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| Summer Newsletter | June 2010
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Dear Neighbors,
The stage is set for a spectacular summer season. Good comradeship, good food, and good times lay ahead: at our homes, on the water and in the surrounding area. How fortunate we are to have these resources on hand and to live in such a caring and supportive community. We have a piece of paradise here and it is important that we are vigilant in protecting it.
Mike's tip of the day: When scheduling an appointment or visit to your house, end your conversation with your contractor or weekend guest by gently reminding them to drive slowly on the Island. A simple "By the way, we have narrow roads and lots of children, so please drive extra carefully" will help convey how protective we are of our community.
In the last newsletter I talked about how social networking, mobile devices and the Internet are changing the way people think and interact. Emergentbydesign.com has many interesting articles and links on this subject. How is this affecting us? Slowly, but surely. The MIPOA website now replaces the old "tan book" and serves as a portal for all things MIPOA. And, except for the eight or so of us who are off the grid completely, you are reading this newsletter on an electronic screen. (We still use paper products and USPS stamps for those of us off the grid.)
Our dues notifications have been sent out via e-mail, so for those of you who hardly read your e-mail, please consider this your second notification. Your $60 dues can be forwarded to MIPOA at P.O. Box 344, Mystic CT 06355. Thanks in advance.
I've had more emails and calls this Spring from the membership than ever before, sharing your concerns and ideas. Many thanks for the communication and feedback. Spring came in several weeks early and everything is flourishing What a great time to document your water view with some digital photos. In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Lastly, thanks to Hugh McGee, we are trying to arrange a Fall paper/document shredding party somewhere on the Island. We will forward details on this in our Fall newsletter. Enjoy the Summer!
Mike Gillen, President of MIPOA |
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 Mason's Island History
The Original Mason's Island Yacht Club?
This picture is in the August 1948 edition of Connecticut Circle magazine which I came across at the Mystic River Historical Society. The title is "The Original Mason's Island Yacht Club." The description reads: "Said to be the forerunner of the later Mason's Island Yacht Club, (L. to R.) first row, Brown; Landers; Goddard; Gates. (Back row) Bentley; Mussel; Crandell; Clark and Bentley. Reclining beside the building, on the right, is the Mr. Mason who owned the East side of the Mason house on Mason's Island, descendant of the original Capt. John Mason. He lived "with" his brother [Andrew] in the same house for years. Each occupied one side of the house. Through the years they were on non-speaking terms and it is said that their descendants hesitated to bury them in the same plot." However, Jim Allyn's book Major John Mason's GREAT ISLAND has a picture of Andrew Mason, c. 1907 in front of a shack on Money Point Road with swing-up front (see below)."  In that picture his banded hat and beard are identical to the Mason reclining against the boulder so I believe the picture above is of Andrew and not John and was probably taken in 1907 also. The Mason brothers rented land on the west side of the Island to people who built small summer cottages. Just before Andrew died in 1912, the various cottage owners prevailed on him to sell them their sites. I have no idea who any of the young men in the picture are; none of their names tie to the cottage owners. In the summer of 1914, the new property owners on the Island organized the Nauyaug Yacht Club. It was discontinued during World War I. Its successor, the Mason's Island Yacht Club was formed in 1927 with some of the same men as officers and directors. If anyone can add to this story, please let me know. |
member spotlight
Herewith two Mason's Island stories - one from Rosalind Loutrel Jones (Ros) - whose roots go way back as you will read. She's lived here over half a century and watched this island evolve in many ways.. Listening to her relate experiences in her warm and appealing way is an example of why this community is so special. She is a delight.
The testimony by Barry Peale - a ten year resident - reveals why we pursued him many times to give us this account of his and his wife Moo's arrival on MI.. Barry had a fine way with words, mixed with a great sense of humor, and we are so thankful that we were able to get his story.
Patty Copp and Lou Allyn hope very much that these histories provoke you, dear readers - whether here for eons, or recently (and any time in between) arrived - to share your experiences and add to our history.
