KISMET: Across the Bay with MJ
By Marijane VoltzIt’s June 26, and the lifeguards are officially back on duty. With summer recess kicking off nearly four weeks ago and people swimming at their own risk, thankfully there have been zero causalities. With rip currents and a strong undertow at times, it is imperative to have a watchful eye on our ocean swimmers. Kismet has already witnessed a few saves in just one week. The community is thankful to have their guards back and look forward to a safe summer of water activities and fun.Tuesday, June 31, Patti and Dwayne Diesu of Pine Walk, hosted the party of all parties at their beautiful home in East Islip. In true Gatsby style, guests arrived to the Diesu’s palatial estate greeted with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, which were served poolside, overlooking the Great South Bay. On the horizon, you could see a private boat from Kismet making its way to shore, courtesy of Jane and Tim Mooney. On board were 20 or so Kisminites, excited to learn more about the North Shore LIJ Southside Hospital Pirate Festival.It was truly a site seeing so many residents from both sides of the bay come together in support of a good cause that benefits us all. The festival is geared towards bringing awareness to the medical care that everyone is privy to on Fire Island. Don’t forget to lend your support on Aug. 4. For more information or if you have any interest in volunteering, call Kaitlin Wojnar at 631-968-3478.This year’s 4th of July weekend was packed full of one activity after the next, as Kismet celebrated its 50th anniversary of 4th of July parades. Sam Wood’s mother started the parade in 1965, hosting it for the first 40 years, and then passing the baton onto Sam, who has taken the reigns for the past 10. To kick off the weekend, Sam provided a picture show at the firehouse, compiling photos of every parade spanning back 50 years. It was a peaceful afternoon as neighbors gathered together to look at extraordinary images of the past and present. In addition to the pictures, Larry Cole provided black and white movie footage from 1968, showing members of the community coming together to build a floating dock, which had been anchored to the west of the Kismet ferry terminal. When the dock was complete, the film moved on showing neighbors and friends joyfully reveling in the bay – Happiness!On the south side of the firehouse was Sam’s brother, John, otherwise known as “The Birdman.” John Wood and his wife, Susan, are the founders of the Raptor Project, which is a 14-acre facility located in the Catskills of New York. Their focus is to take in an array of birds such as owls, eagles, falcons and hawks that have been wounded and/or are handicapped. These birds cannot return to the wild and therefore become representatives of their species, allowing people to get a closer look at who and what they are about, in a non-threatening manner.Thanks to the Raptor Project, Kismet had the opportunity to see a bald eagle up close. This particular bald eagle, which goes by the name of Uncle Sam, had a wingspan of 6 feet. Due to being hit by a truck while feasting on roadkill, Uncle Sam lost part of his left wing. The Raptor Project visits thousands of facilities a year, educating children and adults about these beautiful species.July 3 and 4 were busy nights for the Inn, the Out and what appears to be the new kid on the block, The Wine and Vine. With the Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well tour underway and The Chicago concert available on Live Stream, the Wine and Vine transformed into a miniature concert hall. With a large screen for viewing, Kisminites and Deadheads alike flocked to see the show.Chez Rudy and Patty Lyons hosted their annual 4th of July bash for the Kismet Fire Department and friends. With endless amounts of catered food, desserts and drinks, their party was superlative. Children, and some adults, adorned their togs and swam in the pool, while everyone else enjoyed some great laughs and poolside company.Joyce Cole arrived to the party in red, white, blue and purple, that’s right, purple. Joyce’s father, First Lieutenant Vollbracht, had been wounded three times during the war, receiving the Purple Heart and two Oak Leaf Clusters. Mrs. Cole proudly wears her father’s accolade around her neck every 4th of July, as memoriam of a great husband, wonderful father and courageous soldier. As a side note, Mrs. Cole had mentioned that her father and mother were both first lieutenants, on the verge of being made captain. Being stationed in different locations and missing his true love, Lieutenant Vollbracht wrote his own pass one weekend, which was a big “No No.” Getting caught, he was reprimanded and missed out on captain, but was happy with the decision he had made. Mrs. Vollbracht would have made captain, but thankfully the war came to an end.Rolling right into July 5, it was parade day. Kismet was out in full force as the Bay Shore Fire Department’s Marching Band led the beautiful floats the children made, through town. The Cole’s proudly marched their Happy 50 Birthday Hamlet of Kismet float, while the Lambe’s and the Boyle’s happily displayed their “Jaws” banner. Every float was wonderful and the parents and children did Kismet proud.This year’s 4th of July parade brought back two of our boys, Grady O’Halleran and Nick Guinta, both first class privates with the United States Marine Corp. They did Kismet the Honor of raising the flag, while Grace Wood sang a beautiful national anthem. It was a touching moment to watch these men that we once knew as boys, adorn the uniform of so many woman and men before them. Thank you First Private Class O’Halleran and Guinta and thank you to all who have served our beautiful country.Kismet news tips you want to share with MJ? Email her at kismet@fireisland-news.com.
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