Barefoot and Wagons
By Sandy Drawers

What an amazing, sweltering weekend here in OB—from the Film Festival to the first town meeting with Joe Loeffler as mayor. Hot!

At the meeting, what it all seems to come down to is the need to rewrite village ordinances. With complaints about golf cart traffic, it seems that a new “no” might be also in the works. Every cocktail party Ira and I attend, we hear the complaints about the McMansions in town. Some folks are bringing it to the attention of the new mayor that new village building or planning codes are needed to save the ‘beach cottage’ feel of the town. Well, it may not be too late as the new trustee comes from the planning board and Joe seems to be willing to hear us out. I know it was not fun when our neighbor built a huge house—now he can see us showering outside...not so kinky...

The Film Fest was a great hit. The movies were often heavy with themes—from “9/12,” about the community of volunteers that formed after the World Trade bombings, to “Zahira,” a story of peace and survival after the Madrid train bombings. They underscored the global and compassionate nature of humanity. The theme of an independent lens goes well with Fire Island, I think. Special thanks to Greg and Sue! And Sal and Steve!

Tidbits

You might have heard the rumblings, and it’s not rain thunder, but close. The Alligator is finally giving up the wet T-shirt contests... to bikini wrestling. Oy. When will that place be sold already?

Some folks around town are grumbling about the Village Green’s new function as a public park. After years of pristine grass and posted warnings of “Stay off!,” the signs are nowhere to be seen, leaving the Green to be littered with paper plates and napkins, trampled down by rowdy kids, and napped on by roaming daytrippers.

A few lucky OBers were invited into Point O’ Woods at the last minute this past Saturday night for a private concert by former Beach Boy Brian Wilson and his band. Rumors are that it was a favor for a POW music exec, but otherwise the concert was a very well-kept secret enjoyed by FI’s elite.

We heard that the controversial bayfront condo may not be sold as you think. Does that mean the sunset may be saved...for Matthews folks?

Events

Join Rob Ashmore at Janet LaViolette’s (Nurse Janet) home at 187 Wilmott on Sunday, July 23 for an open house and discussion of how to turn your home solar. Coffee, bagels and pastries will be served. If you can’t make that date, jump on a water taxi Saturday afternoon, the 22nd, around 4 p.m. for champagne and chocolate at an open house in Saltaire. For details go to info@abcrealgoodssolar.com or 917-496-4439.

The Garden Club has its first tour on Sunday at noon. Call 583- 9325 for details on where. Look for Diana Heim at the Free Union Church this Saturday night at 8 p.m. for classical songs .

Angels Are Among Us

Deirdre Balarezo Abrami, who grew up year-round in Ocean Beach (daughter of Donna Balarezo, former town clerk) and now lives in Florida with her husband and two children is in town to give a two-part series of lectures on intuition. The first one, “Angel Messages” is Saturday, July 22. The second, on July 29, will look at “Building Your Intuition.” All from 5–7:30 p.m. at the OB Court House. Her power, she claims, comes from a personal path, having an incredible story of self-healing and survival.

Happy birthday to Brian O’Handley on July 24.

See you on the beach.