Everyone has a story, so come on, send yours to patrish99@sbcglobal.net and lallyn@snet.net THANK YOU !!!
How I/We Came To Mason's Island...
Memories by Ros Loutrel Jones (Mrs. William N.) My Father was Louis F. Loutrel who had an older brother, Harry Loutrel (Cyrus H., the first Commodore of MIYC - 1928-1930) . It was Harry who was the first to come to Mason's Island. (When we took the train to Noank and then a boat to Mason's Island our family was headed to Cape Cod where we spent most summers.) MI was a halfway stop from home in South Orange, NJ - and it was a welcome place to stop. It was the Horn family who told Uncle Harry about Mason's Island.
 When we made the trip by car, I remember setting out (7 a.m.) in my Dad's Jordan Touring Car - (1926 or '27 it was) we took the Ferry across the Hudson, then Rt. 1 to Mystic, traveling with a dog, canaries, goldfish and three children. We enjoyed the contents of a picnic basket when we endured a flat tire en route - arriving at MI in the late afternoon where we spent the night. (My brother and I brought sneakers to wear while swimming to protect us from the prolific crabs who inhabited the bottom.)
On arrival at MI, it was necessary to open the gate - and close it - and drive over the railroad tracks and then the riding-way bridge, but when Uncle Harry first came, no bridge, just the boat from Noank, referred to earlier. It seems to me that MI was all grass, sheep and rocks - no tree-lined roads.
I didn't meet Bill until 1955 - but when the Jones's first came in 1926, they bought a lot on the flood plain (it was not as expensive) and built at the present location. The house was destroyed in the 1938 hurricane and re-built in 1939. (A G.E. refrigerator - icebox - was rescued from where it landed, up in a tree. When it was plugged in, to everyone's astonishment - IT WORKED!)
Various tid-bits of memories: 
Carson's in Noank is where we all shopped for groceries. There were many a skinny-dipping party off the dock. Sneaky Pete, a liquid sustenance was part of the lingo.
When I did meet Bill in 1955 we discovered MANY connections and married in 1956 and I - we - came home to stay.
Some family names that come to mind from the old days of the 1940's and to 1956: The Glocke's, Jones's, Ancient Amy (Jones), Halsey's Horn's, Muzzy-Foster, Auger's, Bets and Bill Dodge had the Sheep Farm which is still functioning today; Cousins Ham and Hope Dodge, the Soderberg's, Ryan's, Price's, Bert and Arlene Herbert, the Munger's and other artists.
Bill told me about the early days when Old Sam Lamb from Ledyard, who had a farm on Wilcox Cove, sold fresh veggies etc. from a truck, and Bill, as a youth, helped him deliver to his Mason's Island customers (in the 1920's).
There were some ladies who sunbathed in the skinny on the rocks - and they shall remain Nameless. This horrified farmer Lamb and later, when sailing around the Island, Uncle Harry Loutrel ALWAYS checked the rocks for "sunbathers."
These are a few of my/our memories of the early Loutrel/Jones families.
Having raised our kids in Fairfield County and finally becoming empty nesters, we made a move to Steamboat, Colorado. We fully intended to make Steamboat our permanent home, but after 3 years I found myself pining for my beloved salt water.
Steamboat, CO |
We had owned a summer cottage on Latimer Point, so I knew that Mystic was where I wanted to move. Moo told me that if we were going to relocate (again), I would have to find the house, so our real estate agent and I started looking, sending listings out to Colorado.
One day our agent asked me what I thought of Mason's Island. I didn't know much about it, but knew we didn't want to live in some kind of retirement community. The next day I arrived at her office and was introduced to Monica Brown - a vision with a nose ring, in a bathing suit of what looked like goldfish scales, barely covered by a diaphanous wrap. "Darling!" she crowed, wrapping me in a bear hug. "You must come to Mason's Island! You'll simply love it!" Monica | I decided then and there that whatever it was, Mason's Island was no retirement community and it would suit us just fine.
