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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 Vol 4 No 4 November FISHERS ISLAND r r1 r.> n ~ 1:'.5k~ ~. ~ F~ I N"~:';::'''I I ~ Vol. 4 No.4 NOVEMBER, 1990 A Fishers Island Civic Association Publication Water Utility Warning On Private Wells By Dan Gordon The president of the Fishers Island Water Works has issued a letter to Island property owners warning that drilling wells for domestic water use is illegal and he hinted at legal action against those home- owners in violation. Jansen Noyes said he issued the two- page letter in late August because the use of domestic wells has reduced consump- tion of water supplied hy the Fishers Island Water Works. He said the letter was prompted by "the rash of new well drill- ing" that has taken place recently. He estimated that there are now about 50 wells on the Island, most of which have been dug in the last few years. The digging of wells for irrigation purposes is legal, and the Water Works cannot discourage this activity, Mr. Noyes said. "lbey (some homeowners) got per- mission to do irrigation wells, and then hooked them into their (domestic) sys- tems," Mr. Noyes said. "A lot of people have been misled. " Mr. Noyes said an attorney from Southold has been hired to provide coun- sel to the Water Works, but he did not disclose the attorney's name. Mr. Noyes did not say whether he would carry out any threats of legal action. "Now when people might be faced with some action, they might not dig wells," he said. The Water Works letter was circu- lated after a Suffolk County health official Su Wens on Pag~ 10 I I '*' .- '"::~...~~. JAL - "fir_'~ -,.-... ~""!"'" - """"--- Farewell to Summer! In photo above, the Munnatawket pulls into Silver Eel Pond on an early evening NO in late summer. In the lower photo, a couple enjoys the view ov.:r Fishera Island Sound at dusk. (Photo credit: Dan Estabrooks) 2 FIsh.,. Islalld GiJ<.a. Mus~um directors Ed HOnUng and Penni Sharp look over one oJEhe ahibits at the opening a/the new wing at the Ferguson Museum in Sepkmber. The Reverend Peter Sluf1evenl peiformed the dedication and museum presithnt Charlie Ferguson also spoke mlhe ceremony. (phoro credit; J. Williamson) Public Hearings Scheduled Before Town Trustees Two public hearings were sched- built on sono tube piers. uled for October 25 before the Southold The second application was made Board of Trustees on Island applications. by Bagley Reid requesting a permit to The first application was made by allow for hand cUlling and pruning vegela- George DeMenil who is requesting a per- lion within 75 feet of freshwater wetlands. mitto construct an 8oo-square foot addi- The village board of trustees rules tion to a garage/apartment on his property on applications on property bordering fronting Brickyard Pond. The proposal wetlands. The public hearings were to be calls for the wood frame addition to be held at Southold Town Hall. INDEX Page Walsh Park Dedication ............................. 3 Capsizing ........................................ 5 Captain's Walk Open to Cars.. ....... . . . . .. . . . ... . .. 6 Hay Harbor PolJution Detected ...................... 8 Election Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13 School Notes .................................... 16 Sports ......................................17- 25 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 29 Around the Town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 30 :Essay Contest Winners ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31 Town Board Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32 Ferry District Petition ......................... 34 - 36 ~nd Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 37 - 38 Sewer District Rate Hike .......................... 39 Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I am sure you have heard from a number of readers about this, but in case not, there is an error in the recent copy of the Gazelle relating to the lowest round shot at the Fishers Island Club Golf Course. I am quite certain that Claude Harmon holds the record for the lowest round, a 59, shot during a pro-am approximately 25 years ago. For many years the scorecard recording the round was displayed in the Gol f Shop. Knowing Dave Alvarez, I suspect he would love to claim the lowest round, but he is not entitled to. Jeremiah M. Bogert Dear Editors, This past summer, my wife Alphon- sine was hospitalized in New London. She's now back on Fishers Island and feeling fine. We would like to thank the people of Fishers Island for their cards, flowers, and prayers as well as for their financial sup- port. I don't know of another place that would have given us so much support. We would also like to the thank the EMT's on the Seastretcher and the crew from the ferry district for all their help. Vinal Curtis The Fishers Island Gazette is a not-for-projit publication sponsored by the Fishers Island Civic Association. The Gazette is published four times a year in February, May, August and November. Editors: Dan & Sally Gordon Associate Editors: John Brim, Rick Moody. Reporters: Annie Burnham, David Burnham, Cynthia Estabrooks, Mary Roberts, Tom Patterson, and Carol Ridgway Spons Ediror: John Peishoff Photographers: Dick Edwards, Charlie Morgan, Al Gordon, Dan Estabrooks, and Bill Furse Controller: Bob Anthony The Fishers Island Gazette, Box 573, Fishers Island, N. Y. 06390. Tele- phone: (516) 788-5506. Fuhu'S lsumd GazttU 3 Town Budget Plan To Increase Taxes " By Mary Roberts The budget blues are back. The tentative 1991 budget for the Town of Southold being proposed by Supervisor Scott Harris shows a 14.6% tax increase. This increase comes even though !he size of !he J'fOIXl'"'d budget, $12,982,000, is only four percent over the 1990 budget figure. Town Supervisor Scott Harris termed the proposed budget a "bare bones" one with "the minimum amount we need to run the town and still provide needed serv- ices. " "Our revenues are way down," explained Mr. Harris. "Wehavestateand county cutbacks, mortgage taxes and as- sessed valuations that are down, and we have increased energy costs from Long Island Lighting and gas prices. In addi- tion, we are still making up for some of the deficit left by the previous administra- tion." In an effort to keep costs down, the ban on non-emergency overtime that the supervisor put into effect when he took office will remain in place. Nor does the budget contain any salary increases for elected or appointed officials. Mr. Harris's salary will thus remain at $52,104 and town boartd members will continue to receive$19,203. The budget has no provision for new solid waste expenses. "We don't know about deadlines yet from the DEC or the State legislature," said Supervisor Harris. "Any capital projects will be funded by a bond issue. " Interest on bonds adds to budget expenses, so it would appear that sizeable increases in Southold's tax rate will con- tinue after 1991. The budget still must be reviewed by the Town Board, and submitted to a town hearing. The town board can make altera- tions to the budget proposed by the super- visor before adopting a final 1991 budget. The adoption of a budget is expected by November 20. Town taxes make up about ooe quarter of the tax bill for Fishers Island residents. Frank Burr, presidenr ofllle Walsh Park Benn>o/enl Corporation reads a proclamation honoring Mrs. Annelte Walsh at lIIe dedication ceremony for the affordabk housing project. Walsh Park Dedicated The Walsh Park affordable housing project was dedicated on August 25. About 50 persons attended the ceremony. Among those making remarks at the ceremony were Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin, Walsh Park President Frank Burr, and the donor of the land Annette Walsh. Mr. Burr read a proclamation prais- ing Henry and Annette Walsh for provid- ing the land at below market value and dedicating the affordable housing project in their honor. Mrs. Walsh said how proud her deceased husband Henry would have been to see the housing project become a real- ity. Four homes have already been built on the 12-lot site on North Hill. Two applications for homes have already been approved and three others are currently being considered in the second round of building site allocations, said Walsh Park administrator Tom Doherty. The newly approved applicants are Tom Suedmeier, an employee of the Island electric com- pany, and his wife Carmen, a substitute teacher at the F.1. school and a student at the University of Rhode Island; and Frank Gillen, a property caretaker, and his wife Cindy, also a substitute teacher. Mr. Doherty said he expects deci- (photo credit: 8U1 Furse) sions to be made on the other current ap- plications sometime this fall with con- struction of the additional homes to take place shortly afterwards. The Walsh Park project was com- menced three years ago in an attempt to provide housing for year-round families priced out of the expensive Island housing market. The dedication ceremony was the first visit by County Executive Halpin to Fishers Island. The top elected official in Suffolk County said he is very concerned about affordable housing which prompted his trip to the Island. "I consider affordable housing one of !he most important priorities," Mr. Halpin said. "It (Walsh Park) is an extraordinary partnership between private public sec- tors. It would not have happened without the dedication of people on Fishers Is- land." Mr. Halpin also announced a resolu- tion naming August 25 Walsh Park Day in Suffolk County. The first homes were erected this past winter and they were occupied this sununer. George Horning, owner of one of the Walsh Park homes, also addressed the gathering at the dedication ceremony. 4 Flshen Is/4"" O"1.Ia. Sewer Sludge Goes 'Over Town' By David Burnham Sewer sludge will now be shipped off-Island, but the cost for homeowners to have their septic systems and cesspools cleaned is going to quadruple. The Island's sole septic removal contractor, Gada Contracting, had been depositing sewer sludge at the Island landfill for the past 40 years until the state Depart- ment of Environmental ConsetvatioD or- dered the practice stopped this past May. As an interim measure, sludge was then deposited in the septic system used by the Fishers Island Sewer District, which is the Island's only central system, serving about 40 homeowners in the Fort district. The town engineers have recommended against this method, and homeowners in the dis- trict also voiced strong objections to the use of their system. Gada Contracting now plans to build a holding tank on the Island for sewer sludge with the collected sludge being periodically shipped over to Connecticut for disposal. The DEC has already given its approval to the new disposal method. Prior 10 the DEC closure of the landfill, Gada Contracting charged $245 per load or about 12 cents per gallon for septic sewage pumping and disposal. The new tipping fee is expected to be 48 cents per gallon. The additional expenses faced by Gada Contracting are the installation of a 7,000 gallon holding facility, pick up and removal by a Connecticut hauler of sew- age in the tank, and trucking to approved disposal sites in Connecticut. "I just want to make sure people realize that it's not Gada Contracting that Sally Semegan and golden Jab Booh relax on Hay Harbor Club lawn. is trying to gouge the people," said John Gada. "We presented the town with less expensive alternatives but did not get any support. .. Mr. Gada said he is worried that the new arrangement will create Han undue hardship on residents of Fishers Island, especially the year round senior citizens. .. Over the summer, Gada Contracting recommended two on-Island alternatives to the Southold Town Board which would have reduced the tipping fee. One alterna- tive was to continue to use the sewer district system and insure that the tipping fee for this practice covered any additional maintenance costs. The other option presented by Mr. Gada was for the construction of a system on town land for the disposal of the septage sludge. "In as much as the engineers who designed and currently oversee the system did not recommend it and a Dumber of users were also in opposition, the consen- sus was that Gada should put a holding tank in," said Town Councilman Ray Edwards. According to environmental engi- neering consultant Michael Home of A.R. Lombardi Associates, Inc., regardless of age or design, any septic or cesspool sys. tern must be pumped out occasionally. "We recommend that on a three year basis, they be pumped out, but sum- mer cottages such as you have on Fishers, could go for five or six years without being pumped, " he said. Mr. Gada noted that" 15 years ago, it was standard procedure to pump tbe system at the end of the summer when the house was closed, just to avoid problems, but people don't think that way anymore and fewer houses are being pumped. .. This SUJIIIrer, ooly 10 different houses had their systems pumped, but several houses had their system pumped more than once, Mr. Gada said. Laura G. Forgione ~ ~) lntaorior DeClI\er Lara's Theme Brooke Services interior design studio SPECIALIZING IN: C...tom- . Wall covering. drapari.., A personalized landscaping service balloon and roman .hade. . bed cov- ering .'TOupholotery and oIipeove.. . blindo, .had.. and vertical. 142 Thames SI., Groton, CT 06340 Old Saybrook, C\ Fi.ben Wand, New Yor-k. (203) 446-8268 (203) 388-92<< (516)788-7075 FIsh". IsIDIId Gl.u1U 5 Four Connecticut Boaters Survive Capsizing By Mary Roberts Two boaters washed up on Fishers Island on the morning of August 18 ex- hausted, but alive, after floating for almost 10 hours in Long Island Sound. Theirtwo boating companions had been rescued by the Coast Guard from the water one mile west of Fishers Island about four hours earlier. The ordeal for Edward Vescovi, 28, of New Haven and Angela Melani, 21, ofTrumball Ct., started about 9:30pm the previous night when their power boat capsized near Millstone Point in Connecti. cut. The two were returning to Niantic, Ct., after a day trip to Long Island with two other passengers David McDonald, 26, of New Haven and Julia Greer, 25, of Boston. Mr. Vescovi was able to radio an sas before the boat submerged. Two 41-foot Coast Guard utility boats were immediately dispatched, one from New London, the other from Fishers Is- land. Soon more than IS volunteer boats, and two helicopters, joined the search through the night. Despite these efforts, the boaters were not observed as they floated in the water for several hours. They finally split up with Mr. McDonald and Ms. Greer trying to make for the Connecticut shoreline while Mr. Vescovi, who was suffering from leg cramps, and Ms. Melani floated until Mr. Vescovi could recover. Mr. McDonald and Ms. Greer were finally spotted and plucked out of the water about a mile west of Fishers Island by the Coast Guard at 4 am. Although swimming for the Connecticut shoreline, they had actually been pushed about three miles southward by the tide. As for Mr. Vescovi and Ms. Melani, they started swimming for the Connecticut shore again, hut after hours of swimming against the tide they were washed up at dawn on the shoreline property of Jim and Sandy Righter on North Hill. Randle Bitnar, the sister of Mrs. Righter, was up early the morning of August 18 attending to her newborn daughter Katherine when she heard a knock at the door. "There were two people at the door in shorts and t-shirts, sopping wet, " Mrs. Bitnar said referring to Mr. Vescovi and Ms. Greer. "They said their boat had tipped over and they wanted to use the telephone. They said 'Where are we? Waterford?' And I said no, you are 00 Fishers Island. " Mrs. Bitnar gave the couple lea and toast to warm up while they called up the Coast Guard to say they had reached land safely. "They were very shaken and dazed, " she said. ~'They were moving and talking very slowly. They were most concerned about whether their friends had made it. " After about a half hour, Mrs. BilDar drove Mr. Vescovi and Ms. Melani to the Coast Guard station at the ferry dock from where they were taken over to New lon- don. All four boaters were treated for hypthennia at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London and they were released several bours later. The water temperature in the Sound at the time of the accident was in the high 60's and the weather was overcast but warm. Mr. Vescovi in an interview with the New London Day said "there wasn't a doubt in my mind that we were going to make it to shore somehow.