north stamford news€¦ · information. i finally reached the stamford museum and nature...

20
Back to School at the Stamford Historical Society winter 2 o 15 Bats’ Mitzvahs Path of the Ox 6 3 5 north stamford news

Upload: others

Post on 21-Aug-2020

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Back to School at theStamfordHistorical Society

w i n t e r 2 o 1 5

Bats’Mitzvahs

Path ofthe Ox 63 5

n o r t h s t a m f o r d n e w s

Page 2: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Photo: Meg Tocantins

pa g e 2

Page 3: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

A

pa g e 3

s homeowners and real estate brokers, my husband Tom and I are used to dealing with maintenance issues; a leaking hot water heater, a tripped circuit breaker and such. But what do we do when unexpected guests take up residence in our homes and garages? I don’t mean our adult children. We have been on countless home inspections for both buyers and sellers. Sometimes we think we’ve seen it all. Last summer, we faced the unexpected: Furry visitors who stopped by, decided they liked our accommodations, and decided to stay. Talk about bats in the belfry. We recognized the telltale granular blobs of bat guano on a stone wall near the garage, a sure sign of bats in residence. Looking up, we saw more signs on the garage windowsill. They had gotten under the soffit molding and not into the garage itself, at least not yet. They were large brown bats, one of eight species indigenous to Connecticut. Whitenose syndrome, a deadly fungus that turns their noses telltale white, is threatening bats throughout the country and has decimated the little brown bats that were so plentiful in our area. This non-native fungus has killed

Bats’ Mitzvahsby Myra Kijek

more than 5.7 million bats in eastern North America since 2006, according to the Bat Conservation Organization. Bats are a protected species. They eat moths, beetles, and mosquitoes in inordi-nately large numbers (try a thousand mosqui-toes an hour!) By controlling the insect population, they are critical for agriculture, human health, and forestry. Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind and only one-half of one percent of bats have rabies. But that was enough to scare me. I wanted to “bat proof” our home, safely and humanely. All roads led to Reid Boone and “All About Bats and Wildlife” (aabats.com). We learned we had a small birthing colony of female bats and their offspring The plan was to wait until they were ambulatory (it’s a sensitive time for the babies), monitor them, and wait some more until they were old enough to spend the night out. Because they are a protected species, Boone has special one-way tubes that attach to their entry holes. They can easily leave but cannot get back in. Once we knew they were gone (no more guano) he came back and sealed every possible entry point, since bats are likely to return in ensuing years to the same address. If they

Continued on page 4

Reid Boone

Photo: Reid Boone

Page 4: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Bats’ Mitzvahs

gave us a good review on Tripadvisor, we’d have even more visitors. Here are some pointers we’d like to share on how to keep wildlife out of your home:1. Don’t leave cat food on the back porch.2. Trim trees close to the house.3. Keep garage doors closed at night.4. Don’t prop open screen doors.5. Seal window air conditioner frames where birds and bats can enter. If the sill area is offset, fill it with towels.6. Be mindful of open dampers and windows.7. Use chimney caps 8. Cover suspected entry holes with insulation or a piece of soft cloth. If they move it, your suspicions will be confirmed. If you are in the market for a new home, you

pa g e 4

Continued from page 3

may want to consider a wildlife inspection. As Boone says “Every house has a vulnerability. Not all operators from large pest control companies are familiar with wildlife signs. Mouse and bat drop-pings, for example, can be confused.” A few months after we first noticed thebats at our home, we showed a client a fairly new North Stamford home that was vacant. We soon realized squatters were living at this address. Outside, in front of the garage doors, we saw something on the ground that we recognized. That’s all it took to tell us the property was not really a one family. Bats, those beneficial creatures of the night, had moved in.

