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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 Vol 5 No 1 February FISHERS ISLAND hS;(ff-,e.5 /SCAn/D r/cL: I $2 at I N('VI'.\.\1mul Vol. 5 No.1 A Fishers Is/and Civic Association Publication February, 1991 By Dan Gordon Firemen Approve Purchase of a New Seastretcher The Fishers Island Fire Department has contracted with a Maine shipbuilder to design and build a replacement for the Seastretcher ambulance boat. The cost for building and outfitting the new 42-foot boat is expected to be $250,000. The new boat, which will also be called Seastretcher, is expected to be de- livered in late summer and should be placed into service shortly afterwards, said Fire Chief Tom Doherty. Workers started pour- ing the hull in February. The fire department awarded the contract for the new boat to Duffy & Duffy Inc. ofBrooklin, Maine, in early Novem- ber after the contract had been unani- mously approved by the department membership, said Mr. Doherty. "It (the new Seastretcher) is a heav- ier boat," said Mr. Doherty. "It can go out in any weather. With the present Seas- tretcher, in major seas, it could have pre- sented a danger. "This new boat is more suitable for heavy weather." As a full displacement vessel, the new Seastretcher will be able to plough through rough seas instead of planing over the water. It has a "Maine-style" hull which is used by many Maine lobstennen because it handles so well in rough seas, Mr. Doherty said. The new Seastretcher will also have a cabin which is about 50 percent larger than the cabin on the present boat. She will also be slightly faster than the existing Seastretcher and will be pnwered by twin 3208 Caterpillar diesel engines. Cruising speed will be about 22 knots with top speed reaching about 26 knots. Mr. Doherty said he expects the new Seastretcher to be in service for at least 30 years. The fire department has already raised $180,000 in pledges, and is still soliciting funds to pay fnr the new boat. The existing Seastretcher, which was donated to the department about 12 years ago after being a sport fishing boat, will be put up for sale as soon as the new boat is put into service. Mr. Doherty said. The search for a new Seastretcher began this past summer when a number of local donors offered to buy a boat from Islander Jonathan Barres as a replacement for the existing boat. A replacement committee was then established to deter- MAR '25 199\ mine what the most suitable replacement should be. The committee investigated the Baeres boat as well as other used boats, new sport fishing boats and Maine style full displacement boats, Mr. Doherty said. "We thought the market for used boats would be softer than it is," said Mr. Doherty. "As far as the sport fishing boats, they have a problem with planing." The fire department selected the DuffY & Duffy boat over Mr. Barres' boat be- cause it wa..c;; only slightly more expensive. and would have "everything new;' said Mr. Doherty. _._.,ft!!.~r"._C._"'._I.~.!o_....hLQ.. __, ..."'eo.....!"'.,. ~_L. top "'T_ ,., ~><=-... ..~ "........... .-.,0 .......'{-, ~... ..,. cutl',,\~,-,....:;. r.~...........c:. ~eol":~'''.''''"'''-'-' ,. ::..::.....~.":>..I,;"::._t> C T _ <ti.P;;:f,J1t-- I~ ;~~cl~:fj T CD~(~ b lL.:~-:;'l ~_w. ............~.... _ _..._; -="~~=~.--'~ L _...... ._"r...... .," _.........,..--7 . .Cl[-~:\, 'l;-~"';I""';,~ ..=.;.,7 . l_j Q r: L pJ(f,..1 ~ fb ':0"" 'Ilj ,,,' c"S ':o_,::,,~ ,.._;...":~~,==--==.:;:.~ ~:~~~~~._~:o:=-.2:_'~~~~::7~"::-~~'-~~::~=~~'-~~ It preliminary drawing oJme new ambulance boat was sent to the Fishers Island Fire Department by the manufacturu Duffy &: Duffy oj Brooklin, Maine. The "'Maine slyle. hull is designed to give the boat stability in rough seas. 2 Fishers IskJn.Q GazeUe Dear Editor: Now that we are nearing the end of another year, I am pleased to provide you and your readers with a summary of the Sanger Fund's activities during 1990. The Sanger Fund made a substantial grant towards the renovation of the Fishers Island Library. In view of the historic significance ofthe library (built in 1883 as the Island's first school). the committee agreed it was important to help preserve this fine old building. In response to a request from the Henry L. Ferguson Museum. the Sanger Fund donated funds to help pay the salary of a "preparator" to set up the archeologi- cal exhibitions in the new Indian Room. On Sunday, October 9, the dedication of this new wing was held. The Fishers Island Conservancy requested a grant for the Generic Environ- mental Impact Study and the Sanger Committee made a substantial award for this important project. The Sanger Fund donated money for 15 monitoring units for F ISH (Fishers Island Seniors Hotline) at the request of Su I..eUers on Page J J Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Emergency Medical Team for answering my call on the night of August 30th, and carrying me across the water to the hospital in New London. It was the most efficient perform- ance, and the most caring one, that I could possible imagine. Starting with Cathy Jensen, guiding the doctor to my house. Their follow-through was fantastic, including a long delay in emergency in the hospital, in x-ray, and in diagnosis, result- ing in a broken pelvis. I was sad to bid the team goodbye, sometime later, that night. Whoever ran the engine in the" Sea- Stretcher" did a perfect job; never a hesi- tation in the revolution of the motor. (I did not know anyone could do that but Peter Sanger!) We could have sneaked up to lee- ward, on a swordfish, lolling on the sur- face. With my grateful thanks, Affectionately yours, Virigina Wall OLDRIDGE " :- ,~ ,- -, o' , . . ~rrl'l"j' (fist"" CO;''''''ICII' S"11t ,9U LEDYARD 0 NORWICH 0 EAST LYME 0 COLUMBIA 206 BOSTON POST RD. EAST LYME. CONN. 06333 TEL: 739-8397 Rle_ 117 P.O. BOX 29. LEDYARD CENTER LEDYARD. CONN. 06339 Telephone: Area Code 203-464-8400 WEEKLY DELIVERIES TO NEW LONDON FERRY Your every gardening need: Evergreens. Fertilizers. Tools. Insecticides. Mulches. Fruit. and Shade Trees. ~(~"") ~a Dear Editor: On behalf of the board of Walsh Park Benevolent Corporation, I would like to thank the Fishers Island Community for their attendance and support at the August 25th, Walsh Park dedication and 3rd an- nual golf tournament. The dedication ceremony was the culmination of three years of incredible cooperation at the State, County, Town and most importantly community levels. We were especially moved by the words of Kandi Rutherford and Annette Walsh. In acknowledging all of the wonder- ful island support, I neglected to mention the Fishers Island Ferry District. The District has been incredibly efficient and supportive of our efforts. Our thanks to the Commissioners, Phil Knauff and Mark Easter. Sincerely yours, Frank W. Burr The Fishers Island Gazette is a not-for-profit publication sponsored by the Fishers Island Civic Association. The Gazelle is published four times a year in February, May, August, and November. Editors: Dan & Sally Gordon Associate Editors: John Brim, Krysia Bereday, Rick Moody Reporters: Annie Burnham, Mary Roberts, Tom Patterson, David Burnham, Carol Ridgway Sports Editor: John Peishoff Photographers: Dick Edwards, Al Gordon, Charlie Morgan, Dan Estab. rooks, Ann Hanes, Bill Furse Controller and Circulation Manager: Bob Anthony The Fishers Island Gazelle, Box 573, Fishers Island, N. y, 06390 Telephone number: (516) 788- 5506. Flshen lslilnd Gaz.eUt 3 Tom Doherty Wins Re-Election as Island Fire Chief In a rare contested election, Fire Chief Tom Doherty edged former chief Bob Wall by a narrow margin for the top position in the Fishers Island Fire Depart- ment. Thevote was 19 to 17 in favor of Mr. Doherty in the election which was held December 13. Only Fishers Island fire- men were eligible to vote. The term for fire chief is one year. Mr. Doherty succeeded Mr. Wall as firechiefin 1988afterMr. Wall decided to step down after 15 years at the post. The election for fire chief is rarely contested. In fact, Mr. Wall said this was the first race for the fire chief's position he could recall since joining the department almost 30 years ago. Mr. Wall said he ran for the fire chiers position because he was concerned about the training being provided the fire- men. "There was nothing personal against Tom" said Mr. Wall. "I just thought that 1 could do a better job training the depart- ment. This has bothered me since I gave it (the fire chief's position) up." Tom Doheny Mr. Wall said he plans on running for the fire chiefs position next year. Mr. Doherty said he was pleased with the result. "The firemen have spoken," Mr. Doherty said when asked for a comment following the election. - ---. I , ,~. - ...... ~ J ~ '<:>- 'I I'" I d - Bob Wall In other uncontested fire district elections, Wayne Doucette was picked 1st assistant chief to succeed Dick Hale who retired from the post. Dave Denison was elected second assistant chief and John Doucette was elected captain. Island Contractors Getting Hammered by Recession By Annie Burnham The Fishers Island construction in- dustry entered 1991 at a slow pace. Com- pared with the 1980s business is terrible, says Tom Shillo, owner ofZ&S Construc- tion. "It is easily the worst it's been in 5 or 6 years." Tony Marshall, owner of Bouton Construction sums up business in a few words: "It's going down the tubes." John Gada was equally pessimistic about the level of construction on the Is- land. The oonstroction busin= is the "worst I've ever seen." Mr. Gada said he has laid off 40 percent of his work force, and many of the remaining empoyees are working four-day weeks. "It's noljust the economy," Mr. Gada said. "There are other factors involved. The Island people are not supporting the Island contractors. And I mean the civic association and FIDCO. They don't give a damn about us. They just don't seem to understand. "People are hiring off Island con- tractors who register their trucks in new York state but don't pay sales tax because they live in Connecticut. That makes for unfair competition. "We need their (seasonal residents) support, especially during these times. If wedon'tget it, there won't be any thing left except an Island of caretakers run by some security company from the mainland. " In 1989 the Town of South old Build- ing Department recorded 52 permits is- sued for additions and various construc- tion and 16 for new dwellings. Twelve of these new dwellings were Walsh Parle homes built by Connecticut Valley Homes. In 199033 permits were issued for additions and various construction and only 2 for new dwellings. So far in 1991 only I permit has been issued for an addition. When asked about any jobs that have been placed on hold due to the economy, Paul Job of Bluewater Construction knew of one large two story addition but also added that the owner gave no specific reason for the delay. Shillo added that he knew of quite a few houses that were in the design stage but none whose owner had decided to go ahead. The Fishers Island Develop- ment Corporation has plansfor a new build- ing on the Big Club golf course but has delayed work until spring. "Right now it's mostly maintenance and only enough to keep a skeleton crew" says Mr.Marshall. Necessary layoffs have occurred but contractors are exhibiting a wait and see attitude. The construction business "runs in a cycle and you get to know the cycle" says Mr. Job, adding that in light of the world situation the next few weeks may give us an indication of what the future will bring. "It is a re-occurring cycle and we'll just have to wait and see what happens. " Support Gazette Advertisers...It's Good Business Bob Calhoun Appointed President of FIDCO [-0- r I 4 Fishers lsumd Gaz.eUt By Mary Roberts Bob Calhoun was elected President of Fishers Island Development Corpora- tion (FIDCO) by the Board of Directors August31. The one year term is tradition- ally extended for a longer period of time. Mr. Calhoun replaces Bill Ridgway who assumes the newly created job of Chair- man. HI will function in an advisory ca- pacity," Mr. Ridgway explained. "Since 1 am in daily contact with the Island, I can help work with ongoing issues." Mr. Calhoun is a Managing Partner of First Boston Corporation, New York City, and lives in Greenwich, Ct. FIDCO is a privately owned com- pany, with 122 shareholders. It is the largest landowner on Fishers Island, own- ing the Fishers Island Country Club prop- erty, about 60 building sites on the East End, and the Marina property at West Harbor. It is also a large shareholder of the Bob Calhoun Utility company and the Water Works Company. "Until now, FIDCO has been a pas- sive caretaker," Mr. Calhoun said. "To change this, we will put out a brochure on FIDCO explaining its activities. We also hope to broaden its shareholder base by selling more stock," he explained. t~Any property owner can buy stock, and we hope to interest more owners. .. "In the past, FIDCO has sold build- ing lots to raise money," Mr. Calhoun said. HOur policy now is no more land sales. .. According to recent financial fig- ures, this means that FIDCO will depend on lease payments on the Country Club and Marina properties, maintenance charges on East End