HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 Vol 2 No 1 February
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Jli1JffJGAZEITE
Vol. 2 No.1
A Fishers Island Civic Association Publication
February 1988
BOB WALL STEPS
DOWN AS FIRE CHIEF:
TOM DOHERTY
NEW CHIEF
Bob Wall stepped down this winter
after almost 15 years as chief of the
Fishers Island Fire Department.
"After so many years, it's time for a
change," said Mr. Wall. "I'd like to
spend more time around the house."
Mr. Wall is being succeeded by Tom
Doherty, who took over as fire chief on
January 1. Mr. Doherty, general
manager of Gada Contracting, is a 14
year veteran of the rITe department. He
has most recently served as fIrst
assistant.
Mr. Wall became fIre chief in 1972.
With the exception of two years in the
early 80's when he temporarily stepped
down, Mr. Wall has been rITe chief ever
since.
'There have been a lot of changes
over the years," Mr. Wall said. ''The
biggest change is in the medical area.
The fire department used to just fight
fires. But a big part of the fire
department now is medical."
Many members of the frre department
are now trained as emergency medical
technicians (EMTS). Mr. Wall
estimates that being fire chief takes 10
to 12 hours of work a week.
'There is a lot of responsibility to the
job," Mr. Wall said. "While I was fIre
chief, we never lost a man. It isn't as if
I did anything special but that is a good
feeling. "
Unlike mainland fIre departments, the
EI. fIre department cannot rely on
mutual aid for support from other
departments in any fIre. "We are all on
our own over here," he said. "We have
to take care of every emergency
ourselves."
Mr. Wall recounts the most dramatic
events during his tenure as chief were
New Fire Chief Tom Doherty, top photo, is congratulated by fue commissioner
Dil:k Baker at the fue deJHU'tment's instaUation dinner. Below left, new offICers of
the RI. Fire Department are, from kft, 1st Assistant Chief Dick Hak, 2nd
Assistant Chief Peter Thibodeau, Chief Tom Doherty and Captain Dan Doyen.
Below right, retiring chief Bob WalL
the fire at The Laughlin House in the
early 70's and the search on Long
Island Sound for two Pirates Cove
employe.es in blizzard conditions in the
winter of 1978.
Mr. Wall, who now works for the F. 1.
Water Department after many years as a
mechanical contractor, said he will
remain active in the Fire Department.
Mr. Doherty says he does not envision
any changes in the department.
"Bobby has done an excellent job over
the years," he said. ''I'll try to maintain
the good work he has done."
Mr. Doheny received. a quick initiation.
There were two runs on the Sea
Stretcher for medical emergencies on
his fIrst day as chief.
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MESSAGE FROM
BRAD BURNHAM
Fishers Island Gazelle 2
President of Fishers Island
Civic Association
People who wish to reach goals make
plans. The T1UJre difficult the goal. the
more impor/an! a plan. Success comes
to those who plan best. Communities
are no differenJ. Fishers Is/and's need
for a plan was greater than some
because it is subject to the double
whammy of rapid growth (summer)
and steady decline (winter) and has no
government of its own to focus its
problems.
The first
Trust for
Public Land
report came
out in 1984.
This docu-
ment defined
the Island's
strengths
and weak-
nesses and
made recom-
mendations
for dealing
with its
problems.
The major
need was
for a PLAN. Brad Burnham
Without a
government. guidelines should be
agreed upon so everyone can
participate in managing the Island's
growth.
The Fishers Island Growth Plan
resulted from these findings. A Growth
Plan Committee of 31 people with
diverse expertise was divided into sub~
committees covering such subjects as
"envirorunent, governance," etc" by
Chairman Frank Bu". Everyone
subscribed to the same goals or
"assumptions" as a start and went to
work, The PlAN came together with
linle dissent, It will be released this
winter.
What happens now? The comminee
feels the PlAN is on the right track.
But they also feel it is just a start. It
should be looked at as a "living"
document that is kept relevant by
continuous additions and subtractions
as events dictate. Most of all, it must
be used. The Island's future should not
be left to chance. The growth plan can
be useful tool for all of us in managing
the future.
GAZETTE HAS NEW
PRICE
The newstand price of the Fishers
Island Gazette is increasing to $1 an
issue. The newspaper as in the past will
be available at the F 1. Shopping Center,
Doyen's and the Liquor Store.
The Fishers Island Gazette will
continue to be mailed free to Fishers
Island property owners and full time
residents as well as Fishers Island Civic
Association members. A subscription rate
of $4 a year has been set for other
persons who wish to receive the
newspaper.
The free subscription to local residents
is a service of the Fishers Island Civic
Association. Howeve~ if persons wish to
make a contribution to the newspape:r;
they can mail a check to the Gazette,
P.O. Box 573, Fishers Island, NY 06390
The newspaper is not for profit with
most work being volunteered. However,
printing and layout expenses are costs
which the Gazette cannot avoid.
The Gazette was initially scheduled to
be published twice a year. However,
because of demand, a winter issue has
been added. The newspaper will now
be published in May, October and
February
In addition, the Gazette will now be
mailed first class to off-island suscribers.
The newspaper had been mailed third
class to reduce expenses. Howeve:r; a
number of subscribers reported delays of
three or four weeks in receiving the
newspaper. With the new first class
delivery, everyone should receive the
Gazette within a week.
PORTER GOSS RUNNING
FOR CONGRESS
Island resident Porter Goss is running
for the U.S. Congress from
southwestern Florida. The 13th
congressional district spans a seven-
county region from Sarasota to Naples,
FLA., and includes the city of Fort
Myers.
Mr. Goss, a Republican, is currently a
county commissioner for Lee County.
He was formerly a four. term mayor for
the City of Sanibel. Mr. Goss, 49, will
be rmming against three other
contenders for the Republican
nomination in a September primary.
The congressional seat is being vacated
by Representative Connie Mack, who is
running for the Senate from Florida.
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The Fishers Island Gazette is a not-for-
profit publication sponsored by the
Fishers Island Civic Association.
The Gazette is scheduled to be
published three times a year, May,
October and February.
Editor: Dan Gordon
Reporters: Sally Gordon, Bernie
Walsh. TIina Booth. Ellen HllIVey,
Tad Sperry, Charlotte McKim
Sports Reporter: Linda Zanghetti
Photographers: Dick Edwards,
Charlie Morgan. AI Gordon
Calender Editor: Carnl Doherty
Advertising: Sarah Walsh, Harris
Parsons
Circulation Manager: Pat Baker
Controller: Bob Anthony
Layout Director: Anne McNiff
The Gazene welcomes letters to the
Editor for future editions. Submit leners
to the Fishers Island Gazette, Box 573,
Fishers Island, NY. Letters should be
less that 100 words.
Persons interested in placing display
or classified ads with the Gazette should
write to Sarah Walsh. EI. Gazette. P.O.
Box 573, Fishers Island, NY.
If there is someone who has not
received a copy of the Gazette but
would enjoy the newspaper, please
write Pat Baker, c/o the EI. Gazette
with the name and appropriate admess.
$4.00 for an annual subscription.
Fishers Island Gazette 3
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LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
1/6/88
Dear Editor,
The Lawrence & Memorial Hospitals
Chaplaincy Fund committee wishes to
express its thanks to the members of the
Fishers Island community who
generously contributed to our annual
appeal. The response was gratifying
and we realized a total of $3,505.
