HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-1994
FISHERS
SSOCIATION
York 06390 516-788-7029
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ANNUAL REPORTS OF ISLAND ORGANIZATIONS
1993 - 1994
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FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL REPORTS OF ISLAND ORGANIZATIONS
1993 - 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ORGANIZATION
Fishers Island Civic Association
FICA Treasurer's Report
Island People's Project
IPP Treasurer's Report
Island Bowling Center
FICA'S Rodent Control Program
Fishers Island School
Island Health Project, Ine.
Is. Health Project Treasurer's Report
Schedule of Physicians
Fishers Island Cemeteries
Fishers Island Library Association
Library Schedule of Events
Fishers Island Fire Department Treasurer's Report
Fishers Island Ferry District
Fishers Island Conservancy, Ine.
Fishers Island Development Corporation
Walsh Park Benevolent Corporation
Island Concerts
FICA's Police Advisory Committee
FICA's Senior Citizens Committee
Fishers Island Harbor Committee
The Henry L. Ferguson Museum
Museum Events and ContIibution Form
Fishers Island Garbage and Refuse District
Town Justice Report
COVER DESIGNS
7th grader Nick Malinowski drew our cover illustration.
FISHERS I
P. O. Box 464
~SSOCIATION
06390 516-788-7029
July 1994
Dear Islander:
The By-Laws for the Civic Association state that the objective of the
organization is to "promote the economic. civic and social welfare of the people of
Fishers Island" -- a vague, but certainly imposing charge. This year, we capitalized
on the responsiveness of the new Administration in Southold. We were also engaged
in a substantive update of the Fishers Island Growth Plan. These efforts forced us to
better define Island needs and investigate the best ways of meeting them.
The Civic Board and Civic Subcommittees have:
. Conducted extensive outreach in updating the Growth Plan. You will see this
reflected in the Growth Plan which will be mailed to you for review later this
summer. The '94 Growth Plan will be incorporated into the Southold
Stewardship Task Force report, thereby giving our document visibility and
credibility with the Town Board.
. Recommended to the Town Board that a Fishers Island Harbor Committee be
established in place of a Harbor Master. This committee of delegates,
representing all harbor interests, will develop a management plan for all
Island harbors and Town waters adjacent to Fishers Island. The two Bay
Constables will enforce rules and regulations of the committee.
. Sought to eliminate overnight camping by non-local fishermen at Race and
Wilderness points. As a quick and legal way to address this problem, we
recommended to the Town Board (upon the Town lawyer's suggestion)
establishing an enforceable resident/renter parking permit program for
these areas.
. At the request of Judge Evans, convened a Senior Citizens Committee. This
Committee will monitor the various needs of Island seniors, investigate
eligibility for Town, County and State senior benefit programs, and coordinate
the remarkable volunteer base that currently attends to Island senior citizens.
. Assisted Peter Burr and Jim Hancock in procurement and placement of twenty
1
trees donated to the Island as pan of the Southold Tree Program.
. Worked through the Police Advisory Committee with Island Contractors this
Winter to address concems regarding licensing compliance.
. Monitored progress on clean up of the Metal Dump and recommended to the
Town Board that full excavation occur.
Plans for 94 -- 95 year include:
. Pursue "Suggested Actions" outlined in '94 Growth Plan,
. Invite the Southold Town Planning Board to attend our July 23rd Annual
meeting at the Movie Theater
. Encourage Town and County agencies to set up information booths for Island
resident inquiries when they visit the Island for Town Fathers Day on
Wednesday, August 3rd.
. Co-sponsor a wetlands information and identification seminar,
. Investigate means to repair existing sidewalks and establish additional
pathways on or adjacent to West end roads.
The second terms of former President Carol Ridgway and former Vice-
President Art Walsh come to a close this summer. The Board and members of the
Civic Association are indebted to their leadership, resourcefulness and commitment
to the people of Fishers Island. Best wishes to all for a happy summer.
Sincerely,
Leslie 0, Goss'95, President; Carol Ridgway'94, Vice-President; Sally Cashel'96; Chris
Edwards'95; Laura Edwards'95; Joseph Henderson'95; Steve Malinowski'96; Betty
Peishoff'94; Arthur Walsh'94.
z
Fishers Island Civic Association
Annual Treasurer's Report
July 1. 1993 - June 30, 1994
July 1. 1993 Cash balance
Income (Donations & Interest (5310.25))
Expenses:
Printing:
Secretary:
Postage:
Supplies:
Rodent Control
Growth Plan
Telephone
Bank Service charge
Drawing Prize
2,284.45
1.900.00
805.90
785.55
773.36
601.09
542.77
54.45
50.00
June 30, 1994 Cash Balance
(Checkbook $10672.27. Money Market $13237.53)
2a
$22,125.12
9,582.25
7797.57
$23,909.80
1994
Islanders:
the winter of '94 seemed like it would never end, spring is finally here.
winter, members of Island People's Project (IPP) organized a summer
that we are proud to offer (see enclosed brochure). IPP is a private
1'19ni>rClfit foundation that is dedicated to sponsoring programs and activities for the
children of Fishers Island.
ltladdition to the summer program, IPP sponsors the Easter Egg Hunt, a 4th of July
BIl::ydeParade and Fireworks Cruise, the Arts and Crafts Fair on the green each July
and Al.lgust as well as a Halloween Costume Parade and Pumpkin Carving Contest.
Once again we are very lucky to offer nature walks with Mr. Ed Horning every
TU~~9ay during the summer months. Mr. Horning brings an unlimited knowledge of
flel'a~Md fauna of Fishers Island, teaching and inspiring in children and adults a love
~rr<il'espect for the island. An after school T-Ball program is being offered for the first
<<mi'lt"!~ spring to children ages five through eight.
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i~~:..yould like to thank all of you who have contributed so generously in the past
\:il'idHope that you will continue to support IPP and the children of Fishers Island.
'.
- P.esident
.. Treasurer
. Oir. Summer program
Annie Burnham - v. P.esident
Kristen Wall - Oi.. Fund Raising
Cynthia Estab.ooks - OJ.. Special Event.
Leslie Tombari - Secretary
Cindy Gillan - OJ.. Swimming
Fran Prescott - OJ.. Volunteers
3
ISLAND PEOPLE'S PROJECT
post office box 523
fishers island, ny 06390
1993 Financial Summary
INCOME
Contributions
Fund Raising
Program
$17,045.00
$10,167.42
$ 9,905.37
total
$37,117.79
EXPENSES
Accounting
Advertising
Bad Debt
Bank Charges
Donation to playground fund
Insurance
misc.
Office
Raising Funds
Special Events
Summer Program
Swimming
$ 885.00
$ 140.00
$ 382.00
$ 61.12
$ 2,000.00
$ 5,343.64
$ 528.50
$ 2,001.43
$ 2,455.06
$ 236.58
$18,027.64
$ 2,228.34
total
$34,289.31
submitted 6f7/94
Cynthia S. Gillan
treasurer
4
ISLAND PEOPLE'S PROJECT
8 8 8 8 8 8 BOWLING CENTER 8 8 8 8 8 8
· · · · · · FISHERS ISLA~~X ~~ YORK 06390 · · · · · ·
,
Looking for something fun for you and your family to do on a
Saturday evening? Why not try bowling? The Island Bowling
Center, located right behind the school, is just the place for
folks of all ages. There's a snack bar where you can get
fries, milk shakes, ice cream, and other good things to eat.
There's also ten-pin bowling on our four lanes. Two lanes even
have "gutter guards" which enable younger bowlers to knock pins
down like a pro!
For most of the year, the Bowling Center is open to the public
on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:45 'til 9:30 PM; however,
during "movie season" it is only open on Saturdays.
(Wintertime operations include two additional evenings for
league bowling.) You can call the Center at 788-7601 to
confirm whether or not it's open.
