FIRE ISLAND PINES: Rose’s ViewBy Bob LevineWhere else but in the Emerald City can you have a dream and wake up in the Pines? Or where else but in the Pines could you have a dream and wake up in the Emerald City? It wasn’t a dream. It was the Pines Party on July 25. The town was abuzz and overrun with more than 3,000 people. Many were dressed as Dorothy; plenty of tin men, lions, scarecrows, munchkins, flying monkeys and Lollypop Guild boys. The lights and music created the mood for a festive night that rivaled an MGM movie set. Ed Schulhafer and Allan Baum were the event co-chairs. Many people volunteered their time who I’d like to thank: Peter Arcardi, John Cassese, Michael Cluer, Marc Cole, Doreen Fuentes, John Gaines, John Gilbert, Linda Gottleib, Jeff Hall, Bruce Harris, Hal Hayes, Jay Henry, Frank Liberto, Nathan Pindky, Ken Pollard, Richard Reichgut, Damian Todero, Randy Wilson and John Wood. Once again FIPPOA had a very successful party.Alana Berger, a long-time resident of the Pines, is now spending some of her weekends with Linda Gottlieb. She was back again and loved it. Linda, Joyce Cohen and Alana enjoyed seeing Electra perform in the Grove.Mark Ricigliano had house guests, Broadway star Andrew Rannells, who starred in “The Book of Mormon,” which earned his Tony nomination, and then replaced Neil Patrick Harris in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” this past season. His partner, Michael (Mike) Doyle, is a featured player on “Law & Order,” and was recently featured in the film rendition of “Jersey Boys.” They walked to Cherry Grove and attended the Art Show at the Community House, then visited Roseland.Congratulations to The Fire Island News for arranging to have a banner fly along the entire beach, going past all of the communities to see. Yeah!Brian Ridley and Ignacio Ceriani of Summer Solstice are celebrating their 12th year of operation in the Pines. They have a few hot items this season. A Fire Island mer-man T-shirt printed on the front, sleeveless or short-sleeve. They also sell another T-shirt with a Fire Island little red wagon — both at a reasonable price.FIPAP produced their 15th Biannual Art Show at Whyte Hall. A record-breaking 350 people attended, with 34 Fire Island artists represented. The co-chairs were: Richard Des Jardins, Barbara Sahlman, and Glen Wielgus. It was nice to see Steve Perlo, Russell Nardozzo, and Alan Davies, all past residents of the Pines. They now live in Bellport and came to the Pines just for the show.Unfortunately we lost two old time members of the Pines: Michael Li Puma, the partner of Peter Cinelli, who lived in the Pines for more than 45 years; and Ed Bordow, partner of Tom Boreca for more than 50 years, who died at their home in Ft. Lauderdale. Eddie and Tom have lived at the co-ops in the Pines since l967. We were old friends.• Friday, Aug: 14: FIPAP presents the second part of the Unplugged series, 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 are $40; available at www.fipap.com or at the desk in the Harbor.• Saturday, Aug. 15: The 5th Annual Aqua Pool Party will benefit the Water Project and the Ali Forney Center, hosted by Tony D’Angelo and Gabe Manzon, from 2-8 p.m., at 260 Bay Walk. Tickets: $40 at the door includes an open bar or purchase tickets online at crowdrise.com/aquapoolparty 2015.• Saturday, Aug. 15: United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will speak at a brunch to support the Off the Sidelines Pac Senator at the home of Robbie Regina and Gene Kagan, 244 Baywalk in the Pines.• Sunday, Aug. 16: The ShareGurl is hosting a new benefit event for Fire Island Pines called “Spray.” Proceeds will benefit NYC’s Trinity Place Shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth. Party is from noon to 6 p.m.• Saturday, Aug. 22: The third series of Unplugged will be presented at Whyte Hall, featuring cellist, Daniel Lelchuk, at 6 p.m. Tickets: $40; available at www.fipap.com or at the desk in the Harbor.• Weekend of Sept. 4-6: Rehearsals are under way for the Labor Day weekend production of “La Cage aux Folles,” presented by FIPAP at Whyte Hall. An all-star Pines cast will show their talents in the Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein musical. Choreographed by Cynthia Murray Davis, directed by Glen Wielgul, and Sean Forte as musical director it’s a perfect show for the Pines and it looks and sounds wonderful. The cast includes: Sam Arlen, David Ballard, Steven Alan Black, Adam Brown, John Cassese, Vinny Celeiro, Katie Emerson, Tom Gamblin, Mike Hartstein, Teresa Lovito, Jack Lichtenstein, Melissa Marlin, Daniel McDonald, Joe Lavine, George Nieves, Jeff Ostermueller, Adam Sarette, Luis Villabon , Lise Zinn, and yours truly, Bob Levine. Get your tickets at the Harbor desk or www.fipap.org.