These funds will, of course, be a part of
our total contributions to be used to
provide spiritual assistance and comfort
to all patients at Lawrence & Memorial
by our staff and members of the clergy.
Patricia M. Baker
Dear Editor,
The October Gazene included a lead
article about the "affordable housing"
effort at Walsh Park. Some might draw
an implication from this article that Bob
Hellier planned a development that
would be very detrimental to the Island
and that the Civic Association saved us
all from Bob's heinous machinations.
For those of us who know Bob, it goes
without saying that anything he does
would always be tasteful and in the best
tradition of fine architecture, lots of
open space, etc. What the article failed
to mention was that the real threat was
an off-Island developer who had no
interest in the Island and was offering a
great deal more money. The Island's
best interests will always be well served
by civic-minded citizens the likes of
Bob Hellier who is a major contributor
on the affordable housing committee.
Sincerely,
Bradford Burnham
THE RED BARN
Studio & Art Gallery
Painting, Etchings &
Wood Sculptures by
Charles B. Ferguson
Nov. - June
clo Alice Ferguson
33 Farmstead Lane
Farmington, CT 06032
203-677-8056
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Ferry captain Mark Easter is perched like a seaguU as he paints the huU of the
Race Point. The painting work was performed in October as pan of a regular
maintenance schedule on the boat.
AIRPORT STUDY TO BE
CONDUCTED
A Syracuse engineering fIrm has been
hired to develop an improvement plan
for Elizabeth Airport on Fishers Island.
The Southo1d Town Board hired the
firm of Calocerinos & Spina Consulting
Engineers this fall at a cost of $29,500,
with the funds to come out of Fishers
Island Ferry District budget. The ferry
district owns the airport property.
The engineering firm will investigate
ways to improve the safety of the
airport. such as resurfacing the runways
and replacing the electrical system for
the runway lights, according to ferry
district manager Phil Knauff.
Mr. Knauff said he could not estimate
how much these repairs might cost. But
he said federal and state funds would
pay for the bulk of the expenses.
Calocerinos and Spina would be
responsible for submitting the
application for these goverment funds
as part of the firm's contract.
Mr. Knauff estimated that the
engineering report would be completed
in early summer with repairs, if
approved by the federal government,
performed in the next two years.
Cracks in the runway were sealed a
few years ago. However, Mr. Knauff
added that the runways have not been
repaved since at least World War II and
the wiring for the lighting has not been
upgraded since then either. He added
that there are no plans to lengthen the
airport runways.
TOWN ATTORNEY
NAMED
Former Southold Town Councilman
James Schondebare has been appointed
town attorney for Southold. Mr.
Schondebare, who stepped down this
fall after one term as town cotlllcilman,
will be paid $25,000 a year.
Mr. Schondebare is filling a position
left vacant in September when Town
Attorney Robert Tasker died. Mr.
Tasker had served as town attorney for
30 years. Mr. Schondebare's
appointment became effective in
J armary.
The town attorney position is actually
part-time. Robert Hugo Berntsson. 26,
is serving as full-time assistant town
attorney at a salary of $35,000.
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4 Fishers Island G~tte
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ENVIRONMENTAL
OFFICER APPOINTED FOR
FISHERS ISLAND
The Southold Town Board has
aPJXlinted an environmental advisor to
assist Fishers Island homeowners and
contractors. Larry Penny, an
environmentalist from East Hampton,
will visit Fishers Island up to two days
a month if requested by island residents.
Mr. Penny will be paid $30 an hour by
the town for his services.
Mr. Penny's role will be strictly
advisory with no enforcement
capabilities, said Southold Supervisor
Frank Murphy. Mr. Penny was
appointed by the board in October with
his duties to commence in December.
The Fishers Island Conservancy and
Civic Association had been pushing for
such an environmental officer to
provide advice to homeowners on
individual envirorunental matters.
"He (Mr. Penny) is an expert," said
Conservancy President John Thatcher.
"He knows all the environmental laws
and regulations. As an advisor, he will
be very helpful."
TOWN APPROVES
BUDGET HIKE
The Town of Southold has approved a
$10.5 million budget for 1988 which
will call for a 14 percent increase in
town taxes. The new budget is an
increase of $1.4 million over the 1987
town budget
Town Supervisor Frank Murphy said a
dramatic increase in health insurance
costs was one of the main reasons for
the budget increase. New personnel
were also hired in the highway and
police departments.
In addition, town employees including
elected officials were granted six
percent salary increases. Supervisor
Murphy will now receive a salary of
ahnost $46,000, while F.I. Town
Councilman Raymond Edwards will
receive a salary of $19,305.
Fishers Island constables Dick Grebe
and Larry Horn will each receive
$7,824 a year, which is about a $500
increase from the previous year
The 1988 salaries of other part-time
town employees on Fishers Island are
as follows: Planning Board member
Ken Edwards, $5,616; Zoning Board of
Appeals member Serge Doyen. $5,616;
Bay Constable John Clavin, $2,000; and
Building Depattment Clerk Clarence
Dixon, $350 a month. Mr. Dixon is also
paid $1.600 as the representative of the
town health and consumer affairs
department
Supervisor Murphy said that money
was allocated in the budget to Fishers
Island for the mosquito control program
and for additional visits to the Island by
highway department officials.
The Southold Town budget represents
about 25 percent of the tax bill for
Fishers Island homeowners. The other
budgets which make up the tax bill are
for the Fishers Island School District,
the County of Suffolk and for various
special districts.
DEMOCRATS WIN IN
SOUTHOLD ELECTION
Democrats, with a suprising strength,
swept the Southold Town Board
elections this past fall. The victories by
incumbent Frank Murphy in the
supervisor's race and political
newcomers Ellen Larsen and Ruth
Oliva in the town board elections
prevent the Republicans for the fIrst
time from holding a majority on the
town board With the election, the
Democrats now hold three seats and
Republicans three seats.
Mr. Murphy won re-election to a third
term by defeating Republican
challenger John Nickles by an
unofficial count of 4,418 votes to 3,593
votes.
Ruth Oliva and Ellen Larsen were the
top two vote-getters in the four-way
town board race with 4,520 votes and
4,377 respectively. Republicans Robert
Scoll and Daniel Fogarty trailed with
3,576 votes and 2,835. Ray Edwards,
Fishers Island's representative on the
town board, was not up for re-election.
The victories by the Democratic
candidates were especially surprising
since Republican enrollment
outnumbers Democratic enrollment by
about three to one in the Town of
Southold.
The Democratic candidates stressed
that greater controls should be placed
on development in Southold, which has
experienced dramatic growth in the past
10 years.
" The voters agreed with what we
were talking about," said Mr. Murphy
after the election. 'We have to limit our
growth. We have to slow down. We
have to control our destiny." Mr.
Murphy said an evenly divided board
should produce bener government
" I think we will see more debate,"
the town supervisor said. "We will not
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have the temptation of a town leader
forcing a vote."
The biggest goals facing the town
board are adopting a new master plan
for the town and preservation of more
open lands in the town, Mr. Murphy
said. The town board will continue to
look into ways to exempt Fishers Island
from the Southold garbage district.
