
THE THANKFUL ISSUE
LIFE + CULTURE WHERE GIVING TAKES ROOT


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LIFE + CULTURE WHERE GIVING TAKES ROOT


Gratitude, when practiced with intention, sharpens the way we experience the world. It transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary: Florida’s “mountains” of cloud rising on the horizon, the layered rhythm of waves, the golden wash of morning light.
Four years ago, I lost my sense of taste and smell to COVID. Their absence is a daily reminder of how much we take for granted. Yet what remains has only deepened—birdsong at dawn, the sway of palm fronds in the breeze, the shimmer of twilight on water. These details remind me that our senses are not just tools for living; they are portals to joy.

As Thanksgiving nears and the year draws to a close, I find myself especially grateful for the gift of gathering—around tables, under starlit skies, and here, month after month, with you, our dear readers. Each issue is its own kind of table, a place where we share stories that nourish, inspire, and connect us to one another.
This month’s cover is our Palm Beach nod to The Giving Tree—a story whose simplicity belies its enduring power. In a world that often feels tumultuous, Shel Silverstein’s tale of unconditional generosity reminds us that giving is both timeless and transformative. That same spirit is reflected in our feature on Adopt-AFamily, which this season will auction beautifully adorned trees to support local families in need. Gratitude, after all, is never complete until it is shared.
Inside these pages, we celebrate the senses in every form. Our Feast for the Senses feature is a journey through Palm Beach itself—an invitation to indulge in the textures, sounds, sights, and flavors that make this season so vivid. Alongside it, Dr. Vassilia Binensztok offers wisdom on finding peace at the holiday table. We trace the roots of American foodways through a remarkable Native American cookbook, raise a glass to community with a zero-proof cocktail from ERA Club, and even take a last lingering look at autumn, guiding you to where the leaves still hold their fiery glow before winter arrives.
Palm Beach, in this season of abundance, reminds us that gratitude is not simply a fleeting feeling but a way of being. My hope is that this issue invites you to pause, to notice, and to carry the spirit of thanks into every gathering, every quiet moment, every story shared.
With gratitude,

DENISE DELAUNAY-WOOD,PUBLISHER @PALMBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Denise Wood
denise.wood@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Arsine Kaloustian
arsine.kaloustian@citylifestyle.com
AREA DIRECTOR
David Wood
david.wood@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Bhavna Anna Guyadeen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Abbey Turner Butson
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas













This season, gratitude meets craftsmanship with Noble Tree Golf, where unforgettable golf memories are transformed into heirloom-quality wooden artwork. From custom course layouts to hole-in-one plaques and live carvings at tournaments, each piece is hand-crafted with care, precision, and passion. Whether commemorating a milestone or gifting a fellow golf lover, Noble Tree blends storytelling with artistry—bringing personal moments from the green to the gallery, and honoring the game in every grain.


Cheers to one year of Wellthy by Erin!
This West Palm Beach-based wellness brand has spent its first year empowering clients to feel strong, centered, and radiant—inside and out. From personalized training and mindset coaching to holistic lifestyle support, Erin’s mission is to build lasting well-being with heart and hustle. As the brand marks its anniversary, clients and fans alike are feeling grateful for a year of transformation, strength, and self-love.
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From festive fêtes and Thanksgiving dinners to year-end galas and grand openings, Palm Beach Event Planner transforms gatherings into unforgettable experiences. Specializing in full-service planning, inspired design, and flawless on-site production, they bring warmth, sophistication, and ease to every event. Whether an intimate dinner or a corporate celebration, their concierge-style approach ensures you stay present with your guests—while every detail behind the scenes unfolds seamlessly and beautifully. This season, celebrate with intention—and in style.










