Last week, masquerades were the popular party theme to start off the Halloween weekend. The official definition of a masquerade is a party, dance or celebratory gathering with guests wearing masks and other disguises, and often stylish, historical, or extraordinary costumes. On Thursday, October 28, there was plenty of masquerading going on around Manhattan.

Imagine walking through the dark of Central Park and into a spooky and magical environment inundated with acid green light. Under a tent at Rumsey Playfield on Mid-central Park at 72nd street, over 500 ingeniously dressed New Yorkers were celebrating the spirit of Halloween just a tad bit early.

On Monday, October 25, 2010, God’s Love We Deliver held its Fourth Annual Golden Heart Awards. God’s Love We Deliver revealed that noble endeavors certainly don’t go unnoticed as the night celebrated significant contributions of three long-time supporters.

MPD no longer just stands for the Meatpacking District. To Daniel and Derek Koch it more importantly has a double meaning, one as the name for their new restaurant Mon Petit Dejeuner and the location of their new establishment.

Attendees from across the world gathered in New York City for the first Vimeo Festival & Awards. The two-day festival from Oct. 8-9 was held in IAC’s white Frank Gehry-designed building, while the Saturday night awards show was held at the Chelsea Theater. The Vimeo Festival and Awards are held because of the video work being shared by independent creators choosing the internet to premiere and share their work.

The New York Historical Society’s 2010 History Makers Gala had more than 550 attendees and raised more than $2.7 million for the society’s educational programs and initiatives.

Grammy-nominated, platinum recording artist, “American Idol” winner and Broadway star of “In the Heights” Jordin Sparks introduced her first-ever fragrance line Because of You on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City. The fragrance acknowledges her fans that have helped her reach her dreams.

The Michelin Guide, the world’s most prominent food criticism publication, has released its 2011 New York City restaurant ratings. Michelin’s stars can affect the path of many restaurants new and old. The star system is defined in terms of driving: one star means “a very good restaurant in its category,” two stars is “excellent cooking, worth a detour” and the definition of three stars is “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” I conversed with the dapper sharp-suited Frenchman in charge of the Michelin guides, Jean-Luc Naret.

Friday evening, Oct. 1, The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club (SSMAC) held the 14th Annual Military Ball in New York City. The Pierre Hotel was filled with more than 250 guests dressed in embellished gowns and adorned military attire. The guests flounced around the room to the sounds of bagpipes, as well as music played by Alex Donner and his Orchestra. Tony Sirico of The Sopranos and Joyce Randolph from The Last Honeymooner also attended the Military Ball.