roads, and dividends from it stock holdings, to raise funds. "A big question is, whatisFIDCO's role and should it become more active?" Mr. Calhoun asked. "Perhaps it should take a role in politics by working with the Town of Southold, or become a leader in environmental issues and interact with the Conservancy. .. FIDCO...How It Works: An Interview with Bob Calhoun By Dan Gordon The Fishers Island Development Corporation has been a powerful, but quiet, presence on Fishers Island since it was formed just before World War 11. FIDCO owns an extensive amount of real estate primarily on the East End of the Island, but has holdings on the West End as well. It owns the land on which two of the Island's more important organiza- tions, the Fishers Island Club and the Fish- ers Island Yacht Club, are located. FIDCO seems to have a say in almost every major development on the Island. Yet FIDCO has been such a private institution that many Islanders wonder how it operates. New FIDCO chairman Bob Calhoun said it was never the intention ofFIDCO to be secretive. "It was more the style of the indi- viduals (who ran FIDCO)," said Mr. Calhoun. In an effort to improve communica- tion, Mr. Calhoun said a questionnaire is being mailed to property owners on the East End of the Island and corporation stockholders asking questions on how the coropany can better serve the Island. In addition, he is planning on mailing out annual reports to company stockholders. Mr. Calhoun also outlined the ac- tivities of FIDCO in an interview with the Gazette. HThere are four divisions that make up FIDCO," said Mr. Calhoun. "The biggest division is the ownership of real estate. .. FIDCO owns 225 acres which are split up into 61 building lots. "We have not sold any lots for the last eight or nine years," he said, "and never will again. " In addition, FIDCO has extensive controls on all property on the East End of the Island through the restrictive cove- nants placed in all property deeds. Any construction on the East End of the Island must be approved by FIDCO's building commi ttee. The second major role of FIDCO is to act as a lessor to the Fishers Island Club and Fishers Island Yacht Club, said Mr. Calhoun. The yacht club lease is more complicated because most of that parcel is actually leased to Pirate's Cove Marina which has an agreement with the yacht club to manage the property, according to Mr. Calhoun. The leases on the two parcels are three years in duration with options to extend. Mr. Calhoun would not disclose the financial specifics of the two leases, but said they are under review and hinted that increases in lease payments lie ahead. From the 1950's until the 1970's, the Fishers Island Club ran at a deficit and and was subsidized by FIDCO. "We subsidized the club during that period," Mr. Calhoun said. "Today, the club is much more pros- perous than FIDCO. It is a healthy organi- zation. "Now is a different era. All eco- nomic relationships are up for review. We are going to be looking closely at the club and the marina. " The third role played by FIDCO is its partial ownership of Fishers Island utili- ties. FIDCOowns 60 percent of the Water Works and 49 percent of both the Island Electric Coropany and Telephone Com- pany. The remainder of the stock is owned by private individuals, said Mr. Calhoun. FIDCO has been paying increasing attention to the Water Works in trying to detennine the quality and quantity of Is- land water. See F1DCD on Page 12 '-I r- - - FIShers Island GaUUt 5 . P- J' (fi : ' f " . I Belly Flop! Pilol Wes Stowes suffered nothing more than a bruised ego when heforgollo lower the landing gear when heflew into Elizabeth Airport on Fishers Island on October 27. Police say Mr. Stowes a/New Haven was Slopping on Fishers Is/and to pick up two passengers en rOUlefrom ConnecticuIIO Long Island. but neglected 10 put the landing gear down. 71le plane suffered minor damage. Ken Edwards Jr. looks on. (Photo credit: Charlie Morgan) Ferry Employee Volunteers For Service in the Persian Gulf Ferry district employee Bill Toivonen is spending this winter in the Persian Gulf after volunteering to serve on a merchant marine vessel there. Mr. Toivonen. 21. who isajuniorat the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, is making runs from Amsterdam to Saudi Arabia aboard the American supply ship I st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. The duty began in late December and is expected to last until March. The Uncasville, Ct., resident has worked on the Fishers Island ferry for the past five summers in various duties includ- ing deckhand, purser. Having recently obtained his captain's license, he has also piloted the ferry occasionally. His father, ferry purser Arnold Toivonen, said his son flew to Europe on December 21 and called from Amsterdam on Christmas Day. "He sounded good," the elder Mr. Toivonen said. uHe wasn't nervous. He was looking forward to it. " The first shipload out of Amsterdam consisted of 30 Bradley tanks and ammu- ~ Bill Toivonen nition and supplies for the soldiers, ac- cording to the elder Mr. Toivonen. The ship Lt. Baldomero Lopez will make a number of runs between Amsterdam and Saudi Arabia before the younger Mr. Toivonen's assignment ends. "Bill will be taking deck watches," said his father. "He will assist in the navigation. " The duty abroad is part of a work study program at the Massachusetts Mari- time Academy in Buzzard's Bay, Mass. Mr. Toivonen was one of only eight in the academy's junior class to volunteer for duty in the Persian Gulf. "I think this is good experience for him," said the elder Mr. Toivonen. "All those years on the Fishers Island Sound, I think he knew there was a bigger ocean out there." Arnold Toivonen said in early January he has "mixed feelings" about his son's duty. "I don't know what is going to happen," he said. "I hope it ends in peace because war is hell." Mr. Toivonen is a 20-year Navy vet- eran himself and served on submarines during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Mr. Toivonen said his son wants to make a career out of the merchant marine. 6 FIsh", J,/Qnd Ga<dU New Police Chief Appointed for the Town of Southold Southold has a new police chief. Stanley Droskoski, a 26-year veteran of the Soutbold Police Department, took over tbe post January 2 ,succeeding long-time police cbief Daniel Winters wbo retired after 34 years on tbe force. '"This is a dream come true for me, " said ChiefDroskoski. "I consider myself very fortunate. This is something I have always aspired to. " CbiefDroskoski, 57, who is known as "Stash", is a life-long resident of the East End of Long Island, and worked his way up in the department from patrolman, to detective, to sergeant, to lieutentant and finally to chief. The Southold Police Department now numbers 44 full-time officers and includes tbe two part-time constables on Fishers Island. Besides the two constables on the Island, the town police department occa- sionally sends detectives to Fishers Island for criminal investigations. Last year, the Southold Police Department indicated that it might send police officers to Fishers Island randomly over the winter months to check for speeding. However, Chief Droskoski said these checks have not taken place because complaints about speeding have not been received. ChiefDroskoski said he has worked closely with Chief Winters in recent years and any changes in the department would be subtle ones. Chief Droskoski said that he has M , ~ I ~'- .. . ~ ;>~ Chi~fDanid WinUr.s- at his d~skjUSI before retiring. visited Fishers Island a few times when he was a detective in the department and was investigating cases. Former chief Winters, 58, was rec- ognized by the Southold Town Board at its December 11 meeting. The board passed a resolution in appreciation for Mr. Win- ters years of service. "Many times fellows hang on, and hang on, and don't have time to enjoy their remaining years, not that I'm going to die (Photo credit: Judy Ahrens, Suffolk TImes) tomorrow. II Mr. Winters said at the town board meeting. "But I was doing a bit of calculating today.. .and I think my pay checks have been signed by nine different supervisors. That's quite a record, I think." New chief Droskoski followed for- mer chief Winters in his remarks to the town board. "I feel I have to thank the town board for offereing me an opportunity to fill the Su Chit Ion page 14 Garbage Commissioners Decide on Scaled-down Transfer Station The Fishers Island garbage commis- sioners have decided to proceed with the construction of a scaled-down transfer station. Garbage commissioner Jim Han- cock said that the project will depend on public approval of a referendum to allow the garbage district 10 lease approximately 1.5 acres from the ferry district at the west end of the fort area for use as the transfer station site. The referendum scheduled for late January is expected to be approved. Mr. Hancock said he hopes to begin construction of the transfer station shortly after the referendum, and to have the work completed during the summer. The transfer station which is ex- pected to cost about $200,000 would be significantly scaled down from the ap- proximately $500,000 transfer station proposed earlier by the garbage commis- sioners. Mr. Hancock described the station as a big garbage compacter that would sit in the open air on a concrete slab. Road work and grading would have to be per- formed on the sile as well as the installa- tion of electrical service. A small opera- tor's house would also be required. The earlier version called for an enclosed facility which would have housed the compacting units. "The previous situation was too expensive:' said Mr. Hancock. "The previous one needed a building to comply with FAA regulations since it was near the airport." The current transfer site is about a half mile from the airport and does not need FAA approval, he said. Mr. Hancock said the garbage com- missioners are still seeking funding for the project from the Town of Southold, but will proceed even without that funding. The large garbage compacters will be lransported to a landfill in Connecticut, not Long Island, as had been planned ear- lier. "It's less expensive, "Mr. Hancock said. "There is also the time element. It would take too long shipping the garbage on two ferries. " The new transfer station will be put Su Garbage on Page 12 Fishers Islilnd GazeUt 7 Incumbents Win Re-election in November Vote I II The incumbents won convincing victories in state and federal elections on the East End of Long Island this fall. Congressman George Hochbrueckner, who had won his first two-elections to office by razor-thin margins, found the going much easier the third time. The Democratic incumbent defeated Republican Frank Creighton 73,709 votes to 45,431 with Conser- vative Clayton Baldwin Jr. trailing with 6,997 votes. In state-wide races, Republican Assemblyman Joseph Sawicki Jr. won a fifth term in office by defeating his Democratic chal- lenger Allen Smith 22,298 votes to 10,8\3. In a heated race for the state Senate, Kenneth LaValle, a Republican, overwhelmed Democratic challenger Sherrye Henry 50,882 votes to 26,815. Because of the district's 2-1 Republican enrollment, Mr. Hochbrueckner's hold on his congressional seat has been tenuous. However, Mr. Creighton entered the race at a late date after other Republican challengers backed out of the contest. Mr. Creighton was never able to make up for his late start and lack of name recognition. Assemblyman Sawicki in accepting the victory on the election night of November 6 said, "I guess this means the people are truly satisfied with their representatives in Albany." He commended his opponent former Riverhead Supervisor Smith for running "the most gentlemanly race on Long Island" and for being a "formidable and forthright opponent." The goodwill was not so evident over at the headquarters of state Senator Ken La Valle. Challenger Henry, a former New York City talk show host, had irritated Mr. LaValle with her steady attacks on the state senator's performance. In local elections, Republican Darlene Duffy outpolled Democrat Robert Kull for a one.year term on the town Board of Assessors while Republican Scott Russell defeated Democrat Rosemary McCanUsh 3,615 to 2,919 for a three-year term. Recycling Program to Accept Plastics I I The Island recycling program is expected to accept plastics beginning in the spring, according to Jim Hancock, chairman of the Island Garbage and Refuse Commission. The garbage district initiated the recycling program last spring accepting bottles, cans and paper products, but not plastics. FISHERS ISLAND GAZETIE Subscription Form Name Address City, State, Zip Renew Your Subscription Today! Only $12 Gets You Four Great Issues! Fishers Island Gazette, BOX 573 Fishers Island, New York 06390 Joe Sawicki addressing his supponers on election nighl. (PhOIO credit: Judy Ahrens, Suffolk Times) However, the Town of Groton has agreed to accept recycled plastic bottles and certain containers. said Mr. Hancock. The plastic items will probably be allowed to be comingled with bottles and cans in one of the dumpsters by the ferry dock, said Mr. Hancock. Brooke Services A personalized landscaping service 142 Thames St., Groton, CT 06340 (203) 446-8268 1- 8 FlShtT'S lslo.nd Gaz.eUe Fishers Island Profile on.... Vinal Curtis Lara's Theme interior design studio SPECIALIZING IN: C.../om- .Wall covering .draperi.... balloon and roman .hade. . bed <ov- ering .. reupholstery and oIipcove.. . blindo, .had... and vertical. By Rick Moody Though he is known mainly for his congenial presence at a particular traffic junction on Fishers Island, Vinal Curtis is more than a mere security force. I thought it might be worth a look at the man behind the Vinal Curtis legend, and so I visited with Mr. and Mrs. Curtis on the day after Thanksgiving. a rainy, gloomy day which they were spending like many Islanders: reading and watching television. I was the lucky one. Igotoutofthehouse. