HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 Vol 1 No 2 October
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Vol. 1 No.2
October 1987
A Fishers Island Civic Association Publication
WALSH PARK
PROJECT STARTED
The fIrst steps toward creating affordable
housing for year-round Island residents were
taken this summcI.
A 24.acre parcel was placed under contract
to be pult:hased by the newly fonned Walsh
Park Benevolent Corporation. The parcel is
being sold by long-timo Island resident Mrs.
Henry C. Walsh.
The project has won strong support among
many Island residents, but has encountered
criticism from a number of Island residents as
well.
The agreement to purchase the land devel-
oped rapidly after Fishers Island Civic
Association President Brad Burnham learned
in May of negotiations between Mrs. Walsh
and Bob Hellier. an island resident who was
planning to develop some summer hom'es on
the property. The civic association was in the
midst of a growth plan study which identified
the undesirability of increased swnmer housing
and the need for more year round housing. The
growth plan also demonstrated that more open
spaces should be preserved.
On the basis of these findings, Mr.
Burnham approached Mrs. Walsh about pur-
chasing the property and asked Mr. HeIlier to
drop his plans. Convinced of the benefits of the
affordable housing and open spaoe plan. Mr.
Hellier dropped out of the running, and Mrs.
Walsh agreed to sell the property to a civic
gm!JP for $450,000, which is substantially less
than its market value.
Mr. Burnham then faced the challenge of
fmancing the purchase of the Walsh property
and he turned to Mark Andrews of the Sanger
Fund. Mr. Andrews said that the affordable
housing plan met the guidelines of the Sanger
Fund but fund trustees only agreed after suffi-
cient pledges were made.
To facilitate the purchase and to administer
the project. a new entity, the Walsh Park
Benevolent Corporation (WPBC) was formed.
It is the WPBC which will be actually devel.
oping the property.
SEE WALSH PARK. PAGE 1.
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Photo Credit: Dick Edwards
Owl pub outfrom nest n,ar Whiln" proprrtyal East End of Island. Owl has rdurn,d to sam, Irudur_
ing rnaJing uasollfortwo o/th, lasllhn, y,ars.
Fjsh~rs /sumd Gaz.~It~ 2
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MESSAGE FROM
BRAD BURNHAM
President of Fishers Island
Civic Association
The Mlural beauly of Fishers Island has
always been lIs major al/raclion. Until recent.
ly Ihe open
space, low den.
sily housing,
and Ihe waler's
proximily
prompled resi.
deros 10 intrude
as lil/le as pos.
sible on 1M nal-
ural environ-
ment.11 is hard
10 improve on
nalure, yel in
Ihe laSI few
years bull.doz-
ers have bun
rearranging 1M BRAD BURNHA~f
landscape wilh
greal delerminaJion. This summer everyon.e
has been parlicularly conscious of 1M gigan-
lie SONECO cemenJ Irucks and Iriaxle con.
Slruclion vehicles lhal have been rumbling off
1M ferry and wilh a greal grinding of gears
have charged up Ihe Island 10 disgorge Iheir
carg o.
II would be in keeping wilh Ihe resl oflhe
American seen.e if Ihose of us who love Ihe
Island were lhe archileCls of ils deslruclion.
People are al/racled 10 quaint New England
lawns and move Ihere in such numbers wilh
lheir automobiles, shopping plazas, and alu~
minum siding lhaJ lwenty years laler Ihey
musl search for yel anolher quainJ New
England Town ''farlher oul."
Of course, for every offense a defense
develops and man's lendency 10 foul his n.esl
has led 10 the NaJure Conservancy, Ihe
Audobon Society, the WiIdern.ess Society and
many other preservaJion organizalions. On
Fishers Island the concern is mounting. The
Civic Association and FIDCO commission.ed
The Trustfor Public Land Update. The
Conservatu:y and the Environmental
Committees of the Growlh Plan are studying
Ihe silualion. People are starling 10 pay atten-
tion 10 wetland regulalions. Note has been
taken of the disappearance of lhe shorebirds.
The question is whether these defensive
forces can build an effeclive coalition? Is
there time to change the present mindset thaI
there is an infinite anwunt of land on the
Island, thaI the envitonment can'l be dam-
aged, and Ihal regulations are for the other fel~
low? Will we pass on to our children an island
we recognize? Something to think aboUl.
WALSH PARK continued from page 1.
Though currently under the umbrella of the
Sanger Fund. the WPBC is seeking its own
tax.exempt status and hopes to be self~suffi-
cient, soliciting donations on its O\llJ1 as well as
gening support from the Sanger Fund.
The officers of !he WPBC are Frank Burr,
president; Mark Andrews, vice president; John
Clavin, vice president and chief administrator;
Peggy Clavin, secretary. Members of the boanl
are Porter Goss, Bob Wall, Bart Harvey, Tom
Doheny, Dan Gordon, Rose Harvey, Bob
Hellier, Jerry Bogen, and John Kibbe Jr.
While specifics are not yet available, some
general ideas are clear. It appears that the
WPBC is intending to build only single family
units. Between 8 to 12 homes are expected to
be built on one-half acre sites which will prob-
ably be located on the southeast comer of the
property. The remaining land. which comprises
a majority of the tract and includes North Hill,
will be left in its natural state with the only
possible exception being the necessity of sell-
ing off one or two summer building sites to
help fund the project. Walsh Park corporation
President Frank Burr said he is adamant about
making this "a quality project through and
through. "
One of the stiffest challenges facing the
Walsh corporation is how to structure the own.
ership of the housing units when they are built.
The Walsh Park board is faced with the conflict
of allowing local ownership but maintaining
sufficient control to insure that the housing
remains in the hands of year round residents.
As Mr. Andrews points out, "both are highly
desirable goals, but its very difficult to mesh
the two into one arrangement"
Financing decisions are also being made
which will affect !he fmal WPBC plans. The
Sanger Fund has raised $400-450,000 from pri-
vate donations, but remains far short of the
estimated total costs, including purchase price,
administration and legal fees, of $700,000. The
board hopes that the current funding shortfall
will be remedied by further donations. A possi.
ble contingency plan, should WPBC experi~
ence a funding gap, will be to sell one or two
lots designed for summer homes.
While some uncertainty remains about the
final plan, !he WPBC has Slaled !hat !he
requirements to be eligible for the housing
units will include that the applicant live and
work on Fishers Island, and not own a home on
the island. Everyone building on these lots will
be required to adhere to some architectural
oversight from the WPBC and there will be
some legal mechanism which will attempt to
keep them as year.round affordable housing in
the event of future turnovers.
While it is difficult to fmd concrete objec-
tions in principle with the need for affordable
year-round housing on Fishers Island, the
WPBC has not met with unanimous support
and approval. Residents of the North Hill area
were naturally concerned about development in
their neighborhood. Frank Burr and Brad
Burnham met with the North Hill Association
in early August. President of the Nor!h Hill
Association, Charles Ferguson, said he found
the meeting infonnative and helpful in assuag-
ing some residents' concerns. While they were
in favor of the affordable housing initiative,
residents wondered if there wasn't existing
housing available elsewhere on the island for
such a project Concerns were also voiced
about what would happen to the open land and
affordable housing in !he Walsh Park 20 or 30
years from now. People have questioned
whether the Walsh Park Corporation's goals are
realistic.
Other residents are wary about such a new
program on Fishers Island. As one resident
pointed out, "this is the biggest thing anyone's
done around here in at least 10 years, and there
are people who didn't get included who thought
they should have been. and people who just
want a say in things." Conscious of these feel.
ings, the WPBC board has sought a broad case
of island representation.
The Trust for Public Land has expressed
support for the Walsh Park project because it
prevents "the cracking open of a key parcel of
land for dense development," according to TPL
representative Rose Harvey.
Mr. Andrews added. "at least we've locked
up the future of a big piece of open land. away
from developers. We control iL That's a big
positive step for Fishers Island."
If successful, the Walsh Park project could
lead to other endeavors in affordable housing.
"It may be that existing buildings will be used
for rental apartments, and that multifamily
dwellings should exist at some point," said Mr.
B urrlham.
The Fuhers Island Gazette is a not - for. profit publication siX'nsored by the: Fishers Island Civic Associaiton.
The GazetLe is 5Cheduled to be published three: tim~ a year, in May, OclObcr and Febulf'Y
Editor: Dan Gordon
Re-porters: Sally Gordon, Bemie Walsh, Tiina Booth,
Ellen Harvey, Tad Sperry
Sporll Reporters: Linda langhem, Charlone McKim
PholoRraphe-rs: Dick Edwards, Charlie f.Jorgan,
Al Gordon
Calendar Editor: Carol Doherty
AdvertlslnR Dlredor: Sarah Walsh
Circulation MlnaRer: Pat BakEIf'
Layout Dlredor: Nancy DreishpoOnl
Graphic Design
The GazetLe wc:lcornCli lettc:n to the editor for future
editions. Submit letters to the Fishc:n Island Civic Au.
