Many of the newer houses are exceptionally large with high views of the vista and the sunset. They are all surrounded with decks high and low where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or dine in a luxury setting. The social life in the Pines is whatever you want to make of it.
This famous glorious little town on a sandbar across from Sayville is bordered by the Great South Bay on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It is one place where you can get lost and never know what’s going on, or you can have a luxurious, wonderful time. It has a beautiful natural harbor where the Invasion takes place every Fourth of July. The crowds arrive in droves from neighboring communities and the mainland, rushing to be up front and get a view of the Invaders arriving from the Grove. To be continued, deadline for this issue fell days short of the Invasion this year, so thank you for your patience – more photos and coverage to follow next issue!
I dined with Michael in the Pines at the Bistro one night last week. We loved the ambiance, the service, the food. Our waiter Carlos was terrific. John Casesse and his partner, Kent, were sitting just a few tables away. We also met Gina Wade and her husband, BJ Ford, and their two children, Jake and Emerson, who live in Los Angeles. Gina is the producer for events sponsored by Grinder. They had the Slumber Camp party at The Pavilion, Canteen and at the Hotel Poolside. She and her family spent one week in the Pines.
T. Oliver Reid, a Broadway performer who just finished a successful run in “Sunset Boulevard” was walking with his friend, Jeremiah Feathers, in the Pines. They also visited Cherry Grove and attended one of the weekday drag shows. T. Oliver always hosts the preshow in the Pines for the Invasion, and the audience always enjoys the presentation.
The lovely Nicole LaFountaine always sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the preshow.
She and her husband, Paul Stoeher, were casually driving along Fire Island Boulevard when I stopped them.
Kenny Lesser arrived in the Pines on his private yacht.
Bobby Michel spent five days in San Francisco, where he attended the Gay Film Festival at the Castro Theatre. He was thrilled to see two new films, “After Louie” starring Alan Cumming, who is our very own local, Broadway and TV star; and “Boys Short” with Danny DeVito. Bobby is back on the Island and was able to attend “The Best of Times is Now” in the Grove last Saturday night along with Lila Swell and her guest, Michelle Cohen. Other members of the Pines I said hello to at the theatre were Hal Hayes, Gil Neary, Peter Kiernan and Roy Vickery.
Tony La Rocco and Bill Moore had Tony’s nephew Bob Macaluso and his husband, Steve Ferguson, from Syracuse, for the July 4 weekend as their guests. Seen dining in the Grove were Ward Auerbach and Andy Baker with some friends.
The community is very sad about the fire on Cedar and Pine Walks. Our friends Dr. Chris Coad and Kevin Kowalski lost their house. Kevin was sleeping when he was awakened by the noise. Fortunately he was able to escape safely. Richard Cohen and Ted Karagannis also lost their homes in the tragic event. We wish all those affected the best as they rebuild and start again.
My friend Laura Haim had a short visit to the Pines. She had to return to her job in Paris, where she is working with new President Emmanuel Macron. We hope to see her back in town again soon.
Daniel Nardicio presented some of the RuPaul Drag Race performers at Whyte Hall. They included Pixie, Monet, Shangela and Alyssa.
“Shabbat in The Pines” had its first gathering last Friday night. They are affiliated with B’Nai Olam Synagogue.
We wish Bill Katon a speedy recovery after his recent heart surgery.
We lost a dear friend of the Pines: Tom Rabig was a homeowner, businessman and socialite in the Pines for at least 40 years. He had a pool service business and was one of the first Mobility Cart drivers in the Pines. A Mobility Cart named in his honor was donated about six years ago.
• The Pines Fire Department is having its Annual Barbecue Luncheon at the Fire House on Saturday, July 8, at 12:30 p.m. Lots of franks, hamburgers and all the trimmings will be served. They always have great gifts to be raffled off.
• God’s Love We Deliver is having a fundraiser in the Pines on Saturday, July 8, at 396 Ocean Walk from 4-6 p.m.
• The Lambda Legal annual luncheon/fundraiser will be held on Saturday, July 15, from 1-5 p.m. at the home of Eric Baker and Bill Kapfer and Eddie Adwell and Keith Headley. Visit lambdalegal.org for ticket information.
• Broadway Cares Equity fights AIDS will present the Fire Island Dance Festival, DRA, on the weekend of July 14-16. For ticket information, visit dradance.org.
• Yoga in the Pines at Whyte Hall, conducted by Jason Vinci, continues every Saturday and Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
