Community

Oysterponds: OHS/OCA to host ‘Winter Sings’ Dec. 11

This weekend in Oysterponds is always that one that Norman Rockwell painted and Dickens spoke about. The OHS annual house tour, Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., kicks off at the Congregational church, where you can pick up/purchase your tickets. Make sure you stop at the Methodist church, where accomplished organist Jason Cockerill will be playing all afternoon. For more info, visit the OHS website or call 323-2480.

This weekend will also be your last chance to snag a treasure at the beautifully appointed Beach Plum Shop in the OHS Schoolhouse. It will be open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Kudos and thanks to Connie Tupper, who did her normal magical and magnificent job of decorating for the Webb House Winter Benefit last Saturday.

Lucille Naar-Saladino’s students from Mainstage Dance Academy will perform Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m. for residents at San Simeon. Among the dancers are Oysterponds “kids” Marissa Swiskey, McKenna Demarest, Mary Kaffaga, Isabelle Higgins, Andria Skrezec, Brittany Walker and “big kid” Sandra Chapin. All are welcome to this free program.

Also on Sunday, 2-4 p.m., OHS/OCA will host “Winter Sings” at Poquatuck Hall. Ellen Cone-Busch at OHS is still looking for folks to come forward and volunteer to lead the group in a few of their holiday favorites. Call 323-2480 for more info.

You’re not seeing things if you spot Nancy and Bob Hungerford “amongst” the faces around this month. Just like the osprey, they have returned from, as Nancy put it, “the wilds” of Connecticut and have purchased the cottage on Main Road across from Latham’s. That will definitely elevate their stimulation level. Welcome home, friends,

I received an e-mail last week from a mom about the soccer accomplishments of her son and other Oysterponds kids. Then I promptly lost it. Mea culpa. I didn’t ignore it. Please resend it.

With the economy so bad, charitable giving will be lean this year. As you’re going over where to share your money or time, don’t forget Poquatuck Hall needs funds for urgent projects. Jake Thorp, who will be reconditioning the handicapped access ramp, also needs support. Then OCC needs volunteers for cleanup and set-up for John’s Place homeless shelter, whose guests will be ramping up with the colder weather.

East Marion lost a very special resident last week with the passing of lifelong Oysterponder Genevieve Salminen on Nov. 28 at the age of 94. Gen was born in East Marion, went off to New Paltz and returned to East Marion, where she lived for 92 years. She began teaching in Orient and met her Shelter Island husband early in her teaching career. She raised her three boys on Marion Lake. Her son Jim recalled a fond memory of visiting her when she was well into her 80s and she would say, “Let’s go visit the elderly.” That’s what makes our community so unique. She was very devoted to East Marion Community Church and spent many an hour volunteering there. We all have visions of our loved ones after their death and Jim said his is her catching up with her beloved Ed and planning a cruise or a Florida vacation. Oysterponds extends sympathy to Jim, Chris and Karlo and their families on her death. May you all be warmed by your great memories.

There are only two more columns before the end of 2011. Please get me the info you want to see here by the Saturday morning before it needs to be seen.