- Mr. Vescovi said he and Ms. Melani stayed in good spirits considering their predicament although at one point, Ms. Melani asked apprehensively, "Are there any fish in this water?- .""":"- . . The search effort included three Coast Guard boats, two helicopters fiom the Coast Guard air station in Brooklyn and Cape Cod and the cutter Point Francis from Highlands, N.J. The search started near the Waterford shoreline but expanded southward to follow the tides. A land search was also conducted. The overturned boat was finally found five miles south of the Race, about 10 miles from the site of the capsizing. It was recovered by a commercial salvager and brought to a Connecticut marina. The Coast Guard crew based on Fishers Island, James Henry, Cyle Backus, Gary Atkinson and Steve Szilniczky, were elated by the rescue. uYou usually never find anyone in the water. In 3 1/2 years, this is the first time I have been with a large search and rescue and found the victims," boatswain Backus said. HIt is hard with the waves, and the engine noise of the boat. " The Coast Guard believe that water somehow got into the engines of the pleas- ure craft, which added weight to the bow, and the boat capsized. Mr. Vescovi, a loan officer for a mortgage company, had reportedly bought the boat this year. Asked whether he would return to the sea after his experi- ence, he replied at the time, UI'm done.... ti;', J "". . ~... 'Y0~ - "._r- ~;'0/' . .......-'1{!..., +~.~'.i' . .~~i.: ..' :;P",-.:;-",II(J::'_d'rli '~r~!::i ,::r.:~~ ,iF!. '11' !.,. '. ' The crew oJrhe Coasl Guard C/14;ser based on Fishers Island which participaled in nscue effort. 6 Flshus IsIDN/ GauIU Cars to Roll on Mall Where Few Would Walk By Mary Roberts Cars are finally retuming to the center of New London. The City Council has voted to remove the Captain's Walk Mall, and allow two-way traffic. The conversion project, which is expected to cost about $1 million, is to be let out to hid this fall with work to com- mence about the beginning of the year, according to New London officials. The conversion of the two-block Captain' s Walk back into a street is ex- pected to be completed by next fall. Because vacancy rates have been high, the Mall has been controversial since the day it was opened in 1973. A recent study commissioned by the New London Development Corporation found the va- cancy rate for ground level properties to be 39 percent. Property owners, represented by the Downtown New London Association, would dispute this figure. "The upper levels along the Mall are mostly in use, but the street level has a 75 percent vacancy rate, .. said Gail Bartelli, acting President of the Association. .. Most owners have given up in frus- tration," said Mrs. Bartelli. "As for po- tentiallessees, they say, don't talk to me until you open the Walk to traffic." "I'm optimistic," said William Moore, the President of the New London Chamber of Commerce. "The buildings are in good condition, and the ones next to cross streets with traffic bave tenants. .. "We expect more businessmen to use space once cars are allowed on the street. For example, the Court House, at the top of Captain's Walk, is being reno- vated. We expect attorneys will take space once there is more activity on the street. " The change will help the New Lon- don Development Corporation which continues its efforts to increase tourism and revitalize the Thames waterfront. "We are planning a Thames Estuary Heritage Park, which will link historic sites in the New London area," said Bruce Hyde, Executive Director. "The plans include a small park south of City Pier, which will have a Visitor's Center. Traffic on Cap- tain's Walk is an important part of the plan. " Not too long ago, the former State '""'; ~, , "^:~, .""'" f ........ . -......~.""> ~ Stale Street used 10 be lhe action cenler in New London. The circus used 10 parade down Stale Slrul in lire early J 9OO's. In the early J 920's, the comer of Slale and Main Slruls was the cenlral commercial dislricl in lhe city. (PhOlOS counesy oflhe New London Day) Street was a busy commercial area. Irani. cally the construction of Captain's Walk in 1973 uncovered old trolley tracks that carried shoppers to an active shopping area that included Woolworth, Kresge, Grant's, Montgomery Wards, among other stores. HI can remember over 30 years ago," said Betty Peishoff, "we did all of our shopping in New London. 1 would walk straight up from the ferry, 1 never needed a car. .. "I would do grocery shopping at Beet Bros., and find anything else 1 needed on Main St. (now Eugene O'Neil Drive), Bank SI., or State SI. There were clothing stores, toy stores, a bakery, anything you needed. .. No one expects State Street to return to the old days. But with a functional traffic circle at its base behind Union Sta- tion, it may bring new vigor to the down- town area. . Price Tag For Pond Study: $50,000 The Suffolk County Health Depart- ment has placed a $50,000 price tag on a proposed water study to establish land use regulations for the watershed areas around the Island's reservoirs. The Fishers Island Conservancy has already committed $30,000 towards the study, and Conser- vancy President lohn Thatcher said he is hopeful that the total cost of the project can be reduced through the contribution of local expertise. The study will not commence until tbe funding is in place and until it is determined who will lead the study which has been supported by the Island utility, the conservancy, and the water company. An application for $30,000 in county funds has been submitted to the Suffolk County Legislature to help fund the report. Mr. Thatcher said that ifthis request is not granted, he is confident that other Island sources of money can be found for the report. Because of the involvement of a number of agencies, the county health department asked the Southold Town Board to be lead agency for the study. The town board turned down this request in Septem- ber. "I am somewhat surprised," said Vito Minei, supervisor of the office of ecology for the Suffolk County Depart- ment of Health Services. "We would pre- fer that the town would lake lead agency. I never knew of a town not wanting to be lead agency. ' I The county health department can provide the expertise, but is not as well suited to be lead agency as a more local FIsh.,. Island Gn..1U 7 $lOrm warning over Munnalawkel Beach. agency like the town board, Mr. Minei said. "We don't have the expertise. .. said Southold Supervisor Scott Harris in ex- plaining the town board's decision. "We think the proper manner is with the health department. .. The lead agency would coordinate the various reports and would conduct the necessary public meetings and provide public notifications. The proposed water study would produce land use regulations for the water- shed areas around Barlow, Middle Farms and Treasure Ponds. Health department officials said the regulations are needed to make sure that toxic fertilizers or sewage from septic tanks do not leak into one of the reservoirs. The study was prompted by the submission of three applications for build- ing permits on land around Barlow I'und. Utility Passes Surcharge On To Customers Island utility customers will have to reacb a little deeper in their pockets be- cause of a tax surcharge being imposed on the utility company. The utility is being hit with an additional 15 percent surcharge for 1990 and 1991 and JO percent sur- charge for 1992 by New York State. This expense is being passed onto utility company customers. An additional six percent charge will be made on all intrastate telephone calls, and a nearly one percent charge will be added to electric and water bills. The new fees took effect this past summer. The utility company said the state surcharges were made in an effort to raise money to balance the state budget. Need Computer Help? Personal or Business Call R3 Information Systems for a free on-island consultation (516) 788-7913 Specializing in the Apple Macintosh 8 FIShers Island Gazetu New Clues in Hay Harbor Pollution Puzzle The Fishers Island Conservancy has identified the source of a significant amount of pollution in Hay Harbor. Dye tests conducted this fall iodicated that untreated sewage from three village stores and from one of the Hay Harbor cluh pipes has been contributing to the pollution problem in the harbor, according to conservancy Presi- dent John Thatcher. Mr. Thatcher said there are still additional sources of pollution which have not yet been identified, and testiog will continue. The Conservancy study determined that the sewer line connecting three stores, the Tidal Wave, the Gold and Silver Shop, and Floribunda, was emptying into the Ferguson Bird Sanctuary on West Street, according to Mr. Thatcher. Water from the santuary ultimately leads into Hay Harbor, he added. A pipe from the Hay Harbor Club has also emptied into a swampy area be- hind the club which also drains into Hay Harbor, he said. This sewage problem had occurred without the knowledge of the club or the stores involved, and in most cases they are -------- -." The Hay Harbor golfcourse was a peauJul seIting on an August morning. cooperating fully to get the problem recti- fied, Mr. Thatcher said. Conservancy studies over the last few summers have indicated an unaccept- able level of pollution in Hay Harbor, Mr. Thatcher said. "In certain areas of Hay Harbor, it is safe," Mr. Thatcher said. "However, in certain other areas caution is advised." Mr. Thatcher said another possible source of pollution is the leaching field used by the Mansion cotlages, and studies are still being conducted in this area. Story Ideas, Suggestions... Call the Gazette at... (516) 788-5506 or write us at... Box 652, Fishers Island OLDRIDGE 206 BOSTON POST RD. EAST LYME. CONN. 06333 TEL: 739-8397 Rte.l17 P.O. BOX 29. LEDYARD CENTER LEDYARD. CONN. 06339 Telephone: Area Code 203-464-8400 THE BANK OF MYSTIC MEETING THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FULL-SERVICE BUSINESS AND PERSONAL BANKING NOW IN THE MYSTIC PACKER BUILDING MYSTIC, CT (203) 572-8981 WEEKLY DELIVERIES TO NEW LONDON FERRY Your every gardening need: Evergreens. Fertilizers. Tools. Insecticides. Mulches. Fruit. and Shade Trees. ~C,.S,) "a Fishers IslJJnd Gatdte 9 Playing Fields Planned For Parade Grounds The Fishers Island Ferry District has approved a school proposal to create a playing field out of lbe fonner Parade Ground property in lbe fort area. The school plans to clear an area approximately 300 feet by 400 feet run- ning along Whistler A venue opposite lbe road which exits from Silver Eel Pond. Once it is improved, lbe land will be used for softball, soccer and other intra- mural sports, according to school Superin- tendent Ken Lanier. In addition, a grass running track will be created in lbe clear- ing. The ferry district commissioners voted to lease the property to lbe school for $1 a year at their September meeting. The school district must still obtain approval from the Southold Town Board and the Federal Aviation Administration before using the property. The FAA approval, which is considered a formality, is needed because of the land's proximity to Eliza- beth Airport. Superintendent Lanier said he hopes the playing field will be ready by next fall. Labor to clear brush from the property has Kau Guimaraes ap~ars swpmded in air as she does a swan dive. (PhOIO credit: Sarah Tunle) already been donated by landscaper Greg Thibodeau, who is school board president. Gradiog work and grass planting will be let out to bid with the total expense of lbe project expected to be about $6,000, Mr. Lanier said. The new field will replace a sports field which adjoins lbe school. "This field is actually unsafe be- cause of cement cistern covers and fully exposed drains," said Mr. Lanier. ""The ground is also uneven and it is not long enough. .. The new sports field will be made available to Island residents for lbeir rec- reational use, said Mr. Lanier. The school had actually leased the property from the ferry district in the late 70's, but never ended up improving and using the property and the lease eventually expired, according to Mr. Lanier. TC/Vl.r:/. SULLIVAN AUTOMOTIVE CORNER CHEVROLET · BUICK · GEO Sales 443-8432 Se rvice 442-4371 Parts 442-0491 Bodyshop 442-7132 PONTIAC. OLDSMOBILE · CADILLAC · HYUNDAI Sales Service Parts Bodyshop 442-1616 444-2718 442-7990 442-7132 LARGEST GM DEALER IN CONN. & R.I. . AT ONE LOCATIONI Corner of Broad & Colman Streets, New London, Conn, 10 FISh.,. fgf"nd Gaz..'" Wells continuedfrom Page 1 notified the company about his concerns over the domestic use of wells. "We're aware of attempts to go around requirements where wells have been connected for domestic use," said Paul Pontueo, senior public health engineer for the health department. "Public water is safe and adequate. " Mr. Ponturo said he fears that some of the well water might not be safe because the wells might be too shallow or too near septic tanks. M r. Ponturo warned that cer- tificates of occupancy cannot be issued to homes which have their domestic water systems hooked up to their own wells. Mr. Noyes said the two-page letter to homeowners was also sent out to counter statements made by the Fishers Island Conservancy that the Island's current water supply is limited and that conservation measures should be considered. "These reports were wrong, t. said Mr. Noyes. "We should realize first that there has never been and should not be in the foreseeable future a water shortage on Fishers Island," Mr. Noyes said in the Water Works letter. "The present lake and well system has the capacity to supply five times the current demand. .. John Thatcher of the Fishers Island Conservancy disputes this viewpoint. "We have been fortunate," Mr. Thatcher said. uThe last three years, we have had wet summers. The water supply is sufficient when we have a wet summer. But if we run into a drought, that's a different story. " Mr. Thatcher said a recent study of the Island's aquifer indicates that the Is- land's current water supply could be se- verely taxed in a dry summer. The disagreement between Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Noyes illustrates the different viewpoints on the Island's public watersupply. Mr. Noyes and Mr. Ponturo say that public water should be used as much as possible to help pay for the water system's facilities such as the lines and the treatment plant. Some Islanders, however, believe private wells benefit the Island. "We put in our well trying to be a good citizen," said Mark Andrews, add- ing that he drilled a well only for irrigation and not for domestic use. "We did not Pilings tig zag toward lhe horizon al West Harbor. want to tax the Island's water system." "If there is enough public water, that's fine," Mr. Andrews said. "But what happens if it turns out there is not enough water. Since we are drawing water from our own property, we are the only ones to suffer if our well runs dry. But if we and other well owners switch to public water, any shortage would affect the whole Island." Where Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Noyes do agree is over their concern about the number of new wells being drilled. "So many people are using water that is undocumented," he said. "Stag- gering amounts of water are now being used. Wejust don't know to what degree water supplies are being depleted. " Mr. Noyes said he objects to the use of well water for domestic use because it decreases Water Works revenues forcing increases in water rates. "By connecting private systems for potable water use in homes, other home owners have had to aocept increased charges for