Community Columns

Oysterponds News: ELIH summer gala to be hosted in Orient

Last year's Eastern Long Island Hospital fundraising gala was hosted in Cutchogue. It'll be in Orient this year. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder, file)
Last year’s Eastern Long Island Hospital fundraising gala was hosted in Cutchogue. It’ll be in Orient this year. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder, file)

A lot of fun times are planned in Oysterponds over the next couple of weeks. This Saturday, Aug. 2, is the always-special OHS summer benefit in Poquatuck Park overlooking beautiful Orient Harbor. As always, many coveted works of art will be available for bidding. To purchase tickets, act fast and call 323-2487. You won’t be sorry.

Next weekend’s ELIH summer gala is another special gathering, featuring the flavors of the North Fork. This year’s gala, on Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. — rain or shine — will be hosted by Orienteers Ruth and Reg Tuthill at the “House of Seven Gables.” The $225 tickets benefit the emergency room for which we are all grateful. Call 477-5463 to reserve.

It started last week but continues for the next three Fridays — Aug. 1, 8 and 15, at noon — so there’s still time to join the Orient Methodist Church Bible study on the topic of “Hildegard: Model Holy Woman.” Twelve videos will be presented for discussion, led by adjunct minister Geoff Proud. Light food will be served. Call 323-3523 for info.

It turns out it was a good spot on Sarah’s part. It’s been confirmed that the white SUV she tried to pass on I-95 in Florida was, in fact, Orienteers Leslie and Martin Trent. Unlike Las Vegas, what happens in Florida doesn’t always stay in Florida.

This year’s St. Agnes picnic will have the theme “dress as your favorite sports team.” (Any team, any sport — even Porters garb.) Be creative, although I imagine I’ll be there in my Mets duds. The organizers are looking for a donation of tickets to any sporting event that they can use for a raffle. Hopefully someone has season tickets and can spare a couple of seats. Call the rectory at 477-0048 if you can help.

Save the date, Sunday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m. for the Poquatuck Hall Concert Series with Steven Blier, who will perform “Craigslistlieder and Other Love Songs.” With him will be Chelsea Morris, Lauren Eberwein, William Goforth and Theo Hoffman. Tickets are $20 and will sell out in seconds, so call Jane Smith now at 323-1378 to reserve.

Speaking of Poquatuck Hall, the board has been working feverishly to launch a capital campaign to fund necessary maintenance projects. You will soon be asked to support this effort. The Hall operates on a shoestring and really needs your help. It is the only venue available for our community unconditionally. You’d think I was exaggerating if you could see just how depleted our funds are. Please be generous.

Sadness surrounded Oysterponds last week with news of the passing of lifelong Greenporter/Orienteer Hector Pemberton. He and his bride, Jessie, were married for 64 great years and provided true inspiration as to what marriage should be. If you open that dictionary of mine to steady, kind, talented, hero (two Purple Hearts), great father, grandfather, uncle and, of course, husband Hector’s picture is there. We all extend our sympathy to Jessie, Marie and Peter on his passing. May he rest in peace.

We also extend our sympathy to Father Tom Murray and his family on the passing of his incredible mom, Jane. Over the last 12 years she delighted us with her sharp wit, keen mind and compassion. Without any doubt, she is tucked in heaven enjoying her eternal reward.

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