Rol. 464, ruhcra l.d.nd, NY. Lcuen should be less than
100 words
Penons intcmod in placing display or c1a.uifie.d ada
with thc: Glzette should writc:toSanh Walsh. c/o Fishen
Island Civic Ass., Fishcn Island, NY
U there: is somc:onc: who has not mc:c:ive.d a copy of
thc Gaz.eue but would enjoy the OCWlpapQ; please write
Pu Dna. c/o the F.I. Civic Au. with the name and
appropriate addrt:ll. $4.00 for the neu four issuCl.
Fit1a~rs Islo.nd Gazette 3
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor.
I have just attended the August 17th meet-
ing of the Conservancy, in which the garbage
disposal problems on the Island were dis-
cussed. Sadly, in spite of the importance of
these problems. the meeting was poorly attend-
ed. We all need to be made aware of the facts,
yet even though I was at the meeting many of
my questions remain tmanswered. Apparently,
in 1990 the landfill on Fishers Island will be
closed in accordance with New York State law
a ruling we were said to have been made aw~
of as much as two years ago.
At the moment there are 12 tons of garbage
produced each day in the swruner months and
one ton per day in the winter months. Some
people have suggested that an incinerator be
built on Race Point. At the Conservancy meet-
ing another alternative was presented. We
might send our garbage to a plant in
Connecticut (to be built by 1991) for a ten year
period. longer if we wish. At least this solution
would buy us some time.
As I have said, I am not really clear on the
facts or the alternatives. but I do know that this
is a very important issue for the Island, one
which should be of greater concern to us all.
Perhaps your paper could be of service by
seeking out and providing us with the informa
tion we need in order to come up with the best
solution to this pr;,blem?
Thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Rosie Taylor
Dear Sirs:
There have been two events in the past year
that we think deserve a special thanks. The
fIrst is the formation of the Goose Island Club.
which saved the Mobil Station from unre-
strained commercial development and
improved the aestethics of the property at the
fmancial sacrifice of its partners. The second is
the sale by Mrs. Henry Walsh of the"North Hill
property to a local civil group. This sale was
done at a substantial discount to fair market
value. and it will enable the development of
quality housing for the local population. We
feel that both acts are extraordinarily generous
and deserve our thanks and support.
Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Evans
Ann Walsh Anthony
(Credit: AI Gordon)
To the right, Mrs. EWe Oakes discusses a painling
wilh Stoning ton artist andfreqlUN visitor John
McGuney during lhe August Craft Fair on the
Vi//age Grun.
Faulkner Contracting Inc.
General Contractor
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(Credit: Dick Edwards)
Wayn~ Dryer (I.) of Paramws, NJ.. shows off 5 I Ib
slriper caughl off Fishers Island in July. Wayne was
a howseglUst of Pete Dryer of Fishers Island who
helps him hoisllhe [ISh
Box 355
Office & Res. Dial 7863
Shop Dial 7216
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GREGORY THIBODEAU / 777
MASONRY / CONTAINER GARDENING /
LAWN & TREE MAINTENANCE /
LANDSCAPE DESIGN &
CONSTRUCTION
. NEW CONSTRUCTION
. AU TYPES OF ALTERATIONS
. ROOFING
. KITCHEN REMODELING
. ALL TYPES OF TILE & LINOLEUM
. MASONRY
. PAINTING - WALL PAPERING
- FIRST CLASS WORK AT REASONABLE PRICES-
Fish~n Islalld Gaz~tte"
I
Europe. "It was quite a sight seeing them
when hey left on the ferry." Mr. Rogan
remembers V J Day when the
war with Germany was
ended. "Soldiers ran past
t.. 7-==-, the fort houses rattling the
r...... spindles with sticks," he
'... -.
~~ , l'"' lllHU t Il said. 'They no longer had
~ I'. to worry about going
'!!P"""' .J..~.Jl.J'..{+j~t:li4 over," With the end of the
7" '_ . ~..!:!!' - ~~~ ~ w~FortWrightwas
~- -. ~ _ ~ _:;-; -;:; , .." -.~" ~ quickly closed, Mr. White,
lit --:~-.?.,...---.~"" _. -;~~~. . h' 'dth ~
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__~~~.",:l~", ',~ - "t!"'';'~~ ,'.:.UJ:~flrl" ~~ about 100 soldiers re-
mained to patrol the prop.
(photo courtesy of H.L Ferguson Museum) erty when the Fort was
turned over to the Army
Corps of Engineers in
1945. In 1955, half of the
fort area was auctioned to
the public and the other half was granted to the
Town of Southold.
Fort Wright was actually established in
1898, according to Mr. White's research. The
fort was part of a coastal defense which
stretched from Rhode Island to Lons Island,
which was meant to protect New York City.
The fort was named after Major General
Horatio G, Wright, a Civil War commander and
chief of Army Engineers.
FISHERS ISLAND RETROSPECTIVE...
FORT H.G. WRIGHT
The military life of Fort H.G. Wright was
relived this past summer in an exhibit at the
Ferguson Museum. Robert White researched
and wrote a history of the Fort and photos of
camp activities were put on display.
Joe Rogan grew up on Fishers Island during
the World War n years when as many as 5,000
military personnel were stationed at Fort
Wright
"It was very strict during the w~" Mr.
Rogan said. "You had to have a pass to get
through the gates at the Fort. They had patrols
with German shepherds patrolling from the
gate to South Beach."
A number of island residents were
employed at the fort during the war. Howeve~
because of war restrictions, Mr. Rogan said, the
island was closed off to summer residents, and
officers stayed at many of the summer homes.
Fl Wright was used as both a coastal
defense and as a training ground. Tugs pulling
barges with targets on them were used for
anillery practice off South Beach. A blimp was
stationed in a huge hangar near the current
movie house. The hangar was tom down in the
lale50's.
The parade ground, which is now covered
with brush, was alive each day with the march-
ing of soldiers. But the part Joe Rogan remem-
bers best were the athletic teams at Forth
Wright.
'They had some real good teams there."
.. Mr. Rogan said, At the high school, we
developed some good players because of our
experience against the military teams."
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Military IIni,s marchillg Oil Fishers Isla,,'d parade grounds abou' 1940.
Blimp hangar is 01 rear righI.
Football and baseball games were regu
larly played on the parade grounds between
military teams from the base and off island. In
addition, there were bowling alleys, for which
Mr. Rogan set the pins.
Fort Wright was a self-contained communi~
ty with its: own hospital, gym, cafeteria, beer
halls.
'They even had their own jail with an elec-
tric chai~" said Mr. Rogan. "Of course, they
never used ir."
Each morning reveille was played, and the
bugler could be heard throughout the west end
of the island Taps were played each night
No shots were ever nred from Fort Wright
in anger. But many soldiers after being trained
on Fishers Island left directly for war in
(Fishers Island Relrospectille will be a reg-
ular hislorical fealure in the Gazelle. Please
COnlacllhe Gazelle wilh pMlOS and sugges.
tions for hisloric profiles.)
ISLAND COOKBOOK WRITTEN
The Fishers Island Bowling Center has
printed a cookbook to help raise money for the
center.
The cookbook which contains over 350
local recipes is on sale for $7.50. The cook-
book includes recipes for bluefish, zuchini and
many desserts:, 750 issues were printed. More
than 60 Fisher's Islanders contributed recipes
for the book which took a year to compile,
'The cookbook would make for a great
Christmas gift," said Mary Pankiewicz, one of
the editors.
For a copy, people can contact the Island
Bowling Center at Box 188, Fishers Island, or
call Carole Doherty, Mary Pankiewicz, or Patty
Faulkner, There is an additional postage and
handling charge.
BAZAAR SCHEDULED
A bake sale and mini Christmas bazaar
will be held
Friday, November 27,
to raise money for the Union
Chapel. The event will begin
at
10:ooam at the church.
Island Interiors
Reupholstering & Repairing of Furniture
6;HEATHS
restol'ation
Snop
Telephone 516-788-7809
J,!II$HII vi. JIm/It
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Fishers Island Gazette 5
SOUTH OLD OFFICIALS UP
FOR ELECTION
, Two council seats and the supervisors post are up for election this fall
in the town of Southold. Democratic incumbent Frank Murphy is being
challenged by Republican John Nickles for Southold Town Supervisor.
Ellcn M. Larsen. Independent-Conservative, and Ruth P. Oliva.
~
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, .
FRANK MURPHY
JOHN NICKLES
Democra~ are opposing Daniel Fogany and Roben Scot~ both republi-
cans. The top two vote-getters of the four are elected to the five member
town council. Local councilman Ray Edwards' seat is not up for election
this year.
