Barefoot & Wagons
By Sandy Drawers

Katrina Outreach

“Living on an island exposed to sea, we are mindful of our own vulnerability and recognize the need to help our neighbors no matter where they are located.” So said the outreach letter from many OB folks including Love the Plumber’s John and Nel Schaffner. They spearheaded the fundraising for Katrina this past Sept. 11, raising over $100,000 for the victims of the storm. Thank you for showing the world that this beach community cares.

Construction Construction Construction

You can’t throw a hammer (don’t do this at home kiddies) around this town without it landing on a nail waiting to be pounded. From the new Ocean Beach Trading to the incredibly expanded Bocce Beach, Ocean Beach is sprucing up its main street as it readies for the tourist season. Houses are also going through major renovations, so many new homeowners are choosing to make their own stamp on their homes and luxury seems to be the word. FYI Sandy and Ira are available for hot tub soaks…

The new homeowners’ brunch at the Island Mermaid was a hit in early May with 35 new families welcomed by the OBCF. After a gourmet spread and Starbucks coffee to help break the ice among many new faces, speeches were given by Gail Stamler, OBCF, Nicole Pressly Wolf of this paper, Deputy Police Chief Hesse and others.

Located in Ocean Beach but serving all of Fire Island is Dr. Ken Luckow, of the new FI Vets. He is available by house call only. Call BENSKAT when your pet is sick. He will also be listed in the FI Yellow Pages all season for your convenience.

In Emergency

No more 5252 number. Now the entire beach will call 911 for fire and police. According to EMS volunteer Ian Levine in OB, with the new enhanced 911, the computer system can locate you and even list special needs of past callers. Even from a cell phone.

Also thanks to our awesome EMS department, check your home insurance rates. It should have gone down due to the EMS being rated a 3. Notify your insurance broker if you did not see a change.

Elections!

I know. Voting seems a waste of time this year. With no opposition it is tempting to sleep in rather than vote, but voting makes your voice heard on special issues and lets the town officials know we are watching…

We are going to miss Mayor Natalie Rogers. It’s been an eventful eight years. Perhaps more time for golf now? According to Les Lieber, she has a great swing and tees off at the men’s tee. Right on!

And we heard her sister-in-law is getting married this fall. Congratulations!

Buy your ferry ticket booklets. There are still some available at the village hall, but they will go soon.

Send Us Your Pix!

The News is requesting people to send in by email or mail any old photos of a family member taking part in the July 4th parade. We want to publish then-and-now pictures of babies and the next generation with their children.