TOUCH SMELL TASTE 1 2 3
THE AVE LUXE GYM:
This boutique West Palm Beach gym turns training into a tactile indulgence—sleek equipment, polished design, and hands-on coaching that pushes you further. Every rep and stretch feels refined, purposeful, and an investment in yourself.
THE TOX TECHNIQUE:
Palm Beach’s go-to for lymphatic sculpting reduces bloat and defines contours. Pre-Turkey dinner, a session here is almost as satisfying as the first bite of pumpkin pie—a holiday reset for body and spirit.
PANTHERA PALM BEACH:
Results-driven treatments that re-texturize and refine. From glowing skin to sculpted lashes, every detail is tailored with precision. The effect? Arrive at Thanksgiving radiant, refreshed, and ready for the spotlight.
BELDEN’S FLORIST:
A sensory escape on South Dixie—cool air heavy with peonies, gardenia, roses, lilies, and fresh greens. Seasonal arrangements envelop you in fragrance and elegance that lingers. It’s the kind of floral indulgence that makes a table feel dressed before the silverware ever hits the linen.
PERFECTLY PALM BEACH CANDLES BY JAYNE CHASE:
Hand-poured candles inspired by coastal glamour. The signature scent—sea salt and sunlit citrus—captures the breezy sophistication of a Palm Beach veranda at golden hour.
AROMA360:
The Palm Beach showroom lets you experience whole-house scent diffusion firsthand. My Way blends Tuscan leather, sandalwood, and cedar with amber and musk—warm, refined, timeless.

THE KEY LIME PIE LADY:
Skip the predictable bottle of wine and show up with something better. Vanita Hofeld’s from-scratch key lime pie starts with a cinnamon-graham crust and finishes with whipped cream—choose vanilla, coconut, almond, or blended swirls. Fall brings a double-chocolate Kahlúa Bundt, a boldly spiced apple Bundt with raisins, and pumpkin pie, crowned with vanilla-cinnamon cream. Orders via DM @thekeylimepielady.
PAELLA UNO:
Locally owned and family-operated, Paella Uno brings authentic Spanish flavor to Palm Beach with paella mixtas, seafood marineras, and vibrant vegetarian versions. Saffron rice, fresh shellfish, and fragrant spices are served tableside so every guest feels part of the show.
CHEF JENNIFER PARKER:
Her new Palm Beach Supper Club delivers seasonal menus in intimate, invitation-only settings. Private chef offerings remain a favorite for elegant, personal holiday dinners— restaurant-level artistry brought home.
Palm Beach indulgences, from table to stage
When gratitude becomes art, every sense gets its due. This Thanksgiving, linger in indulgence, discovery, and connection with a curated journey through touch, smell, taste, sight, and sound—each stop offering something unique, timeless, unmistakably local.
4 5 6


BONNIE WEE GOLF TOURS:
This boutique company curates luxury golf experiences across Scotland, Ireland, and England, marrying the game’s traditions with breathtaking landscapes. For Palm Beach golfers, it’s a reminder that seeing the world through golf can rival any gallery wall.
A LIST JEWELRY:
Bespoke design at its most personal. From sketches to 3D models, each piece is crafted with exquisite materials—meant to be seen, admired, and remembered. Wearable art for every occasion, from holiday gatherings to lasting gifts.
PALM BEACH BALLET:
Upcoming performances include Snow White & Other Works, The Nutcracker, Queen Esther, Carmen & Other Works, and Giselle—each a visual feast of movement and storytelling.

PALM BEACH SYMPHONY:
Under Maestro Gerard Schwarz, the 2025–2026 Masterworks Season spans Gershwin, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and new commissions. Twilight at the Kravis Center, strings tuning, then soaring waves of sound—pure grandeur for the holiday season.
MASTERWORKS CHORUS OF THE PALM BEACHES:
Season 47 brings Handel’s Messiah and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, performed with soloists, dancers, and dual pianos. A soaring choral tradition that fills every hall with holiday majesty.
PALM BEACH OPERA:
The 2025–2026 season includes La Bohème, The Pearl Fishers, and Rigoletto. Their Resident Artist Showcase and Cabaret Series, like A Celebration of American Song, prove opera can be both grand and deeply personal.

THE SIXTH SENSE: PRESENCE Thanksgiving’s sixth sense is presence — the sharpened awareness that comes when the phones are down, the wine is poured, and the room leans into conversation. It’s what turns background noise into music and an ordinary dinner into a singular moment in time.


With nearly two decades of experience, Jonathan Duerr is a trusted name in Palm Beach County real estate—guiding clients with market insight, strategic expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
This Thanksgiving season, Jonathan reflects with gratitude on the relationships built, the milestones celebrated, and the chance to make a difference—both in real estate and in the community. He proudly supports causes close to his heart, including the American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Place of Hope, Quantum House, and many more.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or making your next investment, trust Jonathan to deliver results with integrity, innovation, and a passion for giving back.
Real estate expertise you can count on. A community commitment you can believe in.