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis had to sit still to answer ques- tions about their lives. Vinal Curtis is a warm, unassuming man when he's out of his khaki uniform. Much about him suggests his native state- .he's from Easton, Maine near Presque Isle about six miles from the Canadian border. The Curtis home is decorated in the modest, unpretentious style of cabin in the woods-though they live on the water, down by the Ferry dock--and the day I spoke with him, Vinal was dressed in flannel and denim. He resembled a logger on an afternoon break. Mr. Curtis is not heartbroken about having left behind the northern climate, where he visited two weeks before our conversation (he goes back to do a little hunting each fall), to find close to a foot of snow already fallen. When I asked whether it was as cold there as they say, Vinal replied only "it's Maine." The Curtises left there in 1949 for Florida, where Vinal was trucking for a living. They moved back Down East after a time. however. and it was then, through an advertiserrent placed by the late Henry Walsh in the Ban20f Dailv News that Me. Curtis first learned of Laura G. Forgione Interior DemJller ~ ~ Old Saybrook, Ct (203) 388-9U< /- . , Vinal CurTis outside his place of business during an off-season visil. (PhOlO credil: Dick Edwards) Fishers Island. After responding to the ad for a caretaker on the island, he heard nothing for several weeks, until Walsh called to offer him the job. "Before I accepted, though, I told him he beller tell me where Fishers Island was." VinaHook the job in 1965, luring his wife, Alphonsina, over with the promise of an island shopping center. Mrs. Curtis observed that if she could have "gotten a boat back first thing, I would have. ., Vinal worked as a caretaker at Treasure Pond, first for the Kirklands, who owned the house there. and later, when it changed hands, for Mrs. Gray. After a time, how- ever. the Curtises decided to return to their home state, and it was after this decision had been made that in 1981, Tom Doherty first told Vinal about the job at the Fishers Island Country Club gate. The rest--a smile and a wave, pri- marily--is history. In his way, Vinal has made a mark on island life. My recollec- tion from the last decade is of a steady stream of somewhat feckless gatekeepers, Su Vinal on Page 9 Q :~ ~='"S-[[" 'E':"'~'~"i '. '. '''.'. ./. r'" ell" . ...... . ". ':,- 9.' ,. leU" ,'~ so. . ( ]i~'CIDD'!/ ;1) & CATERING Traditional. Social. & Corporate Catenng With Quality Staff. Personalized Menus. & Untorgettable Alfalrs ASk About Our Theme Pames MYSTIC 536.1244 NEw LONDON JJJ.050J Fillben UJand, New York. (516) 788-7076 Cetebrallng 10 Years 01 Catering Service To SE. Conn. NY & Rl Fishtrs Island Gaz.eUe 9 ... ~j "-. ... \ Childrerafrom the Our Lady of Grace religion class held a sing.along concen wilh [sland senior citizens on December 19 allhe church rectory. ~BraxlOn ~ Hanes after a sl4ccessful day oj retrieving at the Fishers Island Club golf course. Vinal Continl4edfrom Page 8 most of them young men who did and didn't show for work, depending on surf and other pressing factors. In the nine years since he took over, however, Vinal has brought a dependability to the post. Wanting to know all the angles on hisjob. I asked what Vinal's approach was to the detennined scofflaw--that outsider who just must get to the club. He remarked that "If anyone got real snotty, I'd call in the state trooper. " Fortunately, there haven't been many such trespassers. Pressing the point, though, I wondered what would happen if someone really wanted to get past. "They go in," Vinal said, ""I know they got to come back sooner or later." The security problems that Vinal routinely faces are lower level. Bicyclists, mainly. Cars without stickers are usually forgetful locals: "Lots of times they put off the stickers a little too long." One or two times a year. however. Vinal gets a motorist who "comes up to the gate to ask how to get on the L.I.E." Down East storytelling? He insists it's true. In any case, this is the very kind of story that proves how good V inal Curtis isat the affability part of his job. Enduring a veriu.ble red tide of bad paint jobs on his guardhouse (and he remembers them all, too. including the one, more than a decade ago, in which a boat was affixed to the roof of the guardhouse, and in the boat was entrapped some sort of monkey--though he is relieved by the confinement of these rogue decorators now to H.O.G. week- end), he is still a relaxed and friendly supervisor to the club's gate. At age 76, Vinal Curtis does not believe in retirement. During the winter months when the guard house is closed. he is a professional house painter. Though Mr. and Mrs. Curtis show no real inclination to go "back up where I ~ it's warm"--to Maine, they are still not certain, either, that they have settled on Fishers Island for good. Still, while we have them, we are lucky. It is a rare thing. the accessible public official with a good sense of humor. We Need Your Help! Send the Gazette Your Story Ideas! Vinal Cunis relaxing at home on a winter's day. -.J (photo credit: Dick Edwards) 10 Flsh",I.land eaz.e'" Water Line to be Improved for Isabella Beach Homeowners Homeowners from the Isabella Beach area have long had a problem with the water they receive from the Island Water Works. Frequently an orange or reddish brown color, and often metallic to the taste, the water here certainly ranks among the worst on the island. One theory holds that the problem rests in an uncompleted circuit of pipes running along the Isabella Road. As a result, the nearby Gaston and Miller houses are each located at a cul-de-sac of water services. Water from the system collects at these points, and with it the sediment from ancient iron lines that date back to a much earlier era of island plumbing. A consortium of homeowners from the area recently organized to correct the problem. Hiram Moody, Eliot Porter, and others (the consortium has almost 100 per- cent participation in the area) petitioned the Water Works to connect the pipes from the fire hydrant at the Gaston house to the hydrant by the Miller property, a distance of about 1100 feet, according to Eliot Porter. Not only would the water in the Isabella area then circulate freely, but substandard water pressure (below the level needed in the event of a fire) would be increased, potentially by almost 50 per- cent. Previously, homeowners in the area including the Bryants, the Bogerts and others have dug wells to solve the problem of inferior water service, at a cost often more than $10,000. But the wells often result in a marked decline in service for tbose remaining in the system, according to Mr. Moody. Fwthermore, Jansen Noyes, President of the WaterWorks, has recently embarked on a policy of discouraging the digging of wells. Because the Waler Warks is attempt- ing to limit its expenses, Mr. Noyes noti- fied the consortium of Isabella homeown- ers that the utility could not bear the cost of construction on the project. An agreement was reached in which the consortium of homeowners would loan the necessary funds to the Water Works for two years, repay- ment to begin by end of 1992. Z&S Construction reportedly registered a bid of $3515 for the digging and repaving neces- sary for the job and began work soon after Thanksgiving. By Christmas, the trench had been dug and the new piping had been connected to the old. As of the first of the year, the early 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 & S Contracting! Call Z &5 at 788-7857 indications were that water in the area was greatly improved. Mr. Moody called the project "a great example of civic and private cooperation. I. Matthiessen Re-elected to Garbage Board Carey Matthiessen was re-elected to a three-year term on the Fishers Island Garbage and Refuse Commission on De- cember 13. Mr. Matthiessen ran unop- posed. He was appointed to the commis- sion to fill out the unexpired term of Ray Doyen after he stepped down last winter. Mr. Matthiessen will selVe as secre- tary of the three-member commission which also consists of Chairman Jim Hancock and Commissioner Al Dawson. Support Gazette Advertisers... It's Good Business! '<- , .- J<if::;:;;"'il~-) :-~ ~-. ,-- ;r- ) . a'c(jmplete,;t,< J5i_~~~~~ '. ~CONSULTATION"" ." ,," .. ........ .,DESIGN ANI) ENGINEElhNG ,.,.. .. 'CONST R UCTION" .... ..... :.-,::.--':".--, ';', '. _~::\~tlHk/tY'-':/:..- .;.)(\}f?t':'.,_ "_' - An Affiliate of Gwenmor Construction, Inc. I j I I Flshm /slDnd Gaze"e 11 Minister Brings New Approach to Island Pulpit by Krysia Bereday I I' Fisher Island's Union Chapel has a new minister who is no ordinary clergy- man. David Robb is one of those enviable people who manages to combine two ca- reers into one--he is both a man of the cloth, and a practicing psychotherapist. He brings with him a great deal of experi- ence, notably fourteen years as chaplain at Connecticut College. Mr. Robb' s appointment here is scheduled to last for successive Sundays through the end of February . Atthat time, both he and the church council led hy Ed Homing will evaluate their arrangement and determine a future course of action. The Union Chapel has been looking for a permanent pastor since the Rev. Lloyd Williams retired this summer after 14 years in the post. Mr. Robb originally became con- nected with the [sland community through Ralph Waite, a former preacher at the chapel, and later through Frank Burr. Few could be better prepared than Mr. Robb to take on the challenge of making an impact on a small but active congregation. After moving around the midwest during most of his youth, the minister received a schol- arship to Yale University in the early six- ties. He majored in English there, and had originally planned to continue on to gradu- ate school in that field. "[ never thought I wanted to be a minister but I did koow [ wanted to study theology," Mr. Robb explained after a communion service on a recent Sunday afternoon. So he enrolled in a three year program at the Union Theo- logical Seminary in New York City, "to make sense of my religious background and academic interests." Of his experi- ence there, he says "I absolutely loved it. [ was with people and faculty I found exciting and I thought, "I've come home"." To pursue his growing interest in the ties between religion and psychology, Mr. Robb took time off from his studies to work in a Greenwich Village church and to counsel psychiatric patients at Bellevue Hospital as part of his pastoral education. From that time on, he began to feel "a deep connection t, between his two areas of study. After graduate school, opportu- nity koocked in the form of job offers in - ~ David Robb outside the Union Chapel this winter. New York as an Associate Pastor, and subsequently a teaching position at Geor- getown University. Georgetown, with its Jesuit tradition of education, chose Me. Robb to be the first Protestant faculty member to teach theology there. During that time, Mr.Robb obtained a Master's degree in Divinity, was ordained in the Congregational Church, and joined the local Council of Churches for whom he performed ecumenical work and commu- nity counseling. Me. Robb's tenure at Connecticut College starting in 1973 gave him the chance to balance teaching one course a semester and maintaining a full-time chap- laincy. In the next years, he would take two sabbatical leaves, the first to do ad- vanced studies in psychology and religion and, the second tojoin a New York based institute specializing in training clergy to become pastoral counselors. He explains part of the philosophy he learned in that period by noting that "Freud thought reli- gion was a disease. Yet some of the followers of Freud saw his insight and his genius and also how it connected with an authentic religious identity. to Immersing himsell in the institute's residency pro- gram of courses and hands-on training,the minster left Connecticut College in 1987 to pursue his particular vision. (pholo credil: Dick Edwards) It was important to Mr.Robb to maintain the association with the New London area, where he still lives with his wife Veronica also a psychotherapist, and their two children, Sarah, 5 and Timothy, 3. After many years of preparation, he was able to open up private practices in both Waterford and New York. Mr. Robb di- vides his time between the two locations, shuttling down to New