Oysterponds News: ‘Nature’s Journal’ series at Peconic Landing

I’ll start off with ‘old business’ and report back that the mystery person who rescued Susanne Bondarchuck from her icy porch was the “mom” of Captain and Scout, the infamous Village Lane cairn terriers. Thanks to all good Samaritans who participated in the heroics.

Congratulations to Orienteers Gene and Sue Moisa, who were named Parishioners of the Year by Orient United Methodist Church for service above and beyond the call. Gene and Sue follow in the footsteps of the last three winners, Ruth Campbell, Jane Cockerill and Bud Jackson.

You’re invited to the Have a Heart Dinner at Peconic Landing Friday, Feb. 26, which benefits the CAST Winter Emergency Fund. The cost is $25 and there are seatings at 5 and 7 p.m. Call 631-477-1717 for reservations and details.

The Orient Association will sponsor a program on “Creating a Pollinator Garden” next Saturday, Feb. 27, at 10:30 a.m. Master gardener Sherry Thomas will show slides of beautiful gardens that protect and encourage pollinators. Email [email protected] for more details.

Healing wishes to Paula Thorp, who recently went under the knife and is back home in East Marion. Husband Frank said he is now practicing his role in “Driving Miss Daisy.”

More healing thoughts to Anne Hopkins, who recently enjoyed the hospitality of ELIH but is also back in her own bed. Get well all.

It was fun to hear that Jessie Pemberton, after visiting every shelter within driving distance, adopted a new companion: a mature cat formerly known as Butterscotch, who will now hopefully answer to “Kitty.” I think I will call him Lucky, since he’s one fortunate feline who is already much loved.

Belated happy birthday to Bob Van Cleef, who celebrated the big 8-0 on Monday. It was one of those birthdays that just kept going on. Best wishes for decades more.

OHS president John Holzapfel will continue his outstanding “Nature’s Journal” series Friday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. at Peconic Landing. Admission is free and it’s open to all.

Speaking of OHS, there will be a Winter Benefit thanks to the Newman family, who will open their Old Print Shop, a venerable gallery for historic prints, Wednesday, March 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. The gallery is at 150 Lexington Ave. in Manhattan. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served and your $50 admission will support the good works of OHS. Proprietor Robert Newman will display a complete set of the extremely rare North American Indian Portfolio, never before seen together. Call OHS at 631-323-2480 for more info.

The next Greenport Ecumenical Lenten service and soup luncheon will be next Wednesday, Feb. 24, at St. Agnes Church in Greenport at 11 a.m. The message will be delivered by the Rev. Jerri Schwarz of Greenport United Methodist Church  All are welcome.

My next column appears March 2 with a once-every-four-years deadline of Feb. 29. It’s hard to believe that with the record-breaking extreme cold over the weekend, it may be in the high 40s again by the time this goes to press. Someone needs to  talk to Mother Nature about her mood swings. Be well stay and comfortable until then.

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