Ribbon cutting at the Cherry Grove Archives Collection exhibition, with Queen Porsche.
By Robert Levine
The Cherry Grove Archives Collection’s Board of Directors Lee Sharmut, Clara Bogatti, Lorraine Michels, Stella Anna, Parker Sargent, Troy Files, and Brian Clark presented a beautiful historical show with memorabilia from 1943 to present. Many thanks to all volunteers who helped set up and tear down the show.
“Toon Island,” Pines Party 2023 was a tremendous success with the flavor of the cartoons you watched on Saturday morning as a kid recreated with spectacular color, fun, sparkles, and glamour for all the boys and girls to enjoy. The dance floor was erected on a limited space on the beach with a tower of lights. The music, dancers, and excitement had a rhythm that can only be shared on the shores of Fire Island. Henry Robin, president of FIPPOA, extended a special appreciation to Alex Romero and Scott McCormick at Fire Island National Seashore for their amazing collaboration for this year’s party.
Tickled Pink, the theme at the VIP Friday cocktail party that kicked off the weekend events, was just that. It was held at a bayfront house with 300 people in attendance. The raw bar, finger food, and drinks were generously served all evening.
New walk posts are being installed by the Town of Brookhaven in Cherry Grove that will glow at night. Todd Erickson is chairman of this project. Dr. Anna Tirado spoke at the CGCAI meeting about mosquitoes. Dump any standing water on your property after it rains to prevent breeding. And something fun – all outgoing mail from Cherry Grove will now be stamped with a commemorative 100th year post mark – so send those souvenir postcards!
We will miss our long time Cherry Grove resident friend Lois Heikkela. Deepest condolences to her wife Elinor Eick.
• On Sunday August 6 at 7 p.m. There will be a benefit for “BAEWATCH” at “Reflections,” 73 Bay Walk in Fire Island Pines. Proceeds will support art education and mentorship programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The show stars Natalie Joy Johnson, with special guests Julie James and Rose Levine, Ben Houghton on the piano. The event chairs are Skie Ocasio, Benjamin Houghton and James Herring Jr.
Upcoming Events
• At Whyte Hall on Aug. 5, don’t forget the Biennial Art Show, followed by Sasha Velour appearing on August 12.
• Latino X Weekend will take place in the Grove beginning Aug. 18 and there will be a special Tea Dance.
• Don’t miss Chita Rivera, who will be appearing at the Ice Palace on Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.
• Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Fire Island Pines with a Beach Party on Aug. 19. Keep your eye out for flyers around town for more info.
Save the Date: Rose Levine “Plays the Palace,” on Monday, Aug. 28. Dinner at Cherry Grove Pizza with performance and open seating at the Ice Palace to follow. Purchase tickets at redeyetickets.com
Keep in Mind: Cherry Grove bingo is every Sunday, 7 p.m. at Community House. Pines bingo is every Thursday at the FIPFD Fire House, 7 p.m. Join Edrie Ferrdun with yoga at the Community House every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.
