company of New York. This partnership will give Serenity™ a potential distribution in over 25,000 points in the New York City/ Greater Metropolitan Area, including the city’s five boroughs, Westchester and Long Island, and nine Northern & Central New Jersey counties— Bergen, Essex, Union, Middlesex, Passaic, Somerset, Hudson, Sussex, and Morris Counties.

With four distribution centers and over 150 beverage transports on the road each day, Canada Dry Bottling of New York’s experienced sales team will be a key component to Serenity™’s ability to provide excellent service to all points of distribution in the New York City/ Greater Metropolitan Area.

About Serenity Zen Beverage™: Sip your way to tranquility—an innovative blend of vitamins, natural flavors and extracts and a relaxing and tranquil formula, Serenity™ grants your wish to relax and unwind. Relax responsibly: with a sweetly-flavored vanilla taste, Serenity™ is a non-alcoholic source of relief and recovery, boasting zero calories, sugar and carbohydrates. Serenity™ is your relaxation must-have— whether you are in need of a comforting cap to a long day’s work, calmed nerves before a flight or just a sweet start to that long-awaited vacation. You may still have that 8:00AM meeting tomorrow, but for now, you have 8.4oz. of Zen.

About Next Generation Beverage, LLC: Based in Hoboken, NJ, Next Generation Beverage, LLC has in its portfolio a relaxation beverage offering—Serenity™ that is one of the fastest growing brands in the country. In addition to Serenity™, the company’s portfolio also boasts Sin™ & Sin-Free Vitality Energy™ drinks. For store locations and further details, please visit www.drinkserenity.com, www.drinkinsin.com and www.nextgenerationbeverage.com.

The Hurt Locker Celebrates at London's Chic Automat's Almada

THE HURT LOCKER CELEBRATES AT LONDON’S CHIC AUTOMAT’S ALMADA

Automat's Almada, London's hottest haunt under the chic, celeb-favorite eatery Automat, was host to the official after-party for The Hurt Locker following the film's six-award-sweep at the BAFTA Awards. Director Kathryn Bigelow, starring lead actor Jeremy Renner, producers Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, and screenwriter Mark Boal were all seen celebrating the night’s honors. Also spotted was movie producer Harvey Weinstein, who kept the party going after his own fête with A Single Man's Colin Firth, Carey Mulligan and the Olsen twins, celebrating until 6:00AM.

The Hurt Locker, which stars Jeremy Renner, Ralph Fiennes, Evangeline Lilly, Guy Pierce and Anthony Mackie, continues to earn impressive critical acclaim. At the BAFTA Awards, the film garnered awards for Best Film, Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow), Best Original Screenplay (Mark Boal), Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Sound. Looking ahead, The Hurt Locker is nominated for nine Academy Awards.

Automat fuses London's pleasure-seeking social appetite with New York's inimitable style, as an American Brasserie, Automat draws on New York's cultural and social energy beloved by Londoners, presented as a refined yet relaxed, stylish dining experience. This cultural exchange between the world’s two greatest cities is now home to Almada— tucked away below the chic dining locale, Almada has quickly become one a globally exclusive spots and a must-visit venue for London-bound celebrities. For further information, please visit www.automat-london.com.