Archives
Pines Profile - James G. Pepper (b.1944)
Jim Pepper is the embodiment of philanthropy. Gifted with the mind of a generation, a strong moral compass and a bias for action, for over six decades he has done things that have improved the lives of millions of people. His abilities enabled him to be very successful both professionally and in his extensive philanthropic efforts, all the while remaining humble and avoiding the spotlight unless absolutely necessary. Simply put, Jim did what he did because it needed to be done and not for attention or glory, which he actively avoids. It is these precise characteristics that make him appealing, widely respected and loved. His is a life that has indelibly touched the so many others for the better.
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.