York on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Sunday, of course, Mr. Robb can be found on the noon ferry ready to spend a few precious hours deliv- ering sermons that are both informative and cause for reflection. On several occasions in recent years, when Lloyd Williams had been unable to preach, Mr. Robb filled in. That was the only chance to get to koow the Fishers Island neighborhood before plunging in "full time" this past November. Mr. Robb brings a sensitive, enthusiastic out- look to the ministry: HI love the work; I love working with people in an intensive way." [n the coming months, the minister hopes to be able to involve the lay commu- nity to a greater extent in planning each week's sermon, in an effort to strengthen the unity between pastor and congrega- tion. 12 Fishers Is/imd Gazette FIneD continued from Page 4 The final function for FIDCO out- lined by Mr. Calhoun is its leadership role on the Island. "I call it miscellaneous," Mr. Calhoun said, "being a factor on the island. This role includes working with local government bodies such as the Southold Town Board and helping to pay for Island projects such as the proposed study of Island watershed areas. FIDCO has in the past organized purchases of land which it sees as being vital to the Island's future. Despite its impact on the Island, FIDCO operates on a budget of only $300,000. FIDCO's biggest expense is property taxes, followed by insurance and then road maintenance. The only payroll FIDCO has is the guard during the summer and a $10,000 payment to the F.J. Utility to allow utility President Tom Doherty to act as FIDCO administrator. FIDCO has about 100 shareholders and is run by a 25-member board of direc- tors. "Making money is not the objec- tive," said Mr. Calhoun ofFIDCO's role "The mission of FIDCO has been to pre- serve the Island and improve the ameni~ ties." FIDCO shares currently sell at $200 a share, but shareholders do not buy the stock for the investment but rather out of interest for the Island. Shares are often sold back to FIDCO for as little as $15 a share, said Mr. Calhoun.FIDCOhas tradi- tionally sold about $10,000 in stock each year to help pay expenses. But Mr. Calhoun said be would like to issue more stock in the future. "I would like to change and broaden the ownership (of FIDCO)," said Mr. Calhoun. "We want to broaden the finan- cial strength of FIDCO so that we can protect the Island. " Prospective shareholders need only be property owners on the Island, he added. FIDCO: operates with three board meetings a year, with only the Labor Day meeting open to all the shareholders. Mr. Calhoun said he is willing to discuss FIDCO mattes to the public, but said board meet- ings would remain closed because open meetings could result in time consuming digressions. A three-member executive board meets every month in addition to the full board meetings. Support Gazette Advertisers! Professionals serving professionals. Garbage Conlinuedfrom Page 6 into operation in the summer or at the end of the year depening on whether the landfill can temporarily be kept open. The Island landfill has been ordered closed by the N. Y. Department of Envi- ronmenlal Conservation along with all other landfills on Long Island. The ordered clo- sure in December has been delayed by a lawsuit filed by Long Island towns. Party Leader Retires John Nickles stepped down as Re- publican Party leader in the Town of Southold in late January after almost eight years in the position. Tom Samuels, a 62- year-old retired dentist, is expected to succeed Mr. Nickles. According to the Suffolk Times, Mr. Nickles said he was stepping down "be- cause I had a mission to restore the super. visorship, and I accomplished that mission when Scott Harris was elected. " Mr. Nickles, a 52-year-old realtor, has also served as a town trustee, a town board member, and he ran unsuccessfully for town supervisor in 1987. Charters to the hub or the country club _ Kidder. Peabody II f!1 Co. Incorporated f"....d.d18t>5 M....b... N,.., r".k "..d ..<\.....'un Stock lu~"..t... WeUhlve)'QUhob-nobbingMth frit:ndsabuSUleSA55lX"IlIIU l'Kr.mahe.dalscnedultwithiM !sIand"soldest&nd l'l\CI$f retilble AirCllllntr~" C&IItoo.YforOll~.ear"round. Z4hour.diIya lraina ~. we-l1y-anyw ~ COIlSlaIAiroffnsfM-Wavm fli&hItnininfandAin:rafls.Ies.. 10 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10005 Telephone: (212) 510-3000 's..-, IJv ~'" J:"<bbc" .COASTAL AIR SERVICES "Since 1955" Over 50 additional offices worldwide GmIMIN_ London Airport GroconCT2O:J..44I.IOOI ......"""" 0i.t1S.S5lZO:l-441001 Fishers Isuuui GazeUe 13 Letters Continuedfrom Page 2 the Fishers Island Fire Department. This program is an emergency monitoring sys- tem that provides seniors residents of the Island, especially those who live by them- selves, with a 24 hour monitoring system that they may activate for any emergency situation. For the second year in a row, the Sanger Fund voted in favor of funds for the hot lunch program for the school students this coming winter. The Sanger Fund pledged funds toward Lawrence & Memorial Hospital's major modernization program. This is a six year program which will provide up- dated and modem facilities and services for the people of Fishers Island and south- eastern Connecticut. Funds were also provided for the Island People's Project to improve the softball field and for the children's sum- mer swimming program and outings. The Sanger committee will hold their first meeting next year during Memorial Day weekend. Be a Gazette Good-guy Subscribe Now! Slul beams had to he reinforced at the balh house Qllhe Fishus Island Club this winter when it was discovered thaI some had delerioraud significantly. William Ridgway, a club representative. said he could nol provide an exacl quote on the cost oflhe repairs except to say it was -in the hundreds of thousands.. The work was initially designed to bring lhe bath house up to code, bul when the wooden swface was stripped away, lhe deterioration was observed and had 10 be corrected, according 10 Mr. Ridgway. The constmction work. which is being perfonned by Z&S Contracting, is expected to be compJered by the Sl~mmer. (Phoro credit: Ann Hanes) St. Luke's-Roosevelt is building a stronger hospital for a healthier New York. " \ S1. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center Is pleased to provide a physician year-round on Fishers Island. _""".,.,.,."., ST. UJKFS\ROOSEVELT :~, .... ,............ , ""p""I&",,, I 14 FIsh.,. Id..nd Gtu..1U Chief Continued from Page 6 - o,iej DroskosJd last phase of my career," the new chief said. "I feel I have some very big shoes to fill..He's (Mr. Winters) bas guided me. He's encouraged me, and I wish him the very best, and I hope to do the job he's been doing. " Sludge Removal Price Set The Island's sewer sludge contrac- tor has announced that his rates will quad- ruple because of new requirements order- ing him to ship sewer sludge off Island rather than burying it at tbe Island landfill. A. John Gada Contracting announced the new rates in late November. The rate is being set at 48 cents a gallon of sewer sludge for seasonal residents, 42 cents for year-round residents, and 39 cents for year- round senior citizens. If any line blockages are encoun- tered in pumping the systems, an addi- tionallabor charge will have to be made, said Mr. Gada. Gada Contracting had previously been charging $245 a load or, approximately 12 cents a gaHon, to pump septic systems on teh Island. Gada Contracting bad been burying the septic sludge in the Island landfill. However, the New York Department of Environmental Conseravaion ordered the practice stopped this past May. Under the new system, Mr. Gada will transport the septic sludge to New London by ferry and then to an approved septage disposal site in Connecticut. THE BANK OF MYSTIC Walsh Service Electrical Contractor (516) 788-7778 MEETING THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FULL-SERVICE BUSINESS AND PERSONAL BANKING NOW IN THE MYSTIC PACKER BUILDING MYSTIC, CT (203) 572-898 I Town Budget Approved The Southold Town Board approved a 1991 budgetof$13.4 million which will raise town taxes on Fishers Island by 14 II 2 percent. The budget was approved by a 3-2 vote of the town board on November 14 with Councilwomen Ruth Oliva and Ellen Latson opposing the budget. The 1991 budget called for the siz- able increase in taxes because of a signifi- cant decrease in town revenues. The ap- proved budget was $400,000 higher than the budget proposed by Supervisor Scott Harris earlier in the fall. The additions to the proposed budget did not produce addi- tional tax increases because they were offset by additional user revenues, accord- ing to town officials. Supervisor Harris blamed the tax increase on a reduction in town revenues. "We have state and county cutbacks, mortgage taxes and assessed valuations that are down, and we have increased energy costs from Long Island Lighting and gas prices," Supervisor Harris said earlier this fall. "In addition, we are still making up for some of the deficit left by the previous administration. .. I I I I . I I I I I I i , , iI II ;/ FIsh.,. [,kind Gazeu. IS I Town Board Notes with Ray Edwards, Town Councilman and Justice Happy 1991 ---- After a trip to Maine for a Christ- mas visit with my son Randy and his family, then it was back to Long Is- land for the last town board meet- ing in December, and then on to Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a New Years visit with Bob Wadding- ton. Upon returning to Connecticut for a doctor's visit on January fourth, the doctor had me admitted to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital for tests. I was put on IV, and now oral medication to dissolve some nasty blood clots. I am feeling fine and even got in the last two days of goose hunting at the end of January with Supervisor Scott Har- ris and Councilman George Penny. I might add, the hunts were successful. The town is awaiting a trial before the Appellate Court for final decision as to whether or not we will be able to continue 'I to landfill our garbage. This trial will take place during the month of March. On local matters, both Senator Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Joe Sawicki are working to have the Medicine Shoppe in New London accept the New York State EPIC drug prescription plan for senior citizens on Fishers Island. A bill will be placed before the state legislature in the near future to allow this program to be initiated. All past correspondence with these two officials may be read on the bulletin board. At the request of the OK ENOS Na- ture Foundation on Long Island, I was asked to do a harbor seal count on Fishers Island. During my last flight to Long Island on January 28, my pilot flew me over the clumps off Clay Point. I counted over 40 seals. After reporting this back to the foundation, they are having the Southold Town Bay Constable bring them over for a first hand look. Apparently this is the largest concentration of seals around Long Island. A note for all registered voters on Fishers Island. Island residents can be exempt from serving jury duty on Long Island. When you receive a notice for jury duty, immediately get in touch with me or put the notice in my mail slot at the movie theater. I will notify the commissioner of jurors and you will be exempt. All motorists who have vehicles registered in New York State and not reg- istered on Fishers Island cannot have their vehicles inspected on Fishers Island by state law. Please have your vehicle in- spected before arriving if you plan to leave the vehicle on the Island during the whole summer and your inspection is up during your stay. I will be pleased to answer any questions regarding this or any other mo- tor vehicle registration, including boats and trailers. Please use my office tele- phone answering sel516 788-7646 to contact me. We Need Your Help! Send the Gazette your story ideas and photos. Call us at 5506, or Write us at Box 573 Thank you! Coast Guard Building New Station on Fishers Island By Mary Roberts The Coast Guard is removing the existing building at Silver Eel Cove, and replacing it with a Cape Cod style unit. "The present building is over ten years old and showing its age," said Lt. Cmdr. David Illuminati, Coast Guard Sta- tion New London. .. Repairs are gelting more and more costly, and the floors are sagging. ,. "We chose the new building to fit in with the three houses across the Cove, which are former Coast Guard buildings, .. he explained. "The new station will be more than twice as big as the fanner one, and will come in sections that can be reassembled. ' I "The area has already been cleared, and the new building will be delivered in units on the ferry by the end ofJanuary," said contractor Nick Poulos of East Patcho- gue, New York. Mr. Poulos made a low bid of $120,000 for the job. The Coast Guard Station at Fishers Island is open from May 15 to September 30. Crews offour persons rotate out from the permanent base in New London. It ....... .. FRONT ElIYATION functions primarily as a SARDET, or Search and Rescue Detachment, enforcing safe boating in the active summer season. -,:;'.I..~""" -J -""'" =:="" .. --,..