The Grove Gang
Volume 49, Issue 2
by Bruce-Michael Gelbert

Hail to the …
For a community in what is ostensibly a republic, Cherry Grove is exceptionally devoted to its monarchs. New York Empress Robin Kradles, crowned at the Imperial Court’s Night of 1000 Gowns in April, is a Grove resident. And, during the last two weekends in May, the Grove chose our new “royalty,” our Homecoming Queen and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2005.
I was the first Mr. FI Leather, in 2001. Last season, soon after 2004 winner, Jeff Goodman was chosen, my successor, Peter B and I began discussing candidates for this year and my partner, Joe Saporito’s name came up. For nearly a year, Joe and I debated whether he would run, what he would wear, and what fantasy he would present.
I was a judge of the contest for three years, but, with my mate in the running, recused myself from the deciding panel this year, despite what you may have read, which freed me to participate in his fantasy scene. I coached him and spent much of the evening at the Grove Hotel as anxious stage parent (“Sing out, Little Joe! Smile, Cubby.”), but he won on his own merit, marking the first time a second member of a couple was granted this honor. Some of the competition was stiff. Of the other three contenders, Dominick, the current Mr. Long Island Leather, made the best showing and had the strong support of the LI Ravens Motorcycle Club. Still, some of us prefer the title-holder to be an active participant in community events here, not an occasional visitor. And Dominick did win second prize, Mr. Meat Rack, the audience favorite.
Joe and I experienced a moment of panic, when MCs Isaac Steven Vaughan and Ariel Sinclair announced that the fantasy segment scenes would be set in the Meat Rack, the woods between the Grove and the Pines. Joe was prepared with a wild-and-woolly tale about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, complete with bead toss at the end. (People love to leave with stuff!) He proceeded gamely, however, and was not upstaged by the others. As part of his prize, the hotel made a donation to an organization of his choice and his was the Arts Project of Cherry Grove (APCG).
Eight days later, at APCG’s season kick-off membership party at the Community House, three competitors vied to succeed Donna Piranha as glamorous leader of the annual July 4 Grove Invasion of the Pines and ribbon-cutter inaugurating numerous events. Coco Love was a familiar face; Lola, a newcomer; and Ivana Cocktail, alter ego of the Grove’s Richard Parisi, the winner! Perennial hopeful Connie Francis was, surprisingly, absent. When co-hostess Panzi realized there were just three contenders, she tried, in vain to draft co-MC, Bella, into running! The proceedings had commenced with diva-in-residence Mistress Sharon leading a rousing Star Spangled Banner.
I remember when Rich Parisi used to attend Imperial Court events, such as Billie Ann Miller’s Royal Revue, as a friend of the Court, associated with the makeup and perfume industry and making generous contributions of money and products. When he joined the Court, it was with a male title, Lord Parisi. Then Ivana started showing up more and more, culminating in an appearance as a lovely, if hapless, Ann-Margaret in John DeMarco’s APCG show “Vegas Dreams” last Labor Day.
Joe and Ivana, may you have joyous and productive reigns! As you represent the Grove this season, I know you’ll make us proud.

Mirth & Mourning
Even apart from the exhilarating selection of our 31st Homecoming Queen, the first official weekend of the 2005 season was full of events, spirited and somber.
I recommend a play that I saw that Saturday at the Tides, “Belly Up,” written by and starring Mark Holt and Tom Bondi as nearly 20 clearly delineated characters of various sexes and orientations, hunky, nerdy, dowdy and desperate, populating a West Village piano bar. Pianist Darius Frowner, from the Pines, is at the keyboard. There’s one performance a month and remaining outings are on July 23 and August 20 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10. Call 597-7006 for reservations.
Going from laughter to tears in one holiday weekend, Grovites remembered our recent losses at the annual Memorial Day service at the Community House. Speakers at this solemn event were Rev. Dr. Charles Whipple, the Fire Department’s Dominic DeSantis, APCG President Wendy Lewis and Cherry Grove Community Association President Roland Michely. David Clenny was at the piano for suitable pieces by Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin. Recalled, and sorely missed, were Jerry Ehrlich, Wally Forstell, Jackie Petersen, Joe Scialo, Frank Fulton, Tom DeConza and Bill Seay.
On Saturday, some community members joined Edrie Ferdun at the Community House for a well-attended yoga session. These take place every Tuesday and Saturday at 9 a.m., $5 donation requested. Others went shopping at Henry Sterling’s huge deck sale, which raised more than $4,500 for God’s Love We Delive.
Bless the Beasts
Grove stars turned out, on June 4 at the hotel, for the Pines Animal Welfare Society benefit, organized by Sal Piro. PAWS, which rescues and places strays and returns lost pets to owners, is coordinated in the Pines by Lee Frey and the Grove by Valerie Perez. Kudos to all for a successful fundraiser, hosted by Bella and Philomena and featuring, in favorite “Show Stoppers,” singers Rose Levine, Porsche, John DeMarco, David Clenny and yours truly, plus Ivana, Robin, Ruth and Susan Freedner, Linda Dickerman, Barbara Hirsh, Lyn Belinsky, Pat Wagnis, Tony Bondi, SallyAnn Piacentino, Rae DeStefano, Charity and Ariel. During the evening, a bewigged Jeanne Skinner, our octogenarian post mistress, attempted to pass herself off as, in succession, Bella, Rose, Philomena, Charity and Joan Van Ness. The real Joan, Scottie Molly in her arms, brought the event to its traditional conclusion, channeling Perry Como in “Bless the Beasts and the Children.”

We hear that …
APCG presents “Songs for Solo Dance and Voice,” with dancer Amy Pivar, mezzo-soprano Elaine Valby and guitarist Paula Kimper on June 11 and classical recital OceanAires, Isaac’s brainchild, on June 18 at the Community House. The theme for Casino, on July 23 and 24 will be “Pirates of the Great South Bay.” … Joan Van Ness and Lorraine Michels leave soon for their second African safari. We remember animal pictures from the earlier trip that Lorraine exhibited at the APCG Art Show and trust that we’ll see her new ones in this year’s edition, at the end of July. … Ailing and missing from the leather contest was Hurricane David West, who ran for the title last year. We wish him a speedy recovery.