Kismet Kapers

By Bradlee WhiteThis is the last issue of the FI News for 2019 and the cusp of the Labor Day weekend, a sure lead into fall. Sam’s workers are already out cutting down the drooping phragmites that slap unwary bicyclists in the face. Another big storm out of the west has brought cool weather. It is time for the last party events, the last Kismet League for Animal Welfare (KLAW) sale, and the almost last chance to meet and question the new FINS Superintendent Alexcy Romero. It is time for a little nostalgia as well as a look ahead to the fall KCA meeting and the Kismet Historical Society fundraiser in October.Looking back on the spring and summer: We had bingo, Sunday night movies, yoga and Pilates. Tom Licari won the Battle of the Bloody Mary, KFD held its annual open house, The Kismet Historical Society held a logo contest, KFDA sponsored CPR training and KLAW held its 22nd annual Flea Market. The Clifford/Gordon crew won the Sandcastle building contest. Fierce rains drove the Burger Cookoff contestants to shelter at the Lambe house while Seabay’s annual potluck was canceled for fear of another torrential rain. The Fourth of July festivities were fabulous, the parade delightful, the food delicious, and the raffles successful for the KFD and KLAW. Riley Cole and Kai Sitone collected for the Riverhead Marine Foundation. The all day Festival by the Bay offered fun and prizes as well as interesting vendors. It topped last year’s despite the heat. Comedy night, hosted by Sam Wood, was uproariously comical. The Fire Island Wildlife Foundation posted signs and sponsored a full page ad in the Fire Island News to alert islanders to the threat of the upcoming FINS Deer Hunt and to solicit help in stopping it.Sadly, this summer also brought the sudden passing of three long-term seasonal residents of Kismet, all described as strong-willed, talented women. Carole Thomas, a professional woman, was a do-it-yourselfer with great skill and talent, who was described as a “tough cookie” with strong convictions. She loved cats and worked tirelessly fund-raising for KLAW.Lynn Gioiella was a teacher, administrator and author of textbook articles in the field of nursing and health professions. She served as president and member of the board of Kismet’s Camelot.Described as “feisty” by her family, Dolores Dabe, passed away on Aug. 11, in her sleep at the West Village co-op she called home for 40 years. She became a Kismet homeowner on Seabay Walk in 1996. An accomplished artist, Dolores was an elite, established presence among the top tier of lingerie designers. Later, she expanded into ceramics, painting, and mixed media. Her Kismet home reflected her sense of design. She too loved cats and became a tenacious advocate for the “outdoor” cats cared for by KLAW, researching cat food prices and producing eye catching signage for KLAW events. I was able to meet with her sister, Ruth, and niece, Dori, who I had heard so much about. I will miss my “feisty” friend and neighbor.Upcoming Events:• The Kismet League for Animal Welfare will hold a special Labor Day Sale on Saturday, Aug. 30, in the driveway across from the Firehouse. The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature a professional jewelry designer with her collection, designer beach cover-ups and drawings for gift certificates to local and off-island eateries.• The fundraiser for the Kismet Historical Society will be held Sunday, Oct. 6, from 2-4 p.m., at the Inn. Everyone is being asked to bring photos they would like to be scanned and archived for the historical project. Minimum donation is $30.