At Quaquanantuck

It All Adds Up

October 7, 2021October 7, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

As all year ’round and part-time residents—and most seasonal visitors—know, there is a mystical quality to the appeal of our beautiful village that in many ways exceeds the capacity of words to describe.

What you might not know is that there are in fact heretofore unremarked mathematical underpinnings that, although they may not explain the magic of this special place, demonstrate yet again that when it comes to Quogue, “there are more things in heaven and earth … than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

*The swimming is still good as surfcasting season begins in earnest. —A. Botsford Photo*

Consider the recent email forwarded to At Quaquanantuck by thoughtful former colleagues of mine at The Southampton Press (edited for clarity; mathematical (?) punctuation the authors’):

“Dear Southampton news,
“We are a group of mathematicians in Amherst, Massachusetts, and we thought we’d let you know that the ZIP code of Quogue, NY: 11959 came up in our calculations.

“11959. is a prime number. and it is related to the prime number. 72467 in the following way: The sum of the cubes of the digits of the number. 72467 is 974; for example 7^3+2^3+4^3+6^3+7^3 = 974. And 974. multiplied by the integer 146761 plus 72467 is equal to the Quogue ZIP Code 11959. squared, or 143017681. So, the whole expression looks like: 72467+146761(974)=11959^2.

“We thought this was something you needed to know.”
Best regards
W. Gosnell
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA

While At Quaquanantuck is not convinced that this is something we all needed to know, nonetheless it is yet another mystery of our village identity that could give one something to ponder, should one come up short of other things to think about in one’s idle hours.

And, considering the major problems confronting the human race today, it’s good to know that there are mathematicians at august institutions of higher learning who believe that attempting to unravel the mysteries of the Village of Quogue ZIP code is the best use of their time and intellectual resources.

Next up: fractals in wave theory?

And on we go.

*The monumental enterprise of repaving Jessup Avenue continues. —A. Botsford Photo*

Police Officer Barbara Tiedemann Closes Out an Exemplary Career
After an illustrious career with the Quogue Village Police, stalwart Police Officer Barbara Tiedemann worked her final tour of duty on Thursday, September 30, and walked out of police headquarters on Jessup Avenue for the last time at 3 p.m. that day to be greeted by a large turnout of village residents, friends and family.

*Lieutenant Daniel Hartman, left, and Quogue Village Police Chief Chris Isola, right, flanking Police Officer Barbara Tiedemann at her final “walkout” on September 30.*

Reporting on the event, one of the organizers, Lieutenant Daniel Hartman, noted that the size of the turnout was just one indicator of how much PO Tiedemann had “touched the lives of many amongst the Quogue Community, as well as our neighboring Police and Fire Departments.”

Lieutenant Hartman went on to say that “she has now retired, but is turning a new page on life, which will allow her to dedicate more time to her family and loved ones.”

Quogue Village Police Chief Chris Isola had this to say about PO Tiedemann’s retirement: “The compassion and concern for the community she served will be greatly missed; however, she has left a lasting impression upon her co-workers, who carry on her love of the community she served.”

Congratulations, Officer Tiedemann, and thank you for your service!

Look for more on Officer Barbara in the next At Quaquanantuck.

*Members of the Quogue Village Police Department rally round Police Officer Barbara Tiedemann, sixth from right, at her final “walkout.”*

Quogue Jazz Trio Ready to Make Oktoberfest Mellow
A couple more public gigs coming up to delight the fans of The QJ3 – Quogue Jazz Trio.

Drummer Mark Stevens, guitarist Danny Richman, and bassist Roger Moley will be on Main Street in Westhampton Beach near the Beach Bakery on Sunday, October 10, for this year’s Oktoberfest sponsored by the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce.

The band will be serving up their signature mellow jazz stylings from 11 a.m. to noon and then, after a short break to allow for a magician to perform amazing feats of prestidigitation, they’ll come back to the stage to play from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Along with live music, the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. festival will offer a beer garden (of course), food trucks and fine fare from local restaurants, a car show, kids’ games, and the traditional “much more.”

On Saturday, October 16, the band will be back in the gazebo at the Farmer’s Market on the Village Green in Westhampton Beach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here’s another chance to shop for fresh produce, farm fresh eggs and all manner of other goodies while listening to the certified fresh sounds of the QJ3.

The QJ3 – Quogue Jazz Trio—Danny Richman on guitar, Mark Stevens on drums, and Roger Moley on standup bass—will be performing between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, at the Westhampton Oktoberfest.

Quogue Library Continues the Scarecrow Tradition
The third annual Scarecrow Decorating Event for families is now underway at the Quogue Library, with scarecrow frames to decorate ready for pickup.

Participants can decorate the frames and return them to the library by Friday, October 16, and the library will display all the scarecrows around the pond on Jessup, in the village, and around the library for the last weeks of October.

All those who would like to keep their decorated frames are asked to inform the library by the end of October. For more information, call the library at 631-653-4224, ext. 101.

The Gallery at Quogue Library is presenting a new exhibition, “Three Artists – Three Visions: Elizabeth Nehls, Linda Nemeth & Laura Stroh,” on view through November 16. All are welcome to attend an Artists’ Reception on Saturday, October 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

According to the library release on the exhibition, Elizabeth Nehls “captures fleeting moments” in her graphite drawings of children; Linda Nemeth’s mixed-media watercolors “undulate and float on their surface” and Laura Stroh “wrestles with medium, color, and space in her energized abstracts and landscapes.”

Speaking of art, there’s another Virtual Adult Paint Party with Marie Camenares coming up on Friday, October 22, at 7 p.m. All needed supplies are provided in a kit to be picked up from the library starting October 14. The fee is $10, due upon registration.

The next in-person Film Feast at the library is coming up on Saturday, October 23, at 6:15 p.m. when the featured film will be “Charade,” the 1963 romantic thriller starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant and directed by Stanley Donen.

Summing up a rave review, a critic writing for The San Francisco Chronicle wrote: “Few thrillers create as much sheer joy and happiness as ‘Charade,’ in which Cary Grant spoofs his Alfred Hitchcock persona, Audrey Hepburn exudes her usual magnetic charm, and Paris is as scenic as ever.”

The “price” of admission is a potluck dish to serve at least six people and all are asked to bring their own beverage. Halloween costumes optional; masks required. Email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101, to register or for more information.

As always, the Quogue Library continues to offer a wide array of programming for children, teens/tweens, families, and adults of all ages. Getting more information and registering is easy: visit www.quoguelibrary.org and simply click on the flier for any program that catches your interest and a registration link or instructions on how to register will pop up.

Wildlife Refuge Brings Back Enchanted Forest Trail; Bird Seed Sale
The Enchanted Forest Trail for kids age 2 to 7 accompanied by an adult is back at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, with opportunities for strolling on Saturday, October 23; Sunday, October 24; and Saturday, October 30, from noon to 2 p.m. each day.

Participants will follow their guide to meet whimsical, fun, and educational characters on the forest trails. Kids and adults are invited to “dress up if you like!” Activities and games will be available.

The fee is $10 per person and reservations are required; call 631-653-4771 to reserve an arrival time. All participants are invited to bring their own reusable mug and/or water bottle for a free sticker.

*Rare capture of a kingfisher not on the wing by nature photographer Florrie Morrisey.*

Orders are due by Monday, October 11, for the annual Bird Seed Sale fundraiser at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

The idea is to start the winter off with plenty of seed and enjoy observing the birds at your feeders. The Bird Seed Sale is a fundraiser for Eastern Long Island Audubon Society and for the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, generously sponsored by Eastport Feeds.

The Seed Sale pre-order form can be filled out by clicking here, or, for more information visit www.quoguewildliferefuge.org or call 631-653-4771.

This month’s Full Moon Night Hike at the Refuge steps off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19. Adults and families with children age 11 and up can enjoy an evening hike through the forest up to North Pond while looking and listening for nocturnal creatures, and enjoying some night vision activities under the light of the moon. Cost is $10 for QWR members or $20 for non-members; reservations required at least 24 hours prior, as space is limited.

And don’t forget that Amy Hess is offering Earth Yoga classes in the Nature Center on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. in October and November. The fee is $15 per class; pre-register and pre-pay online or by calling the Refuge as space is limited. Masks will be required for this indoor program. For more information on any of these programs, visit quoguewildliferefuge.org or call 631-653-4771.

