Dear Karen,

On Saturday, August 19^th our community will celebrate a milestone, our 70^th year since the formation of the Pines community, and FIPPOA more specifically.

But first, let’s travel back 10 years ago just as we embarked on celebrating our 60^th……….



Back then, the Pines was in a very different financial position. We were expecting to incur a loss, the first ever, and FIPPOA’s Treasurer (Mike Hartstein) pleaded with the board for someone to volunteer to plan a event that would not only celebrate the milestone, but also make a profit. 

As the newest member of the board, I along with Mike’s wife Laura, raised our hands, and if we must say so ourselves, the event was spectacular. The community gathered at Whyte Hall where everything was donated. Caterers offered one of their signature hors d’oeuvres, the Pines Liquor Shop arranged for several wineries to conduct tastings, the Pines Pantry donated goods, and Scott Bromley and Tony Impavido curated a “pop-up” museum and video tribute to the Pines.  Once tickets sold out (due to food and beverage capacity), many people unfortunately had to be turned away. Including a Bob Howard produced journal, the event raised more than $50,000. 

Today, our community is in a much stronger financial position for two reasons: the Pines Foundation Endowment (thanks to former FIPPOA President Alan Brockman’s estate) and the Pines Party. 10 years ago, the Pines Party netted $7,000, leaving $1,500 for a grant to the Stonewall Foundation and $5,500 for use within the Pines. This year, the party will net over $300,000, and after a grant of at least $70,000 to Stonewall, will provide over $200,000 for use within the community. 

At the onset of our planning for the 70^th celebration, FIPPOA’s board and the volunteer committee that has done the hard work over the past six months, committed that the party should be as welcoming and accessible as possible and not to turn anyone away (no fences). Furthermore, with our strengthened financial position, the FIPPOA board decided that the party should be a pure celebration and need not generate a profit of any kind.

This year’s extravaganza will be held on the beach beginning at 4PM and will include an 8-piece band, the return of DJ Lina (who also spun at the 60^th!) to provide the soundtrack as we dance with feet in the sand until sunset, dinner, drinks, and this year’s Fashion in the Pines. 

And to make the event as inclusive and accessible as possible, the Committee developed a tiered pricing structure so that all can attend and select the party experience of their choosing.

• FREE - No need for food or drink, but want to dance, sit in the sand, and enjoy all the entertainment? No ticket is required!
• PICNIC - Want a beach picnic catered by the Cull House with S’mores by MitchMallows, an open bar and treats throughout the celebration? Set up your own picnic on the beach for $136.25 per person (including fees).
• TABLE - Want all the above but would like a seat at shaded picnic tables? Choose a reserved table ticket, starting at $218.
• KEEPSAKE – All ticketed attendees will receive a 70^th anniversary keepsake photo book, produced in collaboration with the Pines Historical Society.

We expect all categories requiring a ticket to sell out soon. Therefore, if you want dinner, an open bar or seating, I strongly encourage you to go online now to reserve whichever ticket category best suits both your choice of experience and budget. 

Finally, I would like to thank the FIPPOA and Pines Foundation Board of Directors for supporting this community event. And I would like to share an abundance of gratitude to the dedicated, hardworking community volunteers who conceived of this year’s party. 

The Pines 70th Host Committee:

Steven Alan Black

Scott Bromley

John Dempsey

Harry Hayes

Tony Impavido

Peter Kriss

Vinnie Petrarca (co-chair)

Nate Pinsley (co-chair)

Annabelle Rinehart

Crayton Robey

See you on the beach in about two weeks.

Henry

Click here to renew or join FIPPOA Today!

Henry Robin, President

Allan Baum, Vice President

Alan Brodherson, Secretary

Eric Sawyer, Treasurer

Gary Clinton, Greg Henniger, Andrew Kirtzman, Chris Mai, Charles Montorio-Archer, Jay Pagano, Nate Pinsley, Leland Rechis, Russell Saray, Ed Schulhafer, and Matt Tague.