OP Column Nov.21

Ocean Point Column November 21
By Maryellen Bertrand

 As I begin writing this week’s column the date is November 11, Veteran’s Day . I am reminded, as I am sure many of you are, of the wonderful freedoms that we all share thanks to our Veteran’s and current servicemen and women. So I want to thank all of those who have fought or are currently fighting to insure our freedom and safety, and in particular to those from Ocean Point or those who have a connection to the Point. One of those veteran’s Mike Rush continues to fight daily for his fellow veterans and their future as he Chairs the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs in the Massachusetts Senate. Thanks Mike for all the important work that you do on behalf of your fellow Veterans, Mike was at work last week when the World Series Championship Trophy surprisingly arrived at the State House for a visit so he was able to have his picture taken with the trophy, check it out on Face book.

Greg May has sent an email to Ocean Pointers with an update of his new book, Between Pricked Ears which will be available in eBook format this month and a scheduled paperback edition will be available in bookstores nationwide at the same time via Piscatiqua Press of Portsmouth New Hampshire, In his email he has also attached a sample of his new book, A Wicked Tide to be released in March, Sounds as though life is quite busy for you Greg, best of luck with both books.

Several Ocean Pointers have been busy this Fall traveling. Jean and John Webster recently visited New York City to see her sister Roni and some cousins. They stayed in Chelsea, in close proximity to The Highline, on the West Side. The Highline is an historic elevated freight rail line that was due for demolition until is was saved with the assistance of a neighborhood group, Friends of the Highline. It is currently a public park owned by the city of New York but maintained by the residents of the area. The park runs along the West Side of Manhattan from the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, well worth visiting while in New York. They also visited The Metropolitan Museum and took in the show Wicked, Their daughter Kim happened to be in the city for a reunion along with Kim’s cousin Sam Kesterbaum, and so they were able to spend time with them as well. Sam currently works for Harper’s Bazaar Magazine.

Suzie and Pete Hamblett visited Williamsburg for a couple of days in September and then to the eastern shore of Maryland. She writes that Chesapeake Bay is so large and beautiful it’s hard to believe that you are not looking at the open ocean! Of course it’s not as beautiful as Ocean Point Suzie reports. All of the Stevens clan will be gathered at the Parker’s home this Thanksgiving (23 in all) and they look forward to their annual Bean Bag Game competition with scores dating back to 1914! What a great tradition which they all look forward to, it’s their favorite holiday,

More exciting news on the baby front from Jim and Kathy Duncklee, They are very excited to announce the birth of their first grandson Bowen Charles Duncklee born on October 31 to their oldest son Nate and his wife Erin, of South Portland. Kathy writes that they can’t wait to introduce Bo to Ocean Point and the Horribles Parade! Congratulations to the parents grandparents and first time great grandparents. Our Horribles Parade is growing by leaps and bounds!

Congratulations as well to Rhett and Ashley (Pond) Butler who just celebrated their first wedding anniversary on November 11.

I also want to thank Rusty Court again for taking the time to post those great pictures on the blog. It’s great to be able to view the beauty of Ocean Point in the off-season.

I am hoping for a column next week. Due to the holiday the column will be submitted early so if you have news please send it along. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We are all truly blessed to be a part of such a loving and caring community and for that we are so thankful.

Have a great week!