The staff of the Center is comprised completely of volunteers
who work once a month or so. Their dedication helps keep costs
down, which is crucial for the Center's survival. Volunteers
include:
Rick Barrett
Deb Borgert
Stu Borgert
Annie Burnham
Mike Conroy
Dave Denison
Carol Doherty
Jeff Edwards
Nancy Edwards
Bob Evans
Louisa Evans
Patty Faulkner
Cindy A. Gillan
Cindy S. Gillan
Kathleen Hess
Mary Horn
Sue Horn
Greg Thibodeau
Kristin Wall
Steve Walter
The Island Bowling Center is a not-for-profit organization
which provides the only year-round family recreation on Fishers
Island. By visiting the center, you can help keep it in
business. Your support is needed!
5
Fishers Island Civic Association
Rodent Control Program
As you know, we live on an island. While island living
certainly has its advantages, it also has a few problems. One
of these is RATS.
With the recent closing of the garbage dump, many rats have
become homeless, or at least foodless. Since they cannot leave
the island, they must look for other places to live where food
is available. This means YOUR yard.
The Civic Association Rodent Control Program purchases large
quantities of poison rat food and makes it available for all
residents. (In 1993 over 200 pounds of poison was
distributed.) The bait is one of the safest, most selective,
and most effective products on the market, but it must be used
as directed and stored out of the reach of children.
In conjunction with the rodent control program, the eighth
grade class at Fishers Island School builds and sells feeder
stations as a class fund-raising project. The boxes are made
from wood, painted with a preservative, and designed
specifically for use with the current type of rat poison.
If you would like to obtain some rodent bait or to order a
feeder station, please call me at 788-7514 and I will arrange a
convenient pickup time.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Denison, Rodent Control Program Coordinator
6
FISHERS ISLAND SCHOOL
The Fishers Island School Is governed by an elected, five member
board. The terms are for three years and the board serves the community
without compensation. Current board members are George Horning,
President, Eileen Wall, Vice President, Mary Horn, William Faulkner and
Russel Heath.
The school operates on a budget that is approved by the resident
voters in May of each year. The budget for 1994-95 Is $1,979,795. The
fiscal year for the district is July 1, 1994 to June 30, 1995. At the
annual meeting the budget was passed by a vote of 55 to 13. EIleen Wall
and Mary Horn were elected to the Board. Voters also approved a
proposition that will fill future vacancies on an at-large basis rather
than considering vacancies to be separate offIces.
The FIshers Island School contInues to provIde a challenging,
indIvidualIzed educational program for its sixty-nine students. The
graduating class of 1994 consIsted of four Island students- Sandra
Doherty, Jamie Rowe, Jessica Scroxton and MIchael Wall. Each of the
students plans to continue hIs or her education. The Magnet Program
al lows tuItIon students from ConnectIcut to attend in grades fIve to
twelve. There are currently fIfteen students in attendance and a large
number of applicants for limIted space in the 1994-95 school year.
Two important changes took place during the past school year. Dr.
Cornel ius Q'Connel I joined the staff as the new superintendent in
January. The school also established the building committee for the
plan for collaborative planning and shared decision making. The
committee consists of parents, students, teachers, the superintendent
and a community member.
7
ISLAND HEALTH PROJECT, INe.
BOX 344
FISHERS ISLAND. NEW YORK 06390
Tel.: 516-788-n44
Fax: 516-788-7968
June, 1994
Dear Fellow Islander,
EVERYONE LOVES BEING A MILLION MILES. FROM NOWHERE-
EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY!
When you first arrived on Fishers Island, you dis-
covered one of the country's most remarkable and unspoiled
places. Few areas match the beauty of our lovely beaches,
our flora and fauna, and our tranquil harbors.
But there is another important resource on Fishers
Island - quality healthcare, provided by the Island Health
Project. Like many other residents and visitors, you
have found a dedicated medical staff from St. Luke's/Roosevelt
Hospital on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You are
able to enjoy your stay here with the security of knowing
that you will be well cared for, if anything should happen
to you, your family or guests that requires a physician's
help.
Look at our special Island and revel in the wonders of
it. Please contribute to our annual appeal so we can continue
to enjoy the unique medical service that we have today. So
even though you feel you are a million miles from nowhere,
remember medical help is only a phone call away.
We all join in thanking those of you participating
for the first time and those who are continuing to support
the Island Health Project.
Sincerely,
The Island Health Project
Committee
Mrs. H. L. Bogert, Co-chairman
Mrs. Catherine Jenssen, Secretary
Mrs. John Clavin
Mrs. John Evans
Klaus Mayer, M.D.
Mrs. Robert Parsons
Mrs. James Righter
Mrs. Richard Baker, Co-chairman
Mr. Michael Rothfeld
Mr. James Rutherfurd
Mrs. Lewis Rutherfurd
Miss Mary Linda Strunk
Mr. Robert B. Talbot
Mr. Michael Wray
8
ISLAND HEALTH PROJECT, INC.
BOX 344
FISHERS ISLAND. NEW YORK 06390
Tel.: 516-788-7244
Fax: 516-788-7968
RECEIPTS 1993
Appeal
HOG Tournament
Dividends
Fees collected
In Memory
Endowment
Donation
Insurance Rebate
Reimbursement
DISBURSEMENTS
Physician Stipend
House Insurance
Maintenance & Repairs to House
Medical Equip., Maintenance & Clinic Supp.
Secretarial & Office Expense
Accountant
Fuel Oil *
Telephon8
Electricity
Water
HOG
Special
Witholding for Salaries
Checking Account Balance 12/31/93
Checking Account Merrill Lynch
Endowment Fund
$ 47,515.26
24,675.00
79.50
36,774.98
75.00
1,100.00
655.00
126.00
2,250.00
$113,250.74
$ 54,200.00
2,222.79
18,308.39
9,409.30
17,791.72
1,274.00
Donated
3,365.34
1,831.36
418.70
7,682.92
3,327.42
7,425.62
$127,257.56
$ 32,446.62
2,535.63
$196,611.77
* Fuel Oil donated by Mr. & Mrs. A. John Gada Jr.
9
ISLAND HEALTH PROJECT, INC.
BOX 344
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
Tel.: 516-788-7244
Fax: 516-788-7968
Schedule of Physicians for summer of 1994
June 12
June 19
June 26
July 3
July 17
July 24
July 31
Aug. 7
Aug. 21
Aug. 28
Sept. 5
Sept. 11
OFFICE HOURS
June 19
June 26
July 3
July 17
July 24
July 31
Aug. 7
Aug. 21
Aug. 28
Sept. 5
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Maurice wright, M. D.
Mark Clark, M. D.
Steven Bernstein, M. O.
Michael Thiim, M. D.
Maria Frank, M. D.
Carol Barsky, M. O.
Daniel Rahman, M. D.
Stephan Lynn, M. D.
Kevin Brown, M. D.
Gregg Husk, M. D.
Leon Scrimmager, M. D.
Maurice Wright, M. D.
9 a.m.
6 p.m.
12 noon
7 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
Wednesday evening
OTHER TIMES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE CALL 788-7244
FOR EMERGENCY ONLY DIAL 911
10
~isqers ~ sIano
aIemderies
COM MimE
OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
UNION CHAPEL
Elizabeth Peishoff - Chairperson
Mary G. Roberts - Treasurer
Ann Banks - Secretary
Ella N. Foshay
Helen P McKown
Nancy Murphy
Thomas W. Russell. Jr.
Edwina C Sanger
Robert a Talbot
The following rules have been adopted for the organization of the
cemeteries on Fishers Island.
Acquisition of a cemetery plot will be limited to the following:
a. Year-round residents
b. Owners of land on Fishers Island
c. Immediate family of the above (husband,wife & children at home)
d. Specific names must be given
Regulations for the cemeteries were also adopted by our churches:
Stones-No higher than eight inches, no wider than four feet.
Stones must face direction of entrance.
Stones must be placed on a one foot deep cement foundation.
No plastic flowers or plastic encasements. No ornaments.
Planting:
a. No shrubs over ten inches
b. Flowers must be maintained by family
c. All funeral decorations must be removed after one week
The cemetery agrees to:
a. Clip around stones
b. Maintain grass
c. Trim bushes and trees, excluding individual shrubs
The Committee
11
F"ISHERS ISLAND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
P. O. BOX 366
FISHERS ISLAND
NEW YORK D6390
The library will be a very active place this summer. We will
be hosting such favorite activities as Mrs. Kibbe's "Milkshakes and
Moonbooms", the annual writing/drawing contest, the summer reading
club and two book sales. We are happy to again be having Bonnie
Corsaro enlighten us with lectures on flower arranging and we will
be trying a new evening activity, Bedtime Story Hour with Cordelia
Biddle.
