Kismet Kapers
Volume 48, Issue 9
By Bradlee White

There’s been a lot of pet newsbuilding up, beginning with a birthday party for the Mooney’s Roxy July 2nd. Greg & Jane’s Sophie, Michael & Bridget’s Heidi and Catherine G.’s Bailey played on the bay beach before sharing a special cake and party favors from the Three Dog Bakery in CT. Bob Rush rescued a little black kitty behind a S.I. pizza parlor. Charlie flew into a predictable rage when introduced to Eight-ball, so the baby’s been staying in the City. Bert (the Bert) got himself in the doghouse when he went through my screen door cat flap. It was hard for Mama Myrna to keep a straight face though as he sat dog-faced with the door frame around his shoulders. Lauren & Juliann of 31 Pine were seen being walked by their spaniels, Bailey & Bean. Last years’ only Kismet kittens found homes with Arthur and Nancy and Nancy’s friend, becoming Pi and Joey. Their mother, Precious, joined our household where Sam’s tagged her Tootsie. Anne’s Babe has resigned herself to being surrounded by cats. As Greg told Carolyn, "nothing bothers Babe." Condolences to Marsha & Art on their loss of Elliot, a very special cat. Ben’s outdoor Mommy Cat also sadly passed away on the18th.
An unpleasant summer storm kept people away from Kismet’s cultural double header, the FD fund-raising Book and Bake Sale and Kismet’s first Art Crawl. (A word to the faint of heart – Be mindful of Fire Island’s quirky weather. While mainland folk fought teaming downpours, we got only sporadic showers. Saturday’s skies were threatening but barren. Hundreds fled Sunday’s early chill and grey skies; then, out came the old ‘Fooled You’ sun.) Fran, Michele and Phyllis began setting up the Book Sale the 17th. It seemed la daunting task, but by Saturday morning, the Fire House Community Room boasted pastel tablecloths, paintings on the wall, soft music, lots of baked goods – including Jean W.’s cinnamon buns and Jane W’s banana walnut cake straight from the oven, and, of course, books. The early birds did get some of the better worms: Barbara L. scooped up a good handful of audio books…I heard lots of fairly good humored "I saw it firsts"… From Merry Go Round’s Eileen: "Oh, you got Lynn’s pound cake – I just turned around and it was gone." Lots of interest in the coffee table book, "Voluptuario" but no immediate buyer. Casey, Grace and Taryn set up a table outside to sell their hand-made beaded jewelry.
I made my own way through the Art Crawl, doubling back at 3 to meet up with Dorothea’s guided group. Exhibitors served potent potables, with soft music playing in the background. The Breier’s works were set before their beautiful garden. Despite her father’s romantic vision of her as an artist in Paris, Alyson worked as a professional writer for years. Everyone was quite impressed with Sam’s black and white photography: He’s been working in his schools’ photo labs, developing and printing his work shot around the world…Bill Poindexter’s art began as a boy with a large overstock of stationary from his dad’s store – "I just drew and drew and drew." Bill actually sold some paintings Saturday. Equally talented at home improvement, he spent as much time showing off his observation deck as his oils…Bob Negron’s many water colors reflect various aspects of Kismet from boats to bicycles. He admits to low productivity this year, having just retired and about to move to FL with wife Jane – BVT was throwing a bon voyage party following the exhibit…Teri Dahl came from an artistic family and has passed it on to daughter Robin, who with sister Terry, was visiting. Teri’s paintings reflected various stages of her life: children’s portraits, a print of her favorite, ‘Bed on the Beach’ (Roberta Kaven owns the original), and a Keys painting of ‘Carl’s Cat Café’ (She’s just added year-old orange tabby Wally)… Jean Wood showed us some of her first Kismet works – wood and stone collages crafted from "found" materials as well as a water color in progress. She’s also doing a house portrait which she donated to the KCA auction. Tour members got a special treat – Jean played the old pump piano as they all sang ‘Morning Has Broken.’…Ann Littlejohn’s latest animal photos, shot in Madagascar and South FL, were brilliant with color saturation. She shot many at Ding Darling Preserve in Sanibel on a visit to Jean Wood last year. Also, a series on the very colorful (literally) lifeguard stands of south Miami…Jacques Dumont’s large landscape photos graced the lee side and upper deck of Regina’s house. Jacques’s a prolific artist who shows a unique perspective on the many faces of Fire Island. The artists liked the idea of a steady stream of visitors throughout the day and felt the event was successful. Any artists wishing to join in next year call Bill Poindexter at 5254.

Kent and Carol entertained at a Boatel Sunset dinner Friday. The sunset was a bust, but, according to neighbor Barbara and her daughter Kelly (Brown Sugar), the food was spectacular (he’s a professional caterer)…Jacques and Regina hosted a lovely hot buffet after the art show for Helen & Don Q., Tim & Jane M., Ann & Fritz Littlejohn (Happy Birthday to Fritz who opted to keep it low key this year), Dolores S., Carol T, Jeannie, Bryan C. and Circle of Friends friends…Darryl and Boots hosted a lively luau, complete with pastel leis and coconut shells for one’s beverage of choice. The crowded deck included several children ("they’re not mine," Darryl said), Rick & Judy L., Judy’s visiting friend Lynn, Myrna, Terry, D.R. Peter, Andy, Kristen, Nancy and Young Adam in a cameo appearance. Lots of yummies on the BBQ.

Despite intermittent showers, the Flower Ladies (sponsored by Rudy), sold out by 7…We saw Kismet’s EMT, C.K. Collins, in action along with first responders Joan M., Rudy and Cheryl L. in response to Martha W’s bike accident by the Inn. Very efficient (she’s OK)…Dave & Krista brought baby Brooke home Monday....Good omen spotted Wednesday – Islip officialdom digging test holes on Maple measuring the water table – we ‘re dealing with the drainage problems along with the new sidewalks, she said.

Upcoming: The House Crawl is Aug. 7th and the annual Clam Shucking Festival (fund-raiser for cancer research) is on for Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1 p.m. behind the Out. Great fun! There’ll be a Remembrance Sail for Dick Greenamyer Aug. 15 on the Lauren Kristy. Call Artie-9540, Bobbi-806-8409 or Larry-5592