Alec and Hilaria Baldwin Ed Burns and Polly

Ruth Westheimer  Katie Lee

Nelson DeMille  Fern Malis

Arlene Alda  Jules Feiffer

Hooked On Books

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AST summer I was thrilled to attend Authors Night celebrating books and 118 years of reading at the East Hampton Library. More than 100 authors sat alphabetically in a huge white tent as attendees mingled and got books signed.

Founding honorary co-chairs were Alec Baldwin and Barbara Goldsmith. They were joined by honorary co-chairs Ed Burns, Robert Caro, Dick Cavett, Tom Clavin, Nelson DeMille, Christina Baker Kline, and Lynn Sherr.  Event co-chairs were Dennis Fabiszak and Sheila Rogers; the cocktail party chair was Patti Kenner. Attendees dined on light delicacies and spirits from local area restaurants, beverage outlets and markets. 

I couldn't carry all the books to the car so I had to make three trips. The books I got signed included Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Ed Burns, Katie Lee Robert, A. Caro, Jeffrey Lyons, Bob Morris, Fern Malis, Allison Pataki and  Arlene Alda.

I can't wait to read Katie's Endless Summer Cookbook and Ed's Independent Ed. Ed grew up in Valley Stream. His English teacher, Marilyn Maxwell from Hewlett High School, was first in line to purchase his book. Ed dedicated his first chapter to her. She published his first piece of writing during his senior year at Hewlett.

Also on hand to support their daughter Allison were former New York governor George Pataki and wife Libby.

A children's event was held under the tent the next day. Activities and goodies were given to the adorable children who attended.

Dr. Ruth was back again. She wrote a wonderful book called Leopold. I told her I write for Tim Boxer's 15minutesmagazine. She remembered when he worked on Minyan of the Stars. Also on hand were children's authors Adam Osterweil and Will Allen.

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Marty Lyons and Michelle Bianco  Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Polly

Erik McMillan  Alan Kalter

Ken Schroy  John Nitti

Heart Of A Lyon

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ORMER New York Jet star Marty Lyons held the 30th anniversary golf tournament of his Marty Lyons Foundation at the magnificent Old Westbury Country Club. 

Many came out to play, mix and mingle with celebrities, bid on silent and live auctions, and eat a delicious brunch and an incredible buffet.

Marty began his foundation when he met a seriously ill child who passed away. It was the same time his father died. He has been granting wishes to children for 30 years.  Kids like Michelle Bianco were thrilled to be able to go to places like Disneyworld and Seaworld. And the whole family goes along.

He even grants second wishes, too. Kudos to you, Marty.

Some of the included Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Emerson Boozer, Bo Dietl, Cal Ramsey, Erik McMillan, Ann Ligouri, Alan Kalter, Bobby Valentine, Gregg Buttle, Ken Schroy, John Nitti, John Schmidt, Joe Carucci and Orlando. Did you know that Rudy designed his own red, white and blue shoes for Nike? Rudy, you are talented.

Honored for their dedication to the Marty Lyons Foundation were Erik McMillan, Rudy Giuliani and Kyle Cunningham. The Man of the Year was Bobby Jordan who has shown great support and commitment. Marty, you are truly a man for all seasons.

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Sir Ben Kingsley	Patricia Clarkson
Sarita Choudhury	Jake Weber

Summer Awakening

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HILE sauntering through Manhattan on a sultry hot day I noticed a canopy above the Paris Theatre. It looked like a movie opening. I had not brought any credentials with me because I had had a physical, but the publicist still invited me to take pictures, talk to the cast, and attend the movie Learning to Drive.

The movie starred Patricia Clarkson, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sarita Choudry, Jake Weber, Grace  Gummer and Avi Nash. I had so much fun asking Sarita, director Isabel Coixet and producer Dana Friedman about their favorite parts. All of them liked the supermarket scene and when Patricia put her hands on Jake's face.

Sir Ben Kingsley told me that when he made the movie Ghandi ("You remember that don't you?" he said) he had a guide who was a Sikh. So he had great insight in playing a Sikh taxi driver and driving instructor.

Others on hand for the premiere were producers Gabriel and Daniel Hammond and actors Laura Michelle Kelly, Bryan  Batt and Matthew Morrison. Bryan's former p.r. agent in L.A. was Marc Chancer. Marc took me bowling when I was in Lawrence Junior High School.