Oysterponds News: Benefit for Peconic Green Growth tonight

A benefit for Peconic Green Growth will take place Saturday, Aug. 30, at Poquatuck Hall from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Your $15 ticket ($20 at the door) includes a drink, appetizers, entertainment by Joe Hampton and Southold Slim and an amazing auction. County Legislator Al Krupski will be among the guest speakers. The group has received matching grant funds to help pay for an engineering report on the feasibility and costs of a decentralized water system for Orient. The matching funds will be raised from the proceeds of the auction. Visit Peconicgreengrowth.org to purchase tickets and find a link to the auction items.

When OCA president Linton Duell addressed the audience at Steven Blier’s concert on Sunday, he shared that Oysterponds Community Activities will be launching a capital campaign in hopes of raising substantial amounts of money to fund many much needed projects. Steven quickly chimed in that he hoped a handicapped access bathroom would be on the list. There is an ambitious list of improvements that will be considered for disbursement of monies hopefully to be received. This historic hall has been serving the community for three centuries. Please help support this venture.

Two years ago I was eagerly anticipating attending my first Steven Blier concert. I peeked in the window and listened at the door as they rehearsed. But it was just a tease, as Hurricane Sandy had other plans and the concert was canceled. Sunday’s event was worth the wait; it was one of the most incredible evenings I’ve ever experienced. Steven was accompanied by four vocalists — Lauren Eberwein, William Goforth, Theo Hoffman and Chelsea Morris — who were so outstanding it was hard to believe it was Sunday on Village Lane and I hadn’t  paid tolls and parking to see them. I wasn’t the only one in the room who had goose bumps. Oysterponds is fortunate to have hosted such a memorable evening.

There will be more incredible concerts as long as we continue to support Poquatuck Hall. Call Jane Smith at 323-1378 to see how you can help.

During Sunday’s concert word spread of the passing of globally renowned folksinger Jean Redpath, who shared her talents many times in Poquatuck Hall. We extend our sympathy to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

EMCA members and East Marion residents are invited to the firehouse Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. (9:30 for refreshments) for a workshop to create a list of problems facing the East Marion community. Among the issues are deer control, tick diseases, traffic, the Oyster Factory project, derelict properties, rental housing regulations and code enforcement. Please plan to attend this important gathering to assure the positive future of your hamlet. Call Robin at 903-7708 for more info.

Sometime since the last column Jay McKasty reported the excitement of having an eaglet on her front lawn on Old Farm Road. Methinks that means mommy and daddy eagles must be close by. Jay also shared that her feeder is visited daily by black hummingbirds. Former longtime Orienteers Dr. Bill and Sheila Bachman also shared that at least a dozen hummingbirds enjoy the hospitality of their feeders every day in Hamilton, Mont. They also report that it’s been a very hot, dry summer there. Miss you guys. Hope you are well.

School opens next week so watch out for moving children. It would also be greatly appreciated if you buy extra school supplies and drop them off at CAST, 311 Front St., Greenport, or the North Fork Community Outreach headquartered at St. Agnes.

Rene Carey shared a fun small world this week. Her niece Christine Walden Kimiecik went with daughter Clare to visit Christine’s sister Susie Walden Curran in Galway, Ireland. While they were there, they all took in a performance of Riverdance, during which Christine noticed a young girl two rows in front of them who went to the same dancing school in Maryland that Clare had attended. Small world continues strong.

Sue and Joe Cherepowich went for a sunset sail (without a sunset) Saturday on the three-masted schooner that was visiting Greenport this week. The crew of five came from all over the country and as they introduced themselves one young lady said she was from Florida. Upon further questioning, she added Stuart as her hometown. As the crow flies (or crosses a bridge) she is about a mile from Joe and Sue’s condo on Hutchinson Island. Small world — always fun.

Enjoy the last weekend of summer. See you back here on the 11th.

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