their water," Mr. Noyes said in the Water Works letter. Water Works cus- tomers have received two rate increases in the last two years totalling 30 to 40 per- cent, he added. Despite substantial development on Fishers Island in the past decade, con- sumption of water has remained level, and Mr. Noyes said the drilling of wells was (Photo credit: Dan &labrooks) largely responsible. The Water Works is a private utility, but Mr. Noyes said increasing return on investment was not one of his concerns in issuing the Water Works letter. "The Water Works is 60 percent owned by FIDCO (The Fishers Island Development Corp.) and 40 percent by the Island utility," Mr. Noyes said. "FIDCO is not looking for a return. Wejust want to keep our rates down. " Islander Named Merit Semi-Finalist Fishers Island High School senior Carolyn Stepanek has been named a Na- tional Merit Scholarship semi-finalist. The announcement was made in mid-Septem- ber. o I For a school our size, this is incred- ible," said school Superintendent Ken Lanier. "She is an outstanding student." An average of only one student out of 200 seniors is named a National Merit Scholarship semi-frnalist, according to the academic organization. Carolyn Stepanek is now eligible to be a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, an award which is announced in the spring. Firemen Raising Money for New Seastretcher The Fishers Island Fire Department has raised $150,000 of a targeted $200,000 for the purchase of a new ambulance boat, according to Fire Chief Tom Doherty. "The response has been good," Mr. Doherty said. "But we're still knocking on doors. " A fire department committee is still reviewing various boats to detennine which one is most suitable to replace tbe Seas- tTetcher which has been in service since 1976. Mr. Doherty said he believes a deci- sion on purchasing a new boat will be made in the next year. The fire department set up a com- mittee this summer to study a replacement for the Se.stretcher. At the time, the committee was expected to make a recom- mendation by the end of the summer. However. because of the poor mar- ket for boat sales right now, M r. Doherty said there is no rush for the firemen to make a decision. Make a big impact in a smaU space. . . use Gazette classifreds to seU your product or service Health Project Expects Enough Doctors Officials from the Island Health Project say that they are optimistic that there will be full medical coverage on the Island this winter. Doctors have been supplied to the Island on a rotating basis by SI. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital in New York for many years. However, last winter for the first time, SI. Luke's -Roosevelt was notable to provide a physician fur several wed<s during mid-winter. Interim service was supplied by Lawrence and Memorial Hospital of New London. Catherine Jenssen of the Island Health Project said that physicians from SI. Luke's- Roosevelt have committed to the Island through January, and she is confident that openings for the remainder of the winter will be filled in the upcoming months. Pumpkin Giveaway The senior class at Fishers Island School is distributing c.rved pumpkins to senior citizens on the Island this fall. The four seniors are giving away the pumpkins to show appreciation for the Island's financial support of the senior class trip. ITld'st:fc IsLe ~ r<eaLt:d' foc, BAGLEY REID, Broker East side of West Harbor on Brickyard Road. Architect designed 4 year old Dutch Colonial on 1.9 acres with wonderful views 01 Wesl Harbor, Fishers Island Sound, and salt marshes. Eat-in kitchen, 4 generous bedrooms, 31h large baths. Winterized, partially furnished. Asking 1,100,000. - Flshen; Islo"" Gtu.eae 11 Two adult swans and their seven cygnets were regular visitors to boaters al West Harbor this summer. They rarely missed a meal showing a preferenuforcrushed milkbones, Pringles and Pepperidge Fann crackers. The above photo was taken in July. By the end of the summer, the cygnets were the same size as theirparenlS. Undeveloped land - East End. Special building site on 4.9 acres. Property is on high, rolling land with panoramic views 01 Fishers Island Sound. Survey and site plans available. Mosl building and environmental approvals have been obtained. $635,000. .J=fsbeJ<s IsLand, n,y 06390 s16'788' 7882 r 12 FIsh", [,land GtI<<tu Upstart Democrats Looking for Upset A former attorney for the Fishers Island School District and a former New York City talk show host are challenging the incumbents in two local elections for state-wide office. Allen Smith, who represented the Island school district in the early 1970's and is a former supervisor for the Town of Riverhead, is running as a Democrat against four-term Republican incumbent Joe Sawicki for the 1st Stale Assembly Dis- trict which covers the North Fork of Long Island including Fishers Island. Sherrye Henry, a former talk show hostess on WaR in New York City, is the Democratic candidate challenging seven- term Republican incumbent Kenneth La Valle for the state Senate from the East End of Long Island. Representing districts with strong Republican enrollments, both Mr. Sawicki and Mr. LaValle have been repeatedly been re-elected hy wide margins to state office. Although strong favorites in the current election, both Mr. Sawicki and Mr. LaValle are facing stronger challenges than in previous years. Mr. Smith, a 55-year-<>ld attorney from Aquebogue, L.I., criticized Mr. Sawicki for sponsoring the landfill closure bill which has required that all Long Island landfill's including the one on Fishers Is- land to be closed by the end of this year. "Laws such as the Landfill Closure Law sponsored by the incumbent Assem- blyman are enacted by legislators who have not the foggiest idea of what it means or will cost the taxpayers," he said. Mr. Sawicki, 35, said Smith's charge was a technicality claiming that the landfill bill was sponsored hy all legislators. He countered that Mr. Smith had advocated building a nuclear power plant on the North Fork of Long Island when he was Riverhead supervisor. said he has spon- sored legislation which will benefit the en- vironment on Fishers Island. He co-spon- sored the Oil Spill Prevention and Contin- gency Act. He has also sponsored legisla- tion to prohibit trawling for lobsters. Ms. Henry said she originally ran for office as a choice candidate on the abor- tion issue. In a vigorous campaign, shehas expanded the focus of her campaign. "The number one issue is taxes," lil r Ken lAVaJJe said Ms. Henry. "Ken LaValle has not heard this. .. Mrs. Henry said her commitment to the environment is demonstrated by the fact that she has wrested the Sierra Club endorsement away from Mr. LaValle Mr. LaValle, 51, countered Ms. Henry's criticism of his tax record by say- ing "she has not followed what I have done." In recent years, Mr. laValle said he has fought to change the governor's hudget so that income taxes are reduced and more stale aid is allocated to Long L. Shenye Henry Jo< Sawicki Island for education. "As New York City is sliding into bankruptcy, it will be putting more pres- sure on the governor for state aid, ,. Mr. LaValle said. "It is important to have a strong voice in the first district so that they (New York City) do not get a dispropor- tionate amount of state money at our ex- pense. .. ............... Allen SmiJh I I FISh.,. Isw.nd Gc.z.1U 13 Newcomer Opposes Hochbrueckner Democratic incumbent George Hochbrueckner is being challenged by political newcomer Republican Frank Creigbton for the U.S. Congressional seat for eastern Long Island, including Fishers Island. Mr. Hochbrueckner will be seeking his third two-year term in office in the November election. Mr. Creighton, 54, is a retired Army colonel who is running for political office for tbe firsllime. A Riverhead native, Mr. Creighton returned to the East End of Long Island after retiring from tbe military in 1986. With party enrollment in the district being predominantly Republican, Mr. Hochbrueckner bas won his previous two elections by razor thin margins, in both cases receiving barely 50 percent of the vote. Mr. Hochbrueckner is believed to have a beller opportunity in this election since Mr. Creighton entered the race late and only after three other possible candi- dates decided not to run. Mr. Creighton, wbo served two tours of duty in Vietnam said he is prepared for politics. "If you think you can succeed as well as I did in the military without having a sense of politics," he told a Long Island newspaper, "then you don't understand the military...l'm in this to win it." Mr. Creighton allacked the campaign spending of Mr. Hochbrueckner and pro- posed a spending limit of$250,OOO for the campaign. "If! was in the fund-raising position that I assume he's in, I'd be going for limits, too," said Celia Fischer, campaign manager for Mr. Hochbrueckner. Mr. Hochbrueckner, 52, listed as his major achievements in office his opposi- tion to the Sboreham power plant, his efforts to provide funding for the dredging of Shinnecock Inlet on Long Island, and his role in maintaining funding for the F 14 fighter plane which is manufactured by Grumman Corp of Long Island. Mr. Hochbrueckner traveled to Fish- ers Island in the summer of 1989 to allend a meeting on the future of Fishers Island's garbage disposal. Mr. Creighton said he is against abortion, for an amendment against burn- ing the American flag and for a slow reduction in military spending. .-_.........'t'i'A.......\'.... ...-..~'-.....-:;~_..J'.._... ~'__. FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK George Hochbrueckner CLASSIC SHINGLE SUMMER COTTAGE Architectural plans include unique lighthouse tower with lookout deck housing Master bath. Private Master Suite: B.R. with balcony, sitting room, dressing room, cathedral ceilings. Below, octagonal D.R. with french doors opening onto spacious wrap-around deck. Large L.R. with Fire place. Kitchen' pantry. Plus 4 B.R. & 2 full baths. Almost 2 acres on beautiful Chocomount Cove. Water frontage. Spectacular view. Dock site. All permits , approvals for summer start. Price available upon request. ERG ARCHITECT 16 P^RKW^Y. K^TON^H. NY 10536 914-232-9004 14 FIshers Island G<JzeUe Southold Waffling on Garbage Costs had been advocated after legal interpreta- tions were received that no town funding could be provided for building a garbage trnnsfer fucility and closing the Island landfill so long as the Island garbage district ex- isted. The garbage commissioners this past summer even circulated a petition to have the district dissolved. However, more recent legal opin- ions indicate that town funds can be re- ceived by the garbage district. The question remains how much the town is prepared to spend. Commissioner Hancock in a meet- ing with the town board in September requested that Southold pay for the esti- mated $1 million construction of the trans- fer station and closure of the landfill as well as returning a portion of the town's tax revenue from the Island for the opera- tion of the garbage district. Southold Supervisor Scott Harris expressed support for the general concept offered by the garbage commissioners, but would not commit to any specifics. "There is no doubt that the town has an obligation to Fishers Island," Mr. Har- ris said. "But there are legal questions which have to be resolved. " t~...e..,..........."'.'-... -.~ . .... C te, · ,..~. ap atn s : , - : Restaurant , II! e · ~ and Pizza i : , . ' . Here or To Go : ; a" Buy 4 Pizzas - get one free f~" . , ~r:g~ (203) 447-2820 ~r:g~ \ . 1ioV' 1ioV' · , ;- We deliver to the Ferry ;- ,- I , - . : , , I . . . Charlie Papathanasiou - Proprietor . : 8 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320 , : : .' - , , , 1....,.......,.............,..'" By Dan Gordon With the ordered closure of the Is- land landfill now looming less than two months away, the question of what to do with the Island's garbage still remains unresolved. The garbage commissioners are still committed to shipping the Island's gar- bage to Southold for disposal. However, who will pay for the construction of a transfer station and for capping the Island landfill and how garbage collection and disposal will be administered remains up in the air. In the interim, the Island garbage commissioners have appealed to the state Department of Environmental Conserva- tion for at least a year's extension to keep operating the Island landfill past the De- cember 18 deadl ine. Garbage Commission Chairman Jim Hancock said a reply to the request has not been received yet, but he is confident that the extension will be allowed. The garbage commissioners have reversed earlier plans to dissolve the gar- bage district, and now plan to stay in operation. The dissolution of the district Mr. Harris said the town would be prepared to pay for a transfer facility, but he indicated this might simply consist of a garbage truck which would haul the Is- land's garbage to Southold rather than the $500,000 transfer facility envisioned by the garbage commissioners. As fur as paying for closing the landfill, 4.['m not sure if we are even allowed to get involved," Mr. Harris said. "The attor- neys will have to work it out." Mr. Harris said the town would be prepared to return town tax revenues for the ope....tioo of the district, but did not want to be tied to a specific number. Mr. Hancock said he hopes that the financing of the transfer facility can be resolved promptly so that the new system can be in operation next year. "It would behoove everyone to get this going," said Mr. Hancock. "Jf we get nothing from the town, we will dissolve the district. ,. Mr. Hancock even mentioned the option of seceding from the town if it does not supply funding for the Island's future garbage disposal needs. M@bil .'1 ...t to pro".e a q.alllJ' aerrlce at a fair price wi" a amlle." C. Estabrooks GENERAL MANAGER . A..Ualtle at ._ .0<111 . Diesel Fuel . Special Unleaded Gasoline . Oaily, Weekly & Monthly Slips . Electric & Water Hookups . Clean Restrooms . Hot Showers . Ice Machine . Outboard Lubricant . Ala. A.alIaItl. . Home Heating Fuel . Bottled Gas (Propane) . Super Unleaded Gasoline . Special Unleaded Gasoline . Regular Unleaded . We monitor Channel 16 518-788-7311 'j . FIsh", 1,14"" Galt", 15 '. h FISHERS ISLAND, NX. .-~ ~ v'. , ... - - '\ "'- .. . , :;;. .