The annual Memorial Day service at the Community House, a tradition started by Dominic De Santis and the late Rev. Dr. Charles Whipple, found, on May 27, former Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc. (CGCAI) President Roland Michely presiding, and served, as Roland put it, “to remember the many friends of Cherry Grove who had passed away.” He called the occasion “a day to remember loved ones, family members, and friends.”
Current CGCAI President Diane Romano said, “Today is the day to remember those who are no longer with us.” She continued, “Every time we hear about another hate crime against gays, we are reminded that we must continue the fight for freedom and equality,” spoke of the many we had lost who had made us smile, and read a poem remembering mothers.
Arts Project of Cherry Grove (APCG) President Thom “Panzi” Hansen declared, “the one place we have family where we will never be forgotten is Cherry Grove” and read the poem “The Dash,” by Linda Ellis, about the significant time spent between one’s birth and death dates.
Pianist Gene Rohrer played a lyrical and contemplative “On Golden Pond,” by David Grusen, and bittersweet Novelette in E minor, by Francis Poulenc, written in memory of gay Spanish Civil War martyr Federico Garcia Lorca.
Roland recalled those who left us since last Memorial Day, including Russell Chieffe; Earl “Buddy” Fagerstrom; Sidney Grossberg; Barbara Mancuso, well remembered from APCG shows; Jerry Rice, co-owner with Steven Helfer of the shop Fancy from Delancey, which was on the dock; pianist Jerry Scott; Bob Sechser, who contributed work to APCG Art Shows; and Nick Tambasco; called for a moment of silence in their memory; and bade us to greet our neighbors “in peace.”