BEDTIME STORY HOUR
Tues., July 12 6:00
Tues., August 9 6:00
VILLAGE GREEN BOOK SALE
Sat.,July 16 9:00
Sat., August 20 9:00
BONNIE CORSARO'S FLOWER ARRANGING LECTURE
Mon., July 18 8:00
Mon., August 15 8:00
MILKSHAKES & MOON BOOMS
Tues., July 19 4:00
Tues., August 16 4:00
It is important that you realize that over 50% of our budget
is obtained through your generous donations.
We would like to increase our children's video and adult CD
collections as well as acquire some books with accompanying tapes
for beginner readers. We will also be keeping up with most current
best-sellers.
Try to drop by the library! See how the children are progressing
with their stickers for books they've read, ask about the major
rearranging planned for the near future and glance through our "wish boo~
Melie Spofford-President
Mary Linda Strunk-Secretary-Treasurer
Ann Anthony
Cordelia Biddle
Peter Derderian
Roberta Elwell
Louisa Evans
Sally Ferguson
Prue Gary
Jackie Johnson
Catherine Leslie
Sarah Malinowski
Peter Rogan
Talcott Stanley
Robert Talbot
Catherine Tremaine
Ann Banks, Librarian
12
Fishers Island Library
1994 Calendar
Saturday, May 28
9:00 A.M.
Board Meeting
Friday, June 10
Saturday, July 9
Tuesday, July 12
Saturday, July 16
Monday, July 18
Suffolk Cooperative library Visit
9:00 A.M.
Board Meeting
6:00 P.M.
Bedtime Story Hour
9;00 A.M.
8:00 P.M.
Village Green Book Sale
Bonnie Corsaro's Flower
Arranging Lecture
Tuesday, July 19 4:00 P.M. "Milkshakes and
Moonbooms" with Pat Kibbe
Tuesday, August 9 6:00 P.M. Bedtime Story Hour
Saturday, August 13 9:00 A.M. Board Meeting
Monday, August 15 8:00 P. M. Bonnie Corsaro's Flower
Arranging Lecture
Tuesday, August 16 4:00 P.M. "Milkshakes and m
Moonbooms" with Pat Kibbe
Saturday, August 20 9:00 A.M. Village Green Book Sale
Writing Contest Deadline
Saturday, October 8 9:00A.M. Board Meeting
13
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 222
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06380
Commissioners
Kenneth L. Edwards
Richard S. Baker, Sr.
Serge J. Doyen, Jr.
Arthur J. Walsh
Richard F. Hale
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT
FOR YEAR 1993
Receipts:
Tax Revenue & Interest
Rental of Palling Place
Insurance Reimbursement
Sale of Truck
$250,099.53
70.00
1,404.24
1,000.00
Total of Receipts
Balance at the Begining of the year
Transfer from General Fund
Total Receipts and Balance
Disbursements:
Personal Services
Hydrant Rentals
Insurance
M & R Apparatus & Equipment
M & R Building & Property
Telephone & Alarm System
Electric Energy
Fuel
Social Security Tax
Medical Expense
Other Expenses
LOS A P
$ 13,595.00
29,382.64
23,441. 28
27,400.92
28,401.21
1, 661.42
5,156.47
3,605.90
868.33
2,145.00
16,545.28
73,845.00
Total Current Expenses
Deducted From Checking acc't - Checks
Purchase of Equipment
Transfer to Reserve Funds
Total Payments from General Fund
Balance at End of Year Checking Acc't.
Total Payments and Balances
14
Treasurer 6 Secretary
Cath~rine Jenssen
$252,573.77
9,385.14
12,000.00
$273.958.91
$226,048.45
-+ 101.62
11,430.10
35,000.00
$272,580.17
1,378.74
$273,958.91
Commissioners
Kenneth L. Edwards
Richard S. Baker, Sr.
Serge J. Doyen, Jr.
Arthur J. W.lsh
Richard F. H.le
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 222
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK D63SD
Treasurer & Secretary
Catherine Jenssen
SUPPLEMENT TO TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR 1993
Breakdown of Other Expenses:
Office Expense
Gasoline & Oil
Inspection, Fire School
and Convention
Election Expense
Dues
Total Current Expense
Listed as Other Expense
$4483.99
$4071.83
$9277.86
$251.60
$460.00
$16,545.28
Secretary-Treasurer
15
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
Commissioners
Kenneth L. Edwards
Richard S. Baker, Sr.
Serge). Doyen, Jr.
Arthur). Walsh
Richard F. Hale
P.O. BOX 222
RSHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR 1993
APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT RESERVE FUND
January 1, 1993
February 9, 1993
North Fork Bank & Trust Balance on Hand
Transfer from Checking
Interest Jan - Nov.
Interest December
Balance on Hand December 3 I, 1993
EQUIPMENT REP AIR RESERVE FUND
January I, 1993
February 9,1993
North Fork Bank & Trust Balance on Hand
Transfer from checking
Peconic Ambulance Service - Amb. rep.
Interest January - November
Interest December
Balance on Hand December 3 I, 1993
Treasurer & Secretary
C2therine Jenssen
$93,506.65
+25,000.00
2,516.42
22119
$121,244.26
$28,904.37
+10,000.00
- 5,947.54
+ 718.45
+ 61.55
$33,736.83
Secretary - Treasurer
16
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 222
ASHEAS ISLAND. NEW YORK 06380
Commisstonf!rs
Kenneth L. Edwards
Richard S. .Baker. Sr.
Serge J. Doyen. Jr.
Arthur J. Walsh
Richard F. Hale
Treasurer & Secretary
Catherine Jenssen
Exhibit "A"
GENERAL FUND
BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 1993
ASSETS
Total Assets
$ 1,378.74
$39,068.64
$40,447.38
Cash on Deposit Checking Account
General Fund Money Market Account
SURPLUS
Available for future expenditures
$40,447.38
17
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
P.O. sox 222
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
Commissioners
Kenn<lh L. Edwards
Richard S. Baker. Sr.
Serge J. Doyen, Jr.
Arthur J. Walsh
Richard F. Hale
Apparatus Reserve Fund
Equipment Repair Reserve Fund
Total Cash on Deposit
Available for future expenditures
Exhibit "B"
RESERVE FUNDS
BALANCE SHEET
$121.24426
$33,736.83
$40,447.38
$195,428.47
18
Treasurer & Secretary
Catherine Jenssen
FISHERS ISLAND FERRY DISTRICT
REPORT TO THE
FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION
1994
During 1993 the ferries carried some 151,500 passengers and
47,000 automobiles and trucks - up slightly over 1992.
The winter of 1994 was rather remarkable for its severity.
Surprisingly, the District was able to get through the winter
with relatively few cancellations of trips.
PLEASE NOTE: The only acceptable route to Race Point is over the
well worn road and across the concrete. Town of Southold
stickers are required of all vehicles which park at Race Point
and Wilderness Point.
Two significant projects have been completed in the spring of
1994. First, Elizabeth Airport runways were repaved by the firm
of Bourgeois & Shaw of Simsbury, CT. Repaving was accomplished
by means of barging in approximately 15,000 tons of material -
many of you may have noted the rather large pile of material in
the South Beach parking area over the winter. A portable asphalt
plant owned by Pike Industries of Tilton, NH was brought over on
the Cross Sound Vessel NORTH STAR. Additionally, a rock berm was
constructed on the beach side of runway 7 in hopes of stabilizing
the area against sand washing down on the runway in heavy storms.
Secondly, the Community Theater has been refurbished by means of
the following 1) painting of the exterior and interior, 2)
installation of sound dampening material on the side walls, 3)
rewiring of the electrical system, 4) installation of a new sound
system, 5) retrofitting the projectors to bring them up to code,
6) repairs to floors and bathrooms, and 7) repairs to the stage
to make it safe for use. Much of this work was made possible due
to the generous donations of members of the summer and year round
communities and of the Sanger Fund. Special thanks go to the
members of the Theater Renovation Committee, and to Jeanie
Calhoun and Tom Doherty for their parts in the project.