-,- - ::a , I I I' I I I EXCLUSIVE ISLAND BUILDING SITE One of the most spectacular sites on the East Coast. Almost 4 acres with direct frontage on both the Fishers Island and Block Island Sounds. Two beautiful, unspoiled beaches, Fabulous distant views of the Connecticut Coast, Block Island and Montauk Point. Rare opportunity to create the ultimate island getaway. $1,200,000, Listing Agent: Thm Patterson ~ Ginnel Real Estate 493 Bedford Center Rd. Bedford Hills, New York 10507 (914) 234-9234 (800) 724-0111 ;1- 16 Fishers Island Gat.etU l School Notes By Vanessa Lanier On September 5th the Fishers Island School started a new year with an enroll- ment of 73 students. We were lucky enough to have seven new students. The new magnet students include Dan Reedy and Rosemarie Giroux t grade nine, Jessica Worst, grade seven, and Megan Reedy, grade five. Our two new Island students are Jaime Laine and Chris Corbin, both sophomores. On Thursday the 20th of September the eighth grade students visited the plane- tarium at the Mystic Seaport. They looked at many stars and many constellations. It was an exciting, but long day and the students were happy to get back home. There will be a yearbook this year, covering the years 89-91. Since the school was unable to have one last year. everyone is working hard and looking forward to the completion of it. To raise money for the yearbook, the staff is planning to hold bingos and collect tin cans to make this year's yearbook beller than ever. Support for the yearbook would be appreciated by all the students. The 1991 seniors, Brian Faulkner, Amy Rubin, Carolyn Stepanek, and Chris- t Sarah Vincent celebrated her 11th binhday al her home in late August. (pholo: Dan Estabrooks) topher Theroux have not decided where they will go for their class trip but have been working hard to raise the money for it. On Saturday, October 16th the seniors held a car wash and bake sale. It was a profitable trip and the seniors are looking forward to planning their trip. Last year Fishers Island hired three new teachers; Carol Spadora, science; Mary Sawyer, English; and Arnoldo Sierra, Spanish. This year the only addition to the faculty was Eileen Lanier, the special education teacher. Student Council members were elected on September 28th. Only one slate ran and that included Brian Faulkner, presi- dent; Carolyn Stepanek, vice-president; Ian Thomas, secretary; and Chris Theroux, treasurer. (VQI1t'ssa LAnier is a 10th grader in the Fishers Island School. She will be reporting on school affairs in the upcoming issues of the Gazeue.) MYSTIC COVE BOAT SALES, INC. Stafford St.. Mystic 536-4945 Sales Authorized Service ~-!l MRRlIER" ~OUTBOARDS ~ jJfARINE ~ _.ml..."".... LAURIE MacTAVISH BEST 415 Pequot Avenue New London, Connecticut 06320 203-442-5477 ~~ VOLVO PENTA APPRAISER of Personal Property Insurance and Estate Z & S Contracting... "The Good Guys" -Renovations -Remodeling -New Construction -Expert painting & paper hanging -Licensed electrical, plumbing & heating professionals -24-hour emergency service -complete line of electrical appliances -full landscaping service -now window washing as well Count on the Good Guys... Z & 8 Contracting! Call Z &8 at 788-7857 Big Day For Junior Sailors By Peter Rugg West Harbor was brimming with boats and the lawn of the Fishers Island Yacht Club looked more cluttered than a prep school dormitory the day before summer vacation as young sailors from near and far participated in the seventh annual Junior Regatla. The event which took place on July 24-25 was hampered by the weather with light winds and occa- sional rain. Spirits were high however as there was good competition on the water and good fun ashore. At the prize awards ceremony, the coveted award for first Island boat went to Mike McNamara and his crew Justin Steil. Masters McNamara and Steil sailed in the yacht Shark in the first two qualifying races and performed well enough to qual- ify for the top division of 20 boats. They then went on to sail six races, taking first in the fourth race, and placed third in the blue fleet. Morgan Connor of Ram Island Yacht Club dominated his division win- ning four of the six races. Also in the top fleet were Fishers Islanders Wells Hender- son and Dan Rosenthal sailing in their first Blue Jay regatla. Their best race was a second and their fmal place was I I th. FIsh", IsiJJnd Ga4e/Je 17 r I A tolal of 44 of the classic 13 foot Blue Jay sloops and four Lasers were en- tered in the regatta. Entrants came from as far away as Noroton, Ct. The regatta is one of several on the junior sailing circuit in Eastern Connecti- cut. Last summer, Fishers Island was also represented in regattas in Niantic (also site of the Blue Jay Class National Champion- ship August 11 and 12), Groton Long Point, Stoning ton, and Essex. Charters to the hub or the country club WeU havr you hronobbingwith friendsorbu5llleM.~tt:$ ho..nahmdd KheduJe with the Idmd'JoIdeJt~maslreLiable Air ChalVr Snvia. Ca1I.lod&rfarOU~_ eu'round. zc hour. dlIyar l~or Wne. we-fly-anyw e ~Ml:e Coasu.lAirolfenFAAappraved. I1i&httrainintandAircraft1oAles ':s-m, 1M ~l'" J:"'b1ic" .COASTAL AIR SERVICFS "Since 1955" GrolOnIN~ London Airpor1 GrotoaCT2.03-4oI3-IOOI FiWnlsand Oial~IOOI 18 Flshm [,l4nd Gtl<</U ~-- Hay Harbor's Bill Hilry b~alS Z&.:S p;u:h~r St~v~ WalUn 10 th~ bag during the championship series between the two It'ams. (photo credit: Sarah TURk) Paul McMartin (left) and Mia Price (righr) connect at me plate. (photo credit: Dick Edwards) Z&S: A Softball Dynasty Is Born By John Peishoff The 1990 Z & S Softball Team has taken over where the Oakland A's left off. The Athletics stumbled in their attempt to repeat as World Series champions. Z&S had no such problem as the team won its second straight softball championship this August. Z & S accomplished the feat by virtue of an outstanding and exciting cham- pionship series win over the Hay Harbor Club. Prior to the playoffs, the final regu- lar season standing stood at: The Blues (7- I), Z & S (5-3), Pequot (3-5), Hay Harbor (3-5), and Mobil (2-6). In the best out of three games semi- final series, Hay Harbor upset the first place Blues two games to one, the third game being a 7-6 Hay Harbor nail biter and Z & S swept the Pequot team two games to none to set up the Z & S and Hay Harbor club showdown. The championship series had Hay Harbor taking game one 8-6 with Z & S rebounding in game two 17-2. The rmal game may be remembered in Fishers Is- land softball lore like Carlton Fisk's home run in the 1975 series. Z & S jumped on Hay Harbor early and hammered out a 14- o lead. Undaunted by the huge deficit and over-confidence of their opponents, Hay Harbor came back, and back, and back until they captured the lead 19-18 in the top of the 7th inning. With darkness upon them, Z & S scratches across 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th to win the game and the champship 20-19. Said Dave Dennison, manager and losing pitcher of Hay Harbor 'lit was great to see that we didn't give up. I'm very proud of our effort. We will be looking forward to a rematch next year. . I Walsh Park Open Held Seventeen teams competed in the Walsh Park Open held August 25 at the Hay Harbor Club. The teams led by Paul Giles and Frank Burr tied for first with rounds of 32, but the Burr team, which consisted of Frank, Chip, and Grace Burr as well as Tom Hobbs and Jack and Andi Briody, won the trophy after drawing from a hat. -r FIsh.,. 1.lDnd Gtu../I. 19 Peter Upson Repeats as Golf Champion By John Peishoff Defending title holder Peter Upson added the 1990 Fishers Island Country Club Men's Golf Championship to his resume with a victory over eight-time win- ner Bill Hall in the finals. On the road to the finals, Upson defeated David Scott in the quarters and James Loughlin in the semis. Bill Hall defeated Gaines Gwathmy in the quarters and went to sudden death to eliminate Winchester Hotchkiss, Jr. in the semi- finals. The finals saw Peter Upson birdie three of his first four holes to gain a 3-hole advantage. Bill Hall reduced the lead to 1 after nine holes. The match see-sawed back and forth until the 14th hole, when Upson birdied both 14 and 15 to get his 3 hole lead back. Momentum changed, and Hall captured both 16 and 17 to reduce Upson's lead to 1 with the 18th hole to play. But Bill Hall's birdie putt to tie wouldn't fall on 18 and Peter Upson held on for the victory. "The first 16 holes were probably the best stretch of golf! had ever played in I I I I Peter Upson competition," said Mr. Upson. The 1990's women's championship produced a sister-sister final with Elizabeth McDonough defeating her sister Jennifer for the title I-up after 18 holes. To reach the rmals: Jennifer slipped by Elizabeth Furse in the quarters and Charlotte McKim in the semis and her sister Elizabeth outdueled Isabel Leib in the quarters and Susan Stickney in the semis to set up the sister-sister showdown. Looking for a good home. Affectionate Male Cat with plenty of personality One year old, neutered, shots. Call Dan and Sally Gordon (215) 561-0959 School Runners Looking Sharp The Fishers Island School cross- country team has a 2-1 record after completing the first half of its sched- ule. In a tri-meet on September 21, Fishers Island nipped the Williams School of New London 27-29 and the Rocky Hill School of Rhode Island 28- 30. Brendan Smith was the top fin- isher for Fishers Island in the meet coming in third place while Ray Hooper came in 7th. Fishers Island lost to St. Thomas More school of Connecticut on Octo- ber 2 hy a score of20-35. Ray Hooper and Brendan Smith exchanged places with Hooper finishing fourth and Smith finishing seventh. Although there have not been enough runners to form a girl's team, Lisa Faulkner competed individually in the girl's meet between Williams School and Rocky Hill School, and she won the race. She also ran in the boy's competition against St. Thomas More and finished 14. Another up and coming runner is seventh grader Shawn Malone. - I II , 20 F/sh<fS [s<<.,vi GazelU -- - Hay Harbor Golf by Dan Colvin I I I I I I I I The Hay Harbor Golf Club wraps up a season full of activity and strong partici- pation in tour- ilIA nament play. The following is a recap of the events that took place and the individuals that distin- quished themselves. The July Results -The Ladies July Club Champion- ship was captured by Lisa Evans who defeated runner-up Mary Roberts in the fmals. -Tom Tamoney defeated Robert Parsons to capture the Men's Club Cham- pionship for 1990. -The July Parent-Child Tournament saw Mark Andrews and Howard Keenan capture Division I hon"", and Benn Calhoun and Bob Calhoun follow through with Division II honors. -The Member-Member Mixed Cap- tains Choice went to the team of Peg and Bob Campbell and Tim and Susie Grimes. The Member-Guest Mixed Captains Choice was won by the partnership of Tom and Celie Tamoney, Peter Renehard and Dani Miller. The August Results The August Ladies Club Champion- ship went to Susie Stickney in the scratch play event and Grace Burr in the full handicap division. -The Captains Choice was won by Tony Helfe!, Ann Cook, Barry and Eleanor Hall. ~ -August Parent-Child had the team of Susie and Annie Stickney capture Divi- sion I and Woody and Dwight Collins capture Division II. -The Girls Club Championship saw Becca Parsons victorious over runner-up Lulu Henderson. -The Boys Club Championship was claimed by Scoll Kelner by virtue of his victory over runner-up Andrew Burr. There was a record number of com- petitors in the Junior Club Championship this season. The Pip Sinclair Sportman- ship Trophy went to Sander Brooks and the Junior Endeavor Award went 10 An- drew Ogden. There were many other winners in the pUlling, 2 and 4 hole junior events. Pulling Winners: July, Age 3-6 1. Hilary Brooks; 2. Bill Keenan; 3. Crosby Cook Age 7-8 I. Mark Andrews;2.Emily Parsons; 3. Cammy Brooks Age 9-10 1. Elizabeth Andrews;2. Isabelle Kinsolving; 3. Caroline Braga Age 11-12 1. Liese Fritze; 2. Ashley Brincker hoff;3. Sander Brooks August, Age 3-6 1. Casey Cook; 2. Bart Helfet; 3. Parker Lamborn Age 7-8 1. Mark Andrews; 2. Sayles Braga; 3. Glenn Keenan Age 9-10 1. Elizabeth Andrews;2. Grayson Murphy; 3. Cutler Cook Age 11-12 I. Robby Lawrence and Lulu Hen- derson; 3. Taylor Boswell 2-Holers Girls; July 1. Annie Stickney;2. Eloise Paller- son; 3. Glenn Keenan August 1. Wendy Ketner; 2. Slater Gray 3. Emily Parsons 2-Holers Boys; July 1. Sayles Braga 2. Jamie Newman August I. George McLean; 2. Will McLean 3. Ben Cameron 4-Holers Girls; July 1. Liese Fritze; 2. Elizabeth An- drews; 3. Lulu Henderson August 1. Elizabeth Andrews; 2. Armie Stick- ney; 3. Eloise Patterson 4-Holers Boys; July I. Cutler Cook; 2. Mark Andrews 3. Mall Burr August 1. Mark Andrews; 2. Mall Burr 3. Cutler Cook 9-Holers Girls; July I. Katharine Stickney; 2. Becca Parsons; 3. Margaret Smith August I. Becca Parsons; 2. Lulu Hender- son; 3. Katharine Stickney 9-Holers Boys; July I. Colin Brooks; 2. Welles Hender- son; 3. Henn Calhoun August 1. Andrew Burr; 2. Welles Hender- son; 3. Justin Talbot To wrap-up the 1990 summer re- view, Jim Hancock, Will Peishoff, and Chris Edwards each recorded the perfect golf shot- a hole-in-one. Parker and Casry Cook. in their Hay Harbor danufinery while Mark Semegan gels a liftJrom Erik Ullsten. (pholQ credits: Sarah Tunk) Flsh.,./,hlnd G4u1U 21 1990 HOG: A Howling Success by John Peishoff The HOG (Harbor Open Golf Tour- nament) 19th Edition was held on the Sun- day of Labor Day once again. This year's event held under perfect weather condi- tions was a huge success. According to tournament chairman Ged Par.;ons approxi- mately $17,000 was raised for the Island Health program versus $15,400 last year. HThe tournament went very easily and smoothly. 1 think everyone had a good time. I heard a few complaints and a lot of praise. I especially want to thank all the helpers and bartenders. They deserve a lot of credit for all the work they do. Their efforts along with the support of other vol- unteers make the tournament. .. This year's event had a cast of 162 players (27 teams of6 players). When the dust, sand, rough, w.iIer, and woods cleared, two teams were positioned at the top with a score of 61 (11 under par). The tie breaker of matching cards was used to declare the winners. First place went to the team of Chip DuPont, Frank Lyons, Denny Ogden, Michael DuPont, Randy Gray and Tony Helfet. Second place: Joe Schwerin, Jack Hyland, L. Brown III, Nick Firth, John Irwin II and Jay Parsons. The third and fourth place teams were deter- mined by matching cards also due to iden- tical scores of 62. Third place: Tom Armstrong, Stuart Borgert, John Chavis, Charley Powell, Whitney Armstrong and Aaron Lusker. Fourth place: Chaucey Goss, Mason Goss, Pat Quinn, Dick Goss, Rich Goss, and Speedy Melller. Each member of the four teams received glass- ware for their efforts. The best dressed awards w ere shared by the teams led by Chi P duPont and Dick Breining. The longest drive on the 12th hole was Jim 0' Keefe and tbe closest to the pin on the 16th hole Robert Gray who landed his drive five feet nine inches from the cup. . 'The event was a great success and for everyone's efforts to make it a success I again want to thank everyone involved" said Ged Parsons. . . a a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don't Be a Hog! Share Your. . Good Story Ideas with the . . . . Gazette Today . ..... ........ ......... ~-- The Red, White and Blue ream picked up a best dnsud award al the HOG toUf'fIOIrUnl. 1My arejrom left. FrankLyon, Michael duPont, Randy Gray, ChipduPOnl. Tony Helfel, and Dmny Ogden. (photo credit: Bill Furse) Serenading the golfers OUl on the course were mermaids,from left, Laurie Riegal, Amanda Thomas, Akr Riegel, Ashley Harrington. and Akr Spofford. (pholQ crrdit: Bill Furse) The .Wall Street. team led by Jim Rulheifurd, worldng boUt the telephone and a cigar above, liedfor first in rhe best dressed category. (photo credit: Dick Edwards) - 22 FIsh"" ldand GauIU i Islander Wins National Bullseye Championship I By Jim Rousmaniere The national championship of the famed Bullseye class was held August I 11th and 12th at Southwest Harbor, Maine. It was an occasion for Fisher's Island's Peter Rugg, who won in a very convincing I manner f outdistancing his nearest com- I petitor by 14 points in a four race series. This was nothing new to Peter who was the champion in 1988. The Fisher's Island fleet demonstrated its mastery of the class by sweeping the first three places in the series. David Burnham whose crew was Paul Burnham placed second, and Lawrence Rubinow, with crew Steve Burnham was third. These two skippers, too. had been champions in recent years. The series was hosted in Southwest Harbor, Maine, by the Southwest Harbor fleet, in conjunction with another local fleet at Cranberry Island Yacht Club. 32 entries came from eight fleets as far as Chicago to contest this annual champion- ship of one of the very best (and oldest) of the class boats in United States. The Bullseye was designed by Nathaniel Her- reshoff in 1902, and has had many thou- sands of very satisfied owners over the years. Four races were held in light airs and some fog. Competition produced differ- ent winners in each race. Rugg's Nikka had a first, a second, fourth, and a sixth for a total of ]2 3/4 points - winner being based on low point scores. Burnham's Querida also won a race, but less success in other races to total 26 3/4 points, to be followed by Rubinow's On Target with 3] points. The sailors from Sandy Bay Yacht Club, Rockport, Ma. swept the next three places with Emily Wick's Beaver fourth 32 pts., Ginny Scott's Gannet fifth, 363/4 pts and Phil Nutting's Dream Days, 42. Ed Elvidge's Act II of the South- west Harbor fleet won the first race, con- ducted mostly in fog, but thereafter local knowledge did not appear to be of much advantage, judging from the results. Other fleets participating in this annual event were: Beverly Y.C. (Marion, Ma.) Columbia Y.C. (Chicago) Northeast Hav bor, Little Cranberry, Me. Pequot (South- portCt.) Southwest Harbor, Me. A fourth entry from Fisher's Island was Brad Burnham's White Knuckles, Charlie Ferguson crew. There are more than 220 Bullseyes registered in the files of the national asso- ciation of which the chairman is Phil Nut- ting 62 A South Street, Rockport, Ma. 01966. Fleets exist as far away as Key Largo, FI. and Guanlanamo Bay, Cuba, where the U.S. Navy uses the boats for training. The Naval Academy at Annapo- lis requires skill in handling a sailboat for its graduation. The 1991 championship series will be conducted by the Fisher's Island fleet. Support Gazette Advertisers.. . It's Good Business! SMITH INSURANCE INC. "WHERE LOSSES COME FIRST' ~ ~ ~~ Meeting the Insurance Needs for the Fishers Island Community for 50 Years FULL SERVICE BUSINESS AND PERSONAL AGENCY M I'RRY CHRIS1 MAS _._____________ ~(IM[HAVlNC5 sAmlmURllY THOUGHT I WOU10 SI'NO you A SUBSCRIPTION ~O THI' GAZnn 111IS YI'AR, 1 KNOW HOW you OVI' 1 HI' IS1ANO... ~ ....._......