Kismet Kapers
Volume 49, Issue 1
By Bradlee White

Back to Kismet and a reality check! I’d forgotten that precise plans of action crumble before a slew of uncontrollable factors – weather, ferry schedules, missing tools, forgotten materials… “It’s all so complicated,” said Tom Licari. “In order to fix one small piece of decking, I had to crawl under the house to shore up the support beams, but before I could do that…” And the deck’s going to get sealed and the house is going to get painted – whenever we have 48 hours without rain…

The other thing I forgot about Kismet is… it’s Kismet – the wonderful serendipity of meeting and greeting, the finding or giving of just the tool, piece of information or help you needed even when you didn’t know it because you started out doing something else.

Life went on after the Fire Island News went to bed last Labor Day… the Arthur Lem Memorial Snapper Tournament was a great success… the Plastic Klassic Bob Kaye Memorial Tennis Tournament was won by Nancy T. & Binny and Gary L. & Joe B. Seabay hosted a bang-up Labor Day Block party that rocked for hours – the Maple Avenue lake deterred only a few. The Mennellas also hosted a great Labor Day party with lots of yummy food and drink... There was a memorable “60ish” for Arthur G. with outstanding hors d’oeuvres from Lynn C… Ashley & Erika became proud parents of Casey Ellen on September 28th– what a smile she has!… Paul Bossong married Nenya and they’re expecting in August… Shannon Rush Mauro is also expecting in July… Make My Day’s Bobby & Mary are engaged… Arthur G. & Nancy hosted a Seder in Kismet South (Naples) with Rita G., Freddie, Peter & Michelle, Bruce & Elaine, some cousins and me… Hank Clements is currently serving in Iraq with the 306th MP Army Reserve Unit. There are flyers in the market from Great South Bay Magazine detailing how we might donate for these brave soldiers.

Sadly, Kismet lost some familiar favorites. Since 1982, when he wasn’t home entertaining, you could spot Xanadu’s Sal riding his bike around day or night, out visiting. I remember a wonderful sunny Friday afternoon at the Out with Sal, Baron and Rick telling each other stories. Xanadu’s Judy, Joyce, Pinny & Mickey, out Saturday, were also mourning the loss of their Marilyn. I remember her always smiling and welcoming, never mentioning her long-standing illness. Gregg & Jane Weisser lost their beloved Sophie to surgical complications just as she had started chemotherapy for “doggie cancer,” on May 8th and Bobby Rush’s Charlie Cat succumbed to old age and probable heart failure a few days later. We will miss them all.
Lots of moving and improving going on: Angie Farrar sold her house and moved to the mainland. Punk Rock Pete’s crew moved in with pals, including the Out’s Adam & Molly, at Lovers – they promise lots of parties, though the first one in May fizzled when the new kitchen wasn’t there yet (see first paragraph). The Blue Chippers split up, with half going to Lyon’s Den and the half with Mamas Kathy, Allison and Adeline still looking (Chipper Mick is currently out of remission and feeling rotten)… Charlie Fagan bought the Villachi’s house… 82 and 87 Oak have been renovated inside and outside as has John’s Chance… There are new walkways at Maureen’s Chalet and Gene’s Moonbeams… Peter, Tricia, Kathleen & Jim dined at the Inn after a day painting their Bulkhead Unit… Jimmy, Erin and their crew were duly impressed by Way Way’s new bathroom and oak flooring– “after I left," lamented Bridgette. We’ll soon have a new pizza place, a gift-shop/boutique(?) on the dock, (maybe Terry C. will consign her beautiful beaded lariats – they’re truly works of art), liquor and candy stores at Margarita Villas (site of the old liquor store)…The Inn has an expanded menu and very professional wait staff with Danielle on the floor and Tom, Justin & Erin behind the bar… With the retirement of the Out’s Lee Lem, Claire has moved to the front and is also working on new menu items (Warren swears his own retirement is not far off)… 90% of the Out staff is back, with Bulgarians joining Sonya and the Irish and Central European kids… Best news of all: After a meeting with FI Ferries Tim Mooney & John Allen and Kismetians KCA Pres. Bill Jenks, Carol T., Charlie F. & Jeannie L., we have 5 new scheduled ferries and a new openness to stopping a Saltaire boat here when there’s enough time and passengers.
Dusty, Angie, Dorothy and Helen had front row seats for Derby Day at the Inn, but Kenny B. bet on the long shot winner…Kathy Larkin, guesting with Phil & Susie of West Side Story, won a drawing for Yankee tickets…they’re also are part owners of Sunrise, Sunset (formerly Monica & Jack’s)…Kenny B. celebrated his birthday with a Jamaican theme and pals Jeff & Marguerite, neighbors Gene & Maureen, Cartoons old & new – Myrna, Phil, Peter, Andy, Andrea, Gina, George & Anthony – Risque’s Joe, Uncle Phil, Debbie, Victoria & Sergio, Avalon’s Rick & Ray and Bicycle Bill & his newbies.
Buddy S. may be retiring from teaching, but he’s still our chief. He and Officers Joe Kelley, Tom Sitone, Art Weinstein and Joan McKeehan were installed at the 31 annual dinner last Saturday. Both father and son Tom Ss, Linda S., Charlie U., Art W. and Buddy received service awards. Commissioner Sam Wood presented a special plaque to Larry Cole, honoring his many years of voluntary service as member and Commissioner Chairman. Tickets for the “Wagon of Cheer” officially went on sale – drawing to be held July 3rd.
Nothing but good news at the spring KCA meeting: Marsha Hunter, KCA Veep and Dune Commissioner, is negotiating with the new FINS Superintendent and various DEC folk on dune scraping for erosion control. Coordinated bids for our new sidewalks and soon-to-be buried water pipes should be out as you read this; ground breaking is anticipated for October. At the same time, the Fire Dept. is planning new pressurized hydrants, a big, big safety boost. Sam Woods’ crew is again doing community maintenance – sidewalks, community trash and beach access. At this point, we’ve got gently sloping sand, unimpeded access and even stairs (E. Lighthouse) – the former thanks to Mother Nature, the latter to Sam’s crew which has assured safety while postponing major work until and after beach scraping.
Upcoming: KLAW Flea Market, June 11th at the Fire House – jewelry, books, toys, kitchen items & household miscellany. Donations welcome (no clothes, TVs or furniture). The Kismet Community Association fund-raising dinner and Auction coordinated by Bobbie Baker with help from Amy W. on June 18th at the Out – see posters for both events.