A storied past and new Young Friends ensures that hope is always in season
It begins with a single family in crisis—a mother seeking safety, a child longing for stability. For more than 40 years, Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches has been there to answer those moments, transforming lives not just for a season, but for generations.
The impact is staggering. Last year alone, Adopt-A-Family served 4,113 individuals— over half children. Since its founding, more than 61,000 households have found stability, opportunity, and hope. For 18 consecutive years, the nonprofit has earned Charity Navigator’s coveted Four-Star rating—a testament to its integrity and excellence.
“Palm Beach County is a community that’s committed to being there for their neighbors,” reflects CEO Matt Constantine. “The longstanding commitment of our supporters, volunteers, and partner agencies has allowed us to thrive for more than four decades. We can’t do this work alone.”
For Constantine, statistics only matter when tied to the people behind them. He points to a mother who came to Adopt-AFamily after escaping domestic violence. With housing, counseling, and support for her education, she slowly rebuilt her life—eventually purchasing a home of her own. “This is a testament to the family’s perseverance,” Constantine says, “but we were grateful to play a part in their success.”
Stories like hers are why Adopt-A-Family walks beside families until independence is not just a dream but a reality.
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
This year marks the debut of the Young Friends of Adopt-A-Family, co-founded by Jessica Swift and Victoria Racanati Feinberg. For Jessica, the cause is deeply personal—her mother-in-law, Lisa Swift, devoted decades to the organization, from the adoption selection committee to board president, even chairing the Tree Lighting Celebration where actress Loni Anderson once flipped the switch. This December, Lisa returns as Honorary Chair of the event, a role that underscores her lasting impact. Now Jessica and Victoria are carrying the mission forward, rallying a new generation of supporters. “I’ve seen firsthand the joy and stability this organization brings,” Jessica says. “My goal is to ensure that spirit continues and grows with my generation.”
The holidays are when Adopt-A-Family’s mission shines brightest. The Thanksgiving initiative ensures families gather around a

table filled with comforting favorites. December brings the beloved Santa Shoppe, where parents “shop” for gifts with dignity while children experience the joy of giving, and the Holiday Adopter program pairs generous benefactors with families to create unforgettable memories.
“It’s definitely the craziest time of the year, but we know it’s filled with joy—which makes every second worth it,” Constantine says.
This December, the magic grows brighter with the 41st Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Sailfish Club of Florida,


a cherished Palm Beach tradition. New this year, Christmas trees styled by some of Palm Beach’s most acclaimed designers will be auctioned to benefit Adopt-A-Family. It’s Palm Beach’s own version of The Giving Tree—a glittering reminder that beauty and abundance, when shared, can light the way for families in need.
The road ahead isn’t without challenges: housing affordability, rising costs of living, and a workforce priced out of Palm Beach County. Yet Constantine remains hopeful. “We see our greatest hope with the children we serve. Their determination and optimism is matched by their endless potential.”
He points to elementary students in Project Grow outperforming their peers, teenagers in the Youth Success Program planning for the future, and record numbers of adults in college or certification programs. “There are so many in Palm Beach County who are wanting and willing to make a difference,” Constantine adds. That difference is written in every diploma earned, every holiday remembered, and every child who dares to dream again.













