Community Columns

Oysterponds News: Easter egg hunt in Poquatuck Park

Easter eggs

Top of the mornin’ to you and happy spring! Nature abounds this week with the return of robins, peepers and the osprey.

Lots of folks began talking on Facebook about the robins’ arrival, but I’m not sure how people differentiate between those that hang here all winter and those that are “snowbirds.” Either way, be assured that the robins are here. So are the peepers, according to Chris Franke, who shared that it was really her cousin Marie who made the first audio connect. The same day, Pat Sledjeski posted on the Facebook page “Marianna Muir, the peepers are back,” which flooded memories of Oysterponds decades ago and the sweet mother of Sue Utz and sister of Gertie Rich.

Then I heard from Ed Blesch, who said that he and partner Tim Smulian spotted our favorite fish hawk March 9 on the platform in the creek opposite Trumans Beach. Ed also thought it was very early for the osprey to be back; however I remember sightings on March 10 in years’ past. Does anyone else want throw in their two cents on the timing?

Don’t miss the annual East Marion Fire Department breakfast at the firehouse this Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. The buffet will offer eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, kielbasa, juice and coffee — and don’t forget the famous horseradish. Tickets are $12. There will also be a 50/50. It’s a super way to welcome spring.

The Oysterponds Easter egg hunt sponsored by OCA is a tradition of four-plus decades. It continues next Saturday, March 26, at 9 a.m. in Poquatuck Park and is open to children in grade 4 and younger. Please bring your own baskets and a small donation for OCA, which provides the eggs and prizes. There is no rain date. Call Holly Mastrangelo at 631-323-2311 with any questions.

Welcome to Jennifer Rose Beasley, first-born daughter/child of Orient post office officer in charge Stephanie Ruggles Beasley and her husband, Kevin. The little miracle was born Feb. 11 at Southampton Hospital. Congratulations to all.

Don’t  forget the Narrow River Singers’ 18th annual concert this Saturday, March 19, at 4 p.m. at Poquatuck Hall. The suggested donation is $15. In addition to the talented singers there will be a guest performance by Suede, who has been described as a cross between Diana Krall and Bette Midler. All are welcome.

Speaking of singers, the University of Maine Singers would like to thank everyone for the awesome hospitality that was extended to them during their recent visit to Oysterponds. It goes both ways, since their performance was outstanding!

OHS will offer knitting classes with Jean Walters for advanced beginners for four weeks starting Monday, March 28, at 7 p.m. The course fee is $150 (materials fee, $12) and it’s limited to six people. Brush up on your skills or get fancy. Call 631-323-2480 to enroll.

Oysterponds was veiled in sadness this week with news of the sudden death March 7 of Maureen Cullinane, a bright, vivacious and energetic part of the Orient community. We all extend our sympathy to her family.

Oysterponds also extends sympathy on the passing of Kent Lebailly, husband of Orient native Rosemary McNeil Lebailly, who died in Naples, Fla., March 12. May he rest in peace and may his family be surrounded by love and comfort.

My next column deadline is March 28; check next week’s paper for listings of Easter services. So, for today and always, may the sun shine brightly on your face, may your home be too small to hold all your friends and may your soul be in heaven an hour before the devil knows you’re dead. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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

Photo: (Credit: Beth Cloutier/Freeimages.com)