CHERRY GROVE – Rose’s View

CHERRY GROVE – Rose’s ViewBy Robert LevineThe Arts Project sponsored a sideshow carnival at Casino Night. When you walked into the Community Center you felt as though you were at a carnival. All the dealers, attendants, waitresses, and callers, were dressed in wonderful costumes. Joanne Orfanos, Lorraine Michels, Annette, Joan Van Ness, Parker Sargent, Panzi, Anna Tirado, Fran, Allison Brackman, Anita and Sharon, and others were all community members who were working “girls,” and I mean working. The wheels were spinning, the 21 tables were full, and the action was exciting. It was Monaco on the bay right here in Cherry Grove.This special event began 37 years ago when the late Marge Cozzolino said, “Let’s have a gambling casino for one night.” A group of Cherry Grove residents were organized by Marge to become dealers. They actually had to be trained and receive a license to deal! To this day The Arts Project must carry special insurance for the night, and be licensed for this event annually. It’s a financial success and great fun for all.Women, Women, Women: Look at the names above and all the other women that work hard and are successful people in Cherry Grove. We have a female president of the Cherry Grove Community Association in Diane Romano, as well as her trusty right, Vice President Joyce Yaeger. Gerri Losquadro is president of the property owners association. Lynn Hutton was one of our first female fire chiefs. Jill Navarro is also chief of the CGFD, and Helen Ely was one of the people who began the Arts Project. Patricia Stephani opened Pat’s Restaurant in the 1950s. It’s not the gender it’s the person who is capable of doing the job we have long proved here in Cherry Grove.Juan Punchin and Jim Morello hosted a past CG homeowner Vincent Munnil with his new husband Ahmed, who was a first timer to Fire island. They had a great time.Larry Lane and Mark “Mindy” Levy sold their house one year ago, but returned to the Grove for a visit and co-hosted a cocktail party with Mel Rock and Don Robb for their Cherry Grove friends at their bay front home. It was a small intimate party. Guests included Valerie Perez and Evelyn Danko, Roland and Joe, Vincent and Ahmed, Ken Lewis, and Alexandre Gertsman.We welcome back our postmistress, Betty Faraci, who had a triple bypass operation last June. Lorraine Michels was kind enough to volunteer her services and keep the post office open during Betty’s absence. We urge you to support our small P.O. by buying your stamps here.Copettes vs the Grovettes: The volleyball game that has become legendary. The Grovettes turned over the trophy to the Copettes this year with a score of 3-1. It was a festive day with all the hoopla and excitement in town. Sue Panzer and Mark Attan have been co-captains of this event for many years, with their gaggle of Cherry Grove teammates. It’s another big day for Cherry Grove.Tim Tareco, Greg Scarnici, Gene Messia, and Paul Ryan hosted a marvelous pool/luncheon party with a barbecue catered by Freddie. At least 60 people were in attendance. The weather was fantastic.Linwood Matthews celebrated his 85^th birthday at Top of the Bay. He invited most of the Cherry Grove residents. His cousins Betty and Ginny Brubeck from Salem, Virginia, made their first visit here for the occasion.Toni Cesta has authored her ninth book, a healthcare title, “The Case Managers Survival Guide.” This is a must-have for social workers and RNs. Available on Amazon.Welcome back to the Grove Malinda Blau, who returns every year for one month. Inez MacWhinnie MacDonald who grew up in Cherry Grove moved to New Zealand five years ago. She is back in the Grove with her parents Gerri and Morgan for six weeks.The Arts Project had it 68^th Annual Art Show this past weekend in the newly renovated Community House. Many Cherry Grove artists were represented. Logan Hardcore cut the ribbon as part of the opening ceremony. Tradition has it that the Homecoming Queen makes a Queens Choice. She selected a painting by Kathy Ekdahl, who has been part of the show for 30 years.The Cherry Grove Garden Club will have their annual Bake Sale on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m., at the Community House. Come early and buy the best cakes baked by CG residents. Email cggardenclub@aol.com if you want to donate a cake or pie.Blueberry Hill and CGCAI present a most elegant soiree, A New Star is Born, on Aug. 13, from 6-9 p.m. The party will be held at Blueberry Hill. It is a benefit for SOCH. Tickets $125.The Arts Project presents Ginger Snap at the Community House on Aug. 20, at 8 p.m., in “Gingersnap’s Journey Through Broadway.” Tickets available at the Theatre or artsprojectcherrygrove.org.Also on Aug. 20, the 2^nd Annual Cherry Grove Sea Glass Festival will be held at F.I.G. from 3-6 p.m. Sea glass addicts enter your best pieces. A portion of proceeds will be donated to SOCHEdrie Ferdun is passing the torch to Douglas Topper who will now be running the yoga class at the Community House every Saturday at 9 a.m. Three more sessions remain this season.Unfortunately we had a death in Cherry Grove last week. Doug Karalis passed at 47 years old, due to a heart attack.