The amount of space available for parking at the New London
terminal remains drastically reduced. This has been done to
allow freight and traffic operations to be accomplished with a
greater degree of safety than in past years. Parking is at the
far end of the lot between signs delineating the area to be used.
Crew parking is on the west side of the lot where freight flats
area stored. Vehicles found parked in other areas of the lot or
in crew parking are subject to being towed.
For safety reasons, persons whose vehicles are at the stern of a
vessel are not be allowed to remain in the vehicles.
19
The dock area at Fishers Island is designated for thirty minute
parking to enable persons meeting boats to have a place to park.
There is ample long term parking available along the bank and
road area across from the dock, on the north side of the Coast
Guard Station, and on the north side of the long brick building.
Please cooperate in not leaving your vehicle where it does not
belong.
When picking up freight, please do not leave your cartons,
wrappings, bands, etc. Take them with you and dispose of them as
you would your household trash and garbage. The Good Garbage
Fairy does not reside at the Ferry Dock!
We encounter many instances where persons order food or have
medicine coming and then do not come to pick it up. Most food
and medicine comes to the Island on the 3:30 p.m. boat from New
London and arrives on Fishers Island about 4:10 p.m. If you have
ordered food or are expecting medicine, please be here to get
it!! We cannot be responsible for food spoiling when we are
unable to contact you. Saturday deliveries of Federal Express
and UPS are a continuing problem. It is anticipated that
something important enough to require special handling should be
expected by the addressee. During the summer season, please be
down for the 1:00 p.m or 4:15 p.m. arrivals at Fishers if you are
expecting important deliveries. We will endeavor to contact you
during our regular business hours once we know of a delivery, but
we cannot guarantee delivery if we do not reach you.
DO WE KNOW YOU? If you are new to the Island or renting and not
listed in the telephone book, please notify us as to who you are
and where we can reach you. It will save us, and possibly you, a
lot of time and trouble.
United Parcel Service_and Federal Express shipments may be made
through the Ferry District Office. When utilizing Federal
Express, letters or packages should be delivered to the Ferry
District office before 12:00 noon if you wish next day delivery.
DATES TO REMEMBER: The Annual Election of a Commissioner of the
Fishers Island Ferry District for a term of 5 years will be held
on Tuesday, August 9, 1994 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and
6:00 p.m. at the Fishers Island Fire House. Electors of the
District qualified to vote for Town Officers of the Town of
Southold at the preceding Town Election AND owners of real
property situate within the Fishers Island Ferry District upon
the last preceding town assessment roll shall be eligible to
vote. The Annual Meeting to present estimated revenues and
expenditures for the fiscal year January 1, 1995 through December
31, 1995 will be held in the Fishers Island School on Friday,
August 19, 1994 at 6:00 p.m.
20
FISHERS ISLAND CONSERVANCY, INC.
BOX 553
FISHERS ISLAND. NEW YORK 06390
Summer, 1994
To All Fishers Islanders:
At this time last summer, the Conservancy was sounding an alarm
about the Navy's plan to dump nearly 3,000,000 cubic yards of
polluted dredge spoil only l~ miles off Fishers Islands north-west
shore. This summer we repeat that alarm - but with added emphasis.
In doing research this past winter and spring we found that for
years now, towns and various agencies alon5 the Connecticut shore
have used this nearby New London Disposal Site as an easy access
garDage can. :10 one has apparently thou~ht of looking for an
alternative site - or of searching for a new and less environmentally
harmful way of disposing of toxic wastes from Connecticut rivers
and harDors. This summer your Conservancy ,Jill make every effort
to explore such alternatives leading to cleaner sound and ocean
,...aters surroundin8 us, and to this end we have retained top-fliGht
legal and engineering talent - to measure current flows, review and use
protective environmental legislation, and above all to use our
imaginations and expertise in order to preserve our marine resources
and water quality. In short, we will do our best to find another
viable and less ecologically harmful place where the inevitable
pollutants of our industrialized rivers can be stored - all hopefully
out of sight and range of Fishers Island.
Over the past year we are also proud to state that, in
conjunctio~ with Suffolk County water and planni~g authorities,
,Je completed a major study of the 3 major reservoir watersheds
on Fishers Island - a study that in its environmental component
uncovered at least 40 rare and endan~ered s~ecies of plant and
wildlife in the watershed areas alone. In the primary engineering,
technical, and evaluative part, the study re-assured Fishers Islanders
that there ,...as plenty of potable "later both in the reservoirs and
in the Middle Farms water 'Jells to last for the foreseeable future.
The report went on, however, to strongly recommend that all these
surface reservoirs, along with the filtration plant, be kept in
ready reserve [or speedy use i~ case of severe Jrought or possible
salt-water intrusion in the Middle Farms wells. We agree completely
with these common-sense conclusions, and also with the suggestion
that the Fishers Island Hater Works set up a '\latershed protection
plan" that ,...ould act effectively in saving our surface reservoirs
from both pollution and over-development.
In conclusion we reiterate that many of the programs we maintained
last sumner will be onerational this summer as well. This includes
the pollution testing' programs in both ~Jest and Hay Harbors, and the
continued monitoring of the proposed "~letal Dump" clean-up effort
scheduled to be started by the Town of Southold sometime this year.
21
- 2 -
Inasmuch as N.Y. State Environmental grants to municipalities
for purposes of landfill clean-up are scheduled to be re-funded
within the next year, we are hoping that Southold will apply for
one of these grants, with a view to cleaning out totally the
t1etal Dump site, thus saving the large and long-lasting expense
of constant testing for groundwater contamination should a mere
soil cap be poured over the metallic mess as a "quick fix"
measure.
We thank all Fishers Islanders and our many supporters for
helpinz our fund-raising efforts last fall. We have a most
difficult job ahead of us in persuading both State and Federal
authorities to close the polluted New London Disposal Site, now
so close to Fishers Island. Rest assured, however, we shall certainly
try, for the Island and its surrounding waters are certainly well
worth protecting. Thank you and God bless you.
The Fishers Island Conservancy Board
;'1rs. IV. L. Lyons Brown, Jr.
Hrs. Thomas W. Cashel
:frs. William Faulkner
Hrs. IV. Boulton Kelly
;.Irs. Bernard Rafferty
Hiss :farguerite Purnell
Hr. John H. Thatcher Jr.
Hr. Hichael B. Wray
'1r. Barry R. Bryan
Hr. Reynolds duPont, Jr.
Hr. Edwin Horning
Mr. John W. Hettler, III
l1rs. Gordon S. Hurphy
Miss Mary Linda Strunk
Hrs. Robert E. Hall
Hrs. Harold L. Williamson, Jr.
22
Fishers Island Development Corporation
P.O. Drawer E
Fishers Island, New York 06390
Robert B. Calhoun, I r.
President
Thomas F. Dohertv, Ir.
\1unug:er
TO: THE FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION
The Fishers Island Development Corporation is now approximately 70
years old. counting its direct predecessors. During this period, its broad
mission has been to insure the appropriate development of the East End
and, more generally, to assist with various island projects in order to
maintain or improve this unique community. FIDCO has always been owned
by a wide group of island property owners.
These activities continue to date although there is very little
"development" going on and FIDCO has refrained from selling undeveloped
land for the past ten years. During the past year, efforts were focused on
our roads including keeping up with 15 snowstorms and related damage.
Road safety continues to be a major concern as we struggle to limit
traffic and speeding on our private road system.
FIDCO welcomes suggestions and general inquiries at anytime from
anyone with an interest in Fishers Island.
23
CW5JJ !B
'CJi./;'." fJ.tand, ",iV. ']j. 06'390
WALSH PARK
CIVIC ASSOCIATION REPORT. 1994
The past year witnessed the completion of the seventh home at Walsh
Park. We are in the late stages of planning for the homes of the Michael
Conroy and Luis Hom families.
