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Home My WebLink About1978-1979 ,- --, . ~~ \ I I , J J I I j J j .~ I ,-j J 5- :; r -,; .. ~--" ~ ~ Fishers Island Civic Association Annual Report 1978 -1979 FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 1978-1979 ANNUAL HEETING: WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1979, 8 PM at School Report of the President Hembership Invoice Civic Association Financial Report New Home Owners Blue Cross- Blue Shield FlOCO Fishers Island Library Association Fishers Island Fire Department Fishers Island Fire District Fishers Island School District Island Health Project Island Peoples' Project Rodent Control Report of the Town Justice Fishers Island Cemetery Committee The Henry L. Ferguson Museum & The H. Lee Ferguson Bird Sanctuary Fishers Island Ferry District Fishers Island Garbage & Refuse District Page 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 13 14 15 15 16 17 No report No report DATES TO REMEMBER July 11, Wednesday July 16, Monday July 17, Tuesday Annual Civic Assn Meeting, 8PM Informal Hearings for Assessment Complaints Formal Hearings for 79/80 Assessment Complaints Southold Town Hall, 9-12 am, 1-4 pm, 7-9 pm Contact Mel Kelsey 1-765-1937 for information August 10, Friday August 14, Tuesday August 17, Friday August 17, Friday BEER FEST- Sponsored by Fire Department Election of Ferry District Commissioners Ferry District Budget Meeting Island Peoples' project Annual Art Show of Island Artists DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED AT Island Peoples' Project, OPEN HOUSE. LATER DATE: WALKATHON to benefit TOWN FATHERS" MEETING, Fire Department 15+1), I rrn I Schor> J \1\ cel ^ I COVER OF REPORT DRAI~ BY: Les 1 i e Haase 1 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT Dear Islanders, Attached are the usual Annual Reports. In view of today's inflation rates, I consider the budgets presented to be reason- able compared with previous years. I am afraid, however, that our tax assessment may be substantially higher next year. The Mayor of Southold has reported in the newspapers that due to state mandated laws to reassess all properties by 1981 and new regulations for town dumps, the Town will be forced into a mil- lion dollar debt. Additionally, it is reported that the State is cutting state aid funds. What effect this will have on our taxes is unknown at this time but something to be thinking about. I have received numerous inquiries on the increasing mosquito population of the Island. Since there are no funds available, it appears a new tax district for mosquito control will have to be established as well as a certified man provided (graduate of a special school) to dispense the chemicals on public property. I am told the money provided in the past by the County for mos- quito control was in error. Once this was discovered further appropriations were terminated. Another great concern is the winter economics of the Island. Some of you are aware of a general questionnaire sent to year round residents in May 1979. Some of the comments received as a result of the questionnaire are; cost of living is high, wages low, housing poor, school low on students and high in cost, ferry schedules inadequate, food cost extremely high, no entertainment. The winter population is approximately 290 as compared to an est- imated 400 five years ago. Few new families come to the Island and stay. Few high school graduates stay on the Island, career jobs are nearly non-existent. Numerous ideas have been presented, but none that would appear to be a profitable investment with such a small winter community. Ideally what is needed is an op- eration that operates off season such as a training facility or a small business that wants the Island seclusion and is willing to pay the high costs. Your ideas in this matter are solicited. In conclusion, I hope you all have an enjoyable summer and that the gas shortage will not spoil it. John Pendleton, President BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marshall Dodge Sally Ferguson Nancy Hunt John Pendleton, President Kent Rhodes, Vice President Constance White Mario Zanghetti Carol Gallaher, Secy/Treas 2 The Fishers Island Civic Association, Inc. FISI-IERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390 - \ )W\ The Annual Meeting will be held on Wedncsaa~, at 8PM at the School. .; July ~h, This is the only forum for discussion of the Association's Annual Report on its own activities and those of all other Island organizations. Membership is a sign of your desire to participate in promoting our Island's community welfare and in expressing your views on its problems. Membership is a prerequisite to partici- pating in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Insurance. Annual dues have been sufficient to cover our routine expenses, including in particular, administration of the Island's group medical insurance program. However, it is insufficient to enable the Association to contribute, as in the past, any apprec- iable amounts to special community needs. The Board hopes that an increase in membership from among both summer and ,all year round residents) and additional voluntary contributions will enable the Association to fulfill the important objective of being able to respond promptly to projects worthy of community assistance. ************************ Name Address Annual individual membership Annual family membership ($3.00) ($5.00) $ $ Voluntary contribution Amount enclosed $ please make checks payable to FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSN. Box 464, FISHERS ISLAND, NY 06390 (I Check here for receipt I FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCI1\TION 3 FINANCIAL REPORT 77-78 $3,911. 64 starting Checkbook Balance as of July 1, 1978 Total Deposits $4,877.00 Dues $1,968.00 Contributions $2,909.00 ($1,059.00 78-79) ($ 909.00 79-80) ($1,500.00 78-79) ($1,409.00 79-80) Total Expenses $1,876.59 Printing and Postage Blue Cross Custodian Secretary Annual Report Rodent Control Office Supplies Town Fathers BC expenses $148.38 500.00 400.00 345.45 233.55 17.75 59.99 171.48 Starting Checkbook Balance as of July 1, 1979 $6,912.05 Savings Account (1/1/79) $524.77 Respectfully submitted, Carol O. Gallaher UNOFFICIAL LIST OF HOUSE TRANSFERS SINCE LAST SUMMER NEW OWNERS Franklin Beck John Beggs Fr. W. J. Hilliard Robert Huseby/Chris Donoho Richard Kennedy Carey Matthiessen Peg Noyes Denis O'Brien Benno Schmidt Robert Sorenson Eliot Wadsworth George Waterman Ray Yakaitis FORMER OWNERS Pagnotta Medert Smith Farrington Wray Sorenson O'Connor Simmons Chester Bremer Gates Bagley Narobe 4 BLUE CROSS - BLUE SHIELD 1979 Membership in Connecticut Blue Cross and Blue Shield is available to all twelve month residents of Fishers Island through membership in the Fishers Island Civic Association. Since 1948, our premiums have been based on a merit rating plan applicable to groups of over 100. However, in the past few years, the amount paid out far exceeded the premiums paid in, thereby leaving a deficit each year. Accordingly, the premiums kept rising and members suggested that other insurance plans be investigated. A committee was formed by the Civic Association to look for other comparable insurance at a lower cost. After much investigation, research and comparisons of other health plans, under the direction of Mr. John Gaillard, we found that we could join a community rated plan designed for groups such as ours. As of December 1, 1978, we transferred into the community rated plan with a sub- stantial premium saving of approximately 25%. The transfer to the community rated plan had no effect on (over 65) members. Their premiums are based upon review each year by the Social Security Administration. Public Law 95-555, the Pregnancy Benefits admendment went into effect April 29, 1979. That law provides that maternity benefits must be made available on the same basis as all other benefits (no waiting period). The monthly rate to provide this coverage is as follows and is included in the premium ratesl Individual Family or Husband and wife $0 $).52 As of June 1, we have 6) Be/BS members and 42 (over 65) members. Rates are as followsl Blue Cross Blue Shield Total Husband and wife $58.25 $15.90 $74.15 Husband and wife 1 or more children $58.25 $19.65 $77.90 Single $22.05 $ 7.95 $)0.00 Over 65 $ 7.00 $ ).50 $10.50 Bills are sent out the 10th of each month with the request that payment be made by the 21st of the month. Evelyn Clarke Custodian 5 FISHERS ISLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 1979 REPORT TO FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION: The predecessor companies of FIDCO raised money from summer residents to take over distress properties on the Island. In the great depression of the thirties when the Fishers Island Country Club was in serious financial trouble, money was raised to take over the unsold acreage at the east end. When the U. S. Government had no further use for Fort Wright and put it up for auction, a fund of about $400,000 was raised and applied to the purchase of that property. Although FIDCO still owns about ten percent of the fort property, the rest of it has been given for community purposes or sold -- mainly to year around residents. The property south of Whistler Avenue was given to the Town of Southold specifically for airport use. Other property was given for construction of the school. Income from sales of the fort has totaled less than $100,000. Today FIDCO owns about 400 undeveloped acres at the east end plus all the land and most of the buildings used by the Fishers Island Country Club. The Club rents the golf course and Club buildings from FIDCO. Also owned by FIDCO are five residences at the fort and some unused property there. It also owns the Fishers Island Yacht Club and that marina. Its other holdings are approximately a fifty percent interest in the electric, water, and telephone companies. All the stock of FIDCO is owned by summer residents who own prop- erty at Fishers Island or by former residents or their estates. The stock is often passed from father to son or daughter. When a family is no longer a property owner at the Island, FIDCO offers to repurchase the shares, at a reduced price, usually from the estate. In order to have funds to carry out its objectives, FIDCO solicits the purchase of its shares by new property owners and most of them do purchase shares. The purpose of FIDCO is to maintain the quality of Fishers Island as a place to live and to visit. Considerable progress has been made the last few years. Several houses are on the drawing boards or under construction. A number of others are being considered. The memberships at the clubs are increasing. Although the country seems to be moving into a recession, with the help of FIDCO the Island economy is moving upwards. CN::r::.l, President July 1, 1979 6 FISHERS ISLAND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION P. o. BOX 366 FISHERS ISLAND NEW YORK 06390 REPORT TO THE FISHERS ISlAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION 1978-1979 Major improvements at the Library during the year were the installa- tions of a new heating system and a fire and smoke alarm system. Even with the increase in fuel price, we realized a $53 saving in heating cost. Membership in the Fishers Island ribrary Association is open to all Fishers Island residents and property owners without charge. All tempor- ary residents and visitors who are not property owners may join by paying a small membership fee. Our total membership" as of May 23, 1979, is 408 adults and 181 children. These 589 members have borrowed a total of 4654 books during~he period -t. July 1,1978 ~ May 23, 1979. Adult book circulation has been 1807 volumes of fiction and 796 of non-fiction. Juvenile book circulation has been 1852 books of fiction,199 non-fiction. Accessions of new books for the same period (7/1/78-5/23/79) werel Adult fiction - 205 Adult non-fiction - 91 Juvenile fiction - 43 Juvenile non-fiction - 9 The Library Association welcomes suggestions for new accessions. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ January 1,1978 - December 31,1978 RECEIPTS Annual appeal and donations Town of Southold Revenue sharing funds NY State Education Dept. Misc. (Fines, memberships, book sales) Interest $6560.00 3150.00 900.00 375.00 812.00 666.00 $12,463.00 DISBURSEMENTS Salaries and payroll taxes Books and periodicals Accounting Insurance Utilities Maintenance(includes furnace,painting & alarm systems) Alarm system (use charge) Postage and supplies $5001.00 2568.00 371.00 795.00 1211.00 8066.00 198.00 458.00 $18,668.00 7 FISI-lERS ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390 The Year 1978 involved the Fire Department in the following waysl