The challenge that Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) faced in commemorating its 60th Anniversary was how one reconciles the anniversary of two disparate occasions. They rose to the occasion beautifully on the terrace of Fire Island Lighthouse as 71 men and women took the oath of citizenship in a moving naturalization ceremony organized through a […]

Taking time to commemorate September 11th is often best done in the company of others for friendship and support while paying one’s respects. Such gatherings in local enclaves are among the most intimate. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. Here are some public commemorations to consider along South Shore Long Island.   Babylon […]

Over a hundred participants, wearing the signature color of the American Alzheimers Association, took part in the second annual Fire Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  If you were a beachgoer or boater near Saltaire or Kismet on Sunday, August 25, you probably caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a large purple cluster moving […]

South Shore University Hospital (SSUH) is the first hospital in Suffolk County to acquire the brand new da Vinci 5 surgical system for robotic-assisted surgery. SSUH is one of only three hospitals in New York State to have the system. “This cutting-edge technology is a game-changer for our surgical team, enabling us to enhance patient […]

Riverhead Building Supply’s inaugural tradeshow last year in Ocean Beach was a great success; a sequel only made sense. So, the events will return to our shores on Friday, September 13, from 2-6 p.m. at the Ocean Beach Community House.   “We had so much fun the last time we thought we’d do it all […]

The call about the new Patchogue Arts Council (PAC) grant came on the afternoon of June 25. Mayor Paul Pontieri answered his cell phone: New York State Governor Kathy Hochul was on the line. “She said, `I understand the Patchogue Arts Council is looking to build a cultural arts center. We have $2 million for […]

Sunday was quiet in Cherry Grove after the Pines Party concluded. Those who went slept all day and returned to the closing party until 8 p.m. The party was a fundraising success, breaking prior records. The music, costumes, atmosphere, and crowds were spectacular. The proceeds were given to LGBTQ+ organizations. The Cherry Grove Garden Club […]

Due to inclement weather in Fire Island Pines and the rest of Fire Island, the Pines Party VIP cocktail gathering on Friday night quickly moved to Whyte Hall. All space was available, including a tent over the large outdoor deck. Guests arrived in costume. The food, the drinks, the DJ, and the show featuring Davida […]

State officials are questioning the future of the Fire Island Pedicab service operating between Robert Moses Field 5, the Fire Island Lighthouse, and the outskirts of Kismet. Justin Galbraith, the owner of Fire Island Pedicab, is fighting to preserve his service and has started a petition to demonstrate public support. George Gorman, Long Island regional […]

International Lighthouse Weekend is held every August. On this annual weekend event, licensed radio amateurs (hams) worldwide go to a local lighthouse to celebrate their presence. This year, International Lighthouse Weekend was held on August 17 and 18; Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club members set up their equipment just like Guglielmo Marconi; who made […]

“We are destroying this incredible living fossil, chopping it up for bait,” New York State Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick told me in an interview recently. Glick is the author of a bill in the NY State Assembly, with which a companion bill in the NY State Senate has already passed to improve horseshoe crab protection. […]