Fishers Island now pays it share of
funds for the Southold landfill even
though it does not use the facility.
While the Democrats were jubilant
over the election renrrns, Republicans
appeared in disarray. Defeated
candidate Mr. Nickles handed in his
resignation as chairperson of the town's
Republican Party saying new leadership
was needed. However, the town
Republican Committee did not accept
his resignation.
Although winning the election, the
Democrats trailed the Republicans on
Fishers Island. Mr. Murphy received 48
votes compared to 66 for Mr. Nickles.
Republican council candidates Robert
Scott and Dan Fogerty received 69 and
59 votes respectively to outdistance
Mrs. Oliva with 44 votes and Ms.
Larsen with 30 votes.
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Tasting victory at Democratic Head
quarters is council woman-elect Ruth
Oliva.
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Fishers Island Gazetu 5
DOYEN'S STORE SOLD
SENIORS PLAN CRUISE
This year's senior class has a
Caribbean cruise planned for its April
vacation. Students Ken Ahman, Jack
Cypherd, Kristin Roy, Linda Zanghetti
and their advisor, Lynn Horowitz, will
depart April 17, for San Juan, Puerto
Rico. They will set sail at 8:00 PM that
following SlDlday on the Norwegian
Cruise Lines ship, the SS Starward.
The seven- day cruise will take the
seniors to ports of call in Barbados,
Antigua, Martinique, 51. Thomas and
St. Maarten. The class of 1988 would
like to thank all those who have made
this trip possible.
from the Island. He is hoping to expand
that number to 20 to raise additional
capital for the Doyen's expansion. Mr.
Evans moved to Fishers Island fulltime
this past year and is the owner of The
Liquor Store and Pickle's Parlor ice
cream store.
Ray and Louise Doyen's have
operated Doyen's store from its present
location since 1976. Previously the
Doyens family had operated a grocery
and retail store on Fishers Island for
many decades.
Mr. Evans said he plans to change the
name of the store, but has not yet
decided on a new name.
A partnership led by Bob and Louisa
Evans purchased Doyen's store in mid.
December from Ray and Louise Doyen.
The purchase price was not disclosed.
Bob Evans is planning a nwnber of
changes at Doyens hoping to expand its
role as a center of Island life. Aheady
Mr. Evans has added coffee and
doughnuts served on the main floor. In
the spring, Mr. Evans plans to move the
coffee and doughnut section downstairs
where a gourmet deli will be located.
The deli food will be supplied from the
mainland on a daily basis.
The top two floors of the store are to
become a business center for Island
residents with computers, desktop
publishing. word processing and fax
machines available. Mr. Evans also
plans to have general business services
such as accounting made available to
Islanders.
The main floor of Doyens will remain
a retail food operation and newspaper
outlet.
The fishing tackle currently located
upstairs will be moved to the garage
behind the liquor store where diving
equipment will also be available.
Mr. Evans reports that he currently
has 15 limited partners, all of whom are
Russell A. Jlen/It
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The New
FISHERS ISLAND MOBIL
- for Your Home - Automotive- Marine Fuel Needs - Dependable Services our Motto
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Emergency 24 Hour Home Heating Service
-Full Oil Burner Service -Propane Gas
-Fuel Tanks automatically filled when needed -Station and Dock Pumps open at
monitored by the new computerized watch dog system. Regular Convenient Times
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6 Fishus Island GG1.I!tte
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NEW BREED OF FARMER
ON FISHERS ISLAND
Many people believe that there hasn't
been any fanning on Fishers Island for
decades. In fac~ the Island boasts two
innovative fanning operations, neither
of which grows a standard crop such as
com or apples.
"Bi-valve mollusks," according to
Carey Matthiessen, are the preferred
livestock of contemporary Fishers
Island fanners. Known to most of us as
oysters and clams, bi-valve mollusks
have been raised in Island Pond (near
the driving range) since 1962, when Lee
Ferguson, Frank Kernan and Erard
Matthiessen, and his two sons Peter and
Carey, fonned Island Pond Corporation
to raise and sell oysters.
Carey Matthiessen, who now owns
and operates the oyster fann with his
wife Sis, wrote his Harvard doctoral
dissertation on bi- valve mollusks in
1959. On a visit to his family in 1962,
he noticed that the bottom of an
aluminum skiff was covered with
oysters, and decided to try his hand at
cultivating oysters in the pond. Today,
there are approximately 3,000,000
oysters, ranging from a few months to
three years old, living in Island Pond.
The Matthiessens spend full-time
working with the oysters during the late
I) Clams and oyster larvae are produced
in spawning tanks in June and July each
year. Millions of eggs may be produced
by a single female clam or oyster.
spring, summer and fall months, and
employ at least two workers during the
summer. Oysters are shipped in late
summer and early fall.
Steve Malinowski of The Clam Farm,
Inc., raises hard shell clams and
scallops, as well as oysters in three
separate locations in West Harbor. Mr.
Malinowski received his Ph.D. from the
University of Connecticut in marine
ecology in 1985. He began his
mollusk-fanning career working with
Mr. Matthiessen and started his
operation in 1982.
THE
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FULL-SERVICE
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(203) 572-8981
2) Steve Malinowski checks young clams
for signs of trouble. Clams and oysters
grow to maturity in three to five years,
and require careful monitoring.
After an initial pilot study the first
year, The Clam Fann became a full-
scale operation in 1983. Currently, The
Clam Farm employs Mr. Malinowski as
its General Manager year-round, and
two full-time helpers from June through
November.
Much of The Clam Farm's revenues to
date comes from sale of scallop
seedlings (about the size of a quarter) to
Long Island municipalities, which
purchase the shellfish to replenish
scallop beds that have been overfished,
and decimated by the mysterious yet
deadly "brown tide."
Mr. Malinowski enjoys the outdoor
life of the aquaculturist, and the
challenge of being a pioneer in an
experimental field. He eventually plans
to send as many as 500,000 clams and
500,000 oysters a year to market.
In fact, aquaculture, or more properly
maraculture (the farming of the sea), is
a growing industry in the United States.
The Japanese, whose diet traditionally
has included large amounts of seafood,
have fanned the sea for decades, raising
both shellfISh and fmfish.
In the United States, aquaculture has
been slower to catch on. although
recently mid-west farmers successfully
have raised freshwater trout and catfish.
To date, shellfish generally have not
been profitable crops, since they often
can be harvested more economically in
the wild.
But in many cases, the natural
shellfISh population has been fished out,
so that fanning has emerged as a viable
alternative. Further, pollution and algae
blooms have raised concerns about
health risks. Maraculturists can
Fishers Island Gazelle 7
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3 )Each lantern net, imported from
Japan, holds up to a thousand clams or
oysters. Nets are raised periodically to
allow for inspection and cleaning.
monitor the water quality of their beds
and nets, ensuring that their crops are
raised in a pollution-free environment.
The Matthiessens and Mr. Malinowski
are at the forefront of the emerging
maraculture industry. Both of them
caution, however, that raising bi-valve
mollusks is a risky business, not for the
faint of heart or the get.rich-quick
dreamer. For example, the MSX virus,
fatal to oysters (although hannless to
humans), has decimated the Chesapeake
oyster industry, and has spread to Cape
Cod.
