At the last Southold Town Board meeting of 2025, Louisa Evans was one of four officials honored. Having served 32 years on the Southold Town Board, she received a special proclamation from the town on Tuesday, December 16.
Louisa decided last year not to run for a ninth term in a seat that serves a dual role as town board member and Fishers Island Town Justice.
The Fishers Island Community Center, which hosts community dinners on the island during the off-season, wanted to present an opportunity for Louisa’s friends and constituents to come together and to thank Louisa for her service to Fishers Island. A January 15th dinner was planned, and pretty much everyone knew it was to toast Louisa – except Louisa herself.
Chef Kristen Ahman and her partner Jay Sharma of the West End Cafe, created a delicious meal and served 70 diners in the Community Center’s Great Room. The tables were decorated with beautiful flowers, candles, and a fun photo and quote of Louisa.
Luke Fowler, president of the Community Center and a longtime friend of the Evans family, gave a lovely toast and thanked Louisa, on behalf of everyone there, for all her hours of hard work, advocacy, and vision for Fishers Island and the greater town of Southold.
Luke Fowler’s remarks were answered with a standing ovation for Louisa.
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Fishers Island Community Center!
It is so wonderful to see everyone here tonight. Thanks to Kristen, Jay and Kristen’s sister Shivangi, and our own Community Center team, for putting on this terrific evening!
Tonight we celebrate Judge Louisa Parkinson Evans on her retirement after 31 years as Town Justice of Fishers Island and our steadfast representative to the Southold Town Board.
Every two weeks, through fog, chop, and winter wind, Louisa took the ferry from Fishers Island to Southold so our island’s voice could be heard—clearly, calmly, and always with grace.
For me personally, Louisa’s retirement hits hard since for years whenever I ran into trouble on Fishers, I would say, ”I know the Judge!” When I did, people would look at me like I was from the Moon, but it made me feel better as I know it did for many others on Fishers too!
She brought fairness, common sense, and just the right touch of serious humor. Case in point: back when the Fishers Island Police had no jail, “holding” someone meant a radiator and a pair of handcuffs downstairs at the Police residence/barracks. Louisa put an end to that—reminding us that justice should warm hearts, not radiators.
Louisa has been our bridge across the water—firm in principle, kind in practice, and endlessly dependable. Thank you, Louisa, for your wisdom, your stamina, and your devotion to Fishers Island. May your next crossing be for pleasure with Bob, not agendas, and your calendar be as calm as a summer Sound.
Please join me in applauding Judge Louisa Parkinson Evans
