Janet Langhart Cohen recently returned to Boston. Accompanied by her husband, former Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, she was honored by the American Red Cross with the “Clara Barton Centennial Humanitarian Award.” More than 500 guests attended the benefit, including good friends Smoki Bacon and Dick Concannon, hosts of the popular cable TV show, the “Literati Scene.”

Called the former “First Lady of the Pentagon” by many admirers, Ms. Langhart hosted ABC’s popular TV show “Good Day” in Boston for many years. Today she is president of Langhart Communications and is the founder of the Citizen Patriot Organization, whose mission is to support those who serve, protect and defend the U.S.A., such as our Armed Forces, law enforcement, fire and rescue operations, and other rapid-response organizations. 

According to Smoki and Dick, former Secretary of Defense Cohen introduced his wife to the assembled guests “in glowing terms” and talked about her going and visiting the troops while he was in office. 

Ms. Langhart Cohen is the author of “From Rage to Reason: My Life in Two Americas.” In his 2002 State of the Union address, President Clinton cited her as the most traveled private citizen on behalf of our men and women in the armed forces and their families. Congratulations all around!

……. More than 200 guests enjoyed the “Ninth Annual Rose Garden Party” held on June 16 at the Kelleher Rose Garden in the Back Bay Fens. The annual event, hosted by Mrs. Angela Menino and Commissioner Antonia Pollak of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, was a benefit for ParkARTS, Mayor Thomas M. Menino's initiative that presents arts events and programs in city parks. 

Committee members included many of Greater Boston’s tireless and most generous volunteers and benefactors for “green causes” including Meg Albert, Simone Auster, Gayle Blakeley Farris, Kelly Brilliant, Jacqui Budd, Joanne Callahan, Anne Connolly, Dawn Curtis, Donna DePrisco, Susan Doll, Peggy Dray, Christine Dunn, Sister Janet Eisner, S.N.D., Bea Flammia Burton, Courtney Forrester, Cecily Foster, and Florence Frances.

Also, Anne Hawley, Rosemary Herbert, Swanee Hunt, Joan Lee, Anna Levitan, Vivien Li, Ursula Liff, Jill Medvedow, Otile McManus, Susan Menino Fenton, Beatrice Nessen, Betsy Ridge Madsen, Carolyn Rodeno, Wendy Shattuck, Lydia Shire, Joyce Spaulding, Alicia Verity and Clara Wainwright. Congratulations all around!

For upcoming ParkARTS programs and events, be sure to visit www.cityofboston.gov/parks/ParkArts.

……. On Wednesday, July 20, the Thornton W. Burgess Society will hold a “Sandwich Garden Tour and Tea” from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Participants will visit a number of private home gardens in Sandwich on Cape Cod at their leisure and enjoy tea, sandwiches and scones served on the grounds overlooking the Wild Flower Garden at the Green Briar Nature Center. 

Tea will be served at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations for the tour and tea must be made in advance. Tickets for the gardens only are available on the day of the tour. All proceeds benefit the environmental education programs of the Thornton W. Burgess Society. Please call 508-888-6870 for ticket costs, reservations and more information.

……. On Monday, July 25, Lancôme and the 33 Restaurant & Lounge invite us to an exclusive event pairing chic martinis with the latest trends in skincare and makeup. Guests will sip a variety of exotic martinis while experiencing Lancôme's hottest new lines. 

We are told that “Martini and Makeup Monday” is an exclusive event for makeup aficionados – “offering tips, product sampling and luscious cocktails for stylish ladies.” 

The evening kicks off with a Martini Reception at 5 p.m., followed by skincare instruction and product sampling, lead by Lancôme's regional makeup artist Deborah Tristao. Lancôme will provide gift bags and samples as well as a drawing for a gift basket valued at $300. 

Reservations (which are limited) must be made in advance. For admission costs or more information, please call 617-294-1254. The 33 Restaurant & Lounge is located at 33 Stanhope Street in Boston.

……. The “Father Bill's Place 11th Annual Food Fest & Auction” takes place on Tuesday, August 2, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at WaterWorks in Marina Bay, Quincy. The celebration/benefit will highlight many of the finest South Shore restaurants, chefs, bakeries, and wine shops. 

Scott Wahle, WBZ-TV Morning News Anchor, is the honorary chairperson and Jim Wells of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is the chair. 

For tickets costs, reservations or more information, please call 617-376-2255, ext. 233 or 235; or visit their Web site www.fatherbillsplace.org.

Enjoy! 

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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