Photo credit - Tami Hausman

It was very heartening to see the ferries running on Monday filled with people returning to the Pines after Henri. Welcome back to the Pines and enjoy the sunshine and light breeze off the ocean!

The AIDS Memorial Task Force would like to begin documenting stories from those in our community impacted by HIV/AIDS. To collect and preserve our stories, the Task Force has partnered with StoryCorps, a national oral history project. StoryCorps is making a special trip to the Pines the weekend of September 17^th. The Task Force is looking for community volunteers to participate that weekend in the story telling process. If you are interested in learning more or wish to participate, here is additional information from the AIDS Memorial Task Force.

Our Seashore Defense Fund “stay cool brigade” served up $5 scoops of The Pines Pantry donated delicious ice cream in the harbor during a 90+ degree Saturday afternoon. Over $1,000 was raised! Many thanks to Erik Bottcher, Joshua Judge, and Jory Stiefel. We are grateful to The Pines Pantry for their on-going support of the SDF and for “topping off” the ice cream with an additional $500 donation rather than sprinkles and chocolate sauce.

On September 18^th, FIPPOA will hold its Fall Community Meeting and Election on the Albert Lepage Pavilion at Whyte Hall. Nine candidates are running for five open board positions. Hard copy ballots (“absentee ballots”) were mailed out this week by First Class mail to members’ primary addresses on file with FIPPOA.

Please note that the email ballots offered last year due to Covid will not be an option this year. 

Absentee ballots must be received by Friday, September 17^th. FIPPOA is not responsible for the timely receipt of ballots sent by mail.

If you haven't renewed your FIPPOA membership, or if you would like to sign up as a new member, please go to our Membership page to sign up today. You must be current to vote in the election. 

Here are the biographies of the nine candidates running for director.

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Fire Island Pines friend and neighbor, Vinny Mascoli. He passed away peacefully in New York City on August 14^th at the age of 56.

Vinny grew up in Bethpage, Long Island and worked at Pfizer for over 30 years. He went back to school in his 40s and got a master’s degree and doctorate in pharmacology.

A homeowner of the Pines for more than two decades, Vinny loved his house on Floral Walk. He was a great neighbor and Vinny was happiest when he was floating in his pool. He was an avid gardener and was proud of his landscaping including his annual plantings around his house and deck.

Well-known for his unique, infectious laugh and beautiful smile, Vinny had a great disposition and a smile for everyone. He enjoyed watching TV shows and rereading books, especially biographies. He was smart, kind to his friends, dependable, trustworthy, and devoted to his friends and family. We miss him tremendously.