The Grove Gang
Volume 48, Issue 9
By Linda Dickerman

There was a lot of happenings around town, so let’s see if you got to everything. First, the benefit “Memories,” to benefit VNS Hospice Care who took care of Saja Lee and Marge Cozzolino in Saja’s last days. It was a star-studded event at the Ice Palace, and it was packed. The dignitaries from VNS also attended. Over three thousand dollars were raised, and Marge is very happy it went so well. There were some happy moments and some sad moments, with many memories of Saja. The performers all were happy to do it for such a worthy cause. Bella performed and was the hostess for the first half, with Billie Ann Miller, The Village People consisting of Doreen, Bobbi, Joanne, Lois, Andy, and Rosie, Craig Tessler accompanied by Isaac Peter Vaughn, Viva Sexx, Linda and Barbara, and Angela Mercy and Freeda Choose. After the intermission, the hostess was Panzi, who was in rare form, picking on anybody she saw. The performers were Rose Levine, Rich Parisi, John DeMarco and Joe Agosta, Donna Piranha, Philomena, and Bella in the finale. There was a 50/50 raffle, won by Ceil Rogers, who donated a portion of her winnings back to VNS. There was also many extra prizes given out. What a show. I hope you didn’t miss it. Congratulations to Marge, who planned and put the entire event together.
The Arts Project Annual Art Show was a success. The artists outdid themselves this year. There were fantastic works of art on sale, and I think everybody was pleased about the final results. There was also a raffle and the items raffled off were works of art donated by the artists, and other items donated by various individuals and businesses. The President’s Choice award was won by John Mansuetto.
The first Wednesday of August is always the volleyball game. It’s the Copettes against the Grovettes. The Copettes had their Marching Piper Band, and the helicopters did the fly by. There were flag bearers, and many floats. Amelia was the Not-So- Grand Marshall, who also organized the event. Sal Piro did the play-by-play. Mistress Sharon sang Amazing Grace before the start of the tournament. The Cherry Tarts, and Porsche all entertained during half time. There were good spirits all around, and all had a good time. The Grovettes won by a mile, but the Copettes didn’t have all their regular volleyball players. The Grovettes probably would have won anyway, but they were looking for more of a challenge. Everyone there had a great time and spirits were very high, which is really the important thing. All this was followed by a feast at the Ice Palace.
The Cherry Grove Archives, handled with loving care by Harold Seeley, were on display Saturday and Sunday. It was nice to see some of our old friends in pictures who are no longer with us. It brought back a lot of good memories of times past. What a wonderful thing Harold does by taking care of these Cherry Grove treasures. When we see him on the boards, lets thank him for it.
Saturday afternoon the Concerned Women Of The Grove had their benefit and cocktail party. As usual, it was a very well done affair, with the drinks flowing, and lots of good food being brought around by all the volunteer workers. This was a very well attended event since everyone knows how important this cause is. There was a silent auction with many valuable items on sale, and a raffle with too many good prizes to mention. There is no final count yet, but they must have raised a large amount since they are still counting. Besides the auction there was a table selling various items, like T-shirts, watches, etc. Mandy and Bella both performed for us, and naturally they were both wonderful.
Were you able to attend “The Golden Jubilee of Rose Levine,” celebrating 50 years of performing in Cherry Grove? It was a wonderful show. There was not a large cast, but everyone in it was exceptionally talented. The cast consisted of Rose Levine, Billie Ann Miller, Jacqueline Jonee, Sal Piro, Steven Alan Black, and Michael Dillinger. Mark York was the Director/Musical Director, who is remarkably talented. He has been a friend of Rose’s for many years, and he is, as always, a very welcome addition to our Cherry Grove stage.
TIDBITS
After the Volleyball Game Carmen went home and fell and was injured. She was in the hospital, but now has returned home to the Grove. Get well, Carmen. Diane Romano sprained and bruised her ankle quite badly when the cart she was driving tipped. When it came down it caught her ankle between the cart and a building. That’s why we are seeing her on crutches lately. We hope it heals soon. Rae DiStefano was home for a while, but she is now back in the hospital. We’re all rooting for you, Rae. We want you back where you belong.
Have you seen the wagon rack lately? Lorraine and friends did a fantastic job of cleaning it up.
May and Florence have sold their house. I wish them well in their new home, but we will all miss them. I hope the new owners are as pleasant and fastidious as they were.
Bo and Tony had a deck sale. They had some very nice treasures. t
UPCOMING EVENTS
Rehearsals are now hot and heavy for the last show, “Vegas Dreams”. Be sure to get tickets. They will be on sale Saturday, August 14 at 12 noon. There will be cabaret style seating. John Bowen is the Musical Director, and Brett Oberman is the Choreographer, so you know it has to be good. Some of the cast members are Panzi, Lee Sharmat, Sherri Rase, Lynn and Pat, Bill Perez, Denise, Bruce-Michael, Charles C., Rich Parisi, Urban Sprawl, Susan and Ruth Freedner, Jeannie Lieberman, Ed Purcell (aka Mother), Sally Ann, Tony Bondi, and Barbara and yours truly, Linda. Directed by John DeMarco and Joe Agosta, who will also be entertaining us.
Are you going to Bella’s Wedding? It will be the wedding of the century, so try to get there. It is at the Ice Palace on August 22. Who is Bella marrying? We don’t know. Who is in the wedding party? We don’t know. How many guests are there? We don’t know. All we do know is everyone is invited, and hopefully everyone will come dressed in character, or not. One thing we do know: we all will have fun and enjoy it. Make sure you get there.
Till next time…