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| By: John Rook , Staff writer | 08/20/2004 |
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| New Harbor Master
appointed |
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| Branford- It is not the type of job you take for money. With a stipend of
about $750 a year, the Branford Harbor Master has to be
someone dedicated to keeping the local waterways clean and safe. Sounds like the perfect job for Calvin Ohidy. "I love the water, I love boating and I always have," said Ohidy. "This is the type of job you take because you have a passion for the water." Governor Jodi Rell appointed Ohidy, 66, of 13 Mill Creek Place, this week as Branford's new Harbor Master. The appointment comes after former Harbor Master Ronald Reis, who served in the position since 1993, retired in May. After hearing that Reis had left his position, Ohidy approached officials to ask if the rumors were true. Asked if he wanted to apply Ohidy, on a whim, decided to submit his application not believing he would get the job. The rest, as they say, is history. "I guess it was just about being in the right place at the right time," said Ohidy. "I am really excited about (this appointment) and I am happy that Gov. Rell decided what she did." Ohidy interviewed with both Reis and First Selectman John Opie, who was impressed with the volunteer firefighter's experience and knowledge of local waterways. Opie submitted his nomination letter to Rell in late May and was happy to hear his appointment had come through. "He has been here since he was a young lad," said Opie. "He is a highly experienced individual who has a technical flare and I believe he will do a wonderful job." Ohidy moved to the East Haven side of the Branford River with his family in 1940, beginning his love affair with the water. "I remember the first time I went swimming, I went up to the edge of the dock and my mother asked me 'are you going to go in?' and I said that I was scared. When I turned, she pushed me in and I learned to swim," said Ohidy, grinning from ear to ear. At six years old, his father bought him a boat with an engine that put Ohidy on the water for the first time. As the years have passed, Ohidy has moved onto sailboats, which he enjoys navigating through the beautiful, yet treacherous channels in Branford. "I think I have found most of those rocks in Stony Creek with my boat," said Ohidy. Ohidy, who moved to Clinton for a short time before moving back to Branford in 1977, is a volunteer for the Marine Division of the Branford Fire Department, a member of the Indian Neck Yacht Club and works on the town's pump-out boat. Ohidy is also a certified EMT and holds U.S. Coast Guard certifications for safety and seamanship. As Harbor Master, Ohidy will be responsible for the waters stretching from the East Haven River to The Montowese Bridge, and from Sybil Creek to the Thimble Islands. He will enforce all boating rules, make sure channels are clear, issue moorings and help with any environmental accidents that may occur. According to Opie, with the boating season still vibrant, many individuals have inquired about setting up moorings, but have been told to wait because only the Harbor Master can issue them. There may be a rush to get those moorings, said Opie, now that Ohidy is on the job. "This is a tough assignment and you have to be dedicated," said Opie. "We didn't have anyone in that position since Ron left, so it will be helpful to have Calvin." Ohidy was informed of the decision on August 10 and has already begun introducing himself to members of local organizations with whom he will be working. Ohidy's term will run through June 30, 2007. If you have any questions for Mr. Ohidy you can contact him via voicemail at 203-488-8394 ext. 134.
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| ©Branford Review 2004 |