Seaport Association to honor Norwalk Native Jerry Toni @ Gala April 27

April 27, 2019, marks the highly anticipated annual Lightkeepers Gala  Masquerade Ball at the Norwalk Inn hosted by the Seaport Association.  This event always promises a "boat-load" of fun, fine food, and drinks, as well as the opportunity to honor this year's Beacon Award Winners, Jerry Toni and Dick Harris that have given so much to the organization in helping it to evolve and surpass their mission.

Jerry Toni has had a love of Long Island Sound, Sheffield Island and the Norwalk Islands for years.  "As a  young boy, I would fish, harvest clams and tend to our lobster pots around the Norwalk Islands with my father.  I remember that the east side of Sheffield Island was a favorite fishing spot among the rocks. A favorite activity of ours would be to dig for clams and drag a net on the west side of Sheffield Island to catch shiners for bait."

Jerry's love of the area came to fruition in 1988 with the Seaport's purchase of Sheffield Island. "Two years after the Island was bought, the Association asked me and my business partner, Pat Cutrone, also an avid fisherman to manage the Sheffield restoration project, we were delighted and couldn't wait to start."   The restoration process was massive and included re-pointing masonry, glass repairs in the tower, restoration of cast iron details in the tower, structural repairs to the tower, a new slate roof on the lighthouse, painting and other cosmetic improvements.  "The work was fulfilling for us because it was the first major effort by the Seaport Association to restore the lighthouse back to its original condition. Pat Cutrone said it best when he stated we didn’t consider this to be work, but rather an honor to be involved in the project and trusted with the restoration of this historic lighthouse."

Jerry's current involvement with the Seaport Association began after a  presentation in 2007 by the President, Carol Pote at an Exchange Club meeting. In 2008, Jerry became a Trustee for the Seaport Association and its' Treasurer 2011-2013. In addition to his duties as treasurer, Jerry assumed the role of Oyster Festival Chair for five years, 2009- 2013.

In 2014 Jerry and his business partner decided to retire and cease operations of Cutrone / Toni, Inc. following a successful run of 28 years.  The timing was serendipitous.  "At this time, the Seaport Association decided to hire a part-time business manager to tend to the day to day operations and provide administrative support to the board and the chairpersons of the various fundraising events.  I was offered the position and proudly accepted it."  Jerry continues to serve in that position today.

In addition to his duties as business manager, this year Jerry has taken on the role of project manager for the construction of the new permanent pavilion on Sheffield Island, which will be completed in July of this year.  "This new permanent pavilion that will open this July not only provides the public with a new venue to hold events, it also is in keeping with the mission of the Seaport Association to preserve and enjoy the maritime heritage of Sheffield Island and Long Island Sound."

Jerry and his wife Patricia are Norwalk natives and have two daughters, Laura Toni-Holsinger and her husband Brent, and Beth Maringola and her husband Ryan.  Jerry and Patricia are the proud grandparents of Lucy, James, and Myles.

Tickets for the Lighthouse Keeper’s Gala are $150 per person and can be reserved by calling 203-838-9444 or visiting the website https://seaport.org/event-3265312.  Funds raised at this event will support the Seaport’s mission of preservation and restoration and will provide an opportunity to educate children of all ages about the importance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Long Island Sound, and our maritime history and environment.

Seaport Association to honor Dick Harris of Harbor Watch @ Gala April 27

April 27, 2019, marks the highly anticipated annual Lightkeepers Gala  Masquerade Ball at the Norwalk Inn host by the Seaport Association.  This event always promises a "boat-load" of fun, fine food, and drinks, as well as the opportunity to honor this year's Beacon Award Winners, Jerry Toni and Dick Harris that have given so much to the organization in helping it to evolve and surpass their mission.

Richard Harris's work on Norwalk Harbor began in 1986 when he created and oversaw a marine science monitoring class.  Together under Harris's direction, a team of high school students from Cooperative Educational Services discovered low oxygen values in the harbor waters off Norwalk's Veterans Park. This discovery compelled Harris to gather a group of dedicated volunteers that helped with routine monitoring of harbor waters once a week with borrowed equipment and an old wood dory.  This hard work paid off as the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection noticed their efforts and asked Harris to take over the seasonal monitoring efforts on behalf of the Department for Norwalk Harbor. Today, these successful efforts have expanded along from Harbor Watch in Norwalk to Earthplace in Westport because of the leadership and expertise of this movement's founder, Richard Harris. 

Harris was raised in Culver, Indian on Lake Maxinkucee where he attended various High Schools at Culver Military Academy, Denmark and finally Darien, Connecticut.  After graduating from college and spending several years in the army as an Officer in the 63rd armor, Fort Riley Harris joined the Shell Oil Company and worked as a district manager in Shell Oil and Shell Chemical that included a one year stint in Hud in Washington D.C.

