HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 Vol 5 No 1 February
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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FIShers Island GaUUt 5
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
~
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Old Saybrook, Ct
(203) 388-9U<
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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Flshm /slDnd Gaze"e 11
Minister Brings New
Approach to Island Pulpit
by Krysia Bereday
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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
-
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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. ..
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FIsh.,. [,kind Gazeu. IS
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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..~"""
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l//ustration oflhefronl elevation of the new Coast Guard building at Silver Eel Pond.
1-
16 FIshers Ishm" Gu.eae
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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BOAT SALES, INC.
Stafford St., Mystic 536-4945
Sales Aulhorized Service
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From: Groton - New London
7:00 am weekdays * 4:45 pm weekdays
VOLVO
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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
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AUTOMOTIVE CORNER
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443.8432
Service
442-4371
Parts
442-0491
Bodyshop
442.7132
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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.
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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,
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Faulkner Contracting Inc.
General Contractor
Office & Res. Dial 7863
Shop Dial 7216
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Box 355
LAURIE MacTAVISH BEST
415 Pequot Avenue
New London, Connecticut 06320
203-442-5477
APPRAISER
of
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ROOFING
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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:
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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.
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FIsh", Island Ga:.U. 23
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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
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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
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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.
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, d p. -
I an lzza i
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, t....'. Buy 4 Pizzas. get one free rj,:
, ~ (203) 447-2820 ~,
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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
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518-788-731 I
Fishers Island Ga..ue 2S
ARE YOU CONSIDERING INVESTING
IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA?
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-"II" ~ ~ 'lfl!'iIII'"'
c..\~;;..- . y
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W. Harold Hicks, President
John K. Moore, Chainnan of the Board
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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.
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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
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TAPE
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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.
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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,
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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.
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Island Runners Finish with 6-2 Record; Faulkner Excels
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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
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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.
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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. "
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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
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