Beachcomber, June 29

It is so nice to finally be here! I arrived late Thursday night. I was totally exhausted and went straight to bed. Got up Friday morning and walked into town to get a cup of coffee and check things out. I was delighted to see Buddy on his leash, standing guard at Ralph’s Barber Shop.

I spent the rest of the day unpacking and getting settled in. That evening, it was off to the Canoe Place Inn for a concert and dinner.

Fever Productions presented Candlelight, a concert by a tribute band performing the music of Queen. Imagine a dark room with the only light source coming from thousands of artificial candles spread out all over the place. It was amazing.

You can imagine my surprise when four young ladies took the stage with their stringed instruments — two violins, a cello and viola. This was not what I expected! I have to say, Queen’s hits on the strings was an incredible experience, and the audience was into it, providing the vocals for all the songs.

Afterward, we had dinner outside at the Canoe Place Inn restaurant. The place was overflowing with customers. Our server was Evan, who thankfully took great care of us. By the way, dinner was delicious.

Saturday, I spent the day walking the grounds of six stunning homes in Southampton for the inaugural Southampton Animal Shelter Garden Tour. Afterward, there was a party at the lovely home of Elizabeth Robertson. Guests enjoyed cocktails and tea sandwiches on the lawn while checking out several dogs that were available for adoption.

Seen chatting about the garden tour: Maggie Kirkbride, Nancy Stone, Renee Schalther, Brigid Fitzgerald, Peter Hallock, Christl Meszkat, Barbara Glatt, Howard Marton, Lucy Puig, Sandra McConnell, Ann Yawney, Lyn Hamer, Elizabeth Bignell, Susie Wagner, Annette Geddes, William Matuska, Rosalie Brinton and Debbie Bancroft.

Next stop of the night was the Southampton Arts Center for a cocktail party titled “Whimsy in the Garden.” Due to the unpredictable weather, the center made the decision to move the event inside, which was a great idea.

Guests walked the rooms of the center admiring the amazing exhibit of Harry Benson photographs that adorn the walls. We were treated to an incredible array of nibbles prepared by Robbins Wolfe Caterers, who outdid themselves that night — absolutely delicious.

I had the pleasure of meeting the center’s new executive director, Christina Strassfield. I think she will be an excellent addition to SAC.

Seen enjoying the evening: Emily and Emin Avsar, Sylvia Hemingway, Mary Slattery, Isolde O’Hanlon, Peter Hallock, newly elected Mayor Bill Manger, Ellen Welsh, Sheila and Steve Landsberg, Paul Travis and Mark Fichandler, Helena and Rob Vahradian, Peter Davis, Ted Hildner, Orson Cummings, Robert Lohman, Lauren Day Roberts, Elizabeth Mohtares, Brendan Johnston and Katie Whipple, Suzanne Caldwell, Polly and Roy Stevenson, Whitney Stevens, and Jamee and Peter Gregory. You can see all the pictures from the event in the “On The Town” section of the paper.

The last stop of the night was at a private home on Noyac Path. The evening was to raise awareness and funds for Francesco’s Foundation. The aim of the foundation is to provide financial support for established and grassroots charities to combat the effects of cyber bullying and noncyber bullying on the mental health of teenagers.

They work especially closely with the LGBT community to provide funds to ensure a sanctity of life for minors with relation to safe storage of guns in homes.

The foundation works to educate parents to look for the signs that their children are being bullied. They also work with teachers and law enforcement to try to prevent bullying in schools.

Unfortunately, this was founded because Francesco was bullied and thought the only answer was to take his own life. It was a very emotional evening for all the guests, and especially for me. I found it so heartbreaking. I commend Diana Cochran for having the strength to set up this foundation in honor of her son.

Seen listening intently to the speeches: Brian Brady, Debbie Bancroft, Kevin McManamon, Jennifer Allsop, Katherine Holabird, Erin Uritus, Elton Llirjani, Maria and Soren White, Noreen Donovan, Sara Shala, Jean Shafiroff, Elena Gibbs, Jack Hartnett, Luisa Diaz, Anthony King, Brooke Kelly Murray and Patrick Murray.

Sunday evening, I headed over to the Southampton Arts Center for “Fashion Icons: Fashion Lives” with Fern Mallis. Fern hosts a series of talks at the 92nd Street Y, where she has interviewed some of the biggest names in the fashion industry.

This night, close friends and colleagues Stan Herman and Jeffrey Banks turned the tables on Fern and interviewed her. The audience learned about her career in the world of fashion and how she was the driving force putting together Fashion Week in New York City under the tents at Bryant Park, also known as 7th on 6th.

Guests enjoying the talk included: Jamee and Peter Gregory, Nancy Stone, Pam Walker, Susie Wagner, Arthur Elgort and his wife, Greta, Lee Fryd, Susan Cushing, Ted Taylor, Kara Ross, Elyn Kronemeyer, Joe Diamond and Ellen Welsh. Afterward, Fern signed copies of her new book, “Fashion Icons 2.”

This weekend has some of my favorite events of the summer. On Friday night, the Southampton Fresh Air Home will host its annual American Picnic. Games for the kids, great food and Grucci fireworks will make for a fantastic night.

The Crawford girls will host their annual Fourth of July jewelry show this Saturday and Sunday. Thank goodness, as I need a gift for a dear friend. Sip a little champagne and shop for some bling.

On Saturday night, the Southampton History Museum will host its annual Halsey House Gala at the Halsey Homestead on South Main Street. Celebrate our village’s history while enjoying cocktails and a wonderful silent auction.

Sunday evening, the Rogers Memorial Library will host a Cabaret Night. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on the terrace, followed by a wonderful show.

And don’t forget the Fourth of July Parade on Tuesday — it’s not to be missed.

Hope to see you there!