Kismet Kapers
By Bradlee White

Again, I missed the Inn-Out softball game, held a week ago at the beautiful Saltaire playing field, but thanks to “super reporter” Chris, I got the story. The day, as usual, was humid and bug-infested. Half the players were barefoot including Sean Toth, who with his jaunty Captain’s hat flying, hit the only true home run—a grand slam. The Inn guys said it was a closer game this year: they only won 16-10. They figured the Irish girls must have been practicing. (Maybe it was the new homerun rules.)The Inn’s Jimmy slid head first into home even though catcher Crystal missed the ball. Ryan Mayer, an Out Cook, was awesome in the field. Others mentioned included Shanna (Out) who got a hit off Zach ( Inn). Molly pitched for the Out while Kevin was the Inn’s catcher. Bonnie—new blood—played first base. Tommy Field, with coffee in one hand, a beer in the other, was the unofficial referee. Brian Kelly taped it and was contemplating showing it on the Out’s large screen at midnight Friday. He may also upload highlights to his Beach Blender website. Last Tuesday was also the occasion of the Fire Island School play and graduation night with Kismet grads Gabby and Vickie Messenger among the honorees. Sam & Amy Wood join other Kismetians on a trip to Virginia to celebrate Dud and Gerry Field’s 60th wedding anniversary.

The weather killed us this weekend, though, as usual, the forecast was far worse than the real thing. Paul W. arrived from FL just in time to experience his favorite kind of weekend. The only heavy rains were Sunday morning, with the sun back by 4 or 5 p.m. Although Friday was intermittently sunny, there were few arrivals. No one got off the 2:15 ferry: there were about 10 people on the 5:30 including Tom & Marilyn and Bicycle Bill. Phil Villacci touched down for 24 hours, bringing his and Patt’s daughter, Gianna, to look at the new house construction. She approved, so they hope to be in by August… Saturday morning was a time for sleep, Trivial Pursuit marathons like at Aqua Palace, early parties and bar visits.

Full House

I knew the comedy presentation fund-raiser for the fire department had sold out all the tickets, but, with the weather, I was amazed to find that all the seats were filled and then some. They came from all over – the big boat crowd, Bobby & Mary, Dusty & Mike, Don & Debbie sitting with Jimmy & Joanie and Vic and Rose just behind 5 Dus. Delores S. headed up a table with Regina & Jacques, Helen Q., Bill P. and Katherine Mc. The former Flower Ladies/Laddies Amy & Sam, Rusty & Judy, Patty L. & Rudy, and Marsha & Art were up front near Chris & Bill J., Joe B., Susan, Carole and Marilyn P. Ashley & Erika shared a table with Dave & Krysia. Others I spotted were Sharon & Tom S., Arthur & Nancy, Peter & Michele, Charlie & Phyllis, Alice, Lynn, Roz, Martha, Herb & Rebecca, Mark & Sherri, Diane, Bobbie & Jack Baker, Bobby R., Tommy F., Jean Mc., Joe & Karen Kelly, Linda & Buddy, Christine & Pete, Gary & Dawn, Tom & Cheryl, Summerwind's Mandels and Stefanos, Fran & Don and probably countless others I missed. They’d even set aside “press seats”. The fourth comedian, Mike (I think they were all named Mike except Dr. Perry—who wasn’t THE Dr. Perry, formerly of Sunset House and Way Way Yonder) called Jeannie out on taking notes (guess he missed my camera). He also cracked the Flower Ladies up when he joked about “Ladies’ Nights” that included women saying, “Let’s do shots” and “Let’s have margaritas.” Because, or in spite of, Warren quipping that such entertainment was somehow appropriate now that so many of us were pushing or over 50, it was a wildly successful night. The audience was in a good mood and ready to laugh. Patti Romanzi and Joan McKeehan put the show together, with help from their spouses, Lou and Joe. Other volunteers included Rudy, Gary L., Arthur G. who helped with the stage, Peter S., Charlie U., Tommy F., & Bobby R. Mike Dillon of Medford was the MC and liaison for the comedians. Bryana Romanzi spent hours in the kitchen preparing the cheese platters. Sam Wood won $375 in the 50-50 and donated it back to the Fire Dept.

Cats For Adoption

Cats, do we have cats. Don’t know how it happens—I don’t think they all walk in by themselves—but we’ve got at least four new cats this year. Unfortunately, two of them have had litters (before they were spayed.) Tony P. and Dylan J. found a tiny kitten in Tony’s garage Saturday. They rescued and took care of it and Tony’s mother took it home to a friend. On Sunday, several people noticed two kittens (seven weeks old) on the deck of Lions Head. I’d just gotten them home and settled when Tony, his sister Ilyssa and half-brother Christian knocked on the door with four more—siblings of the one they found before and not a day over three wks. They’re all available for viewing, feeding, grooming and adoption.

The big 4th of July Parade for kids is Sunday. Start with your kids and a wagon. Dress them up as Most Patriotic, Most Topical or Most Beautiful. Meet at the pumphouse on Burma Rd. & Oak before 11 a.m. The parade ends up by the Market and firehouse where fire department. members will serve a scrumptious BBQ!