We found that the Island is unique. Ben and Jack Dobbin first took us under their wing, followed by Nancy and Martin Lyons. We were introduced to so many people at the Thursday night picnics that we had to dash home to make notes. The yacht club also turned out to be especially welcoming. It is all-inclusive and it is a wonderful center of community activities.
And unlike our tony neighbors, the Borough and Groton Long Point,, we have a more relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of privacy if we want. Of course, our Island is beautiful - a park-like setting, as the real estate folks like to say, with private roads for the kids to ride their bikes.
Does Mason's Island lack for anything? Well, yes. I wouldn't mind a 3,000 foot mountain for winter skiing. Other than that, I'd say our island is one of the world's perfect places to live. |
MASON'S ISLAND DERMATOLOGISTS:
A number of our Mason's Island neighbors specialize in skin conditions. We had some questions and asked for their response. We hope you'll find this interesting...
QUESTION:
Sunscreens have come under attack because of their lack of protection against UVA rays, the blocking of production of Vitamin D, and the possibility of potentially causing cancer. As skin specialists, do you feel any of these are valid concerns and what do you recommend for us to do this summer?
Here is some general information you should know regarding skin cancer:
- Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
- One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.
However, Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays on the skin and in addition:
- The SPF number on sunscreens only reflects the product's screening ability for UVB, not UVA, rays.
- UVB rays are blocked by windows; UVA rays are not. UVA rays are the "aging" rays and UVB rays are the "burning" rays. Excessive exposure to both forms of UV rays can lead to the development of skin cancer.
- Blurbs on AOL sensationally claim that sunscreens cause skin cancer. Weighing the data to date, I disagree with that statement.
- Sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium physically reflect both UVA and UVB rays, and are therefore good choices.
- Sunscreen recommendations: SPF 30, containing zinc or titanium, and reapplying every few hours.
Vitamin D is important:
- Vitamin D is fundamental to bone development and maintenance.
- Humans obtain vitamin D from UVB exposure, diet and supplements.
- After limited UVB exposure, (determined by season, time of day, skin type and latitude; approximately five minutes daily for a Caucasian in New York at noontime in summer exposing face and hands only), skin vitamin D production reaches its maximum. Further UV exposure will progressively increase DNA damage of skin cells, but will not produce more vitamin D. In fact it will actually have the reverse effect, breaking down vitamin D to inactive compounds.
- Vitamin D can also be obtained from oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) and cod liver oil as well as from fortified orange juice and milk, yogurts, and some cereals such as Kashi, Grape Nuts and Total. Finally, supplements are readily obtained and inexpensive.
In summary, life is a balance. One can get enough UVB exposure in 5-10 minutes per day to maximize Vitamin D production. Ultraviolet light is a carcinogen that can cause skin cells to mutate into cancer cells. Sunscreen has been documented to minimize ultraviolet absorption into skin cells. Therefore, using sunscreen can minimize your risk of developing a skin cancer. Summer is meant to be enjoyed; see you at the beach!
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Mason's Island's Gatehouse Guard: Bob
Bob is our guard at the gatehouse during the summer.
This is Bob's fourth summer at Mason's Island. Bob is from Ledyard, having been brought up in Rhode Island. He settled in Ledyard while he was in the Navy on submarines for 17 years, mainly in the Mediterranean on "secret missions". Bob is a famly man with three grown children, six grandchildren (one of his grandsons just graduated from UCONN and is planning to be a sports doctor). He's very excited about twin "GREAT GRANDSONS" to be born in a few months.
Bob loves New England sports teams (NOT New York teams, thank you). In his free time, he loves to fish (fresh water) and camp.
How about a smile and a "hello" when we pass Bob this summer?! He'd appreciate that!
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Greetings Stargazers!
Happy Summer everyone!
Summer officially begins at the solstice on June 21st at 7:28a.m. EDT which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. After a lengthy winter and wet spring on the island, these long days marking the beginning of summer are welcome to us all.
There are some exciting things happening in the Night Sky in the months ahead starting with a partial eclipse of the Moon before or during dawn on Sunday, June 26th in the western half of the United States. Unfortunately , the moon will have set here before the eclipse even begins, so we will miss this event.
