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 15^th.  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 29^th.  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 3^rd.

And now for a few upcoming events:

This coming Friday, June 23^rd, 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 23^rd and running through July 26^th, 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 2^nd, 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 23^rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The 15^th Annual Wild Night for Wildlife Summer Gala will be held at the Wildlife Refuge on July 15^th. 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 24^th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm with Marcy Axelrod presenting her book, How We Choose to Show Up. The following Saturday, July 1^st, 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 8^th 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 22^nd 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 28^th; and their annual Village Beach Party will be on Friday, August 18^th.  The annual art show and sale to benefit the Quogue Historical Society will be held on the Village Green on Saturday, August 12^th.

 

Robert Treuhold

Mayor

 

May 26, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

Memorial Day Weekend has arrived and the summer season is kicking off with a bang.  Just a few reminders of the many activities taking place this weekend.

Saturday morning, May 27^th at 10:00 am, I will be giving the State of the Village address in front of the Fire Department.  I will touch on a number of topics, including an overview of the coming year’s budget and tax comparisons, the latest news on the FIMP beach nourishment project, traffic safety issues, and an update on a few environmental initiatives and smaller road projects.  There will be a Quogue trivia quiz and time for Q&A.

The Quogue Association’s annual meeting will be held at 8:30 am on Saturday morning in the Village Courtroom just prior to the State of the Village address.   The Quogue Association does an enormous amount for our beautiful village and organizes many fun events, including the Concert on the Village Green on June 23^rd, the annual Duck Race on July 28th, and the Beach Party on August 18^th.  More details will be forthcoming. I strongly encourage all Quogue residents to become members of the QA.  Information on how to join is available at https://quogueassociation.org/

This Saturday marks the official opening of the Village Beach’s summer season.  The hours are 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. The beach will only be open on weekends until June 24^th, when it will be open seven days a week.  As previously announced, the beach concession will be run this summer by Beth’s Café, also opening for business this Saturday.

Finally, our annual Memorial Day Ceremony is scheduled at 10:00 am on Monday, May 29^th, in front of the Firehouse.  Our Volunteer Fire Department has organized this event for many years, and I encourage you to attend as we remember and honor all service members and their families who have sacrificed so much for our security and freedom.

The weekend is going to packed with activities and the weather is looking fabulous.  Wishing everyone a great time and please remember to drive safely and slowly!

Bob Treuhold

Mayor

 

May 12, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

On this day some 364 years ago, the Village of Quogue was established upon the purchase by John Ogden of a vast parcel of land stretching from Canoe Place to the east (now the Shinnecock Canal) to Beaverdam Stream to the west (now Westhampton) and extending three miles north from the high water mark.   Fast forward to 1928, when some of our very astute residents had the good sense to incorporate our village thereby giving us much more control over our destiny.  Happy 95^th anniversary!!

Activity levels in our Village are definitely picking up.  Beth’s Café is now open for business, and Jessup Avenue is seeing an increasing amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. A reminder to exercise caution at all times when driving and parking on Jessup.

I finally received an update from the Town of Southampton on the FIMP beach nourishment program.  The second phase of the project at the Shinnecock and Moriches Inlets is substantially complete.  The third phase which applies to the stretch of beach from Quogue to Hampton Bays is now under way.  As previously explained, the primary focus at the present time is to facilitate the acquisition of the necessary easements from the property owners.  This is a requirement of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) before they can begin to place sand along the approximately three miles of beach.   Surveyors have now been engaged by the Town with the objective of completing the survey work by the end of July.  Homeowners in the target zone should by now have been notified that their property will be surveyed as part of the FIMP project.  Please contact the Village office if you have not received a notification and we can put you in touch with the coordinator in Southampton.

Once the surveys are completed and approved by the USACE and the NYS DEC, appraisers will begin the process to determine the monetary impacts that the project may have on the respective properties.  Offers will then be prepared and extended to the property owners for the easements.  This exercise will take several months and the Town currently anticipates that no offers will be made to property owners until the end of this calendar year or the first quarter of 2024.  In summary, the good news is that the project is moving forward.  The less good news is that it is looking increasingly likely that the actual beach nourishment is going to be delayed until the winter of 2024/2025.