We enjoyed a highly successful Walsh Park Open Golf toumament last
summer, under the superb leadership of Dan Colvin and Chris Edwards.
We commend the Walsh Park residents for their commitment to
maintaining the site. Special thanks to residents Frank Gillan and Greg
Thibodeau for their leadership in representing the owners. Thank you as
well to all Walsh Park residents who helped with the golf tournament.
Finally our gratitude to Vice President and Board Member, Tom Doherty
for his outstanding work on behalf of the Corporation.
DIRECTORS
O. J. Anderson
Marl< Andrews
Jeremiah Bogert
Bradford Burnham
Frank Burr
Thomas Doherty Jr.
Daniel Gordon
F. Barton Harvey
Rose Harvey
Jonathan Kibbe
Robert Wall
Talcott Stanley
24
<Wa[~h <JJa~k !Bc,nc,lJo[c,nt
<P.D. 230x 684 'Ch./;.n. fJ.Cand, ciV.w 'Yo<!; 06'390
ISLAND CONCERTS
post office box 81
fishers island. ny 06390
June. 1994
Dear Friends:
As most of you know, the aim of Island
musical events to the Island community
classical programs with popular fare.
our Committee's exciting plans for the
Concerts is to bring a variety of
throughout the summer - balancing
We'd like to bring you up to date
summer season of '94.
on
Our colorful, homespun July 4th Parade (scheduled Sunday, July 3) never fails
to stir the spirit and 'kick-off' the summer. Island Concerts - as in the
past 15 years - is again proud to underwrite the Fife and Drum Marching Band.
Many thanks also go to the Island People's Project for orchestrating this
event. Do come!
On July 25th at the Fishers Island Club. back by popular demand and acclaim.
Island Concerts will present "A Little Walk Down Broadway" - chock full of
local talent and familiar tunes.
As to classical fare, Island Concerts is for the first time sponsoring a
resident chamber music ensemble called Phaedrus (see enclosed brochure).
This group composed of four young, talented musicians will live on the Island
from mid-June to mid-August in housing generously provided by several very
supportive families. They will perform three formal concerts. The first
at the Hanley family house "White Caps" on July 17, followed by a second
concert at the Fishers Island Club on August 1. The third and final concert
will be held at the newly renovated theater on August 15. It is hoped that
Phaedrus will becom~ a part of Island life in such endeavors as working with
Island People's Project children in "Meet the Instrument" sessions and play-
ing background music for the garden tours to be sponsored by IP? in late
June and August. If you have suggestions for other spots that the group
might offer their services on an informal basis, please let us know and watch
the bulletin boards for updates of their schedule i.e. open rehearsals, etc.
Our Committee tries hard to bring the joy of music and song to Islanders
young, old and in-between and hope we can count on your support in two ways:
Come along and enjoy these musical offerings and make a financial response
to this appeal so that Island Concerts can continue the pleasure of enter-
taining you. Naturally, as a non-profit group, we rely on everyone's con-
tribution. Our very modest ticket sales just can't do the job. This is our
annual appeal to all Islanders to ensure an upbeat summer. Many thanks!!
Bagley Reid
C~itte Chairman
~ \ ,,-,T') '"'- ,y\.) ':>S~/
Linda Musser
Coordinator of Phaedrus Ensemble
in conjunction with Island Concerts
25
PHAEDRUS
Th~ Chamb~r Music Soci~ty of Fish~rs Island
In r~sidenc~ from J July - 2 J August J 994
Booking for private functions is handled by the Island Concert Series
'YoMr. Bagley Reid
at 788-7882
PHAEDRUS was created for the purpose of enriching the cultural life of Fishers Island. providing
lessons for students wishing to pursue the study of an instrument, as well as giving the ensemble an
opportunity to become intimately acquainted with masterworks of the great composers in the
idyllic setting of Fishers Island. The ensemble is sponsored this summer by the Island Concert
Series.
The ensemble is committed to both performance and education, and each member of the
ensemble is available as private instructor for students of all ages.
1994 ISLAND CONCERTS SCHEDULE:
Sunday, July 3, 12:00N00N-4th of July Parade
with Essex Fife and Drum Corps, Village Green
Sunday, July 17, 6:00PM-0pening Concert
Phaedrus OIamber Music Quartet at White Caps, home ofW. lee Hanley, Jr. family.
See enclosed brochure for all OIamber Music programs.
Monday, July 25, 8:45PM-"A Linle Walk Doum Broadway"
program of popular show tunes sung by Chari.. Arnold, Kim Campbell,
Srowe Phelps, Suzanne Pollard and Catherine Tremaine ar the Fishers Island Club.
Monday, August I, 6:00PM-2nd Concert
Phaedrus OIamber Music Quartet, Fishers Island Club
Monday, August IS, 6:00pM-Final Concert
Phaedrus C1lamber Music Quanct, newly renovated Fishers Island Movie Theater.
Adulr lickers-$15, Children Free or any conrriburion with which Wy feel comfortable would
of course be appreciated. Seacs held by phone..in reservation. Please leave message if no one is
available. Unless someone returns your call. your reservation will be held at concert location.
Qd1 788.7065
Mr. Charles Arnold
Mrs. Katharine Bidwell
Mrs. Kenyon Boocock
Mrs. David Burnham
Mr. Thomas Buckner
Ms. Joanne Burr
Ms. Peggy Elliott
Mrs. Roberta Elwell
Mrs. John Evans
ISLAND CONCERTS COMMITTEE
Mr.& Mrs. William Haase
Mrs. William Hall III
Mr. Horace Kelland
Mrs. Francis K. Kernan
Mrs. Sidney Legendre
Mr. Sheldon Meyer
Mrs. William L. Musser
Mrs. James .O'Keefe
Mr.& Mrs. Stowe Phelps
26
Mr. Bagley Reid
Mrs. Winthrop Rutherfurd
Mrs. Benno Schmidt
Mrs. Clars Schweiger
Mrs. Brisco R. Smith
Mr. Charles Stepanek
Miss Mary Linda Strunk
Mr.& Mrs. Paul Vartanian
Mrs. Steven Walters
Police Advisory Committee
June 1994
Co-Chairpersons: Linda Hale
Scudder Sinclair
Members: David Burnham
Harris Parsons
Eliot Porter
Kathy Zanghetti
1993 Issues and Actions:
Litter. Contacted Contractors, not much improvement.
Bicycle, Rollerblading & Traffic Safety. Boxholder mailer, safety
posters to be displayed for July & August.
Dogs & Leash Law. Plea to owners to be responsible; notice in
Gazette, direct complaints to Judge Evans.
School Speed Zone Signs. Town sen t over & Town Crew installed.
East end Law Enforcement. Continues at request of FIDCO.
Drunk Driving. Violators will be prosecuted.
Stolen Cars from Ferry & Airport. Post notice & warn owners at
Civic meetings to remove keys.
Juvenile Delinquency. First time offenders may be asked to
perform community service projects rather than be reported
to Family Services.
Parking at Race & Wilderness Points. Purchase parking
permits at the Ferry Reservation Office.
All of the 1993 issues continue to be issues for 1994 (excluding the school
zone signs).
As a result of numerous requests at the May' 94 Civic Meeting, reduced
speed limit signs have been ordered through the Highway Department to
be posted from the ferry, through town, to Our Lady of Grace Church.
Trooper Ron Mulderig has returned and will be here through November.
Kevin Drew will be here from July 4th through Labor Day.
New State (NY) Law: Children 13 years and under must wear helmets
while bicycling.
Z7
Senior Citizens Committee
June 1994
Members: Patty Faulkner, Catherine Jenssen, Betty Peishoff. Kristin Wall
Ex-Officio Members: Louisa Evans, Leslie O. Goss
At the request of Louisa Evans, the Fishers Island Civic Association
established a Senior Citizens Committee this Winter. The committee,
chaired by Civic Director Betty Peishoff, has met several times to discuss
the diverse needs of Island senior citizens and how to meet those needs.
The committee met with Town and County personnel to determine
eligibility for various state benefit programs.
