July 23, 2024
Dear Quogue Residents,
The Quogue Association’s Annual Duck Race was a big success this past Friday, and there was a great turnout at the Village Dock. Those of you who made it there may have noticed that the Village now has two “Flupsy” oyster nurturing floats. As a reminder, a Flupsy is a “floating upwelling system” that houses hundreds of thousands of baby oysters (“spat”) that are then seeded throughout our bays to help clean the water. I am pleased to report that the Village received a significant grant from the Community Preservation Fund to finance the second Flupsy and subsidize the operating expenses for the next five years. The Village will continue to work with the Moriches Bay Project (www.morichesbayproject.org) and the Cornell Cooperative Extension (https://ccesuffolk.org/marine) on the Flupsy operations. The CCE Marine’s Back to the Bays Program has also installed an “Oyster Restoration Float” under the Post Lane bridge with support from the Quogue Association, Hampton Jitney, the Village and the County. This new project will grow “spat-on-shell” oysters which will then be deployed to a newly established reef in the Quogue Canal. Please consult https://backtothebays.org/quogue to learn more about how you can help support this exciting initiative.
With the continuing hot weather, the Suffolk County Water Authority has renewed its water advisory and is emphasizing the need to conserve water usage throughout the County. Please adopt the alternating odd/even lawn watering mandate. Please also consult the SCWA website to learn more about water conservation measures: https://www.scwa.com/conservation/
This month’s safety message comes from the Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) along with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who are highlighting the critical importance of drowning prevention and the lifesaving role of CPR. Last year FRES received 27 drowning related calls. This year they have already received 21 calls and we are only half way through the summer. Always watch your children and never leave them unattended by a pool. Please take a moment to read the linked press release from Ed Romaine: Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine Press Release and consult this water safety check list: Click Here
You may notice that a new traffic camera was recently installed on Jessup Avenue near the intersection of Suess Path. I have been informed by the New York State Department of Transportation that the camera will be there for one week for the purpose of collecting traffic volume data in the Village per Federal requirements. The camera may then be moved to other locations in the Village. It is not a speed trap.
I wrote last summer about concerns regarding the growing use of electric bicycles in the Village. These concerns have only heightened as we are experiencing an increasing number of e-bikes speeding around the Village, many being ridden by teenagers (or younger), and, more often than I would like, helmetless. E-bikes are regulated by NY State and are not authorized to be used by children under the age of 16. Helmets are required for 16 and 17 year-olds, and frankly should be worn by all riders at all times (for all types of bicycles). E-bikes are only allowed on streets with speed limits no greater than 30 mph, meaning that they should not be used on Montauk Highway or Route 104. I do not believe these resident letters are being read by the teenagers in our Village. Parents, please educate your kids and do not provide underage teens with e-bikes!
And now for some upcoming events:
The Gallery at the Quogue Library is currently presenting Rachel Sard: Albeit, on display through August 7th, with an Artist’s Reception on Friday, July 26th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. From August 10th to September 4th, the Gallery will present Francesca Anderson: Botanical Artist with an Artist’s Talk and Reception on Wednesday, August 21st from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The Library’s Quogue Authors in Conversation Series continues on Sunday, July 28th at 5:00 pm with Christopher Beha in conversation with Clare Sestanovich, with another scheduled for Sunday, August 4th at the same time with Genevieve Sly Crane in conversation with Vanessa Cuti, and another set for Monday, August 12th at 3:00 pm with Annabel Monaghan in conversation with Susi Orman Schnall.
The next session of this season’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program will be held on Saturday, August 10th at 5:00 pm on the topic of NATO’s Future. Participants can join by zoom or attend in person.
The Library will be screening “A Five & Dime Story” documentary with Earl Potter this coming Saturday, July 27th from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
On Sunday, August 11th from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm, the Library will be screening “Renee Fleming’s Cities That Sing: Paris” with a talkback with Producer Tripp Hornick.
As always, consult the Library’s well-packed calendar to register for any of the foregoing events and to learn more about their rich offering of movies and programs of all types: https://quogue.librarycalendar.com/events/month
The Quogue Historical Society has been hosting a series of “Thursday Talks” at the Pond House Museum with Julie Greene, QHS Curator and Southampton Town Historian. The third and final talk is scheduled for this coming Thursday, July 25th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
The 58th Annual Art Show and Sale to benefit the Quogue Historical Society will be held on the Village Green on Saturday, August 3rd, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The prior evening, Friday, August 2nd from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the QHS is hosting an Art Talk and Benefit with sculptor Ned Smyth. Tickets are available at www.quoguehistory.org.
The Quogue Volunteer Fire Department is holding their Annual Open House on Sunday, August 4th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Please come and bring your families in support of our wonderful volunteers, while having fun, eating treats, and learning about fire safety.
The Quogue Junior Theater Troupe is beginning its summer program celebrating their 46th year. The QJTT Annual Benefit is this Friday, July 26th, with a performance at 7:00 pm at the Community Hall followed by a cocktail reception at the Quogue Field Club. They will be producing The Addams Family on July 30th – 31st and August 1st – 2nd for the Senior Troupe, and Peter Pan Jr. on August 20th – 23rd for their Junior Troupe members. Tickets to the Benefit and for the performances can be purchased at www.qjtt.org.
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s next full moon hike is slated for August 20th from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Please register at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.
Please note that the Quogue Association’s Annual Summer Beach Party is scheduled for Friday, August 23rd at the Village Beach from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Robert Treuhold
Mayor, Village of Quogue