The Grove Gang
Volume 48, Issue 7
By Susan Freedner

Seems like old times…

There I was, back on stage at the Community House with my identical twin Ruth, performing at Stand-up Cherry Grove Sat. July 10, an Arts Project of Cherry Grove event. Why, it’s just like riding a bike… you pick it up again right away. I really enjoy performing for my home crowd audience. In my opinion, it was the best Comedy Night, ever! The sold-out audience was very enthusiastic and the performers were at the top of their game, especially our host(ess) Thom (Panzi) and the very witty Phil(omena)… please, don’t hold her beauty against her. Judging by the audience comments after the show and the next day on the boards, the APCG might want to make this a scheduled yearly event. Consider this… there are no rehearsals whatsoever and the performers are the same irregular regulars who do their own thing and wear their own clothes. The APCG calls it a low-dough event and that is true not just for the price of a ticket… it also means there are minimal expenses. All in all a win, win, win situatio for the performers, audience, and the APCG alike. Many thanks to the volunteers who transformed the Community House into a comedy club with cabaret seating… especially Jeffrey Wallach for the new material covering the tables… they looked ab fab!

Fun(d)raisers…
Past…
Sunday morning, July 11, my VSO (Very Significant Other) Cathy and I rose early, ground our own special blend coffee beans at home and with travel mugs in hand headed downtown for the Cherry Grove Fire Department Pancake Breakfast. It was another win, win, win event! It’s been a very successful annual fundraiser for the Fire Department for many years although most of the volunteer firefighters work long hours in order to make this event possible. Nearly the entire Cherry Grove community supports this event with their purchase of tickets and then we look forward to enjoying the eats while catching up with our friends. You don’t suppose they might have to change the name of this event? Many South Beach and Atkin’s diet attendees passed on the pancakes and double loaded on the bacon and sausage. The new owner/management of David’s Grill generously provided their refurbished space, formerly Cherry’s Pit, picking up on a long-standing tradition of community support and involvement.
By the time this issue of FIN appears the Doctor’s Fund Benefit will have taken place, Saturday, July 17. However, since I am writing this column on Friday, July 16 I am unable to offer my personal comments. I can tell you that since this event moved to the theater style venue of the Community House, under the auspices of the APCG, I am always on line for tickets the minute they go on sale. This musical comedy review is total entertainment, and I know from personal past experience that Donald LaBohn conjures creative magic and has a unique cast of performers with their own special talents.

Present…
This weekend, July 24 and 25, the APCG presents Haunted House Casino. Come see the Community House transformed through design and decorating wizardry and stay to play blackjack and wheels of chance. I am always spellbound by the ingenuity and expertise of Gary Green, Luis Valentin and Jeffrey Wallach, who continually prove that yes… they have… snap, snap, snap… style. The hours are Sat., 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Sun., 6 p.m. – midnight. This is another eagerly anticipated fund-raising event well supported by the community every year. It is wonderful to see the many people who dress-up in keeping with the theme each year…and that’s not just the volunteers; I am talking about player participants…another reason I love Cherry Grove.

And Future…
Mark your calendars… next weekend the APCG holds their annual Art Show and Sale at the Community House. On Saturday, July 31, from noon – 2 p.m., there will be a private reception for APCG Members only, with hours for the general public from 2 – 5 p.m. and again from 7 – 10 p.m. On Sun., 8/1 the hours are from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. There are fine artists and craftspeople exhibiting and everything that is shown is for sale. Many of the participants are from the Grove so drop by and see what your talented neighbors are displaying. This is another APCG event that requires many volunteer hours, most notably the Chair Ceejay Rosen, with the able assistance of Peg Ryan. Many other volunteers are needed as salespeople, to sell raffles, to put up and take down the flats, etc.
There are many excellent opportunities to become one of the people who make a difference in your community, an APCG volunteer. Please approach and talk to any member of the APCG Board of Directors and volunteer an hour or two.
The weekend of August 7 and 8 is incredibly busy so plan carefully…
The Ninth Annual Concerned Women of the Grove Breast Cancer Benefit will take place on Saturday, August 7 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Heaven ‘n’ Earth… this has become a must attend event with raffles and many fabulous one-of-a-kind items donated for silent auction… and there’s food and music too.
Saturday, August 7, the APCG presents Rose Levine celebrating her 50th Anniversary performing in Cherry Grove… shows at The Community House are at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets go on sale two weeks in advance at the kiosk at the Community House on Saturday and Sunday from noon – 2 p.m. and again half an hour before each performance. This too could be SRO as Bob Levine has many friends in both the Grove and The Pines.
A special presentation of the APCG Archives will be on view at the Community House on Sat., August 7 from Noon – 6 p.m., and on Sun., August 8 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., through the dedication and care of Harold Seeley. We have a wonderful legacy and this is an opportunity to learn about the Grove before your time.

Ongoing Happenings at the Community House…

Special Note…
There will be no bingo this Sunday night, July 25. The APCG sponsored Haunted House Casino will be at the Community House this weekend, therefore APCG Bingo, that special Grove flavored theme bingo, will resume next weekend and throughout the summer on Sunday nights at 7 p.m. Set-up is at 4 p.m. – no set-up/no bingo.
Yoga led by Edrie every Tuesday and Saturday at 9 a.m. – however, this Saturday, July 24 will be at the Firehouse – bring a mat or towel.
Al-Anon meets every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., throughout the season, in the Boardroom. A welcome sign will be posted.

Other Popular Events…
I again heartily endorse Violet’s Wild Cherry for a very complete listing of community entertainment. It is most helpful to me whenever I have to write my column… be sure to pick up your copy at any of the commercial establishments in and around beautiful downtown Cherry Grove.
Friday, 7 p.m. – Free Chili at Cherry’s - join those Cherry Grove irregular regulars as they drop by right from the ferry and stay for the music…
Friday, 7 p.m. – Jumpin’ Jack’s Seafood Shack this week features Drag Rag Duets with the gorgeous and gifted Jacqueline and the very proficient Timmie…
Friday, 9 p.m. – Weekly Karaoke Contest – Grove Hotel – with the talented Terri G...
Sal Piro hosts Tacos and Trivia at the Grove Hotel and a different Grove persona serves free dogs at Top of the Bay each week… now I know why the Doctor’s House is named Belly Aches… oops, Belly Acres. Someone might consider offering another Tuesday night freebie… antacid!

Birthdays…
As this column appears in the FIN published on Friday, July 23, I want to extend best wishes for a healthy, prosperous and joyous year to Francine Sardone and Cathy Eckdahl as they each recently marked another birthday… say, whatever happened to the lobster bash?