Mr. Murphy, who has served two terms, said that controlling develop-
ment will be his main priority.
Mr. Nickles, who is a real estate broker with the frrm Lewis and
Nickles. served on the Southold Town Board from 1979 to 1983.
The Southold Supervisor is a full time job and is elected for a two
year tenn. Election Day is November 3.
Mr. Nickles charged that Mr. Murphy is not a soong supervisor.
'There is a lack of leadership in the Town now," Mr. Nickles said. "We
need to pull togethe:: But the supervisor docs not set the somdard for the town."
Mr. Murphy countered that Mr. Nickles as Republican town leader
controls four Republican votes on the Town Board and prevents cooperation.
Mr. Murphy, a fanner commercial landscaper. said Southold" is cur-
rently in a critical time. It is imponant that we get control away from real
estate developers. We have to slow down growth or we will be in serious
trouble."
Mr. Nickles said the Town of Southold should not impose its view-
points on Fishers Island. "We should only get involved when asked," he
said. "However, I am aware of the tax contributions made by the Island,
yet you get negligible services."
Mr. Murphy said he has worked with the Fishers Island Conservancy
to obtain funds for an in-depth Island water study. He added that he has
investigated the location of Navy personnel to the Island to help boost
school enrollment.
Ms. Larscn, a town of Southold Trustee since 1985, says if elected
she would try hard to prevent the mass markcting of real estate. "I feel
strongly that the land developer has the advantage over the ordinary resi-
dent trying to build a home."
Mr. Scott sees the Town of Southold master plan as the most impor-
tant question and says the plan presently being considered is inadequate.
"J don't think there has been enough public infonnation for most people
to be able to make an intelligent decision on it," Mr. Scott says.
Ms. Oliva feels that over development and poor planning is a serious
threat to the agricultural life of the town. "I feel there is not enough sup--
pon for water conservation, or a prudent plan for the future of the town
as we know it today," Ms. Oliva says.
Mr. Fogany could not be reached for his comments.
All candidates plan to visit Fishers Island this fall to campaign.
A. I
JOHN
GADA
General Contracting Inc
Phone 7231
Eslablish~d 1946
DISTINCTIVE RENOVATIONS
RESTORATIONS AND CUSTOM HOMES
THE
BANK
OF
MYSTIC
MEETING TIlE FINANCIAL NEEDS
OF TIlE COMMUNITY
FULL-SERVICE
BUSINESS AND PERSONAL BANKING
ROUTE I
(203) 572-8981
Opening Spring 1987
Fi!h~n Idalld GaZdt~ 6
According to the Fishers Island
ConseIVancy, water-quality tcsts of Hay
Harbor and West Harbor yielded mixed results
this past summer. While West Harbor was
almost pollution-free, the sailing dock at Hay
Harbor showed some elevated levels of fecal
coliform bacteria., ConseIVancy President John
Thatcher reported at the August Civic
Association meeting. Although he said that the
pollution in Hay Harbor did not appear to pos~
an immediate health risk, Mr. Thatcher indicat-
ed concern at the presence of pollutants. The
ConseIVancy tests were able to document the
existence of the pollution. but did not pinpoint
the source of contaminants. The swimming
dock was not affected by the bacteria. Testing
in Hay Harbor, as well as at other locations,
will continue at least through November.
By contrast, West Harbor showed signifi-
cant improvement over past years. Sissy Buller,
who takes samples of the water at three loca-
tions in West Harbor for the ConseIVancy,
reports thatlaboralOry tests have generally
yielded acceptable to excellent water quality
levels. A small increase in pollution was noticed in mid-and late August, but is expected to dissipate as boat traffic drops off after Labor Day.
Although she could not be certain of the cause of the improvement in West Harbor, Mrs. Buller noted that this year boats that do not have perma-
nent moorings on Fishers Island have been required to anchor at the mouth of the harbor. Because any waste from these boats would be less likely
to drift into the harbor, the change in mooring location for so-called "transient boats" may have eliminated a major source of harbor pollution.
Continued on page 7
HARBOR
POLLUTION
STUDIED
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(Credit: Dick Edwards)
West Harbor on 8 placid August morning. Pollution levels were down significantly in the harbor
this summer.
Fishers Island Shopping Center
Finest Fruits and Vegetables
Finest quality meats
Ice
Cold Beer & Soda
Fresh Pastries & Hot Coffee
All your Grocery Needs
Delivery Available Call 7255
Deli Sandwiches Made to Order
Call ahead for fast service
Bill & Colleen Bloethe, Prop., P.O. Box 658, FJ.N.Y. (515)788-7255
Fisher:r Island GazeJte 7
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,
.
Credit: (Charlie Morgan)
Fishermen were not the only ones catching flounder this summer. This osprey was seen at Middle Forms in
mid.summer after a successfulftshing expedition.
Continued from page 6
All boats in West Harbor are required to have
Coast Guard- approved chemical toilets or
holding tanks. However; swimmers and wind
surfers have complained that in past years the
harbor bore ample evidence that holding tanks
were not always used. In addition to moving
transient moorings, Harbormaster John Clavin
has stepped up patrols of boats moored in the
inner harbor.
Pollution in West Harbor was first docu-
mented by a federal Fooo and Drug Agency
study conducted in July, 1985. Even before
1985, however, Mrs. Buller noted that there
were unpleasant odors in the harbor, especially
in August.
Mr. Thatcher reports that Conservancy vol-
unteers have been testing water throughout the
island, both in harbors and ponds. He expects
to have the final results from these studies
sometime this fall. Although he declined to
comment on the Conservancy project before all
results arc tabulated and studied, Mr. Thatcher
says that the Conserv ancy will continue to
monitor water quality in future years
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Fisllus lJlmrd Gazrtte 8
ISLAND STRUGGLES WITH DEe REGULATION
all activity was stopped until the violation is
remedied. Howeve~ Hamilton acknowledges
that not all violations are pursued. Instead
warning letters may be issued asking
that the violation be corrected with
out any formal action or any termina
tion of the activity.
10hn Thatcher. president of the
Fishers Island Conservancy, feels
that the DEC docs its best to enforce
the regulations given its workload.
He emphasized Lhat what is really
needed is someone assigned just to
Fishers Island who has authority to
enforce the regulations and interpret
them for residents. Mr. Thatcher
warned that what may seem contra
dictory to residents in the DEC's
behavior may really be the result of
the complexity of the regulations.
Mr.Thatcher's recommendation resem
bles that made by the Trust for Public
Land in its updated study of Fishers
Island. TPL found that the current
environmental regulations applying to Fishers
Island are not comprehensive enough. nor are
they enforced uniformly. It recommends estab-
lishment of a conservation committee made up
of three representatives from the Civic Ass-
ociation, HDCD and the Conservancy. The
Conservation Committee would employ a tech-
nician to review permits and other activities
relating to environmental matters. TPL points
out that the DEC regulations can, indeed, be
evaded.
One of the most attractive and appealing
features of Fishers Island is its environment,
from the beaches to the ponds to the harbors.
Howeve~ one of the most controversial
topics has been how to preserve that
environment The problem is three-
fold: making people aware of the
lengthy and complicated environ.
mental regulations, identifying
particularly sensitive areas such as
fresh water wetlands, and getting the
state and local authorities to enforce
existing regulations in a uniform,
orderly fashion.
On Fishers Island, much of this
responsibility has fallen to the New
York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC),
although it is by no means the sole
agency involved. According to current
environmental rules, residents of
Fishers Island must seek a permit
from the DEC to do any building, or
clearing near a fresh or saltwater wetland, to
construct docks or any shoreline developments
or to use herbicides or pesticides. The DEC's
enforcement of these requirements has generat-
ed discussion and controversy not only on
Fishers Island but also on Long Island. At a
public hearing in Riverhead this spring. a num-
ber of Long Islanders voiced frustration in
dealing with the DEC, complaining that the
agency is unresponsive and arbitrary.
On top of these problems, the DEe has the
challenge of providing adequate and consistent
enforcement of regulations. Local residents
including the Fishers Island Conservancy, have
worked hard to get the DEe's local office~
Charles Hamilton to travel to Fishers Island to
review conditions. However the Stony Brook
office. which has responsibility for Fishers
Island, has historically been overworked and
understaffed, making communication difficult.
In fact, this reporter placed eight phone calls
over a six-week period, before Mr. Hamilton
returned the call. Mr. Hamilton is responsible
for technical review of all applications for per-
mits and for compliance. This year Mr.
Hamilton says he is working on six cases,
although he admits to being involved with 17
to 22 situations u the major problem being
people "trying to get bigger and better views"
.:)
.~,.-
""-_v _ _
;.'l __ .
(
r.