At an expanded meeting of the committee that included many
Islanders who currently volunteer time to help out senior citizens. it was
suggested that a "Senior Coordinator" position be established to monitor
the needs of all Island senior citizens, organize a volunteer network and be
the Island contact person for case work related to benefit programs. This
position will be widely advertised when funding has been secured. It is
hoped that the Town of Southold will eventually make this a Town paid
position.
The committee is also investigating a nutrition/social program and
the possibility of certifying individuals to deliver services associated with
the state's Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly (EISEP) Program.
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions about caring and
companionship for our Island's senior citizens, please contact any of the
above members of the committee.
28
Fishers Island Harbor Committee
June 1994
Members: Frank Bohlen, Elbert M, Burr, Jr., Tom Doyen, Reynolds
duPont, Jr., Cynthia Estabrooks, Cynthia Gillan, Leslie O. Goss,
Steve Malinowski, Harris Parsons, Sr., David Patterson, William
C. Ridgway III, Scudder Sinclair, David R. Wilmerding, Jr.
Ex-Officio Members: Tom Doherty, Louisa Evans, Bill Wall
The Fishers Island Civic Association established a Harbor Committee
in the Spring of 1991 to improve communications between the Town of
Southold and people on Fishers Island who use the harbors. The
committee included delegates from all harbor user groups and acted as a
forum for discussing harbor issues. The committee made
recommendations built on consensus to the Town for harbor management
policy. Unfortunately, these recommendations were sometimes ignored.
This Spring, in an effort led by Judge Louisa Evans, the Town
officially recognized this committee in a Resolution and by amending the
Southold Town Code. The new Fishers Island Harbor Committee has been
charged by the Town Board to develop a harbor management plan for all
Island harbors and Town waters adjacent to Fishers Island, including the
assignment of mooring and anchorage areas. This harbor management
plan will then be presented to the Town Board for approval and be
included as an addendum to Southold's Local Waterfront Revitalization
Plan.
The Fishers Island Harbor Committee hopes to have a harbor
management plan completed and approved by both the Civic Association
and the Town Board by May 1995. If you have any questions, concerns or
suggestions regarding harbor issues, please contact any of the above
committee members.
29
THE
HENRY L. FERGUSON MUSEUM
1994
FISHERS ISLAND, NY 06390
MUSEUM: (516) 788-7239
CURATOR: (516) 788-7293
MUSEUM HOURS
9:30-12:30 Mon.-Sat.
11 :00-12:30 Sun.
and by appointment
SPECIAL SUMMER EXHIBITIONS OF '94
"SOME FISH AROUND FISHERS ISLAND" and
"POSTCARDS AND SELECTIONS FROM THE HISTORICAL COLLECTION"
(opens Thursday, July 7,5:00 to 6:30 p.m.)
SOME FISH AROUND FISHERS ISLAND
More than 200 species of fish can be found in ponds on
the Island and in the Sounds around it. Some oddities
such as fish from the tropics may also be discovered as
reported by Robert Boyle, author of The Hudson River.
While writing that book and a temporary resident of
Fishers Island in ] 987, he also wrote an article for the
New York Times in which he reported that a number of
tropical fish species may on occasion be found in
shallow bays in such norther waters as ours. They are
carried north by the Gulf Stream and its eddies. Some
of these exotics are pompano, mangrove snapper,
orange filefish, four-eyed butterfly fish, barracuda and
filefish. Several of these are in the summer of '94
exhibition.
In our waters there lives a hideous-looking fish called
a goosefish, all head, gaping six-inch-wide mouth with
many half-inch teeth. Old time lobsterrnan Edmund
M.F. Hedge reported seeing one of these predators bite
the leg off a mallard duck in West Harbor!
Don't wait until "Fish Friday" - come to the opening
on Thursday. July 7, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
POSTCARDS AND SELECTIONS
FROM THE HISTORICAL COLLECTION
-~~"2' -.-....-.- .
_ _ ~..a;:.~t ~ -.-.
POSTCARD OF 12-INCH GUN
FORT H.G. WRIGHT, FISHERS ISLAND, NY
Collecting postcards has fairly recently become a
popular hobby. Hundreds of dollars can be spent for a
single rare card. Several avid postcard collectors are
Friends of the museum and have made important
donations. all of which relate to the Island. In the
1890s, when the huge summer resort hotels sprang up
on the Island, the Monnonotto, Munnatawket and
Mansion House, pamphlets advertised their charms and
a flood of postcards soon followed. The museum's
coliection, although by no means complete, is a fine
cross section of Fishers Island history. Donations will
be most welcome.
30
Come visit this exhibition of postcards, the first one to
date. Other selections from the historical collection will
explore the Island's interesting past from John Winthrop
Jr. to the present. Board member Marie Gaillard
curated this exhibition.
ARCHAEOLOGY - MAY 19, 1994
In May and again in October of '93 a team of
archaeologists under the direction of Drs. John Pfeiffer
and Robert Funk investigated two sites, one on the
property of John Guest on North Hill and the other a
continuation of work on the Edson property on Hawk's
Nest Point. Both were investigative testing projects for
possible subdivision of those properties. Both areas
date from the Late Woodland Period, 1000 to 1600 a.d.
Sponsorship and financial support for this work came
from the Henry L. Ferguson Museum and, for the first
time, from the Institute for American Indian Studies in
Washington, Connecticut. It is thoroughly understood
that all recovered artifacts and data analysis become the
property of the museum.
HAWK'S NEST POINT - MAY 1994
HAWK'S NEST POINT ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SITE SHOWING THE STORAGE PIT
(CENTER) AND VOLUNTEER HENRY GOLET
The work begun the previous year was continued with
a startling discovery (see photographs). Dr. Pfeiffer
noted in his '93 report that maize (corn) kernels. fish
bones and scales, sharks' teeth, turtle shells, bird claws,
and large mammal bones were found. testaments to the
rich and varied diet of the Fishers Island Indians. He
further wrote that there was a very real possibility of a
stockade-like structure being there by the discovery of
post molds.
In one area during the '94 dig, the archaeologists
continued screening all of the dirt as they went deeper
through several feet of a disturbed shell midden.
However, 5' to 6' (160 centimeters) below the surface,
they struck what they termed a "storage pit." (Note the
dark soil that outlines the pit.) Visible in the
photograph are the vertebra of a whale and large
mammal bones, probably those of marine animals.
Also recovered and to be analyzed in a lab were fish
bones, possibly striped bass. tautog and pickerel.
The big excitement was to find what are probably the
bones of a swordfish. A whale might die and wash up
on our shore, but not a swordfish. This brings up the
exciting prospect that Fishers Island's Native Americans
ventured in their boats with bone harpoons (there is one
on display in the museum) across Long Island Sound
and at least into waters south of Long Island! What a
revelation and advancement of our knowledge if this
can be further proven.
According to William A. Ritchie, who wrote The
Archaeologv of New York State (Harbor Hill Books,
NY, 1980 Revised Edition), "Most 'Storage or Cache
Pits' seem to have been located inside lodges. They
tend to be U or Bell Shaped and 2' to 10' in diameter
and 2' to 8' deep." As the name implies, the pits were
used to store meat and vegetables in the cool hole.
Sometimes when a pit became ronen. it was used as a
refuse hole. Could this pit have been inside a lodge?
Very possibly.
THE NORTH HILL SITE - MAY 1994
This is a Late Woodland site, c. 1500 a.d. Two maize
kernels were recovered and hundreds of white quartz
flakes, indicating a habitation and manufacturing site of
arrow and spear points. In addition, enough large
ponery shards of the Sabonac type were unearthed to
possibly reconstruct a 500-year-old vessel. This would
be the first since the 1930s. (See the several on display
in the museum.)
It is our hope that the Institute for American Indian
Studies and the Henry L. Ferguson Museum will
continue to collaborate on the various projects now
under way and on future sites. We are thankful for the
Institute's financial support.
The museum is pleased to announce that Drs. Robert
Funk and John Pfeiffer have been named "Cultural
Resource Advisors to the Henry L. Ferguson Museum."
For nine years they have led the continuing archaeo-
logical work on Fishers Island, for which we are all
most grateful.