Ambulance calls 31 Use of SEA STRETCHER 23 Fire calls 10 False alarms 26 The 26 false alarms answered by the Department in 1978 were almost three times the number in the previous year. The officers of the Depart- ment bear the inconvenience of such alarms, because without at least one officer's presence on the emergency telephone, the Communications Center in Groton, Conn. is instructed to sound the Leneral alarm. The basic cause of the increase in alarms is detection systems in homes with faulty equipment, detector heads, etc. If your system goes off for any reason except a true emergency it will be removed from the answering service until the problem is corrected. Fire training and equipment maintenance are performed by the members either at fire drills or while on Sunday duty. This constant work keeps the men and equipment ready for immediate use at all times. A Suffolk County instructor comes to the Island once a month to instruct personnel in the use of equipment and fire fighting procedures. The Department will again sponsor the following events I Memorial Day Marathon Open House events Beer Festival Children's Christmas Party Another important part of the Department is emergency rescue and medical services of the Ambulance Squad. The Squad is made up of 14 firemen and volunteer women. All members are registered New York State Emergency Medical Technicians, six of these have taken and passed the New York State Advance E. M. T. course in pre-hospital emergency cardiac care. We now have, not only the means and equipment, but also the certified personnel to sustain any cardiac patient in a pre-hospital emergency until arrival at medical facilities. As ususal we have our Ambulance Boat SEA STRETCHER available with 24 hour coverage by five competent captains inorder to assure emergency transportation off the Island. During the summer the Squad will hold three Open House sessions to demonstrate our equipment and procedures. Personnel will take blood pressures and instruct in the basic Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation, a life saving method that should be learned by all. This Squad will also initiate the "Vial of Life" program. This program provides emergency medical information for individuals, particularly elderly or people living alone. In the event of an emergency the program provides very important information. 8 FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390 The 1979 Officers of the Department are: Line Officers Chief First Assistant Second Assistant A. R. R. Grebe, Jr. E. Hall P. Sanger Other officers Treasurer Secretary Assistant Secretary Steward Chaplain Sgt. at Arms G. T. King A. D. Dawson R. G. Ahman P. J. Rogan S. J. Doyen, Jr. J. 3. TCartsfield The Ambulance Squad members are: Co-ordinator T. Doherty, Jr. Mrs. R. Ahman Miss K. Edws,rds Mrs. C. Gallaher Mrs. C. Jenssen Mrs. P. Sanger Mrs. R. Zanghetti J. Cushing R. G. Ahman D. S. Edwards K. L. Edwards J. B. Hartsfield Lawerence Horn R. E. Wall The SEA STRETCrlER captains are: R. DuPont, Jr. K. L. Edwards R. E. Wall P. Sanger E. Middleton, II 9 FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390 Commissioner.: W. Gordon Ahman, Chairman Kenneth L. Edwards James A. Peishoff Richard S. Baker, Sr. A. John Gada. Jr. T~E~SJR~R1S ~KKJAL REPORT FO.~ )'E.I,.R 1971) R:O:C:CIPTS: Tax revenue Rental of Poling Place Rental of Justice Office Certificates of Deposit Interest and Earnings Refund - Csncelled check #2827 Refund - C~ncelled check #2866 Total Receipts B?lance at Be5inning of Year Tot"l Receipts and Balance ')I3BJitSE;..~NTS : Current E~penses: Personal Services Eydrant Rentals Insurance w~R - ~pparatus and Equipment ~~R - Building and Property Telephones and Alarm System Electric Energy Fuel Social Security Tax Kedical Expense Other Exp6nses (See attached) Total Current Expenses Purchase of Equipment Purchaee of Certificates of Deposit )eot Service: ~ejemption of Bonds Interest on Bonds Total Debt Service ~'i52, 006.22' 100.00 500.00 25,00C.OO 743.27 218.66 72.00 .~l, 200. 00 ll, 031. 46 2,762.00 9,331.04 3,278.67 2,236.23 1,444.93 2,793.46 60.51 30.00 2.111.~4 $5.000.00 747. 