June 21, 2023
Dear Quogue Residents,
Today is the longest day of the year as we celebrate the Summer Solstice. While this means that summer has officially arrived, it also means unfortunately that the days already start getting shorter. In Sweden and most of Scandinavia, the Midsummer celebrations around the solstice are a major three-day holiday. Perhaps we should import this tradition to Quogue?
With respect to the FIMP beach renourishment project, the US Army Corps of Engineers participated in a working session of the Southampton Town Council last week. As I indicated in my resident letter last month, the surveying process has begun on the beachfront properties along Dune Road. This process should be completed over the next three months, which will then enable the appraisers to do their work so that the easement offers can be extended – most likely not until 2024. The one new development that was announced last week is the potential for a further delay in the project. While no final decision has been made according to my contacts at the Town, there is a distinct possibility that the third phase which applies to the stretch of beach from Quogue to Hampton Bays may not occur before 2025. I am going to stop trying to predict when the Village beaches will receive any sand from the Army Corps of Engineers. Here is a link to the Town of Southampton’s website page with more information on the FIMP project: https://www.southamptontownny.gov/1777/FIMP-Project-Plan; and here is the link to a recording of last week’s FIMP session – unfortunately the sound quality is not perfect: http://southamptonny.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=8860&Format=Agenda
As pointed out in last month’s letter, the restrictions on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers went into effect on Monday, May 15th. After that date and through October 15th, the operation of those devices is prohibited on weekends and holidays. On weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the only gas-powered leaf blowers that may be used in Quogue must be rated to operate at a level not exceeding 65 db(A). Please call the Village’s code enforcement officer if you believe any landscapers are violating these restrictions. If after business hours, you can also call 911.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is continuing to ring the alarm bells about water shortages and the need for conservation throughout the county. Please speak to your landscapers and irrigation experts about respecting the alternating odd/even lawn watering mandate. Here is a link to a new water conservation brochure that I encourage you all to read: https://ourwaterourlives.com/wp-content/themes/licap/assets/images/LICAP-Brochure-060219.pdf Please also consult the SCWA website to learn more. https://www.scwa.com/water-quality/water-education/conservation/
I am pleased to report the results of last Friday’s Village election. Randy Cardo and Ted Necarsulmer were reelected to an additional two-year term as Trustees, and Frank Fineo was reelected to an additional four-year term as the Village Justice. I was rather disappointed with the voter turnout – only 70 residents made the effort this year.
On a more positive note, I am excited to announce that Quogue was recently added to the Pollinator Pathway website, which recognizes our Village as being part of the “corridor of native plants that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinating insects and birds.” This is a result of the three public pollinating gardens in our Village, and I encourage you all to consider reserving a portion (or all) of your gardens and yards for this crucial initiative. This is National Pollinator Week and the Suffolk Alliance of Pollinators (SAP) organized a Pollinator Pathway Garden Tour yesterday in Quogue. There is another tour scheduled in Southampton on June 29th. Another way to celebrate National Pollinator Week is to enjoy a screening of One Enchanted Acre, a beautiful and inspiring film about what you can do on one acre to attract pollinators and support wildlife. The film is being shown at 7:00 pm this evening at the Wildlife Refuge. Please register by going to the Refuge’s website: www.quoguewildliferefuge.org You can learn more about pollinator gardens by consulting the SAP website: https://ccesuffolk.org/gardening/suffolk-alliance-for-pollinators-sap Please also learn more about the Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s “Go Native for Wildlife Initiative” : https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/go-native-for-wildlife
Finally, a reminder that the Village’s property taxes are payable without penalty through and including Monday, July 3rd.
And now for a few upcoming events:
This coming Friday, June 23rd, is the Second Annual Concert on the Village Green organized by the Quogue Association. Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks are scheduled to perform from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. Unfortunately, the weather forecast is looking a bit iffy and the QA is going call an audible Friday afternoon on whether to proceed.
Beginning this Friday, June 23rd and running through July 26th, the Quogue Gallery is pleased to present “Stuart Disston: What Lies Beneath”, a new exhibition featuring fourteen paintings by the artist. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, July 2nd, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. More information is available on the Gallery’s website: www.quoguegallery.com.
As noted above, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge is screening One Enchanted Acre this evening at 7:00 pm. The Refuge’s Annual Members’ barbecue is this Friday, June 23rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The 15th Annual Wild Night for Wildlife Summer Gala will be held at the Wildlife Refuge on July 15th. Please register for these events at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.
A reminder that the Quogue Historical Society’s Pond House Museum located at 114 Jessup Avenue is now open Friday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The 1822 One-Room Schoolhouse is open during the Library Hours. The QHS will be organizing walking tours later this summer.
As always, the Quogue Library is a hub of activity. A few notable events include an Author Talk this coming Saturday, June 24th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm with Marcy Axelrod presenting her book, How We Choose to Show Up. The following Saturday, July 1st, at the same time, the Library is hosting a “Special Edition” of Author Talk with two Quogue residents, author Tina Brown, and moderator Gerry Byrne. Brown is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author. She has edited Tatler, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker. Gerry Byrne is Penske Media’s Vice Chairman. On July 8th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the Library is hosting its First Annual Quogue Library Summer Kick-Off, with crafts, raffles, games, and activities. There will be live music with the Sunnyland Jazz Band and a food truck by Cheffe Collette. The next Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program is scheduled for July 22nd from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the topic of China and the US. Participants can join by zoom or attend in person. 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
A few save the dates for events later this summer: the Quogue Association’s annual Duck Race at the Village Dock will be on Friday, July 28th; and their annual Village Beach Party will be on Friday, August 18th. The annual art show and sale to benefit the Quogue Historical Society will be held on the Village Green on Saturday, August 12th.
Robert Treuhold
Mayor