The South Pacific is blessed with a total Solar Eclipse on July 11th, which will again be a contender for one of the longest ones in history offering 5 minutes and 20 seconds of totality. Up to seven eclipses can take place in one year, and the last time that happened was 1982. The fewest possible is four, as is the case for 2010. We will also miss this eclipse as well. The Full Moon is on June 26th, July 25th and August 24th. As far as the planets are concerned, Mercury spends July and August deep in the glow of sunset while Venus shines bright but low in the west during twilight. Venus will sink lower over the next three months but will continue to be the brightest object in the night sky. Mars glows a dim orange making its way to brighter Saturn, which is in the western twilight. Saturn will get quite low and hard to see by the end of August. All three planets gradually close in on one another during July. Jupiter rises in the middle of the night and by dawn is shining bright in the southeast. By August it shines in the east-southeast by late evening. The two most outermost planets, Uranus and Neptune are dim. Uranus is hiding in the background of Jupiter while Neptune is in Aquarius. As far as Constellations go , the Summer Triangle makes an almost perfect right Triangle and can be used to find your way around the summer Night Sky. The Summer Triangle consists of Deneb, Altair, and bluish Vega. Vega is the second brightest star in the northern hemisphere, closely rivaling Arcturus. Vega means Swooping Eagle in Arabic. It soars almost directly overhead in summer, while the bright stars of winter nights are hidden almost directly beneath our feet.  Vega is in the constellation Lyra the Harp. The Summer Triangle is easy to find; however, if you are having trouble, go back to The Big Dipper and trace away from it above the open bowl. This line runs into Deneb which, with the bright stars Altair and Vega, form this small group of stars found high overhead all summer long amid the splendid sweep of the Milky Way.
In ending, the visibility of the Milky Way, its brightness and richness of detail, or lack thereof, is the best gauge of the light pollution in our sky. The damage caused by noise and light pollution to man and other living species continues to be a problem worldwide. These types of pollution can have serious repercussions, such as disturbing ecosystems and provoking diseases in humans. The fight against noise and light pollution is a major environmental and public health challenge. Please help us here on our island by being conscious of excessive lighting and thoughtful to your neighbors.
Happy Viewing!
Karin Whittemore |
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Cook's Corner
From the Kitchen of
Betsy Trimble
I've been very fortunate in having a wonderful mother-in-law, especially one who is such a good cook. Here's one of her favorite summer recipes: simple and delicious.
 2 cans (19 oz. each) black beans, drained & rinsed 3 cans (11 oz. each) white shoepeg corn, drained & rinsed (note: don't use regular yellow corn -- must be shoepeg) 4 cans (4 oz. each) diced or chopped green chili peppers (do not drain) 6-8 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 3-4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3-4 large green onions, chopped finely Fresh cilantro (a small container about 4" x 5" x 2 1/2" will be more than enough) 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoons pepper (or to taste) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mix black beans, corn and chili peppers in a large bowl. Add lime juice and olive oil. Add green onions. Wash the cilantro thoroughly to remove all sand. Dry in a salad spinner. Remove all stems, and finish drying on paper towels. Loosely pack 1 and 1/2 cups of cilantro. Chop finely. Add to bowl. Add ground cumin. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each of salt & pepper, or to taste. Refrigerate overnight to blend flavors. Serve with your favorite Tortilla chips! |
 ASK LUCY....problems on our island.... Question from a Responsible Dog Owner: I'm not quite sure who to address this suggestion/request to but I suppose that you might be the logical person to begin with. We have a dog which we walk several times a day. We try to be responsible for all of our dog's droppings by picking them up and disposing of them on our property. Most of our dog owning neighbors do the same but we notice quite a number of piles, both large and small, that have been left on the sides of our roads and in our common areas. Perhaps these piles are being left by dog owners who are just visiting or renting and who might just need reminding of how we all try to keep our island clean and pleasant. If you can figure out a nice way to remind everyone of our responsibilities for our pet's activities I am sure that we will all appreciate your efforts. Answer to a Responsible Dog Owner:  Wouldn't it be nice if every dog owner was as responsible and caring as you?! You are not alone in experiencing this problem since we have received numerous complaints. We would love to figure out a way to get out the message: CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG!! Bring a bag and show you care. And, if you rent out your house or have company visiting who are dog owners, please inform them that we pride ourselves on a NO POOP LEFT community!