95 Transferred to Reserve Fund Total Payments from General Fun~ Balance at End of Year Total Payments and Balance Treasurer and Secretary E. Perry Edwards $78.640.15 15,881.72 ~94,521.87 $36,279.64 7,480.57 25,000.00 5,747.95 10,000.00 $84,508.16 10,013.71 ~94.52l.87 ~ ;r;L . c '. -::: i'.: ,.,~d ioi,(,.,/ Treasurer !.- 10 FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT FISHERS ISLAND. NEW YORK 06390 P8:::€ 2 Commissioner" : W. Gordon Ahmen, Chairman Kenneth L. Edwards James A. Peishoff Richard S. Baker, Sr. A. John Gada, Jr. Treasurer and Secretary E. Perry Edwards 3U;J,~lelJent to Tr-e9.scl.rer' S ~,r:rug.l :tE::JOrt for Ye2.r 1978: ~reakjown 8f Other E),:penses: OfficE expense G~s81EnE ~nj oil ?irE School & Trainin5 ehpEnSE ~lEctioD e~cense ~ssociation j1.les TrEasurerls Dond Total OthEr =xpETISeS ;/193.76 556.79. b89.73 136.06 220.00 115.00 ~2, 111. 34 'c,.O' ;/'C'/ /~ c .~ _.c. '-',....-c-c. (t; t.,ct. ~res. sur€~, ./ 11 FISHERS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL SUMMARY 1978-79 This has been a year of "concern" in the Fishers Island School District. The year has been a productive and successful one with many positive gains for education in our school district. ENROLLMENT AND STAFF Enrollments for the 1978-79 school year were as follows: Kindergarten through Grade Six Grades Seven through Twelve 31 students 34 students Total 65 students Declining enrollment is a concern to everyone on the Island. The school does meet the minimum staff and academic requirements as recommended by the New York State Education Department. 1979-80 BUDGET There is continued difficulty in preparing the budget because of the lack of state aid. State aid is unsatisfactory and seems to continue a trend of throwing a heavier burden on the local property owners for the task of supporting proper public education. With this concern in mind, the Board of Education is continually seeking ways to reduce the budget without any direct effect on the educa- tional program. On May 8, 1979, the new budget was approved by the voters (52-5). This budget reflects no increase in the 1979-80 tax rate; in fact, there may be a slight reduction in taxes. A ne-gotiated contract between the Board of Education and the Fishers Island Teachers' Association was completed on Jan. 3, 1979. This contract is for a period of two years, ending June 30, 1981. CURRICULUM This has been also a year of difficulty, particularly in curriculum areas, because of new demands imposed upon the reduced teaching staff from the previous years. With declining student enrollment, staff cuts were made to economize. At the request of the Board of Education, two representatives from the New York State Education Department visited our school on March 28, 1978, for the purpose of evaluating the school's academic program. The report indicated that our school was operating at a basic requirement level for academics; however, the levels of achievement were positive. It was noted that the cost of operating such a program will be high because of the necessary state academic requirements for a K-12 program. 12 EXTRA-CURRICULAR Many interesting programs occurred during the school year. The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, with the help of the National Theater Institute, gave an outstanding performance, "Songs From Milkwood." The talents of our teachers were noted on many occasions throughout the school year. Our seniors made a trip to New York City during the spring vacation. Grades Six through Twelve visited Washington, D.C. for four days and Grades One through Five traveled to New York City to visit the Bronx Zoo and the World Trade Center. Girls' sports have added a new dimension to our athletic program. Other outstanding events were highlighted by the Gymnastic Show/Meet, an elementary science fair, an art show and drama productions. Athletics, as usual, played an important part in the students' lives. CONCLUSION Education is a challenge, and it is ours to continue and uphold .... the people, the Board of Education and the school staff. The education of our youth is one important part for the future of Fishers Island. Continued support for education in our school district ~ill provide the opportunity for a better. Fishers Island. BOARD OF EDUCATION Carol O. Gallaher, President Elizabeth Peishoff, Vice-President Richard G. Ahman Catherine J. Jenssen Mary L. Strunk William R. Haase, District Principal 13 ISLAND HEALTH PROJECT. INC. BOX 344 FISHERS ISLAND. NEW YORK 06390 June, 1979 As you all know, Dr. 2ichenberger terminated his contract with us on June 19,1979. ,ie had a wonderful year with him and his wife, 1eth and found his delightful personality and medical expertise a real asset to the Island. de wish them success in their new venture to California. 