Myra and Tom Kijek are realtors with William Raveis and longtime NSA members

Page 5: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

I once had an interesting lesson in what scholars call “above-ground archaeology.” Richard Prowse, a local building contractor and history buff, stopped by my office to do some research and casually mentioned that I lived around the corner from one of the last remaining oxen walks in Stamford. “What’s an oxen walk?” I asked. Richard explained that these were extremely wide stone walls, usually more than six feet across, built by farmers for use in wetlands as paths for oxen and oxen carts. Although I had been on Pheasant Lane hundreds of times, I never noticed it. But there it was, running through the wetlands near the Merritt Parkway and eventually crossing the road. This encouraged me to research oxen walks, only to discover that, with few exceptions, nobody has ever heard of them! Calls to the farm at Sturbridge Village, the Connecticut Historical Society Library, and Susan Allport, author of a book on stone walls, brought no additional information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century oxen had shorter legs and thicker bodies than modern ones and that these stone oxen walks, although she had never heard of them before, may have been a way to prevent oxen from sinking helplessly into the mud. She said that in her part of Connecticut, wooden planking was used for this purpose. My biggest source of information was ex-Mayor Michael Pavia, who was the city’s first Environmental Protection Board director. He told me he came across a number of oxen walks while inspecting wetlands for subdivisions. The story he

Following the Mysterious Path of the Ox

By Renée Kahn

heard was that they were put there not only to keep the oxen from getting trapped in mud, but to keep them from getting foot infections from moisture. He theorized that they may have been built to lessen a steep grade, enabling oxen pulling carts to negotiate slopes more easily. Since Mr. Prowse’s chance comment, I have been finding oxen walks everywhere: Behind the Samuel Holly house on Scofieldtown Road, on the side streets off Stillwater Road, up near Thornridge Drive, and off Guinea Road just north of the Merritt Parkway overpass. These were all locations of early farms. Oxen played a critical role in the develop-ment of farming in pre-industrial America, doing much of the heavy pulling and lifting until replaced with horses. Horses, which can pull heavier loads and work longer, replaced oxen once the fresh grass and high quality hay they require could be sufficiently and reliably grown. The 18th century Knap House on Stillwater Road, which once belonged to Virginia and Bob Davis, is named “Oxen Walk” because of the excellent example that remains on the property. A research paper prepared by Mrs. Davis’ mother in the 195os described it as follows: “The picturesque

pa g e 5

Continued on page 6

Page 6: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

pa g e 6

Continued from page 5

ox-walk, so called, a stone wall wide and high and level enough to permit the passage of the old oxcarts, bringing timber down in winter from the Knap woods to the upland, remains virtually untouched.” Oxen walks should not be mistaken for ordinary three- or four-foot-wide stone walls; given the farmers’ need to clear fields of rocks, there are lots of wide walls around. A real oxen walk is at least six feet across, which is wide enough for a team of oxen or an ox cart. Despite all my asking around, I still do not have a clear picture of whether the ox walked on the wall or alongside it, pulling its cart on top of the stones. I gather that over the years, most of the flat-top stones of the remaining walls have been removed, leaving them with rougher-stoned surfaces.

Renée Kahn is director emeritus of Historic Neighborhood Preservation, an organization that works to preserve the historic integrity of Stamford.

any people have fond memories of their school days. Now is your chance to relive those happy times. A new exhibit called “Stamford School Days 1641-1971” has opened at the Stamford Historical Society at 15o8 High Ridge Road. The exhibit showcases Stamford schools and, in particular, the Martha Hoyt (formerly Willard School) building that celebrated its 100th birthday in 2014. The former Hoyt School building now serves as the historical society’s headquarters. The exhibit tells the story of the development of the educational system in Stamford from the earliest wooden schoolhouse of the 1600s to the construction and opening of Westhill High School in 1971. Stamford’s first recorded schoolhouse was built 300 years prior to Westhill. From that time until 1852, schooling in Stamford was conducted in several one-room schoolhouses spread across the town. In 1852, Stamford’s first graded multi-room schoolhouse was built of wood on Broad Street. It burned down in 1867 and was replaced with a brick structure. In the meantime, several other graded schools were built, all looking fairly similar and most having four to eight rooms.

Back to School at the Stamford Historical SocietyBy Thomas Zoubek

M

Following the Mysterious Path of the Ox

Page 7: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

pa g e 7

Gradually, larger schools were added with a high school created in 1873. As Stamford embarked on a campaign to build larger and more modern graded schools, the one-room schoolhouses vanished. The last one, the Bangall School, shut its doors in 1949. “Stamford School Days” is divided into three parts. In the Red Gallery, the focus is on public school education in Stamford from 1852 through the early 20th century. The exhibit features many photos, school bells, copybooks, school uniforms, and paper ephemera. The Society’s fascinating collection of vintage samplers is also displayed, as samplers constituted a way for young girls to

show their mastery of letters, numbers, and needlepoint. The Hallway Gallery houses exhibits related to the public schools themselves, depicting the earliest and latest period of school development with one room schoolhouses on one side and the newest schools on the other. The exhibits also cover some of the earliest private schools and parochial schools. The Halliday Gallery is dedicated to Stamford’s private schools. Most of these schools are long gone, with the exception of King Low Heywood Thomas School. We invite all to visit the exhibit and reminisce about their schooldays past. We are also

