September 22, 2025
Dear Quogue Residents,
Fall arrives today with the “Autumnal Equinox” officially bringing in the new season as of 2:19 pm (EDT). The word “equinox” comes from the Latin word equinoxium, meaning “equality between day and night”. In other words, at each equinox we have approximately 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness. As we all know, the days will continue to grow shorter until we reach the Spring Equinox in March of next year (March 20th at 10:46 am to be exact). Putting this in perspective, the days have actually been progressively growing shorter since the Summer Solstice this past June.
So far this month, we have been blessed with fabulous weather. We opted to extend operations at the Village Beach through the end of the month with lifeguards on duty on the weekends. This coming weekend will be the last hurrah, and we will be closing down the facilities for the off-season. The beach concession will also be open this coming weekend. A bit of good news – Zach Schmidt has confirmed that he is looking forward to returning to run the concession next season!
Staying with the beach, unfortunately I have nothing much to report on progress on the FIMP project. There continue to be bi-weekly meetings of the working group consisting of the Town of Southampton’s Legal Department, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the NYS DEC. The appraisal process drags on but appears to be making some progress. The Town is still aiming to get offers out to the beachfront home owners in the coming months with the goal of implementing the project in the fall/winter of 2026. Our beach is in good shape, and we did not experience significant erosion during last month’s Hurricane Erin. The storm did, however, move enough sand that much of the Village’s beaches did not satisfy the DEC’s conditions to permit scraping this fall.
I have received numerous questions regarding the streetlights on Montauk Highway, many of which have turned various shades of blue or purple. Some residents have asked why the Village chose to install blue lights, and a few have actually been complimentary of the new development. The reality is that the LED fixtures that the Village has been installing over the past ten years have started to fail. LED bulbs use phosphor coatings to convert the blue light emitted by the semiconductor component of the bulb to white light. Apparently, the phosphor coatings have corroded as a result of a combination of the heat generated by the fixtures and our salty climate. Somewhat to my surprise, we have successfully made a warranty claim and will be receiving replacement fixtures in the coming weeks.
The Suffolk County Water Authority has now lifted the Stage 1 Water Alert that had been in effect since July 23rd. While we have now navigated the most challenging stretch of the water consumption season, SCWA continues to encourage us to reduce our water use. Please click HERE to learn more.
Speaking of water, last week was “Septic Smart Week 2025” sponsored by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Long Island Watershed Program. Nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems has been identified as the largest cause of degraded water quality contributing to beach closures, toxic algae blooms, and massive fish kills. A conventional septic system is not designed to remove nitrogen, and the average residential septic system discharges approximately 40 pounds of nitrogen per year! Please consider replacing your system with an “Innovative Alternative Onsite Treatment System”, especially if your home is still relying on an outdated cesspool. As previously noted, there are State, County and Town grants available to subsidize a significant percentage of the costs. Here is a link to the Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program.
On a troubling note, we have learned of a new form of property fraud tied to identity theft. The Village Office recently received a call from an attorney at a closing for the sale of a vacant lot in the Village. The attorney sensed that something did not “smell right” and, indeed, the entire transaction was fraudulent. While I do not have all the details, the “seller” managed to steal the identity of the property owner and obtained the deed from the Suffolk County Clerk. Our Police Department has initiated a criminal investigation in cooperation with other authorities. Here is a link that provides a guide for property owners to register their properties for instant notifications of any land records being offered to the Suffolk County Clerk’s office. By registering for the “Homeowners Watch List” (HOWL), you can receive notice that fraudulent activity may be occurring in regards to your property. Register Here
On a sad note, this past weekend saw the end of the Beth’s Café era. After 15 years, Beth d’Alessio has decided to close shop and retire. We wish her all the best and thank her for her many contributions to our Village. The property is changing hands, and I understand that the new owner is looking for a potential operator for the space. I will report when I receive further news.
No letter would be complete without a public safety reminder. The arrival of fall coincides with the start of the school year. As noted above, the days are getting shorter and driving conditions become more challenging. Please pay special attention to pedestrians, especially at our crosswalks.
And now for a few upcoming events:
This coming Wednesday, September 24th, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge is hosting an Evening with Chenae Bullock: Connecting with Indigenous Plants. Chenae Bullock is a knowledgeable and passionate Licensed Indigenopathic Practitioner from the Shinnecock Nation. The workshop will immerse participants in the rich traditions of indigenous plant medicine.
On Saturday, September 27th, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm, the Refuge is organizing a “Bug Bonanza”. Jungle Bob will take you on a journey into the wonderful world of invertebrates.
On Saturday, October 4th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Refuge is organizing a Native Plant Sale offering plants that are grown and sold by the Long Island Native Plant Initiative.
And finally, on Saturday, October 25th, and Sunday, October 26th, each day starting at 12:00 pm, the Refuge is organizing an Enchanted Forest Trail Walk with a prehistoric twist. Take a whimsical and educational walk and learn about dinosaurs, fossils, and other exciting topics along the way. Everyone is welcome to wear costumes. You can learn more about these events and register at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.
This coming Saturday, September 27th, at 3:00 pm, the Quogue Library is hosting a presentation by Christopher Kelly, Master Beekeeper, on Honey Bees, Your Neighborhood Pollinator.
On Wednesday, October 1st, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, the Library is hosting an Oktoberfest Dinner with Chef Brian Collins. Pre-registration is required.
The Art Gallery at the Library is continuing the exhibition of “Fall for Local Artists” featuring art from local artists Steve Alpert, Ellen Ball, Margot Carr, Susan Cushing, Donna Levy, and Lulie Morrisey on display through November 14th, with an Artist’s Reception on Saturday, October 18th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The next Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program is scheduled at the Library for Saturday, October 11th, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, on the topic of International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil.
Now through October 31st, the Quogue Library will be collecting donations as part of The Great Give Back, a community service initiative where Suffolk County public libraries help out a foundation or charity. This year the Library is collecting donations to benefit Long Island Cares, Maureen’s Haven, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, and the Southampton Animal Shelter. The Great Give Back Day Celebration will be held at the Library on Saturday, October 18th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, featuring a day of donation drives, live music, refreshments, and “surprise guests” from the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Sunday, October 19th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, a “mini adoption event” is being organized at the Library by the Southampton Animal Shelter. A complete wish list of donation items for the Shelter and the Refuge can be found here:
As always, consult the Library’s well-packed calendar to sign up for the foregoing events and to learn more about their rich offering of programs of all types: www.quoguelibrarycalendar.com.
The Hampton Theatre Company’s 2025-2026 season kicks off next month with The Thanksgiving Play, written by Larissa FastHorse, the first of three season-opening HTC “Women in Theatre” productions. The run begins October 16th through November 2nd. Tickets can be purchased at www.hamptontheatre.org.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable transition to the Fall Season.
Robert Treuhold
Mayor