Question from a Night Sky Lover: I live on the island in the winter and summer. For most of the year, the island is wonderful since it is dark and magical at night. The total darkness is fantastic and it is a delight to see the stars so bright. However, once summer comes, many of my neighbors (or their tenants) keep their outdoor lights on all night. I find myself waking up at night with light beaming into my bedroom. What can I do? It is annoying and ruins the magic of the night and my sleep! Please help.
 Answer to a Night Sky Lover: Guess I could also call you "Sleepless on Mason's Island". However, doesn't it seem that this problem is one we could easily correct?! Outdoor lights should be turned on only when needed and should not be kept on all night. They should not be considered a "night light". Please note that decorating your landscape with lighting can be very intrusive to others. So please remember: Turn your lights off at night. Thank you. |
Did you Know?
Things happening locally...
Blue Monday Concerts Kick off on June 28 in Mystic River Park and are held every Monday through August 2nd starting at 6pm. Al Copley, Duke Robillard and Greg Picolo are some of the featured artists.
Mason's Island Art Show. Make sure you come down to the Yacht Club to enjoy the incredible artistic talents of your neighbors. Opening event is July 7th, 6:30-8:00pm and all day on July 8th, 10:00am-8:00pm. You will be amazed at how much talent resides right here on our island.
Celtic Music. Many of the local bars and restaurants feature music, including Noah's in Stonington. Flutist Michael "Skip" McKinley plays traditional Celtic music the second Saturday of every month, starting at 8:30pm. He is joined by well known local singers, fiddle players and even uillean pipers (Irish bagpipes). Always a great musical evening!
 Wooden Boat Show at Mystic Seaport. June 25-27. For all you wooden boat lovers, there will be boats of every type and size plus building demonstrations and races right here in Mystic!
Do yourself and the environment a favor and go to the Eco-Evening Garden Party right down the street at Ender's Island. Tuesday, July 13, 5-7:30p.m. Benefitting The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, the event will feature locally grown food, beer and wine. Businesses and organizations which have integrated sustainability into their operations will also be recognized.
Off The Wall at Mystic Art Center, July 23rd. Mystic Art Center's annual auction and party is always a wonderful evening. A great way to enjoy fabulous food and outstanding artwork in beautiful surroundings. Come and support your local artists!
SoundMusic at Mystic Aquarium will offer THREE terrific concerts this summer under the stars and at the Aquarium,. The first concert is on Sunday, August 1 with a "Swing Dance Under the Stars" featuring the Cab Calloway Orchestra. For more info go to: www.mysticaquarium.org.
Summer Fun in Westerly. You might want to take a short trip up Route 1 to enjoy some of the many events and concerts happening in Westerly, Misquamicut and Watch Hill plus the excellent summer series: Shakespeare-In-The-Park. Log on to www.westerlychamber.org for more info.
Restaurant News: Latitude 41 degrees at The Mystic Seaport. Make your reservations through OPENTABLE (and earn points). Located where the Seaman's Inn used to be, Latitude 41 degrees features New American cuisine and the highest quality ingredients from local farmers. Flood Tide Restaurant. Located within The Inn at Mystic on Williams Avenue, this is an old favorite with many Mason's Islanders. It has recently been renovated and is worth revisiting this time of year to enjoy their amazing view of our beautiful island. There is a formal dining room as well as a bar menu and a lovely outside dining terrace. The Boathouse. Formally Jamms, the Mystic Boathouse features classic American cuisine. The new owners have successfully maintained the seaport charm of this landmark building with classic maritime design elements. Word is it's a great place to spend some time and is the new local Mystic hang out. Give it a try! |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING WITHIN AN HOURS DRIVE?