-~t: l//ustration oflhefronl elevation of the new Coast Guard building at Silver Eel Pond. 1- 16 FIshers Ishm" Gu.eae I /~ , r Santa Claus, with an uncanny likeness to ferry district manager Phil Knauff, showed up at the Fishers Island Fire House on December 16. About 50 kids from the Island were there to greet him, photo left. Santa Claus had presents for all the kids. John Lamb, lower far left, has a heart to heart talk with Santa while his parents Scott and Joanne look on. Colin and Callie Walter, lower left, double team Santa. Magician Dick Roy of Ledyard, Connecticut, performed for all the kids, photo at right. Even some big kids had a talk with Santa. Councilman Ray Edwards, lower right, gives Santa his Christmas wish list. Finally after a long afternoon, Santa, far right, waves goodbye to Fire Chief Tom Doherty and Christmas Committee Chairman Luis Horn and heads off to the North Pole via a fire truck and the Fishers Island Ferry. The Christmas party put on the fire department has become a popular Island tradition, and is one of the highlights over the winter months. " All the kids look forward to it, " said Mr. Doherty. (Photo credits: Charlie Morgan) " I \ I I I I I I 1 I Flshm Island r__ 1 'UU4eUe 7 I ~ I " 1 / -- , I " ~ \ I I I 18 F"uhen Island Gaze"e Votes Set For Late January Fishers Islanders were to vote in late January on separate referendums to allow the leasing of ferry district property for two public projects. The vote on the refer- endums was scheduled for January 25 at the fire house, according to ferry district officials. Public hearings on the two pro- posals were scheduled for January 15 at I pm at the firehouse. One proposal calls for the ferry dis- trictto lease approximately 1,200 square feet to the Fishers Island School for use as a playing field. The field is located near the intersection of Whistler Avenue and the short road to the airport in the fort area. The lease would be long-term at $1 a year. The other proposal calls for the Fish- ers Island Garbage and Refuse District to lease 1.44 acres near the town highway barn at the eastern end of the fort property. This site would be used for the proposed transfer station for sending the Island's garbage off-Island. This lease also would be long-term for $1 a year. The garbage district had earlier pro- posed to use a site near the Island's bumable dump at the west end of the fort property. However, ferry officials said this site would be unacceptable. I I r I .\ I I I I It- The foundations were ulfor two new homes allhe Walsh Park complex in Deumber. The homes were '0 be delivered in early February, and would bring lire lotal number oj homes in ,he project to six. Sewer Increase Approved Sewer rents in the sewer district, which serves about 40 homes in the fort area, were $175. Only Councilwoman Ellen Latson voted against the rate increase. The district has been operating at a deficit in 1990 and currently owes about $15,000 in maintenance and operating fees, according to town officials. I I The Southold Town Board approved by a 4-1 vote a local law to almost triple the sewer rates in the Fishers Island Sewer District. The new rate of $500 was ap- proved by the town board on November 27, and goes into effect when the law is filed with the New York secretary of state. MYSTIC COVE BOAT SALES, INC. Stafford St., Mystic 536-4945 Sales Aulhorized Service ~~MRRlIER' ~OUTBOARDS ~ NARINE [lJiJill!J ..mh:.",,,.. ~ ~ Announces New Winter Schedule for Fishers Island ~~IiImfIJ From: Groton - New London 7:00 am weekdays * 4:45 pm weekdays VOLVO PENTA To: Groton. New London 7:20 am weekdays * 5:00 pm weekdays 122 per person for scheduledflights Also: Single & Twin Engine Charter Service to Destinations of your choice For Resenalions Call: 1.800-243-8623 or 788-7747 24 Hr. Emergency Service (203-873-1/01) FIShers Island Ga1.etJe 19 TC7J1.~ SULLIVAN AUTOMOTIVE CORNER CHEVROLET · BUICK · GEO Sales 443.8432 Service 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 LOCATION! Corner of Broad & Colman Streets, New London, Conn. 20 FIsh", Island Glzelte Message Crom Speedy Mettler Presuunl oJlhe Fishers Island Civic Association I thougbt that this migbt be a good opportunity to write an article about the Fishers Island Civic As- sociation in order to c1ari fy a few questions that have come up in the last few years. The Fisbers Island Civic Associa- tion is a public forum wbere tbe people of Fishers Island are able to be heard. We don't represent any political party, any specific organization, any group of people, or any philosophy and we are not affiliated witb anyone. We simply repre- sent You, the people of Fishers Island. You may be a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent, a year-round resident, a summer resident, a renter, a visitor or a guest. Whoever you may be, you are entitled to attend our meetings and ask questions about anything or just listen. There are, however, some things that we do try to accomplisb. The most impor- tant is that the Fishers Island Civic Asso- ciation acts like a funnel for information to flow to our elected representative (Ray Edwards) on the Southold Town Board. Since Fishers Island has no government of its own, the Civic association tries to have information, requests, opinions, gripes, etc. made public (with Ray Edwards usually present) so tbat he can be sure tbat he is presenting your thoughts and ideas to tbe town board. Although anybody has the right to confer with any member of tbe town board directly, it makes more sense to bring it to the civic association meeting so tbat it can be discussed and often argued "on Island" before it goes "off Island." This can be time saving and efficient, and also serves to keep the community in- fanned about what is going on at Fishers Island. The elected directors of the civic association try to make themselves avail- able to you at any time during the year for consultation or belp on any subject. We try to work together to help tbe community understand complicated or controversial issues. Garbage is a good example where the civic association bas virtually turned over its meeting to the garbage conunis- sioners so they could try to explain wbat is going to bappen about future garbage pol- icy. We also try to help work out compli- cated problems like the Fishers Island Growth Plan. (The police advisory com- mittee was set up to act as an intermediary between the state troopers and Island resi- dents.). The civic associations directors also try to help out witb tbe organizations in charge of medical problems, ferry pol- icy and environmental questions (where we work witb tbe Fishers Island Conser- vancy and tbe DEC). We organize the spring clean up on tbe Island, act as a liaison witb FIDCO, both clubs, tbe Fire Department, EMTs, lobstermen, the har- bor master, constables, construction com- panies, the Navy and many other organiza- tions. Why? -- because we fill the void on Fishers Island that exists by not having our own government and, most im}X)rtant, where possible we want policy decided "on Is- land" and not in Soutbold. What do we ask in return? Only that you come to our meetings and either speak or listen (or write us your thoughts if you cannot be there). Then tbey can be passed on to your representative and taken to Southold. Oh yes, eacb year, we also ask you for five bucks (nine for your whole family) so tbat we can send everybody our minutes. That way everyone is kept in- formed and can't say "I don't know." So tbat's what the Civic Association . s all about. Please come to our four meet- ings. If you cannot be there, drop your suggestions in the box inside the post office. I'm sure that you will agree that a well informed community has a better chance to influence its future than an unin- formed community. Finally, for your information, the names of your directors appear below. You elected them, so give them a call and let them know what's on your mind. Speedy Mettler ('91) President; Carol Ridgway ('91) Vice-President); Art Walsh ('91); Laura Edwards ('92); Russell Heath ('92); Bob White ('92); Ray Edwards (ex- Stay InConned! Attend Civic Association Meetings! Grocery Stores to Reduce Winter Hours Starting in early January, tbe Fishers Island Sbopping Center and Island Gen- eral will be closed one day every weekend for the rnontbs of January, February and Marcb. Bobby Evans, owner of Island Gen- eral, in an earlier interview discussed the possibility of closing down completely for a montb this winter. He stated tbat witb the reduction in the labor force at this time of tbe year his sales of breakfast and luncb items plus beer were greatly reduced. Mr. Evans along with bis family and employ- ees needed some time off and thought that closing for a month during the slow busi- ness season made sense. Bill Bloetbe, owner of Fishers Is- land Shopping Center had also experi- enced the drop off of sales and the need for vacation time for himself and his employ- ees. The two store owners discussed the newspaper situation and decided that a sensible plan was to take care of each others' newspaper customers one day each weekend allowing Mr. Evans to close all day Saturday and Mr. Bloethe to close on Sundays. Reserved newspapers could be picked up at tbe open store. Mr. Bloetbe said that the January change in tbe Ferry Schedule also affects his Sunday business, and makes it difficult for many of bis customers to pick up newspapers. Spring Clean-up Scheduled The annual Island cleanup sponsored by the Fishers Island Civic Association and the Fishers Island Garden Club will be held on Saturday March 30. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Post Office at 9 am. The clean-up will last about two hours and will cover roadways throughout the Island, according to Leslie Goss oftbe civic association. Volunteers should bring gloves and garbage bags, sbe added. Re- freshments will be served after the clean- up has been completed. The Civic Association and the Gar- den Club bave been sponsoring tbe spring clean-up for the pasttbree years. J II il if Fhhers Island Ga4eue 21 The ChriSl11lOS concen al the Fishers Island Schoolfealured a number of carols by die studmts under the direction a/music reacher Donald Janse. Michad Vincenl, righi, gave a redial of "Twas the Mghl Before Christmas. .. (Photo credit: Dan Eslabrooks) American Legion Selling Ribbons blue ribbons at 50 cents a foot. Proceeds from tbe sale are to be sent to armed services personnel in the Persian Gulf. American Legion Commander Ed Scroxton said the fund raising oroiecl was desi~ned to show support for the armed services in the Persian Gulf. The ribbon can displayed from cars or houses, he said. The American Legion or Me. Scroxton can be contacted for the ribbon. The American Legion on Fishers Island is selling red, white, I Faulkner Contracting Inc. General Contractor Office & Res. Dial 7863 Shop Dial 7216 I Box 355 LAURIE MacTAVISH BEST 415 Pequot Avenue New London, Connecticut 06320 203-442-5477 APPRAISER of Persanal Property . NEW CONSTRUCTION AU TYPES OF ALTERATIONS ROOFING KITCHEN REMODELING . AU TYPES OF TilE. LINOLEUM MASONRY PAINTING - WAll PAPERING - FIRST CLASS WORK AT REASONABLE PRICES- Insurance and Estate 22 FIshers MQM Ga:.1U Environmentally Speaking with John Thatcher, Jr. In several of my previous Gazette articles I quite prop- erly extolled the vir- tues of Fishers Is- land's flora and fauna, specifically mentioning the beautiful and rare species of wildlife. Now, however, when the weather is cold and wintry, it might be time to take a look at the other side of paradise - to examine for a while the category of "Fishers Island pests", a group of species that are neither rare nor beauti. ful, but which are vexatious, pestiferous and on many an occasion damaging to man and beast, as well as the Island's ecosys- tem. The insect pests that fall under this classification are actually so numerous that I shall have to leave consideration of them to a later issue. For the moment, however, let us take a closer look at some familiar species of bird and animal life, ranging from mild irritants to dangerous disease carriers: - .~ ,e . ."", . ,... . :Jl ~~<.