Rose’s View ~ Cherry Grove & Fire Island Pines

By Robert Levine ~ FIPAP presented Fashion of the Pines 2022 at Whyte Hall on Saturday, Aug. 20, and it was truly a wonderful experience. It was much different from the 1970’s show, which I was fortunate enough to attend. The dressing rooms were overflowing with a magnificent crew of hair and makeup artists, managers, organizers, and clothing racks. Pines guys and gals, including Rose Levine and Robin Byrd, were racing against time to walk that runway with clothes selected by DEN-I-ZENS. The audience sat inside Whyte Hall as well as the outer north side deck. Music was thumping and the crowd was screaming. A big thanks to JD Winston, Ryan Espinosa and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly on this event. Posted on September 2, 2022

**Rose Levine as Lady Liberty during Fashion of the Pines.**

The Friday night before, Rose Levine performed to a sold-out house at the Cherry Grove Pizza, accompanied by Jason Wetzel. Money was raised for CGCAI. Frank served an elegant buffet dinner and everyone raved about the evening.

BAEwatch, a fundraiser for Broadway Arts Education, hosted by Executive Director Ben Houghton, was held at Reflections. BAE is a non-profit organization that uses art and education to dismantle systemic barriers to success for underserved youth. Broadway and Pines performers gave the crowd a show not to be forgotten.

I want to congratulate Diane Romano and Patricia Goff on their journey to a complete recovery from cancer. Their fortitude and courage has been very inspiring. Also, congratulations to Greg Scarnici and Paul Regan on their upcoming marriage. Also, condolences to Chick Robb on the loss of his partner George Hakiel. The couple were longtime residents of Cherry Grove. And just before we went to press, it was learned that Richard De Piero died after a brief illness. He was a major Cherry Grove citizen.

Upcoming Events:

• Sept. 2 and 3: FIPAP presents “The Pajama Game” at Whyte Hall. Directed by Joe Barros with a cast of favorite Pines performers.

• Sept. 3: “Legends: One-Hit Wonders,” at 7 and 10 p.m. Directed by Matt Baney at the Community House Theatre.

• Sept. 4: The Cherry Grove Garden Club will be holding their annual cake sale, at 11 a.m., at the Community House.

• Sept. 4: “The Gay Night of Neil Simon,” at 8 p.m. Directed by Parker Sargent at the Community House.

• Sept. 4: The Pines Conservation Society will host their annual fundraiser and brunch honoring Jim Pepper, with a silent art auction from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Whyte Hall. Funds raised will go toward a community project to plant trees, native shrubs and roses throughout the Pines.

• Sept. 10: The Miss Fire Island contest at The Ice Palace.

• Sept. 24: Go Native, a talk and tour on the Meat Rack, which includes an open house at the Carrington Estate. Hosted by the Pines Conservation Society.

• Sept. 24: The Cherry Grove Community Ball, from 7-11 p.m. The theme this year is Naughtical.

Looking forward to seeing you next spring.