The Matthiessens, who also nm an
oyster farm on Cape Cod, have had to
shift much of their operation to Fishers
Island, which so far has escaped
infection. "We chew a lot of
fmgernails," says Sis Matthiessen.
Carey Matthiessen says that the oyster
industry is at an all-time low ebb due to
the MSX bligh~ but acknowledges that
he has never seriously thought of
leaving the oyster business.
Mr. Malinowski says that he has no
desire to be a "multi- million dollar
clam baron." Instead, he prefers his
small-scale operation, which
emphasizes quality rather than quantity.
"We are a marine-based cottage
industry," Mr. Malinowski points out.
Because the whole concept of
maraculture is so new, he and the
Mattlriessens have had to create
solutions to lUlanticipated problems.
But despite blights and dangers such
as marauding crabs, Fishers Island
farmers indicate that the life they have
chosen is a satisfying one. Their skill
and tenacity have kept fanning alive on
Fishers Island.
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4)Carey Matthiessen loads mature
oysters into sacks for transportation to
the mainland. Fishers Island oysters are
served in restaurants throughout New
Englarui arui New York.
Island Interiors
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Fisllers rdtuul Gazetu 8
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TRUST FOR PUBLIC
LANDS ISSUES
REPORT ON FISHERS
ISLAND
An updated Trust For Public Lands
(TPL) report has made six
recommendations to improve the
quality of life on Fishers Island. The
report was presented in September by
TPL representative and Island resident
Rose Harvey. The recommendations
are as follows:
1) A Fishers Island Conserv ation
Committee be established with
members from the F. I. Development
Corporation (FIDCO), the F.I.
Conservancy and the Fl. Civic
Association. This committee could
provide better political representation in
Southold on environmental issues.
2) A non-profit housing corporation
be created to provide needed affordable
housing for year-round residents.
3) Fishers Island work with the
Town of Southold to create siting and
design guidelines for new constructin
on the West End, similar to FlOCD's
guidelines on the East End.
4) Fishers Island encourage more
steps to direct and control future growth
of the Island. These steps include the
donation of land to the Museum trust,
the use of easements by FIDCO to
protect undeveloped land, and a
lobbying effort for a two percent
transfer tax on all real estate
transactions.
5) The F. I. Civic Association
commission a cost benefit analysis to
determine whether continued growth on
the island can be justified considering
the cost of improving the Island's
infrastructure-- telephone. sewer, and
water systems. and trash disposal.
6) Island residents encourage
implementation of the Fl. Civic
Assocation growth plan.
Ms. Harvey said that one of the
greatest problems indentified by the
TPL report is the declining winter
population on the Island. She urged
Island residents to support the Walsh
Park affordable housing project as a
means of stabilizing the winter
population.
The TPL report indicated that there is
a great deal of potential for increased
development on Fishers Island since
almost 50 percent of the building lots
are vacant. In addition, another 75 lots
could be created through subdivision
under the town's current zoning code,
according to the TPL. Development of
all these lots could double the island's
population.
This type of development could place
great strain on the island. For instance,
the TPL report indicated the Island's
telephone company has capacity for 950
lines, of which 830 are in use. The TPL
estimated that an expansion of the
phone system to accomodate future
growth could cost as much as $500,000.
Growth would also place additional
burdens on the island's already
endangered environment, Ms. Harvey
said. She urged creation of a
conservation commiuee noting that
current environmental regulations
concerning coastal areas, flood plains,
and wetlands are not enforced
adequately.
The TPL report was requested by the
Fishers Island Civic Assocation to
examine the current and future state of
development on Fishers Island. The
study was prompted in part by the
creation of a master plan by the Town
of Southold. Although a part of the
Town of Southold, Fishers Island has
seperate needs and the civic association
felt a more detailed study was needed
than the town master plan.
4
.......l--L.
.~-
~,
GOING MY WAY?
Rather thanflying, it looks like this swan is trying to hitch a ride south. The swan
was spotted this fall on main road near the oyster ponds.
c--
CATCH THE BOATING SPIRIT THIS SUMMER!
Telephone 7528
.~E",c;"'<.I16EiI.'-EVmRiiDE e.....l~
~TORAGE REPAIR
i WORK.
!
Now offering laser sailboats
OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 8:00-4:30
FUMn lsltutd Gall!lU'
.
.
ISLANDER "SUMMERS"
DOWN UNDER
Roving reporter Charlie Shennan, on
a bicycle and fIShing tour of New
Zealand, says that New Zealanders are
friendly, and the countryside is "quaint
and pretty as a picture postcard."
Mr. Sherman left for New Zealand
shortly after Thanksgiving and will be
returrting to the United States around
spring time. He reports that he has
already caught his biggest trout ever,
and hopes to do even bener in the next
few weeks.
Although he has met many New
Zealanders and tourists from Canada
and Germany, Mr. Sherman says that
none of them have heard of Fishen
Island "How ignorantl" declares Mr.
Sherman, who has spent much of the
past three years on the Island
overseeing renovations for Bill and
Susie Hall.
Mr. Sherman promises to file another
report from Fiji, on his way back to the
United States.
Fine Wines &
Liquors
Domestic &
Imported
Located at
the Village Green
516-788-7271
Open Mon.-Sat.
Year round
SPIRITS FIND HAPPY
HOME ON FISHERS
ISLAND
In case you haven't noticed, the spirits
are much happier on Fishers Island,
thanks to the efforts of Jolm and
Margaret Guest.
The Guests dedicated a spirit house on
their property in a ceremony presided
over by a Brahmin Monk this past fall.
The idea of creating a spirit house was
formed years ago when the Guests
visited Thailand. "Every house in
Thailand has a spirit house for the
spirits of the land," said Mr. Guest. "It
seemed like a very good idea."
The Guests purchased a spirit house
and had it delivered to the United
States. That turned out to be the easy
part. Next, the Guests had to locate a
Brahmin priest, who, according to
religious law, would select the correct
spot on the Guest's property for the
spirit house. Mr. Guest's search for
such a priest started at the Thai
embassy. From there he wended his
way to various monasteries in the New
York Metropolitan area. He met many
Buddhist monks.
But religious law specifies that the
task of locating the spirit house must
be performed by a Bralunin monk, a
caste which is much older and rarer.
Mr. Guest had to continue his quest
until finally he located a Bralrmin
named The Venerable Kamphoei in
Bridgeport.
The Venerable Kamphoei, wearing
flowing saffron robes and accompanied
by his interpreter, Mr. Norinth, flew
over to Fishers Island on September 27
on Action Air. After five minutes of
prowling around the Guest's property on
North Hill, the Venerable Kamphoei
found just the right spot, inside the
circular chiveway.
But there was more work to be done.
The spirits had to be fed. Venerable
Kamphoei instructed that a table be laid
out for the spirits with 10 hamburgers,
10 cups of ovaltine, 10 glasses of
whiskey and 10 cups of coffee.
The Venerable Kamphoei's intuition
was correct It turned out the spirits
were hungry because within days, three
of the hamburgers had disappeared and
the whiskey had evaporated.
The power of the spirits was
demonstrated shortly afterwards. A few
weeks after the dedication, the spirit
house was taken inside for the winter.
Days later, the stock market crashed.
But people should not worry. The spirit
house will return in the spring.
