With unpredictable weather, it has been one of those summers. Kismet’s fourth annual New Year’s Eve party was canceled two weeks ago with rain, fog, and overall “ugh.” Lots of food was not cooked, frozen, or tossed, but happily, the champagne was recycled for a party on the tennis courts on Sunday after the Kismet Community Association (KCA) meeting. A fond farewell was bid to volunteer John Altieri, who is retiring after this season, when he and Makela will be heading south.
There is always a lot of news coming out of a KCA meeting. The Pedicab is now state-licensed, has more vehicles, and will station one at the Firehouse for emergencies. Thanks to the incredible volunteer turnout last fall, our snow fencing is nearly done, avoiding a large expenditure. Sidewalk maintenance by the Town of Islip remains an issue due to a misunderstanding of the Town’s early 2000s commitment. Warren has been meeting with his counterpart at the Town, and Frank B. has a wealth of historical knowledge. They will continue to work to address these issues.
Everyone in every community disapproves of E-bike abuse. Please join KCA President Gary J. Leone to register complaints by calling Islip, your legislators, and regulators. Leone has been invited to join the Town of Islip’s new initiative for comprehensive community planning, named TOI-360, which will address erosion and flooding, among other issues facing South Shore communities. Kismet Fire Department (KFD) Chief Cody Baker thanked the Kismet Fire Department Auxiliary (KFDA) for their fundraising efforts, where Emmy R. recently won the Raffle of Raffles. Homeowners may purchase fire extinguishers and blankets from KFD, and Brooke L. is one of two in training to be EMTs. Sam Wood, president of the Kismet Historical Society, spoke of the upcoming Kismet-100 events, which will include two indoor historical presentations in July and August, a special $100 per ticket 50-50 raffle, and a Kismet Birthday Party on September 26 featuring music tents, food, and music by Tim Mooney & Friends. Two new homeowners were recognized: Bob (Bobby) R. is a long-time Seabay renter. Leone acknowledged the passing of three long-time Kismet residents – Helen Hellman (the “purple lady”), Joyce Ann of “Xanadu,” and Tommy Fields (obituary to follow). KCA treasurer Jane Mooney announced the Community Cart will be available upon request for handicap assistance, with service available from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Requests should be made at least 6 hours before pickup.
July 4 celebrations will be held on Sunday, July 6. Wagon-based “floats” should assemble by 10:30 a.m. on Burma Road – between East and West Lighthouse Walks – for an 11:00 a.m. start. Choose from Beauty, History, or Topical themes for prizes to be awarded. A patriotic ceremony will follow, with everyone assembled at the flagpole. KFD is cooking again and KFDA will sell t-shirts, hoodies, and the Kismet League for Animal Welfare (KLAW) will raffle a bicycle. Guests this year include the Kismet Shriners. Our founder, Fred Weis – a Shrine member – named the first ferry and our community, as well as a group of Canine Companion puppies in training to stay calm in the midst of chaos and cacophony. They have already ridden a rush-hour ferry.
