Oysterponds News: Volunteers sought for Orient F.D.

It was great to see such a sizable turnout at the OFD open house on Saturday night. They are hoping it results in volunteers stepping up to the plate and joining the ranks of Orient’s EMTs and firefighters. The department is in need of many additional “bodies” to join its team. Stop by the firehouse or call 323-2445. 

Sherry Thomas reported spotting a very large bird feasting on an animal under one of her apple trees. On further examination, it turned out to be a huge great horned owl feeding on his recent catch, a rabbit. The bird hung out for 20 minutes before flying off. Sherry said she’s seen them fly by before but never saw one on the ground in daylight. She ended her email with “If only they could catch deer.” That’s an appealing visual.

When I told Maureen Cullinane that story, she had another fun/ interesting feathered animal story to share. A suicidal warbling vireo flew into her screen enclosure last week and will chirp no more. She wasn’t 100 percent positive she identified the bird correctly so she scooped it up and put it in her freezer to await another bird aficionado’s confirmation. So if you know your warbling vireos, email me and I will send you a picture of the icy corpse.

Rumor has it that Ann and Bob Hulsmann are running their own version of Air B&B for birds. They have a little shelf just inside their porch where a small bird arrives nightly and huddles to seek the warmth of their porch light. He spends the evening and then flies away in the morning. Not surprising since we know the Hulsmann’s are welcoming to all, whether they walk on two feet, four feet, fly or swim.

Orienteer John Holzapfel continues his “A Nature’s Journal” series, in which he discusses all of nature’s happenings outside our window for the month. To avoid Halloween ghosts and goblins, the October event will be held a week early on Friday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. at the Peconic Landing Community Center. The lecture is complimentary. Call 477-BLUE for more details.

At the St. Agnes Nonne’s dinner on Sunday, there were many prizes in the 50/50. It’s common knowledge that Father Richard doesn’t cook, so what did he win? The St. Agnes cookbook! God sure has a sense of humor.

I can’t believe I’m once again talking about the very special, Norman Rockwell-esque annual Halloween parade, which takes place next Friday, Oct. 31. It starts at Oysterponds School at 2 p.m. and proceeds down Village Lane to Orchard, over to Tabor and back to the school. Be on time; if you blink, you’ll miss it. It’s always memorable.

The children of OCC will be trick-or-treating for UNICEF as they make their rounds on Halloween. They’ll have UNICEF boxes and would appreciate your spare change.

The monthly Congregational church supper is next Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome. Bring a dish to share. They still hope to have a guest chef who will make the main course. Interested? Call 323-2665.

Speaking of the Congregational church, DLT Electric has just completed the finishing touches on its new generator, which has helped the church reach its goal of being a bona fide shelter. Thanks to all who donated to help make this possible.

Mark your calendars for Nov. 17. East Marioneer Paula Thorpe is organizing a San Simeon fundraiser trip to your choice of Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. The ferry leaves at 10 a.m. You can sign on with Paula at 477-2392 or call San Simeon at 477-2110.

There’s nothing like old friends. Last weekend, Orient native Sarah Gillooly took a four-hour road trip to Jacksonville to visit with lifelong (since birth) friend and Orient native Jimmy Reeves and his bride, Crystal. A Navy pilot, Jimmy will be shipping out and relocating for a few years so it was an opportunity to catch up and bid adieu.

Congratulations to Chris Franke and Pete Nathanson, who tied the knot last Saturday, Oct. 18. We wish them many years of happily ever after.

Wow! Colin Stevens hits one of those milestones today. Don’t tell him I told you. Have a happy, friend.

Don’t forget to vote on Nov. 4. See you back here on the 6th.

Contact Oysterponds columnist Carol Gillooly at [email protected] or 323-3899.