START FILLING THE CALENDAR, THE SUMMER BENEFIT SEASON WILL SOON BE HERE!

Cocktails on the beach!

5/28/16 Kicking it all off this year is the GLBT Network of Long Island’s Summer Kick-off.   Yes, there is a lot of kicking involved on this date.  But what did you expect from a gay event?    The Network is an association of non-profits that work to serve the LGBT community both young and old from Queens (the location) to… Montauk.  The group started a community center in the Hamptons, the first of it’s kind on the east end.   In fact, all proceeds from this event are earmarked for the center located at the Whaler’s Church in Sag Harbor.     The location is the Bridgehampton Surf an Tennis Club.. and this is the first big event of the season.   Tickets start at $250 till this Friday and then go to $300, which is pretty reasonable for a Hamptons event with open bar and appetizers.  The best reason to go: Other than the mingling and the scenery, the silent auction will feature everything from VIP spa treatments to having drinks with Bravo’s Andy Cohen.  Potential Reason to skip it:  If you’re expecting a scantily clad beach party forget it.  It’s Memorial Day weekend on the ocean… it’s more like sweaters and long pants. But hey, you’re still on the beach and there hopefully won’t be any snow!

6/4/16 Southampton Fresh Air Home Sale and Auction Benefit Gala – Southampton FAH provides a camp experience for physically challenged youth with sailing, swimming, hiking, etc.   The benefit which is called the “GREATEST YARD SALE ON EARTH” is held at their facility on Barkers Island Road in Southampton  It’s one of the more mellow benefits of the season but it’s a who’s who mixer for everyone in Southampton.   Tickets start at $250 and go and up.     The best reason to go:  The furniture in the silent auction is amazing stuff… they’re are also great trips and everything from teeth whitening to fishing trips available.  It’s not Home Goods prices but there are still some good deals!    Potential reason to skip it:  The competition for best outfit is very stiff… don’t go in your jeans and a t-shirt, this crowd really knows how to work a whale belt!

6/25/16 American Heart Association’s Heart of the Hamptons -Is widely recognized as one of the premier philanthropic and festive events in the Hamptons. The Heart of the Hamptons Ball has raised over $2.5 million for the American Heart Association since it began 15 years ago.   The event is held at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton on Mitchell’s Lane. Tickets start at $500 and go up.    The best reason to go:  The Goody Bag is one of the best of the season!   Have you seen any wrinkles on my face lately!?  NO, that’s because I got this amazing moisturizer in last years bag!   Potential Reason to skip it:   Just because you devour every passed hors d’ourves at the cocktail hour doesn’t mean you have an inside track for winning those training sessions in the silent auction.  FAT ALARM!

Save the dates!!!!

7/23/16 The Ellen Hermanson Starry Night Summer Gala – The foundation is unique in its commitment to helping breast cancer patients and their families cope with the changing nature of the physical and emotional aspects of breast cancer.  The foundation is responsible for also funding some amazing projects that have helped women and their families right here on the east end.   The event will be held this year at the Southampton Hospital grounds on Wicapogue and Olde Town Roads.  The event which features silent auction, cocktails and dancing starts at 7pm and tickets begin at around $400.    The best reason to go:  Dancing, dancing, dancing…. this party is fun.  It’s for a serious cause but it doesn’t mean you can’s shake your booty!    Potential Reason to skip it:  If you’re wishing for a quiet night with passed food and a string quartet, this is not your kind of party.

 

 

 

RENTING IN THE HAMPTONS THIS SUMMER? READ THIS FIRST….

Yes, the summer season is approaching quicker than a new Kim Kardashian nude selfie.    But while I’m getting ready by practicing defensive driving techniques others are busy lining up their rentals for the Memorial Day to Labor Day pilgrimage to the east end.     Oh, yeah and I’m helping them rent those houses…. I’m the number one rental agent in the Hamptons*…. didn’t I tell you that?!   (*based upon stats that I won’t disclose and that are collected by me).     But before you can say grab the rose wine and beach blanket, there are a few things you might need to know.      Here once again with my perennial video about the obligations of renting a house in the Hamptons is my friend Rob Disario.

