Rose’s View – Fire Island PinesBy Robert LevineJohn Kander and Fred Ebb wrote “Nowadays” from their musical hit “Chicago”:“It’s good. Isn’t it grand? Isn’t it great? Isn’t it swell? Isn’t it fun? Isn’t it? Nowadays there’s men. Everywhere jazz, everywhere booze. Everywhere life, everywhere joy…”– Isn’t it amazing? Says it all and fits like a 12-button glove.The Pines Care Center celebrated their 35th year in the Pines with their annual opening season party at Whyte Hall. At least 250 people attended. Stephen Hayes, President of the Care Center spoke and thanked all for their support. In attendance was Dr. Chris Coad, Barbara Sahlman, with her daughter Sue Stoffel, granddaughter Carla, Amanda Evans from Tufts University, Jon Gilbert, Mike and Laura Hartstein, Diane Freidman, Diane’s house guests Ginger Bardy and wife Catherine Uy. Lila Swell was also there with house guest Mickey Cohen. Gloria Ben Hazy came from the Grove with her guest Reka. Bobby Michele, Michael Greenberg, Ken Pollard, Vinnie Petrarca, John Krawchuk, Jay Pagano, Bob Howard, John and Ellen Feldman Putnam, Jim Vandernoth, Sumner and Roy, Ward Auerbach and Andy Baker, Walter and Karen Boss, Peter Accardi, Scott Riedel without Gil Neary (Gil was in Chicago the city, not the show), Hal Hayes, Eddie Schwartz, Russell Vance, Larry Nicosia, Richard and Lise Zinn, Erin Stacey Visslailli, Mark Schulte, Larry Tallamy, Jerry Gashin, Thierry Pfister and Ross Cuddeback, Andrew Bigley, Stephen Spadaro, Jim Kelleher, Rik Morris, Barry Godfrey, and Shawn Reives were also in attendance. Steven Alan Black and Morgan Johnson also made an appearance with their new housemates Gary Hilborn and Dana Steer. In addition the Pines Care Center Board of Directors are Demetrios Sengos, Paul Hopkins, Jim Cashel, Albert Lepage, Ron Martin, Karen Nicosia, Mark Ricigliano, Ed Schulhafer and Paul Teixeira. Our Pines Care Center doctors take care of everything from poison ivy to major medical concerns. Thanks to Elinor Gum, who always runs the office so efficiently.
Andy Baker, Robbie Regina, Doreen Katen and Jim Pepper co-hosted the 24th Annual Pines SAGE celebration, which had record-breaking attendance, at the home of Ed Schulhafer and Crayton Robey. Crayton introduced Doug Harris from SAGE. Senior Executive Michael Adams spoke of the generosity, the fortitude and courage the late Harvey Alter exuded. His informative speech enlightened the attendees. Exciting news was announced that SAGE has received a grant to build two new housing developments in Corona Park, Bronx and Ft. Greene, Brooklyn to house more than 4000 Gay Seniors. Robbie Regina presented the Doris Taussig award to “Uncle” Linda Gottlieb for her tireless fund raising for many years. Doreen introduced Jim Pepper, the founder of Stonewall and GMHC, who in turn introduced the impressive Eric Sawyer, who founded Act Up and Housing Works. Andy Baker introduced Karen Boss, who in turn introduced the final recipients, Jay Henry and Mark Cote, for all their tireless devotion of fund raising in the Pines.
David Hilbert and Brian Burns live on the “Aquarium,” a beautiful boat that docked in the harbor. They told me they are throwing out the red carpet and having an Oscar Party during the Invasion. You’re invited! Helene and Russell Ellison hosted a Dead Diva party. Jodi and David Mahler dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. They were a huge hit! Mark Ricigliano, Jim Kelleher and Rik Morris began an ice cream company three years ago. They just returned from Houston, Texas where they attended the International Dairy, Deli and Bakery show to acquire new accounts. Congratulations to our new Pines postmaster, Douglas Wolf. Kent Dillon is the assistant postmaster.Our Pines star Daniel McDonald, who appeared as Georges in “La Cage aux Folle” last season, has been in many other shows including “Merrily We Roll Along” and at least six shows in the Grove and New York City. He has a new job and a new schedule this year. As a result his weekends are now Monday and Tuesday. Congratulations to Pines resident Jeff Mashie, who is nominated for his costume design for “She Loves Me.” He and his friend Mike Fisher from the Grove had dinner at the Blue Whale. Congratulations to new home owners Ira Helf and John Knoebel. They are not new to the Pines. They lived at the co-ops for the past eight years.Saturday, June 11
- Annual Women’s Pride in the Pines: Chaired by Linda Gottlieb. Dance from 2:30 – 6 p.m. @ Whyte Hall, VIP Cocktail Party @ Pines Club on the Great South Bay 6 – 8 p.m., Performance by France Joli @ Whyte Hall 8 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets available at www.hmi.org/womensprideinthepines.
Saturday, June 18
- Marilyn Maye will be doing her concert at Whyte Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at Harbor or at fippap.org.
- Anna Throne-Holst is running for Congress to represent the NY First Congressional District, covering most of Suffolk County including Fire Island. She is a former Southampton Town Supervisor of eight years. Meet her from 4 – 6pm at the home of William Hayden and Ron Perkov, 234 Bay Walk. Email Rob for tickets rob@annathrone-holst.com or call 631-747-3253
Monday, June 26Jacqueline Jonee, our good friend from the Pines, will be doing her show at the Bruno Walter Auditorium in New York City, 2:30 and 6 p.m. Admission is free.Saturday, July 2
- Yours Truly, Rose Levine in “Cherry à la Mode” with Kenny Rahtz, Lola, Adam Staette, and some other surprise guests at the Community House 8:30 p.m. Directed by John McMahan. Tickets are on sale at www.artsprojectcherrygrove.org.
Monday, July 4The 41st Invasion will be arriving in the Pines Harbor around 2 p.m., after the pre-show. Ready, get set, go!
