Beachcomber, July 30

It was nice to finally be able to go out after quarantine. Saturday morning, I spent the day running errands — I have never enjoyed errands so much! I went to the car wash in Hampton Bays, where they did a spectacular job cleaning the car in and out. Next stop was Tate’s, because I’ve been craving their gluten-free double chocolate chip cookies.

Everywhere I normally buy them has been out of stock, so I decided to go directly to the source. Well, it turns out that the gluten-free double chocolate chip cookie has become a victim of the pandemic! Tate’s had to cut staff by a certain percentage to comply with current state guidelines. Thereby they had to cut down a product line, so right now they’re not making them — very sad. But they are bringing back items slowly, which is great, so, hopefully, they’ll be available soon.

I went to the post office, where my post office box was overflowing. I had to laugh first — it was a series of “save the date” cards, followed by letters saying, “We are sorry to inform you but the party has been canceled.” I wasn’t too concerned about missing invitations to parties, as there aren’t any.

On one of my walks I ran into Linda and Bob Beck, who were relaxing on their front porch. We chatted and caught up on our respective winters. They informed me that the Museum Thrift Shop was now open for business on the weekends. Well, I didn’t waste any time and headed over there on Saturday to check things out.

The Barn is very well stocked with incredible finds, and, of course, I walked out with a bag full of items that I just couldn’t live without. Sally Van Allen is running the show, with the help of Vincent Manzo right now. It turns out that Mimi Finger is stuck in Florida — I missed seeing Mimi but understand. Stay safe, my dear.

This Saturday, not only is the Carriage House Thrift Shop open, it also will have a number of vendors on the grounds holding an antiques fair. The Carriage House is now open on Saturdays and Sundays, so take the time to check it out — you won’t be disappointed.

Last week, Dede Moan, owner of the Southampton Inn, held an intimate dinner for the board members and major supporters of Pianofest. The evening was held outdoors, with everyone maintaining social distancing. There was a compilation video streaming of past concerts for guests to enjoy. I am missing the weekly concerts but know that they will be back next season.

Seen: Nancy Stone, Dieter von Lehsten, Dede and Terry Moan, Paul Schenly, Lillian Questel, Tony Newman, Sophia Hiltner, Ann Forward, Anthony Schlesinger, Henry Gooss, Ana Daniel, Emma Trenti, and Richard Thaler. Thank you, Dede, for a lovely evening and your continued support of Pianofest.

My walks are still the best way to see people, and this past week was no exception.

Ran into Susan Stevenson and had a conversation about the village and the summer season. Saw Malcolm Price cycling, Stu Summit picking up his to-go meal at the same time I was, and Cornelia Bregman enjoying lunch in the village. It makes me laugh how many people keep driving by while I have my mask on and then do a double-take. Seen in their cars: Annette and Gerry Geddes, Sean Deneny, Ann Yawney, Jennifer Powers, and Cindy Willis.

Saturday evening, I went over to the Southampton Arts Center for a small gathering to celebrate the opening of their new exhibit, “2020 Vision.” The exhibit is being presented by the New York Academy of Art and is co-curated by Stephanie Roach and David Kratz.

The subject of the exhibit is the times we are living in, and it offers a glimpse of how creative minds are engaging with the issues that face us in 2020. Not only are there visual artworks but the show also includes written works of poetry and essays. The show will be on display until December and is well worth your time.

Gregory Lewis performed on the organ, accompanied by Baron Lewis on saxophone. Seen: Simone Levinson, Emma Gilbey Keller, Brooke Shields, Matthew Hansel, Greg Unis, Bastienne Schmidt, Kate Clark, Bernard Lumpkin, Rachel Hovnanian, Amy Kirwin, and the center’s director, Tom Dunn.

Sunday evening, I went to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons for another evening of wonderful food and wine on the lawn. As always, Father Alex was there to greet guests as they came to enjoy the evening. I am so glad this has been such a big success for the church — and this time I stayed to enjoy my dinner.

This Saturday evening is Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s reinvented Summer Gala, titled “Gala In Your Garden.” The party has had a complete makeover, and I think it is brilliant. Guests who purchase a “table” will receive everything they need to host the evening in their own backyard.

You can join for the cocktail hour or for the full dinner, and you may select your meal from several local restaurants. How wonderful, as I’m sure the restaurants appreciate the business. You may also join the “7 Minutes at 7 p.m.” for a virtual toast to celebrate this year’s honorees, the hospital employees. I think this is fantastic and am looking forward to the celebration.

Sunday, the Southampton Arts Center will present the “One Ocean Film Tour,” a world-class experience featuring six short films on the world’s oceans, focusing on conservation and saving our environment. The films start at 8 p.m. on the lawn and are free to the public.

Hope to see you there!