~ 1. The Common Crow (corvus bra- chyrhynchos) This familiar large bird does at least serve one useful purpose, if a somewhat revolting one. It consumes carrion, feed- ing on dead birds, rabbits and squirrels. The crow is an extremely raucous pres- ence, particularly in flocks. Crows are also crop eaters, devouring com and seed grains and provoking many an island prop- erty owner to reach for his shotgun. I'll say one thing for crows, they are sharped-eyed and exceptionally intelligent birds. II. The Starling (sturnus vulgaris) An apparently useless bird originally imported from Europe to everyone' s re- gret. The starling is a prolific breeder, but hardlyasongbird. Its low volume sound is an annoying cackle augmented by a ten- dency of this species to congregate in very large flocks both in fall and spring. This puts population and feeding pressure on other more desirable bird species, which are driven from their own habitats. III The Semi-Pests While doing research for this article with the invaluable assistance of naturalist Ed Homing, I ran across several species that are mostly benign, but are on occasion a nuisance to humans, although they do no hann to fragile eco-systems. The common Cottontail rabbit(sylvilagus Floridanus) is a good example when it invades a prized lettuce or carrot patch or the well-known Grey squirrel (sciurus Caroliensis) when it invades and tips over a feeding station meant for songbirds. Other species that can more easily become threats are the Field mouse(peromyscus maniculatus) and the common pigeon (columba livia). These two species can cause problems and leave messes when they invade homes or roost on public buildings. Finally, consider the Herring gull (Iarus argentatus), also a pest to many people because of their messy habits and constant gabbling. Other gull species such as the Laughing and B1ack~Backed also make the island their home and have one redeeming feature which makes them not only desirable, but protected as well. That feature is that gulls help the ecology by feeding on man's garbage. IV. The Canada Goose (branta Canadensis) Many people who might think this very large bird is "cute", probably never have had them roost, stroll or leave drop- pings on their lawns. These geese tend to be prolific breeders, and several flocks on the Island can now be numbered in the hundreds. SMITH INSURANCE INC. "WHERE LOSSES COME FIRST' STUFFY HEAD COLD? SINUS? HAYFEVER? DIAPER RASH? CHAPPED HANDS? or LIPS? Keep RELIEF as close as your medicine cabinet with... . Meeting the Insurance Needs for the Fishers Island Community for 50 Years FULL SERVICE BUSINESS AND PERSONAL AGENCY ~IRYI[E' SAVlNcs SAfETY. SlfURllY BOROLEUM alnce 1801 GuarantHd..d preplllfld by . ....._.,..-c::..... THREE CONVENIENT OFFICES SINCLAIR PHARMACAL CO., INC. FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 0..00 40 BOSTON POST RD. WATERFORD 447-1751 266 MAIN ST. 328 MITCHELL ST. NIANTIC GROTON 739-5446 446-8260 FIsh", Island Ga:.U. 23 I I I I I, Damage to lawns or Golf course fairways can be better imagined than de- scribed and repair costs can be very expen- sive. Far be it for this writer to advocate harsh measures, but it is certainly no secret that these birds can now be legally shot in New York State, in the legally prescribed season, of course. Someone up in Albany must have a big lawn! V. The Double Crested Cormorant (phalacracorax aurilus);The Common Cormorant ( phalacracorax carbo) When I first heard of these birds many years ago, my fisherman grandfa- ther sternly pointed at a scrawny black diving bird and said, "Behold, child - the fisherman's enemy - the cormorant!" The reason for this harsh attitude is that the cormorant's sole diet is fish. They can easily eat their own weight in fish each day and are superb swimmers and deep divers often staying underwater for minutes at a time. It is not hard to see how the 1,000 or so Cormorants that inhabit Island rooker- ies can easily put quite a dent in local fish populations, fish that are young food fish like sea-bass, porgy or bait-fish size, the key support population for predator fish such as bluefish and striped bass. Any fish up to a pound in size is fair game for the Cormorant. Could this be the reason why small perch and bass have declined markedly from their once plenti- ful presence in the Island's freshwater ponds? Big bass are still around at subslan- tial water depth, but there were many Cormorants swimming in Middle Farms Pond over the past three years. Have these birds made a desert out of once prolific fishing grounds? Another drawback to the Cormorant population on Fishers Island is its huge food consumption. Cormorants excrete their putrid wastes with great frequency and astonishing volume, Easily a top contender for the title of the "Worlds Dirtiest Bird". They are also fast breed- ers. Island biologist Ed Homing said in 1986 there were only 200 pairs, while in 1990 nearly a 1,000 were spotted. Fishers Island can comfortably hold 100 pair Of Cormorants, not the 1,000 we currently have. Also, like many Johnny- come-lately's, the Cormorants are obnox- ious enough to move out and destroy the I I I' I I The Fishers Island library reuived aface-lifi lhis/all. Layers o/painl, some o/which had been applied decades ago, were slripped away and a a new while Slain was put on. (PhOID credit: Dan Eslabrooks) habitat and nesting areas of other more valuable species. It is worth noting that the Hungry Island rookeries on the is- land's east end, now solidly Cormorant inhabited, were once Gull rookeries. My grandfather's prophetic warning uttered so many years ago, now seems to be real- ity. VI. The Norway Rat (rattus Nor- vegius); The Black Rat (rattus rattus) These two species are by far the most nasty and dangerous pests to man on Fishers Island. They might also be the most numerous. Although the Norway Rat is much more prevalent, specimens of the Black Rat are hardly uncommon. Both destroy crops and are a great bother when they get into houses and are especially dangerous when they become disease carriers. The bubonic plague that ravaged the Middle Ages was caused by fleas carried by these rats. Today, there are just a mere handful of plague cases reported in all of North America, but the rat persists as a disease carrier, and is now suspected of being a vector for Lyme Disease. The rat is smart, incredibly hardy and adaptable, breeds prolifically and has the decided ability to thumb its nose at the humans who, for centuries have tried to eradicate it. They are tough pests, love to hang around compost piles, garbage dumps and semi-open or carelessly closed trash cans, like the ones at Isabella and Choco- mount Beaches. They often give Island rat expert AI Dawson fits, despite the efficacy of his wooden traps and warfarin-type poisons. I remember setting such a trap around my home a few years ago, and being very satisfied around Labor Day that the poison was being rapidly depleted. When I made a fall house check a few months later. how- ever, I discovered the poison gone, but also discovered a large rat making its home in AI Dawson's now empty box! The poison was nowhere to be seen. Readers should not despair, how- ever. Besides Al Dawson's methods, and the old reliable Victor rat trap, the best method of rat control is to own a large, aggressive cat. Jack Russell terriers are also renowned for their rat catching abili- ties if one doesn't care for cats. There is, however, one deadly en. emy that rats fear more than others. It is the much maligned, but quite harmless blacksnake. This snake makes both the rat and the mouse a prime staple of its diet. Appearances can indeed be deceiving and these snakes are friends, not foes. They do not attack or bite humans, but provide an essential check on the dangers of rat infes- tation. A second segment of this article, dealing with Insect Pests on Fishers Island will appear in a few months time. 24 FIShers Island Gaz.elt~ Around the Town with Ann Walsh Anthony I I I The middle of winter is some- timesadull, news- less plare, although this is not the case for our far flung friends of summer. Wedding bells will be ring- ing this spring for at least three Fishers Island couples. In May, Jennifer Coleman and Larry Creel will be married. Liz Peishoff and Harris Parsons will also take the plunge in May. In June, Lauren Metz and John Simons will be tying the you know what and in August, Samantha McLean will wed Halsey Spruance. A proliferation of babies were born this fall. On October 13, Charlotte Masury Bancroft made her debut. Parents Fred and Susie (nee Coleman) say that Char- lotte weighed 7tb.ISoz. at birth. Elizabeth Carter Sednaoui weighed a bouncing 8Ib.4oz. when she arrived on October 28. Jennifer and Kent, the proud parents, report that Elizabeth is thriving and eagerly awaiting the family's move to Washington D.C. Allison and Tom Sargent gave their daughter Katherine a new baby brother on October 29th when William Crane Sargent was born, weighing 8Ib.20z. Sev and Martha Miller sent the most wonderful birth announcement after Sev- ern Aunut, "Sevvy" was born on Novem- ber 25, weighing 7Ib.30z. Rumor has it that Daddy Sev designed the very clever announcement himself. Kathy and Ged Parsons have added a third. in as many years, to their family. Bates and Alex have a new sister. Jessie Gilman who weighed an even 9lbs. at her birth on December 10th. Other newcomers are Amanda Lou- ise Edwards, who was born to Mr. and Mrs. Glen EdwanIs on November IS. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 30z. Edward "Ned" Reynolds duPont was born on January 17, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael duPont. Ned weighed 7lbs. 14 oz. That's all the news for this time, readers, but please keep the Gazette ap- prised of all the happenings in your family on the wedding and birth fronts. .... \....e..'............"...... ~ . .... C ., · "'.. aptaln s . i - : Restaurant E , d p. - I an lzza i i , : _"Q Here or To Go . , t....'. Buy 4 Pizzas. get one free rj,: , ~ (203) 447-2820 ~, i J. We deliver to the Ferry ~ i - , - . , , . , . . . Charlie Papathanasiou - Proprietor .. . . " 8 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320 . - . . " " - . . . l...........,............".~ I I I I I I , Ferry Conducting Survey Docko, Inc., of Connecticut has been awarded a $8,200 contract to perform a title search and prepare a boundary survey for the Fishers Island Ferry District at its New London terminal. The report will clarify the exact boundaries of the ferry district property including its property underwater. These boundaries have been ambiguous, said ferry commissioner Tom Doherty. The identification of the precise boundary lines will assist the district should it wish to expand its facilities in New London or should it wish to swap some of its property to the City of New London for its riverfront redevelopment, said Mr. Doherty. The ferry commissioner said the current facility in New London is "very cramped'" but said there are no immedi- ate plans for expansion of the site. The City of New London had ex- pressed interest in the ferry district site in the late 80's for a major waterfront rede- velopment, but that interest waned when the project collapsed. City officials con- tacted the ferry district again in recen- tweeks and are looking at a scaled down waterfront project. Mr. Doherty said. M@bil NI .&at to pro....e a qaa1lt)' aernce at a lair price wltlt a .-Ue." C. Estabrooks GENERAL MANAGER . o4..U."I. at .... .-.kl .. Diesel Fuel .. Special Unleaded Gasoline .. Daily, Weekly & Monthly Slips .. Electric & Water Hookups .. Clean Restrooms .. Hot Showers .. Ice Machine .. Outboard Lubricant . Ala. o4.a1IaItl. .. Home Healing Fuel .. Bottled Gas (Propane) .. Super Unleaded Gasoline .. Special Unleaded Gasoline .. Regular Unleaded .. We monilor Channel 16 518-788-731 I Fishers Island Ga..ue 2S ARE YOU CONSIDERING INVESTING IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA? - - - -- ~ ::.-.- -"II" ~ ~ 'lfl!'iIII'"' c..\~;;..- . y - , .. ~ """ I, '""- ...., . ... .. ~f I I If I ! ..... , f W. Harold Hicks, President John K. Moore, Chainnan of the Board I I I I 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 1:irgest independent bank. With our knowledge of the marketplace and our proven ability to tailor loans for the select investor, we are in an excellent position to consult with you about financing a move to this area. Call us at 407-23 1-2400 or stop by for a visit when you are in Vero Beach. /!J7U!/ f!l]eadf/ f!lJall/(/ will" /!J/Utd qj)efta/d,nMlk 755 Beachiand Blvd. Vero Beach, FL 32963 ,Member FDIC County Funds Approved For Water Study Suffolk County Health Department officials are hoping to begin a study of the watershed areas around the Island's reservoir system this spring following the approval of a $30,000 grant by the Suffolk County Legislature for the project. The county funds, which were approved in December, combined with a $30,000 grant from the Fishers Island Conser- vancy, will pay for the study, said Vito Minei, an official with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. The watershed report will probably not be completed until the end of t992, said Mr. Minei. "We need a year of data gathering," he said. "We will be looking for seasonal change. .. The study is designed to produce recommendations for watershed rules and regulations. The study would concentrate on protecting the watershed areas around the three Island reservoirs, Barlow, Middle Farms and Treasure Ponds, as well as the ground- water supplying the Island's new well field at Middle Farms. Safeguards are very important in these areas because should any toxic fertilizers or sewage from septic tanks leak into one of the reservoirs, the consequences would be very detrimental to the Island's water supply, Mr. Minei said. The health department first became concerned about the lack of land use regulations in these watershed areas after appli- cations were received for three building permits on property surrounding Barlow Pond. Mr. Minei said the three applications would be processed before the study is completed. "We don't have the legal basis to hold them up," he said. Girl Scout Cookies Sold Almost 1,000 boxes of girl scout cookies were sold on Fishers Island this winter as part of the annual fund raiser for the girls scouts. The top money winner was Marissa Lanier with $225, followed by Katie Doherty with $214, and Sarah Homing with $162. b ~~ THE FISHERS ISLAND CASSETTE TAPE IS NOW A V AILABLEI PEOPLE ARE WRITING TO ME AND tHIS IS WHAT THEY ARE SAYING! " I have thouroghly enjoyed your gorgeous Dawn Song Tape. Already it has become my companion - helping me to fall asleep at night". " You have edified me and truly strength- ened my Faith, Thank you for your wonderful energy and brilliant creation: Send $12.00 to Post Box 563 Fishers Island, NY 06390 FOR A TAPE. . . 