Community Columns

Oysterponds News: Steak night in Orient set for Feb. 28

It’s hard to believe the year is more than 1/12 gone. How’s that for the glass half empty? I guess with all this record-breaking snow it is positive that time is marching on.

One of the most anticipated events in Orient in February is the OFD steak night. (Can’t you smell the aroma of the steaks wafting through the Village already?) The date is Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 each, including beer/wine. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. No tickets will be sold at the door, so get yours from any OFD member, or at the Candyman or Orient Country Store. 

The East Marion Community Association’s annual potluck and book swap is this Saturday, Feb. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a dish to share that serves 6 and gently used books to share. If you need a ride or have questions call 477-2819 or email [email protected].

Non-member registration for the Orient Junior Yacht Club program begins Feb. 15. Members can sign up before that. Email [email protected] with questions.

The winter weather has left Long Island’s blood supply at a critical “safety level.” You can help by donating at ELIH on Thursday, Feb. 19, between 8:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Folks ages 16 to 75 are welcome. Bring an ID and, please, no recent tattoos.

Congratulations to Katie Miesner, granddaughter of Germaine Vindigni, who was recently named best actress under 25 in the 2014 Broadway World Tampa area competition. WTG, Katie.

Christopher Bollen, editor-at-large of Interview magazine, has written a novel entitled “Orient” that will be released in May. A reading benefiting OHS will be held Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at Matros Gallery on 29th Street in Manhattan will benefit OHS. Tickets are $75. Seating is limited and reservations are a must. Call 323-2480.

Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport will host a program this Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. about how you can participate in the Global Great Backyard Bird Count.

Speaking of the library, with such bad weather, don’t forget its twice-a-month outreach to Orient. They deliver and pick up books at the Country Store the second and fourth Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 477-0660 for more info.

Plans for this year’s Relay for Life are heating up. Visit relayforlife.org/southoldny for info.

Are you a North Forker taking refuge in warm weather? Some of your neighbors are hosting a get-together Feb. 12 on Hutchinson Island. Email me at [email protected] or call 323-3899 for details and location.

During my early full-time days there, 3 1/2 decades ago, there was a disproportionate amount of folks from New Jersey in Orient. That’s why I’m mentioning that I noticed Karen Doherty’s bumper sticker that said “I Brake for Taylor Ham.” I snagged her at church and asked if she was from New Jersey. “Of course” was the response. In my travels, if I order Taylor ham anywhere in the country, the same question always comes up (kind of small world). This weekend I saw locals on Facebook all talking about Taylor ham and the Jersey connection. Other non-Jerseyites honestly haven’t got a clue what Taylor ham is. Anybody want to chime in on this?

See you back here on the 19th. Enjoy Valentine’s Day and keep warm.

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