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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 Vol 16 No 1 Spring Vol. 16 No.1 Established in 1987 Spring 2002 2 Fishers Isla"d Gazette. Spri"g 1(}02 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Carol Ridgway had it so right when she wrote a letter to the Gazette regarding hous- ing on Fishers Island for the winter popula- tion. Ask just about anyone out here and they're going to tell you we have a major problem. Families are leaving here and at too fast a pace, and others are on the verge. I've asked why (hey are thinking about going and I get two answers-the school and housing. We've got to find a way of handling this latest crisis and try to build up the year-round population again. For the good of both year-rounders and the summer residents, I hope a solution is found. If anyone has any ideas, please speak up. The future of Fishers Island depends on it. Sincerely, Patty Faulkner Summer 2002 Gazette Deadline: May 20, 2002 The Fishers Island Gazette is an inde- pendent not-for-profit publication initi- ated with a grant from The Sanger Fund and sustained with subscription and ad- vertising revcnuc. It is published three times a year. Editor Betty Ann Ruhino\',' Contributors in this Issue Happy Gaillard, Leila Hadley Luce Gail Mayes, Pierce Rafferty Carol Rid~vay, Cynthia Riley Thelma H edge Shaw Photogral)her Emeritus Albert II. Gordon Controller Su-Ann Seidl Newsstand Sales J ames Hall Computer Support William C. Ridgway III SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE $15 PER YEAR. IT'S EASY, JUST MAIL A CHECK TO THE GAZETTEI Fishers Island Gazette, Box 573 Fishers Island NY 06.~90 Mar. 7, 2002 Open Letter to the Board of Education Fishers Island School Fishers Island NY 06390 Gentlemen/L1dies: I am writing to submit my views on the very important issue facing all of us on Fish- ers Island: the future of the Fishers Island School. As a slimmer resident for more than 20 years and a member of the [school] Build- ing Committee for the past (hree years, I am well aware that the decision on this issue will impact not only the education of our Island children but also the quality of life for all residents. I strongly believe that the school should be continued in its present structure, i.e., for all grades, K through 12. This is consistent with my understanding of the recommenda- tion of the 1998 Lerer report. Clearly, the school is needed for the education of children of year-round residents. If the upper grades of the school were closed, 1 believe we would lose not only parents of children in (hose grades but also parems of children in the lower grades. Who would want to keep their children in the lower grades knowing that they face the major upheaval of moving to an entirely different off-Island school in a few years? What family would want to move to the Island knowing that an education for their children is available for only a few years? Faced with an increasing exodus of year- round residents from the Island. our Island services certainly would suffer. Where would we get our dedicated fire department and EMS volunteers? Who would be here to protect the homes and property of summer residents or year-round retired persons? The cost to taxpayers of a "gated Island" certainly would be substantially higher (han our present community consisting of a good number of year-round residents. 1 believe the current problem with declining enrollment in (he school could be rectified by returning to the recommendation of Dr. Lerer's report that magnet students be attracted here. It seems to me (hat the drop in number of magnet students. from 26 in 1998 to 17 today, is attributable to the current school administration's lack of vigor and enthusi- asm for the magnet program. For example. I understand that the former practice of sub- mitting articles and advertisements regard- ing the magnet program to (he newspaper in New Lmdon was abandoned. It is of utmost importance in myopin- ion that the views of all Islanders. both year- round and summer resident, be solicited in the decision-making process. I strongly urge you to call an open meeting of all Island persons to discllss these critical issues. Thank you for your attention to the letter. I believe I speak for all Fishers Island residents in expressing our sincere apprecia- tion for the time and effort (hat you devote to the good of the Fishers Island School. Sincerely, Catherine W. Kennedy To the Editor: There are ongoing rumors regarding the status of Charles Stepanek as a social studies teacher a( the Fishers Island School, and the Board thinks it would be helpful for all concerned to clear the air of confusion and misunderstanding. Mr. Stepanek is a tenured teacher. The Board is not in a position to offer his job to anyone and has not done so. The superintendem routinely receives solicitations from colleges seeking to place their graduates in teaching positions. Typi- cally. the colleges request information about curremly posted or advertised openings. as well as jobs that might be available in future years. With the knowledge of the Board, (he superintendent responds to these inquiries in an effort to establish and maintain sources for recruiting strong teachers to the Island. The two individuals who came to the Island in January from a Long Island college had no invitation or appointment at the school. nor had they called in advance to ask any ques- tions. They came in response to the superintendent's description of Fishers Is- land as a desirable place to live and teach. No vacancies had been announced for 2002. and if the individuals had inquired, this is what they would have been told. Mr. Stepanek is now at an age where Co1ltinu~d on page 3 ~ ~ Call or e-mail the editor for J ,Ii information about advertis- .s'0 ing or editorial content: winter 860-633-8200: summer 631-788-7000: figazette@cox.net. The Gazette appreciates and relies upon edito- rial contributions from the community. We re- serve the right to edit copy and regret that we cannot run every story and occasionally must hold copy for future issues. t j I . I Sprillg 201J2. Fishers Islalld (;azelle 3 Superintendent Koehnen Under Fire A powerful undercurrent of frus- tration, anger and resentment to- ward Fishers Island School Su- perintendent Kathy Koehnen erupted early this year in the form of a petition and a packed Mar. 20 Board of Education meeting attended by about 120 people, manyofwhom say they view Ms. Koehnen as a threat to the future viability of the school, and therefore, dle community. The petition, circulated by year-round resident Karla Heath and signed by 91 peti- tioners, both year-round and summer, calls for the Board of Education to "refrain from renewing" Ms. Koehnen's contract, which expires in 2003. "At least 30 more people would have signed the petition, but they feared recrimi- nation at the school," Mrs. Heath said. A swirl of negativity has dogged Ms. Koehnen for months. Messages about her on the Fishers Island Utility Co.'s website, the "Peg Board," had become so vitriolic and abusive that the company indefinitely shut down its electronic bulletin board Mar. 19 [see story on page 5]. Specific complaints about the superin- tendent, who began work at the school in April, 1999 are difficult to pin down. Some parents say that teachers fear for their jobs and that Ms. Koehnen has created an atmo- sphere of distrust. They cite her "abrasive Letters to the Editor I I I I Co"tillued from pllge 2 many teachers choose to retire, and under his union Contract, he is obligated to give only 30 days' notice of his intention to retire. The school has had difficulties in the past with sudden departures under the union contract, most recently when a language teacher re- signed after the end of the school year, leav- ing little time to find a replacement. The Board believes that it would be irresponsible to our smdents if the school took no stcps to address the possibility of future vacancies, both anticipated and unanticipated. Mr. Stepanek has taught at the school and has been an active and valuable member of the Fishers Island community for 29 years. The Board apologizes foranydiscomforr that this misunderstanding has caused him. Sincerely yours, Margaret E. Bryan Presidem, Board of Education \ style, intimidation of teachers and students, complete power over the school Board, lack of communication and lack of respect for magnet students and their parents." It is generally agreed that two incidents brought this intense disapproval to a head. The first was aJan. 19 meeting of the Fishers Island Civic Association at which Ms. Koehnen reported that because of a projected enrollment of 6-8 children in the high school in 2007, the Board had decided to begin an Comillut"d 011 pllge 4 Mrs. KoeLnen Responds... Like any good school, Fishers Island School has room for improvement. But improvement means change, and change is seldom easy. When I first came here, there was no written curriculum. Now we have one. There was no collection of data on student achievement. Now we have that. There were no faculty meetings. Now we have them, with any teacher able to add an item to the agenda to be discussed by all. There was very limited communication be- tween teachers and parents regarding their children's work. That has now increased. There was no focus on staff development, with only a few teachers ever havinganended a conference or workshop. Now we have teachers who are excited about their visita- tions to other schools, conferences they have attended and the new ideas they are trying. There were long-standing violations (sincc 1982) of New York Srare Property Tax Law, which are now being corrected. Financial records were in disarray and not up-to-date. Now we are computerized and up-tn-date. The Board of Education has been learn- ing and growing as well. Last fall, the Board began working with a leadership trainer from the New York State School Boards Associa- tion, and this is continuing. The community should understand that the friends and neighbors whom you have elected to the Board of Education are volun- teers who serve many hours on your behalf. The Board has full legal authority over the school. In their role asclected officials, Board members review far more infor- mation than other community members, much of it confidential as it relates to individual children and employees. If there are any legitimate concerns, there are a number of ways in which these concerns can be addressed. As mentioned above, teachers may bring up any item for full discussion at faculty meet- ings. Teachers have in their union contract a grievance procedure. The Board has adopted policies. most approved in 1993 during full review, which define the work- ings of the school district, includ- ing how to address complaints. These specific policies were re- viewed by the Board at its public meeting in December. The Board also developed and approved guidelines for public comments at its meetings. Historically, the Fishers Is- land community has become in- o '0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . ~ E ~ " . Fishers Island School students enjoy a field trip to the Science Center of Eastern Connecticut in New London Feb. 27. Trip was funded by F.I. Library,lPP and Island Concerts. Couti"ut"d 011 pllgt" 4 4 Fisllf'r.f Islmld Gazette. Spring 2002 Superintendent Under Fire Continued from page 3 "exploration of options" to determine the best way to continue providing a quality education for Fishers Island children. The Board denied immediate rumors that it wanted to "close the school" [see box at right]. (In a lenef accompanying the above petition, Mrs. Heath disputed the 6-8 enrollment figure projected for 2007, stating that the estimated enrollment would, in fact, be 14 Island students.) The second incident developed when two college students came to Fishers Island during this school year ostensibly in response to information about teaching positions at the school. Although the Board issued an explanation [see Leners to the Editor on page 2], detractors view the incident as yet another example of Ms. Koehnen's threats and intimidation. Board of Education President Miggie Bryan is a staunch supponer of the superin- tendent. "Kathy is very ethical. She is a superb educator with years of experience and has made many changes for the good. She has truly improved the school in every way, including curriculum, finances and the physical plant." The Board expected a large turn-out for its Mar. 20 meeting in the gym. Mrs. Bryan, aware of this issue's emotional quotient, asked resident New York State Trooper Jo- seph Curto to be present in uniform. A number of people spokc, including year-round resident John Bean, whose wife is the computer teacher at the school. The Beans have two sons who anend the school; their daughter is a 2001 graduate. Mr. Bean summarized his concerns: "When the super- inrendem first arrived, I was one of her biggest supporters. In rime, however, I got the distinct impression that she did not respect the teachers or the students. "The teachers used to have free rein in the school, but she locked everything down; she gets in the way. She brought the bureau- cracy of the mainland to the school, which used to operate more like a f..1mily. "Mrs. Koehnen has also been detrimen- tal to the academics, which were incredible. And she treats the magnct students like sec- ond class citizens, saying they are guests at the school. "People feel they have nowhere to go with their complaints. She controls commu- nication, and the Board falls in line with her, so there are no checks and balances on her power." Year-round resident Pat Schiestl, who also spoke at the meeting, said later that this issue is not just about (he school. "It is about the community; it is parr of the grand problem. We need to work as a team, with better communication between the Board and the community. People have to be informed to avoid hard feelings." Only one person stood up to speak in defense of the superintendent. Vear-round resident Michael Crupi later said, "The school does not exist in a vacuum. We're not going to attract families, because property values are too high, and access is difficult. "Things were not wonderful, and people were dissatisfied with the school long before Kathy arrived. When we moved to the Is- land, we were aware there were problems. "But when we put our son, who has since graduated, in school here, we were horrified at what we saw and considered moving off the Island. Teachers were run- ning around doing whatever they wanted and [former superintendent] Dr. [Neil] O'Connell did nothing. When Karhy ar- rived, the teachers were on notice that there would be performance reviews. Kathy al- ways got back to us. She was on top of everything. She was so professional. We saw gradual improvement. "I rhought rhe behavior [at the Boatd meeting] was inhumane. Whatever mistakes she's made, she never did anything to deserve that treatment." Mrs. Koehnen Responds Corlfinurd from pdge 3 cited by school issues from time to time, with reports that some teachers were helping to spread misinformation and rumors. I cer- tainly hope that this is not the case this time. I see teachers who care about children; I see teachers defining and extending their cur- ricula and course outlines; I see teachers who are excited about learning more and improv- ing their teaching skills. I hope rhat the people in our commu- nity will learn from the past that to listen to one side of the story on the street is not enough. I am hopeful ,hat people will ask themselves if this is the whole story and look for factual information. The packet of in for - mati on that the Board of Education distrib- uted at its March meeting provides some of it. Community members who are interested in seeing for themselves the atmosphere in the school are invited to come to the school. Board of Education Has No Plans to Close High School Responding to previously submitted questions, the Board reported at its Mar. 20 meeting that it had in January begun discussing "options" for the school due to declining enrollment but had no "anticipated intention" to eliminate the high school. The Board will be working with Educorps, a group of retired school administrators, authorized by the State of New York. Educorps is the same group that advised the school on its financial computerization for the cost of expenses, only $234, Supt. Koehnen said. . Fishers Island School Board of Education (I.r) Aaron Lusker; Miggie Bryan, president; Sue Horn; Traci Thibodeau; and Stephen 5cace, vice president. Spring llHJ2 - Fishers Islalld (,azelle 5 I I I IHP Pur~"ases Do~lor' sHouse &. Plans OtTi~e The Island Health Project (IHP) in February informed donors to its Capital Campaign for the Health of Fishers Island that two complaints against IHP made to New York Stare administrative agencies had been dismissed. In its letter, IHP wrote, "On November 14,2001, the New YorkState Depanmentof Health sent IHP a letter stating that no action would be taken on a complaint that IHP was improperly operating a medical facility or clinic rather than subsidizing a private prac- tice. On December 7,2001, IHP received a similar communication from the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau that no action would be taken 011 a complaint lodged in May, 2001, that IHP engaged in fraudulent fund raising and illegal operation of an unlicensed clinic." The two dismissed complaints had been lodged byadjacenr property owner, Nina W. (Anthoine) Leth, individually and as Man- ager of Windham Resources, LLC. IHP launched its campaign in Fall, 1999 and had such an overwhelming response to its initial goal of$1.5 million that it revised the goal to $2 million and achieved that Feb. I I. 2000. The goal of the campaign was threefold: to build a new health facility, renovate the doctor's office into a residence, and establish a permanent Operating fund to cover ex- penses, which have doubled since retaining resident physician, Jack Hand, M.D. IHP has changed its original plans for meeting its campaign goals. Dr. and Mrs. Hand are now living in the former West End home of John and Peg Clavin. purchased in "move-in condition" by IHP Nov. 19,2001. This new arrangemem creates additional in- terior space for the renovated office. IHP now plans to redesign the current doctor's office to include a handicapped accessible entrance, ambulance drop-ofT, modern fix- tures and appropriate living quarters for doc- tors filling in while Dr. Hand is away. "IHP's Capital Campaign donors and the entire community should take pride in this development, because the new residence provides strong additional incentive for any future physician whom the Island might wish [0 attract as a year-round Fishers Island resi- dent," said IHP in its letter to donors. , I I ~-,....... -"-, ;... ~. '~ ~ ~.;,; ~~..:.~-"" ;,.1-:: .t '-~ ~ "r: ~ -~ ''<; ~rJ;~_,~ -- ;'I-_ ....::;::. ii' ,:'"'-~ "IiI ->f..:;,5",'- _ ~..." ,>0'.. - -.........,.' ',;; - ~~ri~J .~_ ,; - : ,'~ :~~~h,;,4",,:i"f?c,.' ::"'i.,\.~::~~;~. ...~L",,- John Bean Photo :..... _:..:;}: ,.0 ..... ~ ;$:.~:~! . The Island Health Project (IHP) in November, 200 I purchased the former West End home o( John and Peg Clavin (or Fishers Island's resident doctor. IHP sees this house as a strong draw (or future physicians who might consider living and working year.round on Fishers Island. F.I. Eledroni<<: Bulletin Board Shut Down The Fishers Island Utility Co. on Mar. 19 shut down indefinitely its electronic message board, the "Peg Board," due to months of abusive messages. "The Peg Board is not a public forum. It is a private website set up by a private com- pany filf the convenience of the Fishers Is- landcommuniry," said Robert E. Wall, presi- dent of the utility company. "The message board is a great thing when used appropriately but not when it is abused. It was hurting people and, therefore, hurting the community. "There are no freedom of speech issues on a private site," Mr. Wall said. He added that, as president, he has the authority to make this decision and informed the utility company Hoard of his planned action. The urilitycompany had posted a warn- ing, later unheeded, that further abuse of the site would not be tolerated and would lead to ashutdown.OnMar. 7, the company posted the following. "... When we first esrablished "The Peg Board," we emailed all of our FISHNET customers and notified them ofits existence. We also mentioned that we would monitor it and would not allow inappropriate lan- guage to be used. "Unfortunately, we had to delete the school postings along with several other postings due to language, which our com- pany does not condone. "Currently, we arc working on tracking users that wish to abuse this privilege. Hope- fully, hywayof this posting, certain individu- als will think a little more clearly and choose their words with more care. "However, if this privilege is continued to be abused, then instead of postings being deleted, the whole board Illay be discontin- ued." Fishers Island Telephone Co. inaugu- rated irs FISHNET se!Vice shonly after July 4, 1999 and by 2001 had 150 subscribers. The company upgraded ro high-speed Internet access Aug. 15. 2001. Wanted for New Museum: -Original green, oversized Olmsted East End development map, 1926/1928. 'Fishers Island home movies. 1 920s-'60s. 'Artifacts that reveal Island history. Don't delay-exhibit design at advanced stage! Please send description to: Pierce Rafferty/History, H.L. Ferguson Museum, Fishers Island NY 06390: email PRafferty@~ 6 Fi~her.~ Is/and Gazette. Sprillf( 2(}(}1 I, n 0 ... (I-r) Corbin and Edmund Hedge check lobster traps. "IIIlI Hedge family photo ../ (I.r) Robert, John Campbell, Edmund, Alfred, William, Belle, Bessie and Charles W. Hedge. .. (inset) Edmund Hedge, two years before losing his arm in ashooting acci- dent. "The Hedges on the BessieH. Spr;,'g 2()Ol . Fishers Island Gazelle 7 EdIUund Hedge: Courage in tl.e Fa<<:e of A.d-versity Corbin Hedge. 77, died Jan. 18. His Jaher, Edmund, was a Iobsterman on Fishers Island This is Edmunds story. By Thelma Hedge Shaw previous afternoon and figured that the hunt- ers had bagged enough game and hadn't bothered to track down the injured ducks, now unable to fly. A5 Ed reached for his shotgun, pulling it to him, the hammer caught on the sail, discharging one barrel of the gun. The shO( entered his arm at the wrist and tore up to the elbow. To this day, no one knows how Ed, bleeding profusely, made it back to port. Fortunately, he was not alone in the boat. He was rushed to the Fr. Wright hospital where the post surgeon said the arm had to be amputated two inches above thc elbow. Ed had planned to join his fathcr in thc lobstcr busincss the following spring. In- stead, when recovered, he worked with his brother Rill in the plumbing business, learn- ... .;: - .. 1 \ I I I I I I I - . I I ~ Dawn broke with the promise of a glorious day for the tiny Island, but as young Edmund Hedge gazed ofT into the sunrise, thc bcauty of the dawn was the last thing on his mind. It was 1916. the day before Thanksgiv- ing, and the 17-year-old was ploning the best course of action as he approached the dock and his father's lobster boat, Bessie H. Ed. who was accompanied by a friend, rested his double-barreled shotgun against the cabin of his boat. pulled the lines from the pilings and shoved of[ Ed, a gentle-hearted soul, was headed to North Dumpling with his friend Harry Abbott to cnd the lives of a couple of Mallard ducks shot and wounded by a group of hunters. Ed had seen the ducks late the I I I I I I I I ::- ;.. < - -~ -.- - '" r . -=--1-: -. I . - - - ~:...- '.- -- - -'- -. . _: --- =:~~- .-..~-- ~-':- ~ -.-~ - .. ""_-_':::_'~~'';.:2-::.._~ ~ - '.., ":'<.... - -"'- .. - -.. -'" - - ,..~ -'-:J- -.......... ~ ~-;. ::::. ~-;-.i "'-'-...a, ~_ ~-.~~... ...;".;. . ' ....,...... --. ~ -,--.- - ...~-.~~ -' --. .. - .",~~ ~-~ .:--~ - '" Hedge Family Photos ing to use tools with his left hand. When his father died in 1917, however, and left him the Bessie H., Ed decided he was going to show people he could "lick" his problem. Some Islanders thought he was foolish to try. but he answered the skeptics, saying, "lobstering is my life, and without it and the sea, you might as well let me die." A few years later, Ed married Bertha Stoughton of Clinton, Conn. and built her a wood-shingled house a few hundred yards up from West Harbor. He made good money fishing. In the 1950s. he could rake 200 or 300 pounds a day from his 100 pots. By the 1970s, he said he IH::eded twice as many pots to duplicate that ca(ch. losing an arm did not make Ed biner. CMlfbllled on page 9 8 Fishers Island Gazette. ,)'prillK ](J()] ..'"j' <t ,~ SprbJg 10(}1 . Fishers lsla"d Gazette 9 \ I I t "i Edmund Hedge Co1lt;lIuedfrom page 7 I \ I During WWl, he was one of the few men left on the Island. Before hauling his pots, he would tend fires, if needed, in the homes of men who were offfighting. Later in the day, he would return with extra lobsters in his bushel baskets for those families he had tended earlier. Durillg that tinle, Ed frequendywalked the nine or so miles across the frozen sound, pulling his sled behind him. Loading up on supplies, he would then start the long, lonely and often dangerous journey back across the frozen expanse. He never complained, be- cause he thought it was his duty while his neighbors were off fighting for freedom. Over the years. Islanders relied on Ed in times of trouble or need. The one-armed bandit, as he was now lovingly called. would always manage to set things right. For example. when a friend's mother died, and the funeral was scheduled for 10 a.m.. Ed learned that her two sisters had missed the 7 a.m. ferry. There was no visibil- ity out on the water. The fog was as thick as pea soup. Without a thought for his own safety, Ed volunteered to pick up the sisters. I I I , I I I I I even though the ferry had almost run aground that morning coming though the channel. Guided by his many years of experience and his strong desire to help, he safely made it over to the mainland and back with his cargo. Then there was (he Thanksgiving din- ner that his wife, Bertha, kept warm for over two hours. The family had just sat down to eat when the phone rang with news that the young minister, who had come from Con- necticut to preach at the annual Thanksgiv- ing service, had missed the ferry. He was longing to get home for his first Thanksgiv- ing with his bride of two weeks and offered to pay anyone for a ride to the mainland. Ed left the table to bring the young minister home and refused payment. saying it was his plea- sure to be of service. Ed had overcome so many challenges in his life. yet he was always known and loved for hisgeIltleand generous disposition. Once a recipient of Ed's kindness, you never could forget him. Sadly. for all of us who loved him, and there were literally hundreds, Ed met an '" , .. . / ., - - Hedge Family Photo . Charles W. Hedge residence and dock. obstacle he couldn't overcome: He died Sept. 27. 1975. I could write countless pages about Captain Ed, my grandfather. He was the most generous person I have ever known. He was always willing to give of himself so that others would benefit. In the eulogy given hy Rev. Arthur Kinsolving, his nature was well described: "When Ed was threatened by death in 1970 by shotgun pellets still lodged in his upper stump from his accident in 1916, Dr. Grant Sanger had him admitted into the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York. I walked in and found a gathering of nurses in his room. The nurscswerc frankly amazed and mystified. This great fisherman, this man of the sea who had met everything the Atlantic can do, was a new breed of man to them. They had seen New York bums. oil tycoons and ordinary people galore, but Ed was a unique product, a gifted, giving man from the American tradition of the sea. I'm sure as Ed moved into the company of God, the other guests arose and stood to salute this gentle man, a sailor home from the sea." J() Fi.~/lfn 1.~/alld Gazette. Spring 1001 -, I' ,- - Child & jfllIJil)', rmj)()mte, estate, yachts. fH'ts Fishers Island ~ Gred.-tive MeJMries is MJninS -f,t; fishers ~n Swnrer V aCd.-ti~n! '--- j Oil, watercolor, Imstrl. I drawing. sculjJture Brochure & j)()rtfolio I avnilablf' u/Jml request '.JIr:, "~\.j~. .. ._. CAROLE LOWE ERDMAN \i t j Agent " ~ ~ III pho", 1.8605:16.:16,,2 :..~ emaill'rds@snCI.I1CI - web porrrailsuhd.com '\.. \ 19V~11 Vv'iCK~r I . the beach plum po box 664 fishers island, ny 06390 631.788.7731 Photo Albums and Archival Supplies Lessons and Workshops Custom Albums Molly dllPont ON ISLAND JULY 15TH - AUGUST 15TH 788-7361 Off Island 813-226-2492 E-mail: mollydupont@aol.com To get the right answer in life you have to ask the right questions. DBS Paine Webber wants to hear from you. Because the more we know about your financial goals, the better we can help you reach them. Royden A. Grimm Alan J. Sylvestre Vice Presidents-Investments 2 Union Plaza, New London CT 06320 860-437-2027 800-247-9488 exl. 2027 '* UBS!PaineWebber. UBS PaineWebber is a S6lVice mark 01 UBS AG C2001 UBS PaineWebber Inc. All Rights Reserved. Member slPe Spring 2002 . Pisllers Isla"d Gazette J J f\.rnold Indu<<:ted into Conn. Golf Hall of Fame I I , C harlesG.Arnoldwasinductedinto the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in December, 2001, proving that consistency is equally prized ofT the links as well as on its greens and fairways. In selecting Mr. Arnold, the Connect- iCln State Golf Association (CSGA) said, "Charlie Arnold has been a fixture of Con- necticut golf for five decades. His wisdom, enrhusiasm and tireless efforts on behalf of the game have set an example for the men and women who labor behind the scenes to protect golf's integrity and enhance its enjoyment." In 1969, Mr. Arnold was Warerbury Country Club's golf chairman when he was asked ro serve as CSGA presidenr. Ar 44, he became the youngest president in the history of the organi7.-3tion. CSGA officials nored rheir debr of ap- preciation to Mr. Arnold for his advice, counsel and leadership, and also for his guidance in helping to restructure the organization during his long tenure (1971-1985) as chairman of CSGA's nominating committee. Since 1984, Mr. Arnold has also been active in the United States Golf Association (USGA), serving on USGA's Secrional Af- fairs Committee for the last 14 years. He is an accredited rules officer, giving rwo seminars annually, and has officiated In numerous CSGA and USGA tournaments since 1953. Not only is Mr. Arnold the "idea" man with initiative, bur he also doesn't wait to be asked to help. He eagerly joined fund-raising efforts for CSGA's new Connecticut Coif Foundation two years ago. "It's an opportu- nity for inner city kids to be involved with all aspects of golf, not just the game, bur work- ing in golf shops, for example. It's just get- ting ofT the ground, and r m very proud to be involved with the foundation. "Although it's for all children, the greater opportunity is for inner city children who otherwise would not have an opportunity to play," Mr. Arnold said. "It used to be, until you were out of school, you couldn't afford to join a club. Now, the kids are in the act. In the past, the only young people who got to play were the caddies who played on Mon- day afternoons. Now there are lots of oppor- tunities for kids." Mr. Arnold did not play golf as a child. J I , I I I , Encouraged by friends, he picked up his first golf club in 1946 after two years in the infantry in Europe. His summer of relax- ation before college was spent playing and practicing golf with his friends each day from 7 a.m. until dark, breaking long enough only for a brown bag lunch and a walk from the course (after 36 holes) to the driving range and putting green. He finished the sum mer with a 3 handi- cap and jokes that it has been downhill ever since. "It just shows you what a little daily attention can do for your golf game," Mr. Arnold said. "I didn't play in college (Yale, '48, Ap- plied Economics). After the war, we worked six days a week and played Saturday after- noons and Sundays. I was in the manufactur- ing business, and it was kind of hands on. Everybody did it that way then. I guess I played about 40 or 50 rounds a year. "One of my good friends was in a different manu- facturingcompany. We each worked Saturday morning and had a regular Saturday afternoon game. He had a wry senseofhumor,and about the 15th or 16,h hole, he'd say, 'I sitin my office all weekandcan'twait to get out onto the course, and now I can't wait to get om'" Mr. Arnold is four-time golf champion at Highfield Club in Middlebury, Conn. and also holds a golf cham- pionship in Florida. He is past president and Executive Committee mem- berofthe New En- gland Golf Associa- tion, past president of the CC of Waterbury and a member of the Course Ranking Panel for Golf Digest. In addition to his CSGA and USGA activities, Mr. Arnold is also a fixture at the Fishers Island Club golf course. He was head of the golfcommittee for 11 ycars and worked with the Board on all greens and golf matters during the 1990s. "I always loved that course and every- thing aboUl it," Mr. Arnold said. "They say you can learn more about a person's charac- ter in 18 holes of golf than in 10 years of social or business association. You find out the good and bad. The convivialiry and sociability of playing with people you like is very pleasant and very relaxing." Mr. Arnold is a member of the CC of Waterbury, Royal and Ancient Golf Club, U.S. Seniors Association, Fishers Island Club and Hole-in-the-Wall Club. Jamison C. Bazinet Photo [Waterbury} Republican/American 2001 . Charles W. Arnold was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in December, 200 I. Honored for decades of tireless efforts on behalf of the game, Mr. Arnold was also head of the golf committee at the Fishers Island Club for II years. J 2 f'Mrers Idalld (;azelfe . .