26 FIsh.,. Isl4nd Ga:;ette School Notes By Vanessa Lanier On November 2, 1990, Fishers Is- land sent students from grades seven through twelve to the Boston Museum of Science. The students saw "Race the Wind" at the Omni Theater and gazed at the stars in the planetarium. Whether it was the lightning show or the reptiles, everyone found some- thing that caught their interest. On November 9 Don J anse directed three one-act plays. In the first play "Sorry, Wrong Number" the actors and actresses were Ness Lanier, Brian Caruso, Chris Theroux, Lisa Faulkner, Michael Vincent, Jessie Lanier, Susan Stepanek, and Ian Thomas. This group had the audience caught up in the suspense of this mystery. Next came the play, "Death of a Hired Man." Father and daughter, Carolyn and Charles Stepanek turned in a sensitive performance. The play to finish off the night was, "Noah Webster's Electric Arktype. " Susan Stepanek and Brian Faulkner executed a comedy that had everyone laughing. A wonderful job was done by all. After considering many choices the seniors Brian Faulkner, Amy Rubin, Chris Theroux, and Carolyn Stepanek decided on Aruba for their senior trip during spring break. They will be going with Dan and Cindy Gillan. All the seniors are thankful for everyone's help and support. Paul Giles arranged a Casino Night at the Pequot Inn on November 24, with everyone invited. The night was such an outstanding success that he was able to raise thirteen hundred dollars which he donated to the junior class to purchase a juice machine. It has been installed in the school and is very popular. The last day of school for the year 1990 was filled with fun and excitement. Everyone was exchanging gifts and being surprised by their secret santas. The ele- mentary students enjoyed cookies and juice and thought about the long leisurely vaca- tion ahead. The yearbook staff has been very successful in collecting cans. The people of the island are contributing and helping out the staff tremendously. If everything goes well, saving the cans will be a huge success. Two-year-old Ashl~ Edwards heads outfora night a/Irick or treating dresud as a pumpkin on Halloween. ~ BUSINESS CARDS 1'...tJ.i.. .. WEDDING INVIT....TlONS ~~.~ FULL LINE OF CB SETS 15~ SCANNERS . BOOK MATCHES VrotOH ,NOVe/tv ~ Co. PHONE 445-6607 LEO DIM ELLA OWNER 'Have A Happy Day" SCANNER KKY 523? Serving Fishers Island Since 1919 Robert & Louisa Evans 74 Captein's Walk New London. CT 06320 Licensed MALLOVES Eastern Connecticut's Largest Jeweler {just two blocks from (he ferry) Sales - Rentals 20)-442-4)91 (516) 788-7101 FIShers Is14nd Gu.eue 27 I Ii I: I I I I Basketball Teams Picking Up Momentum By John Peishoff The boys' and girls' basketball squads at Fishers Island High School bit the hardwood running. As of mid-January the boys team owned a 4-2 record and the girls were even at 3.3. The boys team led by Brian Faulkner's 14 points, 12 rebounds per game average, have come up with two big wins early in their 1990-91 campaiago. "Our two wins against SI. Thomas More and Oxford are by far the highlight to date for the men's basketball season," said Coach Dan Gillan. "These two teams are involved in our year end tournament and to be able to put them in our win column, especially on their home courts, should give us some added confidence going into this year's tournament." Brian Faulkner had his best game against St. Thomas More with 17 points, 14 rebounds, five steals and two blocked shots in the 47-41 Viking win. Ray Hooper and Jay Cushing contributed solid support in the December 18 victory. Two days later, Fishers Island defeated Salem 40-32. The Vikings opened the season with a 50-24 victory over the Grove School but then lost to the Fitch School 58-48. Fishers Island returned from the Christmas break with a 61- 47 loss to New London, but then rebounded with a close 40-37 victory over the Oxford School. The 1990-91 girls' team, coming off a great season last year, began their campaign with a setback -- mainstay Vanessa Lanier injured her knee in the opening game victory over the Murphy School and was knocked out of action until mid-January. "Through the first six games, everyone has pitched in a little extra to make up for the loss," said Coach Gillan. Lisa Faulkner, averaging eight steals a game and Jessica Lanier averaging nine rebounds a game have been leading the team. "Unfortunately, you cannot statistically measure hustle and effort because if you could, then Susan Stepanek, Sandy Doherty and Evonne Sanchez would be ranked right up at the top," Coach Gillan said. Highlights from the first six games include a 21-point, 10- steal performance by Lisa Faulkner in a tough 43-39 loss to Westbrook, and a 16-point performance for Jessica Lanier in a 46- 10 romp over New London. Andy Corsaro Playing on Championship Football Team Andy Corsaro of Fishers Island started this fall on the varsity football team at the Gunnery School which captured the New England Prep Class C title. Andy, a junior, was a starting linebacker on defense and a reserve running back on offense for the Gunnery, which finished with an 8-1 record. The Gunnery defeated the Moses Brown School of Provi- dence 38-12 in the Class C title game on November 17. The title was the school's first division championship ever. The Gunnery's only loss came at the hands of the Berkshire School, which qualified to play in the Class B championship game. ~.- ;~ Usa Faulkner, above, drives around a Weslbrookopponenl en route lO a 21- poi", pt:fjomlance, while Sandi Doherty slows the It:mpo againsl Salem. Tom Sjhi//o drives around Tom SlIedemeierduring one o/the weekly pickup games/or adults atlhe Fishers Island School. (photo credit: Dick Edwards) r 28 FIsh", I,land Gu..u, I I I I . ,- ~ _....-- ~);."" Fishus Island put in a strong perfonnance allhe Providenu Country Day Chowder nm on October 27. ShawnMalone. left, and Brian Canuo, center finished second and third/or Fishers Island, and 20th and 23rd overall. Usa Faulkner, right. finishedfirst in the girl's division. . ~~... - ~ . -- ~ "! ::. 4i ~, .:...~.,., j'. ~ I I I I I I Island Runners Finish with 6-2 Record; Faulkner Excels I I I I . I I The FisMrs Island High School Cross Country team finished with a strong 6-2 record including a one-point win over large New London High School. Ray Hooper, Shawn Malone, and Brendan Smith consistently finished near the top in the school meets. Eighth-grader Lisa Faulkner won many ofthe girls' races against older competition and ranked well with the boys as well in combined races. "She's a very good athlete," said coach Dan Gillan. "She has a great future in athletics. .. Fishers Island nipped New London High School on October 22 with Brendan Smith and Shawn Malone leading the way for the Vikings with 3rd and 4th place finishes respectively. On October 23, Fishers Island held its first home meet against Bacon Acad. emy and SI. Thomas More Academy. Fishers Island crushed Bacon 22 to 42 in the triangular meet but lost to SI. Thomas More for the second time in the year, this time by 21 to 34. Ray Hooper came in fourth and Brendan Smith finished sixth I I I while Lisa Faulkner won the girl's divi- sion and came in 13th overall. The race course was around the North Hill area. "We had some great fan support for our first home meet," said Mr. Gillan. "'We hope to build on this with next year's schedule. " Earlier in the season, Fishers Island beat the Williams School and St. Dun- ston's School in a triangular meet on Octo- ber 17. Ray Hooper finished second and Shawn Malone came in fifth while Lisa Faulkner was the second girl and 16th overall in the competition. Fishers Island had opened the sea- son with close victories over the Wil1iams School and the Rocky Hill School in a triangular meet on September 2 I, and were then defeated by St. Thomas Moore on October 2. The runners finished the season by coming in fourth out of seven teams in the Providence Country Day Chowder Cup Invitational in Providence, and Lisa Faulker finished first in the girl's division. The Moses Brown School won the competition with 32 points followed by the Wheeler School, Providence Country Day School, Fishers Island, and then the Williams School, St. Dunston's and the Rocky Hill School. Ray Hooper was the top finisher for the boys in I Ith place followed by Shawn Malone 20th, and Brian Caruso in 23rd. Mr. Gillan said he is applying tojoin the Southeastern New England Private School League for cross country in order to e~pand the schedule and improve the competition. Mr. Gillan said he was pleased with the team's results this past year. '4The kids had great enthusiasm throughout the season," he said. HOf course, success has a way of maintaining enthusiasm, but credit has to be given where credit is due and they did work very hard." Keep Pace with Island Life Read the Gazette! 1 ... Subs Conlinuedjrom Page 32 eight hours leaving the New London and Fisher Island shores, the submarine was submerged the entire trip. "Life on a sub requires a lot of team- worlc", master chief Charles Warrington, a 23 year Navy man. "00 an alert there can be 10 to 15 men in this same area. Each has his own function to perform. You have to know how to work together. " ,. Once submerged we never send radio communications to the outside, " said weapons officer Mike Williams, another 23 year Navy man. "Any radio signal,even the noise of a kitchen plate falling, can be picked up on another sub's senSOr sys- tem. " The 292 foot long submarine is operated by 120 crew and 15 officers. The worlc schedule is six hours on, 12 hours off. The crew sleep in berths stacked three high, which they rotate into when off duty. There is one small kitchen, one washing machine, three tiny bathrooms, and an area with exercise machines. When the submarine leaves port, canned food is stacked in the narrow passageways, until the crew eats its way through. "Although the sub is atomic pow- ered, we Use the diesel backup as much as possible," said Officer Williams. "We must be ready to repair any mal function of the complicated electronic controls. When underway, we often have mock attacks and firings against other submarines. We are always busy. " The Whale was docked alongside the submarine tender USS Fulton, at State Pier, New London, for maintenance work. Back only four days, part of its crew was on hoard working. The USS Whale is assigned to one of the three suhmarine squadrons head- quartered at the base. Altogether, the squadrons are responsible for about 20 fast attack submarines as well as for oversee- ing the construction and testing of subma~ rines at Electric Boat. The naval submarine school at the base trains over 20,000 submarine person- nel a year. "The Submarine School is the heart of the Base", said base spokesman Lt. Cmdr. lack Ward. "Since a recent build- ing program, all training for submarine f'""l Fishers Island Gazeu. 