Continued on page 8

Page 8: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

pa g e 8

Back to School at theStamford HistoricalSocietyContinued from page 7

interested in material people might have that would help us tell this story better. The exhibit is open every Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Suggested admission is $7, with a discount for members. In keeping with the spirit of the exhibit, notable local educators will be honored at the Stamford Historical Society’s Annual Gala, to be held at the Italian Center on April 16th, 2o15. They will include Kris Bria, head of Long Ridge School; Sue Cesare, former head of KLHT; Pauline Rauh former principal and member of the Stam-ford Board of Education; and Historical Society board

member Dr. Richard Harper. Contact the Historical Society at (203) 329-1183 for more information and visit us online at www.stamfordhistory.org.

Thomas Zoubek is executive director of the Stamford Historical Society, an educational and research institution that collects, preserves, conserves, interprets, and exhibits materials relating to Stamford and the surrounding area.

Page 9: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Photo: Meg Tocantins

Page 10: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

pa g e 1 o

Page 11: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

pa g e 1 1

By Sally Sacks

Swanee, How We Loved You

ot every neighborhood can boast a resident swan, but we of Jordan Lane had one. Swanee lived on the pond in back of our friends’ home, just across our road. Muriel and Richard were very proud of their swan. Swanee was not just a summer visitor. He stayed year round. All winter long, Muriel and Richard put special swan-type grain outside the family room for him. If the supply ran out, Swanee would appear at the glass sliders, furiously flapping his wings and reminding them of their responsibility. When Muriel and Richard went on a week’s vacation one winter, I was assigned to keep an eye on Swanee. It was a snowy, icy week. On Sunday, a bitter cold day, I looked across the road and spotted the swan on their driveway. When I glanced over twenty minutes later, he had not moved. I waited a little longer and, concerned, put on a coat and walked over. I expected Swanee to stalk away as I approached, but he simply stared at me and remained motionless. The driveway was a solid sheet of ice. I realized that his feet must have frozen in place – a horrible thought! I ran home, called the Humane Society, and described the problem. They said they would try to send someone over. “Remain at the site,” they said. I remained at the site, shivering in the sub-freez-ing weather, staring at Swanee. He defiantly stared back at me. “Move,” I pleaded with him. “Please, just move your feet!” Swanee remained immobile. We thus confronted each other for a frigid half hour. Finally, a small truck appeared and a young man emerged. He regarded Swanee for a moment, then announced, “I think his feet are frozen to the ice.” Through blue lips, I murmured my agreement. He went back to his truck and fetched a net attached to a long pole. Slowly he approached Swanee. They eyed one another. When the young

man got about three feet from the big swan, all set for the lunge, Swanee abruptly turned his back and casually waddled away. Have you ever wanted to kill a swan? I am sorry to say that Swanee’s actual demise occurred the following summer. I had nothing to do with it. This is how it came to pass. Richard had an ingrown toenail (bear with me, here). The podiatrist said he would meet him in the emergency room. Muriel got into the car to drive Richard to the hospital. Just as she backed out of the garage she remembered she had left her wallet in the kitchen. While she went in to get it, Swanee, unbeknownst to Muriel and Richard, wandered out onto the driveway and plopped himself behind the car. Muriel got into the car, backed out, and you can guess the rest. She jumped out of the car when she felt the impact and found Swanee lying there, still alive but gravely injured. What should she do? She couldn’t just leave him, but she had to get Richard to the hospital. So she raced next door to our neighbor, Bruce, who was a game-bird hunter, and screeched, “I’ve run over Swanee, you have to finish him off because I have to get Richard to the ER!” Muriel rushed Richard off to the hospital at top speed. She entered the ER, wild-eyed, hysterical, and screamed to the astonished receptionist, “My husband has an ingrown toenail!” Meanwhile, back home, Bruce carried out the gory task of dispatching Swanee. As he described it, it was a bloody and decidedly unpleasant procedure. Swanee was also quite heavy. But Bruce dutifully dug a grave and gave him a respectful burial. Richard made an unremarkable recovery. Muriel remained grateful to Bruce for the rest of her days.