\'pring 2tJtJ2 ~ - LAWRENCE & MEMORIAL HOSPITAL .~~~'4 ~.' .~.:= ..., , "4 ,...~ .~ ADMITTING OFFICE: Pre.Admission Testing Only... 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Instead, she went to work fur Time-Life in New York and later for the Office of War Information in the Middle East during WWII. Always an adventurer, she used to tell wonderful stories about her wartime experi- ences flying from one small airport to an- other, pouring coffee into the pilot hoping that he would stay awake long enough to make it to the next landing strip. After the war, she married Tuck Russell, and they spent most of their married life in New Yark City. While raising three children, Mrs. Russell volunteered in many commu- nity organizations. including the James Weldon Johnson Community Center and the Stanley Isaacs Center, both organi- zations that provided services for the Harlem community. At one poine, she also served as a full-time volunteer at the United NationsAsso- Mary Ferguson Russell. a voracious reader. avid sailor and skier. and intrepid traveler. died Sept. 29. 2001 in Essex, Conn. She was 87. Mrs. Russell was born in Schenectady. where her father Samuel Ferguson. was a utility company executive. She grew up in Hartford, Conn. and often left all of the lights on in her house. because her father had taught her that it was good for business. Her grandfather. Henry Ferguson. had built Holiday House overlooking Hay Har- borin 1897. He was the brother of Edmund and Walton Ferguson. who purchased Fishers Island in 1889 from the Fox family heirs. From the time she was born. Mrs. Russell spem summers on Fish- ers Island. where she in- dulged her love for sail- ing by spending many afternoons racing Fish- ers Island one-designs. "She often sat on the porch of Holiday House, and watched with a twinkle in her ,::. eye as boats came too close to rocks or to the shore. She used to say she knew where all of the rocks were, because she had hit most of them in her childhood," said daughter Jennifer Russell. "Her annual golf matches with Muff Rafferty were eagerly awaited by both fami- lies. As children, we would hide behind trees and rattle pots and pans or blow whistles to try to distract Muff. Mom would go on hitting one shot after another-not terribly far but straight as an arrow every time. "She was one of the founders of the H.L. Ferguson Museum and served on its board for years. Many was the time that we would be corralled to help stuff envelopes or type labels for exhibitions. "Mom was a strong presence in the Fishers Island community and will be sorely missed." Mrs. Russell graduated from Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Conn. but did not attend college because her father I r I dation. Throughout her life, Mrs. Russell pos- sessed extraordinary intellectual curiosity, reading constantly on foreign affairs. history Photo Coutesy of Jennifer Russell and current events. For many years she studied Russian and practiced by playing bridge with a group of Russian emigres who lived near her home in the city. With an insatiable desire to travel. Mrs. Russell eventually became a partner in Fredericks Helton, a travel agency. which allowed her to participate in numerous trips to exotic locations around the world. After retiring, she and Me. Russell moved to Essex. Mrs. Russell is survived by her husband, Thomas W. "Tuck" Russell of Essex; a son, Thomas W. Russell III of Minneapolis. Minn.; two daughters, Jennifer Russell of New York City and Sarah Russell of Hadlyme. Conn.; a son-in-law, Lance Elwell; and two step-grandchildren, Kari Katzander and Karena Elwell. Memorial contributions in Mrs. Russell's memory may be selH to the H.L. Ferguson Museum. Burial was on Fishers Island in the old cemetery hehind St. John's Church. MARY FERGUSON RUSSELL I I r .\'pring Z002 . Fishers Island Gazelte J 3 Margaret W. Spofford Margaret Walker Spofford, 97, died Oct. 7,2001 at home in New York City. Known as Peg to friends and "Zee" to her family, Mrs. Spofford was a woman of steady habits and lively wit. She lived. in the same home for over 60 years and changed residence only when she summered on Fishers Island. Born Dee 29. 1903 in Muskegon, Mich., Mrs. Spofford was the middlechild of Louis and Margaret Walker. She graduated from The Madeira School in Washington, D.C. and from Vassar College, class of 1926. Afrer marrying Charles M. Spofford in 1930, she devoted the rest of her life to her family and to active volunteer service with the Women's Association of the Brick Church and the Children's Aid Society. The Spoffords summered in Lake Spofford Family Pholo MARGARET W. SPOFFORD Placid in 1946. but decided it was too long a commute from the city, so they gave Fishers Island a try at the recommendation of friends. The result is Mrs. Spofford.s legacy to Fishers Island: four children, 13 grand- children and 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom spend time on the Island. In 1947, the family remed the Noble House, now owned by Henry and Margaret King. at the East End. With four active children. none of whom had driver's licenses, Mrs. Spofford always said rhat she put 3000 miles on her car in two monrhs. She also said Co,ujllut'd 0" page /4 14 Fidlers /sla"d Gazette. Sprillg 2002 Stephen T. Kelsey, Jr. Stephen Tomlinson Kelsey Jr., known as both "Steve" and "Tommy," died Mar. 7 in BelW}'n, Pa. after a brief illness. Hewas 85. Born in East Orange, N,J.. Mr. Kelsey grew up in New Jersey and Manhattan. He graduated from Hotchkiss School in 1935 and Yale in 1939. In 1942, he enlisted in the Coast Artillery Corps. He was proud but quiet about the fact that he landed on Normandy Beach D-Day plus one. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain. Mr. Kelscy's lifelong love of trains led him, in 1939, to work first with the Pennsyl- vania and then the Canton railroads. He joined Martin Marietta in New York City in 1962 and later moved to its corporate head- quarters in Rockville, Md., retiring in 1985 as Director of Policies and Procedures. According to Mr. Kelsey's family, "His second great love (after trains!) was golf. Needless to say, his favorite golf course was the Fishers Island Club where he was elated to become club champion in 1970." In a letter, dated 1990, Mr. Kelscywrotc: "My life's pivotal events have occurred on Fishers. In the late 1920s, duringa visit at my Margaret W. Spofford COlltimud from page 13 that the constant southwest wind blew po- tato chips away at cocktail time, so the family began renting in the Village until building a house on Chocomount Cove in 1953. Anecdotes abound when Mrs. Spofford's name is mentioned. One popular story cen- ters around her unquestioning devotion to family, and the other proves a keen apprecia- tiClll of how to overcome certain obstacles on the Island. Mrs. Spofford's father, who had a sig- nificant influence on her life, had founded a company that made filing cabinets. During WWII, while her husband was in Europe, she was sent tax returns with instructions [0 sign and file them. This she did. Some months later, IRS agents arrived at her apartment door, stating that she had not filed the tax returns. She invited them inro her office, opened her filing cabinet, and proved that she had indeed "filed" them. This story was later reported in 71Je New Yorker. The second anecdote results from the fact dlat Mrs. Spofford was an ardent fan of uncle's house overlooking the 14,h hole (the Van Dyke house, currently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Andrews), I resolved then and there to return to the island at every ~ < .. .. .. ~ ~ u ~ "0 ~ . . ~ , o u o "0 ~ ~ STEPHEN T. KELSEY, JR. opportunity. During the 1954 Membcr- Guest golf tournament, 1 met and was seated next to Nancy Bryce who, for more than 35 years, has made me happy beyond my crossword puzzles but would not regularly buy a Sunday New York Times. One Mon- day, she called the grocery SlOre looking for a paper, but Bill Bloethe informed her that he had no papers left. He suggested that she call the transfer station. She promptly called Jim Wall, then manager of the station. He erased the puzzle for her and had it ready when one of her children arrived to pick it up. In her younger years, Mrs. Spofford was an accomplished golfer, mandolin player and marksman, reportedly targeting rabbits from her deck with a 22-calibre rifle. More re- cently, her real joy was the weekly trip to the two church thrift shops with one of her granddaughters. In early days on Fishers Island, Tom Armstrong and his wife Bunty rented a house adjacent to the Spofford property on Chocomounr Cove. Mr. Armstrong called on Mrs. Spofford to ask for an ingredient for his pepper jelly and rhus began a lifelong friendship. The Spofford family asked Mr. Armstrong to say a few words at an Oct. 12 service at St. John's Church. Unable to at- fondest dreams." From 1955 until the last few years of his life, Mr. Kelsey was able to fulfill his desire to spend time on the Island. HeandMrs. Kelsey bought their first Island home on Shingle Hill in 1967. finally settling in the Winthrop House in 1980afterthedeath of Mrs. Kelsey's parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. Jerrold Bryce. Mr. Kelsey was predeceased in 1995 by his wife of 40 years, after her II-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Kelsey is survived by two daughters, Melie Truesdale Spofford of New York City and Fishers IslandandJenny Kelsey Breining of Ridgewood, N.J.; and five grandchildren, Daphne and Jeremy Spofford and Kelsey. Peter and Victoria Breining. Contributions in Mr. Kelsey's memory may be made to the Island People's Project, which Mrs. Kelsey helped found in 1972. Send obituaries to: Fishers Island Gazette Obituaries PO Box 573 Fishers Island NY 06390 ~ tend, he wrote the following, which was read at the service: "...1 always felt that Zee and I communi- cated as if we were both the same undefined age...! was captivated. I rook her some flow- ers in August, and the flirtation continued. Through it all, you could not let generaliza- tions obscure real facts, or she would imme- diately catch you in your error. She once visitcd [me] with (her daughter] Peggy for [Omara sandwiches and asked what I col- lected. I responded, American furniture, whereupon she pointed out at least five En- glish pieces. Fools did not have a chancc. "She was a grand lady-a treasure-and my life, and so many others, were truly en- riched by her spirit and great kindness...1 will miss her very much... ,. Mrs. Spofford is survived by two sons, Nicholas Spofford of Ridgefield, Conn. and J olm Spofford of New Yark City and Fishers Island; two daughters, Nancy Yerkes and Peggy Benkard. buth of New York City; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Spofford is buried in New Sr. John's Cemctery. I . I I Corbin Hedge, 77 Corbin Hedge. the last in a long line of year-round Hedge family residents. died of a heartattackJan. 18. Hewasfound dead in his boar, the Three Gulls, in West Harbor at 9:27 a.m. after returning from hauling lobsters. He was 77. Mr. Hedge was born on Fishers Island, the only child of Bet- tha and Edmund Hedge. Except for serving his country duting WWII, he spent his entire life on the Island, mostly in his boat or at the fam- ily fish matket, which opened in the early 1940s and closed in the 1970s. "I spoke to him Thutsday night, and he said he was going hauling with the first tide," said daughter Thelma Hedge Shaw of Ridge. N.Y. "He returned to West Harbor Friday morning, dressed in full oilskin garb, with lobsters at his fect and waved to [lobsrermanJ Paul Tombari. When Mr. Tombari looked back again, he saw the boat in neutral and thought my father had fallen overboard. "This was difficult, but it was what my father wished for-to go with his boots on." In his eulogy, Mr. Hedge's son, Richard S. Hedge of Grown, Conn., said, "A large portion of my father's life revolved around the sea. He harvested lobsters to make his livelihood. It was upon his beloved mistress that his life abruptly ended. I remarked aloud upon learningofhis passing, that he wouldn't have had it any other way. From those of you with whom I've spoken, you've all expressed that same sentiment. How fortunate he was to have met his fate, doing what he loved above all else." In addition to his children, Mr. Hedge leaves a granddaughter, Asha Shaw. There has been a Hedge living on Fish- ers Island since the mid-1870s, when Corbin Hedge's great-grandfather William Anthony Hedge and his family moved to the Island for his health. The Hedges were one of the first fami- I I I r I I r I I r lies to buy property on Fishers Island imme- diately after Fox family heirs began selling off land lots. Both Mr. Hedge and his wife Frances Crandall Hedge eventually owned a substantial amount of property in the West Harbor area. Today, Hedge Street, a left turn after the Pequot Inn, is one of the few street names actually in common use on (he Island. William Hedge, a successful wholesale and retail grocer, had a colorful youth as a world traveler and a Pony Express rider car tying gold dust and mail for Wells Fargo. According w family lore, when no transportation was available, he had a huge taft built (0 transport their fur- niture and posses- sions to the Island. The raft also carried amastercarpenter to ;1 build an addition to Photo Courtesy of Thelma Hedge Shaw their new house. CORBIN HEDGE A few years later, Mr. and Mrs. Hedge's SOil, Charles, who had been going to school in Middletown, Conn., came to Jive with the family. Charles loved the water, but family records indicate that his father built him a store so Charles could begin running a business. Unfortunately, Charles was not in- terested, so Mr. Hedge sold the store to the Wilbur family, who ran Wilbur's Store for many years. That building now houses Topper's, The Pickett Fence and Hair of the Dog Liquors. In lieu of business, the Hedges encour- aged their son to pursue his considerable musical talents. When that idea provided no spark, Me. Hedge bought a schooner for Charles who ferried passengers to and from the mainland and took out sailing parties, often playing banjo on the deck. Charles eventually earned a living deep sea fishing and lobstering. He married Belle Camphell, and rhey had six childten, Will- iam, Alfted, Edmund [see stoty on page 7], J aim Campbell, Robert and Bessie. Corbin Hedge was Edmund's son. Ed note: Hedge family infOrmation obtained from written recollections of Corbin Hedges great-aunt, Frances Grace Hedge Thorp, born Oct. 17, 1876. Spring 2002. Fi.fhers Is/and Gazene J 5 Herber/A. Ahlgren Longtime summer resident, Herbert A. Alllgren, died Nov. 17, 2001 at Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, Conn. He was 80. Born in Brooklyn in 1921, Mr. Ahlgren first came to Fishers Island as an infant in 1922 when his fathet, Adolph Ahlgren, worked at the Mortimer Buckner estate. The Ahlgren family spent a year on Fishers Island in 1930, and Mr. Ahlgren made lifetime friendships while attending the Fishers Is- land School. He continued to summer on the Island and finally bought property on the Peninsula in 1951. Mr. Ahlgren graduated from Long Is- land University in 1942 and in 1943 gradu- ated ftOlll the USNR Midshipman School at Northwestern University in Chicago, III. A veteran of WWII, he rose to the rank of . ~ E . z l1 .