FPA Looks at “Global Supply Chains and National Security”
The next installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program, offered live at the Quogue Library and via Zoom on Saturday, September 16, at 5 p.m., will focus on the issue of “Global Supply Chains and National Security.”

The September 16 discussion will explore some of the possible lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on global supply chains, international trade, and national security.

FPA resource materials suggest that the shutdown of global supply chains due to the pandemic has revealed some serious issues related to the long developing high level of global economic interdependence. For example, what happens when one country is the main source for an item, such as face masks, and then can no longer supply the item?

Countries suddenly unable to meet the demand for certain supplies are faced with growing calls for economic nationalism, which in turn could have a significant impact on national security?

With many nations struggling during the early outbreak of Covid-19 to meet the demand for certain medical supplies, should more power be given to international organizations (like the WHO) giving them more control over the supply chains of certain essential equipment and supplies? How could countries, private sector companies, and international organizations work together better to prevent future pandemics?

Prospective participants are reminded that the Great Decisions program is not a lecture followed by a Q&A, but a live audience discussion moderated by David Rowe after a 25-minute documentary on the particular topic being considered.

To sign up for the September 16 program via Zoom, visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the FPA Great Decisions “Global Supply Chains” flier on the home page. For more information or to sign up for the live program, email info@quoguelibrary.org.

The 2021 Great Decisions Briefing Book may be purchased ($22) from the Quogue Library or digitally from fpa.org.

Hampton Theatre Company Presents “Native Gardens”
“Native Gardens” by Karen Zacarías will be the first play of the Hampton Theatre Company’s 2021-2022 season, opening on October 21 at the Quogue Community Hall and running through November 7.

“Native Gardens” brings home the often hysterical truth of the old saw that “you can’t choose your neighbors”: cultures and gardens collide, turning two well-intentioned couples into feuding enemies.

Rising attorney Pablo and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, have just purchased a home next to Frank and Virginia, a well-established D.C. couple with a prize-worthy English garden. But an impending barbecue for Pablo’s colleagues and what begins as a delicate disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spiral into an all-out border dispute, exposing both couples’ notions of race, taste, class and privilege.

The play was hailed by Broadway World as “a lighthearted comedy with some heavier threads woven through for just the right amount of heft.” The Chicago Tribune called it “a comedy planted in difficult, painful issues.”

The cast of the HTC production of “Native Gardens” features three HTC veterans: Terrance Fiore as Frank; Martha Kelly as Virginia, and Samantha Herrera as Tania. Edwin A. Cruz, a newcomer to the HTC stage, has the role of Pablo Del Valle.

George Loizides (“Private Lives,” “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” “Lost in Yonkers”) directs. Set design is by Gary Hygom; lighting design by Sebastian Paczynski; sound by Seamus Naughton; and costumes by Teresa Lebrun.

“Native Gardens” runs at the Quogue Community Hall from October 21 to November 7, with shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7, Saturdays at 8 and Sundays at 2:30. An additional matinee performance will be offered during the final weekend of the production, on Saturday, November 6, prior to the regular 8 p.m. performance that evening. A talkback with the cast will be offered following the Friday, October 29, 7 p.m. performance.

For the safety of all, ticket holders will be required to show a photo ID and proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the day of the performance they are attending. Face-covering masks will be required at all times while inside the theater. For more information on safety protocols, visit hamptontheatre.org.

Tickets are $36, $31 for seniors, $25 for students under 25, with no additional fees this year. For reservations and information on all packages and available discounts, visit www.hamptontheatre.org or email info@hamptontheatre.org.To reserve tickets, visit www.hamptontheatre.org, or call the Hampton Theatre Company box office at 1-631-653-8955.

First In-Person Film Feast at Renovated Library a Big Success
The first in-person Film Feast in the newly renovated library featuring a screening of “Top Hat” scored high marks with movie lovers.

As Film Feast committee member Melissa Cook reports: “It was a spectacular evening. The revelers, mostly dressed in black and white, toasted our return (with Prosecco donated by Don and Judy Gruhn) on the library’s terrace after a one-and-a-half-year layoff, with a special salute to Jim Herbert, who founded the Film Feast 25 years ago.

“Then we had dinner under the tent (festooned with lights thanks to Roger Moley) and were treated to the rise of a glorious full moon as we listened to music by Irving Berlin. ‘Top Hat’ was the perfect celebratory film and the beautifully renovated Shinnecock Room resonated with applause after each of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire’s fantastic dances.

“The library staff were terrific. It was good to be back!”

Below, left, Joy and Dan Flynn dressed for the occasion (Roger Moley Photo); right, Film Feast committee members Melissa Cook and Jim Herbert also donned appropriate attire for the screening of “Top Hat.”

News Items and Photos
At Quaquanantuck encourages readers to send in news and notes and photos of interest to Quogue residents, even if the items are being sent from winter addresses or other parts of the country—or the world. Friends and family who enjoy all things Quogue are encouraged to email AtQuaq@gmail.com and ask to be put on the mailing list.

Fall Forward

September 16, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

Wait. What? Isn’t At Quaquanantuck only supposed to be published once every few weeks now? Wasn’t there just a column last week? What’s going on here?

Put it down to your humble scribe being energized by the changing season. Or maybe it’s because At Quaquanantuck is preparing to brave international travel for two weeks, and filing back-to-back columns is a tip of the hat to uncertainty about what the future holds.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter. There’s a lot going on in our village and the next column after this one won’t be until October 7 at the earliest, so let’s get started.

Wildlife Refuge Maintains Momentum
In every season, all year long, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge remains steadfast in offering educational and culturally enriching programming for all ages, often in partnership with other area organizations; providing an invaluable resource for information about flora, fauna and environmental and ecological issues; caring for the resident injured wildlife; and maintaining the fabulous facilities and trails, which are enjoyed by thousands of East End residents every year.

Packed with cool stuff to do, the next few weeks offer just a glimpse of the many rolling initiatives of the Refuge personnel. To ensure that you don’t miss anything, bookmark quoguewildliferefuge.org and check it regularly.

*Feeding on the fly. —Elizabeth Caputo Photo*

Near the top of the list of cool stuff to do, consider this weekend’s 14th annual Pine Barrens Discovery Day on Saturday, September 18, featuring scavenger hunt hikes for all ages (children under 12 accompanied by an adult) at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge in Shirley.

In Quogue, the scavenger hunt is over a .8 mile trail through the pine barrens and around ponds, looking for—and at—the plants and animals that call the Refuge home. Download the instructions for the hunt by clicking here, or visit the Refuge website and click on Pine Barrens Discovery Day on the Upcoming Events section of the QWR home page.

The scavenger hunt journey at the Wertheim Refuge will take participants through the Pine Barrens and along the Carmans River in search of plants and animals such as basking turtles and wading birds.

In both locations, hunters are being challenged to find everything on the list and to take pictures and tag #pinebarrensdiscoveryday2021, in order that they may be highlighted on social media. For details on the scavenger hunts, call 631-218-1177, or email mparrott@pb.state.ny.us.

Meanwhile, there are two more sessions of Pondside Painting for adults and teens age 13 and up coming up at the QWR, on Wednesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. each day. Participants learn watercolor techniques before creating their own paintings to take home. If there is still space available, the $35 fee per person covers instruction and all supplies. Payment is due at time of registration; www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.

*It’s beginning to look a lot like … Halloween. —Elizabeth Caputo Photo*

Also on the schedule are an Autumn Equinox Sunset Hike on Wednesday, September 22, at 6:30 p.m.; and an author talk on “The Must See Hiking Destinations of Long Island” on Saturday, September 25, at 11 a.m. For October, the QWR has already set up at Mandala Workshop on October 2; a Bird Walk with Eastern Long Island Audubon Society on Sunday, October 3; Earth Yoga with Amy Hess on October 6 and 13; and another Fall Foliage Paddle on Saturday, October 16. For more information, visit quoguewildliferefuge.org or call 631-653-4771.

*Village residents gathered last Saturday for the rededication of the 9/11 Memorial at the Quogue Firehouse.*

*The Reverend Nancy Jennings, Mayor Peter Sartorius, Ted Necarsulmer, and Chris Osborne at the 9/11 rededication ceremony on September 11. —Stephanie Wagner Photos*

Quogue Library Brings Back the In-Person Film Feasts
While still requiring that masks be worn by all who enter the building, the Quogue Library is continuing the trend of bringing back more in-person programs.

Coming up this weekend, on Saturday, September 18, the first in-person Film Feast in the newly renovated library will feature a screening of “Top Hat,” the 1935 musical comedy starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire at the top of their form.

*Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in “Top Hat.”*

Directed by Mark Sandrich with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin (including, notably, “Cheek to Cheek”), this much-loved film even has an appearance by a very young Lucille Ball as a Flower Clerk. Over the 86 years since it was released, critics have struggled to outdo each other with their raves.

For example: “Hands down, this is the best Astaire-Rogers musical ever. Nothing more needs to be said.” (The Austin Chronicle) “In one of the best-looking, wittiest, most melodious and stylishly romantic musicals ever made, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance and feud from London to a dazzling art deco Venice.” (The Observer)

Or this, by Andre Sennwald, writing for the August 30, 1935 edition of The New York Times: “When ‘Top Hat’ is letting Mr. Astaire perform his incomparable magic or teaming him with the increasingly dexterous Miss Rogers, it is providing the most urbane fun that you will find anywhere on the screen.”

As always, the “price” of admission is a potluck dish to serve at least six people and all are asked to bring their own beverage. Black and white dress and top hats optional; masks required. Email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101, for more information.

Meanwhile, kudos to the library’s Film Feast committee: Melissa Cook, Lynda Confessore, Judy Gruhn, Jim Herbert, Renee McKenna, Roger Moley, and Jaimie Stevens: Great choice!

Two in-person exercise classes are ongoing at the library: “Stretch, Strengthen, and Lengthen: Open Pilates with Leisa,” offered at 10 a.m. on six Mondays: September 20 and 27 and October 4, 18, and 25; and “A Happy, Healthy Heart: Cardio and Sculpt” offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays: September 21 and 28.

The cost is $10 per in-person class, payable at the library prior to each session. Registration is required for both classes, as space is limited. Email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101 to register.

*Form and function in the clear light of September at Densieski Farms. —Florrie Morrisey Photo*

Some splendid virtual programs are also coming up, courtesy of the Quogue Library. On Saturday, September 25, at 3 p.m. Simply Creative Chef Rob Scott will host an “Apple Fest” Facebook Live Event. Apple Fest recipes to be shared during the event include: Fuji Apples and Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole; Apple Arugula Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries; and Autumn Apple Pie Muffins/Donuts.

On Tuesday, September 28, at 6 p.m. the library is sponsoring a live via Zoom talk on “How to Manage Chronic Pain.” And on Wednesday, September 29, at 7 p.m. there will be a live via Zoom talk on “Ovarian Cancer Awareness.”

Email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101, for details and instructions on how to sign up for these programs.

An exhibition of works by Marissa Bridge continues at the Quogue Library Art Gallery through September 29. The artist is known for transforming natural forms into icons of reuse and rebirth, with paint, recycled and found materials finding a new purpose in her work.

*Quogue Chamber Music presented the Ulysses Quartet in concert in the Quogue Community Hall on Saturday, September 11. —Mary Thames Louis Photo*

Reporting on Saturday’s concert, Quogue Chamber Music founder Jane Deckoff wrote to At Quaquanantuck this week: “As you well know, it’s been difficult to put together an indoor performance during these times. We checked for vaccination proof, demanded mask wearing, borrowed the QJTT purifiers, spread out the rows of chairs somewhat, and left the front doors open. The concert itself, by the young, talented and charming Ulysses Quartet was much loved by the audience. They began the performance by playing Golijov’s “Tenebrae,” a moving and thoughtful way to remember the events of 9/11 exactly 20 years ago. Everyone there seemed excited and relieved to get out and about for a couple of hours. They were also pleased to receive a free glass of wine (served outdoors) during the intermission.”

Quogue Jazz Trio Continues to Make the Rounds
Delighting all who hear them play, the Quogue Jazz Trio, aka the QJ3, are continuing to follow an established circuit of gigs.

*The QJ3—Roger Moley, Mark Stevens, and Dan Richman—on a break at Peconic Bay Vineyards.*

With Roger Moley on standup bass, Dan Richman on guitar, and Mark Stevens on traps, the tight ensemble is scheduled to return to Starr Boggs restaurant in Westhampton Beach tomorrow, Friday, September 17, playing outdoors out back (weather permitting) from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Reservations are required for tables, call 631-288-3500; outdoor bar seating may be available without reservations on a first-come, first served basis.

On Saturday, September 18, the band will be back in the gazebo at the Farmer’s Market on the Village Green in Westhampton Beach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A chance to shop for fresh produce, farm fresh eggs and all manner of other goodies while listening to the certified fresh sounds of the QJ3, and maybe catch a glimpse of the charming sight of happy toddlers swarming the stage.

On Saturday, September 25, and Sunday, September 26, the QJ3 will be playing at Peconic Bay Vineyards at 31320 Main Road in Cutchogue, from 1 to 4 p.m. both days. Reservations are required for the Vineyards dates; call 631-734-7361.

Peter Reynes Vermylen
On Wednesday, September 1, Peter Reynes Vermylen, 72, died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Hillsdale, New Jersey, Peter attended Bergen Catholic in Oradell, New Jersey, before going on to study English at Georgetown University, graduating in 1971. While at Georgetown, he met his future wife, Cathy Moran of Trinity College.

After completing his training with the U.S. Army reserve, he joined Chase Manhattan Bank, where he worked as a commercial banker. He later joined Salomon Brothers, where he became a top investment banker for multiple industries until his retirement.

*Peter Vermylen at Jackson Hole, WY circa 2009.*

After moving to Quogue from Chatham Township, New Jersey, in 2001 after his retirement, Peter became an active member of the Concerned Citizens of Quogue, a volunteer reader at Little Flower in Wading River, and co-founded Yellowfin Capital Management. In his later years, his family said he loved his daily visits to the deck at the Surf Club to watch the ocean.

His family and friends will miss his sense of humor, the puppet shows he created for his children, seeing him “ride the wild surf” on a boogie board, and accompanying him on trips he planned to the Caribbean, “where he was at his happiest and best.”

In addition to his wife of 49 years, Cathy Moran Vermylen, he is survived by his children, Michael (Emily), Thomas (Ashley), and John, and seven grandchildren. All in the family joined in offering a special note of thanks to Peter’s loving and compassionate caregivers.

Funeral services were held on September 6 and 7 through Werner & Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach and the Immaculate Conception Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org).

Otis Treat Bradley Jr.
Otis Treat Bradley Jr. died on Sunday, September 12. He was 89.

Born in 1931 in New York City to Otis Treat and Marian Alling Bradley, Otis was raised in Manhattan, where he graduated from the Buckley School before continuing his education at Phillips Exeter Academy, Yale, and New York University School of Business. He served two years as a navigator in the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s.

Upon completing his service, Otis began a long and distinguished career on Wall Street as a securities analyst—first at Spencer Trask, later at Alex. Brown and Sons, and finally retiring in his 80s from Gilford Securities. Institutional Investor Magazine named Otis five times to the roster of their All-America Research Team, twice as the number one analyst in the electronics and technology sector.

A prolific writer, Otis penned countless issues of his Growth, Technology and Change research report, into which he poured his optimistic belief in the power of technology companies to make money for investors while improving the lives of every individual.

A lifelong tennis and platform tennis enthusiast, Otis holds the Quogue Field Club record for the highest number of tennis tournament events entered in a single season (11). Quogue Field Club tennis pro Doug Lewis wrote this week that Otis “used to be the king of the B’s and regularly was either winner or finalist. He also won most of the senior events.”

“The nickname I gave Otis was ‘Mr. August’ because he came alive during the August Club Championship season.”

Otis married Patricia Timothy Place in 1955, and the couple had five children: Christopher, Andrew (deceased), Timothy, Marian and Ruth. He married a second time to Robin Rees, and following a divorce, married Marcia Fox-Martin Miller, whose daughter, Hillary, he subsequently adopted.

*Otis Bradley Jr. in Africa in the 1980s.*

Summering in Westhampton Beach since childhood, Otis moved to Quogue with Marcia in the 1970s and developed a community of family and friends there.

His close friend Allen Adler wrote this week that “Otis was a most impressive man. He had great presence, looks, and confidence. When playing sports, he was not only an outstanding competitor, he was a leader and a dominant personality. Our countless hours on the paddle courts are among my fondest memories.

“He had an outstanding, long-term Wall Street career. When I met him in the early 70s he was known as Mr. IBM, having authored the first extensive, highly detailed research report on the IBM business model, which established him as a go-to analyst on IBM and other major computer stocks of that era.