31
FISHERS ISLAND SCHOOL STUDENTS
WATCHING PROFESSIONAL
ARCHAEOLOGIST, MATT HOBBY,
DOING "FLOTATION" AT WEST HARBOR.
NATURE NOTES
Museum curator Edwin Homing has kept daily nature
notes for years. On March 27, 1994, a rainy night, he
was on a salamander "watch. II On wann, moist
evenings toward the end of March, female spotted
salamanders cross the road in the Brickyard Woods to
lay eggs in the ponds to the north of the road. Ed
counted 50 and suggested a seasonal road sign -
SALAMANDER CROSSING!
On April 14 Ed and his wife Kay attended the New
York Natural History Conference III at the New York
State Museum in Albany. Ed was invited and gave a
talk on "Breeding and Migrant Birds of Fishers Island,
NY." Congratulations. Ed!
SPOTTED SALAMANDER
SPOTTED SALAMANDER (Ambytoma maculatum)
They are amphibians; that is, they can live in water or
on land. Like frogs and toads, they are four legged.
Their eggs are laid in water, and there is a gilled larval
stage that is wholly aquatic. Adults grow to 6-7" and
have dark greenish-brown skin with yellow spots. The
spotted salamanders' pores emit a milky substance that
is poisonous to some animals.
EXTRACTS FROM ED'S NATURE DIARY - 1993
Seotember
I I peregrine falcon
19 Big hawk /light: 361 kestrel; 26 merlin; 168
sharp-shins; 15 Cooper's; 29 osprey; 31 harrier.
(Note: record one-day osprey count; Cooper's
increasing; sharp-shins decreasing)
29 Prothonotary warbler (the first and only he had
seen); I peregrine.
EXTRACTS FROM ED'S NATURE DIARY - 1993
Seotem ber
I I peregrine falcon
19 Big hawk /light: 361 kestrel; 26 merlin; 168
sharp-shins; IS Cooper's; 29 osprey; 31 harrier.
(Note: record one-day osprey count; Cooper's
increasing; sharp-shins decreasing)
29 Prothonotary warbler (the first and only he had
seen); I peregrine.
October
6 6 cloudless sulfur butterflies, unusual because
they are southerners.
10 2 peregrine falcons
23 10 brant; 3 Lapland longspurs; 6 snow buntings
(were they predictors of the winter of '94?); 18
kestrels; 3 merlins; 8 sharp-shins; 3 Cooper's; 5
harrier; I immature eagle (bald?).
25 I immature golden eagle; 10 seals on clumps.
November
25 I river otter (Lutra Canadensis) found dead;
being mounted for the museum.
RIVER OTTER (Lutra canadensis)
Once fairly common on Fishers Island, as bone analysis
from prehistoric Indian shell middens reveals, otters
began making their reappearance within the past few
years. In 1993 a sighting was made in the salt water
off North Hill, and in 1994 two more in fresh ponds.
Adults are 3 to 4' in length and weigh 10 to 25 pounds.
Their diet is mainly fish, shellfish, frogs, salamanders,
but sometimes muskrats, ducks and birds. They are
very playful, build mud slides and do "belly flops" into
the water. A "road kill" otter is now being prepared for
exhibition.
32
~-'- ~
- -
- ~ ~~
....
"-.....
"-
y
~.4F..
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protontaria citrea)
Sighted by Edwin Homing on September 29, 1993, it
was the first he had every seen. The Field Guide to the
Birds by Roger Tory Peterson calls it "the golden bird
of wooded swamps." In spring plumage its entire had
and breast are deep yellow, almost orange. When Ed
saw this rare warbler last September, the 5.5" bird's
color was duller. According to Peterson, it is a rare
visitor to southern New England, its major range being
from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Slates with winters in
Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela. Excellent sighting,
Ed!
MEMBERSHIP
Thanks to all of you who became Friends of the
H.L.F.M. in 1993. It was our highest count: 227.
Members last year were: 13 individual; 128 family; 71
contributing; 3 sustaining; and 12 life.
We are pleased to have reached a new level, but more
than ever the museum needs increasing financial
support since our revenues derive exclusively from
membership (Friends), a modest endowment, individual
donations, and an occasional foundation grant pledge.
BECOME A FRIEND TODAY!
SPECIAL THANKS
Albert H. Gordon has been a long-time, enthusiastic
supporter of the museum, and the Board thanks him for
helping with the expenses of some of the scientific
laboratory analyses incurred in the ongoing
archaeological "digs." We also express our appreciation
to Mr. Gordon and his daughter Mary Roberts for
turning over their cottage to the archaeological team for
their work during the last two weeks of May. It is an
itIeal situation.
The Spofford Fund provided substantial funding for the
archaeological expenses incurred for laboratory analyses
and dating of recovered material from the May 1994
"dig." We are grateful.
Thanks also to Dick Grebe, who made a fine
contribution to the museum of his time and service by
filling the excavated holes at the Hawk's Nest site.
NEW BOARD MEMBER
Mrs. John Hesse (Catha) was voted onto the Board at
the annual meeting last September. Catha has shown a
keen interest in the museum and, in particular, its field
work in archaeology. In Weston, Massachusetts, where
she and John live off season, she has been chairman
since 1990 of the Archaeological Committee of the
Golden Ball Tavern, which is on the National Register
of Historic Places. She is also a committee member for
Poplar Forest in Virginia and a trustee of Weston's
Forest and Trail Association. Welcome to the Board,
Catha. You are now also a member of the H.F.F.M.
IlArchaeological Committee."
33
I. HLF Museum on H.L. Ferguson, Jr. Sanctuary
4 acres, gift, 1965
2. Albert Stickney III and Susan K. Stickney
Sanctuary, 2.38 acres, donation, 1990
3. L.F. Boker Doyle Brickyard Sanctuary,
15.48 acres, gift, 1982-83
4. Barlow Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 acre +-,
gift, Bagley Reid, 1986
5. David F. Harris Sanctuary, .75 acre,
easement, 1989
./
LAND TRUST
RACE POINT
The Museum Land Trust has the responsibility for the
management of 9 land parcels on the Island, totalling
approximately 64 acres (see the map above).
In 1994 a gift of 4.85 acres on Middle Farm Flats was
made to the museum by Bob and Adrienne Miller. This
new acreage is contiguous to land under museum
management. which now totals 23.15 acres.
The Board of the Ferguson Museum enthusiastically
approved naming this extremely sensitive open space
the Matty Matthiessen Wildlife Sanctuary. On
Saturday, May 28, at an informal ceremony at the
sanctuary, a dedication was held with 100 persons
present, including many family members.
Matty, an outstanding architect who designed a number
of houses on and off the Island, has lived here for
nearly 70 years. He is a knowledgeable naturalist with
ornithology being his keen passion. He is a Board
member of the Nature Conservancy and the National
Audubon Society. For years it was Matty who cut the
walking trails and drew the trail guide around
Chocomount and into the Middle Farms area.
LAND TRUST
MANAGEMENT AREAS
'7. (:/ Q CHOCOMOUNT
6. Betty Matthiessen Wildlife Sanctuary,
8 acres, The Nature Conservancy Project, 1978
7. Matty Matthiessen Wildlife Sanctuary, 23.15 acres
5.6 acres, easement, Robert J. Miller, 1983
11 acres, FIDCO, 1984
I. 7 acres, Rita and Allerton Cushman, 1984
4.85 acres, gift, Robert and Adrienne Miller, 1994
8. 2.38 acres, gift, Otis Pike, 1981
9. Key Post Sanctuary, 6.45 acres, gift, John Calley,
Mrs. Duncan Ellsworth, Robert J. Geniesse, 1945
The Ferguson Museum is proud to add Matty's name to
these 23+ acres, which are near the 8 acres of the Betty
Matthiessen Wildlife Sanctuary in Island Pond (the
Oyster Pond).
Please park in the assigned area and enjoy a walk
through these two Matthiessen wildlife sanctuaries.
MAY 28
DEDICATION OF THE "MATTY
MATTHIESSEN
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY," 23 ACRES ON
34 MIDDLE FARM FLATS. BOB MILLER (LEFT)
AND MR. MATTHIESSEN (CENTER)
1994 SUMMER EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday. June 27
Museum opens for the summer.
