Party for Marti Must be nice to have so many REAL friends in this Houston town, where accolades and arsenic, complements and cutting remarks are cunningly disguised and dispensed. None of the above however apply to this birthday lady. So, when her B-Day rolls around, the poor thing needs a social secretary to keep up with offers of luncheons, teas, cocktails, dinners and a myriad of celebratory activities. Vying for position and a time slot on her calendar are men, women and children, who cannot wait to shower her with best wishes, glory, praise and presents. No clue who it is? Surely you jest! Why, it's Mademoiselle Marti Shlenker, of course. First one out of the social chute (with tons more to follow, not only in Houston, but also in Malibu and Veil) was a small dinner party given by the Diamond Diva Harriet Gertner and the Designer Diva Sheri Zucker, with a sprinkle of Laura Rowe, Jeanette Ramming and the Spy. Notably absent was little Edna Meyer-Nelson, who was shooting off firecrackers in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Marti loved the intimate size for a change, as the group took center stage at Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant. Picture if you will a flower smothered table, featuring six designer clad, perfectly coifed, coordinated and bejeweled ladies, among the usual crowd of casual appearance patrons. Blatant stares and polite hushed whispers were a-plenty. Finally, one of the diners could take it no more, whereupon, the lady simply approached the bejeweled table and point blank asked; who are you? Are you anybody? It appears she and her inquiring minds friends were out of town visitors. Well Marti darling, I bet you never thought of yourself as a tourist attraction. Sizzling Soiree for Suzy That Suzy, she's no fool. She gets herself born day after the 4th of July. That way you give one party, cover two occasions, get presents and free entertainment complements of City of Houston. Yes there were fireworks and rockets in the sky as well as in the high-rise hot and haute-ty dwelling of Dick and Suzy Bergner. Gobs of guests gathered to celebrate the 4th, but really to toast Suzy's birthday anniversary number.....something or other (if I tell hers, she'll tell mine, can't have that). The birthday girl beamed as she glided about the appropriately decorated abode. Red, white and blue of course, with a splash of Chardonnay gold, Martini olive green, gin and tonic lime green and Merlot burgundy. Very colorful, in more ways than one. Between the decorations, the colorful guest list and the fireworks, the sky above was not the only thing that was lit. Affectionately nick-named Commander, Dick ,as in Dick and Suzy Bergner are known for giving fabulous parties, and this one was no exception. Friends, friends of friends and a few strays oohed and aahhed and marveled at the delectable buffet, featuring traditional all American faire. Particular favorites were the home-made (not by Suzy) fried chicken and home- made (not by Suzy) deviled eggs. The Bergners surmised that it was only proper and politically correct to thank the French for the Statue of Liberty by serving French Champage. They are so patriotic. The flags flew high as did the spirits and fun and festive time was had by the likes of Adelaide Biggs, Ann Hodges, Ann Madoxx, Dr. Annette Gemp, who jetted in from Boston via Palm Beach. Bob Livermore, Carol Minor, Barbara Chafin, flew in from Harvard, Massachusetts, Carolyn Faulk, Kristi and Earl Fitzgerald, Frances Pappas, Greg Hodgess, Jay Branson, Cynthia Murray, Joanne Cooke, Kim Sachan, Linda Lorelle, Marlene and husband Rick Kaplin. Marty and Mary Ambrose, Molly Smyth, Myra Jolivet, Nancy and Pat Mendenhall, Neil Ness, Pat and Peter Whiteford, Ralph and Charlotte Hayes, Richard and Jessica Bergner, Roseanne Zuehl, Shirley Knauff, Will Linsley and Stan and Sheila Parlante.
	Should you have any comments, scoop, ideas or wish to submit any information to be featured, please eMail it to societyspy@pdq.net or forward to: Alicia A. vonGreisman SocietySpy.com Sage Plaza 5161 Sage Plaza, Suite 320 Houston, Texas 77056