Who’s Sparking Conversation This Week? The Spark File. 02.12.26

Corner Bar’s last call, Jim Smyth and Nancy Atlas, Bad Bunny buzz, Jill Zarin’s RHONY drama, remembering Ted Conklin — and hope for Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy.

‘Last Call’ for the Corner Bar in Sag Harbor

There’s a lot going on in the world that’s sparking conversation, but in our little (fab ‘n feisty) corner of the world, the end of the Corner Bar as locals knew it is a big deal.

Jimmy Smyth at last call at The Corner Bar. Photo by Tom Stafford

On Sunday, Feb. 7, a loyal crowd gathered to celebrate the end of an era as owner and East End legend Jimmy Smyth rang the bell for ‘last call’ for the very last time. Word that the local hangout had been sold hit hard. But the love for the place that always felt like home lives on.

Another local legend, musician Nancy Atlas, who once waitressed at the Corner Bar and just finished another sold-out run in January with her Fireside Sessions at Bay Street Theater, was there. How could she not be? Atlas jumped on the bar and sang along with the crowd as it belted out, “Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie.” She also shared a nostalgic video on her Facebook from years ago when she hosted a show on Plum TV called Local Legends, highlighting Jimmy Smyth.

Nancy Atlas, Jimmy Smyth,’Local Legends’ Plum TV.

What’s next for the legendary spot where you could grab a cold brew, a tasty burger, and chat with friends without the Hamptons fuss? We’ll see who takes over and what they make of it. Meanwhile, the bricks in the entryway, inscribed with people’s names and messages in chalk, will always remind us of the community that cares.

Ted Conklin, Owner of The American Hotel, Is Missed

It’s been a time of change for Sag Harbor, which recently launched Sag Saturdays on the second Saturday of the month to celebrate local businesses. The town is still reeling from the passing of Ted Conklin, proprietor of The American Hotel. Conklin, who bought the historic building more than 50 years ago and turned it into a Main Street jewel, was a beloved figure in the community.

Ted Conklin. Photo courtesy of Bay Street Theater

Conklin’s next-door neighbor, Julie Keyes, owner of Julie Keyes Art Gallery, shared her feelings with SPARK:

“Ted Conklin was not only a landlord, he was my friend and my champion. He changed my life by supporting me, no matter what.”

A celebration of Conklin’s life is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Old Whalers’ Church and from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Bay Street Theater.

Donations in Conklin’s name can be made to the Sag Harbor Food Pantry. P.O. Box 3191, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 or to Fighting Chance, PO Box 1358, Sag Harbor, NY 11963.

Bad Bunny and a Medley of RHONY Drama

The RHONY reunion cast featuring Hamptonites Jill Zarin, Sonja Morgan, Luann de Lesseps, Kelly Bensimon, and Ramona Singer is stirring drama before filming even begins—Jill Zarin is out. Why? She criticized Bad Bunny’s NFL Super Bowl halftime performance in a video she posted online and then quickly deleted, but the backlash was already felt.

Bad Bunny at NFL Super Bowl halftime show.

Zarin said in part: “We all agree—it was the worst halftime show ever. It’s 250 years that we’re celebrating right now in the United States, and I just don’t think it was appropriate to have it in Spanish.”

Jill Zarin on X.

Many viewers said they couldn’t understand the Spanish lyrics. Zarin also added that the show “looked like a political statement, because there were literally no white people in the entire thing.” (Lady Gaga performed, but whatever.)

Variety reported that E! let Zarin go, and producers at Blink49 Studios said they are “committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values.”

Dorinda Medley. IF: @dorindamedley

Maybe five minutes went by, and Page Six later reported that E! is replacing Zarin with Dorinda Medley who should make it nice. After all, around the holidays  Medley paired up with Senorita Drinks to create a limited-edition Dorinda x Senorita holiday party pack. So language may not be an issue here .

Will Bethenny be the next RHONY to break for The Breakers? She’s already in Florida, so it wouldn’t be a stretch. In reality TV, anything can happen, apparently.

Guthrie’s Mom: The Search Continues

Concern, prayers, and efforts to solve the mystery continue after NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, went missing from her Tucson home on Feb. 1. Who would do that to an 84-year-old—or anyone?

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings.
Nancy Guthrie FBI Tip Line.

This story has gripped the nation, perhaps the rare case that everyone seems to agree on: we want her home safely, peace for the family, and justice for whoever is responsible for this hideous crime. We stay hopeful.

If you have an item for SPARK, email us: angela@sparkhamptons.com

Life is short. Make Sparks.

Angela LaGreca

Editor, Co-Founder/Publisher

Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com .