1'he Island Health Project is grateful to Dr. Hoch and Dr. "tewart for their coverage when Dr. Eichenberger was off the Island. de are very fortunate to have these two doctors who are willing to arrange their schedules to bive us complete medical coverage. Through .l.ir. Klaus ;,Ieyer we have arranged for coverage this su;nrner. The schedule is as follows: Or. Corinne Devereux June 18 - July 1 July 1 - August 5 August 5 - September 8 Or. ;.ark Fialk Dr. J61anta Kulpa These doctors are all from i'lemorial-Sloan-Kettering Hospital in ~'ew York City. de hope you will welcome them to the Island. TH" OFFICE SATURlJAY. PA.Y:.:rmT AT HOURS ~HLL BE 9 k.ifl. TO 12 NOON, :;lONDAY THROUGH OTHER THIES BY APPOINTiflENT. .IE .IOULD APPRECIATE THE THill OF VISIT TO MINr;.;:rZE BOOKKEEPING. .ie are continuing our search for a full-time physician by advertising in the r~ew England Journal of ;,jedicine and Family Practice ,.,agazine and following up on countless contacts from variou6 sources. If any of you have any suggestions, please let us know. As in the past, a financial report will be included in our annual letter to all Islanders. ...r. Henry L. King. President ;,Ir. Serge J. .Joyen. Treasurer :iirs. Richard G. Ahman ,.Irs. H. L. Bogert iJr. Lawrence Horn :'Iir. .iilliam dood Mrs. Peter Sanger. Vice President Mr. Nilliam Faulkner. Vice President Mrs. Richard S. Baker Mrs, John C. Evans Mr. Stephen O'Neil Iilrs. Catherine Jenssen. Secretary 14 --=/. ISLAND PEOPLE'S PROJECT Box 523 Fishers Island, New York 06390 ,a rt,1!2r~ June 8, 1979 TO: The Fishers Island Civic Association, Inc. The Island People's Project Recreation Program begins its twelfth season on July 9th, 1979, and extends approximately six weeks, Mondays through Fridays. Janet Poeton, our Recreation Director for the last two years, and who for ten years before that shared the position with her husband, John, has resigned to spend more time with her family in Vermont. He are grateful to both Janet and John for the many years they devoted to the program. We are fortunate to have as our new Directors Pamela and Paul Sawyer, Physical Education teachers at the Fishers Island school. Location of the Program will be changed to the school, which has better facilities, two tennis courts, and considerably fewer traffic problems. The swimming program from beginners to advanced swimmers will be at Dock Beach. Softball remains at the Ball Field, near the Union Chapel. We hope a sailing program will continue. The Island People's Project also sponsors Hr. Edvlin Horning's nature walks, nature or travel lectures at the Bird Museum, the Village Green Art Show on August 17th, and Aerobic Dance by Mrs. Ridgway. The Halloween Party and Easter Egg Hunt are other Project activities. The Craft Shop is a non-profit outlet for Islanders' handmades, food products, and crafts and an important part of the Island People's Project; it also serves as the Project's office. Our organization relies on memberships and contributions from friends for a substantial portion of the funds needed to support these popular activities and maintain equipment and supplies. The Program is available to all members of the cOlliuunity who are Individual ($10) or Family ($20) members. Respectfully, Nancy B. Kelsey, President Trustees Mrs. lIelen Buckner Mrs. John C. Evans /-irs. Stephen T. Kelsey Mr. Frank B. Kernan Mrs. Donald Sinclair Mr. John Spofford ~trs. Reynolds duPont, Treasurer Mrs. Tony Marshall, Secretary ~trs. Edmund White, Recreation Co-Chairman Mrs. Donald Zanghetti, Recreation Co-Chairman lirs. John C. Evans Mrs. William Glendon, Craft Shop Mrs. Kenneth Edward, Special Events 15 ROD~NT CONTROL Your Civic Association continues to provide Warfa:rin type "bait" for rodent feeder stations without charge and to have available feeder stations at approximate cost. These items may be obtained by calling me at 