-c;... YOUR l'RlI'NO 328 MITCHELL ST. GROTON 446-8260 NQQd a stoetting st.uffQr idea1 rill in the bbnhs Send $12.00 t.o fishers tstand G3]eHe Box 573 l'ishers Isbnd, NY. 06390 leave the rest. up t.o us! SHIP TO: THREE CONVENIENT OFFICES 40 BOSTON POST RD. WATERFORD 447-1751 266 MAIN ST. NIANTIC 739-5446 Nautical Notes by Peter Rugg The crew on Bill Musser's new Tripp 37 Glide were keyed up in the second race of the Newport Off- shore One-De- sign (NOOD) regatta last August. Musser had won the first race handily and had a good start in thefreshening breeze of race 2. Suddenly, from out of no where, another T -37, Pow- ertripo, raging at about seven knots on port tack proceeded to drive its bow through Glide's leeward rail. The thundering crash echoed across Jamestown to the accompa- niment oftearing plastic and bending steel. When the vessels were disengaged, Musser went to work to save his boat from sinking as the gash cut across the deck and nearly down to the waterline. Damage was esti- mated at nearly $20,000. At this writing, Formula Yachts in Noank has completed repairs on the advanced composite mate- rial hull and Glide was back in competi- tion in the Fall Off-Soundings Regatta. Musser placed fifth in his class in the NOOD in spite of the disaster. Also on the hig boat circuit, Peter Brinckerhoffs Hooli2an bested stiff com- petition in the annual Round Island Race to take the coveted prize for First Island Boat. Hool i .an which last year completed the race in one hour 48 minutes and beat Barlevento's long standing record by ten minutes, raced gunwale to gunwale to the finish against an roD sloop which was ineligible for the First Island Boat Trophy having failed to file the appropriate PHRF rating certificate. This year the race at- tracted a record 70 boats. After postpon- ing the start for two and one half hours while waiting for the wind to fill in, Race Committee Chairman Steve Burnham sent the l1eet off in a light south westerly breeze. Several of the cruising class were unable to overcome the fierce adverse tidal cur- rent on the leg to Race Point and retired. Carter Gowry in his J-35 Touch of Grav took line honors. Among the one-<lesigns, in the Round Island Race, Bill Martling sailed his laD Kahoutec to third place in class behind Steve Cook's Preemptive Bid and Syndi- cate One's N orwe.ian Wood. The Fishers Island laD l1eet hosted three visiting laD's FIsh.,. /,14"" Gu.eue 23 from Western Long Island Sound who came East to sample our better August sailing breezes. The addition to the l1eet provided both learn and l1eet racing days with as many as I I boats on the starting line. Bill Martling represented Fishers Island Yacht Club in September at the roD Class North American Championship in Northeast Harbor Maine with Susan Pea- body, Dan Malloy and Charlie van Voorhis as crew. Maine provided a full range of sailing conditions from fog and light air to a blustery 20 knot sou'wester. Martling sailed consistently in the top of the l1eet in the six race, four day series to tie for third place with Jock Kolhaus of Northeast Harbor. Ken Druery from Marblehead, Mass. was second and Penny Simmonds sailing for the Royal Bermuda Yachl Club WOD. Earlier in the summer, the Fishers Island Bullseye Fleet sent four crews to the Bullseye National Championships in South- west Harbor Maine. Fishers showed the way to the 32 boatl1eet winning the first three places. (See nearby article.) On Ihe team racing circuit, Fishers Island Yachl Club trounced Wadawanuck Yacht Club and Walch Hill Yacht Club in the annual Parsons Trophy Race in JY-15 dinghies. Then on the Saturday following Labor Su Rugg 011 Page 24 We're helping Fishers Island by building for a healthier tomorrow · New Hospital Facilities Emergency & Inpatient Units Maternity & Nursery Surgical Suites & Critical Care Units · Ambulatory Care Center · 340 Car Parking Garage For a free brochure on the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Modernization Project write: "Modernization Project" Lawrence & Memorial Hospital 365 Montauk Avenue New London, cr 06320 r r s-r ~~, ~ i;~ ,>, !l! ,^, -~ ---r.t 24 Flshen IslaNl Gaz<It< Rugg Conli~djrom Page 23 Day, nine of our sailors sped over to Shel- ter Island Yacht Club to win two succes- sive team races in 8 new event against the Shelter Island Yacht Club in Etchells 22's. Among the juniors, there was record participation in the joint sailing program run by Hay Harbor Club and Fishers Island Yacht Club. New program sections for adults and for recreational (non-racing) sailors added depth to the operation now in its fifth season. Mike McNamara and Justin Steil took second place in the big- gest regatta in the Northeast - Larchmont Junior Race Week. Later in the season, McNamara and Steil went up against more than 50 competitors in the Blue Jay Na- tionals in Niantic placing 9tb. Dan Rosen- thal, sailing in the lOand under division in Optimists in three successive Optimist regattas at Niantic, Thames, and Ram Is. land Yacht Clubs. His competition have offered to sponsor an early celebration of Dan's I llh birthday! The Optimist dinghy was adopted three years ago as the junior training boat on Fishers Island. At the time, Weekapaug Yacht Club in Rbode Island and Pellipaug Y.C. in Essex, Con- necticut were the only other clubs in the OplimisI sailboalS at rest. (photo: Saran Tuttle) Eastern Connecticut area to use Optimists. There are now fleets in lO other nearby clubs. The Junior Sailing Committee is searching for a new boat for the teenage sailors. The program has supported Blue Jays which are the most popular boat used in the 12-16 year old range in our area. Blue Jays have the advantage of being able to accommodate two or three sailors per- milling younger crews to learn from older skippers. The boats also carry spinnakers which help the juniors learn to use these tricky sails. Candidates to replace the Blue Jay are the new JY -15 an inexpensive higb performance boat without a spinna- ker which is presently only sailed at Wadawanuck Y.C. in Stonington, and the 420 which is the boat of choice for inter- collegiate sailboat racing. Harbormaster John Clavin formed a Harbor Advisory Commillee this year. Danny Doyen, Bob Lane, Bill Martling, and Bob White meet regularly with Clavin to work on a number of Fishers Island marine issues. The harbor was less con- gested this season as mooring and anchor- ing rules were beller enforced. The com- mittee is also reviewing enforcement of boat registration requirements. Sail with a Winner! Read Gazette Sailing Columnist Peter Rugg - National Bullseye Champion, 1990 FISHERS ISLAND SHOPPING CENTER the NEW The full service grocery store! - Visit our new Bakery Department - featuring: donuts danish muffins breads . finest quality meats and fish NEW . fresh island lobsters . fresh produce daily NEW . expanded dairy department NEW . expanded frozen foods NEW . salad bar delivered FRESH DAILY Our coffee pot is always on! Island Video - LOWER PRICES - - DELIVERIES AVAILABLE - - ALL MAJOR NEWSPAPERS - Newly expanded to better serve you . Over 1500 movies to choose {rom . The latest releases . VCR rentals available Open 'til 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday DELI SANDWICHES Made to order For faster service pre-arder by calling 7123 William Bloethe, Prop. Store: 72S5 . Video: 7133 . Deli: 7123 evenings 'Iii 9 p.m. 7133 FIsh.,. IslaNl GazeUe 2S '. ~. ~ , ,.r, " " ~ Champions abounded on Fishers Island this summer. In photo above left, Katie Schulte, left, receives the Ladies Singles trophy at the Fishers Island Club after defeating defending champion Ella Foshay, right, 6-2,6-2. In the photo above right, Scott Ketner, right, receives the Men's Singles championship trophy after defeating Robert Crary, right, 7-5, 6-4. Tennis committee chairman Maarten Van Hengel presented the trophies to the winners. In the !wi-light golf league, the team of Art Walsh, left, and Mario Zanghetti, right, won first place and received their awards from Hay Harbor golf pro Dan Colvin in the photo at lower left. In photo lower right, Jack Cypherd was one of the many winners at the Walsh Park Open held in late August at the Hay Harbor Club. 203-442-4391 St:J\'lIl!( Fi\!><'h hland Sillce 191"l 74 Capt;lill'S Walk \('w Lnndon, CT 06320 Benefits Plus "Insurance SelVices" Life - Health - Disability - Pension MALLrOVES John J. Peishoff Eastern Connecticut's Largest Jeweler Uust two blocks from the ferry) 10 North Main St., Suite 313, West Hartford Conn. 06107 202.236.0447 26 FIShers Isloo4 GOUIl< Department of Defense Deparbnent of the Navy FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPAcr FOR PROPOSEDCONSTRUcrlON OF SUBMA- RINE SENSOR TEST PLATFORM (SSTP) AT NAVAL UNDERWATER SYSTEMS CENTER, FISHERS ISLAND ANNEX, WILDERNESS POINT, FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK. Pursuant to Council on Environmental Qual- ity regulatiOllA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) implement- ing procedural provisions of the National Environ- mental Policy Act (NEPA), the Department of the Navy gives notice that an Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared and an Environmentallmpact Statemenl. is not being prepared for the con.sbUction of a Submarine SeIlllOr'Test Platform (SSTP) at the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC) Annex, Fishers Island, New York:. The SSTP provides a basic facility to test the effects of sea waves on Navy submarine antennllS. The project includes the construction of a 25 ton skid- mounted platform, pile-driven docking base on the sea Ooor, concrete pad-mounted winch assembly, shore-site command console, and data communica~ tion system. The platform will be of steel con&ruction and will be free of any coatings having environmental impacts on marine life. The platform will rest on two rails 36 feet long and 2 feet wide. The docking platform will be constructed of I 0 to 12 inch diameter steel piles driven inlo the sea floor. The wioch assem- bly will be located on shore. The shore-site command console contains equipment which monitors and controls the skid. Power from shore and conununica. tion cables will be in a protected submarine cable which traverses the sea floor between the shore-site winch assembly and the platfonn. The winch assembly pulls the 13 by 40 fool skid along the sea floor between the base and the shore site. A hydraulic lift mechanism on the s~d elevates the test equipment (antenna) above the sea surface. After the experimenl. the lift mechanism is returned to the collapsed position for skid return or underwater storage. Skid outfitting, maintenance, and inst.rumenl calibration is accomplished at the shore site. The platform will be stored away from the beach area when not in use. No electromagnetic radiation emis- sions are generated during testing. Tests will be con- ducted once a month from April through November with each test lasting one week. - - - Legal Notice - - - Submarines of the twenty.fim century will require substantially improved antennaa and other scll.liOr systems 10 meet the challenge. of expanding warfare tub in support of antisurface missiona. Currently, submarine experimental electromagnetic ICnsors can only be tested aboard operational subma- rines. This i. an expensive and time consuming process requiring submarine alteration for the speciftc syat.em to be tested, installation and removal of the equipment under test, scheduling of scarce submariB: services, and travel costa for scientific personnel. Only short term data can be collected aboard a subma- rine, and scarce submarine services preclude iterative testing of experimental masts/sensors. Testing in the ocean environment is the only way to obtain valid, open ocean data necesSlU)' to support submarine elec- tromagnetic/e1ectro-optic operations. The proposed action will enable the Navy to collect critical data without impacting the environment. Alternatives examined included no action, siting the project at another site on Fishers Island, construction of a deep-moored facility, and using computer technology instead of the platform. The deep-moored facility was eliminated fromconsidera. tion because it would result in greater adverse envi- ronmental impacls that would impede the proposed action and would be too costly lo build and operate. Also, divers and technicians assigned to support a deep water facility would be exposed to extremely hazardous conditions. Computer modeling tech. niques cannot accurately describe the actual time varying ocean profile, aerosol conditions generated by the wind, weather effects on propagation and the varying temperature near the sea surface; therefore, this alternative was eliminated. Construction of the facility at another site was also eliminated since the proposed site offers the most suitable location due to shore topography and offshore wave action. NUSC facilities at Fishers Island will provide support to the SSTP facility, thereby eliminating the need for con. struction of shore-based support facilities. The no action alternative would continue with the current testing conducted on operational submarines, which is unacceptable as it interferes with submarine opera- tions, is an inefficient use of submarine and research resources, and hinders the on-going research in sensor developmenl. Impacts associated with the proposed action are 00l considered to be signifunl. 1be winch assem- bly will be located approximately 100 feet from a wetland; the area will not be impacted. There are no known endangered or threatened species at the site. The proposed action will not impact archeol- ogical. architectural. or historic resources listed or determined eligible for listing on the National Regis- terofHistoric Places. Any native grasses in the beach area damaged during towing operations will be replanted in lcind. Boulders existing in the beach, shoal, Oat. littoral, and surf zones located in the cab1e area will be relocated and scattered in order to maintain their function of reducing wave velocity and shoreline erosion. There will be a short-tenn increase in turbidity resulting from installation of the underwater doc Icing base. The areas where the towpath and underwater docking base are to be installed are covered with kelp and eel grass. Ins&.allation of the proposed sylllem will result in the minor 1088 of this vegetation; however, disturbed areas will naturally revegetate in a short time Oe8s than 1 year). The platform will operate without disturbing the sediments in the tow path. Platform movement between shore and the docking facility will be very slow (12-24 feet/minute). Fully submerged pressure load is less than one pound per square inch; therefore, there will be minimal increases in turbidity. The New York District, US Army Corps of Engineers has authorized this project under a nation- wide permit for scientific strucbJres (33 CFR Part 330) in accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act; the New York Department of Environmental Conser.'ation has granted a Section 401 water quality certification for the proposed action. The Navy haa determined, and the State of New York has concurred, that the proposed action is consistent with the New York Coastal Zone Management Plan. Based on information gathered during prepa. ration of the EA, the Navy finds that construction of the SSTP facility at Naval Underwater Systems Cen- ter, Fishers Island Annex will not significantly irrqlact the environment.. The EA prepared by the Navy addressing this action is on file and may be reviewed by interested parties at the place of origin: Commander, Naval Underwater Systems Center, New London Laboratory, New London, Connecticut 06320-5594 (Attn: Ms. Bridget Keegan, Code 524, telephone (203) 440-6672). A limited number of copies of the EA are available to fill single copy requests. ~ vrotoH LEO DIMeUA OWNER BUSINESS CARDS WEDDING INVITATIONS FULL LINE OF CB SETS SCANNERS BOOK MATCHES ~ '!