The Pines Party Pool.
By Robert Levine
The Pines Beach Party originated in 1999. It was a magical dream that turned into a fun-filled weekend with exciting parties. This year’s theme was Bacchanalia MMXXll. Three Thousand tickets were sold. People were going about the Pines dressed in costumes reminiscent of the back lots of a Hollywood studio.
The beach from Cedar to Coast Guard looked like a movie set with VIP cabanas, a concierge desk, DJ, a dance floor and stage where Luis Villabon and his back up boys knocked them dead performing.
At sunrise people were still dancing. Friday evening was the The Olympian Sunset party, a VIP group of ticket holders gathered at a beautiful bayfront home with grand size pool, three open bars and a buffet table. Waiters served elegant hors d’oeuvres.
On Sunday, with perfect weather, an all-day pool party called Manea, led into theGarden of The Gods closing party.
Frank Liberto produced a fantastic souvenir journal. More than 100 volunteers worked on this event. Beneficiaries are the Pines Foundation, Seashore Defense Fund and Stonewall Community Foundation.
The Pines Fire Department also held their annual barbecue luncheon. All the firefighters were assigned duties as chefs, cooks, servers and I’m sure cleaner uppers. Wonderful raffle prizes were given to the winners.
The CGCAI benefited and sponsored “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Ice Palace, with live entertainment and an enthusiastic audience.
The Arts Project held their Biennial Art Show at the community house, featuring eight talented Cherry Grove artists.
The second annual Rainbow Connection, founded by Sheila Morgan, was also a success with LGBTQ actors young and old working together. Some highlights included Ann P. Meredith, who made her debut in Cherry Grove, and Edrie Ferdun performing her exquisite modern dance. They are looking forward to next season.
Congratulations Northwell Health for quickly setting up a clinic in the Grove serving our community with the Monkey Pox vaccination.
New York Magazine’s July 18-31 issue features an article, “Garden in The Pines,” profiling longtime residents Sumner Freeman and Roy Yaeger. It’s a good read.
Upcoming Events:
• At the Cherry Grove Community House: Jack Bartholet on Aug. 5, Suzanne Westheimer on Aug. 13, and Marieann Meringolo on Aug. 20.
• On Saturday, Aug. 6, Hal Hayes and Anthony Thompson will host The Pink Party, a fundraiser for The Anti-Violence Project, from 4-7 p.m. For tickets visit AVP.org/pines.
• Rose Levine returns with “Sings at Twilight,” a benefit for CGCAI at Cherry Grove Pizza, with musical director Jason Wetzel, on Friday, Aug. 19, with dinner served at 7 p.m. and Cabaret Show at 8:15 p.m.
