So America just celebrated its 250 year anniversary when I was thinking about which of my friends I wanted to hit up for the next image, I knew I had to tap my friend Perry for his iconic shots of the New York City cityscape. And he did not disappoint. I think for me this image perfectly captures the brilliance of the moment, set against the backdrop of such an iconic city whose very essence embodies the American dream. We are certainly not without our significant challenges in making this country a more perfect union, but I feel images like this can take us to a certain place if even for a moment, that we all can't help but be in awe and dare I say it…proud to be an American. Perhaps moments like these even have the possibility to inspire the kind of action that lives up to how a picture this makes us feel.

Artistic Statement

This is a photo of July 4th taken in New Jersey in 2022. I have enjoyed photographing fireworks around the country and world during my travels.  This was taken from a spot in New Jersey with a great view of the city and while you can’t hear them going off, through a long lens you get views like this. I love photograping a very many different subjects, from kids to world leaders, city scapes and landscapes, live music and sports and a lot of nature!  I hope you enjoy this image https://www.bindelglassphoto.com/New-York-City-Views/i-JWXLx3Q

For more incredible photos related to food and culture, please follow Perry Bindelglass HERE.

If you have any amazing photos you’ve taken or that you’ve come across, that you think are simply incredible representations of community and culture in NYC, please send them my way [email protected] (when sending, please include photo credit as well as the location in NYC where this was taken and when as well as a brief description no more than a paragraph long of what’s happening in the photo and why it inspires you.)

NYC Backgammon Club

Backgammon may be over 5,000 years old, but in New York City it's enjoying an unmistakably modern renaissance.

Once thought of as a game reserved for retirees and backroom parlors has become one of the city's newest social rituals, drawing young professionals, creatives, and curious beginners looking for connection around this timeless classic.

At the center of that revival is the NYC Backgammon Club, founded by Remington Davenport after she moved to New York in 2023. Having grown up playing the game with a close-knit group of friends, Remington was surprised to discover that local backgammon events were not really a thing and wherever she did find them, it was mainly loose collections of elderly folks.

Rather than accept that reality, she decided to build the kind of community she wished existed. What began as a gathering of just 7 players has quickly grown into one of the country's largest and most vibrant backgammon communities, welcoming thousands of members yearly through weekly meetups, tournaments, learning sessions, and social events.

Whether you're a seasoned strategist or have never rolled the dice before, the club is intentionally designed to be welcoming to all skill levels. The culture of the community is to educate, with experienced players happily teaching newcomers.  Along the way, conversations flow as easily as the matches themselves, and every event feels less like a tournament and more like a gathering of friends who happen to have a backgammon board between them.

Workshops, casual play nights, competitive tournaments, and themed events all share the same underlying goal: making it easy for people to meet, learn, and hopefully, come back again.

In many ways, the club reflects a broader cultural shift taking place across New York with analog hobbies taking center stage where before it was considered more in the realm of a niche gathering.

It carries the same spirit as chess clubs, mahjong nights, vinyl listening parties, communal dinners and have become gathering places where conversation unfolds naturally around a shared activity.  

It's less about winning matches than creating opportunities for repeat encounters.

Backgammon offers a rare balance of strategy and chance, making every match engaging regardless of experience. But more importantly, it creates the perfect pace for conversation. Unlike staring at a phone or shouting across a crowded bar, the game gives people permission to take their time to share stories, laugh over lucky “jokers”, and oh yeah…actually play the game.

In this modern era, one of the oldest games in human history is also one of the newest ways to make friends.   

So brush up that baffle box, champion a comeback shot and be grateful for that gin position.  Not sure what I'm talking about at all? 

Well you're in luck.  It seems there might just be a community to help me with that…

Fabrik is a home for communities and where everyone has a place to belong. With spaces designed to feel more like your living room than your office, Fabrik’s 'third spaces' are vibrant hubs where you can come together in real life, explore interests, forge meaningful connections, and enjoy a sense of community.

Sign-up here to experience a free trial at Fabrik.

Weekly events at Fabrik HERE

Thank you for taking the time to read to the end!

I hope you found something inspiring and meaningful in my content and until next time, explore the possibilities of NYC.

-Sugary

🍰🍭🍩🍦🍫🍪🍨🧁

PS. Don’t be shy and hit reply and tell me how you’re doing!