~ lVoveltu eO. PHONE 445.6607 'Have A Happy Day" SCANNER KKY S232 - Bathhouse Reconstruction Postponed The Hay Harbor Board of Directors has decided not to proceed with the re- placement of the club bathhouse this year. Club president Hiram Moody said the $200,000 construction project is being delayed until the club has fully investi- gated a sewage problem and corrected it. The Fishers Island Conservancy has discovered that a pipe leading from the club is contributing to a pollution problem in Hay Harbor by flowing out into a marsh- land behind the club. Hay Harbor working with the Conservancy has directed the en- gineering firm of AE Lombardi to deter- mine how to correct the problem. "We thought it would be most pru- dent to defer the bathhouse until we re- ceive the report from the engineers," Mr. Moody said. The construction of the new bath- house would significantly increase the amount of sewage produced by the club. "We don't want to take a chance of adding to the problem," said Mr. Moody. F/slu,.. l,laN! Gu.d" 27 ~ ~ \iN PE R ~ dNST. ')0 N f ~7tR! . at 'The sign in the FlSMI'S Island bathhouse lU1'Nd ow w be a Jiak prrtnOlUl"e ajler rhe Hay Harbor board. of dinclOrs l'okd 10 delay the reconstruction project. (photo credit: Al Gordon) The existing bathhouse has been this fall until the report on the sewer prob- closed for the past two summers. After lem came out this fall. two years of planning and receiving ap- Now, Mr. Moody said the construc- provals on tbe new bathhouse, the Hay tion project will probably not commence Harbor Board of Directors had been poised until next fall. to commence the demolition of the old bathhouse and construction ortbe new one More Layoffs in New London The already reeling New London economy was delivered another stagger- ing blow wben the largest employer Elec- tric Boat announced this fall that it is going to layoff almost 600 workers at its Groton plant. The layoffs will take effect Decem- ber I. The Electric Boat shipyard which produces submarines for the U.S. Navy has employed about I? ,900 workers prior to the layoff. New London Chamber of Commerce President William Moore termed the im- pact from the layoffs as being "severe, very severe. ., "This creates a great deal of uncer- tainty," Mr. Moore said. The layoffs at Electric Boat are the latest in a series of job reductions at mili- tary contrnclors in Connecticut, whicb relies heavily on defense-related industries. United Nuclear Corporation of Montville an- nounced last year that it would phase out its 1,100 workforce which has produced nuclear reactors for submarines. In addi- tion, Thames Valley Steel Company of New London and Harris Graphics ofSton- ington have in the past year announced layoffs totalling 400 people. These layoffs on top of a poor real estate and banking climate have depressed the New London economy over the past year and a hal f. "Retailers have been affected, " said Mr. Moore. "People have been tightening their belts. Right now, there is no way to tell when the slow down will end. " New Civic Association Directors The Board of Directors seats of the Fishers Island Civic Association vacated by Brad Burnham and Mary Walter were filled by Peter Burr and Steve Malinowski, each for a three year term, at the Board's July meeting. Mr. Burr is a New Jersey resident and works for Marine Midland Bank in New York, while Mr. Malinowski is an island resident and manager of The Clam Farm, Inc. an aquaculture venture. l!o ~. -. ..Ilft ~1~1 ;;: " :,s?lj IleTt', Mud /It Your EyI! Ashky Edworrls sho.-.ls young Mcholas Dryer who's boss on Soulh &adz this summer. (Ph010 cndil: Dick Edwards) 28 FIshers Isu".1 Gtu..,,. Mrs. Ethel Alice Hoch Fishers Island lost a very dear and long-time friend when Mrs. Ethel Alice (Small) Hoch, 79, died January 24, 1990. Mrs. Hoch suffered two heart attacks and a stroke in the hospital after being admitted for a broken hip from a fall in her home on December 27, 1989. A small service was held on Septem- ber 30, 1990 at the Crescent Avenue cemetery for internment. Last January many island friends attended a memorial service at Union Chapel. Mrs. Hoch moved to Fishers Island in January 1960 with her husband, Dr. Ralph K. Hoch, MD, and children. AsDr. (Captain) Hoch retired from 30 years in the Navy to take the full-time medical practice here, Mrs. Hoch also Hretired" from an adventurous life as a Navy wife. This included moving the family back and forth across the country every two or three years, and two trips to Europe in the 19308. In 1937 she lived in southern France with two young children while Dr. Hoch was stationed on a destroyer there. In 1940 Mrs. Hoch drove a 1938 Ford V-8 across country with her mother and three young children to set up a new home in Berkeley, California. During WWII Mrs. Hocb learned to cover the windows at night during air raid drills in the Bay Area while Dr. Hoch was stationed in the south Pacific for two years. Once, while Dr. Hoch was away, Mrs. Hoch took a toy gun and scared a burglar away from the house. In 1939 Dr. and Mrs. Hoch had tea with Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in the White House as it was Navy custom for officers to call when stationed in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Hocb was born August 18, 1910, in West Collingswood, N.J. She was the daughter of Harry A.C. and Ethel Holling- shead Small. She was a graduate of Lib- erty High School and attended Temple University School of Nursing. She was married to Dr. Hoch on August 19, 1930, in Fall River, Mass. In 1980 her five children held a surprise 50th wedding anniversary at Union Chapel that was attended by many island friends, and Mrs. Hoch' s two brothers and sister from Georgia, Florida, and New York state, and one of uDoc's" oldest friends, Judge William Storey and his wife, from Dela- Obituaries ~ Mrs. Hoch ware. Mrs. Hoch enjoyed travelling and she and her husband drove to Florida each winter for many years, visiting relatives and friends. In 1963, Mrs. Hoch traveled to Ecuador to visit her daughter Carol Ann who was serving as a teacher for Wycliffe Bible Translators. In 1977, it was to Bo- livia where daughter Barbara was working ~~OI'tE .t-t ~~~~ SEArOOD 128E.Main Sl.WebstOi,MA01570 (~Jg.$9-0CI70 (S08)943-2ng We will caler clambakes 0' your desigfl III your location CHOOSE FROM- Appetizers Shrimp CoctItail Clams& Qvsters on the hatfshell Clam ChOWder Bouilabaisse Smoked Salmon Smoked BluefiSh Pale Dinners SleamedLobst9fS Sleamed Clams SleamedCfabs Poached Salmon Grilled Swordfish, Tuna, Salmon Grilled Chicken Grilled Steaks CALL 7811-7953 for reservations with Wyc1iffe in biIingua1 education. During these trips Mrs. Hoch and her daughters lived in the jungle, rode on the backs of motorcycles (taxis!), hunted alligators, and once lived for a week in an isolated tribal village. A bit more tame but equally enjoyable was a trip in 1986 down the Mississippi aboard the Delta Queen with Barbara and Ken and Betsy Small. On the island Mrs. Hoch was a member of Union Chapel and was very active in the Ladies Aid, the Board of Trustees, and the Sunday School. She especially enjoyed the friendships formed at the Ladies Aid teas and projects. Mrs. Hoch also served as the School Board President in 1963 during a difficult time with an unpopular principal. Mrs. Hoch leaves her husband, Dr. Ralph K. Hocb, MD, of Fishers Island, five children, and three grandchildren. Dr. Barbara E. Hoch, PhD., lives part-time in New London and part-time on Fishers Island; Carol Ann Peffley lives in Groton with her husband and two sons; Dick Hoch lives on Fishers Island and is the freight agent at the ferry dock; David Hoch lives with his wife in Coventry, R.I.; and Susanne Glovacki lives with her husband and infant son in Greenfield, Mass. Other survivors are her brothers Kenneth Small of Su Mrs. HMh on Page 29 Robert & Louisa Evans Licensed Real Estate Sales - Rentals (516) 788-7101 Mrs. Hoch ConrinuedJrom preceding page Gainesville, Florida and Robert Small of Gainesville, Georgia. Contributions in Ethel Alice Hoch' s memory may be made to the F.I. Fire Dept. Sea Stretcher; Union Chapel Bible School; or Artreach (a drama group of performers recovering from mental illness), 71 Maple St., NOIwich, Conn. The following is a poem written by Mrs. Hoch's daughter-in-law, Liz Hoch. For a copy of this poem and other reflec- tions written by each of Mrs. Hoch's chil- dren and shared at the memorial service, please feel free to contact Barbara Hoch on the Island. THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT MOM BUILT Can't forget your face so unlike the way it was a week before. Can't forget your eyes that searched for hope when there was no more. Can't forget the words forced with determination, delibera- tion, then just sighs of despair. Can't forget the anger, the injustice, death's so unfair. This is the house that Mom built, Refuge, safe harbor for all. And though she's not here now, a bit of her lives in us all. ................. Training Session Postponed Fishers Island firemen were forced to postpone a trip to Long Island to Suffolk County Fire Training School in October because of bad weather. The one-day training program is to be rescheduled. Mrs. Josephine Abbondanza Josephine Abbondanza, 86, died July 15 in California. She was born Josephine Amoruso on March 23, 1904 in MI. Ver- non, New York. She married Romeo Abbondanza in 1923, and he predeceased her in 1966. Mrs. Abbondanza was a resident of Fishers Island since the early 1940's until she moved to California in 1986. She was a seamstress and a housekeeper at OUf Lady of Grace Church. She is survived by a two daughters; Susan in Northridge, California, and Dorothy Minetti ofLedy- ard, CI. Mrs. Abbondanza was buried on Fishers Island at SI. John's Cemetery. The following is a note written by her nephew Robert Mangano. August 1st, 1990 was one of those days on Fishers Island that reminded me of the postcards I would send to friends back in the city. the sky was so blue, the air so clean. Today, though, we have come together, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends to say our final goodbye to Jo- sephine Abbondanza, Aunt Josie. As the service in Our Lady of Grace Church progressed with tears in my eyes, my mind would wander back to the sum- mers r spent on Fishers, progressing from childhood years at Dock Beach to my teen years at Isabella Beach. I was very lucky to have had two families that were resi~ dents of Fishers, the Ripantis and the Abbondanzas - their generosity and loved allowed me to enjoy some of my fondest summer memories. I spent countless days at the beach collecting shells - going to the movies at night, I even played softball and worked at Doyens Store for a few sum- mers, making friends I'll never forget. Goodbye Aunt Josie, I know you are 203-442-4391 Fishers Island Apartment For Sale 1,500 Square-feet Completely Renovated. Three-bedroom, Separate living Room and Dining Room. New Modern Kitchen. large Enclosed Sun Porch. large Storage Room in Basement. Apartment Building in Excellent Condition. Parade Ground Apartments; (212)245-0033 Fls"'rs 1,/aNl Gazeae 29 Mrs. Abbondanza watching us now as we say our prayers, we all have so much to thank you for - myself three decades of great summers and mostly for the girl I met in 1969 and married in 1972 - God Bless you Aunt Josie. Rest in Peace. Your nephew, Robert Mangano DEC Application Completed The New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced that it has received a completed applica- tion from Richard Oliveri to construct a single family residence on Crescent Avenue. The DEC review was required because the project is within 75 feet of a freshwater wetland. All comments on the proposed project from the public were to be submitted to the DEC by October 19. Ser\'ll1l'l ri~ll~r\ hland S,nce ]919 74 <:aptain\ Walk "ev. l.undun. CT 06.120 MALLOVES Eastern Connecticut's Largest Jeweler (just two blocks from the ferry) 30 Fishers Island Gaz.tt. " Around the Town with Ann Walsh Anthony In Ib. few short months since our last is- sue, at least seven third, foortb, and fifth generation I Fishers Island- ers have been born. Dating back to April IS, when Harlin James Hoch Glovaclci, the son of Susanae (Hoch) and James Glovaclci, was born. Hariin weighed 9 Ibs. and is a third generation Islander. On July 31, Magdelaine Harris An- thony was born just one hour after yours truly and Bob arrived at Lawrence and Memorial! Magdelaine, who will be called "Mimi" weighed 71b. il oz. Mimi is a fi fth generation Islander. Agnes Bailey Sperry, the daughter of Ellen Harvey and Tad Sperry, was born on August 4. UBailey" was 8 Ibs and is a fourth generation Islander. Peter and Judy Thibodeau are the proud new parents of third generation is- lander Kaylee Marie. Kaylee was born on A. JOHN GADA General Conlracting Inc Phone 7231 Esl.lbllShed 1946 August 5 and weighed 7 Ibs. 4 oz. Good things are worth waiting for, just ask Luis and Sue Horn -mo bad Samuel Harlow Horn on August 31, just a tad after his due date. Sam weighed 7 Ibs. 6 oz. and is the fourth generation. Janine (EdwanIs) and Jim Kelly have announced the birth of fifth generation Islander Jared James who weighed 6lbs. 3 oz. when he arrived in September. And to wrap up the season's births, Patty (King) and Dave Cantlay have a new baby boy, John Henry Contlay. Born on September 24, John weighed 7 lb. 10 oz. and is a third generation Islander. It's the fall of the year and love is in the air. Chauncey Goss and Allison Burr have decided to make it official. It's always nice when two islanders tie the knot. Paul Giles, that purveyor of Pequot potables and Carol Spedora, the F.1. school science teacher, are engaged. One of tbe island's most eligible bachelors will soon be off the market. Charlie Sberman, who lives year-round in Vail, Colorado, but worked on the Hall's property for many years, is engaged to Peggy Peters, a supervisor at the Vail Ski School. An August wedding is planned. Linda Rutherfurd and Mark Borden were married in Boston on September 15. Fran Kelly, the 5th and 6th grade teacher at the Fishers Island School and Bruce Prescott, who is responsible for keeping the Castle looking so spiffy were married on Fishers on October 13. The reception was ... where else. That's all I know, readers, but once again i'm pleading with you to keep the Gazette posted when you have news of a birth, engagement or wedding. Christmas Party Set The annual Christmas party put on by the Fishers Island Fire Department is scheduled for noon on December 16. Santa Claus is scheduled to be present and there will be entertainment. The party is open to the public. Per- sons who wish to attend with children should contact the fire department so that sufficient gifts can be arranged with Santa Claus. The Christmas party at the fire house has been a popular event in the holiday calendar on Fishers Island for many years. . FISHERS ISLAND REAL ESTATE AGENCY FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390 (516) 788-7007 WIIlJAM R. HAASE Ucensed N.Y.S. Real Estate Broker MARY AUCE HAASE Licensed NYS Real Estate Salesperson . DISTINCTIVE RENOVATIONS RESTORATIONS AND CUSTOM HOMES REAL ESTATE SALES REAL ESTATE RENTALS WINTER INSPECTIONS Flshm l,u..4 Gaze"e 31 Fishers Island Library Essay Contest Winners--- A Penny's World A Fishy Tale by Susan Stepanek I'm bored, bored, bored. Every day it's the same old thing round and round this stupid tank until finally somebody decides to feed me. Wait a minute. What's this? Dh no, they aren't going to dump another piece of fluorescent orange drift wood in my tank. As if it isn't cluttered enough. With four castles, two plants, six shells, and one plastic diver there is hardly room for me. The only worthwhile thing they've ever put in this tank is that cute little mermaid they gave me for Christmas last year. She's got the nicest sea shells I've ever seen. Too bad they're only plastic. I wonder what is taking them so long. How hard can it be to dump some cheap hunk of plastic into my tank? Here it comes. Hold on a minute, that's no hunk of plastic. Well I'll be, its another fish, a girl fish. She's pretty cute too. I have a feeling this is one toy I won't mind fooling around with. I'll end this tale here. Even a fish needs his privacy sometimes. by Carrie Marshall This little penny has been through lots of adventures that I am going to tell you about. First I should tell you how this penny got on earth. Back in 1980 this penny was born in a factory in Washington, D. C. The penny opened its eyes and found it self in a big box with lots of other pennies. Then she felt her sel f being Ii fled up and up and up even higher. She could see a man with big orange gloves lifting all the pennies into a hig truck. The next thing she knew she was being dumped into a big pile of pennies. They all greeted her and decided to call her Percila. Where am I? Percila asked. The bank they all answered. Percila got to be great friends with all the pennies she liked at the bank. But one day the door that the pennies were kept in opened and an orange glove appeared and grabbed Percila. She could see hersel f going through a long hall and being handed to a lady hy a computer. The lady said "thank you" to the man in the orange Faulkner Contracting Inc. Box 355 General Contractor Office & Res. Shop NEW CONSTRUCTION AU TYPES OF ALTERATIONS ROOFING KITCHEN REMODELING AU TYPES OF TILE & LINOLEUM MASONRY PAINTING - WAll PAPERING gloves and he walked away. Then Percila was handed to a lady with a little boy. Then they walked down a hall and out a door and Percila was handed to the little boy. He grabbed Percila and raced down the street and into a store labeled general store. Then Percila was handed to a man and the man gave the little boy a piece of candy labelled IC. A week later a bum came into the store and bought a bottle of beer. Percila was handed to the man for change. She was dropped into his pocket which smelled of beer and whiskey. It was winter and she was getting cold because of all the holes in the bum's pockets. She decided to roll out of a hole in his pocket and go find a nice warm place to stay. But she got caught in the snow and almost froze to death but just in time I came and saw poor Percila. I dug her out and brought her home. I gave her a bath and polished her up and now she is bright, shiny and a happy 10 year old penny. 'J"hm!f,fanJ 9.fepholU. ALARM REPORTER SERVICE by FISHERS ISLAND TELEPHONE FIRE - INTRUSION - LOW TEMPERATURE MEDICAL ALERT PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY AND YOUR lOVED ONES Dial 7863 Dial 7216 -SIMPLE INSTAllATION -INSTANTANEOUS REPORTING -24 HOUR SERVICE - FIRST CLASS WORK AT REASONABLE PRICES- Call for a demonstration of our system 788-7001 32 FIsh.,. [.IIIM Gaztll< , Town Board Notes with Councilman Ray Edwards The Sum- mer of 1990 \WS a busy one for the Court on Fishers Island. Over 70 Motor VehiclelConses- vation tickets were processed from the begin- ning of May to the end of September. That may seem to be a lot but if one considers that we did not have a single serious acci- dent during this time, the figure is a plus. At the present time, the Town board is in the middle of its annual budget review and with the Town income reduction and rising costs, our taxes will increase be- tween 10 and 15 percent. No firm figure has been established as of yet. The moor- ing fees in West Harbor will be increased and we will be receiving new channel markers to replace old unrepairable ones. Also some new harbor regulations will go into effect by Spring and these regulations will be published in a later Gazette issue. In another section of this issue, Dave Burnham will give a report on the Sewer District at the Fort, explaining why the District taxes have to be raised. It is hoped that the District users in the Fort will form their own governmental group to manage the system with closer "local control. " One of our major issues in Southold Town is that of the garbage problem. As of this date, the Town of Southold has not made any firm plans for their disposal on the Long Island mainland. Fishers Island has a plan and it is beginning to take place. An engineering firm is desiguing a transfer station which will be built behind the movie theater and all garbage and refuse will be transported to the Connecticut mainland for disposal. The Garbage Commissioners are meeting with the Town Board on Octo- ber 15 to present their proposals and seek Town funds for the construction and op- eration of the facility. In New York State, there exists a prescription plan for Senior Citizens. This plan is unavailable to the seniors on Fish- ers Island as only registered New York State pharmacies can offer this plan. After speaking with several seniors and the Medi- Cowu:ibnan Ray Edwards gruts Soulhold Polic~ Chi~fDan Winters as a whole bevy ofrown. county and stale officials diumbarkfrom Ute Munnalawket after arriving on Fishers Island jor the Town Falhers muting on August 8. cine Shoppe in New London, I have written to our State Senator, Ken Lavelle to have the Medicine Shoppe accepted as a purveyor of prescription drugs to the Seniors on Fishers Island through the New York plan. I think we can "pull this one ofP' with the help of Senator Lavelle. In September, I witnessed the rebuild- ing oftbe "Bug Light," a lighthouse at the end of the Orient State Park sandbar. This lighthouse \WS abandoned by Ibe Coast Guard in the 50's and vandalized by arson in the middle 60's. A group of concerned citizens from the Southold areas formed a commit- tee, raised sufficient funds and rebuilt an exact replica on land in Greenport where it was transported, in three sections by barge and replaced on its original foundation. The re-lighting ceremony was witnessed by over one thousand people in over two hundred boats. The light was turned on by the wife of the last keeper of the light, the keeper passed away in July. Note: it took longer for the committee to find out who owned the foundation and then get legal permission than it did to building and replace the light. I will have a VCR film on this affair if anyone would like to borrow it. That is it from Town Hall and my desk . . . Judge Edwards. Connecticut Lobstermen Pinched in Island Waters Three Connecticut men were fmed this summer for lobstering violations in waters around Fishers Island. The three were Michael Grimshaw of Mystic, Bruce White of Morris, CT, and Michael Noga of Stonington. State police say that Mr. Grim- shaw and Mr. White were each fmed $250 for lobstering in restricted waters. Mr. White was also fmed $150 for failure to affix a number to his traps. Statepolice say that Mr. Noga was fined $250 for failure to affix a number to his traps. Town Justice Ray Edwards in levying the fine said this was Mr. Noga's fourth violation and warned that he would be sentenced to jail for any further viola- tions. The three men were cited on May 18 when state Department of Environ- mental Conservation enforcement offi- cers came over to Fishers Island to patrol the waters for possible fishing violations. Justice Edwards said the three pleaded guilty in June and received their fines then. DEC officers periodically travel to Fishers Island from their base on Long Island to check on lobstering procedures. They are often accompanied by state po- lice when they patrol. FIsh"" /su"v/ Gu.u. 33 ARE YOU CONSIDERING INVESTING IN VERO BEACH. FLORIDA? . - .., - ..." .....,..~... ' ., -... ~ -~-., ....... -"'"'- r- . ~... --~w-L~:;' _~I,.v ...... ,., .r .. .' i I " ..... t I ',I -- W. Harold Hicks, President John K. Moore, Chairman of the Board If a residence in Vero Beach, Florida, is in your plans, we would like to assist you in making the correct investment decision. The Beach Bank of Vero Beach is our community's oldest and largest independent bank. With our knowledge of the marketplace and our proven ability to tailor loans for the select investor, we arc in an excellent position to consult with you about financing a move to this area. Call us at 407-231-2400 or stop by fora visit when you are in Vero Beach. /!llU!/ fYJeacll/ fYJal1k lOak 3/Uf/d qj)eftWtt,nen,t 755 Beachland Blvd. Vero Beach, FL 32963 ,Member FDIC STUFFY HEAD COLD? SINUS? HAYFEVER? DIAPER RASH? CHAPPED HANDS? or UPS? Keep RELIEF as close as your medicine cabinet with... .~ FJf~liiir~!-~?1?j$ BOROLEUM .Inoe 1808 Guantnt96d IInd prsparsd by SINCLAIR PHARMACAL CO., INC. ASHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 063.0 HELP WANTED Would you like a fun job? Work mornings and enjoy your afternoon at the beach? Island Peoples Project is looking for active, responsible people, 14 and over, who are willing to help children learn and play. We are also accepting resumes for camp director or special interest. If you have a special quality, ie art. theatre, storytelling, please write. Send resumes or letter that best describes your assets and experience. IPP P,O. Box 523 Fishers Island, NY 06390 or call Karla Heath 5539 34 FISh.,. [slalld Glu.". Commissioners Reject Commuter Boat Proposal A petition with almost 100 signatures was presented to the Fishers Island Ferry Commission at the ferry district's annual meeting in August. The petition asked that one of the district's ferries be berthed on Fishers Island to allow for earlier ferry service to the mainland from the Island. Signers of the petition said that the current ferry schedule does not adequately allow for Islanders to hold jobs on the mainland or to pursue educational programs. In a letter to customers of the district, commission chairman Chip duPont said berthing a boat on Fishers Island would not be feasible. A group of Island residents replied by asking that the commissioners look into providing an earlier boat schedule. Mr. duPont said the commissioners would explore this option. "'We are polling our various constituencies about a shift in the schedule," Mr. duPont said referring to the school, the contractors and the retailers. "By scheduling an early morning boat, our current early boat would run later." Even though the petition has been rejected, one of the signers, Tom Sudmeier, said he has been pleased with the re- sponse of the ferry district commissioners. "I can understand why it (berthing the ferry on Fishers Island) causes problems," he said. "I a.m pleased that they have been looking into the problem. At least they are not giving us the cold shoulder." Mr. Sudmeier said the main objective is that earlier service be provided so that Islanders can work on the mainland. (Editor's Note) The letter distributed by the ferry commis- Ferry Commission Letter To: Patrons of the Fishers Island Ferry District The Fishers Island Ferry District has received a petition asking it to provide early morning service to New London and late service back to the island by basing a ferry on Fishers Island. Accompanying the petition is a list of names purporting to represent a group of individuals who would become ready, willing and qualified to operate that ferry one way in the morning and evenings, presumably 'ldeadheading" in the opposite directions so as to attend to their full-time johs on the island. The purpose of this proposal is stated to be an increase in the year-round island population based on more flexibility in commuting to the main- land. The Board of Commissioners of the Ferry District sub- scribes to the thesis that a larger, stable, year-round island popu- lation is a goal to be pursued by every reasonable means. It is our duty to consider on a regular basis the real long-term needs of the island for transportation to and from the mainland. If basing 8 ferry on the island would be 8 ~. reasonable means ~, of meeting those needs, we would have a duty to try to work out a way to accomplish such a program. It should be noted that the following constituencies must be Su Com",lssloners' [Aileron Pagel! Ferry district commissioners at August annual muting. From left, Jack Evans, Chip duPont. Dick Balur, and Lillie Ahman. sioners in September in response to the petition and the ensuing reply from some Island residents is printed below. Response from Some Island Residents To: The Board of Commissioners, Fishers Island Ferry District From: The Petitioners for an Early Boat Subject: Early Boat Thank you for your letter of September 14, received today. We sincerely appreciate the study you are giving the subject and the purpose of this letter is to further help you in that study. It does not appear at this time that it would be profitable to labor the idea of berthing a ferry on the island. We would just hope that from time to time you would reconsider this possihility because it does seem to have at least three major advantages, namely: The crew and their families would add to the island population, we would have a lower cost ferry schedule (the last boat in the evening and the first boat in the morning of a new schedule would be unnecessary), and it would strengthen our Civil Defense system (which with Mill Stone just a few miles upwind, of course, has to be laken seriously). Although any change is upsetting to some, upon analysis, we can't find any good reason why a schedule that incorporates an early boat would harm any of the constituencies that you mention in your letter. On the contrary, most ofthe constituencies we have Su Pdllloners' Reply on Page 3! r I i Commissioners I Letter F/sMI'S Island Gtu.eUe 3S Continued from preceding page served: a. The year-round residents b. The seasonal residents c. The island contractors and their employees d. The merchants e. Mainland suppliers of beavy equipment for specific jobs f. The Post Office g. Clients of UPS, Federal Express, etc. h. Suppliers of other general-freight cargo i. The school These constituencies are now served by a safe and reliable ferry line wbose very safety and reliability are a major underpin- ning of the quality of life on the island. The marine operation is supervised by Captain Mark Easter who has been with the Ferry District (or its operating contractor in earlier years) since 1969. He has been in charge since 1981. He operates two seagoing ferries with a marine staff of36, including 8 licenses personnel of whom 6 are regularly used to command the vessels. No licensed individual is allowed to command a ferry unless he has served with Capt. Easter on the run for at least several months and is found by Capt. Easter to be truly qualified to take the responsibility. A number of licensed applicants have failed so to qualify over the years. Emergency diagnosis of problems and repairs to the vessels are performed in New London at Thames Shipyard under the supervision of Ferry District captains, often into the early hours of the morning so as to permit scheduled operation the next day. Captain Easter is always present at the New London terminal when questions of safe operation arise whether due to dangerous weather conditions or other causes. Regular maintenance is performed in New London under Capt. Easter's direct supervision. Capt. Easter inspects the vessels even on Christmas Day, when no trips are scheduled. An emer- gency plan to berth the ferries at the U.S. Navy Submarine Base during hurricanes has been in existence for some years and is periodically