Archives
Pines Profile - Nicole LaFountaine (b. 1969)
For almost a century, the LaFountaine’s have been at the beating heart of Fire Island Pines—building homes, fighting fires, raising glasses, raising roofs, and raising voices. Nicole LaFountaine stands as the third generation of that legacy: a woman who turned fire into renewal, theatre into community, and heritage into hope.
New Year’s Eve in the Pines
One of the less known traditions in the Pines is celebrating New Year’s Eve. For years, at a time when the summer season is a distant memory, people have crossed the Great South Bay to ring in the New Year with their year-round neighbors. The enduring and increasingly popular ritual is a reminder that the Pines is far more than a seasonal beach resort; rather, it is a true community where people have put down strong and durable roots.
The Pines Conservation Society (Est. 1962)
One of the most striking things about Fire Island Pines is its natural beauty. A community embedded amongst a lush haven of trees, flowers, and dunes, with pristine beaches and surrounded by wildlife, for many it’s nothing short of paradise.
But paradise doesn’t just happen. For decades, generations of residents have poured their time, love, and resources into keeping the Pines as breathtaking as it is today. Among the heroes leading that charge is the Pines Conservation Society, whose quiet, tireless work has helped preserve and protect this special place.
The Pines and the Fight Against AIDS
The Pines was Ground Zero for both the start of the AIDS epidemic and the world’s response to it. As we mark World AIDS Day on December 1st, we look back on the journey that brought us to the point that AIDS is no longer a fatal disease, and on the profound role members of the Pines community played in making that possible. These warriors banded with others from across the country to overcome immense resistance and reshape how medical research is conducted and expand the social-service systems we rely on today. In this way, they improved the lives for millions of people. Today, with the LGBTQ+ community once again under siege, it is essential that we honor and carry forward the stories of some of America’s greatest heroes..
Pines Profile - Guy Smith (b. 1970)
Major dance parties have long held profound social, emotional, and cultural significance within the gay community. In many ways, they are rituals of freedom, resistance, and belonging, that are deeply woven into the fabric of LGBTQ+ culture. Over time, this spirit has given rise to some of the most spectacular and imaginative celebrations in the world. For more than three decades Guy Smith has been at the center of this, bringing his unique blend of technical mastery, psychological insight, and creative vision, to craft immersive experiences that evoke joy, liberation, and connection.