Oysterponds News: Grammy-winning musicians coming to Orient

Let’s get this out of the way: They were wild turkeys, not turkey vultures. Mea culpa. They sure are active poultry, aren’t they? They are everywhere.

So 25 years ago, I started the “decade club” and even though this isn’t a zero year, there are many decaders hitting significant years. Back then, the senior member was Dr. Grace Welles, who was 90; John Tuthill was 80; Sophie Staron was 70; and Don VanCleef, Norm Dietz and Anne Hopkins were 60. Diane Hamblin was 50, as was Tom Murray. Linton, Diana, Mary Ellen and yours truly were 40; Sharon Bogden and Tom Reeves were 30; and Baxter Townsend was born.

Happy milestone birthdays to all of you and RIP to those no longer with us.

One of those on the list, Village Lane’s Sophie Staron, will turn 95 on June 17. Her family would like to invite all of you and everyone who knows Sophie to join them for tea and sweets on Sunday, June 21, at Poquatuck Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. to wish her well and launch her toward 100.

Speaking of 100, it’s just one year off for Oysterponds Lane’s Ted Rackett, who blows out 99 candles on June 25 (he’s my birthday twin). More to celebrate, however, is that he and his bride, Hattie, will be married 75 years next Tuesday, June 16. You can send cards to wish them well c/o San Simeon at 61700 Route 48, Greenport, NY 11944.

This Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m. there will be an amazing concert at Poquatuck Hall by Grammy Award-winning musicians Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. They have an extensive repertoire of traditional music. (Google them; they are impressive.) Tickets are $20 and available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking of Poquatuck, built in 1874, the OCA board has spent countless hours planning the hall’s next 141 years. In the works are hopes for conversion to gas heat and a handicapped bathroom. Many other items are being chewed on; all that’s stopping them is money. If you’ve ever attended an event at Poquatuck you know the value of this building, which is the heartbeat of the community. Please consider helping to sustain this wonderful asset by sending a donation to OCA at Box 34.

This evening at 7 p.m. all are invited to the Oysterponds School spring concert, where you can hear the next generation of budding musicians.

Welcome home to Bill Terry, Ceil and Fred Sharman and Don and Mina VanCleef, all of whom are once again tucked back in Oysterponds.

Ted and Irene Webb were happy to host old friend and longtime Orienteer Brie Reybine, who came east from California last week to walk down the memory lane of her youth.

Oysterponds extends sympathy to Fran Franke on the loss of her husband and to her “boys” — Jim, Michael and Glenn Franke — on the loss of their dad, “Big Jim,” on Saturday. May he rest in peace.

Don’t forget: Flag Day is this Sunday, so grab the red, white and blue and fly it proudly.

Summer will arrive before my next column, so enjoy the long hours of daylight until June 22, when the days stat getting shorter again.