Happy Holidays!

November 22, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

As friends and family gather for the Thanksgiving weekend, in the Village and elsewhere, here are a few bits of news to share.

The Trustees voted unanimously in October to lower the speed limit throughout the Village to 25 mph with the only exceptions being Montauk Highway and Route 104. The new speed signs have now been posted, and our police department is now enforcing the new lower speed limits.

The FIMP project continues to move forward through the easement acquisition phase with implementation now scheduled for the fall of 2025 (although no guarantees on the date). The surveyors have now completed their field work and are delivering final surveys to the Town of Southampton. These surveys delineate the precise areas of the required easements.  As described in the past, the easements are for the initial and periodic placement of sand, as well as for continuing beach monitoring.  The Town is in the process of engaging appraisers who will be conducting appraisals of the easement areas to be acquired.  Oceanfront property owners from just east of the bridge to the Village boundary with the Town of Southampton are scheduled to be notified by mail of the intent to acquire these easements in the coming weeks.  Further details will follow in the new year.

A reminder from our police department to pay special attention to packages being delivered to your homes, especially if your front door can be viewed from the street. As I have noted in the past, the Village is unfortunately not immune to the occasional petty theft. As always, please report any suspicious persons or vehicles by calling 911 immediately.

A reminder that the Village Highway Department is continuing to pick up leaves until December 15^th.  I will not repeat all of the dos and don’ts, with one exception:  please instruct your landscapers not to pile leaves in the street blocking traffic or around fire hydrants or utility equipment.  This is a matter of public safety and common sense. You may also want to consider waiting until the spring (after temperatures have reached at least 50 degrees for ten consecutive days) to do the majority of your yard cleanup. This provides a winter refuge for a multitude of beneficial species of butterflies and other pollinators. It is less work for you and a positive contribution to our local ecosystem.  Much more information about this subject, and conservation initiatives in general, can be found through the Westhampton Garden Club’s website (https://www.westhamptongardenclub.org/), the Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s website (https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/), and the Pollinator Pathway website (https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/).

As we enter the holiday season, please remember to support all of our local merchants who are available and happy to help you with all of your shopping needs. Homespun, the Quogue Shop, the Quogue Flower Shop & Gardens, and Jen Going Interiors are open most days, as are the Quogue Liquor Store, the Quogue Salon, and the SFA East Spa. And please don’t forget Schmidt’s Country Market!

And now for a few announcements:

The Art Gallery at the Quogue Library is hosting a Holiday Fundraiser this coming Friday, November 24^th, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with the sale of paintings and photos from over 75 local artists and photographers.

On Saturday, November 25^th, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, the Library has organized a discussion of CIA covert actions to advance U.S. interests with former CIA officer Les Paldy.

The Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast will be held this coming Sunday, November 26^th, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. As with the QFD summer open house, this is a “must” event and will be great fun for all.  There will be a raffle and silent auction with lots of great prizes contributed by local businesses and individuals.  This is the main fundraiser for the Fire Department’s Benevolent Association. It is not too late to contribute a prize. If you are so inclined, please contact Fire Chief Mike Nelson at mnelson@villageofquogueny.gov.

Next Tuesday evening, November 28^th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge will celebrate the full moon with a guided hike through the forest and up to North Pond.

On Saturday, December 2^nd, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, the Refuge is hosting a Nature Crafts and Holiday Shopping event. Design your own nature journal and/or create your own holiday nature garland as a gift back to nature. These crafts are for adults and kids ages 7 and older. Enjoy warm beverages as well as fireside holiday shopping. Reservations are required and details are available on their website at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org

On Saturday, December 2^nd, at 9:00 am, the Quogue School is organizing the annual HUDSY 5K run/walk honoring Joan Hudson and raising funds for the school. You can register at https://events.elitefeats.com/23hudsy

The Hampton Theatre Company’s next performance will be A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play running from Friday, December 15^th through Sunday, December 17^th.  Tickets can be purchased at www.hamptontheatre.org

And a reminder that the Quogue Historical Society’s Pond House Museum located at 114 Jessup Avenue is 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 Library Hours.  Please consult the QHS website to learn more about Quogue history, a Jessup Avenue walking tour, exhibitions, historic photographs, virtual talks, videos, children’s activities, and much more:  www.quoguehistory.org.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Robert Treuhold
Mayor, Village of Quogue
631-653-4498