The venerable Kamphoei and his
interpretor Mr. Norinth selecting site
for spirit house, on Guest property.
A.
JOHN
GADA
Gene,al Contracting Inc
Phone 7231
Established 1946
DISTINCTIVE
RENNOVATIONS
RESORATIONS AND
CUSTOM HOMES
Fbhers fllmul Gazetle 10
.
.
FISHERS ISLAND
RETROSPECTIVE...
HURRICANE OF' 38
REMEMBERED
The morning of September 21,1938
broke overcast with a suggestion of
some stormy weather to come. But it
seemed like a normal end of summer
day.
Anne Wall and Helen Best were
working at the Fisher's Island Farms
office. Bob White, then ten years old,
was enjoying one of the fmal days of
swnmer.
All the morning progressed, Mrs. Wan
noticed with concern as the skies turned
darker and darker and as the wind
picked up dramatically. By noon, that
wind was blowing a gale. "An old elm
tree came down right next to the office
on the village green. " Mrs. Wall said
"Mr. Shanklin, the office manager, said
we should head for home."
"I did not realize it was so bad until
that tree came down, Ms. Best added.
Actually, no one knew the stonn
would be so severe. In fact, few people
knew a stonn was coming because
New London was devastated by the hurricane of 1938. Luckily the Fishers Island
ferry was saved, but the fe"y distrkt office on the mainland was destroyed. Aerial
view of the destruction around the Fishers lslandfe"y slip is provided above:
Photo: Courusy of the B.L. Ferguson Museum.
weather forcasters at that time rarely
tracked storms at sea.
"We were absolutely unprepared for
it." said Bob White. "It really blew like
hell. The wind was so noisey, you could
not hear anything else."
At its height in mid-afternoon, the
wind reached 120 miles per hour with
gusts up to 186 miles perhom. More
than 600 people were killed by the
stonn along the East Coast, with 14
reported dead in the New London area.
A skipper of one Fishers Island yacht
took his boat out of West Harbor to ride
out the storm and Was never heard from
again. according to Islanders.
Helen Best remembers staring out the
window at the destruction, "We had
four beautiful blue spruces in the yard,
they all came down."
The hurricane struck at high tide
flooding low lying areas of the Island.
One boat was beached with a shaken
crew half way across the parade ground
in the fort area. The storm sent waves
surging up to the old rail tracks at the
Hay Harbor Golf Course.
"It wasn't the wind that worried me, it
was the water," said Mrs. Wall. "We
were all frightened that we were going
to get tidal waves. We thought the
island would be covered."
Long Island, fortunately, provided just
enough protection so no tidal wave
struck Fishers Island. However, Watch
Hill, just miles to the East, was not so
lucky. Scores of people were swept
away in the prodigious surf that
pounded the Rhode Island coastline.
About 4prn, Bob White remembers
the eye of the storm passing directly
over the island. It was calm just long
enough for him and some members of
his family to reach the Mansion House,
which was the only house with power
because of a generator.
The storm returned. and only abated
in the early evening, fmally moving off
in the middle of the night. The next
..
.. .
Just a short walk from the Ferry Slip at
111 BANK STREET
Purveyors of fine foods & spirits
American and English Cuisine
Guiness Stout. Harp Lager, Bass Ale on Draft
(203)443-9599
Fisll"., Island Gazelle 11
.
.
The HAWK wasjustone of the 11UJny
boats sunk by the hu"kane of 1938.
morning emerged Wlbelievably clear.
"What a beautiful thing to see. The
sky was so clear," said Mrs, Wall. "It
was the nicest feeling. I don't know
whether it was because we were
breathing a sigh of relief that we were
okay."
Only the day after did Islanders
realize the extent of the damage. Trees
were down throughout the island. A
couple of roofs had been blown off and
the steeple of 51. John's had toppled
over. Many of the ooats on the island
had just disappeared. The damage was
much worse in New London, where the
hurricane had touched off a massive fIre
on Bank Street which destroyed a
number of buildings. A freighter had
been thrown up on the railroad tracks.
Ferry service was not resmned to
Fishers Island for many days and
electricity was not fully restored for
more than a week.
Ray Doyen was visiting relatives in
Northern Connecticut. Roadways and
travel were in such disarray, it took him
a week to rerum to the island.
Helen Best summed up the experience
best.
"That storm was a lollapulluzah."
STUFFY HEAD COLD?
SINUS?
HAYFEVER?
DIAPER RASH?
CHAPPED HANDS?
or LIPS?
Keep RELIEF
as close as your medicine cabinet with..,
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BOROLEUM
01"08 11106
Guaranteed and prepared by
SINCLAIR PHARMACAL CO., INC.
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
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interior design studio
SPECIALIZING IN,
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Old Saybrook, Ct
(203) 388-92<4
Fislu,., Islmttl GGzelU 12
.
FILM OF ISLAND mSTORY
BEING PLANNED
Old Home Movies Needed
The Henry L. Ferguson Museum is
planning to compile a video history of
Fishers Island. Island residents with
home movies are being asked to submit
their material to the museum to aid in
the preparation of this historical video
project.
Copies of the home movies would be
made so that they could be retained in
the library as historical reference.
Museum officials stressed that the
original movies would be returned to
the owners if requested, and would also
be converted to VHS or BETA tape so
that the owners could watch the movies
on their television sets.
The project is being organized by
Pierce Rafferty, a professional movie
archivist and his wife Margie
Crimmins, under the supervision of the
museum's historical comminee.
Mr. Rafferty said he hopes to receive
the home movies during the spring and
early summer so that the historical tape
could be completed and shown by the
end of the summer. The length and
quality will largely depeud on the
number of home movies taken on the
.
island and loaned to the museum.
"My guess is that there are hours and
hours of material out there," Mr.
Rafferty said. "I think we could be
surprised."
Mr Rafferty said the idea of preparing
a video history of the island first
occurred to him this past fall when he
saw a home movie taken by a family
member of a F.I. Beach Club party in
1927.
Mr. Charles Ferguson, president of the
museum, said he has seen home movies
of the Springer Spaniel field trials held
on Fishers Island during the 1930's.
The crowds were so large that Coast
Guard personnel was used to control
them.
"I think it (a historical video) would
be of great interest to the people of
Fishers Island," he said.
Mr. Rafferty said the finished film
would be used primarily for historical
reference.
"It will not be a slick finished film,"
he said. "At this point. I am not sure
about music or narration."
Mr. Rafferty and his wife will be
donating their time and expertise to the
project.
Mr. Ferguson said residents should
send their home movies to his home
address at 33 Farmstead Lane,
Farmington, cr 06032 uotil this
summer. During the summer months,
material can be submined to the
museum. He added that only movies
pertaining to Fishers Island should be
sent
Museum officials will seek approval
from owners for all materials used in
the historical film. Mr. Rafferty
stressed the importance of the museum
making copies of all home movies. Old
film is susceptible to shrinking and
breaking and could be lost forever, if
copies are not made, he said. By
keeping copies in the museum, the
history of the island can be better
preserved, he added.