~ ~ x -0 ~ . ~ , o o o 1; ~ ~ . Herbert Ahlgren worked tirelessly as chair. man of the American Legion Post No. 1045 War Memorial Committee to develop two bronze plaques, dedicated in 1995. honoring both year.round and summer residents who served inthe U.S. Armed ForcesduringWWll, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. lieutenantwhilecaptaininga U.S. Navy L.ST in the South Pacific. After the surrender, Me. Ahlgren was stationed in Japan as part of the Army of Occupation. Returning home ill 1946, he continued his education and received an M BA from New York University. In 1949, he went to work in New York City for the Association of National Advertisers, from which he re- tired as vice president in 1985. Mr. Ahlgren was married [() Mary Ann Anderson until her death in 1955. The next year, he met Mary Shea on the Fishers Island fetty, MYSTIC ISLE, where he illlrodllced himself and offered to carry her luggage. They were married in 1956 and shared a love offamilyand long summers on Fishers Island until her death in 1983. Mr. Ahlgren and his COfl/jllued 011 pllge 18 16 n.~hers Island Gazette. Sprillg 2002 R. Stewart Rauch R. Stewart Rauch, 87, a retired Philadel- phia banking executive and a 50-year summer resident of Fishers Island, died Nov. 15,2001, in Beaumont Health Center, Bryn Mawr, Pa., of complications from pneumonia. At a Dec, 17,2001 memorial service for Mr. Rauch, his children presented the fol- lowing remarks, delivered by son Benjamin It Rauch: "It is hard to speak about Dad without speaking about Mom, because when he was three, they met. She was four. St. Regis, where they met, would be a theme for much of his life, and theirs. "Pop would go on to St. Paul's, where he I ...... and he left it when the PSFS was the largest. "During those years, he would also serve in board member roles at 65 institutions- business, philanthropic, educational and not- for-profit...What is really extraordinary is that, in addition to a full-time job, he man- aged to be involved in nearly everything that happened in Philadelphia. "His greatest moment came after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. Like many cities, Philadelphia was on the verge of exploding. With other busi- ness and black leaders in Philadelphia, Pop initiated, under the chairmanship of Leon Higginbotham, the Good Friday Group, which calmed the city, and launched many successful programs, including job training, that would serve as models for the nation. "Pop's contributions, both to business and to Philadelphia, would be recognized in . Frances and R. Stewart Rauch at their SO.h wedding anniversary celebration. would begin a lifelong affinity for clubs and 'societics,' and thcn to Princeton, where he would graduate Phi Beta Kappa. Pop was very proud of his Phi Beta Kappa key, and would wear it in the pocket of his-as he called it-'waistcoat,' for as long as he wore one. "After Princeton, he well[ to the Campbell Soup Company. Stirring toma- toes literally got the better of him, and he went to law school. The Dechert office then figured prominently in his life, interrupted by naval service during the war in the Middle East and the Pacific. He subsequently got an offer to join the PSFS in 1949. He took it, and the career we remember him for was off and running. Pop was with the PSFS for 30 years. He joined the oldest savings bank in the country, his being named, in 1977, as the recipient of the Philadelphia Award. It is given to rhe person who has advanced the 'best and largest interest of the community.' With it comes a grant. Pop asked that the grant be given to one of his favorite institutions, The Ameri- can Philosophical Society. "A man both philosophical and practi- cal, he did not mind when people poked fun at him. When a magazine ran a cartoon that said that P-S-F-S stood for, 'Ptetry-Soft-for- Stew,' he framed it and put it in his office. "When choosing his sporting wardrobe, he saw no reason to give in to convention. He was not bothered at all by those who said, from the chairlift at the Homestead in Vir- ginia, 'Whoa, horsey!' as he snowplowed wearing his jodhpurs. And perhaps most Continu~d on page J 7 Frances Rauch Frances Rauch, of Bryn Mawr, Pa., lately known as "the amazing Mrs. Rauch," died Nov. 1,2001 at home. She was 88. Her courage in the face of a final illness prompted the above accolade, but her chil- dren agree that "amazing" was an appropriate lifelong description for their mother. Mrs. Rauch read widely and was always looking for ways to sharpen her mind. As the mother of two children in the 1940s, she commuted over 100 miles from Paoli, Pa. to New York City to study for a bachelor's degree from Columbia University. Twenty years later, now the mother of five, Mrs. Rauch received a master's degree in education from University of Pennsylvania. It was a point of considerable pride to her children that she scored higher on the Gradu- ate Record Exam than they did. A formidable conversationalist and de- bater, Mrs. Rauch loved mind games, like Scrabble, and possessed a huge store of facts. Ready for quick retrieval almost until the end of her life were the names of kings and queens of England, U.S. presidents, state capitals, Triple Crown winners, and the relative but- terfat content of the milk of Holsteins, Jer- seys and Guernseys. Mrs. Rauch was a respected member of the boards of the Philadelphia Zoo, Temple University, and the Child Guidance Clinic and Visiting Nurse Association in Philadel. phia. To these organizations she gave not only advice, but also time, money and com- mitment. It surprised noone to learn that her PIN number for ATM transacrions was W- O-R-K. Mrs. Rauch's children remember that she was "instinctively prescient and often acted on her hunches." Early on, she sensed that women were poised to win a grearer voice in world affairs and urged her daughters to be prepared to playa part. Two daughters earned master's degrees and one, a Ph.D. Mrs. Rauch and her husband, Stewart, who died Nov. 15,2001, began summering on Fishers Island in the 1950s, usually rent- ing a house near Hay Harbor where Mr. Rauch particularly enjoyed claming. In the 1960s, they purchased a farm house on [he Wilmercling property and in 1967 built a new house overlookingSrony Beach and Hay Harbor. In addition to tennis, golf and fishing, Mrs. Rauch was an avid participant in Edwin Cominued on page J 7 I J I I I I t , Catherine C. Dailey I I I Catherine Conboy Dailey, aformcrsum- mer resident who lived in Lake San Marcos, Cal., died Jan. 8 after suffering a stroke. She was 88. Fishers Island held a special place in her heart. and Mrs. Dailey cherished every mo- ment spent here, even though she had not lived on the Island in many years. The daughter of Bertha and Marrin Conboy, Mrs. Dailey was born in East Or- ange, N.J. and grew up in Riverdale. She graduated from the Academy of Mr. St. Vincent in Riverdale, the Institur de Halites Etudes in Fribourg, Switzerland and attended Barnard College. 101935, she married John F. Dailey Jr. of Rochester, a former Florida amateur golf champion and assistant U.S. attorney in New Yark City. They raised six children, making their home, successively, in Tarrytown, Montclair, N.J. and Chappaqua, all thewhile summcring on Fishers Island. The Daileys spent their first two sum- mers in rented Steffanini houses but in 1950 I I I , R. Stewart Rauch Continued from page 16 famously, when in Africa on safari he sighted a 'kangaroo,' he laughed as hard as his children. "But he stood his ground on principle. In his speech when he accepted the Philadel- phia Award, he called for racial harmony, a remark which prompted threats against him personally, and withdrawals from the PSFS. Pop's response was simply to repeat the re- marks and ask the media department of the PSFS to let him know, as we would say today, how many "hits" he took. He would not be intimidatcd. "Now, all of this makes him sound like asaint.Hewasn't. Whileattractiveandcharm- ing, he had, to put it positively-and on this remark there is unanimity-an 'impressive temper.' He had his likes and dislikes. "Fast was good. Slow was bad. Why fly subsonic when you could fly Concorde? Why ride a slow horse when he could ridc Venture, his horse of many years and perfect match as they both HAD to be at the from of the hunting field? "And slow could certainly be speeded up. Concerts, plays--operas in particular- bought the house, now owned by the Anthoine family, on the hill across from the post office. Family picnics at Hay Harbor, Chocomount and Isabella Beaches, and Sun- day afternoons at the Big Club were favorite summer memories. Mrs. Dailey's children fondly remember their mother encouraging them to participate in numerous activities, including Hay Harbor's weekly swimming races, Mr. Hickey's tennis lessons, the tennis and golfladders, and low tide c1aming, crab- bing and fishing. On rainy days, there was always Mrs. Jones at the library, in addition to the games and jigsaw puzzles that could be found at Polly's Shop. Although Mrs. Dailey never considered herself an arrist, some of the paintings she created while taking Charlie Ferguson's art classes always hung on the walls of her home throughout her life, reminding her ofIsland summers. Mrer her husbaod'sdearhin 197], Mrs. Dailey returned to college, graduating from Pace University in White Plains. That same year, she moved to Southern California where she lived for most of the rcmaining years of her life. ~ all took too long, as did virtually all four- somes on thegolfcoursewherever he played... "His is a Philadelphia story. But all of this-his career, his likes and dislikes-belie what was most important to him: his family. He was not the sort of man to come out and say it, but in his correspondence, it is there. Writing to a friend and colleague of many years who congratulated him on receiving the Philadelphia Award, he says what has given him the greatest pleasure is to have his wife, five children, siblings and in-laws gath- ered for the occasion. He was loyal, devoted, protective.. . "Some of you were here six weeks ago at our mother's memorial service. It has been tough on us to have both of our parellts leave us within two weeks of each other. But we believe it was easier on them. When Pop realized Mom had died, I think he also real- ized he had done what he wallted to dC}-- loved and protected her and us-and with her, raised five children who could now go on. So a fortnight later, he wellt and joined her again." Me. and Mrs. Rauch are survivcd by two sons, Rudolph S. Rauch III and Beojamin Spr;'lg ]()()Z- FidJers Is/and Gazette 17 Friends and family remember Mrs. Dailey for her independence, determination, advocacy of learning and education, loyalty to duty, devotion to church and family, and no-nonsense approach to life. Mrs. Dailey was predeceased by her old- est daughter, Joan, who died of cancer in 1992. She is survived by two sons, Peter Dailey of Houston, Tex. and Christopher Dailey of San Francisco; three daughters, Barbara Klaus of Evergreen, Col., Kathleen Dailey of Half Moon Bay, Cal., and Margaret Hall of Bcthesda, Md.; two sisters, Marion Kerr of Bozeman, Mont. and Constance Kelley of Chevy Chase, Md.; 10 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. ELIOT HALE PORTER As the Gazette went to press, we were saddened to learn that Eliot Hale Porter died Mar. 20. Mr. Porter died peacefully at his home at 27 Wilbur Rd., Stonington. There will be a memorial service on Fishers Island at a date to be announced. Rauch; three daughters, Sheila Kennedy, Su- san P. Rauch, and Eleanor R. Crosby; nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Contributions in Mr. Rauch's mcmory may be made to the Rauch Scholars Fund, c/o the American Philosophical Sociecy, 150 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia PA 19106-3387. Contributions in Mrs. Rauch's memory may be made to the Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Ave., Philadelphia PA 19104. Frances Rauch COrltirluedftom page 16 Horning's nature walks. She also enjoyed wading in tidal flats for hours looking for clams, especially if a grandchild joined her. Mrs. Rauch spent stilI more time slashing poison ivy and bayberry that line the rough at the two Island golf courses looking for golf balls. In the 1980s, Mrs. Rauch passed on her skills as an accomplished golf ball hunter to two young grandsons who developed a small summer business selling golf balls. Their grandmother was reputed never to have played with a new golf ball after the age of65. / 8 f'i.~hl'rs Islalld Gazette. Sprillg 2()()2 Raymond Albert Yakaitis, 68, formerly of Windsor, Conn.. died Oct. 26, 2001 at his daughter's home in Windsor. Mr. Yakaitis and his wife, Marilyn, had been married for 45 years. They lived in Windsor and began summering on Fishers Island in 1979.ln 1994, the couple moved to the Island as year-round residents, taking an active role in the community. Born in Windsor Oct. 7,1933, son of the late Martin and Barbara Jean Yakaitis, Mr. Yakaitisgraduated from Loomis in 1951 and from Holy Cross in 1955, with a BA in Sociology. After receiving an honorable discharge as ca.ptain in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Yakaitis worked for several years in data processing at HamiltonStandard in Windsor Locks, Conn. He continued his career at the Hartford Insurance data center before open- ing his own business, REM Associates, which specialized in professional job placement in the computer industry. Mr. Yakaitis was a commissioner of the Fishers Island Garbage & Refuse District, a former member and past president of the Windsor Lions Club, and an active member of the Windsor Independent LivingAssocia- tion Inc. (WlLA). He was an avid ice fisherman and a lifelong Red Sox fan. Mr. Yakaitis was also a devout communicant of St. Gabriel's Church in Windsor and Our Lady of Grace Church on Fishers Island. He was a family man with a wonderful sense of humor who loved chil- dren and loved life to the fullest. Mr. Y akai tis was predeceased by an older sister, Barbara Jean Masters and a younger brother Martin'''Skip'' Yakaitis. He leaves his wife, Marilyn Burke Yakaitis; three sons, Raymond Yakaitis J r. of South Windsor, Larry Yakaitis of Mystic, and Tim Yakaitis of North Stonington; five daughters, Kathy Tosca of Hebron, Conn., Joan Erickson of West Haven, Utah, Mary Beth Welsh of Windsor, Anne Robinson of Windsor, and Carolyn Taylor of Windsor; 17 grandchildren; and a cousin, Laverne O'Malley of Suffield, Conn. Memorial masses were held at St. Gabriel's Churcb and Our Lady of Grace Church. Burial was a New St. John's Cem- etery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Grace Church or to WILA Ine. 45 Maple Ave, Windsor CT 06095. Herbert A. Ahlgren COllf;l1Urd from page 15 third wife, June Schlegel, enjoyed retirement and rraveling until ber dearh Aug. 6, 2001. M r. Ahlgren was an active member of the American Legion's Alfred R. Grebe Pose #1045 and was instrumental in creating the Village Green war memorial honoring year- round and seasonal residents who served in rbe U.S. Armed Forces during WWll, tbe Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. An avid golfer, Me. Ahlgren often played numerous rounds of golf with his friends at the Hay Harbor Club. When not on the course, he loved sailing and boating, but, most of all, he enjoyed sitting on his deck overlooking Darby Cove, enjoying the Island's peace and tranquility, which he treasured. Mr. Ahlgren is survived by three sons, ThomasAblgren ofWest lslip, KeitbAblgrcn of Atlanta, Ga. and John Ahlgren of Stam- ford, Conn.; two daughters, Karen La Grippo of South Carolina and Harriet McNamara of Nonhport; and 10 grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Ahlgren. Memorial contributions in Mr. Ahlgren' s memory may be made to the National Kid- ney Foundation of Connecticut, 924 FarmingronAve.. West Hartford CT 061 07. Classic Elements... ...combine to create a relaxed style, soothing colors and luxurious touches. This most ap- pealing four-year-old residence has nine rooms including four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Located on the East End of Fishers Island, it is a perfect ref- uge for fulltime use or as a retreat for extended family and weekend guests. $625,000 Doyen. McBride REALTORS@ 860.434.5838 ~ 631.788.7303 r - Spring 2{}(J2. Fishers J.