Oysterponds News: ‘Cabin fever club’ at Oysterponds School

Even though I orchestrated the delivery of my Oysterponds sofa to Sarah’s new residence in Florida, there was still a little flutter of the heart as I pulled up and spotted the Jernick’s truck on the street. It polishes the glow of “hometown.” I mentioned it to a friend, who said she felt the same way while vacationing in Booth Bay Harbor, when a Hampton Jitney tour full of Southold folks pulled in. This morning I heard a TV anchor say “familiarity breeds comfort.” I agree. 

In case you didn’t get to the synagogue last week to join in Stanley Rubin’s 90th birthday celebration, he will be doing it again with his other church family at the Congregational church this Sunday, March 8, after the 10:30 service. Stanley has always given new meaning to ecumenism. Happy Day again.

It slipped by me since it occurred during the month without a column, but it isn’t too late to congratulate Bud Jackson, who received Orient Methodist Church’s 2014 Parishioner of the Year award during a brief ceremony in January. Bud always arrives early, turns up the heat, posts the hymns and sets up the bulletin. Bud and his daughter Holly (assistant faithful servant) also decorate the beautiful, historic church for Christmas. Thank you to you both.

Speaking of thank-yous, a big one goes out to Deborah Michta for chairing a fun and successful OFD Steak Night. It was a great evening.

Geoff Proud’s Friday Lenten series, “Grounding in our Faith,” continues at noon today, March 6, and for the next two weeks at the Methodist Church on Village Lane. Call Geoff at 323-3523 to register for this free educational event.

Spread the word about the weekly meetings of the “cabin fever club” on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the all-purpose room at Oysterponds School. They have a short program followed by exchange of ideas and expertise on whatever art or craft project you bring to work on. This month’s series of events celebrates the 375th anniversary of Southold Town. On March 5, Gail Horton was scheduled to discuss plans for that celebration. Next Thursday, the 12th, Karen Lund will talk about Oysterponds Historical Society anniversary events and on the 19th, Ted Webb will present an oral history project on Ben Franklin’s mile markers. You can call Marion Hughes at 323-2410, ext. 101, or just show up.   There is no charge for these evenings. Bring your own project supplies.

For those of you who are not aware, Orient native Michael Bredmeyer is the lucky recipient of a Habitat for Humanity build. First Presbyterian Church of Southold is sponsoring this project. If you’d like to be part of this wonderful cause, visit habitatsuffolk.org for more details and to volunteer.

It’s hard to imagine, with record-breaking cold and snow, that our winged friends will return early, but please give a holler when you spot returning migrating birds.

If you open the dictionary to a life well lived, front and center there would be a picture of Henry Moisa, who died Feb. 23 and would have been 97 this past Monday. A lifelong Orienteer, Henry made amazing contributions, serving not only Orient but Southold Town as well. I am sure that he was greeted at the pearly gates with, “Welcome, my good and faithful servant. Come and share the joys of Heaven. You have earned it well.” Orient extends sympathy to Gene, Sue and Dorothy on their loss. Godspeed, Henry; you will be missed.

Four days later, Oysterponds suffered another great loss with the passing of lifelong North Forker Leo Golisz of East Marion. Leo was a World War II veteran and a career Plum Island employee, a devoted husband and father. We all extend sympathy to his bride, Kitty, and his daughters Maureen, Eileen, Kathleen and Noreen. I knew Leo only by sight but when I asked a friend to tell me about him, she replied, “The kindest man that ever walked the face of the earth.” Amen to that special remembrance.

This Saturday night we “spring ahead” with our clocks so unless you want to be an hour late on Sunday morning, plan accordingly. It’s also not a bad idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. See you back here on the 19th.

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