Community Columns

Oysterponds News: FD pig roast July 26

pigroast

Orient Fire Department’s annual pig roast is next Saturday, July 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the firehouse. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $10 for kids 8 to 12. Beer, wine and soda are included and Mixed Nutz will provide live music. Tickets are available at Orient Country Store, Fork & Anchor, Orient by the Sea restaurant and the Candyman. 

Many Oysterponders who are also Rotarians will be doing yeoman’s duty while they once again serve up the annual Lobster Fest at Founder’s Landing, also on the 26th. Check elsewhere in the paper for details.

Earlier on the 26th, don’t forget to patronize the annual Orient Congregational Church fair. At last count, three boats had been donated for sale. Call Dr. Joe Papa at 323-2537 for info, to volunteer or for pickup of donations.

Congratulations to Andrea Koch, daughter of Barbara and George Koch, and her groom, Dave Leonard, who were married June 21 on the dock in front of her parents’ East Marion home. The Rev. John Walker, former pastor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, officiated. The celebration moved to a tent at the Kochs’ home, where they partied into the night. Andrea’s attendants were Meghan Mills and Becky Lillis Cartselos. The groom’s mom, Sharon, also came east for the wedding. The newlyweds will honeymoon in Alaska in August and then settle down back at home in Corona, Calif.

DG Godfrey got in touch to share news that some of you seasoned Orienteers might be interested in. Anne VandeWater — who grew up on the bay in the home that was once the bowling alley, now owned by Jack and Anne Marie Kelly — tied the knot with Frank Ramsihk June 26 in Vines Garden Park in Georgia. Since Anne will be taking a new name, DG shared her new contact info. To wish them well, contact them at 1725 Gleneden Court, Grayson, GA 30017 or [email protected].

Speaking of the Kellys, you’ll have just a week to catch Ann Marie and Jack, who have sold their beautiful home and will be moving back to Massachusetts to be closer to family. They were here full-time for less than a decade but jumped in with both feet and made incredible contributions to our community. We send you a collective hug and wish you Godspeed to your new home. Our loss is Cambridge’s gain. Thank you for all you have done. You will be missed.

I think I may know this answer, but as Sarah was headed south from Oysterponds last week, a white SUV passed her on the Florida Turnpike or I-95 (not sure which) that had an Orient FD decal on the window. She tried to catch up as fast as her compact tires would take her but did manage to note the license plate: TNT2. I might be wrong, but Marty and Leslie, was that you? If not, check in if you own that tag. Small world again. Sarah also reported $3.21 gas in South Carolina; so far that’s the cheapest. Anyone else?

I ran into Heidi Gray on Village Lane this week and she was lamenting the loss of her hollyhocks, which seem to have disappeared at the hands of a thief with a pair of scissors. If you are the culprit, shame on you.

Oysterponds elementary graduate Monica Sledjeski is back on the North Fork following her most recent Foreign Service assignment in Chennai/Tamil Nadu, India. After some R&R, she and her friend Gaetan Damberg-Ott are off to their next assignment in Washington, D.C. We all wish you fun and blessings in your new job.

We’re so global here! Nicki Gohorel is also tucked back in to East Marion for the month of July along with her husband, Selcuk Keles. The couple resides in Kartal, Turkey, and have been jumping in and out of the North Fork to catch up with old friends.

Welcome Ashton Latham Stanton, firstborn son of our own Erin Latham and her husband, Dr. Ashton Stanton. Ashton weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was welcomed by big sisters Cameron and Devin, who were thrilled to meet their little brother. Also tickled about their new grandson are Orienteers Danny and Patti Latham. Congratulations, all, on the arrival of this little bundle of joy.

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