Fire Island Pines archivist, photographer, and author Robert Bonanno (“Lessons from the Beach,” “Reflections of Love from Fire Island”) invited Q News to the Fire Island Pines Historical Society’s festive “Souvenirs” Pre-Tea cocktail reception, at the Blue Whale, on the Pines Harbor, on July 15.
Inside, DJ Warren Gluck celebrated iconic music of the 1970s. Outside, on the deck, we hobnobbed with Robert and his partner, artist John Mansueto; Robin Byrd; LifeBeat and SpinCycle’s Chip Duckett and playwright David Colbert (“COAL [Confessions of a Liar]”); custom leatherwear designer David Samuel Menkes; Fire Island Tide columnist Bob Levine and Fire Island News reporter Vanessa Rothschild; DJs Susan Morabito and Steven Oliveri; Erin Stacy Visslailli; handsome leatherman André; Kent C. Dillon, driver of the SAGE “Margie” cart and builder of the “Bridge of Carnal Desires” in the Meat Rack, and young Matty, sporting bear ears and high heels; realtor Bob Howard; and Whyte Hall designer Scott Bromley.
We enjoyed fruit, vegetable, meat, and cheese hors d’oeuvres with dips, and bartenders Rob and Giorgio served us our drinks, while providing eye candy.