Community

Oysterponds: Pianist Mary McCarthy in concert Jan. 28 at Poquatuck Hall

A happy ending is always nice — even after more than three months. Tasha Bondarchuk got in touch to report that she and her partner, Amber, were thrilled that their missing calico cat had been returned to the barn and was nestled safely in again with their horses. They want folks to know how grateful they are to whoever recognized her and returned her to her family.

OHS is always a beacon of activity. Next Saturday, Feb. 4, it will host a preview of Alan Bull’s “An Oysterponds Sampler,” artwork of his favorite Orient places accompanied by personal anecdotes and essays. The exhibit continues weekends through February.

Also on Feb. 4 is the always well-attended poetry night at Poquatuck Hall. Final details to come next week.

Another Feb. 4 event is the annual East Marion Community Association cabin fever potluck and book swap, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the firehouse. Bring gently used books and magazines. Leave with the same number you come with. I’ll remind you next week.

Oysterponds is lucky to welcome pianist Mary McCarthy in concert at Poquatuck Hall this Saturday, Jan. 28, at 4 p.m. with “Songs of the Hebrides,” Irish and Scottish tunes transcribed for the piano. There will be a freewill offering to support the renovation fund. For more info go to Poquatuckhall.com.

A reminder: Call OHS at 323-2480 for details on John Holzapfel’s lecture, “She Went a-Whaling,” to be given at both Peconic Landing and the Manhattan Club.

Greenport School social worker Jillian Ruroede is putting out the call for gently used formalwear and prom dresses for the annual Prom Boutique. Call her at 477-1950, ext. 220, for details.

Small world was abundant Sunday. I was at the local sports bar for the Giants playoff game and was about to wrap up and finish watching from my couch when I noticed a man with a Giants hat. I did my usual “Where in N.Y. are you from?” He said Northport, I said Orient and he said his daughter lived on Gull Pond and her name was Allison Adams. Then he caught himself, adding, “Oops I mean Allison Wieczorek.” I shared that I’d traveled to Israel with the senior Wieczoreks in spring 2010, and we both whipped out our PDAs to share pics of mutual acquaintances. (He on his iPhone and me on my iPad.) The world sure has changed. Years ago it would have been one photo tucked in the wallet but he had hundreds and I had thousands.

The conversation led to his bride, who was not with him (probably opted for couch viewing). He said her name was Linda and she’d taught for many years at North Babylon High School. The other person who was an institution there was my brother-in-law Rich Meyer, whose brother’s wife, Betty, was watching the game with us at Duffy’s. Sarah rolled her eyes as I chimed in with small world reigns again.

After we returned to the couch and the game got dicey, Sarah, who had already dressed for bed (5 a.m. comes fast when you’re a teacher) felt the need to put her “lucky” Giants clothes back on, so there she sat, decked out in the red/blue hat, shirt, blanket, etc. Laugh at the superstition, but it worked! N.Y. is once again Superbowl bound.

Oysterponds extends sympathy to the Rev. Ben Burns and his family on the passing of his bride, Maureen. North Fork Chorale’s loss will be the heavenly choir’s gain.