~lalld Gazene 19 I Green ThougLls I By Leila Hadley Luce I can't resist a play on Wordsworth by noting that Thomas N. Armstrong III and his wife Runty are hosts of golden daffodils (as well as admission-payingguesrs) at their annual "Daffodils & Drinks" benefit fur Fishers Island projects. The daffodils blossom in a hurst, masses of them; some 30,000 bulbs planted are natllralizing across the Armstrong's "Hoover Hall" property as far as your eyes can see. Lookingas though they had just been painted, the daffodils' clean, shining brightness, the scent of young leaves and spring earth, every- thing glowing and blowing, him at the bliss of May and June and the hope .:,:;.-:.~~' and magic of summer ahead. ;f~~f.;;"" Now. to get down to earth, as 'i~~l gardeners must, daffodils, narcissi ,:).~...- and jonquils are members of the Amaryllis (Amarylfidaceael fam- ily, and the genus Narcissi. All daf- fodils are narcissi, but not all narcissi are daffodils, a botanical distinction that has to do with the length of the flower trumpet, technically termed the corona, and the six flat petals that compose the perianth. There are more than 26 species and over 300 cultivars of narcissi, daffodils and jonquils that have a dozen classifications, and blos- soms that range from yellow and white to the color of smoked salmon on stems ranging from 4 to 12 inches. Jonquils have rwo to six blossoms on a stalk and a trumpet that is half as long as the petals. Daffodils generally produce only one flower on a stem. Narcissi come in singlc-, double- and multi-flowered varieties. The daffodil came by its name through the age-old tendency to spurn the familiar. The British infinitely preferred the imported white asphodel and imported affadil, or poet's narcissus, because they both produced many white flowers, to their native species of daf- fodil (Nllrcissw pseudonarcissw) which yielded only a single yellow flower regarded as a false narcissus-hence its botanical name- known as a bastard affadil. Over the years, this pronunciation eroded, and most of the "bastard" crumbled away, leaving only the final d. By the time Queen Elizabeth I teigned, the bastard affadil had become rhe daffadil. Referring to its rush-like leaves,""jonquil" derives from the Spanish junquilla (rush). The name "narcissus" comes to us from the Greek myth about the handsome youth of I I I I , I I I that name who was so captivated by his reflection in a pool that, leaning over to embrace it, he fell, was drowned, and changed by the gods to a flower. Daffodils are best planted in fields, along woodland paths, perhaps circling a pair of oaks or maples, or bordering fences, walls, driveways, hedges. Landscapers recommend that you interplant daffodils with later-bloom- ing daylilies to mask their withering, thus sparing you the sight of their sallow dishevel- ment until the first of July when the leaves and stems can be cut back or mown over. Remember that four months of fresh air and sunlight this year are required to assure ro- bust daffodil bulbs next year. Forget the business of bending leaves back and securing them in tidy knobs. This practice ..::" . .r.:.~..;~;. adumbrates fewer and punier flow- "s!. ers the following year. ~~.. The mucilaginous sap of .. daffodils contains sharp crys- tals of calcium oxalate, an irri- tant that keeps animals from eating the plant and the reason why, when you mix daffodils in a vase with other flowers, the daffodils will soon make the other flowers wilt. Hap- pily, daffodils look splendid fanned out on their own. However. for the sake of a mixed bouquet, some people take the trouble to sear daffodil stems by holding them over a gas or candle flame for a few seconds, or push cotton wool up the stems to cork the sap. Dona Gibbs of Rye and Fishers Island, tells me that people who go to astonishing trouble with daffodils are those like herself who exhibit their daffodils at one or several of the thousands of daffodil flower shows, each with many divisions, open throughout America during the spring. "Judges are vigorously schooled to look for perfection. It's like being in a dog show for flowers. The exhibition area is even called a show bench," she said. It's not enough for a daffodil's corona and periamh to conform precisely with their division's characteristics. "The flower heads in a collection of three stems in test tube containers should look the judge in the eye, or be appropriately reflexed or pendant," Mrs. Gibbs said. As an experienced exhibitor, Mrs. Gibbs shared a few tricks necessary to achieve award- winning results: Ifan otherwise perfect flower head is not angled correctly or seems slightly off center, it can be set right either by gentle manipula- tion of the stem or flower by using a remov- able paper collar (0 adjust it. Flowers should have no bruising or nicks in the petals and should be impeccably groomed. Specks of dirt should be whisked away with a camel's hair brush. Sometimes, a flower head is marred with notches created when the flower is opening. A steady hand and a pair of cuticle scissors often can fix this flaw. A serious exhibitor's toolbox resembles a makeup stylist's kit on a movie shoot. Rain or snow before a show is bad news, although daffodils can be rescued by picking them early, holding them in a refrigerator then bringing them out into bright light and placing them in warm water before exhibit- ing them. For information about daffodils, Mrs. Gibbs applauds The New York Botanical Garden at www.nyhg.org.lgardensl dafTodils.html and The American Daffodil Society at www.daffodilusa.org/daffodils. For trusrworthy bulb sources, she favors Brent and Becky's bulbs in Virginia (www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com) and Oregon's Grant E. Mitsch's "superb" cata- log. For fun bulbs from grandmother's gar- den, Mrs. Gibbs prizes Old HOllse Bulbs at www.oldhousebulbs.com. ~ ~ ~ .. ~ . . ~ , o o < .2 l' ;; ~ . Daffodils (above) are part of the Amaryllis family (inset). 20 Fidler.', I.~latJd Gaulle. Spring 2002 SOUTHERN EXPOSURE Approximately 1.8 acres. Fabulously private building site located off quiet dirt road on desirable East End. Distant southerly views of the Block Island Sound. Property has 50' elevation and has been partially cleared. $275,000 ESTATE PARCELS FOR SALE ; FABULOUS WATER VIEWS of Middle Farms and the Block Island Sound. Beautiful 3.1 +/- acre building site depicted as two lots on the FIDCO map. Spectacular southerly views. Property has 55' elevation. $350,000 IN THE ROUGH Private lot located near the center of the Fishers Island Club Golf Course. Convenient to the beaches on the East End and all activ- ities at the Club. 1.85 Acres adjacent to the sixth hole. High, dry, building site, perfect for the golfing enthusiast. $185,()()() Ginnel Real Estate (631) 788-7805 ,-'... t'..--:-'" '.' Sprillg 2fJ02. Fishers Island Gazette 21 I I ~ I l I I I \ I I MAGNIFICENT TUDOR Brick and stucco construction of the F. Scott Fitzgerald era. Almost 7,000 sq ft of unsurpassed elegance. Twelve main rooms completely renovated. Grand Entrance Hall, Powder Room, large Living Room with Fireplace and French Doors to a beautiful, canopied slate terrace, Fornlal Dining Room with Fireplace and large Kitchen. 1st Floor Master Bedroom Suite with Fireplace & Private Bath. Butler's Bedroom with Bath. Three Family Bedrooms, one with Fireplace and each with its own Private Bath. Three smaller Guest Bedrooms. Hall Bath and Sitting Room. Basement. Three car garage. Private 5.7 acre grounds with spectacular southerly views of Barley Field Cove and Block Island Sound. Pool with Pool House and Tennis Court. $2,995,000 . .. . PARADE GROUNDS Recently refurbished first floor Pied-a-Terre. Approximately 1900 square feet with new Eat-in Kitchen, Living Room with Fireplace, Two Bedrooms plus Large Sleeping Porch. Hall Bath and Powder Room. Basement Storage Space. $325,000 I Thomas H,C Patterson, Broker Associate Box 258, Fishers Island, NY 06390 http://www.ginne1.com · e-mail: ginnel1@ao1.com 22 Fi.-:/ters Islalld Gazelle. Sprillg 2002 ITlJ's"tfc IsLe r<eaL"tJ' foc, +=fsbeRS ISlaod" o,~ 06390 631"'788"'7882 -=-;0'; www.mysticislerealty.com New Listing A delightfully intimate setting with approximately 117-foot direct water frontage on Pirates Cove with views to West Harbor and the Connecticut coast from a high vantage point. This easily maintained fully winterized three bedroom 2 1/2 bath house contains a good size living room with fireplace, dining room, kitchen with water views, a large playroom or extra bedroom, a generous utility room with an outside entranCe and laundry facilities. In addition there is a large pressure-treated outside deck as well as an enclosed screened porch substantial in size. Appears to be well maintained. Offered mostly furnished. Just reduced to $630,000 with extremely reasonable taxes of $2,300. Perfect family house totally remodeled within past several years on private cui de sac within walking distance of Village. HOllse has large sllnny living room with stone fireplace, generous outside deck area, family room, office area and modern kitchen. Small powder room completes first floor. Second floor has good-sized master bedroom with bath, two double bedrooms and bath, and laundry area. Large partially finished attic area has expansion potential. Partial basement has updated mechanics for house including a zoned heating system. $475,000. taxesapprox. $4.000. One of the most beautiful properties on Fishers Island. This white- washed brick Tudor house sits above Badeyfield Cove with exuaor- dinary ocean views and takes complete advantage of its truly unique 5 3/4-acre site. The hOllse is tasteful and elegantly designed with a well-positioned pool, poolhouse and tl:nnis court that have been added within the last several years. The current owners have been highly successful in developing the property, inside and out for enjoyable family living. The house is being offered at well below its replace- ment cost, at $2,995.000. Taxes $28,000. [Ginnellisting] .\'pring 2fJfJ2. Fisllers blalld (iautle 23 , ~...: . ..... :~ New Listing . I Built in 1988 by a discerning client working with a distinguished architect, this contemporary dwelling is one of the most interesting and creatively designed homes on the Island. The interior spaces have a great spatial quality with soaring ceilings and many windows affording great light and views. ~ There are balconies and outside decks, including a spectacular roof deck commanding views of both sides of the Island. A 60-foot heated indoor lap pool is auachcd to the house in a solarium-like structure with 20 fooH ceilings. There are 4 double bedrooms each with marble tiled bath; stunning master bedroom suite is on top floor. Large living room/dining room with fireplace overlooks pool area from above. An efficient auractive kitchen and separate office space is on the same level. House is situated on 2.5 naturally landscaped acres overlooking Barleyfield Pond and the ocean beyond. Partially furnished with some items to be negotiated separately if so desired. Fully winterized and well maimained by an established local contractor. Taxes approximately $10,000. Asking price $1,900,000. Spectacular views of Barleyfield Pond and ocean on approx. 1.7 acres. Large paneled living room with fireplace opening to bluestone terrace and pool. Dining room, also with fireplace, ac- cesses spacious modern eat-in kitchen. Separate firs( floor guest wing includes two double bedrooms and bath. Sec- ond floor master bedroom suite ha.~ sit- ting room, fireplace. modern bath, wa- ter views; four bedrooms, two baths; help's room wi(h bath. Renovated fam- ily room has separate access to pool. Two-car garage and automatic sprin- kler for grounds. House partially win- terized with three zone oil fired system. Updated wiring throughout. Pool was resurfaced this spring and new teak decking system installed. Exterior porches have been entirely rebuilt within (he last several years. $1,950,000, taxes approx. $11,000. . t . I . I t I rT.lJ1SLtC IsLe ReaLLd' foc, BAGLEY REID. Broker SUE HORN. Salesperson www.mysticislerealty.com 24 Fishers Ida"d Gazette. Sprillg 2(}(}2 ISLAND HARDWARE More than just locks and hinges 788-7233 SERV,:iTIIR@ '-M Benjamin ~ . oore~ ...... PAINTS .J MECHANIC ON DUTY FISHERS I SLAN D M@bir FULL SERVICE STATION Official New York State Auto Inspection Station CARCO@ INSPECTION Fuel Oil Gasoline Propane Dockage Diesel Service I I 1 1 When you're in trouble, who are you going to call? E. Riley, station manager 631-788-7311 · 631-788-5543, fax · Emergency only: 788-7178 Walsh Contracting Ltd., general managers I Spritlg l(J(Jl- Fishers Island Ga:.ette 25 I I ~ Passenger Car/Driver Ferry Rate Increase: Effective Feb. 25 WINTER SPRING-FALL SUMMER Oct. 16-Mar31 Aprl-Jun8 Sept 10-0ct 15 Jun9-Sept9 11.00 16.00 23.00 12.00 18.00 27.00 11.00 20.00 28.00 12.00 22.00 32.00 3.50 5.50 7.50 2.50 3.50 4.50 ~OO ~OO ~OO COMMUTER BOOKS 49.50 144.00 PLEASE NOTE ADDITIONAL CHARGES: 'Oversize vehicles: automobiles, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, utility trucks and vans exceeding 18 feet in length and used non-commercially shall be subject to a surcharge. (See Section 2, Item 20 Tariff FSHR 400-E) 1.00 2.00 31.50 99.00 67.50 207.00 'Cor/Driver W /Reservation 'Car/Na Driver W /Reservation Passenger Seniar/Child Bicycles 3.00 Pick-up trucks, trailers (including utility, boat, house, cement mixers, compressors, generators, welding machines, etc., less than or equal to 18 feet: 25.00 25.00 30.00 All other commercial or non-commercial trucks, trailers, etc., loaded or empty: 2.00/11. 2.00/11. 3.00/11. All freight, except articles covered elsewhere, specifically in packages, parcels or boxes weighing 0-100 Ibs. 2.00 2.00 2.00 For more information, published tariHs are available in the manager's oHice. ~ . - ~ wolford . Hanro . Eda . Eres Nina R.icci . Capucine Puerari . Chante!le La Perla . Aubade . Cosabe//a I I 1_; , 26 Fishers Is/mId Gaz.elle. Spring 2002 Absolute Aulo 305 Bl'oad 51 New London CT 06320 860-443-8472 General Repairing Fareign & Domestic Gasoline & Diesel GM Specialist For your convenience we will pick up and deliver to the New london Ferry slip. A S E Master Certified Ray Carter, Dave Button, Proprietors II ,. . (~~..l Whaling City Ford BROAD AT COLMAN STREET NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT 860-443-8361 Pick-up at the Ferry We Treat You Well...Every Department...Every Time QOHERTV E:)' EALS & USANKSI P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Accounting & Auditing Tax Return Preparation Probate and Estate Accounting Tax & Financial Planning Accounting Systems Set-up 1-860-443-2033 187 Williams Street New London, Conn. Weekly Island Service · Island Appointments Available New York & Connecticut licenses Held The c7YL~ SULLIVAN AUTOMOTIVE CORNER CHEVROLET . BUICK . GEO . PONTIAC OLDSMOBILE . CADILLAC Largest GM dealer in Connecticut and Rhode Island at one location! ~ ....'