Boy with boa!
By Robert Levine
A perfect Gay Pride Parade began at the Community House and wrapped around the town, ending on the dock. Traveling on floats and foot were the Grove business owners and special groups like the Garden Club, Cherry Grove Fire Department, Northwell Group, the leather men, as well as representatives from Suffolk County Police Department. All marched proudly. Homecoming Queen JizzaBella looked beautiful, making her first official appearance in town. The crowd also was dressed for the occasion in rainbow colors, waving flags, blowing whistles and shooting confetti. The party continued into the evening at the Community House, where the Arts Project sponsored a Pride Dance featuring Greg Scarnici as DJ. Queen JizzaBella also bestowed the 2022 House Decoration Award to Fidel Patino of “Chez Prince.”
In the Pines at Whyte Hall the New York Theatre Barn and FIPAP teamed up to present an evening of talented new young composers, lyricists, and singer-songwriters for a concert, entitled “Barn on Fire.” Segments from four new musicals were presented, including songs that were written in the Pines only days before. Those who spoke and sang were exceptional. I’m sure one of these shows will be on Broadway in the near future.
Rose Levine also performed and celebrated her 68th year at the Cherry Grove Community House on July 2, in “Broadway Hit Parade,” with musical director Matthew Stephens and featuring a marvelous cast including Tim Burke, Skie Ocasio and Luis Villabon. Special thanks to Lizette Rubinos who helped with the costumes, Greg Scarnici for writing special material for a skit, and to Charlie Catanese as Rose’s dresser. The cast party was catered by Frank’s Grove Pizza.
On July 15, the Archives Committee, spearheaded by Parker Sargent, will have a premier movie night of the film “Roseland,” as part of the Cherry Grove Archives Collection Film Festival. More on this in a future column.
Medel Paguirigan, a professional registered nurse, was recently given an award by the Philippine Consulate General Office in New York for his contribution to the Philippine/LGBTQ+ Community. Medel and his partner Brian Logan, had a barbecue, which we attended after the Parade.
Upcoming Events
• A pop-up museum at Carrington House, featuring pictures and stories of The Invasion since 1976, opened on July 2 and will remain on display on Saturday, July 9, from noon-3 p.m. and Sunday, July 10, from noon-4 p.m. Reservations can be made at Pineshistory.org.
• July 9: Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society presents “Souvenirs” at the Ice Palace, with legendary DJ Robbie Leslie.
• July 9: “Unplugged Opera” featuring Anthony Roth Costanza at Whyte Hall.
• July 15: The Fire Island Dance Festival at last returns to the Pines with a gala weekend of festivities.
Due to an early deadline for this column, I will mention highlights of the Invasion in my next issue. Be well and stay safe!