“The recipes encourage cooks to look closely at the world around them for inspiration and ingredients, while Sherman’s stories carry wisdom about living with the earth rather than on it.”
Thanksgiving is often painted in broad, familiar strokes: turkey and stuffing, pies and potatoes, a menu that feels timeless—though in truth it’s far from the foods first shared on this land. This season, a different kind of cookbook invites us to think deeper. The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen , by Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman, reclaims the ingredients and traditions that nourished Native communities long before the holiday existed.
Sherman’s recipes are not nostalgic recreations but bold, modern plates rooted in authenticity. Cedarbraised bison, griddled wild rice cakes, smoked turkey soup, and roasted corn sorbet are at once surprising and elemental. Here, familiar notions of “seasonal” and “local” stretch back centuries, drawing on trout from rivers, venison from forests, wild turnip, blueberries, plums, sage, and the revered trio of corn, beans, and squash—the original “three sisters.”
By leaving out European imports like refined flour, dairy, and sugar, Sherman reminds us that Indigenous foodways have always been healthful, sustainable, and deeply connected to place. In a holiday season so often about excess, his dishes offer a refreshing counterpoint: food that is elegant, nourishing, and profoundly tied to the land.
And while this cookbook feeds the body, it also feeds the mind. The recipes encourage cooks to look closely at the world around them for inspiration and ingredients, while Sherman’s stories carry wisdom about living with the earth rather than on it. In that sense, The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen offers lessons in sustainability and interdependence alongside its beautiful dishes.
Spotlighting this cookbook during Thanksgiving is more than a culinary recommendation. It’s an invitation to consider the deeper meaning of the feast—gratitude not just for abundance, but for the cultures and traditions that first shaped America’s table.











How to manage stress, reshape conversations, and reclaim joy at the holiday table

Thanksgiving, for all its charm, is a paradox. On one hand, it’s a Norman Rockwell painting: golden turkey, polished silver, family gathered in gratitude. On the other, it can feel like a masterclass in stress management disguised as a holiday. The turkey may be roasting, but often it’s the guests who get roasted by questions about careers, relationships, or politics that no cranberry sauce can sweeten.
It’s no wonder the holidays can feel less like a homecoming and more like an obstacle course. We walk back into our childhood kitchens and suddenly we’re younger versions of ourselves again— biting our tongues and shelving our needs to keep the peace. These patterns are common, says Dr. Vassilia Binensztok, founder of Juno Counseling & Wellness. “When you’re not used to being confident, confidence feels like arrogance,” she explains. “When you’re not used to getting your needs met, prioritizing yourself feels selfish. Your comfort zone is not a good benchmark.”
That perspective matters during the holidays, when “comfort zones” aren’t always comfortable. Familiarity often locks us in old roles. The work is noticing where those roles no longer fit—and giving ourselves permission to show up as who we’ve become, not who our families remember.
Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t only about inner growth. It’s also about logistics. “Think of your kitchen as a calm harbor,” Dr. Vassilia encourages. Most sides and pies can be prepped in advance so the big day feels like coasting instead of scrambling. That way, you’re present not just in the room, but at your own table.
And when conversation veers toward landmines? “Excuse yourself to check the gravy,” Dr. Vassilia suggests. “It buys you a breath, and sometimes that’s all it takes to reset the mood.”
Even better, reshape the table talk with small rituals that feel stylish and grounding—a brass bell each guest rings before sharing what they’re thankful for, or a one-word toast before dessert, where everyone sums up their
year in a single word. Simple and candid, these traditions bring the focus back to connection. Ultimately, Thanksgiving isn’t about flawlessly navigating every exchange. It’s about the small ways you’re different from last year— the firmer boundaries, louder gratitude, or presence you allow yourself. With foresight, breathing room, and courage to try again, you just might find yourself not only surviving the season, but savoring it.
Dr. Vassilia Binensztok is represented by Shift Media, a leading PR and communications agency in West Palm Beach. To work with Shift Media, please contact marketing@shiftmediastudio.com or visit shiftmediastudio.com.

















AN INCLUSIVE, LAYERED COCKTAIL FROM ERA CLUB’S REIMAGINED NIGHTLIFE
At ERA Club in West Palm Beach, cocktails come with a different kind of proof. Proof that the spirit of celebration doesn’t depend on alcohol. Proof that community can be built around inclusion and energy rather than hangovers. And proof that a well-crafted drink can hold all the depth, nuance, and sparkle of its spirited counterparts—without the spirits. Founded by wellness professional and entrepreneur Courtney Janssen, ERA Club is South Florida’s first zero-proof nightlife concept, created for the sober curious and the wellness-minded alike. Its debut this fall showcased curated cocktails, high-energy pop-ups, and a vibrant new take on nightlife. Among the standouts is the Spiced Solstice, a layered, moody drink that brings warmth, brightness, and complexity together in one glass.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY
JANSSEN
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz Bare Zero Proof Caribbean Gold
Spiced Rum
• 2 oz apple cider
• 1 oz orange juice
• ½ oz grenadine
• Dash of cinnamon or allspice
• A few dashes of All The Bitter Orange Bitters
• A few dashes of All The Bitter Aromatic Bitters
• Ginger beer, to top
• Garnish: sliced apple, orange wheel, pomegranate seeds
DIRECTIONS:
1. Shake all ingredients except ginger beer with ice until chilled.
2. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.
3. Top with ginger beer and garnish with apple, orange, and pomegranate.