(Credit: Dick FAwards)
Its nol rasy laking tile annual counl of osprey eggs. Just ask Josh Hancock
of the F./. Utility Company. Josh and a riled up ospreyjirst eye each other
warily. Tllen the Osprey rniJkes her move as Josh ducks lor covu in his
"bucket truck." Bui in the end Josh prevails as he signals downfoUT eggs.
and therefore clearing areas adjacent to wet.
lands. Mr. Hamilton emphasizes the ongoing
need for education to make people aware of the
regulations and aware of the need to call before
work is begun. To further the goal. at the urg-
ing of the Fishers Island Conservancy. the DEe
met twice this summe~ once with the contrac-
tors on the Island and once with the land own-
ers to go over existing regulations.
Enforcement of regulations has been a diffi-
cult procedure for the DEC. Robert Green, head
of Regulatory Affairs of the DEC stated that
the DEC takes into account many factors when
it considers an application for a permit, includ-
ing the sentiment of the neighbors, other alter-
natives and economic impact It is this subjec-
tive element that may cause part of the prob-
lem. Green says that whenever a violation was
discovered, all processing of an application and
I
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Fishrn Island Gazrlte 9
RECORD NUMBER RUN IN SEASTRETCHER
A record 139 runners raced in the 10th
annual Seastretcher marathon over the
Memorial Day weekend. Almost $16,500 was
raised for the fue department in the event Fire
department officials said that prior to this
year's race, no more than 100 runners had ever
participated.
1bree-time winner Tom Costin, 36, crossed
the fmish line together with 24-year-old Spyros
Banes in the eight-mile division. Although
they intentionally ran together at the end of the
race, Mr.Barres. a Mystic resident, was award-
ed first place by the officials. Both were timed
in 44:19 minutes. Mr. Banes and Mr. Costin, a
Nahant, Mass., resident, broke away from the
pack after about two miles and ran stride for
stride for the rest of the race. Both Mr. Barres
and Mr. Costin race competitively throughout
the year.
Linda Rutherfurd, 30, in her first effort at
the g-miles level won the women's division in
a time of 55:23, with last year's winner Ellen
Harvey finishing second.
Andy Corsaro nipped David Zanghelti by
three seconds with a time of 5:21 in the one-
mile race for runners over 12. Linda Edwards
won the girls' division by two seconds over
Susie Sinclair with a time of7:38.
Brendan Smith won the under-12 division
of the one-mile race in a time of 6:21 wiLh
Mike Wall fmishing second in a time of 6:25.
Kate Hurwitz fmished in
6:26 to win the girl's divi-
sion followed by Carolyn
Costin in 7:09.
OTHER RESULTS:
Five mile (Men's): 1st, Dan
Gillan, 31:29; 2nd, Tom
McKillin, 33:54,
(Women's): Suzanne
Campbell, 37: 12; 2nd,
Kitty Ijams, 41:28.
Three mile (Men's): Is~
Kelsey BUrt; 21:10; 2nd.
Dick Hoch, 21:11.
(Women's) ISl, Leslie
Lawle~ 23:07; 2nd. Carol
Marshall,24:12.
Fred Smith won the Max well
S. Porter participation award
for July at Hay Harbor Oub.
Susannah Hyland
received the award for
August The award is pre-
sented to that youth who
displays sportsmanship
and becomes involved in
the various sports at the
club.
~
m<yst::fc Isle
Realt:~ foe.
Sl6-788' 7882
Bagley Reid
Licensed NY State Real Estate Broker
" Marilyn F. Pickett
Licensed New York State Real Estate Salesperson
Properties for Sale and Rent
-t=fsbeRs Island, n.;y.
06390
f\ ',It I
~ '.
-:r'\~" .
", :.".
,
. -
-::.,- ~~....
(Credit: Charlie ~lorgan)
Spyros Barrrs, winner oftM 8 mile Srastretcher rWl, receives trophy from
Kandi Sanger over Memorial Day Wedend.
..
WI' ..
Just a short walk from the Ferry Slip at
111 BANK STREET
Purveyors of fine foods & spirits
American and English Cuisine
Guiness Stout, Harp Lager.
Bass Ale on Draft
Fishen/sumd Gazette 10
"ON THE HOOK"
with Bob Miller
Island fIsher-
man enjoyed
one of the most
rewarding fish-
ing seasons in
memory, due
largely to the
surprising
comeback of
the striped bass.
The bass, a
migratory fish,
is considered
endangered,
and both New
York and
Connecticut have BOB MILLER
imposed regula-
tions designed to prevent further depletion of
the speCies. Currently, a New York angler is
allowed to retain one fish per day in excess of
33 inches in length. and none of smaller size.
Although earlier fish may have been taken
by boat fishermen, the first stripers caught
from island beaches seem to have been two 12
pound fish released on the East End on May
23. The fish were taken on surface plugs,
although most early-season fish are caught on
"cut bait" (squid or chunks of mackerel) bot-
tom-fished off West End beaches. One such
fish. weighing 51 pounds, was caught byWayne
Dryer of Paramus, N.J., a guest of Dick
Edwards. By mid-June, and throughout the
swnmer, bass of aU sizes were consistently
taken on artificial lures. Charlie Sherman took
a 6 pound bass on ny fishing tackle on July 9,
and most others who use this most challenging
of salt water fishing methods, including l.R.
Edwards, Speedy Mettler, and Charles B.
Ferguson, had also taken bass by late July. In
the Race, bass were often as numerous as blues.
Turk Righter caught bass and blues in equal
numbers in late July on bucktail jigs fished
near the bottom. Mr. Righter also reported that
a commercial fisherman gave up fishing the
Valiant Rock area in late July because his catch
consisted predominantly of bass which cannot
legally be marketed.
Although one striper per day can now legal-
ly be taken, most Island anglers release their
fish in the hope that doing so will help the
stock continue to replenish. For the past few
years, Carey Matthiessen, l.R. Edwards,
Speedy Mettler and others have tagged a large
number of bass prior to releasing them to help
understand their migratory and reproductive
patterns. Information concerning tagging of
stripers and other migratory fish can be pro-
cured from the American Littoral Society,
Sandy Hoole, Highlands, NJ 07732.
It is not necessary to kill a striped bass in
order to determine its weight; by measuring a
fish's length and girth prior to releasing it, its
weight can accurately be determined.
Bluefishing remained excellent during 1987.
The first fish taken from shore were apparently
two 13 pound fIsh caught on popping plugs at
the West End on June 6. Blues from 8 to 13
pounds were taken consistently around Race
Rock through the summer. In late July a large
and voracious school of 5 to 6 pound fish
moved into the Race and the area around
Government Ben off the Ferry Dock; for about
two weeks these fish could be taken on surface
lures at any time of the day. Ronald B. Balcom
took a 20 In pound blue (an Island record?) in
August fishing near the bouom in the Race.
September and October are traditionally the
most productive months for both bluefish and
striped bass, and we look forward to reporting
on the climax of the 1987 sea<;on in our next
issue.
In contrast to the abundance of the Islands'
two premier gamefish, fishing for smaller
species was spotty or poor in 1987. The usual
May run of mackerel off Wilderness Point
never materialized. Porgy and fluke fishing was
generally reported as poo~ and no weakfish
were reported caught this year. Only a few
squid and buuerfish had been caught at the
Ferry Dock as of this writing. A possible rea-
son may be the very abundance of the predato-
ry bluefish and striped bass. Those who wit-
nessed the dense schools of menhaden being
SEE ON THE HOOK page II
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Fishrn Islmtd GazrUr 11
ON THE HOOK continued/arm page 10
herded against the Mobil dock by hungry blues
and some bass last fall can appreciate the effect
the abundance of these predators must have on
the local population of smaller food fish. Two
years ago, Carey Matthiessen was retrieving a
20-inch bass when it was cut in half by the sin-
gle bite of a very large bluefISh. On August 10,
the crew of the Pagan saw a large fish floating
on the surface a few miles south of Race Rock.
Boated for examination. it was disccvered that
the 47.inch bass had attempted to swallow a
large floundeI; which wedged in its gills,
"drowning" it. Also in early August. a bass and
a blue competing for the same popping plug
were caught on a single cast from a boat at the
East End. Perhaps because the available forage
cannot sustain large numbers of both bass and
blues, historically the two species have alter-
nated in relative abundance in Island waters. It
will be interesting to see if one species declines
and, if so, whether the population of smaller
table fish correspondingly recovers.
A number of Island boat anglers venture
"offshore" in search of large pelagic species
which move from the Gulf Stream into the
warm coastal waters south of Block Island and
Montauk each summer. Although no extraordi-
nary catches such as Dick Miller's 413 pound
broadbill swordflsh of a few years ago were
reported, excellent tuna fishing was available
in 1987 only about 25 miles from the Island.