“Otis was an extraordinary friend. Although he spoke his mind and was very candid, he could be counted on to be supportive of others when encouragement was called for. He was full of charm and a wonderful storyteller. Who could forget his tales of the hurricane of 1938?

“We talked or visited or shared a meal nearly every time Frances and I were out in Quogue. He will be more than missed.”

A true gentleman whose charming and unassuming manner could best be described as courtly, Otis was beloved by many. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, his sister, Marian, his brother, Michael, his five children, his numerous nieces and nephews, to whom he was Uncle O, and his nine grandchildren, to whom he was the loveable and irrepressible GranpO.

Interment at the Quogue Cemetery on Friday will be private. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to East End Hospice.

Westhampton Beach High School grad Justin Shui with his mother, Keri. Justin was awarded the Jean Carbone Volunteerism Scholarship and is now studying business at Suffolk County Community College. —Big Chill Photo

Septober Begins

September 9, 2021September 9, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

So, Labor Day has come and gone, and with it all those thoughts about what you wanted to do this summer that you never did, or didn’t do enough of. But take heart: we are now headed into the heart of Septober, the finest month(s), meteorologically speaking, on the East End.

Yes, the days are shorter, but the temperature tends toward the perfect for all manner of outdoor recreation, the air is drier, the ocean warm, the fishing good, traffic lighter, personal space expanding, tables available at restaurants, cool cultural enrichment abounds. And, oh, the golden light of the magic hour down by the dunes.

Let’s get down to it: here’s what you need to know for planning this weekend and next.

Rededication of 9/11 Memorial
True to form, the Quogue Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring and hosting a rededication on Saturday, September 11, at 10 a.m. to mark the completion of a renovation of the 9/11 memorial at the Firehouse on Jessup Avenue.

All are invited to join Mayor Peter Sartorius, members of the Quogue Village Board of Trustees, and two speakers from the QFD at the ceremony. Seems a great way to start that particular day, 20 years on from the fall of the twin towers.

*Quogue beach on August 22 as Henri swept by to the east. —Scott Moger Photo*

Quogue Chamber Music Presents Ulysses String Quartet
Quogue Chamber Music will close its 2021 season on Saturday, September 11, with a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Quogue Community Hall by the Ulysses String Quartet in a program of Golijov, Haydn, Ali-Zadeh and Mendelssohn.

The program being performed in Quogue will include “Tenebrae” (in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11) by Golijov, “Sunrise” Quartet by Haydn, Rəqs (Dance) by Ali-Zadeh and Quartet in E-flat Major by Mendelssohn.

Tickets are $50 for adults; $5 for students. Checks payable to Quogue Chamber Music may be mailed to PO Box 1984, Quogue, New York 11959; or purchase tickets online on the QCM website, www.quoguechambermusic.org. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Due to Covid restrictions, all ticket holders must show proof of vaccination at the entrance and will be required to wear a mask throughout the concert.

*The Ulysses Quartet will perform at the Quogue Community Hall on Saturday, September 11. —Matthew Holler Photo*

Consisting of Christina Bouey and Rhiannon Banerdt on violin, Colin Brookes on viola and Grace Ho on cello, the quartet’s members hail from Canada, the United States and Taiwan. They hold degrees from the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory and Yale University.

Founded in the summer of 2015, the Ulysses String Quartet won the grand prize and gold medal in the senior string division of the 2016 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and first prize in the 2018 Schoenfeld International String Competition. They were winners of the Vietnam International Music Competition in 2019, and recipients of a Salon de Virtuosi 2021 Career Grant.

From 2017 to 2019, Ulysses was in residence at the Louis Moreau Institute in New Orleans, working with composer Morris Rosenzweig. In fall 2019, the Ulysses Quartet were named as Lisa Arnhold Fellows of the Juilliard School, an appointment that has been extended through May 2022. For more information, visit www.quoguechambermusic.org.

*All set for the big duck drop on August 20: Lynn Lomas, Mark Stevens, John Rasulo, Bob Beck, and Bob Treuhold. —Stefanie Beck Photo*

*Stefanie Beck presents the $500 check to Duck Race first place winner Siri Fink.*

Wildlife Refuge Embracing New Season
Some great programs coming up to make the most of the great outdoors in beautiful surroundings at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge in the coming weeks.

First up will be Pondside Painting for adults and teens age 13 and up, offered on three Wednesdays: September 15, 22, and 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. each day. Participants will learn watercolor techniques before creating their own paintings to take home. The $35 fee per person covers instruction and all supplies. Payment is due at time of registration as space is limited. www.quoguewildliferefuge.org

Also on the schedule are an Autumn Equinox Sunset Hike on Wednesday, September 22, at 6:30 p.m.; three time slots for a partially guided Private Foliage Paddle on Saturday, September 25; and an author talk on “The Must See Hiking Destinations of Long Island” on Saturday, September 25, at 11 a.m. More details on these programs next week. For more information, visit quoguewildliferefuge.org or call 631-653-4771.

*Dennis Romano, curator Liz Hartman, and Bob Murray at the “Visons of Nature” art exhibition at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge on August 21. —J. Neely Photo*

*Photographer Rob Seifert was one of the exhibiting artists. —J. Neely Photo*

*Matt Hoge, Pam Chance, and Wildlife Refuge Associate Director Marisa Nelson at the “Visions of Nature” exhibition. —J. Neely Photo*

In-Person Exercise Returns to Quogue Library
Great to see more in-person programs returning to the library, which is now requiring that masks be worn by all who enter the building.

Two in-person exercise classes begin next week. First up is “Stretch, Strengthen, and Lengthen: Open Pilates with Leisa,” offered at 10 a.m. on six Mondays: September 13, 20, and 27 and October 4, 18, and 25.

“A Happy, Healthy Heart: Cardio and Sculpt” will be offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays: September 14, 21 and 28.

The cost is $10 per in-person class, payable at the library prior to each session.

There’s also an in-person Adult Paint Party with Marie Camenares tomorrow, Friday, September 10, at 4 p.m. The $10 fee, payable upon registration, covers all supplies (provided) and instruction.

Email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101, right away to see if there are any spaces left.

And in-person Film Feasts are coming back; the first film up will be “Top Hat” on Saturday, September 16, at 6:15 p.m. As always, the “price” of admission is a potluck dish to serve at least six people and bring your own beverage. Black and white dress and top hats optional; masks required. More on the first Film Feast next week. Email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101, for more information.

An exhibition of works by Marissa Bridge will be on view at the Quogue Library Art Gallery through September 29.

Meanwhile, the Quogue Library continues to offer an incredibly wide array of programming for children, teens/tweens, families, and adults of all ages. Getting more information and registering is easy: visit www.quoguelibrary.org and simply click on the flier for any program that catches your interest and a registration link will pop up.

Foreign Policy Association Looks at “The Two Koreas”
The next installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program, offered live and via Zoom on Saturday, September 11, at 5 p.m., will focus on what the future might hold for the U.S. relationship with the Republic of Korea.

The strategically significant question stems from the potential for South Korea to end up in the middle of two superpowers as the rift between the U.S. and China widens.

Facilitator Susan Perkins reminded At Quaquanantuck recently that the Great Decisions program is not a lecture followed by a Q&A, but a live participant discussion moderated by David Rowe after a 25-minute documentary on the particular topic at hand. To sign up for the September 11 program, visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the FPA Great Decisions “The Two Koreas” flier on the home page, or email info@quoguelibrary.org.

Vaughn Exhibition Continues at Quogue Gallery
“Barbara Vaughn: Beyond the Sea,” an exhibition featuring 11 works by the artist, continues at the Quogue Gallery at 44 Quogue Street through September 30. Seven of the works on view are the stylized reflections the artist is known for; four are part of the artist’s “Apart Together” series.

*Barbara Vaughn, “Avalon” (2020), 23 x 35. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

The “Apart Together” series is a body of work created while the artist was sheltering-in-place in the spring of 2020.

Barbara Vaughn is a fine-art photographer based in San Francisco and New York City. Her exploration of the parameters of vision and cognition provided the impetus to document abstraction in the real world. The resulting close-up details of urban tableaux and her mesmerizing reflections in moving water challenge the viewer to recreate the original scenes and engage the power of imagination in unexpected ways.

Since 2013, her signature waterscapes and other photographic series have been the subject of 12 solo and numerous group shows in the U.S. and internationally. Vaughn graduated from Princeton University and attended the International Center of Photography in NYC, in addition to other photographic programs. She is represented by several galleries in the U.S. and her artwork is in numerous prestigious private collections.

