Beachcomber, September 3

Each year when I sit down to write this final column of the season, the same question runs through my mind: Where did the summer go? It feels like it was just a few weeks ago when I was agonizing over my first column and deciding what to write. Now, I sit down to write the last one for a season that got off to a slow start but was filled with wonderful charity events and private parties.

So let’s take our last walk on the social beach for this summer.

Seen out and about this past weekend were: former President Bill Clinton, playing a round of golf at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and visiting Sag Harbor’s Main Street with his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Bruce Springsteen and his wife, Patti, walking around Southampton, where they ran into shock jock Howard Stern (who doesn’t remember the poster of Bruce from the rear, wearing that famous pair of jeans?); Wilbur and Hilary Ross, walking Main Street (Hilary’s mother is none other than former Beachcomber scribe Pat Wood); and Judy Giuliani, walking with Barbara Walters and stopping to chat with Jamee and Peter Gregory.

On Thursday night, Madonia Antiques hosted a trunk show for Kate Pickett, the owner of Pickett’s Press, a wonderful stationery company with whimsical yet elegant designs. One of the things that separates Kate from other letterpress companies is that she draws many of the designs herself, giving the stationery a personalized touch. Seen admiring Kate’s beautiful stationery were: Robin Pickett, Susie and Paul Lyons, Pat and Linda Munn, Victoria Amory (who just got back from Palm Beach), Regina and Rainer Greeven, Polly Stevenson, and Cindy Witter and Jeremy Wiesen.

The weather did not want to cooperate this past weekend, but that didn’t stop the festivities. On Friday night, it was over to the Meadow Club for cocktails hosted by Southampton Hospital. This party was to thank all the committee chairs who made the Summer Party such a spectacular event.

Seen enjoying the evening were: Ann and Bill Yawney, Cindy and Ladd Willis (Cindy looking stunning in a brown-and-white geometric print dress), Patty and George Kraus, Judy and Denis Dwyer (Judy in a fabulous steel blue knit suit from St. John’s), Sheila and Joe Fuchs, Jean Fitzsimmons, the Reverend Peter Larsen, Lisa and Rome Arnold (Lisa in a sexy white dress with black accents), Phil Piro, and Melanie and John Wambold.

I chatted with Nancy and Martin Stone; Martin is in the process of writing his memoirs—won’t that be an interesting read! Hospital President and CEO Bob Chaloner spoke briefly, as did Jean Fitzsimmons, who presented Sheila Fuchs with a beautiful sterling silver tray to thank her for all her hard work on this year’s party. Jean Shafiroff looked great in a strapless Carolina Herrera print cocktail dress. By the way, it was announced at the Saturday board meeting that Jean will be the chairman of the 2010 Summer Party. Congratulations!

Saturday night, the main event was in Water Mill at the Gilberts for the 25th annual Huggy Bear Party. The evening benefits Ted Forstmann’s charity, which is dedicated to helping to keep alive children dealing with serious illness in developing countries. The highlight of the evening was an incredible performance by none other than Fleetwood Mac. Sunday was a winner-take-all men’s doubles tournament between the number-one and -two ranked men’s doubles partners, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic, against brothers Bob and Mike Bryan; the Bryan brothers claimed victory. The weekend raised more than $1 million for Ted’s charity.

Although the sky was cloudy on Sunday, it did not rain, and by late afternoon the sun finally peeked through the clouds. The Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic was the place to be, enjoying fine food and friends while watching the finals of this week-long riding event. Seen under the tents were: John and Melanie Wambold, Bill Baker, Mark Hughes, Rudy and Judith Giuliani, Kelly Ripa, Joy Marks (wearing one of her signature hats), Laura and Jim Freeman, New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, and Terry Kramer, whose granddaughter was competing that day.

Monday night, it was over to Catherine Adler’s summer home for a cocktail party where Christian Dior unveiled their fall line of jewelry and watches. The evening was co-hosted by Catherine, Somers Farkas and Margo Macnabb Nederlander, with Robbins Wolfe doing the catering, and was filled with beautiful people and dazzling jewels. Seen eyeing the sparkling baubles were: Dior Executive Vice President Karen Watkins, Debbie Tanger, Vicki Furman, Ellen Scarborough, Melanie Wambold, Nancy O’Sullivan, Charlene Nederlander, Barbara Gordon, Kristi Witker, and Andrea Stark.

The party was to kick off a charity event that Dior is running in their two New York City boutiques. For the next 15 days, Dior will donate a portion of all sales to the Southampton Food Pantry and Lighthouse International. So get shopping, ladies, and support these wonderful charities! Special thanks to Catherine, Somers and Margo for lending your support.

Afterward, it was over to the Bath and Tennis Club on Gin Lane for dinner with friends. I ran into Sheila and Joe Fuchs, Kay Gilman, Bill Baker, Mark Hughes and the Hadlock family, Judy and Jack and their daughter Meghan and her husband, Greg Kitzerow. Judy was the proud grandmother as she played with grandson Gavin. This was the last barbecue night for the summer and, as always, it was a delight. There is no better place in Southampton where you can sit on a deck overlooking the Atlantic while having dinner—unless, of course, you are one of the fortunate few to have a home on the ocean.

Don’t forget this fall to pick up your Historic Figures of Southampton calendar to support the Southampton Historical Museum. Many of our local ladies have taken it off for the camera and this important cause. This Saturday night, the museum will host its Late Summer Cocktail Party at the Rogers Mansion on Meeting House Lane.

On Tuesday, October 6, Southampton Hospital will host a golf tournament at Sebonack Golf Club. The event is co-chaired by Nancy Stone and George Kraus and offers the opportunity to play on this fabulous course. Make sure you call early to reserve your foursome.

In November, the Parrish Art Museum will host its annual Parrish Presents over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is always a wonderful event with a wonderful silent auction, the market and a gift boutique—it’s a great way to kick off the holidays.

Well, for me, it’s off to New York City for the fashion shows and the beginning of the fall social season. Then it’s down to Palm Beach for a long winter’s rest, fortunately in a warm climate. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe winter season, and I look forward to seeing all of you back here next summer. Until then, I bid you a fond adieu!