July 30, 2010 to July 31, 2010. Time: Friday, 7 - 9pm; Saturday, 9am - 3pm. Cost: FREE
Kick off the weekend with an outdoor performance on Friday evening on the banks of the Lieutenant River at the Florence Griswold Museum; on Saturday, the town becomes a Market En Plein Air offering fresh Connecticut-grown flowers, vegetables, fruits, breads, fine cheeses, herbs, and hands-on activities. Location: various throughout Old Lyme.
July 15, 2010 to July 17, 2010. Time: Thursday and Friday, noon - 9 pm; Saturday, 10am - 7pm. Cost: adults, $7; children 12 and under, free
One of Connecticut's oldest and finest outdoor juried shows, the expo features handmade works by more than 170 countrywide artists, including ceramics, glass, jewelry,fiber, metal and more.
July 22, 2010. At the Children's Museum, 950 Trout Brook Dr. 6-8pm, Cost: $8 (REGISTER!)
Join the museum to kick off a month of laser shows with a program about how lasers actually work. See some live science demonstrations about light and make a light project of your own.
July 3, 2010 to July 4, 2010. Saturday, 10 - 5pm; Sunday, 10 - 4pm.
Come peruse the tables of hand-made beautiful things and then chow down on a fantastic New England Lobster dinner. Happy Birthday America.
July 17, 2010 Cost: FREE
Members of the 14th Regiment of the Connecticut Volunteer Infantry portray the lives of ordinary citizens who participated in Company G of the Union Army. The regiment sets up a typical campsite and demonstrates the skills needed by soldiers.
July 22, 2010 at 7 pm. Cost: FREE
Virtuoso Celtic fiddler Eileen Ivers is a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, an original Riverdance star, and a lifelong traveler of Ireland's musical paths. Hailed by the NY Times as "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin," Ivers has begun to transform Irish music, adding elements that have brought it well beyond its traditional roots.
and check out the SUMMER FLICKERS on Wednesday nights at 8pm at Hygenic in New London.
July 10, 2010 at 9:20pm. Cost: FREE
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is again proud to sponsor the annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Sailfest 2010.
July 16, 2010 to July 17, 2010
A tattoo - meaning individual short performances by fife & drums corps -- will take place on July 16 at 7 p.m. at Devitt's Field. Annual Parade is July 17 at 11 a.m. Parade starts at the corner of Kirtland and Main Street to Devitt's Field. Muster immediately following the parade.
July 16, 2010, 7:30-10:30pm. Cost: $5 per person, $20 per family
This night of fun and dancing is open to singles, couples, and families; no experience necessary.
July 3, 2010 to July 9, 2010, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm.
This play sings a tale of destiny, luck, and the commonality of the human experience. From the slave castles of Ghana to a rooftop in Sweden; from the shores of Lake Michigan to the streets of Seoul, the storytellers continue to find that change is inevitable... and (r)evolutionary. A spiritual quest in our decidedly computerized times, "Clear" fuses music and pure love to remind us how best to live life.
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 MASON'S ISLAND SPOTTINGS
Here are some great photos of a coyote taken in April by Jennifer Milne along with her description:
"Saw him/her tonight at the edge of our property in the marsh ~ 6:30... I haven't seen any for a while, but obviously they're still around...... there were a bunch of turkeys in the yard at the time as well..... he was sitting pretty comfortably until the girls followed me out and made enough noise to scare him away..... thought you would like some pictures from the "neighborhood".
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer.
If you have any interesting "spottings", send us your photo with a description to info@mipoa.info |
 COMING IN OUR SUMMER NEWSLETTER...
"Island Dogs"
WE HAVE DELAYED THIS ARTICLE since adorable Marley (photo on left) wants to make sure all island dogs have a chance to be included. Stay tuned for the Fall Newsletter. Don't forget, to have your dog included in the article, please email us a photo of your dog(s) and provide some information (i.e. name, age, habits, whatever) to info@mipoa.info.
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Living History: Civil War Encampment -- Old Saybrook, CT
