Rose’s View
By Robert LevineThe Cherry Grove Community Association had its 12th Annual Honors Party at the Community House on Saturday evening of Aug. 12. Forty-eight people have been honored to date. This year’s honorees were: Walter Kowalsky, George McGarvey, Roland Michely, and Sue Panzer. Each honoree was introduced by one of their dear friends. Richard “Fluffy” Cataldi came up from from Ft. Lauderdale to introduce Walter. Yours truly introduced George. Don Robb introduced Roland. Sue received multiple introductions from Doreen, Bobbie, Panzi, Matt Baney, as well as her partner, Angela Smith.The Community House accommodated a seated dinner for 135 guests. The evening began at 6 p.m. with a cocktail party and open bar on the front portico, as well as the brand new upper roof deck making its debut. The view was spectacular overlooking the Great South Bay. At 7:30 p.m., everyone took their seats for the award presentations, and dinner was served with delicious food catered by Nicole from Sand Castle.This event started at the Community House prior to its renovation, but for the past eight years it was held at Heaven N Earth, Diane and Patricia’s house. But now with the renovations completed, the time had come to take this event back to where it began.George McGarvey transformed the Community House into a beautiful summer party room as elegant as any Newport summer mansion. George and Bruce Miller had Nissa Botthoff from HGTV as their weekend guest, so she also attended the party. Sue Panzer’s sister, Ellen, also came to the Grove for this event.Speaking of Sue Panzer, the Grove had its annual volleyball tournament against Suffolk County Police on Aug. 2. This now famous event began in 1985, and was organized by Mark Atten, and Sue Panzer. Sue has been the captain for at least a decade. Known as the Grovettes vs. the Copettes, it’s a busy day with at least 300 people in attendance.The Grovettes took back their title. Congratulations to team members Monica, Jim, Todd, Edgar, Kevin, Deb, Coleen, Travis, Riley, Taras, Franco, Denise, Mark, and Sue.Another volleyball group, Lez Volley, held their annual games shortly after, on Saturday Aug. 12. Eighteen teams arrived to the Grove from all corners of Long Island and New York City. Our own local participants included Monica, Denise, Leilani, and Sue.Michael Serapiglia, an Emmy Award winner for the “Live With Kelly” Halloween program, and his friend, Dan Perry, producer for BC/EFA, spent a weekend in the Grove.The Cherry Grove Art Show at the Community House on Aug. 5 was another successful event sponsored by the Arts Project. Steven Menendez was given the President’s Choice Award for his beautiful photographs.Jack Dowling threw a cocktail party at his house to honor the Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR) program, which was founded by Rod Sayegh, Evan Garza, and Chris Bogia seven years ago. The five artists in residency this year, from July 22 through Aug. 17, include Charan Singh, from India; Rodolfo Marron, from Kansas City; Marta Lee from Austin; Vincent Tiley from West Virginia; and Elizabeth Ensgia, coming locally from Queens. They were selected from 500 applications. The contributions from many people in the Grove allow this important program to exist.
Chris Lacovara and Sam Green are the proud fathers of beautiful twins, Alex and Kate. They were all in the Grove recently. The twins will be 1-year-old on Sept. 1.SAVE THE DATES:
- Daniel Nardicio presents Margaret Cho in “Fresh Off The Bloat” on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 7 and 9:30 p.m., at the Ice Palace. For details, visit www.dworld.us.
- Justin Vivian Bond returns to the Community House with her show on Aug. 26.
- On Saturday, Sept. 2, the Arts Project will present Matt Baney’s “Legends VII Jingle Bells” at The Community House. Tickets at www.artsprojectcherrygrove.org.
- Roland Michely and Joe Anania will host their famous Toga Tea, at their home “ Hi Fidelio” on the ocean, on Sept. 3, from 4-7p.m. A $20 donation benefits Arts Project Cherry Grove.
- The Cherry Grove Garden Club will have their annual bake sale on Sept. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the deck at the Community House. Home baked goods are welcome. Email cggardenclub@aol.com if interested in donating.