526. Also available, without charge are plans for the construction of feeder stations and information on how to counteract odors should a rodent die in the house. You are again urged to maintain feeder stations where rodents are apt to live. When living on,an Island the problem is a continuous one and constant attention is the only solution A. D. Dawson REPORT OF FRANCIS T. DOYEN, TOWN JUSTICE The past year has been relatively quiet with regard to crime and town board matters. The justice court handled approximately 35 criminal and civil cases. There was another mile of town road surfaced and plans are being completed for painting lines on the newly surfaced areas. Your Justice has attended about two town board meetings every three months and has made the board members aware of our being interested in the matters per- taining to Fishers Island. As in the past, town records and motor vehicle applications are available at the justice's office or at the Post Office. There will be non-garbage refuse pick- ups that will be announced on the bulletin board at the Post Office. Francis Doyen 16 FISHERS ISLAND CEMETERY COMMITTEE For many years. the cemeteries on Fishers Island have been a principal responsibility of St. John's Church. It appeared to many Islanders that this was properly a Community duty. Therefore, a committee representing all three churches was formed to supervise and control the two cemeteries. This letter informing all Islanders of the thoughts and plans of the Committee was mailed. New rules were announced and an increase in the price of plots was announced. The Committee hopes everyone will cooperate. Mr. Leo Dalkowski Mr. E. Perry Edwards Mrs. Dorothy Edwards Mrs. Carol Gallaher Dr. Grant Sanger Mrs. Edwina Sanger Mrs. Carol Marshall Mr. Richard Oviatt Mr. T. W. Russell, Jr. 17 The Henry L. Ferguson The H. T~e Ferguson Bird Sanctuary The ~fuseum and the Sanctuary both continue to be centers where Fishers Island people and visitors can spend hours exploring the natural and people history of the Island. OVer one thousand people registered in our guest book . and there were others. The historical section continues to be one of the most popular parts of the Museum. Visitors especially enjoy looking at the photographs of H. G. wright the Fort . Prom JUly through the summer season was held a photographic exhibit of the people of Fishers Island emphasizing by-gone days. The event was very well attended as people came enjoyed) reminised and reacquainted themselves with events of the past) As a result of extensive work done in the nineteen-thirties and earlier our Museum has a fine collection of Indian artifacts. Through the work of Mrs. Marion Briggs these artifacts are labelled and are arranged in a chronological order extending from a few thousand years B.C. and on up to the most recent . The data has been incorporated in Mrs. Briggs thesis . a copy of which may be read at the museum. This thesis also contain~ an excellent geological history of the Island. - During the summer two talks with slides were presented. The first was given by Dolly Chapman at the Union Chapel. With Dolly we vicariously visited little known parts of our world. Dolly recently visited China and we are thjs year looking fo~ward to another evening of entertainment and education. on August 28 Jim Kronich presented a slide-lecture on mushrooms. During the afternoon Jim had made a collection of Island mushrooms which he identified and talked about. Nature wall.s took plaoe throughout the summer. The highlight was a ride on Cary Matthiessen's raft on Island Pond. During the ride cary explained the intricacies of raising quality orsters for the hal-shell. The nature walks will continue this year and w 11 take place on wednesday afternnon at 2 P.M. There will be no walk on wednesday July 11. The eight acre island in the Oyster fond was donated to the H. L. Ferg- Uson Museum by Mr. Erard Matthiessen and his son Peter in memory of Betty Matthiessen. If on your next trip eastward on Fishers Island you stop at the entrance to the oyster ~ond and take a look you will see an attractive and thoughtful sign that says much with a few well-chosen words. We have acquired several new specimens to add to our collection of mounted birds , most of