A Touch of the Caribbean on Oneida Street.
As you walked up the stairs to the beach on Oneida Street, on July 8, the unmistakable sound of a steel drum welcomed you to Ocean Bay Park’s first sunset beach party of the 2023 season. Except for the fact that this is Fire Island, it was easy to imagine you were on the beach somewhere in the Caribbean. It was a balmy evening. The ocean was calm and that crystalline teal we get every so often. There were cocktails and wine and delicious finger food and standing by the dune fence was a musician playing a steel drum. What started last year as an informal meet and greet has now morphed into a community wide get together with folks from both the east and the west ends. Thank you to all the members of the Events Committee for another home run. It was a perfect way to end the July 4 holiday.
The next day, the Ocean Bay Park Association held its summer meeting at the firehouse. Among the many topics of discussion was the next beautification project. Members were reminded to respond to an online survey ranking their preferences as to how some of the income from the brick project will be spent. Over the years, the OBPA has produced a map of the community but it has been quite some time since we have offered a map that is up to date. Since this is Ocean Bay Park and we are always looking for an excuse to party, a “mappy hour” event to introduce and sell the new map was planned; however, it has been put on hold due to printing issues.
Association president Karen Kee announced that once again our annual fundraising event, the Silent Auction, would take place in August. She asked for volunteers as well as donations of goods and services. This is the Association’s main fundraising event and we rely on the proceeds to fund various community projects.
Paul Brincat has assumed the role of community manager due to Bartley Horton’s absence amid ongoing health issues. Paul recently retired from the FDNY as a battalion chief after 35 years of service. He is a member of the OBP FD and one of our five elected fire commissioners. Our insider nickname for Paul is MacGyver since he can fix anything, so rest assured our town is in good hands.
The sweltering heat and humidity did not put a damper on OBP’s first art, house and garden tour, which took place on Saturday, July 15. The event was completely sold out and a great success. There was even a group from the Cherry Grove Garden club who came to the Park to see how our gardens compare to theirs.
Please consider putting out a bowl of water for our four legged and feathered friends. They get thirsty too during this extended heat wave.
Save the Date: Aug. 12, Fran Miller’s Annual Art and Craft Show. It’s always a good time and all artists and crafters are welcome to showcase their offerings.
