Oysterponds: ELIH Auxiliary to host Italian Dinner at the Soundview, Sept. 22

When I pulled up in front of the Country Store on Friday, I was greeted by a man wearing a Phillies hat and I kiddingly said, “I guess we can’t be friends,” since I am an avid Mets fan. Little did I know how true that statement was since “Uncle” Richard Foster, husband of Becky, who had just arrived from Roanoke, Va., pontificated on just how much he loved his Phillies. I will leave it at that.

Well, Uncle Richard was in town for a wonderful event: the marriage of his niece Miriam Foster and Grayson Murphy, who tied the knot that evening at the Peconic home of her parents, Dinah Seiver and Tom Foster. For that event, they hosted 30-plus folks and Miriam, baker extraordinaire, made her own champagne butter cream wedding cake with hand-piped rosettes. The celebration continued Saturday with a soiree in Poquatuck Hall, where 75 guests came from as far away as Japan and as close as Orient to toast the newly married couple. The largest contingent came from Harlingen, Texas, the groom’s hometown. That group included Grayson’s mom and dad, Michael and Deanna Murphy, plus his brothers John and Matthew, paternal grandmother Annette Cornelius and aunts Doris Sage and Kathy Bonner. Saving the best for last, paternal grandparents Robert and Lynn Murphy serenaded the spellbound crowd as they played a program of love songs from the American songbook. On Monday morning, in the afterglow of such a memorable weekend, Miriam and Grayson flew to San Francisco to visit more relatives and enjoy their first week as a married couple. Let’s hope they don’t leave their hearts there, since their hearts belong in Orient. Congratulations and best wishes to all.

All are invited to attend Saturday’s annual meeting of the Oysterponds Historical Society at 9 a.m. in Poquatuck Hall. A light breakfast will be served as you catch up on the news of OHS and its plans for the East Marion property and future restoration projects.

We know our Oysterponds vamps are here for us, but two weeks ago they proved that they are also there for their fellow men in blue. After the hurricane, members of the Vestal, N.Y., fire department were beyond spent, working 24/7 to supply aid to those affected. So Chief Sue Worth, Captain Bill Wysocki, Jay Bredemeyer, Michael Bredemeyer, Bud Griffiths, Andy Ruroede, Richard Milligan and Luis Yoh hopped in their suburban and motored west and north to lend a hand. As they passed Southold they snagged three of their finest, Paul Renkin Jr., Barry Standish and Jim Van Gorden. My informant Bud said they were a great asset to round out the team. For four days they supplied relief to the Vestal locals, including rescue calls, distribution of ice, etc. WTG “guys”; we are all proud of and appreciate you.

I left a name out of the list of shelter volunteers during Irene. Brierly Reybine, daughter of the late Larry and Ethel, was in for a visit from California and was “rushed” into service. Thanks to her and all the other helpers.

If you’re looking for an idea for dinner on Sept. 22, why not support the ELIH Auxiliary’s Italian Dinner at the Soundview? Carol Sieban will be happy to give you the details at 477-2047.

Close to a decade ago, when I started entertaining in my Florida home, Ted Webb suggested I contact Orient “summer kid” Bill “Steve” Stephenson, who it turned out lived about 10 miles from me. So Steve went on the “party” list and was invited and showed up every year. Steve, a graduate of the Naval Academy and a nuclear engineer, was always an engaging guest. He was a true gentleman. He died suddenly on Sept. 13 and will be missed by many. Oysterponds extends sympathy to his sister, Donna Tweedie. You can leave a note at strunkfuneralhome.com. May he rest in peace.

Friday is the first day of fall. Get out the cider and the rakes.