Parade Ground
Apartments
Fully furnished and
Modernized large
apartments convenient! y
located near town
Bimonthly I Monthly I Weekly
Summer rentals
3 Bedroom: Living room
dining room, kitchen
I Bedroom: Sitting room,
kitchen
(203) 234-2798
or
(212) 245-6633
Fishers Island Shopping Center
Finest Fruits and Vegetables
Finest quality meats
Ice
Cold Beer & Soda
Fresh Pastries & Hot Coffee
All your Grocery Needs
Delivery Available Call 7255
Deli Sandwiches Made to Order
Call ahead for fast service
Bill & Colleen Bloethe, Prop., P.O. Box 658, F.I.N.Y. 516-788-7255
.
.
Fishers /s1o./IId Gaulle 13
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RENOVATION UNDERWAY
AT LEGION HALL
The American Legion Hall is
undergoing a renovation this winter and
is welcoming all island residents to use
the facility.
The legion expects to spend about
$23,000 to improve the lounge and
recreation areas at the hall. In addition,
concrete slab flooring is to be poured in
the basement to allow for more storage,
and the heating system is being
improved with the addition of more
heating ducts. A wide screen television
and sa~llite dish are being installed for
entertainment.
The funds are being raised by private
donations and much of the labor is
being volunteered, according to John
Ski, the second vice commander at the
post.
"We want to create a new legion," said
Mr. Ski. "We want all island residents
to participate."
The American Legion, which is
officially called The Alfred E. Greebe
Post, has traditionally been used just by
its almost 70 members, according to
Mr. Ski. "However, we want the
American Legion to become more of a
center for the Island"
The legion is open from 4PM to
Midnight each day. Light food
including pizza is to be available.
z
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Before an.d after photographs taken of the lounge at the American Legion this fall.
Photo 1) was taken in September. Photo 2) was taken in November after new
carpeting and paneling had been installed and tables and chairs had been replaced.
Fishers Island Shopping Center
Dry Cleaning
Convenient Drop off & Pick up
right at the Store
Laundering & Dry Cleaning
Call 7133
Island Video
Over 1000 Movies to choose from
Rentals $2.00 per day
VCR Rentals available
Call 7133
Come See Our New Store
Household Sundries & Fishers Island
Souvenirs
Bill & Colleen Bloethe, Prop., P.O. Box 658, F.I.N.Y. 516-788-7255
Fishers Island Gazette 14
.
NEW OWNER HAS BIG
PLANS FOR NORTH
DUMPLING
Wind power is coming to North
Dumpling. The new owner of the
island, Dean Kamen, is planning to
build a windmill on the island to create
elcctricty for his house.
"It is an ideal spot for a windmill,"
said Mr. Kamen. "There are strong
winds coming off the sound with no
obstruction. "
Mr. Kamen, who has already received
approval for the project from the Town
of Southold, plans to erect the windmill
in the spring or summer. The windmill
will be about 65 feet high and will
consist of three 10-foot blades. The
windmill at its peak will produce 10
kilowatts of energy.
North Dumpling is currently supplied
with power by the Fishers Island
Electric Company through an
underwater cable. Mr. Kamen will
continue to use this source as a backup
when there is little wind.
"However, the windmill is the most
ecologically sound way to create
power," he said.
Mr. Kamen, who lives full-time in New
Hampshire, purchased North Dumpling
in the fall of 1986 for an undisclosed
sum. Mr. Kamen, 36, runs his own finn
DEKA Research and Development,
which designs medical electronics.
What's it like for a single person town
an island?
"It's fantastic. I have a well stocked
library and a well stocked wine cellar.
It's everything I expected it to be in the
summer."
"In lhe winter, it's more than I expected
it to be. It's totally remote and a great
place to get away to."
Mr. Kamen discovered North Dumpling
through a friend whose wife sells exotic
real estate. He visited North Dumpling
and bought lhe property shortly
afterwards.
Mr. Kamen is also one of the owners
of Enstram Helicopter Corp. in
Michigan. While traveling to North
Dumpling would be inconvenient for
most people, it is no problem for Mr.
Kamen. He flies direct from Manchester,
New Hampshire, to North Dumpling in
his helicopter.
Owning North Dumpling is obviously a
lot of fun for Mr. Kamen. To him, North
Dumpling is not an island, it is an empire.
He has created his own currency, the
dumpling, which is onlyrccognized on
the island.''Thcre were 1.000 dumplings
to the dollar,"he said. "But that was
.
before the crash. It has improved since
then."
To improve the North Dumpling
economy, he is lalking about reflagging
Kuwaiti tankers. As far as defense, Mr.
Kamen is content with the North
Dumpling Air Force, consisting of his
helicopter, but he wants to bolster the
island's navy. He is talking about
flagging an 18th century sloop being
restored in Connecticut with the North
Dumpling colors.
Mr. Kamen is not serious with any
of these plans, although he has already
created a North dumpling seal and
expects to have the North Dumpling flag
finished by this spring. But such
grandiose musings are all part of the fun
of owning an island.
Support Gazette advertisers
Thank advertisers for their sup-
port of the Gazette by patronizing
their stores and companies.
~. ....~
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. :t C/
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. ........ . ..' .il
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SAINT PATRICK'S
DINNER SCHEDULED
The annual 51. Patrick's dinner at Our
Lady of Grace Church is scheduled for
March 19 beginning at 6PM. Bishop
Daniel P. Reilly of Norwich, is again
expected to attend.
~
m<yst:fc IsLe
ReaLt:<y foc.
.n6788" 7882
Bagley Reid
Licensed NY Stale Real Estate Broker
Marilyn F. Pickett
licensed New York State Real Estate Salesperson
Properties for Sale and Rent
-t=fsbeRS Islood, rJ.;Y.
06390
Fislaen Islan.d Gazette IS
.
.
i
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'"
Temperatures which dipped near zero produced a sea fog around Fishers Island on an early December morning. The sea fog occurs
infrequenlly on Fishers Island, only when the air tempaJure is significantly lower than the water tempature. Photos
at left were taken looking out toward Race Rock, while photos on right were taken on the twrth shore of the islaM.
THE STUDIOl
Joseph L. Townsend
INSURANCE
PAINTINGS
BY
NANCY S. YERKES
-.
Representing TheTravelerSj'
Opposite Firehouse
For Information 7538
or
212-876-1353
Homeowners · Auto · Yacht
216 Main Street, Greenport. 477-0153
Fishers Island Gazette 16
.
.
Arollnd the To W 11
with Ann Walsh Anthony
There's news from the North. A.O.A.N.
Glen C. Edwards is stationed in
Keflavik, Iceland. Glen is in the Navy
and his post for the next several months
will be flying P3's (which he reports
he's doing every day). Keflavik is in the
southwest of Iceland on the southern
shore of Faxa Bay. Glen's wife Jan (nee
Rogan) was there visiting over the
holidays and told us that although there
are virtually no trees (not a good feature
for newlyweds looking for their first
Christmas tree!) Iceland is very
beautiful. Glen will be stationed a bit
closer to home come May, Brunswick,
ME.
Speaking of things closer to home,
there are some new arrivals since our
last publication. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin
Lynch are proud to announce the birth
of their second son, Michael Robert,
who came into the world on September
25,1987, weighing in at 7lbs. 8 oz.