Sally Sacks is a longtime member of the North Stamford Association and contributor to our magazine.

N

Page 12: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

pa g e 1 2

By Lew Gediman

I successfully avoided prosecution for my book Semantricks: A Dictionary of Words You Thought You Knew, in which I punished my readers. I have turned my idle moments (of which my wife says I have too many) to the limerick – that venerable old verse form that has long been a favorite of children and immature adults. My projected book will organize my limericks into several general categories. Here are a few examples.

A Turn for the Verse

Vocations

A shortage of dough was indeedVery hard for a baker named Reed.He said, “You can betThat I knead what I get,But I don’t always get what I need.”

In his garden, a parson one dayFound that beetles were having their way.His wife saw them tooAnd cried, “What should we do?”The parson intoned, “Let us spray.”

Short-order cook Tommy BrownMade breakfasts of local renown.His eggs, ham, and gritsWere dependable hits,And they came with the toast of the town.

Places

A housekeeper up in VancouverTried vacuuming each window louver.Though awkward to do,She vacuumed a few,Then decided it didn’t beHoover.

All girls at the dress works in ChesterHave compound first names (except Hester).There’s Anna-Marie,Sarah-Jane, Betsy-Lee,Nancy-Jo and, of course, Polly-Esther.

An Eskimo ancient named JoeWas dying – and ready to go.Supporting his missionIn native tradition,His kin said, “Let’s go with the floe.”

Photo: Meg Tocantins

Page 13: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Lew Gediman is a member of the North Stamford Association. He attributes his interest in verbal fun and games to the respite it provided him from a career authoring prose-heavy analytic research reports as president of a Stamford marketing research firm he ran with his wife Judith.

by Ruth Ann Sbarra

pa g e 1 3

Mishaps, Misfortunes, and Mayhem

As some of our faculties wane,We older folks tend to complain.We speak with regretOf how much we forgetWhen we wander down Memory Lane.

Last fall Mary Ellen and BingWere engaged in an amorous fling.But just at the startThe old bed fell apart,So they had to resume in the spring.

Increasingly desperate, FloWas seeking a suitable beau.Three first-dates went badly,Reminding her sadlyOf Curley and Larry and Moe.

Personality Types/Idiosyncrasies

A clerk, in a moment of pique,Mooned a dowager in a boutique.Though rather astonished,She promptly admonishedThe rascal, exclaiming, “What cheek!”

A strange girl I knew, name of Molly,Found transport by streetcar quite jolly.She rode them all day,Causing people to say“She’s as on as she’s off of her trolley.”

A vain couple, Todd and Monique,Were in thrall to the fashion mystique.On the haute couture sceneThe pain was quite keenTo be seen as they danced chic to chic.

Pastries and hookers, for Bart,Were the two things most dear to his heart.When pressed to averWhich delight he’d prefer,He smiled and said, “I'll take the tart.”

Random Whimsy

Origami’s not easy, I’m told,With creases both subtle and bold.Takes patience and careAnd finesse brought to bearBy anyone new to the fold.

The iPhone she constantly tapsIs Sally’s religion, perhaps.Not left in the lurchEven when she’s in church,Where she takes special joy in the apse.

Here’s something I marvel at still:How whales get to feed to their fill.They sweep through the seasWith the greatest of ease,All the while moving in for the krill.

Ever since I was a kidI would now and then slip off the grid.And even though FreudMight be rather annoyed,I would swap superego for id.~~~~~~~

