When Roland first came to Cherry Grove in the 1980’s as a single man, all he saw was the beach, yes, he noticed some old houses, then had dinner at the Monster, dancing at the Ice Palace and staying overnight at the Belvedere.  According to his recollection, when he walked from one spot to the next sometimes he bumped into natives of Cherry Grove.  That was the only thing he noticed about the Grove.

But only when he met his late partner Glen Boles did he realize that there is a community behind the facades.  Glen introduced him to old-timers of Cherry Grove like Ken Ackermann, Jack Hofflander, Dixi and Bill, Hank Henry and Bill, Charles Whipple, Harold Seeley and others, and from them he learned the history and the struggle of this community.  At that time he was still working as a Professional Engineer; when he left the office on Friday evening, colleagues wished him a good time in the Hamptons.  He also was asked what the Hell is in the Hamptons that one can’t find in Manhattan. Well, that was then; now he is out and open to everyone in the world and is proud to be part of Cherry Grove.  His former colleagues love to visit him and Joe every year for a reunion.  

Roland was born 1940 and raised in small city along the Rhine River in Germany.  During Carnival time his mother dressed him as a beautiful girl; in later years his mother was quite impressed seeing pictures of him as Frau Mathilde von Sluttenberg during an earlier invasion; it was a form of carnival for her.   In Germany he studied Process Engineering, joined a company in Munich, and in 1965 they offered him a position in their New York office to set up a Department for Process Control and Instrumentation.  He became a US citizen, and for many years Roland, as head of the Engineering Department, travelled not only extensively through the US but also to many parts of the world.

It did not take long before Roland involved himself in helping Property Owners President Cathy Friend in 1997 to set up the End-of-the Year-Dinner at the Community House.  Then he worked with Richard Schack to organize dinners with themes like: An Evening at the Museum, Carnival in Venice, Banquet at Hadrian’s Roman Villa, Cruise Ship Cherry Grove the 1st, Dinner at Turandot’s Palace, and many others.

After the Community Association was created by Wally Forstell and Carl Luss he was elected in 2001 to be president.  As Roland would say: “It was quite a difficult task in those earlier years to transfer the properties from the Property Owners Association to the Community Association, and to convince everyone about the advantages of inclusiveness, being a charity and the advantages of tax deductions for any donations.”

After Glen Boles passed away Roland compiled a book about his life, titled: “The Mind and Life of Glen Boles”.  As the book was printed Roland met Joe Anania, who became his partner and husband.

In 2006 the last year as president, Roland and the board started the first Honors Award Event here at the Community House.  It has evolved into a wonderful celebration honoring people who have contributed much of their time and love to the community.  

For the last few years Roland and Joe have hosted a Toga Party at their home as a benefit for the Arts Project. (Lots of fun).  Roland also organized the Memorial Day Service that pays tribute to our loved-ones and friends of Cherry Grove who are no longer with us.

Presently Roland & Joe involve themselves volunteering for the benefit of various Cherry Grove organizations.  They love to be part of this wonderful community and wish all the best of health and a prosperous future.