... .' Sales 443-8432 Parts 442-0491 Corner of Broad and Colman Streets Service 442-4371 Body Shop 442-7132 New London, Conn. Sprillg 2{}{}2. Fishers Islalld Gazette 27 PLil Knauff Relires fro... F .1. Ferry Dislri<<:1 I Ferry District Manager Phil Knauff has been an institution on Fishers Island for the past 23 years. During that time, the buck stopped with him, as an unending stream of people with cOllntless questions climbed the steep, narrow stairs to his second floor lair at the ferry district office at Silver eel Pond. Mr. Knauff, 67, retired Mar. 29with an informal open house at his office. There arc hundreds of people, however. who have en- joyed Mr. Knauff s wry and dry sense of humor and who consider him a friend. They will be able to say good-bye and wish him well July 7 at "Phil Knauff's Independence Day," an informal presentation/roast on the Village Green. The event, which will follow the Island People's Project annual "July 4th" bike pa- rade, will honor Mr. Knauff for his years of service, not onlyas manager but also as EMT, member of the Fishers Island Fire Depart- ment and San ta Claus at the fire department' s annual Christmas parry. Mr. Knaufrscareerasferrydisrrtct man- ager began not long after he answered a newspaper ad for the position in 1979. He thought he had a good chance oflanding the job because of his years of marine experience. Born in New London, he attended local schools, graduated from Brown University and joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1957, doing most of his duryon the East Coast and in the Great Lakes. He and his wife Connie married in 1958. One of Mr. KnaufFs Coast Guard re- sponsibilities was inspecting ferries, so he knew many people in the marine industry in New London, including the late Fishers Is- land ferry Capr. Alfred S. Bicknell and cur- rent captain, Mark Easter. After retiring from the Coast Guard in 1977, Mr. Knauff had worked for a whole- saler for over a year when his wife saw the ad. "I couldn't get there fast enough," he said. "Ray Doyen was chairman of the ferry com- mission at that time. I came to Fishers and met Ray and Louise for lunch. I was all gussied up, and they were all wearing shons and lzod shirts! "I started workJune 25,1979, and itwas pretty much Monday through Friday. I was able to get along doing work at horne, be- calise I was then working two jobs, also running tour boats on the Connecticut River from May to Oct. to earn extra money for , , " I I . college tuitions." The Knauff's have three children, Gretchen, of Old Lyme, now a lawyer; Lisa, who lives in Westbrook, Conn.; and Berr, who lives in Indianapolis, Ind. The 1980s brought unprecedented growth in ferry traffic, which has since lev- eled off, Mr. Knauff said. He has seen passenger volume double from 80,000 to 160,000 passengers per year and now views public relations as a very important part of the job, which is essentially administrative and financial. "The thing that is most different from when I started is the increased interaction with people. That's a great deal of what the job is. People want services, and we began offering varying types, such as FedEx and UPS. I spend parr of my time trying to determine who would be expecting certain deliveries, such as those addressed to 'Mrs. Fishers Island' or with no address at all." Returning them to sender is not an option. "Phil, I'm leaving the blood," called Catherine Jenssen in the background. Mrs. Jenssen, who administrates the doctor's of- fice. had dropped off blood work destined for a lab in New London while Mr. Knauff was talking to the Gazette. That prompted a question about un- usual freight carried by the ferries. "The kinds of things haven't changed. They just keep coming and coming and coming," Mr. Knauff said. Another way to look at it is that Mr. Knauff has seen it all. It seems like an ordinary day when someone moves a house from the mainland to Fishers via the ferry. One of his more memorable experiences. however, does involve unusual freight and passengers sent by Warner Brothers. It was the summer that the movies invaded Fishers Island to shoot portions of The WorldAccord- ing to Garp at the Wilmerding house. "It was a steady stream of vessels in and out. OLINDA made at least two trips a day exclusively for WB. They broke camp on a Friday in July or August with seven or eight fairly large trucks lined up to go back to New London. With both OLINDA and MUNNA- TA WKET at Fishers Island, running sched- uled trips, someone asked if we could have a boat back in a half hour--obviously not someone who had been involved with day to day goings on for the previous seven or eight weeks!" Mr. Knauff said. The job takes 50-GO hours per week, counting nights and weekends, with more weekend time in the summer. He usually arrived on the7 a.m. ferry and left on the4:45 p.m. ferry. The work at home was auditing the daily receipts, and there were extras, such as dropping blood work off at the hospital if it didn't get over on an earlier ferry. Now that he is retired, Mr. Knauff said, "I plan to stay active with the ambulance association in Old Lyme, where I live. I'll also volunteer to work at L&M Hospital in New London and drive for paramedics at L&M or Shoreline Clinic in Essex. I don't think I'll continue playing Santa Claus on Fishers Is- land, though. They have a Santa Claus suit and can get someone to fill it." Easier said than done. Phil. . Phil Knauff in his second floor office one month before retiring as ferry district manager. 28 Fishers l.fIalld Gazelle. Spri"g 20()2 FISHER & FISHER ASSOC., INC. - Full Service Insurance Brokers _ ~ Commercial Business Owner's Coverage Marine ~ CHUBB ~ Personal Homeowners Automobile Liability . Marine For information, please contact: John C. Fisher Fisher & Fisher Assoc., Inc. 53 Old Kings Highway North Darien, cr 06820 (203) 656.3644 Fax: (203) 656-3970 ~ ~ Bertram B. Fisher DeWitt Stem Group, Inc. 420 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10170 (212) 867.3550 Fax: (212) 983-6483 Serving Ihe Island Jor over 40 years I may be the last insurance agent you'll ever need. Home, life, auto, business, disahility. It's a good idea to talk to your Farm Family agent ahout all your insurance needs. I can help you find gaps in your coverage that may put you at risk. And eliminate overlapping coverages you shouldn't have to pay for. For the custom.tailored coverage you deserve, count on Farm Family for personal- ized, professional service. Call me today. Farm Family Life Insurance Company e Casualty Insurance Company Glenmont, New York A company founded to serve Farm Bureal.{ members Kevin J. Cantwell AGENT 104 Edwards Ave. Calverton, NY 11933 631-727-7766 631-727-7941, fax One Touch to Music! . Home Automation . Home Installation . System Design . Ferry Pick-Up and Delivery . Furniture Systems . Home Theaters . Multi-room Audio . Two-Piece Projectors . Pre-Wire New Homes . Builder Supplies . in-Store Repair . Trusted since 1934 ROBERTS Audio-Video 90 Bank Street New London, CT 06320 www.robertsav.com 860-442-5314 800-606-4434 Sound Home Inspections, Inc. "Professiollallzonle inspection, from basement 10 chimney" Tom Morgan Nanonally Certified, American Society of Home Inspectors #S535 Connecticut Ucense #H01.234 Fully Insured 19 years' experience Over 5,000 homes inspected . On-site computer generated reports . Specializing in older homes and commercial structures 860-445-1236 fax 860-572-9148 .""""''''''''' ,::: '-' i . ~ ~ ~ ~. . ;:- ~"""'l"l\"~ PO Box 393 . Mystic CT 06355 www.soundhomeinspections.com Sprillg 2002. Fishers Islalld Gazette 29 Feral Felines Cause Conlroyersy on FisLers I Fishers Island has a feral cat problem. Noonewilldisputethat fact. There are two opposing views, however, as [0 the best way to deal with the multiplying felines. now estimatcd to be about 400 in number. One group thinks that cats are respon- sible for the significant reduction of quail. pheasant. whippoorwills and shorebirds on the Island. They would like to euthanize the cats. The other group says that cats keep the rats and mice in check, and besides. they do not endorse the random killing of animals. Striking a compromise, the Fishers Is- land Conservancy. with the help of an anony- mous gift, is sponsoring a trial program to catch. inoculate. neuter and release healthy cats. Cynthia Riley has volunteercd [0 work with Dr. Mark Sminkey from Noank-Mystic Veterinary Hospital to see if the program can work. The conservancy has purchased 12 $50 Tomahawk traps and is paying for the vcterinarian's services. (The less expensive Have-a-Hean trap is not suitable, because it opens at one end only. and the vet needs openings at both ends to extricate the cat. which can fight ferociously when cornered.) After it is trapped, the cat is transferred to a net in which it is weighed and given a mild anesthetic. Dr. Sminkey, aided by his surgical technician, immediately tests the eat's blood for feline leukemia. felinc Aids. distemper and rabies. Sick cats are euthanized. Healthy cats are inoculated for distemper and rabies; they are thcn neutered and spayed. returned to the trap, and released where they had been captured. Since January. Mrs. Riley, working un- der the protocols of the national organization Alley Cat Allies, has captured two cats at the Transfer Station and two at the building called "Ordinance," current site of the BD carpentry shop near the ferry. At Ordinance, there is a "managed cat society," that is, people are feeding them there. It was easy to catch the first two cats at each location. Mrs. Riley said. but then cats become "trap savvy," and others will just sit and watch rather than enter the trap baited with cat food. The three males and one female cap- tured were all healthy. They were treated. ear-marked with indelible ink and released. The cost is $40 for males and $70 for females. . I I ~ . According to Mrs. Riley. those four cats will account for a reduction of at least 36 kittens: The female averages three litters a year of six kittens each, for a total of 18. Also. when a neutered male cat mates with a female. the female will think she is pregnant and will not mate until her next cycle. Three male cats interrupting three female cycles provides the other 18. The conservancy would like Mrs. Riley to enlist the aid of other volunteers in this time-consuming task, but she is reluctant to ask anyone to help until the program is off and running, because anyone involved with the cats must have a pre-rabies shot and a tetanus booster. Under this program, workers are not licensed to capture wild animals, so if a raccoon is captured, it must be released. Feral cats are considered domesticated. even though defined in Webster's dictionary as "wild" and "having escaped from domestication and o '0 L ~ ~ ~ . o ~ < . :;; f . ~ ~ =;.;. become wild." Depending on which side is speaking: rats and mice carry diseases far worse than cats. or cats can have at least six serious diseases and can spread disease. Everyone agrees that the cats have been left behind by departing vacationers. The result is an explo~ sion of feral cats, spawning rumors of attacks on pet cats and dogs and aggressive behavior toward children. Cat supporters dispute the rumors and continue to feed the felines. hoping that Mrs. Rileywill be able to trap enough cats to make a difference. Other feral cat "hot spots" are said to be the Transfer Station, North Hill around to Walsh Park, near the American Legion. Pickett laodfill. west of the first hole of Hay Harbor Club golf course, near the Boroleum Factory, behind the Texaco Sta- tion. and several locations on the East End. i..\r:..~ . There are an estimated 400 feral cats on Fishers Island. Defined as, "having escaped from domestication and become wild," feral cats are known to cluster in several "hot spots" on the Island, including the Transfer Station (above). . Bird enthusiasts are concerned that feral cats are responsible for the significant reduction in the numbers of whippoorwills (above) and shore birds on the Island. ]0 Fi.~"ers Islalld Gazette. Spri"g 2002 Z&S FUEL AND SERVICE STATION TEXACO@ Montauk Avenue G A Sishers Island NY 06390 631-788-Tl43S ,"",~a, "t-Jj"-~ "Your Full Line Service Station" l'SertinguFishers, Island for Over 3-S:ve1:rs \...; p tI,.} . \..J l: u.. Official New York Inspection Station CARCO@ Insurance Ins{ectioh L InSpef"tinn VI GENERA't'REPAIRS FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC Tyre SAr\lirA Authorized TEXACO@Dealer Motor Oil and Related Products . OieC'Pl AuthorIZed AMERADA AESS\Oealer Automatic/Watchdog Fuel Oil Service Joe Perry, Mallager, 788-7755 (Emergency Only) EST BLISS 1882 · Pest Control · Termite Control o Sentricon* Colony Elimination System · Carpenter Ant Specialists ESTABLISHED 1882 EXTERMINATORS The oldest and largest in Connecticut Call 860-443-7697 today! DICK'S GARAGE, LLC Phone: 788-7249 Call 800-544-5917 for Free Termite and Pest Inspections ~, .., n. ~~ 1~"'~It"AT'O"~\.. World Wide Leaders in Pest and Termite Control Ask about the Sentricon colony elimination system ~ .)pring 2(J(U . Fi,~hers Island Gazette 3/ Sto<<:L.piling "KI" Not a Cure-all I ~ I I.. In the wake of 9/11, there has been increasing talk of stockpiling "Kl"- potassium iodide, the thyroid block- ing medication-for people who live within the 1 O-mile evacuation zone of a nuclear power plant. Since Fishers Island lies within Millstone's emergency zone, Suffolk County has decided to stockpile the drug for Island residents without waiting for New York offi- cials to decide whether to accept the federal government's alTer of more than 1.2 million doses. Kl is cheap, easy to obtain and has a five- year shelf life. In one form, it is known as Pima Syrup, also used as an expectorant, available by prescription at the pharmacy. Officials are concerned. however, that the public will see the drug as a cure-all for radiation exposure. "KI does not protect against leukemia or radiation poisoning, and it does not protect against the common agents that would be used in so-called 'dirty bombs' of radiation," said Dr. Patricia Dillon, director of commu- nicable diseases for Suffolk County. "This drug is specific to nuclear power plant acci- dents, which would release radioactive iodide. "Also, Kl has been proven effective only for children under the age of five." she said. "It can't hurt adults to take Kl (unless they have an iodine allergy), but there are no studies that show significant benefits to those over the age of five at the time of nuclear exposure. " Dr. Dillon eXplained why KI ("K" bcing the chemical symbol for potassium) could be effective: "If taken within four hours of expo- sure, Kl floods the thyroid with safe iodine, blocking radioactive iodine from entering. The thyroid is especially vulnerable to radio- active poisoning and its associated cancer. Adult thyroids are abulIr half filled with iodine, which has been stored over the years through diet. The thyroid in children. how- ever, is an open vessel for the radioactive iodine, the effects of which come not only from the immediate accident but also from the effects of chemicals that settle on the ground. " There is a caveat for those who think KI distribution is a result of the terrorist attack. The Federal government began discussing KI I distribution a year before 9/11, Dr. Dillon said. The timing of the current stir, therefore. could be seen as coincidental. There is one instance, however, other than an accident where it would be effective, and that is if a terrorist worked from the inside to cause an intentional meltdown, Dr. Dillon said. KI has been available since the 1950s. and there are supplies on hand at nuclear power plants, Dr. Dillon said. But there was no definitive information that it was effective until the Chernobyl accident in 1986. As the radioactive cloud approached Poland, the Poles took Kl, whereas those in the Chernobyl area did not. Statistics now indicate that the Poles had a minimal inci- dellCc of thyroid cancer compared with those in the Chernobyl area. The results showed up, however, only in those who were under the age of five at the time of the accident. "We want to do anything we can to help," Dr. Dillon said, "but we don'rwant to create a greater problem. KI is not a panacea and should not be taken prophylactically on a daily basis. Evacuation should still be the focus." The county plans to purchase enough KI for Fishers Island's 250 year-round resi- dents and up to 5000 summer residents, plus extra for rescue and emergency workers. There are currently no plans to restock after the drugs expire. Connecticut has asked the federal gov- ernment for 450,000 doses of KI for distribution within Millstone's IO-mile evacuation zone. The request, based on a worst-case scenario, includes doses for resi- dents, workers. seasonal visitors and tran- sients in the state. The World Health Organization rec- ommends that every country with or near nuclear plants stockpile Kl. Ireland report- edly distributes it to all residents, and in the U.S., Alabama, Arizona, Maine and Tennes- see already have some stockpiles. TOlD BoLerly NeW' Ferry Manager Tom Doherty has replaced Phil Knauff as manager of the Fishers Island Ferry Dis- rrict (FIFD). Mr. Knauff retited Mat. 29. Mr. Doherty. 