Fire Island Pines: Rose’s View
By Bob LevineLila Swell and Sandy Stevenson had their first dinner party in their beautiful new home. A home I think could be called “Stairway to Paradise.” Tragically their prior house was destroyed by fire a year and a half ago. The replacement is designed by Architect Gary Stluka and built by Steve Young Construction. Standing on the same footprint, this new house is stunning. Nineteen guests from the Pines, Grove as well as Palm Springs attended. The guest list included Jay Pagano, Frank Bianchi, Ben Smales, Jim VanderNoth, Bo Fridsberg, Barbara Sahlman, Linda Handler, Laura and Mike Hartstein, Clark Green, Scott Bromley, Tony Impavido, Bill and James Frank, Steven Alan Black, Michael and myself. Lila and Sandy are both very gracious hosts and the evening was delightful.DRA Dancers Responding to Aids had its 21st Annual Fire Island Dance Festival, on July 17 -19. The stage overlooking the Great South Bay was spectacular. Ten Dance companies performed with much excitement from the audience. The ballet sequence danced by Mary Carmen and Kleber Rebello was outstanding. Al Blackstone choreographed a self-titled number, which was performed by 10 wonderful dancers as the grand finale of the evening. Desmond Richardson was the event’s host. Richardson’s accomplishments include being a Tony nominee for “Fosse.” He has also been featured in other Broadway shows including “Movin’ Out,” “The Look of Love,” and “After Midnight,” as well as appearing in the Academy Award winning film “Chicago.”We thank Broadway Cares and Producers Denise Roberts Hurlin, Sarah Cardillo and Christopher F. Davis for bringing us this great Festival. At the cocktail party, I met guest Kurt Crowley, the assistant conductor at the new Broadway show “Hamilton.” He was with Nick McCarver and Matthew Murphy.The 37th annual fundraiser for Lambda Legal was held in the Pines, at 548 Beachcomer Walk, hosted by Todd Sears and Chris Garvin. Co-hosts were Eric Baker, Bill Kapfer, Keith Headley, Eddie Adwell, Chris Kern and Doug Smith. The weather was perfect for a poolside luncheon and gathering. Sears introduced Executive Director Kevin Cathcart who thanked all for coming to the event. He spoke of the many important cases in history that Lambda has taken on and which they have won. Jay Pagano spoke of marriage equality and the wonderful life style we have in the Pines. Jack Lichtenstein, who was an original member and founder of Lambda Legal in the Pines, spoke seriously but then told many of his usual old jokes.A luncheon/pool party, where delicious homemade cakes and pies were served, was hosted by Mitchell Cirker, Trond Valldal, and Randy Smith. The guests included Mark Fortier; David Monberg; Lila Swell; Jack Quinn; author James Galvin; Porfi Figueroa; Steven Charlton; Jason Frank; Jack Aaronson, piano entertainer for the Blue Whale; photographer Gerado Vizmanos; and clarinetist and River Dancer Jesse Gilday.“Entertainment Tonight” had an exclusive on Caitlyn Jenner with her new pal, the Pines very own Candis Cayne. Tony La Rocco and Bill Moore took a week off from the Pines and spent a wonderful vacation in Provincetown, just for a change of pace. Real Estate Associate Ray Starr is very happy in his new position with D. Katen of Fire Island Properties, Ltd., located in the harbor.The first annual Clambake will be held on Aug. 8, from 5-9 p.m., on the East End of the Pines beach. Putting it together are: Neil Davis, Tony Impavido, Nick Politis, and Scott Bromley. Many thanks to all the contractors: Walter Boss, Bill Katen, Sill Santangelo, and Vinnie Pepe who are donating their time and materials to build and create this new and exciting party. I was told it is sold out.A progressive dinner began in 1995, with five households, which includes 10 people; t has continued ever since, meeting once a month from May to October. On July 11, drinks and assorted hors d’oeuvres were served at Bob Michelle and Frank Reslley’s home, followed by arugula salad with beets, goat cheese and walnut fig dressing at the home of Lila Swell and Sandy Stevenson. The main course was served at Mark Ricigliano’s home on Ocean Walk. He served Halibut Papillote with clams, fennel and a broth. Then blueberry and raspberry tarts were served at the home of Jim VanderNoth and Avery James. Michael DeFalco and Bill Matthews, who are also part of this original group, were present but they had the night off.The Fire Island Pines Fire Department had their annual barbecue luncheon; it was a great treat for all and a great success. The firefighters were the chefs cooking burgers, franks and all the salad trimmings. A raffle was held with prizes that were donated by many of the businesses in the Pines and the Grove.The Green Twins: Clark and Richard had their nephew, Patrick Brown, visit from Dublin, New Hampshire. Their sister was originally Miss Green. When she married she became Mrs. Brown.• Saturday, Aug. 1 — FIPAP will once again sponsor The Bi-Annual Art Show, at Whyte Hall, from 1-3:30 p.m. General admission: $5; free to FIPAP members.• Friday, Aug. 14 — FIPAP presents the second Unplugged series, at Whyte Hall, featuring Emily West, a singer who won 2nd place on “America’s Got Talent.” Cocktails at 8 p.m. followed by the performance at 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $40; available at www.fipap.com or at the desk in the Harbor.• Saturday, Aug. 15 — Daniel Nardicio presents Sandra Bernhard, at 8 p.m., at Whyte Hall. Tickets available at www.dworld.us.Emerald City Pines Party was a huge success; more about it in the next column.
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