Leslie Walker Hotchkiss was born on
Novemocr 4, 1987, and her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. Winchester Hotchkiss, report
that Leslie was 8 lbs. 4 oz. at birth. Mr.
and Mrs. George Bowen Cook are
pleased to announce the arrival of
George Bown Cook, Jr., who will be
called "Bo". Bo was born on Nov. 12
and tipped the scales at 7 lbs. 3 112 oz.
JoAnne Lamb has been named
manager of the Goose Island
Corporation. At the moment, JoAnne is
busy managing the heating and fuel oil
business. But come spring, the
corporation will be in full swing and
she'll be in charge of the restaurant and
the docks as well. JoAnne is very
excited to have been hired into an
industry previously dominated by men.
She looks forward to the challenge of
building a rapport with the community
(from the sounds of it, that won't be too
difficult -- JoAnne seems very
competent!) and promoting this
relatively new growth oriented
business. Good luck to you, JoAnne!
There's an upcoming marriage to
report. We couldn't pin the nearly-weds
down on a dale, but you'll be happy to
know that R. Richard Zanghetti (Bud)
and Pamela Phillips were engaged over
the Christmas holidays. We'll keep you
posted.
The Fishers lsland Garden Club, which
has been in existence for about a year,
got together with the Our Lady of Grace
church school this past Christmas and
planned a holiday treat for several of
Fishers island's long-time residents. On
December 9, the club and the students
prepared sixteen baskets of Christmas
greens. The students who range in age
from 7 to 14 put the baskets together
themselves, using tcchniques they
Faulkner Contracting Inc.
General Contractor
Office & Res. Dial 7863
Shop Dial 7216
Box 355
. NEW CONSTRUCTION
. AU TYPES OF ALTERATIONS
. ROOFING
. KITCHEN REMODELING
. AU TYPES OF TILE & LINOLEUM
. MASONRY
. PAINTING - WALL PAPERING
- FIRST CLASS WORK AT REASONABLE PRICES-
learned from the ladies in the club. The
baskets were then delivered to the
homes of some very surprised lsland
residents. The children arrived singing
carols and offering their holiday
baskets. They were met with lots of
appreciative smiles and in some cases
tears of joy! Afterward, the students
went on to the church school Christmas
party having learned a valuable lesson
about sharing Christmas with others and
feeling pretty good about their project.
Around the Town is a regular feature
of the Gazette and welcomes
contributions of news from Islanders. If
you would like to share news of a birth,
a marriage or a career change, please
drop us a line and we'd be glad to
include it. Our address is F.I. Gazette,
P.o. Box 573, Fishers Island, N.Y.
06390.
~
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o
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JoAnne Lamb
Mallove's
Serving Fishers Island
Since 1919
"
J list two blocks from
the ferry
James Mallove
Captain's Walk
New London, CT.
203-442-4391
Fishers Island Gazette 17
.
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BEST BARGAIN IN TOWN
The best bargain in town..... the
classified ads in the Fishers Island Gazette!
"If you have anything to sell or buy
this summer, your first step should be to
place an ad in the classified section of
the Fishers Island Gazette. We can sell
bikes, boals, anylhing you want. The
classified section is also great to
announce any services you provide, like
babysitting or landscaping. Put the
Fishers Island Gazette to work for
you...with an ad in the classified."
Classified rate $5 per ad. (211-word
limit)
Copy deadline April 15. Mail your
classified ad to The Fishers Island
Gazette, Fishers Island New York. 06390
I.
I
A.
JOHN
GADA
General Contracting Inc
Phone 7231
Established 1946
DISTINCTIVE
RENNOVATIONS
RESORATIONS AND
CUSTOM HOMES
JiJl.erJ !JJlani :Jelepl.one
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"Don't Let Your House Freeze Up"
You Can Be Protected
For a list of homes that have
frozen up this winter and a list
of homes that were saved
Call Today Alarm Reporter
Service by Fishers Island
Telephone 7001
Z & S Contracting...
"The Good Guys"
-Renovations
-Remodeling
-New Construction
-Expert painting & paper
hanging
-Licensed electrical, plumbing &
heating professionals
-24-hour emergency service
-complete line of electrical
appliances
-full landscaping service
-now window washing as well
Count on the Good Guys...
Z & 5 Contracting!
Call Z &5 at 788-7857
Fislwn rdalUl Ga,un.18
.
.
MAINLAND STUDENTS
GIVE F.I. SCHOOL mGH
GRADES
The four mainland students attending
Fishers Island High School are taking
the daily ferry trip like veteran
commuters. They say that the education
provided by the school is worth the
extra effort of traveling to Fishern
Island.
The four students are 8th grader
Raymond Hooper of Oakdale. C~ 9th
graders Tracy Carlson and Yona
Gregory of New London; and 11th
grader Lee-Ana Messina, also of New
London.
"What's the difference if you spend an
hour on a bus, or on a ferry," said Tracy
Carlson of the daily commute.
Yona Gregory said the education
received at the Fishers Island school is a
big improvement over mainland
schools.
"What I am happy about is the
excellent quality of education being
offered at the school." she said. '1 like
the scholarly environment. I fmd I
underntand the subject matter better
because the teachers take the time
needed to explain."
"In myoid school, there were so many
kids, you were given your assignment
with very little extra help. I would like
to see more students join the program.
"However, I would not like the
number to grow so large as to spoil the
teacher-student relationships and ratio."
Raymond Hooper said the closer
attention has helped his studies.
"Since my marks have improved, I am
enjoying my year in the eighth grade,
and now feel my chances to further my
education beyond high school have
been greatly improved," Raymond
Hooper said. "However, I don't enjoy
the effort of getting up that early to
catch the ferry each morning."
School Principal Thomas Roy said he
is pleased with the program offered to
commuter students so far. The mainland
students pay $1,000 each to attend
school on Fishers Island.
No decision has been reached,
however, by the Fishers Island school
board on whether additional students
will be accepted for next year. Dr. Roy
said he would like to see a doubling of
the high school student body to 44
pupils.
All of the commuting students agree
there are some drawbacks to attending a
small school.
"But where else can you play guard
and forward on the girls basketball
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IS THE PARTY OVER YET?
(From left) Jessica Dubrey, Michael Doucette, Shannon Thibodeau, Sara Vincent,
and Jessica Vincent want to keep on partying at the school dance held in mid-
December. But it looks like Kevin Doucette (right) has more important things to do.
team, and be a cheerleader for the boys
basketball team," said Tracy Carlson.
The commuting students said it would
be a good idea if the resident students
attended a mainland school at least one
or two days a week. They might better
understand the adjustments that have to
be made, said Tracy Carlson.
All four students say they plan to return
to Fishers Island High School next year.
cIion
~
Looking Forward to Serving
Fishers Island in 1988
Company President John Rutledge (left) with one of Actions
pilots Fredrick Crosby.
FidaeN IdaM Gazetu 19
.
.
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
RAISES RECORD
AMOUNT
Elementary students and teachers
raised a school record of $1,069 in this
year's Jump Rope for Heart. This was
the school's third year of involvement in
the county wide fimdraiser that raises
money for the American Heart
Association. Participants are asked to
go out and get sponsers for each minute
that they jump during a two hour-
period. This year's top money raiser
was Eric Grebe, who single-handedly
raised $371.10. Other top collectors
were:
2nd Lisa Faulkner
3rd Katie Doherty
4th Jessica Scroxton
5th Michael Vincent
$91.00
63.80
59.20
44.50
Prizes included T-shirts, shorts, and
gym bags. In 1985 the students raised
approximately $830.00 and in 1986
about $919.00.