For further information, visit www.Quoguegallery.com or telephone 631-653-6236.

Haywire All In on Changing Season
It’s just like fashionista Raenell Murray of Haywire to get the jump on fall with a summer sale on jewelry and ladies’ clothing, including new fall cashmeres and trousers and snappy raincoats in a bunch of splashy autumn colors, all available at 50 to 75 percent off.

*New tops and trousers are included in the end of summer sale at Haywire.*

The sale continues through September 26 only; call 631-283-2809 to set up an appointment.

Home Stretch

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

Nothing like a little shark scare to liven up the waning weeks of summer around these parts.

While the beaches west of the canal were only closed for about 24 hours from Tuesday into Wednesday, still it gives swimmers headed for the buoys a little pause when they can see the large numbers of menhaden (bunker) splashing about and creating nervous water at the surface: are they chasing smaller fish, or being chased by much bigger fish?

Probably best to leave that an open question and get back to knee deep water … or get out altogether and observe from the shore.

Meanwhile, shame on CBS news (newyork.cbslocal.com) for the preposterous headline: “Police: Pack of 18-Foot Sharks Comes Dangerously Close to West Hampton Dunes Shore.” Yes, the sharks came close to shore, for sharks, but “dangerously close”? And photos show definitively that they were about a third the length reported. As if the news media didn’t have enough of a credibility problem.

*Ankle deep water looks more inviting when there are sharks being spotted beyond the breakers. —A. Botsford Photo*

Big Race Is Everything It’s Quacked Up to Be, and More
The big day has almost arrived: the Quogue Association Duck Race and free Quackapalooza Festival at the finish line by the Village Dock at the end of Quogo Neck are slated tomorrow, Friday, August 20.

The race begins with the traditional duck dump from the Quogue Bridge at 5 p.m., which is also the start time for the party down at the dock. The celebration will rave on until 7 p.m. with beer, wine and water provided, and music from the band Souled Out. BYO picnic goodies. This year’s winning duck will be awarded $500; second place prize is $250 and third place wins $150.

*No one knows if the Coolest Duck Ever will be on hand in (plastic) person for the exciting finish of the QA Duck Race on Friday, but everyone knows she’ll be there in spirit. —Stefanie Beck Photo*

Anyone still holding ducks marked with racer’s name and phone number can bring them down to the Quogue Bridge before 5 p.m. on August 20 to make sure they’re included in the multitude of plastic waterfowl being dropped to start the race.

In other news, at the invitation of the Quogue Association, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman will visit our fair village to deliver his “State of the Town” address on Saturday, September 4, at 10 a.m.

Association organizers are hoping that Mr. Schneiderman can deliver his address outdoors on the Village Green, in which case the citizenry will be asked to bring their own chairs. If rain threatens, the Association will advise of alternate plans, most likely via email blast. Residents can also check the Quogue Association website, www.quogueassociation.org.

The best way to be sure you are on the Association email list and don’t miss any of the QA communiqués, of course, is to make sure you have renewed your existing membership or have joined the Association. The process is simple: visit www.quogueassociation.org and click on the “Join/Donate” tab on the upper right of the home page.

At a costume fitting for the QJTT production of “Frozen Jr.,” running August 24 through 27 at the Quogue Community Hall, cast members get their elaborate ice on. Ticket information at http://www.qjttonline.org. —Sue Prior Photo

Meet the “Visions of Nature” Artists at Wildlife Refuge August 21
Seven area artists and photographers will showcase works that represent their visions of nature and wildlife in a special one-day-only exhibition and artists’ reception at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, August 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit the Refuge.

On display will be paintings, photographs, and mixed media works from artists Steve Alpert, Jean Arena, Marissa Bridge, Kevin Ferris, Susie Gilbert, John Renner, and Rob Seifert.

Photographers Ferris, Gilbert, Renner and Seifert have long used nature and wildlife as their muse; Alpert, Arena, and Bridge have more recently been drawn to the flora, fauna and landscapes of the East End as their subjects. All seven artists share a deep reverence for the natural world and all are united in a desire to support the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

The 305-acre, non-profit nature preserve, founded in 1934, is open to the public from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year. In addition to its seven miles of trails, QWR is also home to permanently injured wildlife including owls, hawks, a fox and other native New York animals. The exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Anne Hartman of Hartman On Hudson a Quogue-based art consulting, services, and resources company. Masks or face coverings will be required for all visitors to the indoor art exhibition. The artists’ reception will be held on the deck of the Nature Center.

*“Sandy Shark,” oil on canvas by Steve Alpert.*

“Putting paint on canvas is everything to me,” says Manhattan and Quogue based artist Steve Alpert. “The images I make in oil paint are my ambassadors of love, honor and respect for all life.” The artist’s passion for nature is a common subject on richly painted canvases in which saturated hues are applied with creamy brush strokes, according to a release from Hartman On Hudson. Living within walking distance of the Refuge, Alpert is deeply connected to what he describes as “a quiet and beautiful place dedicated to the serenity of pure nature.” Sandy Shark, oil on canvas by Steve Alpert

*“Boy with Frog at Quogue Wildlife Refuge,” oil on canvas by Jean Arena.*

A former creative director for various advertising agencies, Jean Arena began her fine art studies at New York’s Art Students League, where her initial focus was the figure and portraiture. That changed once she began living full-time in Remsenburg. Surrounded by vistas bathed in the light that has been a beacon for artists for more than a hundred years, she has turned toward plein air landscape painting while not entirely giving up the figure.

*“Tree of Life,” bas relief by Marissa Bridge.*

A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Quogue-based artist Marissa Bridge puts flower imagery at the core of current work that is imagined in myriad, marvelous incarnations, according to the Hartman On Hudson release. For materials, the artist uses bits of nature itself, such as seeds and stones, along with wire, beads, pearls, modeling paste, gesso, paper, and papier maché. Some pieces allude to flower and tree iconography, others have evolved into celestial imagery.

*“Teton Barn,” digital photograph by Kevin Ferris.*

Landscapes, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects are the predominant subjects of New York City-based photographer Kevin Ferris. While he has travelled and captured images of nature throughout the country, he is most often found photographing on eastern Long Island along the north and south forks. He is the recipient of several awards from Nature’s Best Photography magazine. Some of his photographs permanently grace the walls of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, and his photography has been featured several times in At Quaquanantuck to illustrate items about the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

*“Smoke Tree 1,” Archival Pigment Print by Susie Gilbert.*

After a career in book publishing, Susie Gilbert turned her attention to fine art photography and studied at New York’s International Center for Photography under Carol Dragon, an acclaimed photographer and teacher. Based in both New York and Quogue, Gilbert finds inspiration in the natural environments of both, from the trees of Central Park to the East End’s ocean waves. “I have always loved how a photograph can transform the mundane into art,” she says, “how an everyday detail becomes beautiful or haunting through the lens of a camera.”

*“Against the Wind,” digital print on acrylic* *by John Renner.*

John Renner took his first photographs with black and white film, many of them candid portraits. He spent years in his darkroom drawing out shapes and tones from the shadows to make something elusive into a lasting image. John has always embraced the natural world. Attracted to its contours and colors, he creates photographs that capture nature’s beauty, especially the distinct seasons of Long Island.

*“Stone Bench at Quogue Wildlife Refuge, digital photograph by Robert Seifert.*

As a native of Long Island’s south shore, Robert Seifert has long had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, and more specifically the unique and picturesque landscapes of Long Island. His professional nature photography grew out of his career as a graphic artist and creative director, after he noticed a dearth of quality local photography in professionally designed communications materials. After becoming well-versed in the technical skills to help him address this void, he developed a passion for the local environment that gave rise to his current oeuvre, a blend of fine art and highly technical photography.

The exhibition and meet-the-artists reception will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 4 to 6 p.m at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Road, Quogue, NY 11959.

And, if you haven’t already, be sure to make a donation to the QWR Summer Appeal, a fundraiser established in lieu of the Wild Night for Wildlife benefit. Donations can be made directly on the QWR website, www.quoguewildliferefuge.org, or by clicking on this link, quoguewildliferefuge.org/summerappeal.

