Kismet Kapers
Volume 49, Issue 3
By Bradlee White

Word is that the Crawson family – Jeannine, Matt and kids Tyler, Kevin & Caitrin – will soon be moving to the beautiful, former Espinosa house is on East Lighthouse. Jean Mc. home from the hospital after knee surgery. Christine and Pete just lost a big coy fish to a bird parasite ( birds drinking from the pond). As a wee thing she cost them $1.98 but was worth about two grand at her demise. She did leave a legacy: her 20 babies hatched Monday. Midweek 2 weeks ago, Kismet’s bravest answered the call to a devastating (property loss) fire in Saltaire. “Kismet was supposed to be on standby, but once we got there, we all jumped in…” said Nick V. The Fire Island Wireless antenna on the Fire House has been extended (originally put up in winter, the effect on reception of the trees leafing out was not factored in) . Nancy T. reports it’s better, but Phil & Patt V. missed this year’s auction cause she fell and broke her arm. The Out’s Ellen editing the new menu Monday a.m. – and they add a few new dishes every year.
Kismet saw another successful flea market to benefit KLAW (Kismet League for Animal Welfare.) Many hard working hands on deck - joining KLAW regulars Anne, Carole, Helen and Stephanie were Avalon’s Superstar Marilyn, visiting Maria S, Camelot’s Linda, Dorothea, and Raymond. Dennis W. loaned his tables again – with delivery and pickup. Sharon T. donated the profits of her jewelry sales to KLAW. John Altieri again donated his services in hauling away the less treasured treasures. From the look on Andy’s face, there were a few too many of those. The “shopping ladies” from Fair Harbor were first in line again. Books sold well as always, as did most of the children’s things and gardening supplies. Michelle and Frank from the little gray house and Joe from the Bulkhead were able to furnish their summer nests with just the right touches. Sam got most of the “contractor” items. Fire Island Wireless Derrick got a new “seasoned” dart board. Fabian of Fabe’s Bikes won the 50-50 and has donated it back to KLAW.
The bar was packed again for the Belmont stakes (with the exception of 2 Kismetians, Paul W. and Barbara Winters -- who were – separately – lucky enough to be at Belmont). In the front row seats were Dorothy, Jeanne, Barbara, and Kelly. Close behind were Sharon T., Myrna, Rose & Vic, Heidi & Dick, DF Rich just in from Florida, Elaine & Tony. Chris, Mike and Pete posed for a grand pic that didn’t come out. Since the odds were six to five, there wasn’t a whole lot of cheering from happy winners, including CA’s George. Artie Schiller (the horse) placed second in another Belmont stake…Meanwhile, a group of youngsters from All For You – TJ, Jordan, Megan, Lindsey, Andie and Sydney set up shop hawking hand-made knit bracelets across from the Inn at race time.
Sunset’s Kunkel hosted his annual Long Island Coaches party Friday afternoon and evening. His friend, Mike McGee, brought the band which later played at the Inn (for a free water taxi home) once it got too cold on the deck. Former Kismetians guesting were Big Al (bought a house in Sag Harbor, but says it’s too far), Kevin and Barney & Janet (Spuds) with five year-old Ava.
The Kismet Fire Auxiliary had its first general meeting last Saturday. Fire department liaisons Joan and Joe M. clarified that, although the group was to have one fund-raising event for the fire department each year, the purpose of the Auxiliary was to create events to serve and involve the community. They promptly set up a volunteer Board of Directors – Michelle S., Alice S., Chris J. and Rita and formed two event-planning committees. The Pancake breakfast committee: Fran, Phyllis, Rose L., Linda B. and Pam, met that afternoon at Barbara L’s and has already enlisted the help of Tommy F. for Sunday, JULY 10. The Movie Committee was to meet at Chris J’s Others there were Bill J., Dorothea, Jeannie, Dorothy, Lisa K., Nancy T., Laurie B., Sherri R., Deborah S., Linda S. and Elaine F. There’s another general meeting of the Auxiliary set for tomorrow at noon at the Fire House. – all ideas and help are welcome.
Kismetians hosted at least two birthday parties Saturday. The Nyburgs – Ron, Mark and Alice – in a tradition begun by Ron’s late wife Ann -- hosted the fifth annual party for Ron’s Singapura kitty Fey. While the guest of honor stayed in her room, a congenial group of Saltarians and Kismetians (Bill P. and his guest Paula, Skee & Barbara, Anne R., Helen Q., Carole T. enjoyed chicken wings, hot dogs, hamburgers and a delicious risotto with feta cheese along with Ron’s fabled Bloody Marys. Ron again presented a large donation to the Ann Nyburg Memorial fund for KLAW. Born in England, Ann often visited the London Zoo where her family was close friends of the Director of the Royal Zoological Society. As a woman, however (the “weaker” sex), she was barred from becoming a veterinarian. The Nyburg household always included pets as well as wounded and stray animals of all kinds. KLAW’s picture board includes a photo of Ann at the first T-shirt sale and she never missed a Flea Market… RP’s Will and Way Way’s Erin threw a surprise birthday party for Marybeth. RP’s deck was crowded with friends, gathered around a hot-dog cart (she really likes them) they rented as part of the surprise. I wished her well, but, with the KCA auction to cover, declined an offer of “Hanky Pankies”…Saturday nite’s 80’s party at the Out was quite successful -- many costumes, including Cody’s white knight from Saturday Night Fever…the Out’s planning to do more theme nights.
Kelly reminded me that the annual Henry Gates Memorial Kismet Clam Shucking Contest, a fund raiser for West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition (WIBCC), is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9 and boy, have they come up with a great stunt this year. Brown Sugar’s Gary Lieschinski, a former golden clam winner, has offered to let Joey cut off his ponytail and shave his head (donating the tresses to Locks for Love) – in public, that day – if they succeed in raising $5000 for WIBCC. All they need is 50 people who are willing to contribute a check for $100 each. See Kelly at Brown Sugar.
Can you believe next weekend is the big 4th celebration? This year there will be a SPECIAL celebration of the history of the Kismet July 4th parade Saturday, July 2, at the Firehouse at 4:30. Everyone’s invited. Could there be an East Lighthouse Block Party? Fair Harbor’s having it’s Pine Walk Fair in downtown FH on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lots of great prizes in the silent auction, vendors etc. The Kismet 4th of July parade features fire department bands and children’s floats. It begins at the pump house (Oak and Burma) Sunday, July 3, at 11 a.m. Bring the kids a little early to sign up for prizes. Themes are usually most topical, most beautiful and most patriotic. Look for signs.