Please note that beginning next Monday, May 15^th, you must have a valid beach sticker on your vehicle in order to park at the Village Beach.  2022 beach stickers remain valid until May 31, 2023.  Processed beach stickers can be picked up on Fridays from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm and on Saturdays May 20^th, May 27^th and June 3^rd from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. No dogs or other domestic animals shall be allowed upon any part of the Quogue Village Beach from May 15th through September 15th.

As pointed out in last month’s letter, the restrictions on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers go into effect this coming Monday, May 15^th.  After that date and through October 15th, the operation of those machines will be 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).

With the uptick in our seasonal population comes a corresponding uptick in the number of dogwalkers frequenting our roadways.  This leads to the recurring refrain that dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.  It is truly inconsiderate to leave dog poop on the side of the road, even if it has been bagged.

I attended a meeting yesterday at which representatives of the Suffolk County Water Authority presented the many conservation efforts they are encouraging homeowners to implement, the most prominent being their mandate ordering lawn watering on alternating odd/even days depending on your house number.  There are numerous incentives being offered by SCWA for homeowners that deploy other water saving measures.  Please consult their website to learn more.  https://www.scwa.com/water-quality/water-education/conservation/

Both the Quogue School and Quogue Library annual budgets are up for vote on Tuesday, May 16^th, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Quogue School at 10 Edgewood Road.  More information can be obtained by consulting the school and library websites.

And now for a few upcoming events:

This Saturday, May 13^th, at 5:00 pm, the Library is hosting the second of this season’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program on the topic of War Crimes.  Participants can join by zoom or attend in person.  The 1822 Schoolhouse also reopens this Saturday with an exhibition on view: ”An 1822 School Day in Quogue with Schoolmistress Miss Lizabeth Griffing”.   The Library Gallery’s next exhibit is “The Flower Art Show – a celebration of FLOWERS in art, photography, and real life with arrangements prepared by the Westhampton Garden Club members” opening Saturday, May 20^th, with an artist reception on Saturday, May 27^th from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The next Author Talk is on Thursday, June 8^th, at 4:00 pm with Mac Griswold, an acclaimed cultural landscape historian.  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

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is hosting a water quality update on Saturday, May 20^th, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.  Robert J. Mozer – a certified professional geologist and hydrologist – will make a presentation on an environmental investigation of seven freshwater ponds in the town of Southampton.   That afternoon, there will be a celebration at the QWR for the annual World Turtle Day. Please register for these events at https://quoguewildliferefuge.org.

The Hampton Theatre Company’s 2022-2023 season concludes with The Portuguese Kid, written by John Patrick Shanley.  Performances begin on May 25^th and run through June 11^th.  Tickets can be purchased at www.hamptontheatre.org.

On Saturday, May 27^th, at 10:00 am, I will be giving my first State of the Village address.  The event will be held in front of the Quogue Fire Department.

The Quogue School’s PTA is hosting its 31^st Annual Chicken Dinner on June 2^nd, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Please attend for an evening of fun and games in support of our school.

On Saturday, June 17^th, at 7:30 pm, Quogue Chamber Music presents the Galvin Cello Quartet at the Quogue Community Hall, with a program including works by Mozart, Bach, Rossini, and Gershwin.  Tickets can be purchased on-line:  www.quoguechambermusic.org.

A few save the dates for events later this summer:  The second annual Concert on the Village Green will be held on Friday, June 23^rd; the annual Duck Race at the Village Dock will be on Friday, July 28^th; and the annual Village Beach Party will be on Friday, August 18^th.  All of these events are organized by the Quogue Association and more details will follow.  The East End Hospice is holding its annual gala on June 24^th, and the 15^th Annual Wild Night for Wildlife Summer Gala will be held at the Wildlife Refuge on July 15^th.

 

Robert Treuhold

Mayor