Kismet Kapers
By Bradlee White

The KLAW (Kismet League for Animal Welfare) Flea Market was again rewarding—both financially and for the heartening community support. It was also a time of remembrance as we honored founding members Susan Miller and Ann Nyburg, who both passed away in 2003. Ann was an Intelligence Agent with the British Security Office in World War II, a successful model, and an editor for the United Nations Newsletter. As a woman, she was barred from becoming a veterinarian in Britain, but her life-long love of animals was a constant through the years. On Fire Island, Ann fed and cared for strays of all kinds and helped KLAW through its early years. Blessed with a littler of Siamese kittens, Ann offered them for sale but only then give them away to those she approved of, turning down money from less-than-perfect prospective adoptors. Ann had wanted to make a final gift to animals; determined to benefit a local organization, her family established the Ann Nyburg Memorial Fund for KLAW. This year’s check was presented to Anne Regan, the faithful winter tender of 15-18 cats. “She’s always out there; you wouldn’t believe how horrible the weather sometimes,” said Ron.

Many thanks to KLAW regulars Carole Thomas, Helen Quenzer and Anne R., to Linda Hoffman who spent hours pricing items, to the Fire Department and Dennis Waldron for the loan of tables, to Andrea W. who helped schlep as did Ernie H. and Tony TT. Delores Dabe schlepped and sold. Others who proudly wore the Home Depot aprons were Alice Nyburg, Barbara Winter and Dorothea C., who just dropped in to chat. Thanks to Island Beach Reality for their special donation, to John Alltieri for donating garbage pickup up and to Andy Whitney for letting us use his garbage storage area. Thanks also to everyone who donated such high quality items for sale. The take was a bit over $1000, which will go a long way toward getting our newcomers out of the kitten-producing business. Two cats have already been trapped and neutered—one of them female. There seem to be three left to do.

Shelter from the Wind

Actually, the firehouse was a great place to be on a sunny but blustery weekend. Grace W., Casey L., and Mary H. came in with a wagonload of outgrown games and puzzles and left with lots of costume jewelry… The Inn workers may regret forgoing the fans come July, but they found a couple of “really weird” art prints… I dissuaded Henry W. and his pal from the firecracker-like “poppers.” I met Christine’s mother, Ingrid, again visiting from FL, and the Arizona relatives of Arthur. The Camelot 4 – Janet, Linda, Susan and Karen–had a grand time, “but where will you put it?” seemed to be the operative phrase… C.A.’s newest share, Holly, made a good haul too. Naturally, there were lots of good animal stories exchanged– Christine and Pete’s cat Midnight sleeps with his paws around Seabreeze’s head or, if it’s cold, on top of one of the boxers. They put a fake heron in their pond to keep the real ones away.

Former Kismetian, Emma Beqaj, who just graduated from Nursery School, came over with her dad to celebrate with friend Tess Lambi… Rudy ordered blue sweatshirts with their names for all the Flower Ladies and Laddies before they told him they were retiring– “We’re not dead- we can still wear them,” said Joan… Andy (Drew) Hendrikson just introduced the second book in his Dragon Tales and Stories trilogy. It’s going to be published in Italy. He promises that the third book, due out next year, has references to Fire Island with barely disguised place names… The audience for the Belmont was a bit sparse, reflecting the weather—Mary, Queen of Shots and Lawnhouse Kathy were among the winners… Jimmy Gremo, former Sunsetter, was in on his boat for the day… Susan and Carol are back at the Boatel… Joebeck left to bike to Field 5 to catch a ride to a family affair, promising to be back by midnight (this is the guy who just turned 50?)… Mike Kunkel hosted his eighth 5 to 5 party for fellow Long Island high school coaches. The music was mellower this year without the amps and the whole party got driven indoors by twilight bugs, ending up at Aqua Palace (aka “Ool House”). There was still the morning-after clean-up. “Is this the party that Mike’s wife didn’t want to go to?” Marilyn asked. Laurie B. had the same reaction to Kenny’s stag poker night in Freeport: deciding there was no point cleaning up beforehand, she, Catherine and Anna Marie caught an early ferry… The Out saw a surprisingly (to me) large turnout for the soccer game on large screen, making it hard for Auction organizers to hear one another while setting up… Darryl Kaven Merz brought her three-month-old Ashley Nicole to visit – Myrna promptly volunteered to be a Kismet grandmother– Darryl and Boots will be out on their own this weekend… As I write, Mike Kahler’s crew is putting down pilings for the Crowes’ new house– a fascinating process.

While a large number of Kismetians heartily enjoyed the annual frenetic fund-raising KCA Auction dinner, another contingent sailed across the bay for the combined 50th birthdays of Lauren Dennis and Jimmy Field. Lauren’s been a Kismet fixture for years and a big honcho behind the Clam Shucking fund-raiser. Jimmy grew up here when his parents were year-round residents. Jimmy and his wife Kim are also expectant parents. The magnificent surprise was pulled off because Lauren issued invitations for a party for Jimmy while Jimmy sent out invitations for Lauren’s party. Later, many energetic partygoers hit the Out for an 80’s party – preceded by a warm-up at Lovers. Heard the costumes were great.

In addition to Kismet’s 4th celebrations, July 1 is the date for the annual Fair Harbor Pine Walk Fair with lots of vendors, goodies at low prices and a major book sale.