Hardly a week goes by that we’re not running into Schiavoni’s for a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, or a bunch of bananas. The family-run grocery stands as the veritable kitchen cupboard of the village. Serving summer visitors and year-round residents, the market has been keeping us all well stocked with the sustenance of life and then some, for nearly 70 years. With the passing recently of one of its founders, Joseph Schiavoni, and of his brother John before him, one senses a greater passing of time.
One generation cedes to the next. Joe and wife Vicki’s capable son, Michael and nephew Matthew keep the family tradition strong, with support from an extended family of customers who’ve patronized the market all these decades. In such a small town, it’s not just a row of neatly stacked cans of tomatoes and pyramids of produce that make the market, it’s the community. Our condolences to the entire Schiavoni family.
Friends and family filled Christ Episcopal Church last Saturday for the funeral of Neal Hartman, an active church member and community volunteer. Neal was involved in just about every church function, from hospitality to its monthly newsletter, and still found time to help the Sag Harbor Tree Fund among other groups. Neal’s sudden death leaves many friends and family in shock. His life partner of over 40 years, David Bray, counseled mourners to support one another in their shared grief. Friends from different walks of life with different connections to Neal, many who may not have known each other before, came together to support David, proving he said, that “it takes a village,” particularly in a time of need.
Hikers with a literary interest will gather Saturday for a “Black and White Hike” to celebrate, albeit belatedly, Truman Capote’s birthday with a short walk in the woods. Capote, a fellow Libra, was born on September 30, 1924. He lived in Sagaponack and so loved the area that after he died in 1984, his ashes were scattered at Crooked Pond. A memorial stone placed along the Greenbelt trails is the destination of this hike cosponsored by Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt and Canio’s Cultural Café.
The Black and White Hike takes its inspiration from Capote’s legendary Black and White Ball held at The Plaza Hotel in 1966. Frank Sinatra was there. Lauren Bacall and George Plimpton, Henry Fonda and Rose Kennedy attended, along with scads of celebrities in formal attire. Truman had specified: “Gentlemen: Black tie; Black mask. Ladies: Black or White dress; White mask; fan.” Fashionable hikers are encouraged to use their imagination, and wear a bit of black and white.
Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 1061 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike (near the intersection with Scuttlehole Road) at 10 a.m. Arrangements will be made for those who’d like to see the memorial stone, but are unable to hike. A reception back at the Nature Center follows the hike. An excerpt from a limited edition recording of “A Christmas Memory” read by Capote will be played. Longtime friends of the author, Joe Petrocik and Myron Clement, will speak about their association with him and show their collection of Capote memorabilia. Refreshments will be served including a fruitcake painstakingly made by Sandi Ferguson according to the recipe of Capote’s cousin Sook. Be sure to savor that cake as it requires some five hours of preparation!
Suggested donation for the event is ten dollars. For information, call 725-4926 or send an e-mail to info@caniosbooks.com. If you have trouble finding the Nature Center, just look for Capote’s 1968 candy-apple red Mustang convertible parked outside!
on Oct 20, 2010