Around The Park
By Joyce Peters

Labor Day and Beyond

The Ocean Bay Park/Seaview Homeowners game was tight until the fifth inning when OBP iced it with seven runs. Final score 9-3. The team voted two MVPs: pitcher, Chris Gurl and Eddie Micallef for outstanding fielding and hitting... On the beach, the Annual Volleyball tournament was won by Bob Adler’s team...again!

Memorable Parties

In a season of memorable parties, three of the most memorable were after our last ‘05 issue. In late August, “Our Energizing Bill Koenig,” who plays several hours of tennis daily, and is an active member and radio dispatcher for the Ocean Bay Park Fire Department, keeps up with Rosa (no easy task) celebrated his 85th birthday. Silver clad guests arrived at the silver clad firehouse—it was a silver theme party. Pictures from all phases of Bill’s life graced the walls and amazingly he hasn’t changed much since his navy days —he still fits into his uniform. Bill was toasted and roasted by Rosa, Lillian Laikind and Julia Arcadipane. And was serenaded by Norma Raglin-Weil’s “Marilyn Monroe’s” rendition of Happy Birthday… To celebrate their December and January weddings, in September Sharon (Gerson) and Bob Farley and Norma ( Raglin) and Bernie Weil hosted a Winter Wonderland Wedding Reception at Sharon and Bob’s. Quite the elegant scene–Guests walked a “white carpet” runway and were served champagne from silver trays upon arrival. There were snow draped trees, wonderful food and to top it all off a white dance floor with a 12 piece live band …In October, after a year in Iraq Lt .Col. John “JD” De Serio returned from active duty. His return was heralded at a joyous reunion with Joanie, Alana & Jared at Newark Airport .and then heralded again at a party at the FI Hotel. As JD walked in friends waved American flags as Tom Byrnes led the teary chorus in a heartfelt “God Bless America”. After that, it was all hugs and kisses.

Announcements

Amy and Allen Lewis were delighted to announce the birth of their 6 lb 7oz. daughter Avery at 10:37 a.m. in NY University Hospital. Thanks to a liberal hospital policy the crew of 10 in the waiting room (grandparents, aunts and uncles) were allowed to see her just 10 minutes later.

Weddings

Fire Island News Publisher, Nicole Pressly and cinematographer, Benjamin Wolf married on Saturday October 1. The Cuban-themed ceremony was on the beach in Robbins Rest and the reception was at Tequila Jack’s on the bayfront….Kelly Staley and Brett Notine married on Friday October 21 at the Manhattan penthouse with a gorgeous backdrop of NYC skyline views. Kelly and Brett met while playing in a co-ed softball league and as a wedding present to Brett, Kelly delivered a key hit to trigger a six run comeback for their team…Bonnie Errico and Mitch Lumagui married on October 11 at the Church of the Visitation in the Bronx. Bonnie and Mitch are members of the OBP Fire Department and the guests at their reception at the NY Athletic Club on Travers Island included many fire department members …AnnMarie Epple and Wesley Little III, together with their parents, invited guests to their wedding on December 11 at the Marriot Resort in Aruba. Over 125 people, including many Fire Islanders, flew down to share in the moment. The ceremony was on the beach, the outdoor reception on the Marriot decks. The threatening rain held off until the bride threw her bouquet – but not to be deterred the band set up inside, with a little help from Cliff Bailes, and they partied till dawn.