Memorial Day weekend came as a surprise to sun lovers. We enjoyed sunny 60-degree days the previous weekend – not beach weather, but promising. By Wednesday, the promised Nor’easter brought rain, heavy winds, and “feels like” 40-degree temperatures.
Friday’s early ferries brought a horde of hopeful celebrants more than ready to celebrate, but Friday night’s scheduled outdoor concert had a chill in the air. And while beach dreams may have been dampened, a large number of Kismet folk still gathered at the flagpole on Saturday for a celebration of Memorial Day.
A contingent of Shriners from the Kismet Shrine in Massapequa made the occasion memorable. Fredrick Weis, one of Kismet’s founding Weis brothers, was a member of the Kismet Shrine in the 1920s. Sam Wood explained the history of our shared name and the heritage of “Kismet.”
A presentation followed as an Islip Town Proclamation was presented, honoring our centennial and hinting at future community events in store. A memorial plaque honoring the Weis brothers – Fred, Herbert, and Clifford – was also displayed. These founders deliberately planned a community, not just a weekend beach town. They sought families who were willing to work toward that end.
Historical photos show shirtless men with shovels and women with casseroles as they created the earliest infrastructure. Wood will be working with Larry Cole and others to develop plans for this summer’s events, which will include historical presentations, walking tours, and more.
Memorial Day was also honored as Phil V. collected funds for 41 wreaths to be placed at the gravesites of fallen veterans in December by Wreaths Across America.
By Monday, the sun came out, and the winds died down to taunt us.
This weekend is another busy one:
- The fourth annual “New Year’s Eve” is scheduled for June 7, from 3-6 p.m. at the East Lighthouse Playground and courts.
- Sunday, June 8, is the Kismet Community Association spring meeting at 10 a.m. at the firehouse. Pick up the new Kismet Directory that Elliot E. has created.
