ROSE’S VIEW – Fire Island Pines

ROSE’S VIEW – Fire Island PinesBy Bob LevineIt’s sometimes gaudy and it sometimes may be grand,The Pines has beauty and it sits right on the sand,So come to Whyte Hall and you’ll see a bit glamour in La Cage aux Folles.La Cage aux Folles, the cast is brilliant and the music great,The story fits the Pines so don’t be late,It’s an experience you’ll love so come to see La Cage aux Folles.“La Cage aux Folles,” is a Tony Award-winning musical that has been revived on Broadway many times, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and written by Harvey Fierstein. The cast includes many of your favorite Pines super stars, including Tom Gamblin as Albin and Daniel McDonald as Georges; musical director Sean Forte; choreography by Cynthia Murray-Davis; and directed by Glen Wielgus. Tickets are selling fast. At the rehearsals were Teresa and Chris Lovito’s children, 10-year old Christie and 14-year old Carly, with Conner Teaghe and Alisa Barch, day guests from Long Island. Teresa is a member of the cast.Lila Swell and Sandy Stevenson had their second major housewarming luncheon catered by Annie. Their new house, “Stairway to Paradise,” lends itself to gracious entertaining with its many decks and views. At least 40 people attended and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon.Michael and I attended a dinner party at Bill Matthews and Mike DeFalco’s beautiful new oceanfront home. Other guests included John and Jerry from Roanoke, VA and Scott Ulrich from NJ.Annie and Eddie Candreva are pioneers of the Pines from the 60s. They are well known for the work and service that they have provided through the years. Eddie and Annie were married in 1974. They have two children. Eddie owned Peter’s Meat Market in the Pines Pantry for many years until he sold the business four years ago. Annie is still catering for parties and doing a great job. It has come to the end for them. They sold their house and will be leaving the Pines in October. We wish them good health and good luck.The Pines had their first annual clambake on the beach, which was a total success, a at least 200 people attended. They had the best time eating lobster, chicken, sausage, baked clams and a variety of salads on oversized plates. It was a real New England clambake. Thanks to all who contributed their time and effort to making this a great evening. Special thanks to Chris and Steve Nicosia from the Pines Liquor Shop and also Frank Wine LLCs for the wines they donated. No doubt this will become a yearly event.New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was greeted royally in the Pines at a luncheon at the home of Robbie Regina and Gene Kagen. She spoke of the problems we are having with the Republican Party. She still thinks Hillary Clinton will make, it putting aside all the controversy she is facing at present. Many people from the Pines were in attendance Mike and Laura Hartstien, Bill and Doreen Katen, Dr. Chris Coad, Dr. Ed Schulhafer and Crayton Robey, Walter and Karen Boss, P.J. McAteer, Andy Tobias, as well as Peter and Dr. Demetrios Sengos, among others. Senator Gillibrand has proven to be a good friend of the Pines over the years and is deserving of our support.Jason Vinci, a massage therapist who has lived in the Pines for the past 15 years, is a hero. A few weeks ago he was walking along the beach in the Pines when two people were in the ocean calling for help. He rescued them from the water. Jason is the yoga instructor at Whyte Hall every Saturday and Sunday morning.The Blue Whale has a piano bar every Friday and Saturday night featuring Jack Aaronson at the Baby Grand. I was there last Friday and we had a great time. Many of the cast members of La Cage were singing at the piano.• Sept. 4-6 — “La Cage aux Folles” will be presented at Whyte Hall in the Pines, all showings 8 p.m. Tickets are $70; available fippap.org or at the Harbor.• Sept. 19 — The Pines Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a cruise for the evening from the Pines to the Fire Island Lighthouse. Stay tuned for information in my next column.• Oct. 10 — The Madison Guest House will host their 8th Annual Fire Island Literary Festival, featuring Andrea Martin, Seth Rudetsky, and Christine Pedi and produced by Ben Hodges.