Oysterponds

Carol Taylor, one of Orient’s “bird ladies,” got in touch with some encouraging news this week. She reported that the osprey nest at the intersection of the causeway has been showing much activity as of late. This nest has been considered jinxed, since fishhawks from this nest have met rude endings when they drop their catches on the roadway and try to retrieve it in front of cars.

Notice I said ‘intersection’ of the causeway? Have we ever settled on whether it is the “beginning” of the causeway (as East Marioneers think of it) or the “end” of the causeway, as Orienteers would be inclined to describe it?

This year’s school board election will take place Tuesday, May 18, 3 to 9 p.m., at the school. There will be a candidates’ forum next Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the East Marion Firehouse. The candidates are Thomas Gray, Carl Demarest, Dee Dee Thomas and Debra Dumont.

Before the forum, why not support the ELIH Auxiliary’s “Italian Night” at the Soundview? Dinners will be served from noon to 8 p.m. Call chairperson Carol Sieban at 477-2047 for details.

The annual Oysterponds 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday, May 15, at 10 a.m. Call the school at 323-2410, ext. 100, to sign on or register at 9 a.m. on race day. All proceeds go to fund the Charles Woznick Scholarship, which is awarded each year to a graduating Greenport senior who attended Oysterponds.

Perhaps you could run by the East Marion Firehouse and pop into the EMCA’s annual meeting, which starts at 10 a.m. on the 15th. Congressman Tim Bishop will be there to speak about Plum Island and other issues relevant to East Marion and Orient.

That brings me to another suggestion: Who out there is willing to be in charge of an Oysterponds calendar so important events don’t all get planned for the same date?

That segues me into a save-the-date for the OHS North Fork Fresh on Saturday, June 19. It is always a very special event. Tickets will be limited, so call 323-2480 to reserve.

The North Fork Chorale was a huge success this past weekend and Orienteers and soloists Chris Franke and Geoff Proud certainly didn’t disappoint. Karen Bull Haley is a star as the accompanist and her mom, Priscilla Bull, is always a great support to the alto section. Next year, the Chorale will celebrate its 75th year of performing, making it the oldest historical group in the thread of our North Fork music culture. We anticipate some special happenings in 2011, their “Diamond Jubilee” year.

I forgot to wish ‘the kid’ a happy birthday last year and didn’t live it down. So happy birthday on May 8 to Sarah Gillooly, Doris Morgan, Stu Rachlin and May Watson. (I think everyone should send Doris a card.)

Most of you know my childhood friend Diane Chandler, who hangs here a lot and who changes her decade today, as I will be doing before the end of the year. Happy new decade, friend!