Andrew Perel recently completed firefighter training at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank, qualifying him for the traditional wet down “welcome to the brotherhood, Quogue Firefighter Andrew Perel.” A report from an anonymous firefighter at the scene reveals that Andrew “thought he was posing for a pic for the Quogue column … he was … We just added water…—*Photo courtesy of Quogue Volunteer Fire Department*

Alexandra Andrews Reading at Library Is Fully Booked
The popularity of “Who Is Maud Dixon?” author Alexandra Andrews—coupled with library patrons’ fervent desire to return to live sessions of the Conversations with the Author series—has translated into the novelist’s appearance on Sunday, August 22, being fully booked.

Though space is limited, there may still be time to register for a Local Author Talk with Daisy Dowling today, Thursday, August 19, at 6:30 p.m. Sought-after executive coach, talent expert and working mom Daisy Dowling will discuss the handbook she wrote for working parents, “Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids.”

Email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101, right away to see if there are any spaces left.

As more and more live programs are scheduled at the library, clearly it behooves patrons to register early. Consider, for example, the Saturday, August 21, program, “Cutting the Cord: Alternatives to Cable TV.” Offered at 10 a.m., this will be an in-person program for all those people looking to avoid hefty cable bills, led by Quogue Library IT Director Russell Weisenbacher.

Because space is limited, registration is required; email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101.

Another in-person program is coming up at the library on Saturday, August 21, with Chef Rob offering a workshop on Lite Italian Fare from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to make Bread Stick Salad and a Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups. Cost is $10 per person, due at time of registration, which is required due to limited space; email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101.

Library patrons can learn how to design for 3D printing on Tuesday, August 24, at 4 p.m. in Part I of Introduction to Tinkercard. Participants will learn how a 3D printer works and tips and tricks for successful prints. Part 2 will be offered on Tuesday, August 31, also at 4 p.m. and participants will work with the Long Island Science Center to create one original design per session.

“The Origins of Rome: Myths and Legends of the Eternal City” is another in-person program coming up on Thursday, August 26, at 5 p.m. Giuliana Castellani Koch Ph.D. will lead patrons through the epic literature and historical evidence of the origins of Rome as imagined by some of the greatest artists of all time.

As noted, registration is required for these in-person programs as space is limited; email info@quoguelibrary.org or call 631-653-4224, ext. 101.

Former New York City Police Commissioner, police reformer and now author Bill Bratton will be at the library for an author talk moderated by Andrew Botsford on Friday, September 3, at 5 p.m.

Mr. Bratton’s book, “The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,” which he co-wrote with Peter Knobler, was described this way in the New York Times review: “Engaging … a remarkably candid account … Succeeding as a centrist in public life these days can be an almost impossible task. But centrism in law enforcement may be the most delicate challenge of all. Bratton’s ability to practice it was a startling phenomenon.”

Tickets are $20 and registration for this in-person program (at your earliest convenience) is in-person only at the Quogue Library at 90 Quogue Street.

*“Moon Flower” (2018), a mixed media work by Marissa Bridge. An exhition of the artist’s work opens at the Quogue Library Art Gallery on August 28. —Image courtesy of Quogue Library*

“The Quogue Photography Exhibit,” featuring photography by Susie Gilbert, Veronique Louis, Lauren Lyons, Peter Moore, Reid + Factor, and Victoria Sartorius, will remain on view through August 25.

Starting on August 28, an exhibition of works by Marissa Bridge will be on view at the Quogue Library Art Gallery through September 29. An opening reception for the new exhibition will be held on Saturday, August 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Artists and art lovers were undeterred by the sweltering heat on Saturday, August 14, and turned out in good numbers for the Quogue Historical Society Art Show & Sale. Below, Art Show & Sale Chair Donna Levy, center, with Donna Sessa, left, and Cecilia Lazarescu. —Joy Flynn Photos

Last Weekend for Clementine; Barbara Vaughn Next at Quogue Gallery
This is the last weekend for visitors to see “Clementine: Selfless in a Selfie World,” featuring 15 works newly created by the artist, at the Quogue Gallery at 44 Quogue Street.

Coming up next at the gallery will be “Barbara Vaughn: Beyond the Sea,” running from August 26 to September 30, with an artist reception scheduled on Friday, August 27, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The exhibition will feature 11 works by the artist: seven featuring the stylized reflections on water she is known for; and the other four part of the artist’s “Apart Together” series.

*Barbara-Vaughn, “Kaiki” (2021), Pigment Print on Cold Press Rag Paper*, *34 x 62*. —*Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

The “Apart Together” series is a body of work created while the artist was sheltering-in-place in the spring of 2020. Describing the new series, Vaughn wrote: “The collective experience of being torn from our livelihoods, relationships and routines during the Covid-19 crisis provided the impetus to incorporate the act of tearing into my artwork. Working with available materials at home—an archive of my photographic prints, basic cutting tools and my two hands—I began selectively and meticulously rending apart and assembling together portions of disparate images.”

“The source materials included photographs of layered posters, advertisements and billboards in varying states of deterioration, disparate water images, and macro details of textured brush strokes from paintings by Ed Clark. The resulting amalgamations portray surreal unfamiliarity and reference the upheaval of the art world, but also offer hope for positive change from this cataclysm.”

Barbara Vaughn is a fine-art photographer based in San Francisco and New York City. Her exploration of the parameters of vision and cognition provided the impetus to document abstraction in the real world. The resulting close-up details of urban tableaux, and her mesmerizing reflections in moving water, challenge the viewer to recreate the original scenes and engage the power of imagination in unexpected ways.

For further information, visit www.Quoguegallery.com or telephone 631-653-6236.

Ulysses String Quartet Presented by Quogue Chamber Music September 11
Quogue Chamber Music will close its 2021 season on Saturday, September 11, with a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Quogue Community Hall by the Ulysses String Quartet in a program of Golijov (in memory of the 20th anniversary of 9/11), Haydn, Ali-Zedah and Mendelssohn.

Due to Covid restrictions, all ticket holders must show proof of vaccination at the entrance and will be required to wear a mask throughout the concert.

*The Ulysses String Quartet will perform at Quogue Community Hall on Saturday, September 11. —M. Holler Photo*

The program being performed in Quogue will include “Tenebrae” by Golijov, “Sunrise” Quartet by Haydn, Reqs Dance by Ali-Zadeh and Quartet in E-flat Major by Mendelssohn.

*Shorebirds at the shore: sanderlings on the sand. —Florrie Morrisey Photo*

“Cryptozoo” and “All the Streets Are Silent” Wrap PAC Film Series
“Cryptozoo” and “All the Streets Are Silent” will be the final two films in the 2021 World Cinema summer series at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

“Cryptozoo,” directed by Dash Shaw and screening on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 24 and 25, is a hand-drawn, gritty and fantastical animation parable about society versus the individual. The voiceover cast includes: Michael Cera, Lake Bell, Zoe Kazan, Louisa Krause, and Jason Schwartzman and Peter Stormare.

A zoo that rescues mythological creatures in psychedelic 1960s San Francisco races the U.S. military to find and save a Baku, a Japanese dream-eating cryptid, to prevent the military from using the Baku to eat the dreams of the counterculture and suppress the anti-Vietnam War movement.

“‘Cryptozoo’ winds up as a window into a decidedly uncommercial mind, and a form of storytelling that isn’t the practiced, polished committee effort that comes out of animation houses like Disney and DreamWorks.” (Polygon)

“This time out, Shaw (in collaboration with animation director Jane Samborski) is even more assured as both a storyteller and as a crafter of images, be they outrageous or gorgeous, haunting or hilarious.” (TheWrap)

“All the Streets Are Silent,” a documentary directed by Jeremy Elkin, will be screened at the PAC on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 31 and September 1.

The full title of the documentary is “All the Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding.” In the late ’80s and early ’90s, the streets of downtown Manhattan were the site of a collision between two vibrant subcultures: skateboarding and hip hop. Narrated by Zoo York co-founder Eli Gesner with an original score by legendary hip-hop producer Large Professor (Nas, A Tribe Called Quest), “All the Streets Are Silent” brings to life the magic of the time period and the convergence that created a style and visual language that would have an outsized and enduring cultural effect.

From the DJ booths and dance floors of the Mars nightclub to the founding of brands like Supreme, this convergence would lay the foundation for modern street style. “All the Streets Are Silent” is a love letter to New York—examining race, society, fashion, and street culture.

Writing for Film Threat, the critic Dante James said: “This inside look into a time in counterculture that was unique, special, and will probably never happen again is well-crafted. The story is lively, and the mixing of music, skateboarding, interviews, and footage of the past is amazing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a “hip hop head,” a skater, or a stockbroker. You’ll be engaged from beginning to end.”

