DUNEWOOD

DUNEWOODBy Ellen AbramowitzDunewood Swim InvitationalThe second annual Dunewood Invitational in memory of Norman Vale, was held on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m., at the Dunewood Bay Beach. Norman Vale was a long time Dunewood avid swimmer, and in charge of the swim program for many years. The event was a smashing success with 48 participants, ages 5-13, from Ocean Beach, Saltaire and Dunewood. Parents, family, friends and neighbors from all three communities enjoyed the day for a fun afternoon of swimming.Swimmers participated in a variety of strokes from butterfly, backstroke, and breaststroke to basic freestyle. The kickboard action was also in full gear. Once again a shout-out and many kudos to Catrina Christensen, Dunewood’s head swim instructor, who organized another well-attended, successful and exciting event. Catrina also provided newly designed ribbons for the swimmers who showed their appreciation with glorious smiles by the Great South Bay.Dunewood Annual Beach PartyThe Dunewood community had their annual beach party for the second year in a row at the Dunewood Bay Beach. The party committee chose to have the Fiesta theme; same as last year’s beach party since the 2014 bash was such a huge success. Maggie Vale, in full head regalia, was the head of the party committee for a second straight year, and a good time was had by all once again.Pico’s in Bay Shore provided plenty of delicious food. The sangria, a secret recipe prepared by the Vale family, was made at their beach home. The large quantity produced filled a trash pail. No surprise that this easy drinking beverage was completely consumed by sunset. The informal gathering took place with a beautiful sunset serving as a backdrop over the Great South Bay and then continued under the moonlight.Many thanks to this year’s event coordinators for creating another delightful evening for our community: Maggie Vale, Merry Fisher, Gloria Perna and Cathy Bimberg. Cheers!Email Ellen at dunewood@fireisland-news.com.