Beachcomber, August 1

A few observations I have made while walking town several times a day for my daily exercise: The condition of the sidewalks and streets is appalling. Food everywhere. There is more ice cream left on the sidewalks, I think, than makes it into people’s stomachs. And it isn’t just ice cream. The other day, I saw a sandwich just dropped on the sidewalk and left there. I was taking care of a friend’s dog last week, and he stumbled upon a half-eaten egg roll, with the sauce wrappers, sitting on the grass at Agawam Park. The garbage can was less than 10 feet away.

What a disgrace! There is no sense of pride in our community among some people. So sad.

The other issue I find annoying is the two stores on Jobs Lane selling some type of cosmetic cream. The salespeople stand in the doorway and are extremely aggressive in trying to get people into the shops. It is the most invasive type of behavior I have ever seen, and, frankly, it doesn’t belong in our village.

That said, on Wednesday evening, the Concert in the Park was performed by the Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band. The lawn was packed to the gills with people enjoying the gorgeous weather and the incredible sound of the band.

Friday evening, it was over to Merrichase on Jobs Lane for a book signing cocktail party hosted by Jennifer Powers at her new store. The book is “Betty Kuhner: The American Family Portrait” and was a joint effort by Kate Kuhner, Betty’s daughter, and Steven Stolman. They were both there happily autographing copies of the book for the slew of guests who popped in for the event.

Seen: Tana Dye, Nina Jones, Dan Elliot, Tom Shea, Valerie Rooks, Mika Sterling, Nancy Stone, Al Jones (who was visiting from Palm Springs), Debbie Bancroft, Rich Wilkie, Nina Ford, Fern Mallis, Peter McCracken, Walter Deane, Julia McCormack (and her Westie, Jack), Bob Taft and Phil Moloney, and Phil’s sister Lee Moloney, who was visiting from Newport.

Afterward, it was off to one of the golf clubs for a themed dinner, which was absolutely lovely. We were six at the table, and the conversation was so interesting that when we finally looked up, we realized we were the only table left. Thank you to our hostess for a special night.

Saturday morning, I met friends for coffee at Sant Ambroeus, followed by a stroll in town. They hadn’t been to the Carriage House Thrift Shop at the Southampton History Museum, so I took them for a visit. The shop was filled with many new items since my last visit—seems they have been very busy and are constantly bringing in new merchandise.

That afternoon, it was over to The Fields to check out the Hampton Designer Showhouse. I couldn’t make the opening party, but I did want to see what the house looked like: You never know what great decorating ideas you might find.

This year, three rooms really stood out for me. The first was the dining room, which was done by Mabley Handler. The wall treatment was exquisite, and the furniture that was selected suited the space beautifully.

Next was the guest bathroom, which was done by Keith Baltimore, who did an amazing job with the space. You actually feel like you are walking into the woods to use this space—it was so elegantly done, I couldn’t believe it. Of course, the fixtures were all Kohler and looked fantastic in the room.

Finally, there were two closets, one in the guest bedroom and one in the master, that were done by Crickets Crush that were spectacular. With dark gold and black rugs and pillows, the closets were filled with everything Chanel: clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. It is a wonderful homage to that fashion icon, Coco Chanel. Great job, Cricket!

First stop Saturday evening was to the Arthur T. Kalaher Gallery for a show of Joe Chierchio’s Pop-Art. Joe is an amazing artist working with prismacolor pencils and gouache to create some very interesting artwork. The technique he uses is labor intensive, with numerous steps, but the end result is fantastic. I especially loved the piece with the fisherman out at Montauk. I heard that many of the pieces have already sold, but the exhibit is still up until the end of the weekend, so check it out.

Next stop was the Watermill Center for its 26th annual summer benefit, this year titled “Tabula Rasa.” This is always fascinating, as we were treated to various performance art installations throughout the property. From people wrapped up in Saran Wrap to others holding painted canvases, wherever you looked there was something to stretch your imagination. I can’t say I understand it, but it is definitely different and worth experiencing.

Seen admiring the live performance art: Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Terrie Sultan, Mary Frank, Al Jones, Nancy Stone, Bonnie Comley and Stewart Lane, Birgit and Jay Waldmann, Petra Brichnacova, Nicole Miller, Debbie Bancroft, Melanie and John Wambold with their son George, Tom Edmonds, Arthur Dunnam and Roy Cohen, Lee Fryd, Tatiana and Campion Platt, Susan Lloyd, Katia and Chris Oberbeck, and Jamee and Peter Gregory.

Sunday, I headed over to Susie Wagner’s Closet to the Pin brunch. Each year, Susie hosts a lovely brunch, followed by a little chipping contest to see who can get it closest to the pin. It’s always fun to watch everyone taking their turns trying to make their best shot. Caddiemaster Gregory D’Elia wore pink knickers with navy-and-pink argyle socks and a tam while helping some of the non-golfers figure out how to hold a club.

Seen enjoying the friendly competition: Peri and Larry Bogert, Justine Corbin, Brenda Gall, Maggie Kirkbride, Allison Mann, David Albenda and Graham Watkins, Ilsabe Wyman, Jean Fitzsimmons, Larry Horton and Joe Markovich, Rosalie Brinton, Brenda Landry, Annette and Gerry Geddes, Pam Walker, Annabelle and Antonio Mariaca, Cynthia and Donald Frank, Tish and Orest Bliss, Barbara and Henry Gooss, Jim Tiberg, Samantha and Kevin Hansley, Gerry Turino, Bob Page, Jane Rose and Kent Atkins, and Bobo McKenney.

By the way this year’s winner among the ladies was Laura Danforth, and for the men it was Bob Chilton. Congrats to all who participated—and thanks to Susie for a wonderful afternoon.

The yellow “Hope” balloons are up all over town for the Hope for Depression Research Foundation. Please remember to shop locally, and this week it helps not only our local stores but also the foundation to raise mental health awareness.

This Thursday, the Southampton Arts Center will host a talk, “Remembering Bill Cunningham,” with John Kurdewan and Steven Stolman.

Saturday evening is the Summer Party to benefit the Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Room at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. This is one of my favorite parties of the summer.

And, of course, on Sunday morning, the Race of Hope will take place at Agawam Park. So don your yellow shirts and come out to support this great event.

Hope to see you there!