In Palm Beach, the rhythm of fall can feel much like summer—warm breezes, swaying palms, and endless blue skies. But just a few hours north, a completely different season is on full display. Autumn in the Northeast is a spectacle of transformation, when entire landscapes surrender to color. Hillsides erupt in fiery reds, burnished golds, and molten oranges; winding roads become storybook passages beneath leafy canopies; and the air carries a crispness that makes even the simplest walk unforgettable.

Rolling hills, historic villages, and Gilded Age mansions make the Berkshires an autumn classic. Mid-to-late October brings vivid reds and golds along the Mohawk Trail and through Lenox, home to boutique inns and art-filled escapes. Pair crisp drives with gallery visits and evenings fireside, where the season’s cultural and natural beauty converge.
From the sculpture gardens of Storm King to sweeping river vistas, the Hudson Valley glows from mid-October into early November. Stay north at Mohonk Mountain House, a mountaintop retreat wrapped in scarlet maples, or head south for refined intimacy at Bedford Post Inn. Either way, expect culture, charm, and color that lingers.

The change is not sudden, but a wave that moves southward, beginning in the cool, elevated reaches of Vermont and New Hampshire before cascading into New York’s river valleys, the rolling Berkshires of Massachusetts, and the intimate hills of Connecticut. For South Floridians who long for a touch of true seasonality, it is an invitation to trade flip-flops for boots, ocean breezes for mountain air, and balmy evenings for nights spent fireside.
What makes these destinations especially enticing is their timing. Unlike the fleeting peak of September foliage farther north, late-season escapes allow for October and even early November getaways—ideal for Palm Beach travelers planning a long weekend. From crisp mornings and charming country inns to scenic drives and unforgettable vistas, we’ve selected four destinations where autumn lingers a little longer, inviting you to savor the season’s final blaze of color.

Where rugged coastline meets autumn color, Acadia offers a rare tableau of crimson maples above granite cliffs and lighthouses. Mid-to-late October is prime for leaf-lined hikes and panoramic ocean views. Base yourself in Bar Harbor or at The Claremont, where lobster dinners and harbor sunsets frame the season’s unforgettable northern spectacle.
Northwestern Connecticut offers late-season brilliance, often peaking into early November. Winding roads reveal covered bridges, family farms, and colonial villages framed by golden hills. For an indulgent base, the Mayflower Inn & Spa delivers country-chic luxury—think garden walks, roaring fireplaces, and farm-to-table dining—perfect for soaking in New England’s most exclusive foliage retreat.

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.












There are soups you eat to fill hunger — and then there are soups you savor. This one belongs to the latter. Inspired by the French velouté, it starts with a flour-thickened base of leeks and onion, then blends in roasted garlic and potato. Cream and Parmesan enrich, while lemon adds brightness. Perfect for a weeknight luxury alongside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or as an elegant first course to Thanksgiving.
• 3 heads garlic, roasted
• 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• Salt & pepper
• 2 tbsp flour
• ½ cup white wine or sherry
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 4 cups stock
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled
• ½ cup cream
• ½ cup Parmesan
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Chives, for garnish
directions:
Step 1. Roast garlic at 400°F for 45 minutes; squeeze cloves from skins.
Step 2. In a pot, melt butter with oil, sauté onion and leek until soft, season well. Sprinkle in flour, stir one minute.
Step 3. Deglaze with wine, add seasoning, stock, and potatoes. Simmer 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4. Blend in roasted garlic until smooth, then stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon, and finish with chives.



Amazing place and amazing hosts! The place is just as described and close to everything you would need! The house was packed with all the amenities you would need and the hosts go above and beyond to make sure you have a wonderful stay.
I’d recommend and am looking forward to staying with you again!
Moses - January 2025