Paul Vartanian reported that fishing for yel-
lowfin tuna from 50 to 200 pounds and "giant"
bluefm tuna commenced at the Butterfish Hole
13 miles south of Montauk in early July. The
yellowfms were taken "chunking" with butter-
fish; the bluefms were also taken trolling
"daisy chain" rigs of squid or mackerel. The
tuna stayed inshore as the summer progressed,
but shifted east, to about II miles south of
Block Island, by late August. In mid-July,
some dolphin were taken around offshore lob-
ster pots. A few blue and white marlin were
raised; however, the main part of the white
marlin migration was apparently centered
south of Nantucket, out ohange of most Island
boats. Tuna fishing continued well into the fall
last y~ and some bonito and false albacore
are caught along the Fishers Island shore every
September. We will recap the offshore fishing
season in our next issue.
Information for this ftrst column was neces-
sarily procured in a haphazard way, and apolo-
gies are extended for omissions. it would great-
ly be appreciated if information of probable
interest for the next issue could be sent to Bob
Miller at Box 58.
LISA FAULKNER JUMPS TO
FIRST PLACE RIBBONS
10-year-old Lisa Faulkner scored 17 flfst-
place finishes and II second-place finishes in
ho~e show competitions this summer.
'T_~ <!".' '~.
LISA FAULKNER ABOARD STRIDER
.,' -,,:'.~-~-'
Lisa, having accumulated 174 points so far
this year is now second in the 11 and under
girls division in the horse show circuit for the
State of Connecticut. More than 50 girls have
been competing in this division. The competi-
tions continue through the fall, but Lisa said
she has little chance of gaining first place
because the leader is well out in front in total
points.
Lisa began panicipating this spring in the
walk-trot, walk- trot-cantct;, and jumping com-
petitions and scored several second and third
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place finishes, but never won a competition.
However, this summer riding on her horse
StrideI; Lisa put together a string of first place
fmishes, and now has 57 ribbons from 15 meets
around Connecticut. She has also won five
champion ribbons for overall performance in
her age division at the horse shows.
Lisa credits her trainer Alison Beck of
Kingswood Farm Stables in Old Lyme for her
improved performance this summer.
WE WANT TO HEAR
FROM YOU!
Any suggestions, comments, story ideas? The
Fishers Island Ga7..ctte would like to hear from
you. Contact the Gazette care of Fishers Island
Civic Association, Box 464, Fishers Island.
POLLING HOURS SET
The polls will be open fmm 6:00 A.M.
until 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 3, for
the general election.
The election of Garbage and Refuse
District commissioners will be held on
December 8. The polls will be open fmm 7:00
P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Fire district commissioners
will also be elected on December 8.
All polling will take place a1 the Fishers
II Island firehouse.
Fishers Isl4.nd Ga'l.dte 12
BUSY GOLF PROGRAM
AT HAY HARBOR
Labor day weekend brought to a close
another successful season of Junior golf,
supervised by Dan Colvin. Over 130 kids
participated in some aspect of the program
over the course of the summer. In July the
winners were as follows: Putting: Mark
Andrews, Liese Fritze, Stuart Marra, Alix
Warner, Ashley Brinkerhoff and Andrew
Burr. Two Holers: Lucia Henderson and
Luke Schwerein. Four Holers: Margaret
Smith and Tyler Burr. The nine hole com-
petition was won by Fred Smith. In
August: Putting: Mark Andrews, Lucia
Henderson, Welles Henderson, Mary
Murphy and Andrew Burr. Two Holers:
Cutler Cook and Becca Parsons. Four
Holers: Oakley Duryea and Lulu
Henderson. Nine Holer: Alex Beard. The
Junior club championships was won by
Robert MelZ for the second year in a row.
An imponant part of the golf program
are the parent-child tournaments held both
in July and August. In August, Peter and
Stuart Marra were the overall Champs,
and in July, Morris and TIm Roberts won
the 10-15 group and were the overall
champs, while Robert and Rob Laurence
won the under 10 group.
On the adult side of Hay Harbor golf,
Liz Furse won the Dolly Howard tourna-
ment and Bob Anthony won the men's
club championship.
MISSY CRISP, BILL HALL
CHAMPIONS AT FISHER'S
ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB
The golf program at the Fishers Island
Club was run this year by Tom O'Brien.
He was assisted by Charlie Johnson and,
in the shop by his wife, Renee O'Brien.
There were tournaments virtually every
weekend; a great many of them formatted
in such a way that any caliber golfer had a
chance to win. The Pro.Am, to benefit
..4!\m~.'
.~~~ i~l.. .
~~ /;~~
~
THE TIDAL IV AVE INC.
P.o. Bo~ ~7J
Fishers uland. ~e... ).ork OSHO
{51et1Sa-i618
~. .....~~..
Lawrence and Memorial Hospitals and the
H.O.G., to benefit the Island Health pro-
ject were both sold out way in advance,
with waiting lists of members wanting to
play.
The Championships were held the last
(Credit: AI Gordon)
Fishers Island Country Club goll champion Bill
J/all.
week of August with the following results:
For the ladies, the club champion was
Missy Crisp; winner of the first flight,
Jackie Williamson and the second flight
winner was Mary Gray. The medalist qual.
ificr for the ladies was Jennifer
McDonough who shot a 76. For the men,
the club champion was Bill Hall and the
winner of the first flight was Ranny
Wyckoff. The medalist qualifiers were
Charlie Arnold and Ashton Wyckoff with
81.
BOWLING HOURS SET
Open bowling hours have been set for
Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M. at
the Island Bowling Center. Bowling leagues
will be held Sunday through Thursday nights.
The leagues will begin October 12.
Island residents who wish to join a league
should call Carol Doherty (7585) for the wom-
en's league or Dave Denison (7514) for the
men's league by October 10.
TENNIS WINNERS AT
HAY HARBOR
Henry McCance and his guest Rob
Hallagan defeated Willard Soper and guest
GUMer Overstrain, 7-5, 7-5 to win the mens
member-guest tournament held at the Hay
Harbor CHub over the weekend of July 11 and
12. In the semi-frnals, Mr. McCance and Mr.
Hallagan overpowered Jim Benkard and John.
McGeeney, while Mr. Soper and Mt Overstrain
edged Mike Patterson and Boris Longstreth.
In the mixed doubles tournament held on
August 8 and 9 at Hay Harbor, Rose Harvey
and her brother Jack Harvey defeated Missy
Crisp and Michael Patterson 7-5,7-5 in the
finals. In the semi finals the Harveys defeated
Posy Constable and Bill Babcock, while Mrs.
Crisp and Mr. Patterson vanquished Jean Baker
and Paul Crowley in three sets.
Junior Hay Harbor Tennis Results:
16 and under boys finals: Bob Sorenson def.
Chris Milliken. Girls finals: Kate Milliken deL
Wendy Mansson. 14 and \ID.der boys finals;
Andy Corsaro def. David Cameron. Girls
fmals; Wendy Mansson def. Camilla Chapoton.
12 and under ixlys frnals: Nishan Vartanian def.
Jerty Talamo. Girls finals: Eliza Mahony deL
Camilla Chapolon.
(Credit: Al Gordon)
Bikers line up lor the start 01 'he 2nd annUiJI Tour
de Fishers Isumd. Aboul40 bicyclists participated
in three different categories. The 1987 tour i~/uded
a spuial course for all terrain vehicles
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Fishers Island N.Y. 06390
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Fishers Island Gautte 13
BLUESBROTHERS~
Despite the close season standings, it was the
Blues Brothers that took home the Fishers
Island Men's Summer Softball League trophy.
On August 21, the Blues downed the men from
the Hay Harbor Club 9-2, ending a three game
series. two games to one in favor of the Blues.
The winning pitcher was Dan Colvin. Hay
Harbor pitcher. Dave Denison, felt that the
game was close in the earlier innings, but the
Blues eventually took control. To get to the
fmals, Hay Harbor triumphed over the defend-
ing champion True Value team, two games to
none. Likewise the Blues defeated HI.S.H. also
two games to none.
..' '.
. (Credit: Dick Edwards)
J.R. Edwards helped power The Blues Brothers 10 win. over Hay Harbor in. The Softball league fin4ls
(Credit: Dick Edwards)
Regular Season Standings
EI. Blues Brothers 102
Hay Harbor 9 3
True Value 84
F.I.S.H. 210
Pequot Inn I 11
Team Members (Blues Brothers)
Tom Suedmeier Dan Colvin
Aaron Lusher Will Peishoff
Jim Kelly Jim Rugnetta
J.R. Edwards Jim Hochenburger
Chris Edwards Charlie Shennan
Danny Doyen Dan Gordon
Will Peishoff o/The Blues Bro.hers connects on a
pilch in champion.ship series against }fay Harbor.
The New
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Fishers Island Gazelle 14
NAUTICAL NOTES
WITH PETER RUGG
The sailing season has been the most active
in many years and highly successful with a
close win in the Sears Cup (Junior National
Championships) quarter finals, a second place
in The Bullseye Nationals, and the island play-
ing host to three special regattas.