SCHOOL LOSES SOCCER GAME
On October 7, the twenty-two
students in grades seven through twelve
traveled to the Grove School in
Madison, Connecticut, for a soccer
match. Behind the excellent goal
keeping of Raymond Hooper, the score
remained tied at 0-0 until late in the
second half. However, the ball slipped
by Hooper giving Grove a game
winning 1-0 lead.
USA PLACES SECOND
The final results are in for Lisa
Faulkner. She finished in second place
in the short stirrup division for the 1987
Connecticut show season. She won the
-. Grand Champion reserve title for her
efforts
Lisa Faulkner, 10, won a total of 98
ribbons, including 27 first place
ribbons.
She is moving up to the 15 years and
younger division in 1988 and will be
jumping hurdles in the 3'3" range. To
help her compete, her family has bought
. nine-year-old English warmblood
oorse.
DATE SET FOR SEA
STRETCHER MARATHON
The 1988 Peter D. Sanger Sea
Stretcher Marathon is scheduled for
May 29, 1988 starting at 9:00 AM.
There will again be one, three, five, and
eight mile divisions. Runners are asked
to obtain pledges for the race. All
pledges are used for maintaining and
operating the Sea Stretcher ambulance
boat owned by the Fishers Island Fire
Department
Almost 150 runners participated in
last year's race, with over $15,000
raised in pledges.
Registration blanks will be available
by May I, 1988. If you would like an
advance form, please write to the
Fishers Island Fire Dept., Fishers
Island, NY, 06390, and a form will be
mailed back.
Jeff Carpenter tries to block shotfrom
Dave Denison during weekly volleyball
game held at the school gym this fall.
BASKETBALL TEAM
STARTS STRONG
The high school basketball team won
four of five games before Christmas
break. With 5 returning players and 5
rookies, the team has filled out and has
become more well rounded than in the
past.
The season opened at home on
December 8 against Oxford Academy.
It was a close, tough game. Ken
Abman led the tearn with 14 points, 14
rebounds and 4 blocked shots with help
from David Zanghetti who scored 10
points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
The Vikings pulled out a 40-39 victory.
On December II the boys followed
the girl's victory with one of their own.
Led by the much improved David
Zanghetti with 16 JXlints including one
3-pointer, the team came up with a 66-
31 win over the Williams School. Andy
Corsaro, who has also shown much
improvement from last year, added 10
points.
The following morning, the team had
their third straight victory defeating the
Grove School 72-52. Ken Abman and
David Zanghetti led the scoring with 19
and 16 points respectively, while both
grabbed 7 rebounds.
A Tuesday game against St. Thomas
More brought the team against a full
court press that caused too many costly
turnovers. Though again led by
Ken(l1) and David(15) in scoring, the
team lost their first game 55 to 38.
The final game before Christmas
brought another victory against Cutler
Jr. High 51-38. Ken Abman had 18
points and 16 rebounds. He had plenty
of help in the scoring department from
David Zanghetti and Andy Corsaro with
14 and 11 points.
VIKING GIRLS
UNDEFEATED IN EARLY
PLAY
This year's Fishers Island girls
basketball team has started the season
off with a bang. After three pre-
Christmas garnes, the VIkings are
undefeated.
The season opener on December 11
against the William's School brought
the team up against much younger
players giving new players Lorie
Sanchez, Sandy Doherty and Tracey
Carlson a lot of playing time. The team
was led to a 27-8 victory by co- captain
Linda Zanghetti, who had 16 points and
7 steals. Kristin Roy, Carie Lee
Cushing, and co-captain Karena Elwell
did a great job grabbing a combined 26
of the teams 43 rebounds.
On December 18, the girls played
against East Lyme on the Island. Again
matched against younger players, each
of the Fishers Island girls scored in the
40-17 victory. Tracey Carlson, Lorie
Sanchez each sunk their first baskets as
Vikings.
It was a tough game against the Cutler
Colts on December 19, yet the Vikings
hung on for a 41-40 win. Linda
Zanghetti led the tearn with 29 points, 4
assists, and 4 steals. Meri Lee Wall's
good outside shooting of 4 for 5 in the
first half kept the Vikings from falling
behind early.
With 7 games remaining in the
season, the girls have high hopes for a
winning season.
.
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COUNTY SAYS WATER
PLANT MUST BE
UPGRADED
The Suffolk Couoty Health
Department has determined that the
filtration plant of the Fishers Island
Water Works is in immediate need of
substantial repairs that will cost at least
$100,000.
Although the drinking water meets all
applicable water quality standards, the
filtration plant has not recieved
significant repairs for many years, the
health department says.
The necessary repairs include
replacement of corroding cement tanks
and repair of the walls.Water Works
officials agree that these repairs are
necessary. but argue that they cannot
now meet the health department's
timetable for performing the work.
Dennis Moran, Supervisor of the
Drinking Water Supply Section of the
Couoty Health Department says that an
October 15, 1987 deadline for a plan to
repair the plant has not been met by the
Water Works.
Water company officials say that the
stumbling block is the lack of an
alternative water source to supply
drinking water for the Island during the
several months that the filtration plant
must be closed for refurbishing.
Water Works president Jansen Noyes
said that the water company had been
relying on two wells drilled several
years ago on Middle Farms. However,
tests run this fall showed that the wells
have an unacceptably high iron content,
and therefore could not be med as a
back up water somce.
IZIJlIf.SGAZEI77C'
II!JL\/) JL.
Fishers Island Civic Assn.
Fishers Is., New Yark 06390
A solution to the problem could come
in a Fishers Island Conservancy water
study to be conducted this year. The
study is expected to cost between
$45,000 and $62,000. At a January 12th
meeting between the Water Works and
Conservancy consultants, FIDCO
promised to provide $15,000 for
drilling at least small test wells in the
Middle Farm and Brick Yard pond
areas, according to Mr. Noyes.
Each well will be tested for metal
content, salt water intrusion, and
pollution from fertilizer and pesticide
nul-off.
If a potential well site is found by the
Conservancy study, the Water Works
would then have to spend
approximately $60,000 to expand the
well, install a pump and get the
necessary health approvals, Mr. Noyes
said.
Further, the repair work on the
filtration plant could not begin until the
spring of 1989 at the earliest, given that
the results of the Conservancy study
will not be fmal uotil December 1988.
Mr. Moran and the health department
are not pleased with the delay, however.
"They (the Water Works) have to make
a decision. That's the bottom line" said
Mr. Moran."We were supposed to have
a decision by October 15, ( 1987)."
Mr. Noyes counters that the Water
Works is doing all that it reasonably can
be expected to do. "The Water Works
filed an engineering report fom months
ago, II he said.
But the health department wants to
see an actual decision on a date for
repair, Mr. Moran said. "We allow a
certain amount of slippage, but we
FEB 1 -: 1987
~l_O-
Town of Southho1d
Town Clerk
Southo1d. CT 11971
f\RST CLASS
would like to see a decision."
Mr. Moran said that if little progress is
made, a hearing in front of an
administrative law judge could be
convened. If necessary, the judge could
order compliance with health
department directives.
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