which were taken on Fishers Island. Among them are a newly hatched least tern. an adult common tern, a female rose- breasted grosbeak , a black-billed cuckoo , a grasshopper sparrow, a win- ter wren and a female green-winged teal. we are presently having a specimen mounted at Jonas Brothers in Mount Vernon , N. Y. , which when you first see might surprise you greatly. Before leaving the Island last autunm Mrs Cornelius o'Connor donated a fine collection of natpral history books to our museum. The books were given in memory of BueRy O'Connor who was one of the Island's most active birders. I am sure that among these books are some that you have always wanted to look thro~h. The migration of spring warblers came through Pishers Island a little early this year . beginning during the week of May 6 and peaking during the week of May 13. 18 different species were sighted including suoh rarea ones as the Blackburnian . Canada , Prairie and Nashville. A more oomplete listing can be obtained at the IlIuseum. 18 As the warbler migration tapered off during the latter part of May the the shorebirds began moving through in greater numbers peaking during the period May 20 to 30. 11 species were sighted. Among the rerer shorebirds that migrated through Pishers Island were white-rumped sandpipers and knots. The first osprey was seen on March 22 and by March 26 most of our ospreys had returned and were rebuilding their nests. There seem to be a few more ospreys on the Island than in the last few years. But after counting the young ospreys on June 14 the conclusion must be made that they are just holding their own. Again this year the nest in the North Hill area was most ,)roductive. In this nest are two very large yoW]g ospreys. The other nests examined by flJr Donald Edwards with the utility Company's SKYVAN are listed as fOllows. riavy Area One nest No young no eggs Adul ts were sticks to a nearby utility pole. Pour nests nearest to attaching MiddleFarm Pond Area Nest over pond the main road Nest over weed choked pond father along the road Nst on hillside to left of road No young and no eggs New nest in top of sour gum It was not possible to check this tree at the end of a peninsula nest. but an adult was sitting jutting into pond in a nearby gum tree. Chocomount Area one nest with one young about the same size and maturity as the young at Middletarm Pond The men ot the utility Company are helping the ospreys in Home building. The ospreys began building a nest on the utility pole with the oil switch near the Oyster Pond. The men felt that this oil switch might easily be short-circuited and so moved the cross arm upward as was done a few years ago at the North Hill nest. The men placed the makings of a nest on the raised oross arm and the ospreys continued to fashion a nest. The men also placed sticks on a nearby pole and helped in the inventory of each nest. Many thanks to John Pendleton and his crew. Financially. according to the treasurer . perry Edwards the Museum is solvent. This happy condItion is possible partly because of some income from the endowment set up by Mr. Jansen Noyes. Sr. in memory of Mrs. Noye!!, and partly because of donations and dues. We hopr that you will want to become a member of the MUseum this year, and that there will be those who continue to make contributions to either our annual expens,'s or to our endowment. Those who wish to join or donate to the Museum shouls speak to the oustodian or to any member of the Board ot Trustees. The MUseum is open wee~ days from 10 to noon. Those ~ho wsnt to visit the MUseum at other times ma~ do so by oalling Mr. Edwin H or MrS Katherine Horning . telephone number 293 . to make an appointment. Officers of the Musoum and Sanctuary Henry W. Hobson. president Emeritus Charles B. Perguson President Elizabeth Husband Vioe President E perry Edwards Treasurer RiChard S Baker Seoretary Edwin H Horning Curator 1 young about ~he same size as the young at North Hill but less advanced No young No eggs Other members ot the Board of Trustees are I Irs Peter Sturtevant Shepard Kreok . Marie Gaillard. Mary Russell and Robert Miller By Edwin Horning FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSN. FISHERS IS., N.Y. 06390 US Post Paid Fishers Is., N,Y. 06390 Permit #4