Community Columns

Oysterponds News: ‘Southold Town Wants to Hear From You’ event

Aug. 9 was a special day at Orient Congregational Church and for the Hulsmann family.

The occasion was the baptism of Ann and Bob’s grandchildren Samuel Tate Hulsmann and Liam Hulsmann. Sam is the 11-month-old son of Mark and Allyson, who live in Brooklyn. Three-month-old Liam and his parents, James and Renee, traveled from their home in Tokyo, Japan. Many family and friends joined in the festivities, with a few surprises — including a couple James and Renee knew from Bangkok. There was divine intervention for sure as the weather could not have been more perfect. Congratulations to all.

Slightly belated congratulations to “Orient’s own” Sarah Latham and her fiancé, Kevin Anglum, who were engaged April 26 on the porch swing at Fordham House, Sarah’s wonderful bed and breakfast on Main Street in Greenport. Kevin (who hails from Sound Beach) and Sarah plan a February 2016 wedding at St. Agnes. (This is a test of true friendship, to see who battles the elements in New York in February to join the celebration). Best wishes for an amazing future.

Some tickets might still be available for the always-awesome Steven Blier’s concert at Poquatuck Hall this Sunday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m. Reservations are a must for this event and you can secure your $20 seat (providing they’re not all gone) by calling Jane Smith at 323-1378.

Floyd Memorial Library is also sponsoring a classical concert Sunday at 3 p.m. by the Cottage Quartet, which will perform music by Brahms, Chopin, Schumann and others. Call the library at 477-0660 for more details.

Geoff Proud will be in the pulpit at Orient United Methodist Church Sept. 6 at 10 a.m., when he will lead the service in the Wesleyan tradition from Mark’s account of Jesus leaving his home territory of Galilee and curing a deaf man. The sermon’s title is “Does Jesus Have a Plan?” All are welcome.

In continuing OHS ‘book club’ series, this Sunday’s 3 p.m. program is “The topic is fishing.” These programs are suitable for grade school through adult. For more info, go to Oysterpondshistoricalsociety.org and click on events.

Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Steve Burt, former pastor of Orient United Methodist Church, whose novel “FreeK Week” won silver for young adult fiction at the Florida Authors and Publishers Awards in Orlando. WTG, Steve!

The East Marion Community Association asks all residents to join them at the firehouse Saturday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. for a program titled “Southold Town Wants to Hear From You.” Come and participate in the comprehensive plan process, meet town planning director Heather Lanza and discuss which uses should and should not be allowed in the zoning in East Marion.

Lots of good things are happening at Orient Congregational Church. The monthly church fellowship supper will be Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6:30. Please bring a dish to share. As always, all are welcome.

OCC is also forming a confirmation class for students grade 7 and up. It will be a two-year journey for this very worthwhile educational forum, which will most likely be held alternate Sunday afternoons. Call the church office at 323-2665 for information and to register. You do not need to be a church member to participate and there is no fee. The only requirement is the desire to explore more about the Christian faith.

The Don VanCleefs are basking in the afterglow and recovering from a few hectic weeks during which abundant numbers of their children and grandchildren gathered at their Skippers Lane home to reminisce and relive childhood fun. It’s always special to visit with friends we have all known for decades.

My next column will be submitted Aug. 31 for the Sept. 3 issue. Enjoy the last two weeks of no school. See you back here then.

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