The Juniors sailors were again led by Peter
"Salty" Lane who had a staff of four full time
and two jlUlior instructors. An expanded fleet
of Blue Jays on new dry
sailing Ooats at the yacht
club were ready for our
intermediate sailors. The
joint Fishers Island Yacht
Club I Hay Harbor Club
Junior program had record
participation with 66
sailors in July and
100 in August. The first
big event of the season
was the Fishers Island
Junior Regatta which PETER RUGG
attracted 70 sailors from
8 different clubs in the region. Our sailors had
a good. showing, but all the prizes went off
island.
In early August. skipper Brad Gibbs and
crew Phil Musser and Jim Thompson won by
one point the Eastern Connecticut Yacht
Racing Assn. (ECYRA) eliminations for the
Sears Cup. They then went to Manhasset Bay
Yacht Club in Port Washington. N.Y. for the
Area B semi fmals where they were second.
In the second week in August, five boats
full of youngsters spent two days racing in
Stoning ton. Our best place was taken by Mike
McNamara with a 12th in the Blue Jay fleet.
The season continued with one more regatta
at Groton Long Point and the ECYRA team
racing fmals for which we did not qualify.
Next year, John Lane (Salty's brother) will be
back as Director of the Junior Sailing Program.
Plans for next year include replacing the
Widgeons in Hay Harbor with a fleet of
Optimist dinghies. These boats can be sailed
by younger people as they are more managable
than the Widgeons. They draw less water and
therefore will run aground less in Hay Harbor.
A tribute to the Optimist is the fact that several
times this summer our demonstrator boat was
"stolen': by kids who couldn't keep their hands
off it!
The weekend of August 22, 23 saw FlYC
as host to two regattas, the Area B
Champiomhips for the 420 class and a team
racing event in International One Designs
(lOO's) between FlYC and Lan:hmont Yacht
Club. The 420 sailors brought boats from as far
away as Rye, New York and Marblehead,
Mass. The Ferry District was very helpful in
getting them all on and off the island. The Erst
day saw South South West winds at 15 to 20
knots at the stan of the fIrst race. The wind
then picked up with gusts to 35 and only 13 of
21 survived to fmish the Erst race. Most boats
capsized several times. The Race Committee
headed by John Burnham and Peter Rugg
radioed the AYC for additional crashboats to
aid those who needed assistance. There were
two blown out sails, but otherwise only hurt
pride. All racing was abandoned for the after-
noon. On Sunday, three races were held in a
moderate Northcrly. The winner Rich Harries
from Marblehead, Mass. gained points to quali-
fy for the world 420 championships in
Australia. The first Fishers Island boat was
sailed by Brad Gibbs and Jim Thompson.
In the 100
regatta. racing
was cancelled
Saturday as the
course was to
be set West of
North Dumpl-
ing and the
seas and winds
were too
strong to start
even one race.
The only
casualty of the
day was
Stephen (A.)
Cook who
took a gash
in the head
which requir-
ed six stitches.
He maintained
calm while
sailing in, but
one of his
crew, a fonner pre-med student, fainted. Sun-
day the IODs went in a race round the island.
One of the Larchmont boats won, and Salty
Lane was Erst Fishers Island boat with a second.
~
","'l <>';0 I
U '1
__ J;,
,
. t' ..... ~..
(Credit: Dick Edwards)
BarefooJ, a 38-foot sailboat
owned by Jerry Turner of
Stoning ton mnrl.eu'IIers at the
slarling line ofTM Round Fishers
Island Race. Barefool ca~ in
3rd in lhe class B competition.
THE RED BARN
Studio & Art Gallery
Painting, Etchings &
Wood Sculptures by
Charles B. Ferguson
Nov. - June
clo Alice Ferguson
33 Farmington Conn. 06032
tel: 203-677-8056
"
In regular season racing, in July, the best
Bullseye was Dave Burnham and Boots Parker
took honors in the IODs. For August the
respective winners were Pcter Rugg and Boots
Parker. The season totals were topped by Dave
Burnham in the Bullseye and none other than
Boots Parker in IODs.
The armual RO\D1d Island Race was held
this year on September 5. Forty-seven boats
sailed on a beautiful clear warm day, winds
were so light that the race not only started late,
but had to be finished with a shortened course
at Wicoppiset. There were
prizes for
racers in all 5 classes.
The top prize however:,
always goes to the first
Fishers Island boat.
won this year by Peter
Brinkerhoff's Hooligan.
Off island we had
good success. Dave
Burnham. Jim
Thompson and Laurie
Rubinow sailed in the
Bullseye Nationals,
Laurie was second
overall and first Island boat The Wadawanuck
Club hosted the Parson's Trophy race in Ensign
Class sloops. Fishers Island was second only
1/4 point out of flISt place. Earlier in the year,
we were well represented at the Storm Trysail
Club's Block Island Race Week. Bill Musser in
Mad Max won his class, and Pcter
Brinckerhoff in his new Evelyn 42 Hooligan
was third in class.
Next year plans call for a new fieet of
Optimist Dinghies in Hay Harbor, and there are
plans for the continued development of the dry
sailing facilities at the yacht club.
RACING
COMMITIEE
.
The Liquor
Store
Fine wines & Liquors
Domestic & Imported
Located at
the Village Green
516-788-7271
open Mon. -Sat.
year round
Fishers Island Gazette IS
PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED
BY GROWTH PLAN
The Growth Plan Committee of the Fishers
Island Civic Association is expected to com-
plete its report this fall. The committee in its
interim report this past summer identified eight
basic asswnptions concerning life on Fishers
Island.
./
FRANK BURR
Hill to create an area for affordable housing.
"The elements of the growth plan have
given us the foundation to take tangible action,
to deal with opportunities that exist," Mr. Burr
said. "If we did not have aU the meetings and if
we did not have the 31 people working to cre-
ate this growth plan, it is my belief that the
Walsh property would have come and gone."
"TIus work allowed us to react with some
semblance of rationale and conviction."
The eight assumptions created from
responses from 85 returned questionnaires are:
1. Fishers Island should increase its year-round
JXJPulation.
2. The growth of the summer population
should be slowed down.
3. Tourism should be discouraged.
4. This natural environment should
be protected.
5. Student body of the school should
be increased.
6. Fishers Island's voice should be heard
in local government bodies so that the
Island's interests are well represented.
7. Individual sacrifices are necessary
to achieve overall benefit for the island.
8. Organizations should be supported that
protect the islands open spaces.
Mr. Burr said that island residents in ques-
tionnaire responses and private conversations
showed a widespread support of the asswnp-
tions.
Growth Plan
President Frank
Burr said he
expects the
fmal report to
be approxi
mately a five
page summary
which will be
mailed to
island resi
dents. This
summary will
include specific
recommenda
tions from the
nine growth
plan subcom-
mittees. Once the fmal report is filed, Mr. Burr
said that the growth plan committee would be
disbanded.
The impact of the Growth Plan Committee's
work is already being felt with the planned
purchase of approximately 25 acres on North
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"Public opinion on the island is very uni-
form," said Mr. Burr. 'The assumptions are
unassailable. Not one person I have talked with
has thought any assumption was off base."
Mr. Burr said the Civic Association will
determine whether the fmal growth plan report
will have a great impact on Fishers Island or
simply gather dust.
"It is going to be up to the Civic
Association to keep it (the growth plan) alive,"
said Mr. Burr. "But I don't have the slightest
doubt that it will be a strong topic of conversa-
tion and action. It
"I have a high degree of confidence that
there will be a number of actions that are a
direct fallout of this growth plan."
For the first time, a consensus of opinion
has been created which Burr said will hopeful-
ly "make decision making better and less con-
tentious than it has been in the past."
In addition 10 the affordable housing plan,
Mr. Burr said he thinks that action resulting
from the growth plan could result in additional
year-round businesses on the island and
increased govenunent representation on Long
Island.
The growth plan committee was formed last
October by the Fishers Island Civic
Association. The committee was created out of
the belief that greater planning should be intro-
duced to help direct the Island's future.
Thirty one people worked on the nine
growth plan subcommittees. .
cJI==
Announces New Winter
Schedule for Fishers Island
--
FROM: Groton - New London
7;30 am Weekdays
3;45 pm Daily
To: Groton - New London
8: 15 am Weekdays
4;00 pm Daily
$15 per person for scheduled flights
ACTION AIR
Reservations I 203.488-1646
or 800-422-8623 (in CT)
800.2443.8623 (outside CTJ
F.I. 7747
Single and twin engine charter service avail-
able to destinations of your choice, including
New York City
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE (203-873-
1101)
Fish~n Island Gazett~ 16
News Briefs
TWO ACCIDENTS ON ISLAND
Two automobile accidents occurred on
Fishers Island this summe~ both within 24
hours of each other.
