June arrives like a breath of fresh air, especially after a very wet and cold May. Soft, golden, and full of promise so perfectly phrased in, “What is so rare as a day in June?” — from The Vision of Sir Launfal by James Russell Lowell. These cherished days mark the threshold of summer in the Northeast, a season that always seems to pass too quickly. The secret is to be ready! So, make the most of every moment, every gathering, every spark of inspiration. And remember to celebrate it with our community at NKBA Manhattan-NYC events, excursions, and learning experiences. June Journeys: Celebrating Design, Community, and the Start of Summer We’re kicking off the month with something truly special: a luxury bus trip on June 12th to the strikingly modern Sub-Zero Showroom in Roslyn, for a “Summer Celebration.” A luxury bus experience is being made possible by the imagination and generosity of our sponsor, Clerestory. Then, on June 24th, the A&D Building comes alive for Market Day, an exciting festivity of design, where several of our sponsors will be hosting events throughout the building, including the beautiful Hastings Bath Collection showroom. June holds a special place in my heart. It’s my birth month, the time when the school year concludes, pools opens, and excursions to the “shore” hold promise. It’s a month woven with memories, both personal and professional. That same spirit of warmth, community, and meaningful connection is what we strive to foster at NKBA Manhattan-NYC. Looking just beyond June, the NY Design Coalition, a collaborative partnership with the NY chapters of IFDA, ASID, DLF, IDS, and NKBA-NYC, is preparing a spectacular Summer Social for July – “City Lights, City Nights.” This year’s gathering will take place (for members only) at the luminous Acuity Brands Inspiration Gallery at Penn Plaza, a fitting setting for this vibrant tradition. As always, we look to the future with purpose. Self-nominations for our 2026 Board are closing soon for the roles of President, Programs, and Communications Chairs. The results will be announced at our Annual Board Dinner in August. And yes, mark your calendars—Education Day 2025 commemorates Kitchen & Bath Month in October, our chapter’s 25th anniversary year. Plans are already underway to gather and celebrate our community once again with fun, learning (CEU) experiences, Keynote Luncheon, and cocktail reception at the A&D Building. Contact Jeannine Price if you would like to help plan thi event or volunteer for the day. A Month of Connection: Celebrating Design, Dialogue, and Distinction The May chapter event recap celebrates the outstanding turnout at the Hafele showroom, where Kelly Inglis presented her engaging CEU, "Think Inside the Box," an insightful look at the intersection of lighting and cabinetry. As always, Hafele proved to be an exceptional host. Like any close-knit family, we found ourselves naturally gathered around the food, laughing, learning, and connecting. Hafele’s generosity and gracious hospitality set the perfect tone for an inspiring evening. We’re also proud to share highlights from our chapter’s ICFF Awards, sponsored by Aspire Design & Home Magazine. Our Membership Chair, Diana Mosher, offers a fantastic overview of the honorees. Several of our chapter members shared their impressions of the iconic ICFF design trade fair, which was held last month at the Javits Center in NYC and many of the other design events, held across the city, all part of the NYCxDesign Festival. Their insights bring the energy of ICFF directly to our community—thank you to all who participated! | 
