The Hamptons Post

Amanda Clark Sailing Her Way Through the Olympics

Our hometown hero, Amanda Clark (Shelter Island) is competing in the Beijing Olympics and blogging about her experience.  Follow her journey here. So great!

Amy Winehouse in Shelter Island?

Amy Winehouse is our Janis Joplin (the main difference being that back in the 60's Janis didn't have cameras capturing every needle, snort & shot she consumed).  She is a train wreck and I would be shocked if she survives another 6 months.......

That being said, if some miracle occurs and she survives her demons, imagine how magical it would be if she were sent out of Camden (London's drug den Town where she currently resides) and into our little oasis.  Ram's Head Inn on Shelter Island could be the most amazing place on earth to house a rehab center - I've sat atop their mountain and I felt closer to the heavens....how great would it be to recover there!!!

There's lots of controversy about a rehab center taking over Ram's Head Inn, but I think it's a bit crazy.....rehab spots are mellow and any fear that the Island would be ruined by this place are somewhat naive.  I think we should fear the quiet alcoholics who shoot their neighbors on Shelter Island rather than fear those looking to find peace and restart their lives at a rehab center.

If Amy Winehouse wants to clear her mind, her peeps should put her on the next plane and bring her out East....imagine the lyrics she could produce out here!

Ian Savage Arrested for Shelter Island Trademark?

Okay, here's my prediction: Ian Savage will have to do some time to pay for the crime.

And by crime, I don't mean his stealing a Town's shape, I mean his obvious fraudulent means by which he was able to Trademark the shape of Shelter Island. 

Last time I checked, in order to obtain a Trademark you needed to sign a sworn affidavit stating that you were the original "inventor" of that very item you are hoping to trademark.....I'm pretty sure Ian Savage did not invent the shape of Shelter Island (he's even quoted as saying he isn't), and he definitely isn't the first to use the shape in his logo, nor the first to print it on tees, hats, bags, etc.... so in my book that amounts to fraud/libel against the US Government....Ouch!

Shelter Island and Ian Savage - The Battle Rages!

  Shelter Island and Ian Savage are like oil and water.  Mr. Savage is learning that living on a small island where you're not welcome can prove to be a challenging experience.

Imagine getting off the ferry on your way to your vacation home and seeing this sign welcoming your arrival.  Or reading in the local news that the "Hot Tee of the Season" being sold at the local shops will be a white tee with the image of Shelter Island serving as a backdrop for the slogan "Ian Savage not welcome here"

Shelter Island is a small community steeped in history and the locals are a close crew who have enjoyed it for many generations.  It's hard to become an "insider" - I have friends who have been summering on the island for 40 years (first with their parents and now with their own children) and they are still considered "newcomers"!  Most residents respect the hierarchy and tread lightly around the core families.  Six Degrees of Separation is reduced to Three Degrees on Shelter Island - relatives work in every business from the police force to the ferry to the shops.  This is the last place I would want to make an enemy. 

Ian Savage came to town and decided to do something that has folks outraged - he trademarked the image of the island and in doing so has created a tight circle around himself - imagine trying to enjoy a tranquil vacation on a island where you're not wanted.....coffee and pastries at the local bakery "sorry, we're sold out", local newspaper "No, none available" and imagine how long it would take for a call back from any local landscapers/construction crews/plumbers/electricians!! 

Recent reports suggest that Mr. Savage meant no harm.....he may even consider donating the trademark to Shelter Island....unfortunately for him, this is not a town that forgets - his great-grandchildren will carry this legacy if they choose to stay on the island.