Dear Quogue Residents,

Happy news!  Sam Champion visited Quogue earlier this month on Groundhog Day and predicted an early Spring.  While it may have been pure coincidence, his visit also coincided with our first meaningful snowstorms in the past two years.  As the proverb goes – No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

As an indicator that spring really is around the corner, please remember that Daylight Savings Time begins only a couple of weeks from now on March 10^th.

As indicated last month, we have been working with the Police Department to improve our public notification system to alert our residents to emergency or hazardous situations. I am pleased to report that the Town of Southampton has now added a Quogue Residents alert section to their automated “Notify Me” system, that would send email alerts to all residents who opt into the system.  They have also added a separate Dune Road section.   To enroll, please go to the Town of Southampton website (https://www.southamptontownny.gov/) and click on the “Notify Me” icon on the home page.  Then follow the instructions to be added to their notification system.  You will need to scroll down to the “Alert Center” heading to elect to receive notifications relating to “Village of Quogue Residents” and “Dune Road Closures/Emergencies”.  It is also possible to receive text messages through the Suffolk County Alert Portal, which is tied into the “Smart911” system.  To sign up, please go to their website and follow the instructions: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=NotifySuffolk

I appreciate that this may be a bit daunting for some, so please feel free to contact the Village Office or the Police Department if you need help enrolling in the notification systems.

Exactly one year ago to the day, I wrote about the FIMP project and said: “While the project appears to be moving somewhat glacially, Town officials believe that they remain on track to commence Phase Three, which includes the eastern section of the Quogue beachfront, in the winter of 2023/2024.” At least I was correct about the glacial part.  The latest news from the Town is that the project is now slated for the Fall of 2025.  The appraisal process has begun, and Dune Road homeowners in the affected area should have already been contacted by the Town’s representatives in connection with this phase of the project.  If you have not yet been contacted or have questions, please get in touch with the Town of Southampton’s Legal Department. https://www.southamptontownny.gov/faq.aspx?qid=604

Here are a few upcoming events:

The next full moon hike at the Wildlife Refuge takes place this evening, February 22^nd, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

On March 2^nd, at 2:00 pm, the Refuge is hosting a presentation by biologists from the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society providing an inside look at their “stranding investigation program”. Participants will learn the proper steps to take if they should ever come across a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle.

On March 6^th, at 7:00 pm, the Refuge is hosting a presentation on “Ticks and Tick-Borne Disease – What You Need to Know”.  Jerry Simons, a member of the Medical Advisory Panel of Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Regional Tick-Borne Disease Center will speak about the types of diseases that are carried by the different species of ticks on the eastern end of Long Island. Each attendee will receive a free tick removal kit and tick-disease handbook.

You can register for all of these events on the Refuge’s website at https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/

The Hampton Theatre Company’s 2023-2024 season continues with Strictly Murder, written by the English playwright Brian Clemens, and directed by Mary Powers.  Performances begin on March 7^th and run through March 24^th.  Tickets can be purchased at https://www.hamptontheatre.org/

The Art Gallery at the Quogue Library is opening the “Quogue School Kids ART” display commencing this Saturday, February 24^th.  All are welcome to the Artist Reception on Thursday, February 29^th, from 3:15 pm to 5:00 pm.

The Library is hosting a “Winter Reading Luncheon” on March 9^th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Stop by and pick up a Winter Reading Challenge Kit, including a reading challenge information sheet, raffle ticket bookmarks, and suggested reading lists.  The more you read, the better your chances of winning!

On Wednesday, March 20^th at 1:00 pm, the Library is hosting a “Delicious Ireland” Irish Tea Luncheon. Join cookbook author Margaret M. Johnson to celebrate the publication of her book and enjoy a three course Irish luncheon.  Space is limited so register soon if interested.

As always, the Quogue Library has daily programs for all ages. Please consult their website to check out the packed calendar of exercise, tech and other types of classes, arts and crafts activities, book clubs, games, movies and more. https://quogue.librarycalendar.com.

Robert Treuhold
Mayor, Village of Quogue