After retiring from Shell, Harris went on to pursue a degree in Marine Sciences from Stoney Brook University and started a citizen's water quality group that he called Harbor Watch at Earthplace in Westport, Connecticut.  In addition to Harbor Watch, Harris works for Norman Bloom Oyster Company as a water quality specialist.

Today, Harbor Watch monitors 17 rivers and six harbors with a growing marine education program for students. "My interest in marine and freshwater life is a driving force in my life and I hope to instill in others the value and beauty of what we have as a fragile resource."

Tickets for the Lighthouse Keeper’s Gala are $150 per person and can be reserved by calling 203-838-9444 or visiting the website https://seaport.org/event-3265312.  Funds raised at this event will support the Seaport’s mission of preservation and restoration and will provide an opportunity to educate children of all ages about the importance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Long Island Sound, and our maritime history and environment.

Lighthouse Keepers Gala - A Masquerade Ball - April 27, 2019

Masked in mystery, a masquerade ball is nothing short of magical and that is exactly what the Norwalk Seaport Association had in mind when planning their annual Lightkeepers Gala scheduled to take place on April 27, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Norwalk Inn.  It is not only the most exciting gala of the spring season it is also the chance to honor this year’s Beacon Award Winners, Jerry Toni, and Dick Harris.

Masquerade balls date back to 15^th century Venice at the beginning of the Renaissance movement where art, beauty, and creativity reigned.  They became increasingly popular in the 17^th and 18^th centuries as a place where rich and poor could mingle in ways social etiquette forbid.  Since we cannot go back in time, and may not have the time or money to travel Venice, this gala Masked Ball hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association is the perfect occasion to experience the mystery and grandeur enjoyed for centuries.  It is an evening that brings friends of Sheffield Island Lighthouse together to fete this maritime gem and to honor those that have helped to preserve it.

Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of this event by dressing their best and wearing masks.  Be ready to feast on all manner of delicious food, the menu is well thought out and decadent!  The evening kicks off with an open bar at the Mariner with hors d’ oeuveres from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. including Andouille sausage and pineapple kebobs, chicken satay with Thai peanut sauce, eggplant rollatini, coconut shrimp, mini Cuban sandwiches, cheese & crackers, veggies & dip and a oyster and clam raw bar.  An open bar continues as the party moves into the Artemis where an elegant plated dinner is served at 7:30 p.m. Dinner includes a ravioli appetizer, house salad, a choice of prime rib, chicken piccata or grilled salmon, pasta primavera, twice baked potatoes, fresh vegetable medley, and dinner rolls and butter.

A highlight of this event is the silent and live auction from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that features a wonderful array of items to win, best of all, the proceeds will go to help the programs of the Norwalk Seaport Association.  The evening comes to a sweet conclusion with a fabulous dessert buffet on the patio in addition to coffee, tea, liquors, and cordials.

Tickets for the Lighthouse Keeper’s Gala are $150 per person and can be reserved by calling 203-838-9444 or visiting the website https://seaport.org/event-3265312.  Funds raised at this event will support the Seaport’s mission of preservation and restoration and will provide an opportunity to educate children of all ages about the importance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Long Island Sound, and our maritime history and environment.

A Sweet Deal from the Norwalk Seaport Association

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and if you are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, the Norwalk Seaport Association is offering a truly thoughtful and unique gift, the new “Taste of the Seaport Restaurant Tour Card” that is sure to light up a smile!  Best of all, this Valentine’s Day gift is not a generic product like flowers or candy but one that is good through June 2019 at 15 restaurants in Norwalk, Westport, and Stamford that both of you can enjoy. 

For just a $50 donation to the Seaport Association, The Restaurant Tour Card is yours and entitles you and a guest to enjoy a FREE entree when you buy one of greater value at 15 fabulous restaurants...what a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the added perk of benefitting the Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime icon and the Norwalk Seaport Association that is made up of a team of hard-working volunteers dedicated to the preservation of the Lighthouse and Long Island Sound.

The Seaport Association has made it easy to purchase the "Taste of the Seaport Restaurant Tour Card" just call the Association at 203-838-9444 or log onto their website at www.seaport.org or click here.

The 15 restaurants included on the card offer a variety of food and price ranges making this offer something that will appeal to everyone's palette.  This card has very few restrictions other than diners must order two entrees in order to receive the entree of lesser value as complementary.  It should be noted that take out orders, drinks, appetizers, desserts, and gratuities are not included and that the card cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.  The restaurant will indicate on the card that it has been used at its establishment, as the card is good for one-time use at each dining destination.

The list of restaurants includes:

1. Adams Rib -Seasonal American fare and classic cocktails served in a warm dining room within the Norwalk Inn, 99 East Ave., Norwalk.

2. BanC House - Offering New American grub including BBQ and crabs in casual surroundings with outdoor seating in season, 16 River St., Norwalk.

