The Grove Gang
By The Grove Gang

Bruce-Michael’s Musings

Drag Attack, a wacky contest entered mostly by Grove employees, has a nearly 30-year history. Miss DA 2006 took place at Cherry’s on June 20 and summertime was the theme. The afternoon’s hostesses were Cessalina Pool, Johnny Pool’s “sister,” and Charity, who set the tone with their opening number, “Sisters.”

The winner, besting seven others, was Aneeda Burger (Grove Hotel’s John), who made a spectacular entrance, stripping off red-and-white checked tablecloth skirt, whipping out ketchup and hamburger, and munching her repast on stage. Contestants were judged on adherence to theme, poise, originality, audience appeal, and a Q&A session. Charity’s question for Aneeda concerned her first purchase, should she win the lottery, and her sassy answer was, “Not your wig!” Her prizes, which she must return before next year’s competition, were the crown—which was placed on her head by Miss DA 2005 Tallulah Bankhead (Richard Bell) and to which she must add a jewel—and the “golden blender” award. Runners-up were Ann Gora (John Drago) and Tokyo Rose. Judges were Tides managers Meryl and Randy, Island Breeze manager Ken, and Golden Griffin’s Buddy a.k.a. Rita Hayworth.

Entertaining were Charity (an “I Only Have Eyes for You” cha-cha), Miss Cherry’s Titania (“Heart Attack”), and singers Victoria Chase (“Some People”) and, out of drag, Porsche (“Big Spender”).

Two nights later, at the Tides, Aaron Tanner introduced his go-go dancers at the season’s first Thursday “Where the Boys Are!” party, generally hosted by Max Scott. DJ Chauncey D provides the music. Doors open at 10 and there is no cover charge.

Corrections

One of Joseph R. Saporito’s photos from “Songs for Solo Dance and Voice,” in the last News, had a wrong caption. In it, Elaine Valby, horizontal on the floor, balanced Amy Pivar, nearly vertical, over her, not vice versa. The “Beyond Therapy“ cast photo was by Joe as well, not by me, and the actors weren’t those mentioned in the caption, but from left to right, James Duus, Joseph Feerick, Michelle Coffaro, Peter Scarpinato, Lorelei and Patrick Reilly.

Linda Looks at…

Longtime resident Martha Morgan visited and was the guest of honor at a brunch held at Gay and Julie’s. They invited some friends of Martha’s to brunch so we could spend some time with her. The guests were Joan and Lorraine, Doreen and Bobbie, Lyn and Pat, Jill, Joyce and Lisa, Kathleen and Barbara and I. It was great to see Martha here again, and I might add that she looks great.

Jill Navarro, Cherry Grove Fire Chief, respectfully requests that everyone trim their trees that extend over the walks. The Fire Department has trouble getting their vehicles past and it can be dangerous. If you don’t trim them, the Fire Department will… and they will probably not take the time you would to do what you feel is an aesthetically pleasing trimming. Remember, they are volunteers; let’s not give them extra work.

Jill also said we need everyone to call Brookhaven about replacing the boards that are broken. So far the fire department seems to be the main complainant. We each need to call about this danger and how people are getting hurt. The town says they are waiting for the water company to replace all the pipes under the boards, but they have been waiting for two years and it hasn’t happened yet. It’s not only the top boards that are bad, but also the stringers underneath. Does someone have to have a serious accident in order for something to be done? Please call and complain about the boards. The number is (631) 732-3571. I heard some people saying that the people who have been hurt should have a class-action suit against the town. That might make them replace the boards faster. I also heard that if you call, they come.

Jill also wants people to know that she is single, a great cook, and looks terrific in uniform. All interested parties should check with her personally. Ladies, here is your chance. Go for it!

Rain on Our Parade

For a change, it did rain on our parade, but it didn’t deter us. Despite the rain we all came out for the Cherry Grove Gay Pride Parade. Some of the people in the parade were Rose Levine, and the Gay Bouquet, made up of Denise, Amelia, Linda, Barbara, Pat, Lynn B., Lynne T. Then there were Lee and Janice, Sherry and Bonnie, Sally Ann, Tall Paul, the Cherry Grove Fire Department, led by Chief Jill, Jeanne Skinner who was the Pride of the Post Office, Roland, the Fire Island Film Festival, Bud, Messrs. Fire Island Leather 2001 and 2005, Bruce-Michael and Little Joe respectively, our Homecoming Queen, Coco Love, and Porsche, who was heard saying she was not going on any float without a drink (which she had in her hand), Frank was driving a float from the Grove Pizza, the Ice Palace had a float, and so did Cherry’s. Amelia was the parade organizer, Rose parade director, and Paul flag organizer. Thanks to all.

When Amelia was asked why the parade was in a gay community instead of a straight community, she responded “You see it as a challenge, we see it as a celebration”. Because of the rain, the Pride Fireworks were cancelled. Hopefully they will be rescheduled.

There are still some homeowners who have not painted their boards. Please remember it’s for everybody’s safety on those moonless nights.

Last weekend we went to Atlantic City with Marge. You haven’t seen anything until you see Marge winning at the slots. We had a great time besides gambling. We saw Etta James, we were wined and dined, and we didn’t even lose money. What a trip!

Lisa and Joyce have written a play, and will be having a reading in the fall. We look forward to seeing it on the Great White Way. Break a leg, gals.

Did you know we have four Dock Masters? They are Tall Paul Jablonski, Tim Webster, Wendy Lewis and Craig Williams.

Till next time…

Sooz Sez

My identical twin Ruth and I might have been the last two lesbians to leave Cherry Grove on the 8:55 ferry, Sunday, 6/25… many if not most of our Grove friends had already departed to participate in various Gay Pride Weekend events in the city after the Grove’s Gay Pride events on Saturday… we stayed through the rain, and lightening and thunder… we attended the APCG Gay Pride movie night at the CH along with a small but enthusiastic audience… an admission donation was requested and there was a modest charge for beverages with popcorn provided… thanxvm to Matt, Norman and Denise… The first feature was ‘Transamerica’… if there is anyone who still hasn’t seen this film rent the DVD… it is great… terrific… and funny, too… the second feature, ‘But I’m A Cheerleader’ was campy so it was funny in a very different way… many visually hysterical moments… think blue for boys and pink for girls… aagghh!! We interacted with Sherri and Bonnie and Rae and Bryce… Bryce provided Tootsie Roll Pops as an added treat… thanxvm…

Not an afterthought but I haven’t had a chance to thank the Cherry Grove Fire Department and Fire District for their hospitality at their Open House by invitation, Sat. 6/17, at the Fire House with great food from Grove Pizza and beverages… they sure looked spiffy in their dress uniforms… Chief Jill Navarra, 1st Asst. John LaValle, 2nd Asst. Michael Abdis, 3rd Asst. Ben Dono, and 4th Asst. Jerry McCormack… if I had the space I would list everyone individually… I was reminded when the fire alarm went off this past Sunday at 4:30 a.m.… they all deserve our appreciation for all that they do and do so well…

Hoping you were able to rest this past week as we have a very busy holiday weekend with different shows Sat., Sun., and Mon. at the CH under the auspices of the APCG… see one, or two, or three… check out the posters/flyers around town… tickets on sale each day of the weekend at the kiosk, from Noon – 2 p.m. and again _ hour prior to each performance… the holiday culminates on Tuesday, the 4th, with the Invasion leaving the Grove for the Pines when? Hmm, when Panzi has determined that all of the logistics and queens are in place… those of you who pray, please pray for cooperating weather…

GBCG (G-d Bless Cherry Grove)