Photo: Meg Tocantins

Page 14: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

To the Editor:The Brian Bill Memorial Fund was created in August, 2o11, shortly after Chief Special Warfare Officer Brian Robert Bill was killed participating with his Navy SEAL teammates in a daring nighttime mission in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.Brian was born and raised in Stamford. His intense internal drive and devotion to his country eventually led to a career as an elite Navy SEAL as part of the even more elite SEAL Team 6. During his career, Brian became a highly decorated combat veteran awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor (4), the Purple Heart Medal, and many other medals, ribbons, commendations and citations. He was killed just weeks short of his 32nd birthday.The Brian Bill Memorial Foundation is a 5o1(c)(3) charity organization dedicated to honoring and preserving

the memory of Brian and all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation in the global war on terror. Raise the Bar, Inc. is the sponsoring non-profit organization. On January 5, 2015, the fund issued a request for proposal for memorial art services to support our effort to build a lasting memorial in Brian’s name. The RFP has garnered a significant response from artists locally and from across the country. Final artist renditions are due by February 24th. Any artists interested in submitting a bid should

download the RFP directly from the Brian Bill Memorial Fund website. We are working to raise $175,000 to finance the construction of the memorial in Veterans Park on Atlantic Street in downtown Stamford. To date, the fund has raised just over $32,000. We ask that you please take the time to visit our website at www.brianbill-memorial.org and consider making a donation so we can honor our local hero and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice

Patrick Sasser

Ph

oto

: M

eg

To

can

tin

s

Page 15: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

To the Editor:To meet the needs of an increasingly digital world, J.M. Wright Technical High School has reopened its doors. Wright Tech offers ten impressive and in-demand programs, including e-carpentry, facilities management, health technology, tourism, and digital media. Its focus is on science, technology, engineering, and math education. There has been a growing need for skilled tradesmen in our area. To fill this need, Wright Tech first assists students choose a career path based on their interests, current skills, and proclivity. It then offers internship and employment placement opportunities with local companies. All junior and senior students are eligible to enroll in college classes with UConn Stamford, Norwalk Community College, and the Connecticut State University system. In addition to internship, employment, and college credit

opportunities, Wright Tech offers students the latest in digital learning. All students are provided with electronic devices, which lets them to participate in web-based instruction and assessments, as well as stay in contact with teachers. I am so thrilled to see the dream vision of J.M. Wright Technical High School become a reality. In a time of unprecedented student loan debt and low wages for college graduates, it makes sense to take advantage of skill-based training. Not only does this allow students to enter their career paths immediately after high school, it allows them the chance to work during college to minimize loan debt. I encourage you to visit Wright Technical High School to witness firsthand the School’s motto: “Learning how to learn for a lifetime of success.” Applications for the class of 2o19 are currently being accepted;

there are 15o available slots. Stamford’s J.M. Wright is the gold standard for all Connecticut technical schools.

Rep. Livvy Floren represents the 149th District of Greenwich and Stamford in the General Assembly.

Photo: Meg Tocantins

Page 16: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

hile preparing for the most recent North Stamford Association (NSA) annual meeting held in October, I spent some time reviewing our organization’s activities for the past year. During the ten months between our 2o13 and 2o14 annual meetings, I attended over two dozen municipal or state government meetings. In each instance, two or more board members attended as well. Several meetings involved Stamford’s recently adopted master plan. The NSA stated clearly that we are opposed to any changes that would alter the character of North Stamford and none were made in the o69o3 zip code area. We opposed major changes to the campus office park designs that have been in place for over four decades. While the Stamford Planning Board accepted some of the consultant’s proposed changes, not all of the proposals were adopted. The types of buildings and uses permitted in those office parks (none of which are located north of the Merritt Parkway, but some of which are located on the Long Ridge and High Ridge corridors) were expanded, but to a lesser extent than had been originally proposed by the consultant. Several meetings involved the renovation of the Scofieldtown Park. We supported the immediate neighbors who opposed a basketball court, dog park, and lighting in the park. During the past month, we persuaded the city engineering bureau not to remove the glacial rock located on the eastern edge of the park opposite the magnet school. Proponents of the removal cited safety reasons. Our research revealed that there has not been a motor vehicle accident associated with the rock in at least the past eleven years. The NSA has taken an active role in opposing the Mayapple Center for the Arts, including providing financial support and active participation with the North Stamford Residential Preservation Association. We also attended meetings concerning the proposed changes to the Long Ridge/High Ridge corridors, opposing several of the major proposals made by the consultants hired by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT).We also interfaced with the DOT concerning the bike trail study that has been underway since the State of Connecticut received funding to conduct a feasibility study for a bike path on the Merritt Parkway right of way. The path, if ever approved,