5 I, is a 26-year-residenr of Fishers Island and had been a ferry district commissioner for 20 years. He recently left the Fishers Island Utility Co. after 13 years as its president. Nina Schmid, FIFD secretary for three years. is now FIFO assistant manager. She will assist Mr. Doherty in day-to-day ferry district operations. Mr. Doherty resigned as a ferry district commissioner and was replaced by Paul Giles, who will complete Mr. Doherty's term, ex- piring Aug. 2004. FIFO commissioners are: Chairman Chip duPont. Lily Ahman, David Burnham, George Esser, and Paul Giles. John Bean Photo . The newly-cleared Pickett Landfill has altered the landscape of Fishers Island, offering a winter view of Block Island Sound south of the road just beyond the gatehouse. The Garbage & Refuse District took title to the property Nov. 200 I, after concluding arbitration with the Pickett family, and began clearing in January. The SO-year-old landfill will be a grassy mound when it is capped, which includes a plan for drainage and a membrane with topsoil, so water won't seep through into the underground aquifer. 32 Fishers Is/and Gazette. ,,",'pring 1002 IHA\IIIl? IVlr= lrlHIE I()OI3,~ 11~lc.. ~v lU'L # U)119.87 'discounts on cases .fax service 'photocopying 'gift certificates .free delivery 'party supplies A fine selection of wines and liquors from around the world* O()IE~ ""IEA\Il2'.IP()lU~I[) Phone: 788-7101 . Fax: 788-5599 'Wine tasting every Saturday from 3-7 p.m., June 30 through labor Day weekend Sally Pratt Multi-Million Dollar Producer & Chairman's Circle Member Sally is among the top .08% of real estate sales agents nationwide. She specializes in the sales and marketing of exceptional properties from Port Royal to Pelican Bay, including golfing communities, waterfront, beachfront and estate homes. ~ ARVIDA: --' Realty Sl'rvices 550 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102 800-741-7131 or 941-262-7131, Ex!. 127 941-261-5085, home office Angela W. Fowler, RLA, PC Landscape Architecture Garden Design Site Selection Planning 212-391-9699 · 212-944-1313, fax 39 West 38th St, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Member, International Federation of landscape Architects Member, American Society of landscape Architects the beach plum po box 664 fishers island, ny 06390 (631) 788-7731 , Spring 2()(J2 . Fishers }sla"d Gazette 33 Happy Gaillard Re~alls East End Ad~entures O nee a summer, in the years be- fore rhe Fishers Island Club, we would drive down the Is- land. which meant as far as the Coast Guard Station. and with luck, to the Winthrop Cottage near the last barn. The route varied a little from {aday's even at the start, for the Village triangle was not one-way, and we always bore left at the end of West Street, then up the hill past St, John's, rhe library, the Roman Catholic Church and along the golf course. The roughs of that course in our early golfing days were thick with heavy grass, and golf balls were easily lost. We spent a great deal of time in those roughs. Along- side the road shon of the fourth tee was a spot where the young were often trapped on week- ends waiting for a break in the endless proces- sion of elderly foursomes to whom, in silent rebellion, we had to give way. As you passed West Harbor, you could catch a glimpse of the cove and peninsula before skirting the chicken farm and finally turning onto the old Isabella road just short of the present gatehouse. It was a narrow dirt road with ditches on both sides filled with green slime, and dragonflies flitted back and forth, and turtles sunned on the banks. The '""- \' ~'~ '~ I . By Happy G.illard trees made a ceiling overhead till it opened out to the marsh, bore up the hill to the left and down again to Viking Beach, named for the fishing schooner that went on the rocks there in 1925. The road skirted the rocks, climbed the next hill and joined the present road till well past the clay pits. At Isabella you used to be able to drive down the present path to the beach. We never used it though, pre- ferring to scramble down the cliff to our favorite rocks, but I did ride it once in a Model T. There was a parking area and a turnaround at the foot. The road continued to cling to the shore, and as it dropped down to Eaglewing Beach, which used to separate Island Pond com- pletely from the ocean, there was a gate. We children would all rumble out of the car and clamber to the lowest rail, while one of us unlatched the gate. It would swing open downhill, and we loved the ride. It was even fun pushing it back, too, knowing it would keep the cows housed in Wilderness and Middle Farms from wandering too far afield. I don't remember ever seeing any cows loose; I only saw them in Wilderness Barn being milked. The road then crossed the Flats back to the macadam at Middle Farms where the . Happy Gaillard's father takes her sister and brother, Anne and Bill, for a sail in Hay Harbor. bull with the ring in his nose was kept, past the Harry Ferguson, the Alfred Ferguson and the Tilford drives and Bull Rock, up which a lady fled to save herself from a maddened bull. I tried it once, nor so long ago, and it's steeper than it looks. There might be a detour to the top of Chocomount, especially if it were a perfect Island day. Hunt, our chauf- feur, disapproved of this detour as the road was very rocky and once, thanks to a preced- ing heavy rain, a huge mass of the road on the hilltop side, bigger than the car itself, col- lapsed just after we had crossed it, making a gigantic hole. We were stranded above. For- tunately, it was a day of heavy traffic. Another small car had preceded us up the mountain. Mterdue consultation and appropriate mea- suring, both cars turned for the descent. the smaller leading. Would the outer bank of the road be wide and firm enough for safe pas- sage? It was. And then, it was our turn, or rather, Hunt's. The crater was safely negoti- ated, and we piled in for the next excitement. This always came at Life Saving Beach (the Club beach). Strong winds were always driv- ing sand from the dunes across the road so that further passage was often impossible. COllrimled 011 pilge 35 ~." ~{ . Ji ..... ~' .... , - ~. , ~. , " Photo Courtesy of Happy Gaillard 34 Fi~'''en Island Gazette. Spri"g lOlll WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES Probate in Suffolk County and Nassau County REAL ESTATE Planning & Zoning 51020 Main Road, Southold NY 11971 !@1 Former town attorney and surrogate's court attorney Patricia C. Moore ATTORNEY AT LAW TOWN OF SOUTHOLO, SUFFOLK COUNTY 631-765-4330 . Fax: 631-765-4643 CJI cIion "Th, 0.. T;m~AU/ine" ~ Twin and Turbine , ( . ~ n9!~e~-:-f- Charier! ~er'\llce~ ""'" _.- -- -- RESERVATIONS and INFORMATION 1-800-243-8623 1-860-448-1646 24-hr. 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Fidler!i ldand Gazette 3S Happy Gaillard . COlltjlluedfrom pdge 33 The only place to turn was at the drive into the Coast Guard Station. The road was very narrow and Hunt invariably, it seemed [0 me, backed [00 far into the sand dunes. Itwas something of a challenge to find boards on that barren beach to dig away the dunes and give the tires some purchase to ease out and complete the turn. If that were the end of the journey, we would walk Life Saving Beach where the Coast Guard kept a lifeboat in a shed ready on rollers to be manned and rowed ou[ through the surf to the aid of anyone in distress within reach. A larger craft was kept in East Harbor. The Coast Guard walked the circuit of the Island daily, report- ing in from telephone boxes placed at inter- vals along the path that skirted the shore. In those days, the Island was quite bare-open fields with rocks and low clumps of bayberry and blackberry, the sizable trees confined [0 only a few wooded areas, so visibility was good. But sometimes we got through the sand and finished the drive up the hill past the third and last barn and would park for a while in the field by tbe Wintbtop Cottage looking au[ toward Watch Hill. From there on. there was onlya path through the fields to the East . -i), . ~. : -.~. <l'rt , >Iil- # .~"?' " Photo courtesy 01 Happy Gaillard . In the past century, only bathing attire has changed when children play at Hay Harbor. End until the Club was built. The golfcourse opened up new vistas, and the road was carried on past Mudand Money Ponds to the Simmons house. There you got a view of the most westerly of the four passages between Block Island and Fishets Island Sounds and of Wi cop is set Island where the herring gulls used to nest. The 1938 hurricane laid it bare of shrubby growth, and the gulls retreated to East Point and elsewhere that provided cover for the young. We would return on the main road through Lovers' Lane-not the little road that really deserved the name and was the old road to the Clay Pits-but that section of the main road from which it branches ofT. Before 1938, it was a tunnel of green, the tall trees interlacing their branches overhead. And home again for a game of croquet or tetherhall, a good book, or just a sit on the porch enjoying the quiet of late afternoon on Hay harbor. ~ Re...e...bering Lo....ed Ones Who Ha....e Passed A ~ay I I- Every Christmas for the past five years, red ribbons have adorned the blue spruce next to Union Chapel. The ribbons are more than an addi- tion (Q the festive atmosphere of the season, however, because each one signifies a memory, and together lhey create the com- munity "Memory Tree. n The tree, picked for its central location, becomes, at that time of year, an expression of love for those who have passed away. Cynthia Riley thought ohhe idea five years ago after a bittersweet Christmas without her mother, Joan Estabrooks, who had died. "Knowing others felt the same way. I thought a memory tree might be of heIp. Doing some small tangible thing to signifY the loss would heIp many through the com- bined sadness and joy of the holiday season," Mrs. Riley said. Rev. Bob Wright, Union Chapel's min- ister at the rime, supported the concept and offered a praycrofdeclication during a church service. The next year, Rev. Kate Latimer and . o '0 < ~ ~ J! ;x . " i u . Red bows are tied to the "Memory Tree." Mrs. Riley conducted a Memory Tree service outside at night by candlelight. The follow- ing year. Rev. Rosemary Baue coordinated the service with what was thcn the school Student Council Christmas caroling. For the past two years, the service has taken place with Rev. Balleand Father Barnes co-officiating. Community members tie rib- bons to the tree and read the names of all residents who have died during the past year, both winter and summer. Everyone is abso- lutely quiet as Cal Beggs rings a ship's bell after each name is read. Theonlyother sound is that of a distant buoy bell. At this point, those present can add names to the tree. The group, about 36 in number, sings "Silent Night" and, meeting up with other people, carols around the Island. Memory Tree ribbons. for people of :lIlY faith or belief, arc removed Feb. 14. Anyone who would like to add a ribbon next Christ- mas, but cannot be present, may call Cynthia Riley (631-788-7178) who will do it for you. 36 Fi.'l"er.~ I.~lalld Gazette. Sprillg 2002 FISHER~S ~ND~N J ~ r' ~V l! OX 46"4, ')shers Island NY 06390 -""ie1~&.F.ax . 631-788-7029 John Spofford & Twig Stickney. Co-presidents Nancy Hunt. Secretary Jay Parsons' Treasurer Board Members Barry Bryan, Heather Ferguson, Mike Imbriglio Sarah Malinowski, Speedy Mettler Carol Ridgway, Penni Sharp, Janio Spinola Louisa Evans, Ex officio The Fishers/s/and Civic Association exists to promote the economic, civic and social welfare of the people of Fishers Island. Quarterly meetings provide forums for discussions of Island issues and reports from Island organizations. Annual dues: Individual $10; Family $1 S Subscribing $2S; Supporting $SO Sustaining $100 :::111~1111:::111E:::111~111~llll ~S'I!OW:D'OWN3!a-OJi' It!: ~111E;lIfeln~lnelllltln .A communIty service announcement from FIDCO (Flsliers Island Development Corp.) e~C; Island lit:. . ~ I~. ~ F.I. ELectric ~ F.I. TeLephone F.I. Water Works rrm II REMODELING & RESTORATION II INC. 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I Z & S Contracting The Island Contractor That Supports the Island "The Good Guys" · Renovations · Remodeling · New Construction · Expert Painting/Paper Hanging · Licensed Electrical, Plumbing & Heating Professionals · 24-Hour Emergency Service · Complete Line of Electrical Appliances · Now Also Window Washing Shop: 788-7857 Tom: 788-7755 Faulkner Contracting Quality Work at Reasonable Prices Shop Phone & Fax: 631-788-5612 Fishers Island NY 06390 Fully Licensed and Insured · Additions · Alterations · Flooring · Kitchen Remodeling · Linoleum · Masonry · New Construction · Painting · Roofing · Tile · Wall Papering 38 Fishers ls/a"d GazeJie . Spri"IJ ZfJfJ2 Queens of F.t. Ha-ve Reigned Sin<<:e 1989 By Gail Mayes Outsiders who see Fishers Island as a private, distant place would probably not be surprised to hear that we have documented royalty living among us. It has never been a secret. but now everybody will know: There is a new Queen of Fishers Island crowned every summer. A prince is also selected annually for his win- ning personality and work within the community. It is the queen, however, who fills the spotlight. This light-hearted fun is the work of Tidal Wave Salon owner, Peggy Elliot, who hosts the midsummer Queen Parry, usually in early August. The festivities include lunch, followed by poems dedicated to Fishers Island's loyal subjects and runners-up. The identity of the new queen is a closely guarded secret until Peggy crowns her in the fUllniest and most lighthearted event of the season. "This party is all tongue-in-cheek and lots offun!! That's really our only goal-to get together and have a few laughs. Summer goes by so quickly. we need community "royalty" to jazz things up a bit!" laughed Peggy, who initiated the Queen Parries in 1989. At that time. she had no washing ma- chine at her summer rental (0 wash salon rowels. and there was no Laundromat on the Island. When Patsy Hanson generously of. fered to take the towels home and wash them. Peggy said, "You arc so wonderful! I should make you Queen of Fishers Island." Patsy replied. "That's fair!" And the summer tradi- tion of the Queen party began. With a crown made of a tin foil-covered paper plate (Statue of Liberty style), Patsy becamc the first in a long line of Queens of Fishers Island. Peggy. the real Queen of Fishers Island. has a unique way of choosing the latest roy- alty. It is always the woman who brings her the most or best gifts, which have included a telephone/answering machine from Bobbi Trippe (provided when Peggy's phone dropped and broke), Nancy Gerry's special smoked turkey pastrami sandwiches. KFC from the mainland, and beautiful flowers and vegetables from Kathy Weymounth's garden. Our 200 I Queen, Liz Furse. not only iJ:. l1' .. "^'" Gall Mayes Photo . (I-r) Past Queens of F.I., Margie Ogden (1997), Patty Wall (2000) and Kathy Weymouth (1997). got a hole-in-one and won a golf tournament, but she also