The Grove Gang
Volume 49, Issue 5
By Linda Dickerman

The summer is finally in full swing. The restaurants are crowded, the novelty shops, hardware store, clothing stores, flower shop all look like they are flourishing. The cocktail parties have begun, the wagon rack is over-crowded with an assortment of wagons, and the invasion of the Pines is now history.

The Invasion of the Pines was, as usual, a sight to see. Led of course, by Panzi in a lovely purple gown and loudspeaker, here are some of the invaders: Charity in leopard, Carmen Miranda who is now Chinese Takeout, two Tiffany gifts, Bill Perez, Miss Lady Liber T Girl, the Sisters of Saint Pedophelia included Matt, Luisa, Gary, Tom and Susan, Psycho, Gusty Winds, the Medical Contingent with Viagra, Liza Minelli, Cher, Peter B., Phillip, Tony Bondi, Cobra, Jim Kelly, Rose and Michael, the Titanic contingent including Porsche and Leonardo, Hooters, Stewardess’, the Shubert Sisters. Annida Greencard, the Devil, the Runaway Bride last seen running through the meat rack, the Pink Lady, Viva Sexx and Nikki Star. The person I was happiest to see was Harold, as the Bishop of Cherry Grove, which is a long standing tradition that Harold started. Missed at the Invasion was Bella, Angela Mercy, Philomena and Mandee.

Legendary Comments

Did you see “Legends in Their Own Minds?” Here are some of the comments from the audience after the show: It was fabulous, the best show I ever saw, Matt should do it every year, it was wonderful, I loved every moment, there was not even one number that was not entertaining, every number was funny. What else can you say about a show like that? Here are some of the highlights: Luisa did “It Should Have Been Me” with China as the bride. Ariel performed “I Want to Be a Dancer.” Charity was wonderful, Cobra did her cue cards, Donna Piranha did an “Ode to Connie Francis”, Panzi yodeled, Philomena did “I Want to Be Popular.” Timothea was in her persona as the Queen, and did a reading.

Saturday June 25, was Gay Pride Day in Cherry Grove. What a day! Our parade was better than ever. Amelia, the originator and founder, and Rose Levine was the director. Some of the participants were Ivana Cocktail, our illustrious Queen, The Cat In The Hat, Pam Raymond from Out In Sayville, the Sayville Inn, the Bunk House and David’s, Russell from Cherries with Carmen on the float, the Leather Men with Bruce-Michael, Little Joe, Peter B., Phillip, and more, the Rainbow Contingent with Amelia, Sally Ann, Linda, Barbara, Pat, Lynn B., and Lynne T. The Ice Palace with Ariel carrying the CWOG Flag, and Jumping Jack’s also had great floats. Carrying flags were Martha and Dawn, Bud, Sherry, Wendy, Sharon, Lee, Bobby Y., Roland, Fletcher, Matt and Luisa, Lana and Laura with A to Z, and Glen Boles was Father Pride. All in all, it was the largest Cherry Grove Pride Parade yet. We had a great time, and the many spectators were wonderful and seemed to be very appreciative. Let’s go for a bigger and even better one next year. After all, we are getting prouder every day.

After our parade, Gaye and Julie had some people over for cocktails. Martha Morgan was visiting and looked great. There was also Dan and Charlie, Tall Paul, Lynn and Pat, Bobbie and Doreen, Fred, Laura and Kathleen, Bud, Joyce and Lisa, and more. We had to leave early, because the next event of the day was “A Date With Liberace.”

I know Bella told you about it last week, so I will only tell you that it was just wonderful.

Grilled, Not Boiled

Top Of The Bay is no longer doing Hot Dog Night, so the Ice Palace has now picked up the tradition. The first Tuesday night at 7 was hosted by two of our own Mr. Leathermen. Bruce-Michael, 2001, and Little Joe, 2005. The second was hosted by Bambi, Miss Cherry Grove Hotel. How can she walk in those heels? The hot dogs are even grilled instead of boiled…

Tacos and Trivia on Tuesday’s at 4 are now in full swing, and at the last one we celebrated Sal’s Birthday. We ended up singing “Happy Birthday” at least three times. So when you see him, wish Sal a Happy Birthday.

There is now a doctor in residence in the Grove, which should make us all feel better in case of an emergency. Remember how important it is for a doctor to be here, so please show your appreciation by giving. How much is it worth to you to have a doctor in the Grove? Remember, Isaac at the Grove Hotel is dispensing shots for two dollars and half the money goes to the Doctor’s Fund.

Several times already this season I have had to stop to step on burning cigarettes that someone tossed on the boards and did not take the time to extinguish. Please remember that we live in a place where fire is a distinct possibility if we are not careful. Please remind anyone you see tossing cigarettes to make sure they are not still burning. It only takes an extra second or two.

Let’s all wish Dick a speedy recovery.

Welcome to all the new residents in our neighborhood, owners and renters alike.

Happy birthday to the United States and to our other July Birthdays: Sal, Barbara, Cathy E., Francine, and whoever else has a July birthday.

Upcoming Events

The Pancake Breakfast, supporting our Fire Department, will be July 10. Let’s all come out to support them and show that we appreciate them. Not to mention it’s all you can eat, cooked by our very own. It will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at David’s Martini Bar. Thank you David for the use of your premises.

July 23 and 24 is Casino, and the theme is “Pirates of the Great South Bay.” On Saturday the hours are from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday 6 to Midnight.

July 24 is the Concerned Women of the Grove tea, now turned into a variety show. It will be hosted by Bella, and if all indications are correct, it will be a show to remember. Proceeds go to the Stony Brook Breast Cancer Research.

The Art Show is on July 30. The hours are from Noon to 5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. From Noon to 2 p.m. is a members only champagne reception, and on July 31 the hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no admission fee, so come in and take a look. You may be tempted to buy something.

Till next time…