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2008 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The three W's: Where is it? What should I bring? What is included?
For new share members to the house (or Fire Island), below is some key information:
Where:
20 Bungalow Walk, Ocean Beach.
Ferry information:
Take the Ocean Beach ferry from the Fire Island Ferries' Terminal in Bayshore. (Please note that the Kismet and Fair Harbor ferries also originate from this same terminal). This is the first ferry terminal on your left (east side) as you come down Maple Avenue in Bayshore. This ferry terminal differs from the Ocean Bay Park/Seaview Terminal which is across Maple Avenue (the west side of the street). The Ocean Beach ferry terminal is across from Nicky's Restaurant, so note the large sign for Nicky's, on the left, as you come down Maple Avenue. See below for more details on how to get to the Bayshore Ferry Terminal.
House location:
The house is located at 20 Bungalow Walk, the street that Maguire’s restaurant is on. When you come off the ferry in Ocean Beach, you will make a left out of the terminal onto Bayberry, following the crowd approximately 50 feet into town. Make a right heading west onto Bay Walk, the main street of town. Note, the Police Station is on left side of the street and Ocean Beach Trading (OBT) is on right side. You will walk 3 blocks past OBT (Denhoff, Cottage, and then Bungalow) and stay to the left side of the grassy median. You will stay to the left side of the grassy median on through town. A “Summer Place” retail store is at the corner of Bungalow. If you see Whitney's Market on the right side of the street you have passed Bungalow. Make a left on Bungalow Walk. Our house is the 6th house on right-hand side of Bungalow as you head away from town.
What To Bring
Sheets for a twin bed, pillow, comforter, beach chair, sun screen, bath and beach towels, and a big smile.
What Is Included
The house has the following and more: basic toiletries (soap, shampoo), paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, paper plates, coffee, tea, microwave, TV, stereo. There are three showers (two inside and one outside), BBQ, and a great group of people. On Friday afternoon we will purchase food, beer and premium Vodka as part of the Food Plan.
What is a summer share house?
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| Each weekend a group of people come together as a group and "share" the house. There are no social requirements; enjoy your friends or take advantage of a unique social environment where its easy to meet new people, make new friends and have a great time with people that share your passion for fun, socializing at the local bars, enjoying summer breezes at the beach, and experiencing those trademark Fire Island sunsets (our website's logo is a common occurrence and can be experienced during Happy Hour at the “Island Mermaid” bar/restaurant on their outdoor deck overlooking the Great South Bay). |
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Why should you join our house?
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| Although 2008 is our first year in 20 Bungalow, the primary reason we suggest joining our summer house is the people. The house is primarily single professionals in their 20's through 40's. You will find that many of the people are returning shares. The reason for their return is they enjoy the warmth, friendship, and camaraderie that’s been established in previous years. |
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What are the share rates?
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There are three types of "weekend packages" that we offer:
Full shares are $4,000 (18 weekends, including all holidays).
Half shares are $2,250 (either 9 weekends with July 4th weekend, or 9 weekends with both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends). Half shares are scheduled on an "A" or "B" weekend basis and are subject to availability.
Third shares are $1,650 (6 weekends including 1 designated holiday weekend). Third shares are scheduled on a "C1", "C2", or "C3" weekend basis and are subject to availability.
Please see our season schedule for more details and exact calendar dates. |
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What is included in my share price?
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A share entitles you to a bed for the specific weekends you purchased for your full or half share. You may use the house during the week throughout the season subject to availability and approval. All utilities, household supplies, staples, and weekly cleaning service are included in the price of your share.
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What is NOT included in my share price?
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The house does not provide bed linens or towels. The house washer/dryer is only for the cleaning of sheets and towels by the cleaning service. The washer/dryer is not for any personal laundry except for full share members. Food and beverages are not included in your share price. Please see below for details regarding our House Food Plan.
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We are happy to help you switch weekends if needed. Switches are limited to members of the opposite weekend, same gender and availability.
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What is the guest policy?
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The weekend guest fee is $200 for the first visit (and $250 for the second) and must be paid in cash at the start of the weekend. Guests are limited to two visits and first time guests of the house will be given priority over a second guest visit. Guest space is limited to open beds and the guest will not necessarily be guaranteed to sleep in your room. The price does not include the guest’s share of the food bill which is extra. Your guest’s behavior is your responsibility. Guest requests will be honored on a first request basis.
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Can I leave my bedding and beach stuff at the house?
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There will be limited storage space for bedding/personal items in designated room closets. Your bedding/personal items should be properly packed, marked and stored at the end of your weekend. All drawers must be emptied at the end of your weekend.
Beach chairs can be stored throughout the summer on the back deck of the house. We recommend writing your name on the back of your beach chair with a permanent marker. |
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What are the details of the House Food Plan?
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Food and beverage are not included in your share price. Take our word for it, purchasing food on Fire Island is not cheap and eating meals at the local restaurants can be quite pricey. We do purchase food and beverage on the Friday before each weekend. We do a simple BBQ on Friday nights (usually burgers, hotdogs, salads, etc.) and a sit-down dinner on Saturday night. We will purchase food for Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch (on holiday weekends, the additional day will also be part of the weekend). Typical 2007 non-holiday weekend food bills approximated $55 per person. If you have dietary restrictions (food allergies or vegetarian) we will try to accommodate as best we can. If you will not be at the house for any part of your weekend, e.g., you are coming out on Saturday or you are dining out with friends one night, you must notify the house runners by Thursday prior to your weekend or you will be charged for the full food bill.
The cost of all food and beverage consumed for a particular weekend will be calculated by Sunday morning and that food bill must be paid in cash before your departure.
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Are there any rules in the house?
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| As we are all "adults" we assume common courtesy will prevail. Due to allergy and noise issues, you may not bring your pets out to the house. There is no smoking in the house. |
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How far is the house from the beach and town?
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| Our house is approximately a 5-minute walk to the beach and 2-minute walk to town, the ferry, and the bars in Ocean Beach (although you should anticipate a 12-minute stumble home from the bars at 4 am). Walk Of Shames will vary. |
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How do I get to Ocean Beach, Fire Island?
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Take Long Island Rail Road to Bay Shore. At the Bay Shore train station there is a van service and taxis (for an additional charge) that will take you for a short ride to the Fire Island Ferries (Ocean Beach) terminal in Bay Shore. Alternatively, the walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. Tommy's and David's Bus Service (631.665.4384) provides bus service from Manhattan directly to the Fire Island Ferries terminal in Bay Shore. Click here for driving info and other general "getting there" details.
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