Lunchtime panel discussions will be held at The Hedges Inn in East Hampton on two consecutive Thursdays this month. The first is on the subject of mental health, featuring a lunch and discussion with wellness industry professionals and mental health advocates.
On Thursday, May 13, starting at noon, award-winning journalist Bridget LeRoy will host the lively discussion. The panel will include Amy Kalaczynski, the founder of the Montauk Meditation Club; East End Acupuncture’s Julie Sigler-Baum; Minerva Perez, the executive director of OLA of Eastern Long Island; journalist and film director Allura Leggard; East Hampton High School Student Madelyne Gaibor; and Marisa Striano, the founder of Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue.
Bridget LeRoy, the co-host of radio show “Sundays on the East End,” is also a graduate of the Jaguar Path School of Yoga and Shamanism. She leads retreats and workshops, energy clearing ceremonies, and provides private coaching and energy work. She was also a co-founder of The Independent Newspaper in 1993, and has interviewed everyone from Steven Spielberg to Martha Stewart, the Clintons to Julie Andrews.
Minerva Perez is OLA of Eastern Long Island’s executive director. Her work is focused on the protection, empowerment, and celebration of Latino individuals and families of our East End community. Recently, OLA commissioned a short film from journalist, Sag Harbor resident, and college student, Allura Leggard on the topic of mental health access for adolescents. Leggard is a major part of OLA’s initiative to break stigma around mental and emotional health needs of adolescents and create more access to support.
The film “Voices of Youth” brings to life quotes from East End students about the need for better mental health access.
Perez and Leggard, will also be joined on Thursday by local community member, Madelyne Gaibor, an East Hampton High School Student, and an actor in the film. Gaibor was recently accepted at the University of Scholars program at Stony Brook University. Each will all be on hand to discuss the project and mental health challenges within the community.
Amy Kalaczynski, who writes a column on Vedic meditation for James Lane Post, studied in India with Thom Knoles and trained under Jeff Kober the past few years. She’s also a certified yoga instructor.
Julie Sigler-Baum is a renowned acupuncturist with East End Acupuncture. “After twenty five years of practice, I am still in awe at the depth and beauty that Chinese Medicine offers,” she noted. “Everyday is an opportunity to heal and pursue the joy in life.”
Marisa Striano, the founder of Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue Program, specializes in grief counseling and holds a certification as an Equus Life Coach through the Koelle Institute. Her goal is to “help people love themselves again by giving them the tools and experiences they need to survive and thrive.”
Each lunch costs $55 and includes a choice of entrée, a glass of wine, and coffee, tea, or water. Each panel will also be streamed live on @JamesLanePost’s Instagram. Click here for tickets.