29 personnel is performed here. It gives the basic training Course and also retraining courses for experienced crew." "BESS ( Basic Enlisted Submarine School) last six weeks and includes con- siderable technical and damage control training," Cmdr. Ward explained. "All cadets volunteer for submarine selVice, so they are dedicated and motivated to begin with. A lot is expected of them, but they come through. Only 2 percent of the trainees drop out. ,. Damage control training means learn- ing to operate in a mock control room that gyrates as the cadet uses the controls. In a flood control trainer, cadets work to repair pipe leaks, while being flooded with Wa- ter. In a tire control trainer, a team tries to put out electrical fires that shoot up the walls. "These boys are lucky," said one instructor, from a glass window in the flood control trainer. "The flooding water isn't cold, I'll never forget tixing a strong leak on a submerged sub that covered us with icy water. You have to be prepared. " The Naval Base is important to the local economy. Counting dependents, about 70,000 people in the Groton-New London area are connected to the base. Now military cutbacks are clOUding the outlook for continued growth. In December it was announced that the 49 year old tender USS Fulton will be retired in 1991, and not replaced. The Fulton employees over 1,200 personnel in main. tenance work. Still the importance of the naval base will continue. "The submarine force has two percent of the Armed Forces personnel, but 20 percent of the combat ships, " said Cmdr. Ward. CATCH THE BOATING SPIRIT THIS SUMMERI 1 I' I I II Telephone 7528 I '. Antenna~ rech 10 Ih~ sky from lh~ Navy prop~ny on Fish~rs Is/and's MI. Prosp~cl. (Photo cr~djl: Dan Eslabrooks) Now offering laser sailboats OPEN MONDAY. SATURDAY 8:00-4:30 30 FIsh", [.lDnd Gtu.e/U Troubled Waters Roiling in West Harbor by David Burnham West Harbor on a calm summer's day is a picture of serenity. But under- neath this smooth surface there is a grow- ing turbulence as different interest groups lay claim to the harbor. The sometimes divergent interests of boaters, shellfish producers, and mari- nas all converge on a West Harbor whicb is becoming increasingly congested with boat traffic. These different groups are complain- ing that Harbormaster John Clavin and his advisory committee are not listening to their concerns when mooring regulations and other harbor policies are set. The friction surfaced at the Fishers Island Civic Association meeting in the fall and continued into the winter meeting as dissatisfaction was expressed by some residents involved in West Harbor activi. ties over the manner in which Mr. CJavin sets policy especially concerning mooring rentals and transient anchoring. In an attempt to improve the situ- ation, the Civic Association has decided this winter to form its own advisory com- mittee made up of representatives from a number ofIsland organizations and groups to talk with the harbormaster and his advi- sory committee. "I think that this is a problem that can be solved with good communication, " said Civic Association President Speedy Mettler. In 1990, Mr. Clavin issued 100 mooring permits, of which 75 were issued to Island residents for moorings west of the inner harbor channel while the remaining 25 pennits were issued to off-Island boat- ers and are located to the east of the chan- nel to the inner harbor. Restrictions were placed on issuing permits to commercial marinas for rental to other parties. Oyster farmer Steve Malinowski is worried because he believes the new an- choring and mooring regulations have pushed the transient boats towards his mariculture operation. HThere has always been an occa- sional boat outside the rockpile, but this was the first summer that there were lots of boats," Mr. Malinowski said. "The DEC (New York Department of Environmental Conservation) can shut Sunsel oller Wesl Harbor on New Year's Day. us down in the same maMer as they closed the inoer harbor to sheUfishing this year...just because of our sites proximity to a tran- sient boat anchorage. ,. Mr. Clavin said Mr. Malinowski should not worry. "Steve has nothing to be concerned about," he said. "According to all our testing the water quality in the outer har- bor is excellent and always has been. Maureen Davidson of the DEChas assured me that if the DEC has any concerns she will let me know first. "If there are any problems that would curtail or influence his (Malinowski's) operation I will take appropriate steps at that time." The Fishers Island Yacht Club wants its rights in West Harbor protected as well. "We want to insure that with the growth in demand for mooring space in West Harbor, every effort is made to in- sure that there is mooring space for our members in the future," said Yacht Club Commodore Lauri Rubinow. "What we want to prevent is a number of different agencies and boards adopting fundamen- tal policy related to the harbor and the mooring issue without our participation. We want the issues resolved in a manner that is in the best interest of all Island residents and harbor users. .. Dick Hale of Pirate's Cove Marina admits that the marina has a vested interest in the mooring rental program as they receive a commission for administering the program. (photo credit: Ann Hanes) "ljust wish that the decisions were being made in a public forum, with a public debate. If it is detennined that it is forthe greater good of the Island not to rent the moorings then that's fine, but then let that be stated and detennined puhlicly." Mr. Clavin said the public has been involved through the Harbor Advisory Committee which was set up last year. "This committee has been operat. ing like any other appointed committee, to he said. "Interested residents talk with members of the committee or myself and their opinions and interests are weighed against the overall interests of the harbor. If anyone has questions or concerns please feel free to make those concerns known to the committee." Billy Martling, the Yacht Club rep- resentative on the Harbor Advisory Com- mittee, is not sure how well the committee is working. "Since being selected to the com- mittee in June of 1990, I have talked with the harbormaster on numerous occasions and with anyone else interested in harbor policies," he said. "'Nonetheless, to my knowledge only one meeting has taken place. If a committee has only one meet- ing in six months, does that constitute a working committee?" In another matter, the Southold Town Board added Hay Harbor to the responsi- bility of the harbormaster. In a report See lIarbor on Pagd] Secession: Staten Island Shows How! By Sam Campbell Special to the F. I. Gazette Although Staten Islanders oveIWhelm- ingly voted last year to create a commis- sion to study the island borough's potential secession from new Yark City, two indi. viduals prominently involved in the move- ment recently cautiooed against like-minded Fishers Islanders attempting a similar course. The referendum, which received the approval of over 80 percent of the voters, calls for a 13.member commission to draw up a charter for a City of Staten Island over the next three years. If Staten Islanders then vote for se- cession, and there is little current consen- sus they will, the state legislature would have to ratify it, and that is unlikely. The secession movement was started in the early '80's when the first lawsuit challenging the legitimacy ofthe New York City government was filed. The lawsuit said the city Board of Estimate, the central governing body in New York City, was not fair because all boroughs were accorded equal power regardless of their population. Staten Island State Senator John Marchi immediately formulated contingency plans to seek legislative approval to con- sider secession. Says his counsel Kate Rooney, lOWe felt this was a very serious matter for the community. ,. When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled New York City's government unconstitu- tional in 1989, Mr. Marchi introduced his bill which subsequently was presented to the voters as a referendum last election day. Fishers Islanders have toyed with the idea of secession from the Town of Southold for years. A study was put together by John Clavin several years ago which indicated that it was not feasible for Fishers Islanders to break away from Southold and to incor- porate as a village. Nonetheless, the issue keeps return- ing, especially when Island officials be- lieve they are being shortchanged by the Town of Southold. For instance, Island garbage commissioner Jim Hancock has muttered under his breath that the Island should secede from Southold if the town does not provide any funding for the Is- land's proposed transfer station. Secession is more than idle day dream- ing for Councilman Ray Edwards. '"This (secession) has crossed my mind since the first year in office, I t he said. "Fishers Island should be an incor- porated village in the Town of South old. " The Island is simply not receiving it share of town funds considering the amount oftaxes Islanders pay, he said. The reduction of Staten Island's power in city government by the Supreme Court ruling lies at the center of that borough's argument for secession. "Since 1898, we have had four voice within the city government on the Board of Estimate as granted by the state," said Ms. Rooney. "Now the rules have been changed. "That we are an island is also im- portant as is the reality that in changing the rules, all the power has flowed to the City Council where Staten Island will have but three of 51 votes. "I don't know anything about your situation out on Fishers Island. but the important thing is your relationship with the government of which you are a part. and if it has changed. Tom Cocola, press secretary to Slaten Island Borough President Guy Molinari, says his boss is the voice of realism. "We are of the belief this (seces- sion) will never happen," he said. "This referendum did not address any tough questions. and there was no reason to vote no. We believe it is a big political cha- rade, and even if the island votes to secede, it will never get out of the legisla- ture. because it'sa numbers game, and the New York City dominated legislature will never vote for it. .. New York City's Corpomtion Coun- sel. Victor Kovner, has said the city coun- cil maintains approval rights over any secession measure, and he recently said "secession will not occur. .. Press secretary Cocola did concede that the secession movement is about to acquire a potent new emotional rallying cry. "By 1992, we estimate that the Fresh Kills landfill (the world's largest landfill with most of the refuse coming from New York) will have the highest point on the eastern seaboard. .. Stay Informed... Read the Gazette! Fishers Island ea..a. 3 I Harbor conlinu~d from Pag~ 30 prepared for the October civic association meeting. Mr. Clavin noted "this action was taken to provide local control over the use of the harbor. "Regulations are being finalized after consultation with the Hay Harbor Club. They will generally follow the rules set by the club and neighboring residents. " Mr. Clavin said there would be no anchoring or non-resident moorings per- mitted in Hay Harbor. Bids are being solicited for the refur- bishing, painting and placing of24 chan- nel markers in West Harbor and Hay Har- bor as well as the construction of a four- foot by six-foot raft upon which anchoring instructions will be placed. "We will be marking the exact same locations that have been marked for years, " Mr. Clavin said. "We are simply replac- ing the poorly marked and dilapidated buoys with the same kind as used in inner West Harbor so that the people in Hay Harbor can go in and out. .. When asked about the potential for increased transient boat traffic due to the better channel markers, Mr. Clavin re- sponded "thanks to the town board ruling I now have the authority to enforce the no- transient anchoring policy. .. Mr. Clavin said his primary interest is "in protecting the harbors and maintain- ing the character of the Island. " Ashers Island Apartment For Sale 1.500 Square-feet. Completely Renovated. Three-bedroom, Separate Living Room and Dining Room. New Modem Kitchen. large Enclosed Sun Porch. large Storage Room in Basement. Apartment Building in Excellent Condition. Parade Ground Apartments; 12121 245-6633 32 Flshm IsIDnd Gtu.eue '" III - ~...;-; ~ ~ #f':'::ii.-~ ,--,~ __' _ -~r' .,......""""''-w-,~w_--_~_'',' w_ ... ....' ~--::t~- ~;....-~~~- :~'" ...;t:;:: __'-'-"-"'-w ._ - --'~ - - - _ ", ~~ ~ ' --',-.,.:0. ...-.~ ~". ' ~-."'" .:-S;~~:";y~ :-z...~-:,~~::;~-~ - -~-~~- ,-- - - - -: ~-- --..;~-G.;:;~~_--~-*e~~~--' ~~~~~__-r'>('-------_-~:::'-:~'_~~"':~' .... :' '"'"'-9""'-;>-" ;:::"""":.:~~- __ -- ~ - --~~- _1~ ~m =~:_~~;;;.,~-,:~.:":::- _ -~_-_~A,,'_~~~--<:-~~%.-- ""' -"-,,,.-.~- ~~ =~'. ........ --~'. ~"": "~"'" '" ~~~ ..... ~--'-._ ..-~=. ....".. ...-.:::;r,",,~..-..._,~ - - :::.::~~ ..~ ::;;,..~ ~ ~'c".- .~ .- ~~...:,/_~ - ~~--?i -~-:- ~JS: ", -------~--,-.,..- _ ~ ~~~~_;'P- -, u- --...... -' =-- ~~~._ .,.,,;......7'*,:;.;;;.- .- .-..., ~,.--.....---' r."'f-"" .- f:;;C":; ~'.\I'r' - --~~ Submarine heading back 10 pan in New London. A Look Inside the New London Submarine Base By Mary Roberts Those who take the Fishers Island ferry may think that all submarine activity takes place at the Electric Boat Company directly across the Thames River from the ferry docks. This impression would be decidedly wrong because just a mile upstream the U.S. Navy Suhmarine base dwarfs the Electric Boat facility in size. Started in 1916, the base has ex- panded along the Thames River and up the hill, and now encompasses 500 acres. The grounds include buildings for the subma- rine school, piers for over 20 submarines, a hospital. living quarters and even a nine- hole golf course. Security is tight at the base. The public is only admitted to the Nautilus Museum which attracted 270,000 visitors last year. To see any other area requires a badge and identification. No mention is made of the mission of any of the submarines. According to the New London Day, sources in Wash- ington have said up to a dozen submarines are near Iraq, but even the families of sub- mariners stationed in Groton do not know which vessels are in the Middle East. Personnel move about the base quickly exchanging brisk salutes. To the uninitiated, the language seems like that of a foreign country, with its flow of acro- nyms filling all military conversations. Only by asking can one learn that BESS means Basic Enlisted Submarine School, that DEVRON stands for Submarine De- velopment Squadron. In December, the USS Whale, a fast attack nuclear submarine retuTed to the base from a loo-day excursion. Except for Su Subs on Page 29 FISlIERSGAZt;11 E US POSTAGE ISlAND PAID Fishers Island Civic Assn. FiSHERS IS. NY Fishers Is., New Yark 06390 06390 Permit N4