3. Beach House Cafe - Fresh seafood, American fare, and cocktails served in a nautical environs with a patio located near the Seaport Dock and Aquarium, 19 North Water Street, Norwalk.

4. BJ Ryan's - Offering New American food including barbecue and crabs in a casual setting that offers outdoor seating in season, 57 Main St., Norwalk.

5.  Bourbon Raw - Hospitality from the heart at this restaurant that features a Southern Style menu of tasty, bold flavored comfort foods with a seafood influence, 80 Washington Street #2, Norwalk.

6. Brasitas of Norwalk - Upscale eatery with tropical decor offering innovative Pan-Latin cuisine and high octane drinks, 430 Main Ave., Norwalk.

7. Italia Pizzeria Restaurant - Warm, long-running eatery preparing pizza, pasta, and many other Italian-American main courses, 285 Main Ave., Norwalk.

8. Knot Norm's - An extension of the Catering Company, the Eatery is a small establishment on Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Norwalk River that provides a menu of New England staples including a warm lobster roll nominated for the best lobster roll in New England, 10a First Street, Norwalk.

9.  Long Ridge Tavern - A converted barn with a cozy fireplace, antiques, and outdoor seasonal seating offers up live music and American fare for lunch, dinner, and brunch, 2635 Long Ridge Road, Stamford.

10. Match Burger Lobster - Many New England seafood favorites from hot lobster rolls to fried clams, burgers and more. The Bloom Family of Copps Island Oysters supplies this eatery with all shellfish and all the meat is from Fleishers Craft Butchery, 580 Riverside Ave., Westport.

11. Osteria Romana - Feast on traditional recipes from Rome Italy. Specialties include homemade pasta daily and fresh, fish, veal, and chicken prepared to order, 250 Westport Ave., Norwalk.

12. Pearl at Longshore - This menu is a balance of modern inventive flavors including small plates, an extensive raw bar, salads, freshly caught fish, grass-fed meat, hand made pasta and pizza, 260 Compo Road, Westport.

13. Saltwater Restaurant and Bar - A vibrant outpost for New England coastal classic cuisine located in a sprawling nautically themed space, 128 Washington St., Norwalk.

14. The Spread -  Enjoy dining in a rustic industrial chic space.  This restaurant serves award-winning New American cuisine and cocktails, 70 North Main Street, Norwalk.

15. Via Sforza Trattoria - Dine at this Italian Restaurant in a beautiful stone cottage Tuscan farmhouse setting.  Offerings include classic and modern Italian fare and brick oven pizza, 243 Post Road West. Westport.

A Gift Worth Giving...Norwalk Seaport Association

Calling all lovers of Long Island Sound, lighthouses, the natural beauty of Sheffield Island and our maritime heritage, to make a tax-deductible donation to the Seaport Association to help us fulfill our mission in 2019 of conservation, preservation, and education.

First Place Winner of the Photo Contest - Jeff Klein

2018 was a banner year for the Seaport Association. We initiated several new events including the 150- year celebration of the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a structure that is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

A snapshot of some of the Association’s new 2018 programming includes:

Coordinated a photo contest with more than 100 entrants in order to increase the visibility of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Island on social media outlets.

Created a blog to enhance the visitor experience, promote the island and inform the media of events and activities.

Implemented a Brick Walk Program to beautify the Island and to serve as a reminder of the generosity of people that support the Association’s mission.

Welcomed and educated more than 400 school children by offering programs to engage and interest them in the conservation and history of Sheffield Island.

Coordinated programming for 2019 with area high school science teachers in order to expand our educational and conservation mission.

Organized several new and successful fundraising events including Docktails and Oysters, a BBQ Feast and Italian Night as well as gala events celebrating the 150^th birthday of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Second-Place-Winner-Inkeri-Saiku

What will your donation help us accomplish in 2019? A lot…here are just a few things on our “to do” list:

The construction and completion of a new permanent pavilion

Continuing restoration such as the metal work on the Lighthouse Tower

Replacement of the windows in the historic Light keeper's Cottage

Additional Plantings to help reduce the erosion and to enhance the beauty of Sheffield Island

Make structural improvements to the Island’s Docks and Ramps to enhance the visitor experience

 Organize cleanup and removal of hundreds of yards of stone that washed ashore due to the recent storm and tidal surge.

Create a newsletter to continue to inform members and the visiting public of the activities of the Seaport Association throughout the year in order to foster and enhance our mission.

Third Place Winner – John Lucas

The conservation work of the Seaport Association on Sheffield Island can only occur with your support.  A gift at any level helps the Seaport Association fulfill its mission to inspire interest and encourage learning about our maritime past by preserving and conserving Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse.  (Please consider a donation of $150 in honor of 150 years of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse to the Seaport Association). 

To make a donation call 203-838-9444 or visit us online at https://seaport.org