In the first accident. an unoccupied car was
struck from the rear and rammed tluough the
wall of a storage building owned by Tony
Marshall. The 1986 Chevrolet owned by
Eleanor Pawley was totalled in the accident.
Stephen A. Darling, 22, a resident of South
Portland, Maine, and a cook at The Pequot
House was charged by police with driving
while intoxicated,. operating at a speed not rea-
sonable and prudent. unlicensed operation of a
vehicle and having no auto insurance.
Police say that Mr. Darling was driving
home at about 4:40 A.M. on the morning of
Saturday, July 4, and failed to negotiate the
ninety degree right turn near the Fishers Island
Shopping Center. Mr. Darling suffered facial
lacerations when his car struck Pawley's
parked car.
The following day at 3:15 in the morning,
police say a car operated by Charles Sinclair,
17, of Fishers Island rolled over twice after
missing the turn near the 4th tee on the Hay
Harbor Golf Course. Although police say the
1977 Datsun was destroyed, neither the
Sinclair youth nor his three passengers were
injured. Police however charged young Sinclair
with driving while intoxicated and operating at
a speed not reasonable and prudent.
FIRE DESTROYS HOME
The home of Lambert "Mike" Javerla was
destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of
Saturday, August 22. The fire was termed the
most destructive one on Fishers Island in the
past five years.
The house, which is located on Hay Harbor
Ray near Seven Gables, was unoccupied at the
time of the fire. The alarm was sounded about
1 :30 in the morning. Fire Chief Bob Wall said
names were coming out of the two-story wood
house when firemen arrived. All hopes of sav-
ing at least part of the house dissolved when
frremen entered the home.
"When we went inside. we realized the
intensity of the heat," said Chief Wall. 'The flre
had spread underneath the living area. We real-
ized then that we could not probably save it."
Firemen remained on the scene for five
hours before the fire was finally extinguished.
No cause for the flTe could be determined
because of the total destruction to the house,
according to Chief Wall.
Chief Wall praised his crew for doing an
excellent job fighting the flTe.
LOCAL BOY SCOUTS
EXCEL AT CAMP
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Pack 18
Webelos Scouts, Brendan Smith, Michael Wall,
Kevin Doucette and Adam Heath represented
Fishers Island well at the Spring Webeloree.
Webelos leader Ron Gervais, volunteer dad
Bob Wall and Pack 19 attended the event on
.:,1 __-=
~~... "
~
April 25 and 26 at Camp Wakenah in Salem,
Connecticut. Under the "Outdoor Skills and
Appreciation" theme over 150 scouts partici-
pated in such activities as: an obstacle course,
rue building skills, wilderness survival, model
campsites and campfire cooking. The Webelos
won the following ribbons: first place for best
overall pack, first place in the bow and arrow
competition, second place in campsite inspec-
tion and, not surprisingly, first place for the
smallest group.
Other Scouting News
In May, Brendan Smith, Michael Wall "and
Kevin Doucette graduated from Webelos to
Boy Scouts. The three new scouts attended
BSA summer camp at Camp IN. Webster in
Ashford, Ct. during the week of July 19-25.
Brendan and Mikey earned merit badges in
First Aid and Basketry. They also completed
the Mile Swim. Kevin received a badge for
basketry. .
~
~-
c -J
(Credit: AI Gordon)
Cooking up th~ IuJmburg~rs and hot dogs for th~ 4th of July celebratiOfl ar~ (from left) Ernie Middleton
Jr.. Russ Megsio, Russell J/eath, and P~ler Dryer. Proceeds wenJ to l~ Fishers Island Fir~ Department.
Telephone 7528
OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 8:00-4:30
CATCH THE BOATING SPIRIT THIS SUMMER!
Nf; ~~.
_.AKER.\. FOUL '
'U\'\""\'Ilil",~_~ATHER c.~'AR' L.I~ Jfi6.KET~ . BOAT S~PPLlES"N1> ,t! _ '
,\:, ~~",.'!\'\'.\~~, ..~r.w ~\"~\'II.\\.\U\~ '
Now offering laser sailboats
Inquire about Pirates Cove's special Gifts for Christmas
Fish~n Island Gaz~ne 17
LARGE INCREASE
IN FERRY TRAFFIC
If you experienced an uneasy feeling this
summer that the ferries were more crowded
and the supermarket lines were longer than
usual. your suspicions were correct This June
and July saw the largest increase in both pas-
sengers and cars in the history of Fishers
Island. Statistics from the Fishers Island Ferry
District show that over 5000 more people and
over 1200 more cars traveled here in June and
July as compared to those same months last
year. And these numbers do not include trucks,
miscellaneous vehicles such as vans, and any
vehicle/passengers on a chartered nm, says
Phil Knauff. manager of the A Ferry District.
Why does it appear that more people are
coming to our island? Mr. Knauff offers a vari-
ety of reasons. Because' of the ongoing con-
struCtion on many homes, the demand for ser-
vices has increased, which attracts more work-
ers from off-island. These commuters swell the
early and late afternoon runs, but are not
enough to explain the hugh increase. The ferry
manager also cites the general aging of the
population as a reason for increased fares. As
the baby boomers age through the U.S. popula-
tion. a predictable rise in nwnbers follows.
Summer residences now often have three or
four generations visiting at the same time. His
third explanation, and perhaps the one for the
greatest community concern, is shared leasing.
Mr. Knauff believes, and many other residents
conc~ that renters, particularly in July, are
sharing leases with other families. Instead of a
family of five (and their friends and relatives
'"
"i'"
and attendants) perhaps moving here for a
month. four families of five and their
entourages move here for a week. This, of
course, is just theory. but Mr. Knauff is certain
that the extra people are "definitely not day-
trippers."
The district does not plan to significantly
change or add to their schedule. There will be
an additional nm this winter on President's Day
at noon. This summeI; Thursday afternoons
have been surprisingly busy, and the district
using the reservation system. He acknowledges
that the traffic often gets bottlenecked on the FI
side, and suggests that passengers and their
welcoming committees move quickly out of the
way as the boat nnloads, and that they also
remember that all traffic should travel south as
they leave the ferry.
In other Ferry district news, Mr. Richard
Baker was elected to a five-year term as a
Commissioner of the Fishers Island Ferry
District He ran unopposed and joins Chainnan
Chip DuPont, Ray Duyen.
Tom Doherty. and Jack
Evans on the board.
The revitalization of
downtown New London
could have a significant
impact on the future of the
A ferry slip. Although
nothing has been
finalized, the Ferry
Conunission is discussing
plans for a land swap with
the New London Develop-
ment Corporation. This
group would like to devel-
op the waterfront land from
City Pier south to Shaw's
Cove railroad bridge. The
plan hinges on their acquir-
ing our ferry slip and adja-
cent riparian rights, which
is almost 10 acres of land
Wlder the water. In exchange
for our land they would like to relocate us north
of City Pier in a facility that would be three
times larger than our current space. The poten-
tial swap is still in the early stages of negotia-
tions, and may not be fmalized for years.
(Credit: Al Gonion)
The American ugion color guard ~rformed at the 4th of July cer~mony.
From l~ft. Joe. Rogan, MallTu:e Dou.cett~. Sle'tl~ Mor~/l, LArry SJU~lds, Tom
Scroxlon and Ed Scroxlon.
has compensated by running two boats.
Sundays are "tmder control" according to Mr.
Knauff, because almost everyone has been
(Credit: AI Gordon)
Sima" Jam~'o"from Norfolk, England, lalh to Grace Burr during July 4lh cd~bration abowJ The
Fiuwortr crKLse sporssored by the Island Peoplu Projul.
~ ~)
Lara's Theme
interior design studio
SPECIALIZING IN:
Custom-
-Wall covering -draperies,
balloon. and roman shades. bed cov-
ering . reupholstery and slipcovers -
blinds, shades
and verticals
Fishers Island, New York
(516) 788-7075
Old Saybrook, Ct
(203) 388-9244
Laum G. Forgione
Interior Designer
Fishers Island Gal,ette 18
1
STUFFY HEAD COLD?
SINUS?
HAYFEVER?
DIAPER RASH?
CHAPPED HANDS?
or LIPS?
Keep RELIEF
as close as your medicine cabinet with...
':'i?II';fJ;.t~~i&7&~~~7: :J.~:i1~
.. o~.
~. '--~!
....~-;;~':.:~.~~:::.:#.,... '.
. '--i"o;;~iu~"
: ,..# #.'# ...J .-...:;....;,.;;::; ..;..::.~::;;:-:...:_L
BOROLEUM
sInce 1906
Guaranteed and prepared by
SINCLAIR PHARMACAL CO., INC.
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YDRK 06390
PRIVATE PROPERTY .