renewed by Capt. Easter as operations personnel at the base change. The organization and system described above have pro- duced the record of reliability and safety Fishers Island people deserve and insurance companies recognize. In common with other nearby ferry lines, the Fishers Island Ferry District serves a small clientele and runs a reduced schedule in the winter. In our case we run what is basically a single vessel operation for beller than 9 months of the year. That vessel, of course, is based in New London. That our system has a basis in practicability and is not unique is evidenced by the fact that ferries are not based overnight in wintertime at Orient Point, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. (The OLINDA was for a time based on Fishers Island but during that period was not a scheduled ferry.) Ifwe were to base a ferry on the island in wintertime it would have to be the only operating ferry or we would have to go over to a two-ferry operation year-round. Not one of our 36 marine Su CommlssloMrs' Leiter on Page 36 Petitioners' Reply Conli~djrom the preceding page briefly surveyed feel it would be helpful. It would be a great help to a commuter and would fulfill the Growth Plan mandate of strengthening the winter population by making mainland employ- ment opportunities available to island residents. If the ferry is berthed in New London, a revised schedule might be: . Leaving New London: Leaving Fishers Island 5:45 a.m. 6:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. This would not only help commuters but would also help: - Residents who wish to take college courses - The school, by giving greater flexibility in scheduling mainland events for both children and teachers - Residents with doctors appointments, and/orerrands to run may complete them earlier and return on the noon boat, which is extremely difficult to achieve with the current schedule - Summer residents where the major wage earner is cur. rently living on the mainland during the working week - Residents who need a longer day on the mainland, or an earlier start on the mainland for any number of reasons You will wish to discuss an early boat schedule with all of your constituencies, but for your information we have briefly discussed the feasibility of such a schedule with Ken Lanier at the school and he could see some real benefit for the magnet children and the school as a whole in pushing the day back one hour. At the present time, the school is over at 2:45 p.m. and the ferry doesn't leave until 4:45 p.m. Also, one major contractor was contacted and he would consider working with a schedule revision. Once again, we wish to express our appreciation to the commissioners for all they do to study' 'the long term needs on the island for transportation to and from the mainland." We recog- nize that a schedule change such as we have suggested does have economic implications in that it involves an extra round trip run and that it would not receive universal applause, if for no other reason than it is a change. Although we can give you no iron clad assurance, we are convinced that it would lead to a "larger, stable year round island population." It slands to reason that as the socioeconomic make up of the country changes, so should the make up of the island population and hence the need to study carefully their transportation requirements. Could we sit down again in the near future and review this important matter? Thank you, for the Petitioners Tom Suedmeier Cannen Suedmeier Dick Edwards William Haas Petie Haas Brad Burnham I I 36 FIsh.,. 1m"" Gaz.". Commissioners' Letter continuedJrom ~ preceding page personnel, including Capt. Easter, is willing to move to Fishers Island. Capt. Easter, moreover, is unwilling to take responsibility for a vessel he cannot oversee first hand. This is a reasonable position for a marine superintendent of the caliber, integrity and sense of responsibility we demand at the Ferry District. As we have considered the possibility of basing a vessel on the island we have had to recognize that we were not dealing with a slight modification, but a fundamental overturning of a system that operates reliably and safely by reason of a dedication of human and technical resources unavailable on the island. The Commissioners are unanimously unwilling to take such a step, which they regard as unreasonable in the absence of any evidence that a positive effect on the year-round population would result. (Past experience, in fact, has indicated the contrary.) While they are unprepared to base a vessel on Fishers Island, the Commissioners remain committed to providing a schedule that serves the various constituencies as well as is reasonably possible. To this end, a schedule review is in progress and various constituencies have been asked to submit the limits of their flexibility. If a new schedule permitting greater latitude for commuting to the mainland can be devised without unduly compromising the needs of other constituencies such a schedule will be instituted without delay. Board of Commissioners Fishers lsland Ferry District By: Reynolds duPont, Jr., Chairman I I Walsh Service Electrical Contractor (516) 788-7778 Architectural Review Board Proposed The Southold Planning Board has proposed to the Southold Town Board that an Architectural Review Board be established to review all construction submissions to the board. The proposal stemmed from an application by McDonald's to build a restaurant in Mattituck this past year. This application caused a great deal of public concern because of the appearance of a fast food restaurant on the main street of the village. Ken Edwards, the Island's representative on the planning board, has proposed that Fishers Island either have its own architectural review board or be exempted from the committee's review process. "I think the town needs one (an architectural review com- mittee)," Mr. Edwards said. "But my concern is that this could be a hardship for Fishers Island because nf its geographical separation from Long Island. " Subdivision Approved The Southold Planning Board has approved an application by Mrs. Henry McCance to transform two building lots she owns near Hay Harbor Club into four lots. There are four homes on the two building lots, which is a condition which existed prior to the town zoning code, according to Ken Edwards, the Island representative on the planning board. The planning board action allows each home to be on a separate building lot, he added. The unanimous planning board approval came at the board's October meeting. 01dW4 -. .... Announces New Winter Schedule for Fishers Island From: Groton - New London 7:00 am weekdays * 4:45 pm weekdays To: Groton - New London 7:20 am weekdays * 5:00 pm weekdays $22 per person for scheduledflights Also: Single & Twin Engine Charter Service to Destinations of your choice For Reservations Call: 1-800-243-8623 or 788-7747 24 Hr. Emerg.ncy Service (203-873-1101) !I . I Fish.,.l,I4Nl Gau", 37 Land Trust Working For a Greener Fishers Island I I I I By Tom Patterson In the face of increasing pressure for growth and develop- ment, the Henry Ferguson Museum Land Trust has emerged in recent years as one of the principal agencies for preselVation of Fishers Island's undeveloped land. The land trust was established about eight years ago with the formation of a Land Trust committee run by members of the museum board. The museum is a tax exempt organization and can receive land as a tax deductible charitable contribution. "As ofthis year, the Land Trust has received gifts ofland or conservation easements on nine properties totalling over 50 acres, " said museum president Charles Ferguson. "The land trust essentially began with a gift of the Betty Matthiessen Wildlife Sanctuary of eight acres on Island Pond when it was transferred from the Nature Conservancy to the museum's land trust," said G. Carey Matthiessen, a member of the Land Trust committee. Other gifts have varied in size and location from the IS-acre L.F. Baker Doyle "Brickyard Sanctuary" to the. 75-acre parcel donated this year by David F. Harris. Many of these lands have trails for viewing wildlife. Bob Miller, another member of the museum's Land Trust committee, said walking trails were put in where it was possible to do so and not interfere with the preservation of land in its natural state as a wildlife sanctuary. He also said "the museum supervises these trails to insure that neither their existence nor the way they are used infringes on sensitive habitat. .. Land donations so far have been both in the form of direct gifts and conservation easements. In the ca..c;;e of a direct gift, outright ownership passes to the museum, while with a conserva- tion easement, the development rights are given away. Both outright gifts ofland and conservation easements can provide significant income, estate and real estate tax benefits to donors, but the potential benefits from conservation easements are generally somewhat more limited than outright gifts. The land trust has even produced a pamphlet which describes all the options for land preservation. liThe general direction of the land trust is to acquire any land that is ecologically or environmentally sensitive and protect ~... .~...... ~0t~..,;,J. -""--:t;..~~w..! WalUrs inspecting sign al the Betty Manhiessen Wildlife Sancluary. (photo Credit: Al Gordon) it from development in perpetuity," said Mr. Matthiessen. "In order for the museum to accept a parcel. it must determine that the land has environmental or ecological significance. The land trust will be glad to review any potential donations for their environ- mental characteristics." "Fishers Island is a unique area and on a major flyway for the East Coast. It would be a shame if any of its natural habitats are lost. .. Land Trust officials say more work has to be done to pre.';;erve the Island's natural environment. "I am very pleased with the accomplishments of the land trust up to now and hope to acquire more land in order to keep it green for the future," said Mr. Ferguson. Mr. Matthiessen is not quite as satisfied. "It's a start as far as the parcels and easements given so far are concerned," he said. "But it is not enough. Only one fiftieth of the Island is protected by the Land Trust and that is not very much." "I would like to see the strength and size of the Land Trust grow and continue acquiring sensitive parcels although we have had little response from potential donors in our last two drives for new contributions. .. Su LAnd Trust on next page jor map and photo ~ CATCH THE BOATING SPIRIT THIS SUMMERI I DOCKAcrE Telephone 7528 Now offering laser sailboats OPEN MONDAY. SATURDAY 8:00-4:30 -. I 38 Fishers Is1JJnd Gltet1e Land Trust Continuedfrom preceding page The na~ trail around the Beay Matlhiusm Wildlife Sanctuary provides some splendid views of Middle Farms Pond. (photo credil: Al Gordon) Keep Up With All the Island News.... Subscribe to the Gazette B<:'I'I'Y HATI'IUE!iSr.llIiIUlLIl'E S,lJlC'I~Jl't PIlO.m:TOF'tIiEIlATIJF<.ECOIISDlVAJIC'l' ACQ1JlJU:DI97!l e ....CRES "-..5^~~~R~'OI.I~~".~~.,,~ ",.l'lIJ" f:"s"m,,". I(IDDl..EFARHFL\'I'S EASDlEHl'SJlI(J(: 1963ROBT.J.KIu.EJl ~.6 .l.CR&<; 1964 FiOCOil ACRES 19B~ RITA t.'AiiliffiiN ctt>1MA1l 1.74CRES """"""'"""'" CUT Of .)(If<l CALlEr. KlS. 1l.tr:AN WSoOlTJf ROBDtT J. GmIESSE ' ~IRnlI98~ ~ 1l.\RLOJ POIfDWIUlI.ln; SAIfCTUAAY GD"tOF BAGW:Y IlEIO ~yt16(~aJ>rr"..) ALBfRT STIC~Nf;Y 1 I] ''',,' SUS"'N ~. STICKNt:V I \ SANCTUARY 2.JB acres \ j 1')')oo<:>n.H.on~.. _Z ll.t.CtPOl!lT'lI.l..F.MU5[UMON H.L.FEIlGUSOH,J'A. S,lJIC11JAAY4 ACfIES GIFT196~- L.r.BCI(!JI.DO'tlL BIlICK'YAIlDSA1lC'roMY 1~.1.8 ACIIES, GIM' ACQUlRI:DI962-1)] HENRY l. FERGUSON MUSEUM LAND TAUST MANAGEMENT AREAS ~ ._~t 1M Henry Ferguson Museum has published a map noting the propenies which have bun donated to the Land Truslfor preservation. MOslofthe propenies listed above weredonaled in Ihe 1980's. but Land Trust officials are hopingfor increased contributions in Ihe 1990's. St. Luke's-Roosevelt is building a stronger hospital for a healthier New York. -, \ St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center Is pleased to provide a physician year-round on Fishers Island. _ ~~E'S\ROOSI\VEI1 . FIshers Island Gu.ette 39 Sewer District Customers Hit with 200% Price Increase By David Burnham Annual rates in the Fishers Island Sewer District will jump from $175 to $500 beginning in 1991. The rate hike was set in early Octo- ber by the Southold Town Board, which acts as the commission for the sewer dis- trict. About 50 homes in the Fort area are served by this central sewer system, which is the only one on the Island. The district has been operating at a deficit in 1990and currently owes $ 15,000 in maintenance and operating fees. Town comptroller John Cushman is recommending that the $500 fee be set for the next two years to replenish the dis- trict's barren contingency fund. "Once there is a contingency fund in place, then the fee will go down to perhaps $250," said Town Councilman Ray Edwards. "I don't think that it will ever go back to $175. The town will pay the shortfall this year, and then the district will reimburse the town. ., There will be a public hearing on this and other budget resolutions on No- vember 6 at Southold Town Hall. Mr. Edwards said any letters written to the Southold Town Hall in care of the Fishers Island Sewer District will be read at the public hearing. Prior to the creation of the district in 1985, sewage from all the houses in the Fort area flowed directly into Fishers Is- land Sound between Race Point and Silver Eel Pond. The sewer project cost about $400,000 and was 90 percent federally funded, ac- cording to Michael Home of Lombardi Associates, an engineering firm which designed the system. Initially, each home owner was charged a fee of$2,OOO a hook up to help defray the cost with annual fees of $150 designed to cover administration and maintenance costs. Some multi-unit houses in the fort area are charged addi- tionally because they have more than one sewer hook-up. The increase in operating expenses from $6,600 in 1987 to almost $14,000 in 1989 has sewer district members alarmed. A number ofletters to the town board from sewer district members have stressed the need for better fiscal management. Ac- cording to sewer district member Peter Burr. uwe were all so anxious to see the polluting of the Sound stop we did not review carefully enough what we were getting into. " When the 0 EC ordered that sewer sludge no longer be deposited at the Island landfill this past spring, the sludge was then dumped in the sewer district's septic system. Sewer district residents were sur- prised and angered that they were not notified about this. Councilman Edwards said he would like to see a set of commissioners estab- lished for the district so that more local controls can be established. Island Motorist Hit With DWI Charge A 21-year-<lld Island resident was arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge in early August following an acci- dent. Kenneth A. Lanier, a college stu- dent, lost control of his car on the winding road from Hay Harbor Club to the Fishers Island Shopping Center and struck a tree in the early morning hours of August 3, ac- cording to state police. Mr. Lanier, who was the only occupant of the car, suffered a cut on his forehead from the accident, police said. C7VL~ SULLIVAN AUTOMOTIVE CORNER CHEVROLET · BUICK. GEO Sales Service Parts Bodyshop 443-8432 442-4371 442-0491 442-7132 PONTIAC · OLDSMOBILE · CADILLAC. HYUNDAI Sales Service Parts Bodyshop 442-1616 444-271B 442-7990 442-7132 LARGEST GM DEALER IN CONN. & R.I. . AT ONE LOCATION! Corner of Broad & Colman Streets, New London, Conn. 40 Fullen Is14nd Gaz.etU The wes~m tip of Fishers Island was caughl in iu mri~ty by the wide angk lerlS of photographer AI Gordon during a brighl AugUSl morning. Stony Beach and Hay Harbor on a clear Fall day. (Pholo: AI Gordon) Hay Harbor at sunset (photo: Sarah Tunle) lZ\'IIFR.\'GAZEl 'j '}; US POSTAGE ISIAN!) PAID Fishers Island Civic Assn. ASIIERS IS, NY Fishers Is" New York 06390 06390 Permit N4