Daily 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
By appointment Call 788-7293
Thursday. July 7
Two special summer exhibitions. "Some Fish
Around Fishers Island" and "Postcards and
Selections from the Historical Collection," open with
reception, 5:00-6:30 p.m. (refreshments)
LECTURES
Occasional slide lectures will be advertised by
posters.
PUBLICATIONS AT THE MUSEUM
1986-1994 newsletters
Fishers Island Land Trust Pamphlet
Betty Matthiessen Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Guide
Ocean Pond Oysters. pamphlet by Carey Matthiessen
Fishers Island Clam Farming, by Steve Malinowski
The Indians of Fishers Island (Munnatawket), by
Marion Ferguson Briggs
Victoria and Albert's History of Fishers Island,
by Charles B. Ferguson
Natural history books available for study in the
Museum. Gifts of books and pamphlets
are welcome.
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS
Ornithological: mounted specimens of nearly 200
species of the Island.
Archaeological: artifacts. text, and educational
displays of Indian occupation dating back to 8000
BC.
Flora and fauna of the Island, geological formation.
Historical: memorabilia, postcards, photographs,
articles, doc~ments, and paintings that reveal the
past and present life and look of Fishers Island.
NATURE WALKS
_July and August. Start at 2 p.m. from the Museum;
conducted by Curator Edwin Homing. Tuesdays for
children; Wednesdays for adults. (Sponsored by the
Island People's Project.)
BECOME A "FRIEND" OF THE
HENRY L. FERGUSON MUSEUM
The Museum has been and is financially supported by
its interested friends and a modest endowment. The
Museum has an obligation to become the center for
Island ecology education, as well as to collect, preserve
and display its collections.
Help the Museum to acquire land on the Island for the
preservation and protection of its natural resources and
open spaces for future generations. (See the Henry L.
Ferguson Museum Land Trust brochure, with
preservation options for the landowner.)
Life Friend $1,000 or more
_ Sustaining $500 - $999
_ Contributing $100 - $499
_ Family $25 - $99
Individual $10 - $24
_ Junior (under 18) $1 - $9
Additional contribution $
Name
Address
City
State, Zip
Checks sbould be made payable to tbe "Friends of
the H.L.F. Museum." Corporate matching gifts
welcomed.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Richard S. Baker
Sarah Tremaine Bulger
Martha F. Buller
Elizabeth H. Cook
Charles B. Ferguson
Harry L. Ferguson 1II
Marie Gaillard
Catha Hesse
Edwin H. Horning
Elizabeth F. Husband
Jean Leuchtenburg
Steven Malinowski
G. Carey Matthiessen
Robert 1. Miller
Mary F. Russell
Penni Sharp
Robert K. White
35 Katherine H. Sturtevant
Catherine Homing
Secretary
President
Curator
Vice President
Treasurer
Honorary
Museum Attendant
FISHERS ISLAND
GARBAGE AND REFUSE DISTRICT
,
j
Dear Members:
The Fishers Island Garbage and Refuse District has had a
productive year thus far. We have purchased our own chipper,
which is located at the "burn dump," to compost our brush. We
are in the process of cleaning up this site, which will take time
due to the dumping of brush over the last few years. The brush
is turned into processed mulch and is available free to the
taxpayers. For information to obtain more than one yard of
mulch, please feel free to contact one of the commissioners.
Also, loc~teG ~~ the "bur~ dump" are additionai containers for
the disposal of household materials, such as rugs, mattresses,
metals, toys, etc. Contractors are responsible for their own
construction and demolition debris.
The Transfer Station provides facilities for the disposal of
domestic garb'age, newspaper, corregated cardboard, recyclable
bottles, cans and some # 2 plastic containers. We are working
with Southeastern Conn. Regional Resources Recovery Authority
CSCRRRAl to include juice boxes and milk boxes. This would be
new and proves to be successful in recycl ing. There wi II be a
list of recyclable materials that will be mailed to all
households. We really need to keep contamination levels of
recyclables down - or we will all be penalized.
We are still waiting for a decision from the N.Y. D.E.C. on the
closure and capping process for the Picket Landfil1. The tests
which were taken to determine toxic substances in subsurface
water were positive so we are hoping to get a decision for the
D.E.C. before years end.
The Garbage and Refuse district finally has an office!
located in Building 98 owned by FIDCO, across from the
tennis courts. We welcome any comments or suggestions,
feel free to come by or contact a commis&ionBr.
Th is is
pub 11 c
please
Toxic waste collection day is scheduled
We will be having Clean Harbors collect
including pesticides, herbicides, used
containers.
for Sat. August, 27th.
toxic household wast.,
oil and oil based paint
Illegal dumping is still a vast problem on Fishers Island! The
commissioners fee I that extreme measures wi II be taken as
authorized by the town of Southold. We do not want the State
Police or Constables to start ticketing people so we hope
everyone will cooperate.
Let's all help to keep our Island clean and beautiful~
The Commissioners
36
Comments from Justice/Councilwoman Louisa Evans:
Progress has been made on several fronts. The Town Board has undertaken to resolve the Fishers
Island Metal Dump closing. Engineers were hired to develop altemati ves. Their report outlined
two approaches: partial excavation with capping and monitoring or a complete excavation. The
estimated costs of these approaches were roughly comparable, and the Board has decided to
proceed with the later alternative. Bidding specs are currently being written, and it is intended to
put the project to bid. If the bidding is under a particular threshold, work will proceed in the fall.
Progress has also been made to bring certain senior services to Island residents. Although these
services have been available to Southold residents for some time, our isolation has kept them out of
reach. A coordinated effort between Island volunteers and Town and County officials has begun
to remedy this iniquity, and hopefulIy there will be some meaningful results in the near future. As
for the Island youth, this spring, the Town of Southold Recreation Department sponsored an
Island People's Project T-Ball program. It is hoped that this is the beginning of many such
programs.
The Fishers Island Harbor Committee has begun their management of our waterways, and is
working hard on a harbor management plan for Fishers Island. I would urge anyone with a
specific interest to get in contact with the committee tbrough myself or one of the Bay Constables.
In response to complaints of transients mistreating our beaches, we have implemented a Parking
Permit requirement for cars at Race and Wilderness Points. The $6 fee is intended to cover the
cost of printing and administrating the permits, which are available at the Ferry Reservation office.
More generally, the new Town Board has had mixed results in its administration. We have
experienced some pernicious and somewhat contentious issues such as Town signage
controversies, but generally we feel we are beginning to have a good impact Budget constraints
continue to be a problem. The Town is confronted with several expensive, mandated projects at a
time when revenues continue to shrink. The inherited budget makes no allowances for such
expenses, and so bonding will be reluctantly resorted to. But, by and large, we see no dramatic
changes or increases,
On August 3rd, Town, County and State officials will be making their annual pilgrimage and will
be available to answer any questions. If anyone would like to see a particular official who has not
come in the past, please let me know.
Finally, I would just like to reiterate that it is critical that people speak out with their ideas,
reactions and complaints. The pace of change is quickening, and if you remain silent, there wilI
certainly be unnecessary missteps. Thank you.
37
06390 516-788-7029
Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid
Fishers Island. NY 06390
Permit #4
BOXHOLDER
Dates To Remember
Annual Civic Association Meeting: July 23, 4:00 at the Movie Theatre.
Walsh Park Benefit Open: Saturday, July 30, at noon.
Town Fathers' Meeting: Wednesday, August 3, 1pm at the School.
Ferry District Commissioner Election: Tuesday, August 9, 2pm-6pm at the
Fire House.
Annual Ferry District Meeting: Friday, August 19, 6pm at the School.
ANNUAL TOXIC WASTE DISPOSAL DAY: Saturday, August 20, 9am-12noon.
Near the Transfer station. Paint solvents. oven cleaners. aerosol cans. dry cleaningfluid. wood
strippers. batteries. etc.
Judge Louisa Euans' Office. Hours Sunday Mornings Barn to 11 am
At the Ferry District AnneK Building
Check the Post Office Bulletin Board for Holiday Schedules.