~ MEMBERS ONLY
STICKER) REOUIRED
ON ALL VEHICLES
NO MOTORCYCLES
(Credit: Charlie Morgan)
The annual repainting afVinal Curtis' guard house featured a slUIny yellow
IhelM compared K>ith last year's Valutine pink.
IPP TO LOOK INTO YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS
The Island People's Project (IPP) has been asked by the Civic
Association to form a committee to look into social and cultural needs
for year.round residents. According to Sissy Bul1e~ President of IPP, the
committee would ascertain whether residents in fact would like addition-
al activities during the winter months. Mrs. Buller says that possible pro-
jects could range from bus
trips to the CrysUll Mall for
shopping between
Thanksgiving and Christmas,
to movies at the school, to a
trip to the circus. Although
there is as yet no formal com-
mittee, Mrs. Buller hopes to
appoint committee members at
the IPP Board meeting, which
will be held at the school on
October 10, at 9:30 A.M.
In other IPP news, 53 chi!.
dren participated in the full
summer program with several
additional children taking part
in the Red Cross Service pro.
gram only. The Craft Shop
closed this past summe~ due to
a lack of volunteers. The annu.
at Halloween Costume Party
for children will be held on
October 31 at 6:00 P.M. at the
school.
THE STUDIO
PAINTINGS
BY
NANCY S. YERKES
Opposite Firehouse
For Information 7538
or
212-876-1303
r
" .
Fishus Island Gazelle 19
.~ -:r- 1-'
"!
Around the To w n
with Ann Walsh Anthony
The event this sununer was the wedding.
Not just one wedding, but 12 weddings!
The season began in early May when
Bobby Coleman and Lizzie Henderson were
married in Oyster Bay on May 2. Alan
Thibodeau and Diane Silva were married on
Fishers on May 9. Rose Harvey and Gaines
Gwathmey exchanged vows in Baltimore the
same weekend.
June was a particularly busy month for the
Fishers Island clergy. Ellen Harvey and Tad
Sperry were married June 13. Liz Peck and
Mark Spcrry (no relation to Tad) were married
June 20. On the same day. up the hill at the
Catholic church, Jan Rogan and Glenn
Edwards tied the knot. Ann Walsh married Bob
Anthony on June 27. Imagine all that on
Fishers Island in one month!
On June 6 in BamardsvilIe, New Jersey,
Mary Hotchkiss married Ned Harvey. Carrie
Brown and Beck Lee were married on June 13
in Louisville, Kentucky.
July gave us a wedding reprieve. But the
wedding pace resumed immediately on August
I, when Bobby Evans and Louisa Parkinson
were married in Cold Spring Harbor. Elizabeth
(Libbcts) Yerkes married Alan Goldstein on
August 7. Elsie White and Mike Miller were
married on September 12 on Fishers Island.
New Arrivals: This summer found the
Harris Parsons family awaiting not one but two
newcomers. The waiting was over for Ged and
Kathy Parsons on August 30 with the arrival of
Charles Bateman (7Ibs. 11 ozs.). Reyn and
Emily are the parents of the second Parsons
grandson Luke Reynolds (Bibs, 20zs.) born on
Sept. 4. The presses were stopped to report the
birth in mid.September of Liza Hadley Rauch
in La Jolla. California. Liza is l.he daughter of
fonner Island residents Bill and Jennifer
Rauch.
(Around The Town has been added as a reg-
ular feature in the Gazette as a means of keep-
ing Fishers Islanders in touch. This time, we
sought out the news. In the future, if you would
like to report a binh. a wedding, a career
change, drop us a line at the Gazeue, Box 464,
Fishers Island, N.Y. 06390. attention Ann
Walsh Anthony.
Evelyn Clarke Honored
Evelyn Clarke was awarded a plaque this
summer by the F.I. Civic Association in recog-
nition of her 15 years as coordinator of the
Blue CrosslBlue Shield program on Fishers
Island. Evelyn is being succeeded by Carla
Heath.
Support Gazette advertisers !!
Thank advertisers for their sup.
port of the Gazette by patronizing
their stores and companies.
(Credit: Charlie Morgan)
Father Edward Wisnuki delivers a prayer during the dedication of a plaque at the Fishers Island
Firehouse in memory of Peter Sanger. The ceremony tooJcplace on Memorial Day.
MURRAY FISHER WINS
LIBRARY ESSAY CONTEST
WITH "GOLF BALLS"
Two summers ago at Fishers, my cousin,
Philip Rccd and I were selling golfballs at the
end of our road near the Beach Club. We had
been doing this for a
long time in past sum-
mers. What we did was
go into the 18-hole
area and look for golf-
balls. We then priced
them. according to
quality. Sometimes. if
there aren't many balls
in that area, we would
have to look elsewhere.
Today we decided to
look in the marsh pond
at the 5th-hole. We had
done this before with
good luck together, but lhis time there was only
time for one of us to do it. I volunteered to go
there while he looked for golfballs somewhere
else.
1 walked throu,gh the tall weeds to get to the
pond. Looking around I saw geese, ducks. and
GOLFBALLS. I took a slep onto the grass and
it sort of sunk. So I quickly threw my shoes off.
I ran around getting balls by the millions. Soon
I had gotten about 20 balls on the grass and I
put them in the bucket. Now it was time for the
water. I took a step into it and sunk about 10
inches. I sloshed out and sunk my other foot in.
',~ --- .'
Ii (
-..-,
-
'-..
)
MURRAY FISHER
There was a golfball! I slowly moved forward
and picked it up. It was a beauty. I looked
deeper and saw another golfball, and anolhcr
and anothe~ and so on. I was so excited that I
went quickly towards them, not realizing that I
was sinking at each step. When I reached the
last ball I could get I was at my thighs in mud.
I tried to move but I sunk even further and fur-
ther. The more I moved the further I sunk. until
I was at my lowest rib! I screamed to Philip,
"Help Philip. I'm stuck!"
He is a real jokester so he just said.
"Oh _ Murray," laughing.
"Really. Philip, I swear, just come look."
"Nice try Murray," he chuckled.
"Philip, Helllppp!!!"
"Okay, Okay, just quiet down. Here I
come."
So he looked over into the pond and started
to laugh.
"Philip come get me out!"
He stiUlaughed. Then he stopped laughing.
He saw that I really did need help. So he ran
down, threw off his shoes and came to me. He
reached out his hand and I grabbed it. Then he
started to pull hard. ... We pulled until we both
went splat into the mud and water. We were (1
was) out!! But we were nothing but mud. and
golfballs! .
(EnlranLS were asked to write an essay about
a memorable Fishers Island experience. Murray
Fisher's essay was selected the best submission
by a committee of library judges.)
Mainland Students Enter
Fishers Island School
Four students from Connecticut have
enrolled in the Fishers Island school this year.
The students wiJI all be entering the high
school grades, and they come from Norwich.
MontviJIe and New London.
The students will commute to the school
each day by feny.
These are the nrst students to respond to a
Fishers Island campaign initiated last spring to
increase enrollment by attracting pupils from
the mainland. The school has about 50 students.
which does not allow for sufficient class size.
Principal Tom Roy said he is pleased by the
number of additional students and added that
he expects more in the future.
'We feel we offer a strong high school pro.
gram,"' Dr. Roy said. "It should be noted also
that a New York state high school regents
diploma is thought highly of in most circles of
higher education," he said
The students pay tuition and will not
require additional tax dollars, Dr. Roy said. No
curriculum changes will be made to accommo.
date these students, he added.
Although meeting initial success in attract-
ing students from the mainland. another strate-
gy to increase school enrollment does not
appear feasible. Town Supervisor Frank
Murphy said last spring he would investigate
the possibility of getting more military person-
nel with families stationed on the island. Mr.
Murphy said this sununer that military officials
have since indicated that this would not be pos-
sible.
",' " r
:G/1Z1--71'F
Fishers Island Civic Assn.
Fishers Is., New York 06390
NEW TEACHERS AT SCHOOL
The PI School is looking forward to seeing
some new faces on the staff this year. Sis
Matthiessen joins the faculty as a full-time spe_
cial education teacher. In addition. three spe_
cialists join us on a part-time basis: Leslie
Tombari as Occupational Therapist, Anna Mae
Burr as Teacher of the Visually Impaired and
Heidi Ross as Mobility Specialisl
(Credit: Dick Edwards)
At right, The Fuhenlsland School yearbook was
dedicated this past year to school secretary Mary
Pankjewicz. Hue she receiw:s the awardfrom grad.
uating seniors Matt Gada (1.) and Ricky lt1tSsen (r.)
at the June graduation ceremony.
"
.
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..
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"
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~ " ", : "
,
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......
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(Credit: Dick Edwards)
Two osprey chicks about one month old huddle together in nest near The Castle at the East
End of island.
US POSTAGE
PAID
FISHERS IS. NY
06390
Pennit #4