Films in the summer series are screened on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30, with commentary on Tuesday evenings only. Film descriptions and trailers are available on the PAC website, www.whbpac.org. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit whbpac.org and click on Films.

*Raenell Murray of Haywire has raincoats in a variety of colors on sale at 75 percent off in the sale barn.*

Haywire Summer Sendoff
Dedicated fashionista Raenell Murray of Haywire is looking ahead to the next season, with some snappy raincoats in a bunch of cool colors available at 75 percent off in her sale barn through mid-September.

As savvy readers know, Raenell is continuing the practice she initiated last summer, inviting faithful customers as well as new friends to come to her house to see all of the clothing items she has for sale.

Regular priced items are in the house and the barn is dedicated to sale items. All are invited to come see fabulous French capris and trousers, cashmere sweaters, shawls, colorful tops, jewelry—the new shipment of raincoats—and more. Call 631-283-2809 or email raenellmu1@aol.com to set up an appointment.

Write America Marches On from New Base
There is sad news and reassuring news this week about “Write America: A Reading for Our Country,” the Monday night series of beautiful readings and stimulating discussions aimed at reaching out to find commonality across some of the rifts roiling our nation.

Up until now (and for the next few weeks) the weekly installments of the series are aired on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on the Crowdcast channel hosted by Book Revue, the wonderful, community minded gem of an independent bookstore located in Huntington, typically hosted by the charming and indefatigable Loren Limongelli.

The sad news, announced this week, is twofold, in that Book Revue is on the verge of closing, and Ms. Limongelli has given her notice. The reassuring news is that series creator Roger Rosenblatt has already arranged a new partnership with Byrd’s Books in Bethel, Connecticut, which he describes as “a model of a knowledgeable, careful, first rate independent bookstore.”

Byrd’s was founded and is run by Alice Hutchinson, whom Roger calls “a civic activist with an impressive array of skills, and a learned and devoted bookseller.” Ms. Hutchinson will succeed Loren as the host of the program, which will retain its current format, Monday schedule and 7 p.m. air time, as well as the Crowdcast platform that worked well for Book Revue.

The next four Write America programs will be broadcast on the Crowdcast channel hosted by Book Revue, with Bridget Walsh as the moderator. Following the September 13 program, a two-week hiatus will allow Mr. Rosenblatt and Ms. Hutchinson to set up the Byrd’s Books Crowdcast channel, with the first reading on that platform on Monday, October 4.

For now, the lineup for Write America looks like this: On Monday, August 23, social worker, poet and activist Lora Tucker and award-winning poet Lindsay Adkins will be the guest writers; on Monday, August 30, the readers will be two novelists and short story writers, Robert Reeves and Jill McCorkle; on September 6, author and theatrical director Emma Walton Hamilton will be joined by award-winning novelist Hilma Wolitzer; and for the final program based at Book Revue on September 13, the guests will be emerging writer Jillian LaRussa and award-winning author and playwright (and series creator) Roger Rosenblatt.

Write America runs weekly, every Monday at 7 p.m. EST on Book Revue’s Crowdcast channel. All events are free; registration is required at bookrevue.com/write-america-series. A selection of signed titles will be available for purchase with each Write America episode; Book Revue ships worldwide. For more information, click here or visit bookrevue.com/write-america-series.

Calling All Young Choristers!
Reader Alison Weiskopf this week reiterated an invitation that has been included in all the updates this summer about services at the Church of the Atonement on Quogue Street. To wit, the Church “welcomes all children and grandchildren age 7 to 14 to participate in the choir on Sundays. No singing experience necessary and everyone is welcome.

“Choristers should arrive at 9 a.m. for rehearsal and stay through the 10 a.m. service, which wraps up around 11. The church follows all Covid-19 safety protocols.” The junior choir is led by Patricia Osborne Feiler, organist and choir director. As detailed below, Sunday, September 5, will be the last day of services at the Church of the Atonement for summer 2021.

Besides the joy of being able to participate in a lovely Quogue tradition, Ms. Weiskopf noted that “choristers will be rewarded with a candy treat and a small sum of money weekly. Older and more experienced choristers may also have the opportunity to serve as acolytes.

“Again, all young singers are welcome. Please contact Alison Weiskopf (aweiskopf@mac.com) and Mary Vogel (m.vogel@verizon.net) for more information.”

Final Three Sundays for Church of the Atonement Season
The Reverend Zachary Thompson will officiate at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services at the Church of the Atonement for one more Sunday, on August 22.

Prior to joining the staff at St. James’ Church in Manhattan as Vicar, Rev. Thompson served as Rector and Associate Priest in Atlanta, as well as Chaplain to Emory University.

On Sunday, August 29, the Reverend Stephen Setzer will officiate at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services.

Rev. Setzer is the priest-in-charge at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where he lives with his wife, Yoana. He studied at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, and has worked at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas, Texas, and also at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Wilmington, Delaware. He writes weekly at www.sacrdsociety.com.

The Reverend Michael Ambler will officiate at this season’s final services at the Church of the Atonement on Sunday, September 5.

Rev. Ambler is Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Maine and is the former Rector of Grace Church in Bath, Maine. He and his family visit his parents in Quogue often; as a child he was a member of the choir and an acolyte at the Church of the Atonement.

He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. Rev. Ambler and his wife, Darreby, have three children: Michael III is a political campaign consultant; John is currently on leave from his work at TIST, an international conservation and development group, while he pursues a business degree at Cambridge in the UK; and Elizabeth works with a Middle East based NGO on issues of food security.

Following the traditional schedule, Communion is offered every week at the 8 a.m. service and Morning Prayer at 10 a.m.; on the first Sunday of the month, Communion is offered at both services.

Masks are required at services, according to a notification from the church, “until we are sure it is safe for everyone.” All children in the community, age 7 to 14, are invited to sing in the junior choir, which is led by Patricia Osborne Feiler, organist and choir director. Rehearsals are held at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings. For additional information regarding the junior choir, contact Mary Vogel via email at mtvogel@icloud.com.

All are welcome at Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The Church of the Atonement is located at 17 Quogue Street.

Your Comments Welcome
At Quaquanantuck is happy to provide a forum for civil discussion of village issues and initiatives and welcomes all comments. All are encouraged to share observations, ideas and opinions by writing to AtQuaq@gmail.com. News Items and Photos
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August Update

August 5, 2021August 5, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

The shockwaves from the horrific accident on Montauk Highway that claimed five lives almost two weeks ago continue to be felt in the village. At Quaquanantuck joins with everyone in our community in holding good thoughts for the families and survivors of those who lost their lives, and for Brianna Maglio, who was critically injured, and her family.

For those who would like to help, there is a GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/f/help-farhan-zahid-uber-driver-family) dedicated to supporting the family of Farhan Zahid, the Uber driver killed in the crash, who leaves behind a wife and three small children.

At Quaquanantuck also salutes and holds good thoughts for the officers of the Quogue Village Police, who showed exceptional professionalism and poise in dealing with incredibly challenging and unnerving circumstances at the time of the crash and during the follow up, steady flow of communications, and continuing investigation. The men and women of the department have demonstrated yet again how much they deserve our respect, our appreciation, and our gratitude.

*Quogue Firefighters Matt (top) and Tyler Morgan help aspiring volunteers hit their targets.*

*Visitors to the Quogue Fire Department Open House on August 1 enjoy a ride back to 1960 in an antique fire engine. —Photos courtesy of Kevin Lonnie, Quogue Fire Department*

“Celebrate Art!” Party and QHS Art Show & Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the Quogue Historical Society “Celebrate Art!” cocktails and art talk benefit on Friday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Village Green.

*Works by Gabe Smith will be on view at the 55th QHS Art Show & Sale on August 14 on the Village Green.*

Speakers for the art talk portion of the “Celebrate Art!” benefit will be Frances Beatty and Stacy Goergen, discussing “Contemporary Art After Covid-19: How the pandemic has impacted the contemporary art market.” Tickets, at $60, or $100 for patrons, are available on the Quogue Historical Society website, www.quoguehistory.org on the Benefit Events page.

*“Cabana” by Margot Carr will be one of the artist’s works in the Art Show & Sale.*

Following the “Celebrate Art!” party, of course, the 55th annual Art Show & Sale to benefit the QHS will be held the next day, August 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, also on the Quogue Village Green on Jessup Avenue.

