September 27, 2024
Dear Quogue Residents,
Fall has arrived and the hurricane season is still upon us. So far, and with fingers crossed, we have been spared any major storm events since the exceptional rains we experienced in mid-August. Following that storm, I announced that the Village’s annual “beach scraping” exercise would be delayed. We remain optimistic that we will be able to satisfy the DEC’s standards for a sufficiently wide beach and proceed with the scraping in the coming weeks.
I am pleased to report that the US Army Corps of Engineers is about to initiate a long overdue dredging project in the Quogue Canal. Beginning next week, the Corps will be dredging the stretch of the Canal by Ogden Pond and the stretch starting just east of the Post Lane Bridge and running most of the way to Penniman’s Point. They have indicated that the project should be completed by Thanksgiving.
While many residents have installed solar panels to generate a renewable source of energy, I wanted to bring to your attention a new opportunity to reduce your electricity bills. Through a sustainability initiative, the Town of Southampton has sponsored the North Sea Community Solar project capping a former landfill site. Southampton town residents with a PSEGLI account who participate can receive a monthly credit of up to 8% on their electricity bills. You can learn more about this project and enroll at https://www.meadow.energy/north-sea-solar. There are limited spots available, so if you are interested please do not delay.
No letter would be complete without a public safety reminder. The arrival of fall coincides with the start of the school year. Please pay special attention to pedestrians, especially at our crosswalks. Also, at this time of year the deer population increases, and they actively move around searching for food. Motorists should use caution and reduce speed on our roadways, especially areas that have posted signs warning of animal crossing activity. We have already had several car vs. deer strikes on Montauk Highway.
An early heads up about the annual fall leaf clean up. The Village has decided to delay the start of the leaf pick up this year until November 15th, and leaves must be placed on the street shoulders no later than December 15th in order to be picked up. The detailed instructions of what to do or not do are posted on the Village website.
And now for a few upcoming events:
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is hosting a guided bird walk tomorrow, September 28th, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, led by the Group for the East End’s Director of Environmental Education, Steve Biasetti. The Refuge is an excellent stopping off point for south-bound songbirds, and there is a good chance to spot warblers and other migratory birds on their fall migration.
On Thursday, October 10th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the Refuge is organizing a hike up to the ecologically rare Dwarf Pines in the northern part of the Refuge.
The next full moon night hike is slated for Wednesday, October 16th, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
And finally, on Saturday, October 19th, Sunday, October 20th, and Saturday, October 26th, each day from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, the Refuge is organizing an Enchanted Forest Trail for children ages 2 to 7 (accompanied by an adult) to meet whimsical, fun, and educational characters on the forest trails. Everyone is welcome to wear costumes. You can learn more about these events and register at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.
Now through October 19th, the Quogue Library will be collecting donations as part of The Great Give Back, an annual day of service where public libraries help out a foundation or charity. This year the Library will be assisting the Southampton Animal Shelter and the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. The actual Great Give Back Day will be held at the Library on Saturday, October 12th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, featuring a day of donation drives, live music, refreshments, and activities with the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and a Meet & Greet with adoptable rescues from the Southampton Animal Shelter. A complete wish list of donation items for the Shelter and the Refuge can be found at: https://quogue.librarycalendar.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/Donation%20Wishlists.pdf
Tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 pm, the Library is hosting John Melillo’s East End Perspective. John is a contemporary realist painter who grew up on the East End of Long Island and his art is inspired by his East End heritage. A disabled Vietnam Veteran, Melillo paints for healing and solace.
The Art Gallery at the Library is continuing the exhibition of Between Us: Paintings by Steve Alpert on display through October 9th. Their next exhibit will be of New Works by Quogue-based artist Margot Carr, on display from October 12th through November 15th, with an Artist’s Reception on Saturday, October 12th, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
On Tuesday, October 1st, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the Library is hosting a virtual Author Talk with MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell as he discusses his new book Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story.
The next Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program is scheduled at the Library for Saturday, October 5th, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, on the topic of Science, AI and Security Across Borders.
On Wednesday, October 16th, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the Library is hosting an Oktoberfest Dinner with Chef Brian. Pre-registration is required.
As always, consult the Library’s well-packed calendar to sign up for their rich offering of movies and programs of all types: https://quogue.librarycalendar.com/events/month .
The Hampton Theatre Company’s 2024-2025 season (their 40th) kicks off next month with Now and Then, written by Sean Grennan and directed by Mary Powers, with a run beginning October 17th through November 3rd. Tickets can be purchased at www.hamptontheatre.org.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable transition to the Fall Season.
Robert Treuhold
Mayor