NSA President’s Report

would cost hundreds of millions of tax dollars and result in the removal of thousands of trees along the 37-mile route. In some instances, the path would be within five feet of a private property line, since the path must weave in order to avoid inclines in excess of established codes. The NSA presented testimony before the Stamford Parks and Recreation Commission supporting neighbors who requested that the city require resident permits to park at the Riverbank Park, as they do at our local beaches. The police department had stepped up enforcement of no parking regulations on Riverbank Road in the vicinity of the park. As our members who traverse this roadway in the summer know, the area had been inundated with illegally parked cars (most from out of state) and has been the site of open fires and illegal swimmers. We have continued our participation in the Community Assistance Program meetings with members of other groups, the City of Stamford, and the State of Connecticut. In addition, NSA directors have participated in hearings at the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and the Connecticut State Assembly concerning tree removal by utilities. As reported previously, HR 54o8 codifies the right of an adjoining neighbor to halt the trimming or removal of a tree on public property until the local tree warden has weighed in. If a property owner is not satisfied with the recommendations of the tree warden, the resident may take the matter to PURA for a hearing. The legislation also reiterated the right of a property owner to say no to any alteration or removal of his or her privately owned tree. We continue to monitor construction at Lake Windermere and adherence to the regulations in place concerning the above-ground septic system. We continue to monitor the Long Ridge Club. The club had withdrawn an application to expand to large, permanent buildings which would operate year round as an indoor tennis facility. It is unknown when or if they will re-apply. We voiced our strong opposition to this commercial enterprise. We also attended blight hearings, tree meetings, budget hearings, and meetings of the city’s land use boards, including the Stamford Planning Board, Zoning Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Tom Lombardo, NSA president

W

Page 17: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Photo: Meg Tocantins

Page 18: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Photo: Michael Callahan

Page 19: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

pa g e 1 9

The purpose of the association is to protect, preserve and enhance the quality of life in North Stamford, identified as all areas north of the Merritt Parkway and within the limits of the City of Stamford. The mission of the Association shall include, but not be limited to:

~ seeking to ensure a fair share of city services commensurate with the taxes paid for North Stamford;

~ protercting the integrity and seeking to ensure the appropriateness of land use requlations and decisions, including but not limited to, the regulations and decisions of the Planning, Zoning, Zoning Appeals and Environmental Protection Boards of the City of Stamford;

~ encouraging the enhancement of the quality and availability of educational opportunities in North Stamford;

~ promoting communication among the residents of North Stamford;

~ maintaining the natural beauty of North Stamford, and:

~ advocating the need to preserve, protect and defend the natural resources and environment within North Stamford and its surrounding communities.

MISSION STATEMENT

NSA Membership

Join your neighbors who are already

working to help the community.

Please complete the membership

form and mail it to us with a check.

If you would like more information,

phone us at

203.329.2498 or email us at

[email protected]

Please send your

Letters to the Editor to:

NSAP.O. Box 16830Stamford, CT 06905www.northstamfordassoc.orgor

Mark Diamond at [email protected]

NSA Membership — Year 2015North Stamford Association Membership Dues

Please complete this form and mail it to:

P.O. Box 16830, Stamford, CT 06905

Name

Address

Membership per Household

Gifts $ 25 Sponsor $ 50 Patron $125 Benefactor $125+

Phone

Email

Page 20: north stamford news€¦ · information. I finally reached the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s expert on oxen, Mrs. Rosemary Naples of Durham, CT. She explained that 19th century

Winter 2o15Newsletter

Steve ColeAsst. SecretaryGary [email protected]

Jackie KaikoMill [email protected]

Paul KaranChestnut Hill [email protected]

Pat SasserSkyline [email protected] m

Douglas YorkKatydid [email protected]

Tom LombardoPresidentHickory [email protected]

Gail OkunVice PresidentErskine Road

Jack HalpertVice PresidentCricket [email protected]

Art GelstonTreasurerMohawk [email protected]

Hal MathisAsst. TreasurerSawmill [email protected]

Hiro NakajimaSecretaryConstance [email protected]

Helene DevinMill [email protected]

Mark DiamondWest [email protected]

Mo GlucksmanSunset [email protected]

Rachel LussierCascade [email protected]

Web:www.northstamfordassoc.org

Email:[email protected]

Twitter:@NorthStamford

Facebook:northstamfordassociation

Mark DiamondEditor

Bob CallahanDesigner

Published by theNorth Stamford

AssociationPhone: 2o3.329.2498