Community

Oysterponds column: John Holzapfel presents ‘She Went Awhaling’ in the city

Oysterponds principal Francoise Wittenburg is jumping into the spirit of our wonderful community early in her tenure. She’s been training diligently for the ING Marathon on Jan. 29 in Miami and has decided to designate proceeds from pledges she receives to John’s Place at OCC. Forms to donate to this worthy cause can be obtained at the school. Call 323-2410.

Speaking of OCC, Greenport Ecumenical Ministries will host a “unity service” this Sunday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. Rabbi Myron Fenster of Greenport’s Congregation Tifereth Israel will deliver the message and speak about the importance of Interfaith Dialogue. If you haven’t been lucky enough to hear him speak this will be a great opportunity; his messages are always captivating. You can also greet him afterward at a time of fellowship.

Sunday also kicks off The International Movement “Christian Unity Week,” which Orient United Methodist Church will celebrate it at the 10 a.m. service. Geoff Proud will deliver a sermon on “No Need for Converts.” All are welcome, as always.

East Marioneer Melina Angelson, this year’s town Relay for Life chairperson, has asked me to announce a benefit to kick off this year’s effort on Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at Bedell Cellars. The $40 ticket includes wine, light fare and entertainment by Points East Music. Tickets can be purchased at Suffolk County National Bank in Cutchogue (734-5050).

This weekend, Oysterponds Historical Society will host an exhibit of watercolors by Clyde “Skip” Wachsberger, who moved on to his heavenly art studio in November. The show, curated by his partner, Charles Dean, is a true celebration of Skip’s amazing talents. See it at OHS’ Swanson Gallery Jan. 21 and 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. each day. For more info call 323-2480.

If you call, you can ask about the rug-hooking classes Gail Horton will be teaching at OHS on Feb. 2, 9 and 10.

OHS invites members and supporters to a very special evening at the Player’s Club in Manhattan on Monday, Jan. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. John Holzapfel will deliver “She Went A-Whaling: A Visual Journey” based on the journal by Martha Smith Brewer Brown, who sailed from Orient around the world on the Lucy Ann from August 1847 to July 1849. The $15 ticket includes the lecture, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Reserve by Jan. 22 at 323-2480.

It’s been five years since my sister made a pilgrimage to my Florida home. She and her husband, Rich, gave new meaning to the phrase, Did you bring this weather with you? The day before their arrival it was 80 degrees. Before they had unpacked, temps had dipped 20 degrees and Saturday’s high was 40 degrees lower than Friday’s. All in all, it made it palatable to all tuck in in front of the flat screen and cheer on the N.Y. Giants. Since the hype had been they’d get trounced it was a real thrill to watch their victory over the Packers. At the end we were all hoarse from screaming. I can’t wait to cheer them on in Indianapolis on Feb. 5. One more hurdle till that can happen. Let’s go G-Men!!