One thing Rob didn’t mention in the video is renters are also required to get their own insurance when residing in their temporary home.   Recently,  I had the chance to ask John Wallace of Amaden Gay Insurance about some of the more important points of why this is necessary…..

Protect yourself when the burglar comes to town!

1) Is it really necessary to get renter’s insurance?

I would always tell summer renters to get their own policy. The average cost is about $300-$500.00 /year. It would cover them for the personal contents and liability for at least $500,000 or more depending on the coverage they select. It would also cover them for loss of use and personal contents they brought to the home. This would cover them if for some reason due to a loss they could not stay in the home they rented they could rent another place and the insurance company would pay for it.  This cover them for most everything for a fraction of the rental cost. What is the big deal if they spend $30,000 for a rental or $30,400 to be totally protected? They can always cancel the policy afterward and get probably half their money back.
2)  What else can be covered with renter’s insurance?
All renters should check with their current homeowner or renters to see what they are covered for. They can also extend liability to the address they are renting for about $50-$100.00 and would be covered by their primary homeowner’s liability.   Some companies give you coverage up to 10% of your contents away from home but you have to check with your carrier. This is the minimum they should do and is subject to their primary homeowners deductible.
3)   Any advice for landlords?
Landlords who are renting their home should check with their carrier about renting as well. Most companies are ok with a one or 2 month rental but not much more than that. They will not cover multiple tenants with weekly rentals.  Also theft will not be covered if you rent your home in the summer. Most allow up to two different tenants maybe three but that is about it. Otherwise you are looking at a situation where you may void the contract.
If you have additional questions, you can try reaching John at Amaden Gay Agencies in East Hampton 631-324-0041 or go online www.amadengay.com

Making Sag Harbor Great Again…. WINSTON’S WENT AND THE SERVICE STATION IS COMING TO TOWN!

It seems everything is heating up these days.  The weather, the politics and the buzz for the latest entry in to making Sag Harbor “THE” place this summer.    First Le Bilboquet and now the Trump organization has staked their claim as they unveiled their logo atop the American Hotel in Sag Harbor earlier this morning. According to the press release that was being handed out by campaign workers and hotel volunteers, “The Trump Organization is here to add some class to this sleepy little town. Hopefully we can get pretty people to come to Sag Harbor… it needs it, right now everyone looks like Ted Cruz and Carly Fiorina.”    The official kick off won’t be for a few months until all of the gilding is finished on the exterior and cherub water fountain placed in the foyer.   “It’s gonna (sic) look classy” said one Trump spokesman.     There are also plans that the current restaurant will be replaced with “Donald’s Big Weiner Hut” specializing in over sized Kobe beef hot dogs.    For more information, you can visit the new hotel website here.     I’m hoping they can just make Sag Harbor great again!

COMING SOON: Service Station

OK, hopefully you clicked the link above and KNOW all the details from above.  In the meantime, some changes are in store for the former Nichols and the ever so briefly named Winston’s.    The East Hampton locale is now being prepped for the upcoming season by SagTown Coffee’s Shane Dyckman and local restaurateur Michael Gluckman.    The “SERVICE STATION” will feature a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and more contemporary fare such as rock shrimp tacos, steak frites, rotisserie chicken and tuna ceviche.    The goal is to be a casual family friendly establishment for both locals and summer visitors.  The wine selection will also have a wide selection by the glass and starting at $8.    Look for details on the opening date sometime in the next few weeks.  I’ll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, someone who will really help make Sag Harbor great is coming to town.  Rumor has it Drew Barrymore just plopped down a little under $4 million dollars for a home in the village.

No way to tell when she’s actually coming to town but I’m looking forward to seeing my favorite Charlie’s Angel out and about.