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Life on “upper” Main Street, as it’s sometimes called, is comparatively calmer than it is “downtown” or “down street” as some old-timers still refer to it. We’re south of the generally bustling commercial district, grandfathered into a residential neighborhood. Yet the convergence of the Cove deli, Carol’s tomato stand and our small bookshop form a micro-district of a sort.
A well-liked hairdresser used to be part of our quirky triangle of businesses, but now a well-regarded lawyer keeps his practice in her former place. Being up street has its advantages. It’s quieter; there’s usually easy parking.
So we weren’t exactly expecting to see the two very distinguished visitors who stopped in last week. At first we didn’t notice the Secret Service agents, but they were certainly nearby as President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped in at Canio’s to take a look around.
There was that moment of disbelief and disorientation. Time seemed to stand still. Could it really be them? Why else would those big guys with curly wires behind their ears be hanging around?
In fact, the Clintons are ardent supporters of independent bookshops. The Secretary of State inquired about the state of business at our small shop. She wondered how this summer’s tourist season was shaping up. Madam Secretary praised the venerable Second Story Book Shop of Chappaqua, in existence for about 37 years before it closed.
On a brighter note, the former first lady was curious about what new books I might recommend. Colson Whitehead’s extraordinary new novel, “Sag Harbor,” of course. President Clinton was drawn to the American history section (natch!) and was quickly absorbed there perusing the shelves.
If ever there was a moment we’d wished we’d straightened up a bit, this was it.
After sharing a bit of local history with the Clintons, the two headed downtown. What brought them to the area? Same as what brings so many others: the desire to get away for a while, have some fun. We hope their visit provided a little respite before the Clintons eventually headed north to Boston to attend the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy.
Photographer Ann Chwatsky spent eight years taking portraits of Sag Harbor locals. The essay documents many well loved neighbors, some of whom, sadly, are no longer with us. A selection from the series is on view at the John Jermain Library through September. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 5, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Writer Lou Ann Walker is offering a writing workshop Wednesday mornings this month at 10:30 a.m. Call the library at 725-0049 to register.
Save a Saturday night in October to attend one of the Friends of the Library book dinners. Dinners are planned for October 10, 17 and 24. Pick a book you’re interested in, and have dinner with others who’re interested in the same book.
Some of the intriguing titles to choose from include: “Angela’s Ashes,” by Frank McCourt; Colson Whitehead’s “Sag Harbor” (of course); “Julie and Julia” together with “My Life in France” (also, of course); “The Whole Five Feet: What the Great Books Taught Me About Life, Death and Pretty Much Everything Else,” by North Haven writer Christopher Beha; “John the Baptizer,” by Brooks Hansen, whose parents are Whitney and Peter; “Netherland,” by Joseph O’Neill, and many other delectable choices.
These book dinners are an important fund-raiser for the library, and they’re also a lot of fun. For a full list of books, check the library website at johnjermain.org. Bon Appétit!
More news for foodies: Sag Harbor Fire Department volunteers will be flipping pancakes and scrambling eggs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Columbia Street Firehouse this Sunday and next. Come down and show some appreciation. Bring family and friends to enjoy a big community breakfast. Yum! Proceeds help support our volunteer firefighters.
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