Greetings!
It’s already the end of April, but for most of us, it still doesn’t feel like the beginning of spring — for a number of reasons. Nonetheless, I want to make sure to keep all of you informed of the latest updates on the effects of the pandemic and other issues related to the Pines.
Update on COVID-19
Governor Cuomo has indicated a phased re-opening of New York State. Although there are yet no specifics, Downstate New York (including New York City and Suffolk County) will have its own schedule. Of particular importance to the Pines and Fire Island is the fact that the Suffolk County Executive has created a working group on summer beaches. This group will address a host of issues including some that will affect Fire Island. We can expect more information in the weeks ahead. In any case, testing and contact tracing—currently in development at Johns Hopkins—will be paramount with regard to the re-opening.
I have received mixed reports about whether Pines residents are complying with the Governor’s Executive Order to maintain social distancing and wear masks in public. Some residents are, and some aren’t. I continue to urge everyone to comply with the Executive Order at all times. We must work together as the great community that we are to keep everyone healthy and safe. It’s up to all of us.
Sayville Ferry Service reports that ridership continues to be low after a peak during the last two weeks of March. The Ferry staff is wearing masks and asking passengers to maintain social distancing on the ferries. The staff is also dealing with a large amount of freight being brought over by residents, as there is “so much stuff coming.” SFS will allow residents to bring freight on the ferries for at least a while longer while they monitor the situation, and as noted in our e-mail of April 17th, SFS now has a designated “freight boat” on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. SFS is asking residents on the passenger ferry to limit their “carry-ons” to valuable items, clothing, and perishables.
I would like to salute the Stein Family – Judy, Gwen and Ken – for keeping our ferries running through a very difficult time. The Stein family and ferry staff are essential workers who have done an excellent job since the first day of the epidemic. In particular, the ferry staff has assisted passengers with their many packages and groceries, and they have also delivered residents’ parcels on the late afternoon boats, risking potential expose to the virus.
Reminder
As much as we are all eager to get back to normal, I want to remind everyone that Governor Cuomo has still urged everyone to stay in place and avoid travel. At the moment, the “NY Pause” remains in effect until May 15th. Rates of infection are lessening, but we are not yet out of the woods. Staying in place is still the most effective means of reducing transmission of the virus. Above all, do not come to the Pines if you are sick with cold or COVID-19 symptoms. Those with few symptoms, and even those who are asymptomatic, can still spread the virus without knowing it.
Outlook on the Summer Season
It is increasingly apparent to me that this is not going to be a normal summer season in the Pines. There is every indication that we will need to continue to maintain social distancing well into the summer. As a result, many of our normal summer events are going to be affected. Whyte Hall will remain closed for events in May, and we have postponed the FIPPOA annual Spring Membership Meeting on May 18th.
Early summer events that have so far been cancelled include the Pines Care Center’s opening party, the Broadway Bares event in early June, and FIPAP’s June 13th opera event. After talking with Grove residents Diane Romano and Panzi, the founder of the Fourth of July Invasion, we have decided to cancel the Invasion. We do this with great sadness, but we cannot guarantee the safety of the “invaders” or the public. The Fire Island Dance Festival has decided to cancel its festival over the weekend of July 17th. I was asked to convey the love and admiration of Broadway Cares for the Pines and its residents, and to let you know that DRA is committed to continuing its support of the Pines Care Center. And last but not least, the Pines Party Committee is meeting on Monday to make a decision about the Pines Party.
FIMI
Now for some better news! Residents in the community have seen the new cut at Coast Guard Walk. According to the Army Corps, it is state-of-the-art and replaces the cut that has been a problem for years. We will see how it performs. Today, the contractor is finishing the handrails in Davis Park and will then move immediately to finish the handrails in the Pines. We are still expecting the public access walks to be open by the end of April.