brought Peggy lots of ice cream. During the ceremony, there is usually a lone, confused man, who has been tricked into stopping by, ostensibly [0 lift something heavy or to help with some similar task. He is then surprised with a title and a crown. The prince is usually embarrassed to receive this honor. but all have later been seen driving around the Island wearing the Princelycrown. Past Princes include Tom Doherty (1997), Phil Knauff (I 998), Ed Riley (I 999), Aaron Rice (2000) and Dr. Jack Hand (2001). Peggy named Cynthia Riley the first Princess of Fishers Island in 2001. "Our only Princess is Cynthia Riley. She contrib- utes so much to Fishers, I just had to award her a title. She is great! " Peggy said. FormerQueensincludeSusic Rentschler, Alice Rutherfurd, Bobbie Trippe 1995, Char/ron Pbelps 1996, Margie Ogden and Kathy Weymouth 1997, Naney Gerry 1998, Norma Bartol 1999, Patty Wall 2000and Liz Furse 2001. . The Hobnob. a classic wooden sloop that sank in high winds while racing around Fishers Island Sept. 29, 200 I, washed up on Middle Farms Beach in January. The sailboat sank about 200 feet off the Island's southern shore barely one minute after the last of the eight-member crew had been rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. - Spn'ng lfJfJ2 . Fidll!rs Island (;azelle 39 ~ I I Waler W orL;.s Keeps Wa..:I."'1 Eye on Orougl.l The City of New London has im- posed mandatory water restric- tions due to the severe drought. Although March delivered normal precipita- tion, the area is still a foot shon of rainfall. Fishers Island Water Works is watching the Island water supply carefully and, as of late March, saw no need for similar restric- tions. According to Fishers Island Utility Co. President Bob Wall, Barlow and Middle Farms Pond are quite high, but the wells are down about 10 inches. "I have seen the wells lower than that in the past," Mr. Wall said. "Nevertheless, we are asking people to be aware of the amount of water they use. At the water company, we are always on guard, checking and monircring wells. We are al- ways watching ir." Water Works Chairman Bill Ridgway in March provided a capsule look at the company's assessment of the Island's water supply: "The chloride levels in the wells, both main and monitor, are fine, indicating that salt intrusion is nor currently a problem. If the levels rise to about five times their present level, then we would have to stop pumping from the well or wells where there is an intrusion. Thisrisewould occur over a period of weeks and is not something that would hit us overnighr. Thus, we believe we would have ample warning and could take the nec- essary steps at that time. "We use the four major wells as our primary source of water and have the two ponds and potentially Treasure Pond as backup. In the summer, we often blend well and pond water, both to exercise the H!tra- tion plant and to take pressure ofT the wells. "It is our belief that the Island would be more responsive to conservation measures jf necessary than, say, a large city. L1wn water- ing is a big use of water on Fishers Island. In fact, the water company is far more profitable in a dry summer that a wet one. So if it were necessary (0 impose restrictions 011 the lIse of water, we think there would be immediate and positive response from the community. "If we don't have rain by this summer, we will have to watch the situation very carefully, but at the moment, we are san- guine that the situation is under control." r . Over 120 people attended the Mar. I Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser for the Fishers Island School's senior class trip to Hawaii. An overwhleming sense of a "warm family community" prevailed throughout the evening, during which cast members, staying in character, mingled with the audience while the dinner was served. The mystery? Who stole the Boston creme pie-which, coincidentally, was also dessert. (I-r) Matt Neilson, Joe Curto, Cynthia Riley, Alan Thibodeau, Kristin Shaw and Laura Edwards. IPP Su......er Regastrataon Under_a.,. It's time to register for a summer ofIPP fun! This year's morning program, open to children ages 4-11, will run from July I through Aug. 9. MegAtkin, last year's director, will retllrn and is preparing a host of exciting acrivities for the children, including arts & crafts, sports and special events by Island guests. IPP also hopes to afTer an afternoon swim program at Dock Beach. Registration materials will be mailed in April to families already on the mailing list. "'Ifyou did not tegister last year, then your name is NOT on the mailing list. Don't miss out. Please send your name and mailing address to Anne Burnham, awburnham@aol.com or call her at 508-252-3442. Register early, space is limited!! Register for IPP's summer Basketball Clinic, with coach Dan Gillan. June 25-28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration forms are available at the school or Hair of the Dog Liquors. . Construction continues on clubhouse at Hay Harbor Club golf course. Soutl.old Voters Eled Ne_ T o_n Super,.,isor S outhold voters have ousted three-term Republican Town Supervisor Jean Cochran and replaced her with 29-year-old Josh Honan, a Conservative who ran on a Democratic ticket. Mr. Honan, an active U.S. Coast Guard reservist, is the son of Gail Honan, a trustee on the Village Board of Greenpon. His grandfather, Schuyler Wentwonh Honan, was Southold Town supervisor from 1933- 46 and later was a state senator. The untested Mr. Honan is shan on experience, but voters were eager fora change. The final tally was 5,352 votes for Mr. Horton and 3,518 votes for Mrs. Cochran. Fishers Island Republican Council- woman/J ustice Louisa Evans ran unopposed. 40 Fishers l.~lalld Gazette. Sprillg 2002 2000-200 I Fourth Quarter Honor Roll High Honor Roll (93-100) Ethan Bean, Sarah Bean, Rand Brothers Sage Farrar, Dragan Gill. Rebecca Leeser Conner Scace, Michael Scace Camilla Spinola Honor Roll (87-92) Melissa Batz. Tristan Belan Robert Blair. Katie Bloethe, Alicia Cairns Zoey Feinstein, Brett Flowers, Cory Hollis Lindsey Horn, Mason Horn, Martin Karpel Graham Kuzia, Matthew Neilson Olga Solovyova. James Stanley Callie Walter. Colin Walter 2001-2002 First Quarter Honor Roll High Honor Roll (93-100) Ethan Bean, Tristan Belen Rand Brothers, Andrew Ellis, Sage Farrar Jane Sawyer, Conner Scace, Michael Scace, Camilla Spinola. Keith Tripp Honor Roll (87-92) Stephen Bean Nicholas Banas Robert Blair, Alicia Cairns Brendon Conroy Zoey Feinstein, Dragan Gill Felicia Hardy, Mason Horn James Stanley, Colin Walter Defining tile Tide By Charles Stepanek The core of this adapted maxim is still true: time and tide- and ferries-wait for no man. Working at the ferry. of course, gives me direct access to observing the specifics of time and ferries, i.e., the 20-minute rule and the final tOOt of the ferry with its slow movement away from the ramp. It is the third element, the tide, that is not precisely observable. Sure, one is aware of high and low tide water levels. We all have had the opportunity to watch waves struggle to their maximum height along the sand and then recede. Bur that is vague, ju::;t overlapping movements, not a point in time. I wanted-"the moment," that point in time when the change occurs. 2001-2002 Second Quarter Honor Roll High Honor Roll (93-100) Ethan Bean, Rand Brothers Andrew Ellis, Sage Farrar, Cory Hollis Conner Scace, Michael Scace Camilla Spinola, Keith Tripp Honor Roll (87-92) Stephen Bean, Alicia Cairns Melanie Cairns, Zoey Feinstein Dragan Gill. Felicia Hardy Mason Horn. Graham Kuzia Matthew Neilson Olga Solovyova, James Stanley Callie Walter, Colin Walter ~~"ter&Waymarine CAPTAIN ANDREW HEUBLEIN . -J" - Wi"C""~~~ > courier service ... I....... > crew & equipment transport ..! > U.S.C.G. certified for 18 passengers > ocean taxi ":1""__ -~ -..... de/Jartin~Imlll Noa1lll, V'rllit'iflK IAHlI( r~/!1/r({~oulJd,;, ____ .==--=: - -~- Hay Harbor is a place to see it... The boat channel... Seaweed tendril attached to an underwater rock... It was an outgoing flow. The tide table I'd constructed was about 20 minutes late. (No, I didn't place Mother Nature in the standby lane.) While I watched, the tendrils wavered. First flowing in the direction of the sound, they then began to rise upward and slowly rocked in the still water. It was a magic moment-tremendous powers of water, motion, moon and gravity were in equilibrium. . G.B. ERR. APPRAISAL COMPANY A real estate appraisal company serving Fishers Island NY STATE CERTIFIED Gregory B. Erb . 860-536-0721 Located in Noank, Conn. BOROLEUM@ Since 1906 STUFFY HEAD COLD? SINUS? HAYFEVER? DIAPER RASH? CHAPPED HANDS? or LIPS? Suffer no more! Keep nasal passages clear and avoid chapping. RELIEF is as close as your medicine cabinet. Boroleum works and it's mild! SINCLAIR PHARMACAL CO., INC. FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390 I Spri"g ]O(}}. Fisher.~ lda"d Gazene 41 . ~ . Wlnf@rStudies by Cynthia Riley: Trees silhouetted against sunlight and clouds: and rare snowfall. Jack Rivers' round house seen through trees. u.s. Coast Guard Sets Up Sur...eillan<:e on Fishers Island in Wal.c of 9/11 The u.s. Coast Guard has set up a surveillance system on Fishers Is- land to monitor vessel traffic in Eastern Long Island Sound. Since 9/ 11. there has been apprehension that the next terrorist arrack could come from rhesea in the form ofacargo ship pullingil1to a busy pon. Of particular concern in this region are rhe Coast Guard Academy, Naval submarine Base and Electric Boat on the lower Thames River; and Millstone Power Plant on the Niamic River. Commander of Coast Guard Group Long Island Sound, Capr. Joseph J. Coccia, said the Coast Guard selected Fishers Island because the Navy owns property 011 the Is- land where the Undersea Warfare Cemcr conducted exercises for years. Cooperation between the Navy and Coast Guard has increased significmdy over the past months. The new radar system will operate 24 hours a day providing a complctc tactical picture of what is moving through the area by coordinating with vesselmovcment reported to the Coast Guard. Capt. Coccia said. This operation will be part of the na- tional Vessel Traffic Services program, which operates similar surveillance operations in heavily traveled port areas such as New York Harbor, Puget Sound, Houston and the Lower Mississippi. Cynthia Riley PhOlot 42 Fishers Isla"d Gazette. .\/Jril'K ]00] Announ<<:eInenls ENGAGEMENTS Antonia Gold and Hans Paal Bunaes. Karena Elwell and Martijn Rasser. Philip Musser and Heather West, Fall 2002. Washington. D.C. Susan Stepanek and David Lavertu, Oct. 13. Merrimack. Mass. Sarah Strife and Michael Barnwell. Nov. 16, New York City. Tanis Hunt and John Meakin, Oct. 5. Providence. R." Lila Musser and Brooks Preston, June 3. 2003. Katharine Lopez and Timothy B. Weymouth. WEDDINGS Kemp Talbott and Dave Hoversten. Dec. I, 200 I, St. Pete Beach, Fla. Kristin Broadhead and Colin Cashel,Jan. 12. West Palm Beach, Fla. Evans Realty Licensed Real Estate Broker Sales . Rentals 631-788-7054 Holland Holcomb Goss and Kevin Christopher Lynch, Feb. 2. San Francisco, Cal. Catherine Goodrich and Ned Carlson, Mar. 3, Tallahassee. Fla. BIRTHS Addison Lee White, Aug. 1,200 I,to Kristy and David White, Austin, Tex. Lindsey Christine Shafer, May 9, 200 I, to Heather (Oswald) and Colin Shafer, Boston, Mass. Benjamin Ian and Flora Olivia Damon, Oct. 3, 200 I, to Carlene (Boylen) and Ian Damon, Hawaii. Eric Phillip Meyer, Oct. 29, 200 I, to Lisa and Ken Meyer, Livingston, N.J. Maisie McKown Spofford, Nov. 13,200 I. to Sherin and Charles Spofford. Concord. Mass. Margaret Joy Mancusi~Ungaro. Nov. 14. 200 I. to Jennifer (Miller) and Greg Mancusi~Ungaro. Marblehead, Mass. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING... . A dock in front of your home . Reconstruction of an existing dock . A bulkhead or bulkhead repair . The permit status of your existing dock . Sttlfe Tidal Wetlands Pennits for yoltr home and yard improvement CALL: DOCKO, INCORPORATED "a complete waterftont development resource" 860.572.8939 860.572.7569 fax www.docko.com PO Box 421 Mystic CT 06355 Liadan Ross, Nov. 29, 200 I, to Carolyn (Stepanek) and Edward Ross, Somerville, Mass. Maud Sarah Alexandra Peel, Dec. 7,200 I, to Megan (Spurdle) and Giles Peel, Suffolk, England. Scudder Keep Sinclair Jr., Dec. 21, 200 I. to Jennifer and Scudder Sinclair, Boston, Mass. Richard Eliot and Nicholas Edward Spizzirri, Dec. 23, 200 I, to Amory (Armstrong) and Peter Spizzirri, Cos Cob, Conn. Katherine "Kate" Birmingham Flanagan. Dec. 26, to Katherine and Chris Flanagan, Dallas. Tex. Finlay Arthur MacDonald, Feb. 7. to Courtney (Smith) and Jeff MacDonald, Watertown. Mass. Aeden Kesey Connelly, Mar. 8, to Sue and Kevin Connelly, Fishers Island. Topper's Ice Cream o Opening for our 9th season Fri. May :3, 2002 Open every weekend in May and June CATCH THE BOATING Sr.lRlT THIS SUMMER! I I I I 631-788.7528 OPEN MONDAY. FRIDAY 8:00 - 4:30 SATURDAY 8:00 -4:30 "IN SEASON" I (cJ1A~~rrJFrrJE]])1 I I I I . CARETAKER JOB WANTED: Looking for position as year-round caretaker, will live in or commute from Conn. Twenty years' experi- ence, five years on Fishers Istand. Local references available. Please reply to Steven Robertson, 860- 691-1563. IPP COUNSELORS NEEDED: Do you love kids? Are you looking for a fun summer job? The IPP sum- mer morning program is looking for counselors. You must be 14 years old. Please phone program Director Meg Atkin (401) 453-6196 or e-mail matkin@rockyhill.org. , r I I I , r I I HOUSE FOR RENT-AUGUST: Up to 14 days. Large. nicely furnished and great location. Call for information, 631-788-7510. DRfVER WANTED TO SELL GOOD HUMOR ICE CREAM on Fishers Island from our vending truck. Keep truck with you at all times. Earn $850- $1200 per week. Apply now. Call Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. only. 203-366- 2641 or 800-899-1009. FALVEY CORPORATION Quality + Our Specialty Specializing in unique sitework and construction projects. All types of materials available___screened topsoil. . We Work to Save the Trees and Environment + I I Donald J. Falvey, Pres. P_O_ Box 699, 237 Rt_ 80 Killingworth CT 06419 Dffice 860-663-1695 Fax 860-663-2719 I ~\I~r't~ ~~ ..' - "---"---.. r~~- t1 f J : ''-----'~ --j' . t "-- .~~--- ~ 11' .' ' .. ' ;_~ ,r-..-...- 'Ur,n .'-hl .~.. . ,1_ ...:.....~~~"...... m~e Jequot c3fnn l Mon. thru Fri.. 4:30 p.m. to close Sat. & Sun.. 12:30 p.m. to close 631 -788-7246 r Ivy Robichaux, Jr. GENERAL CONTRACTING SERVICES Home Improvement, Repair & Maintenance Island references available Shop 788-7732 Licensed & Insured #20.946-HI Since 1992 Spring 2(}(}2. Fishers Isla"d Gazelle 43 SWIM INSTRUCTOR & LIFE GUARD: Certified Swim Instructor and Lifeguard needed for IPP Swim Program at Dock Beach, afternoon hours. Please call Trudi Edwards 631-788-7645. OPEN & CLOSE HOMES: Avail- able for seasonal home openings and closings. Call for local refer. enees. Please reply to Steven Robertson. 860-691-1583. PHOTOGRAPHY: Excellent advice and instruction for a fee. Roger Riley photographer and instructor will advise you in both digital and traditional photography. Will instruct on-Island and/or coordinate photography time with ferry schedule. Call 860.443-5700 or www.myphotoadvisor.com. BACK ISSUES OF GAZETTE FOR SALE: Back issues of the Gazetle are not filled with old news-they are packed with Island history. Back issues-from 1992 to the present are available for $5.00, plus shipping. Write or call the editor [see bottom of page 2]. Intuitive Massage Therapy and Bodywork 631-788-7301 relaxJeleaseJej uvena te@yahoo.com . Trowel AME~':'S Agency ~ - ttRept,"senl"hv," Travelers Checks Airline Tickets Cruises Hotels Tours EiW 11 Bank St. New London 1-800-545-9154 EDWARDS LOBSTERS "The Best Tails in Town" PO Box 167 Fishers Island NY 06390 631-788-7645 CHRIS & TRUDI EDWARDS Delivery Available llSHER.SG' AZ'Ii-'j 'j.'E. l\lAND .., 1)1 F 101 Ji ' Box 573 Fishers Island NY 06390 RECEIVED FIRST~CLASS MAIL us POSTAGE PAID HARTFORD CT PERMIT NO 945 FIRST CLASS No Exp c ,;:i'" .' APR 2 2 2002 Ms Belly Neville South old Town Clerk PO Box 1179 Southold, NY 11971 Sou,hold Town Clelk