September 22, 2026
Dear Quogue Residents,
Fall is officially here with the arrival of the Autumnal Equinox this afternoon at 5:05 pm.
I am pleased to announce that the Trustees designated Carl Cardo as the Village’s 2026 Person of the Year. Carl has called Quogue his home for his entire life having been born here 97 years ago. He served as a Village Trustee for thirty years and volunteered in our Fire Department for over five decades. Please join me and the Trustees in expressing our deep appreciation to Carl for his numerous and invaluable contributions to improve the Village of Quogue throughout the years.
The Village’s annual oil and stone road maintenance is continuing over the coming days, although the rainy forecast may delay completion. Keeping with the topic of roadwork, the repaving of the eastern half of Dune Road will be completed in the next month. When completed, the entire length of Dune Road extending from the East Quogue to Westhampton Beach borders will have been repaved. The repaving, in combination with the drainage work we implemented last fall and this spring, has noticeably improved the flooding problems on Dune Road. While we cannot entirely avoid high water, especially when there are heavy rains combined with high tides, the water levels now recede much more quickly with the next low tide. The Village is also continuing work on the installation of rain gardens and bioswales at key locations in the Village. The primary purpose of these installations is to divert storm water from running untreated into the surrounding waterways. They also help with flooding in certain low-lying areas in the Village.
In last month’s resident letter, I noted that the Trustees had proposed an amendment to the Village Code imposing new regulations governing bicycles and electric assist bicycles and scooters of all types. Following a public hearing this past Friday, the Trustees enacted the new amendment, which mandates the wearing of helmets for all bicycle riders under the age of 18 (and recommends them for cyclists of any age). In addition, and consistent with NY State law, the Code has been amended to require that helmets be worn on electric assist bikes and scooters by all riders. The new Code amendment also requires bikes to have lights and reflectors if ridden after dark. HERE is a link to the newly adopted bicycle/e-bike code amendment.
I am pleased to report that Optimum has apparently finally listened to the numerous complaints raised by our residents and yours truly. Following last month’s letter, there was an increase in the number of complaints filed with the FCC, which helped prompt Optimum to take remedial actions. Optimum’s Director of Government contacted me on September 11th, and confirmed that they had “implemented network capacity enhancements and are advancing additional upgrades, including a node improvement project that will better distribute network traffic and reduce congestion within the area.” These improvements were completed during the week of September 7th, “and have been fully integrated in the network.” While I take Optimum’s promises with a grain of salt, I am hopeful that we will experience improved network capacity. In addition, I have been in touch with Verizon to invite them to introduce their Fios internet service in the Village. They are “looking into the possibility” and will get back to me.
I received further details from the Suffolk County Department of Public Works concerning the work on Turkey Bridge connecting Quiogue to Main Street in Westhampton Beach. The work is now scheduled to begin on Monday, September 28th. While the project is still slated to take approximately 18 months, the contractor will be required to keep the bridge open to all traffic next summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day to minimize impact during the peak season. Otherwise, the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic during construction, but pedestrian and bicycle access will be accommodated “when possible”.
And now for some upcoming events:
This evening from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the Wildlife Refuge is organizing “Sip & Bloom: An Autumn Equinox Evening”. Join Ocean Fog Farm of Eastport for a relaxed, hands-on floral workshop inspired by the changing season. Local wines and light hors d’oeuvres will also be on offer. Advanced registration is required.
On Saturday, October 3rd, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the Refuge is offering an Oktoberfest inspired evening of “Hoots and Hops”. Guests will enjoy beer tastings with local breweries while mingling with live owls and birds of prey; a perfect blend of brews, birds, and learning about the fascinating world of owls. As with this evening’s Sip & Bloom, advanced registration is required.
Consult the Refuge’s website to register for the above events, and to learn about the numerous other programs and hikes organized for the coming weeks. https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/
The Library Gallery’s next exhibit will open this coming Friday, September 25th, and will feature works by Leslie Bridgeman Cimei: Where Light Lands from Wetlands to Water’s Edge. The exhibit will be on display through November 12th, with an Opening Reception this Saturday, September 26th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
On Wednesday, October 7th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, the Library is organizing “Hot and Hearty: Beat the Winter Blues Cozy Soups” with Chef Collette. Advanced registration is required.
On Sunday, October 11th at 3:00 pm, the Library is hosting a “Do-It-Yourself Pizza Making Class” with Gaetano Giordano, owner of Pizza by Tano! Participants will learn the basic steps of making their own pizza while also hearing the history behind this beloved classic.
The next session of this season’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program will be held on Saturday, October 17th at 5:00 pm on the topic of Ukraine and the Future of European Society.
The Quogue Library is participating in this year’s The Great Give Back, a community service initiative created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and Suffolk County Library System, in conjunction with the Nassau County Library System. This year the Library is collecting donations to benefit three donation drives: Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach, St. Rosalie’s Social Ministry Food Pantry, and the School Supply Drive sponsored by District Attorney Raymond Tierney and NYS Senator Anthony H. Palumbo. Please click here to see what’s on each wish list and to learn more: https://www.quoguelibrary.org/giveback
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: Upcoming Events | Quogue Library
The Hampton Theatre Company’s 2026-2027 season kicks off next month with Finishing School, by Elaine Liner. The production is part of the Jane Stanton “Celebrating Women in Theatre Project”. The production begins on October 15th and runs through November 1st. Consult the HTC website for further information and to purchase tickets: https://hamptontheatre.org/
Wishing everyone a Happy Fall!
Robert Treuhold
Mayor, Village of Quogue