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| Community Association Honors Grove's Deserving Tirado, Tavis & DeSantis |
by Bruce-Michael Gelbert
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| (left-to-right) Joanne Tavis, Dominic DeSantis & Anna Tirado with awards |
| Photo by Bruce-Michael Gelbert |
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On August 11, in a ceremony at the Community House, with the sponsorship of the Arts Project of Cherry Grove (APCG), the Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc. (CGCAI) presented its Community Service Awards to three deserving Grovites: Dr. Anna Tirado, Joanne Tavis, and Dominic DeSantis. According to CGCAI President Charlie Isola, all proceeds from the evening would go toward maintenance of the Community House and Belly Acres, the Doctor's House. Prior to the ceremony, songwriter and cabaret artist Julie Gold, best known for writing the song "From a Distance," entertained. Matt Baney and Alison Brackman were responsible for lights and sound.
Ray Baez introduced Anna, who was escorted by Marianne Hoffa. Anna, Ray said, first came to the Grove in 1985 and received her OB/GYN in 1988. In 2001, having survived leukemia, she orchestrated the Damminix distribution program, to combat Lyme ticks. She is also involved with the mosquito control program here. Anna spoke of her "long, long love affair with this place," which is where she met her partner, Henriette--who called her, in a program ad, "My Dearest 'Daminatrix'"-more than 20 years ago. "This is my Paradise," Anna added.
Joanne, President of the Elmer A. Lindsay Memorial Center, Inc., the Doctor's Fund, was escorted and lauded by Donald Labohn, director of the annual Doctor's Fund Benefit, who drew on "42nd Street" to describe Joanne's first participation as a performer in the show -"She went out a youngster and she came back a star"-and spoke of "the Doctor's Fund, for which she works tirelessly all year." Joanne thanked the Lindsay Center Board of Directors and its past presidents; Donald, for putting on the benefit; her family; and her partner of 21 years, Lois Pisani.
Don James introduced Dominic, AKA Mae Bush, who was escorted by Bobbie Green, and recalled his accomplishments as President of APCG, for which he co-chaired Casino with Marge Cozzolino, and appeared in shows, starting with "Little Mary Sunshine" in 1977; as a longtime member of the volunteer Fire Department; as a Church Lady, on Invasion and spearheading the House Blessing to raise funds; and as the second Miss Monster. Don spoke of Pines boys wanting to be photographed with Mae during Invasion and imagined them sending photos home to their mothers, saying, "Look, Mom, I do go to church and here I am with the organist." Don noted that this year had seen the reemergence of the House Blessing and Mae Bush's return to the stage, in the Doctor's Fund Benefit, and to calling Bingo. Dominic said, "It's been wonderful living in Cherry Grove for 50 years," 37 of them with his partner, John; recalled "many good times, many good friends, many laughs;" and concluded by quoting from a song the late Maggie McCorkle used to sing, "Cherry Grove is my home, sweet home."
Singing from the piano in tangy tone, Julie Gold offered spirited renditions of her inspirational songs, "Dream Loud" ("Face the world head on, be polite to strangers"), based on advice her mother had given her; "Heaven," a song about unconditional love; "We're 4 New York," for which she wrote lyrics, but not music; a wry song about "the heartbreak diet" ("No-one ever gained weight while their heart was being whacked"), with which she recalled her ex, who first brought her to Cherry Grove; "Thanks to You," which she wrote for the movie "Andre," about a seal; and "Good Night, New York," honoring her mother and her ancestors "who sacrificed so we could live the Great American Dream." She recalled her transition from temping to pursuing music fulltime in a patter song ("I'm a temporary worker with a temporary job") and a jubilant "Just in time, I'm finally free," and concluded with "From a Distance," the song that changed her life when it was recorded by Bette Midler-"I owe her my freedom. I owe her moments like this"-and which she wrote while still a secretary, before she turned 30.
A dessert reception followed the ceremony.
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