*“Kindani,” a collage by Lucinda Morrisey, will be on view at the Art Show & Sale.*

The Art Show & Sale, held annually in August since 1975—and the Society’s largest fundraiser based on a percentage of proceeds from sales—is an integral part of the Quogue community’s summer schedule, this year showcasing the work of 25-plus local artists. Suggested donation for browsing is $5.

*“Isle” by Rudy Wilson, one of the artist’s works that will be on view at the Art Show & Sale.*

“Moonglow” Author at Wildlife Refuge; Live Birds of Prey August 12
The writer Peggy Dickerson will visit the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a Meet the Author event on Friday, August 6, at 10 a.m. Ms.Dickerson is the author of “Moonglow,” the beautifully illustrated book that was recently installed at 19 separate stations on the Story Book Walk at the Refuge.

At the Meet the Author event, Ms. Dickerson will read from her book and sign purchased copies. The program will take place outdoors (under a tent if raining), and is offered in collaboration with the Quogue Library. For more information about the book, visit www.moonglowkids.com.

The Wildlife Refuge, Speonk Lumber and Hampton Coffee have teamed up for a Windows and Wildlife event on Saturday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westhampton Beach Hampton Coffee. For more information, call the QWR at 631-653-4171.

On Thursday, August 12, the Refuge is offering an opportunity to meet resident raptors in person at an outdoor Live Birds of Prey social distance program at the Refuge at 3 p.m. During a 45-minute presentation, visitors will learn about native Long Island raptor species—their diets, habitats, and physical adaptations that make them excellent hunters—as well as how to help protect them.

Visitors are requested to bring a blanket to sit on at designated socially distant locations, and to please arrive several minutes ahead to get situated. The fee for this program for adults and families with children age 6 and older is $10 per person, or $5 per child under 10. Reservations and prepayment required; visit quoguewildliferefuge.org or call 631-653-4771. In case of rain, this will be changed to a virtual Zoom program.

And be sure the calendar is marked for the one-day “Visions of Nature” art exhibition and social distance reception to benefit the Refuge on Saturday, August 21, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Area artists will showcase works that represent their visions of nature and wildlife, with a portion of proceeds from sales going to benefit the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. On display will be paintings, photographs, and mixed media works from artists including: Steve Alpert, Jean Arena, Marissa Bridge, Kevin Ferris, Susan Gilbert, John Renner, and Rob Seifert, curated by Elizabeth Anne Hartman of HartmanOnHudson.com and the new Hartman On Hudson pop-up in Westhampton Beach. In the meantime, all are urged to make a donation to the QWR Summer Appeal, a fundraiser established in lieu of the Wild Night for Wildlife benefit. Donations can be made directly on the QWR website, www.quoguewildliferefuge.org, or by clicking on this link, quoguewildliferefuge.org/summerappeal.

Quogue Association Is Quacking Up in Time for Duck Race
Duck sales are underway in preparation for the Quogue Association Duck Race on Friday, August 20, along with the concurrent free QA celebration at the Quogue Village Dock at the end of Quogo Neck.

The race begins with the traditional duck drop from the Quogue Bridge at 5 p.m. The party goes from 5 to 7 p.m. with beer, wine and water provided, and music from the band Souled Out. BYO picnic comestibles. This year’s winning duck will be awarded $500; second place prize is $250 and third place wins $150.

*Stefanie Beck and Lynn Lomas on the first day of duck sales in front of the Post Office.*

Prices for the cleaned and recycled ducks this year are: one duck, $5; Quack Pack (5 ducks), $20; Ducky Dozen (13), $50; Quack Sack (30), $100; and a Quoggle (100), $300. Ducks will be on sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Post Office on Saturday, August 7, and Saturday, August 14; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Quogue Market on Saturday, August 14, during the QHS Art Show & Sale on the Village Green; at the Quogue Library and at Little Q-Quogue Shop on Jessup Avenue.

Ducks with racer’s name and phone number may be dropped off at any of these locations, or at the Quogue Bridge before 5 p.m. on August 20. A reminder to all 2020 members who have not already renewed their membership, and any community members who would like to join the Quogue Association, the process is simple: visit www.quogueassociation.org and click on the “Join/Donate” tab on the upper right of the home page.

Historian David Reynolds Is Next Guest in Author Series at Library
The next installment of the summer Conversations with the Author series at the Quogue Library is scheduled on Sunday, August 8, at 5 p.m. with David S. Reynolds, author of “Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times,” reading from his work and discussing it via Zoom with moderator Andrew Botsford.

Poet John Barr, author of “Dante in China” will be the guest on August 15. The conversation with Alexandra Andrews, author of “Who Is Maud Dixon?” will be live and in-person at the library on August 22.

Patrons can opt to go to the library for the Zoom presentations or view them from the comfort of home; as noted, the August 22 program with Ms. Andrews will be in-person. To find out more about the series, visit the library website and click on any of the Author Series 2021 fliers on the home page.

“The Quogue Photography Exhibit” featuring six artists that opened last week in the Gallery at the Quogue Library will remain on view through August 25.

Featuring photography by Susie Gilbert, Veronique Louis, Lauren Lyons, Peter Moore, Reid + Factor, and Victoria Sartorius, this exhibition aims to highlight the innovative work of local artists. From the serene to the surreal, the work on view brings “a new perspective on the extraordinary beauty in simple, ordinary things,” according to a description from the Art Gallery Committee, and will “challenge viewers to consider what we so often overlook.” Meanwhile, the Quogue Library continues to offer an incredibly wide array of programming for children, teens/tweens, families, and adults of all ages. Getting more information and registering is easy: visit www.quoguelibrary.org and simply click on the flier for any program that catches your interest and a registration link will pop up.

*“Give and Take” by Veronique Louis, print on metal, 24 x 36 inches, on view in the “Quogue Photography Exhibit” at the Quogue Library Art Gallery.*

Reception for “Clementine: Selfless in a Selfie World” at Quogue Gallery
“Clementine: Selfless in a Selfie World” is the title of the new exhibition at the Quogue Gallery at 44 Quogue Street. Featuring 15 works newly created by the artist, the exhibition will run from August 5 to August 25, with an artist reception scheduled on Saturday, August 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Clementine employs the “art filter” technique that she developed in her new “Selfless” series. The series reflects her journeys to remote villages in third world nations to give hidden stories and humanitarian challenges a voice through her art. Through photography, she captures encounters with disabled school children, orphans facing life threatening events, or those simply in need of basic human essentials such as access to clean water.

*Clementine, “Too Hot to Handle,” 2021, Acrylic on Plexiglass *Art Filter* over Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

Melding photography into paintings on canvas, Clementine overlays an art filter that is representative of our social media obsessed society. The resulting message, according to a release from the gallery, is: “Look beyond the self and at others in the world who truly need our attention.”

“Selfless in a Selfie World” is a series created by the artist “to raise the consciousness of society, embracing what it means to move beyond narcissism and towards human connection.”

The cast of the QJTT production of “Frozen Jr.” is getting ready for their August 24 to 27 run at the Quogue Community Hall. Final two performances of the older cast production of “Pippin” are tonight and tomorrow, August 5 and 6. Visit http://www.qjttonline.org for information. —Caroline Jane Logler Photo

Write America Special Event on August 5 Celebrates Rita Dove
Write America: A Reading for Our Country, the Monday night series of readings and stimulating discussions on the Crowdcast channel hosted by the independent bookstore Book Revue, will offer a special event tonight, Thursday, August 5, at 7 p.m.: “Celebrating Rita Dove.” The program will feature the celebrated poet in conversation with series creator Roger Rosenblatt.

The regular Monday evening schedule resumes on August 9 with memoirist and novelist Kaylie Jones and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Vijay Seshadri; on August 16 the guest authors will be award-winning novelist Ursula Hegi and author and editor Vanessa Cuti.

“Swan Song” Up Next in PAC Film Series
Larry Maslon, creator and host of the award-winning “From Broadway to Main Street” radio program on WLIU 88.3 FM and the writer and co-producer of the American Masters documentary, “Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me,” among many other accomplishments, will join Andrew Botsford to offer film commentary on the Tuesday, August 10, screening of “Swan Song,” written and directed by Todd Stephens, as part of the 2021 World Cinema summer series at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

As one critic wrote, “‘Swan Song’ … proves that fabulousness has no expiration date.” Another reviewer calls the film “beautiful, smart, irreverent and really f*cking funny. Simply put, it’s divine.”

On August 17, the PAC will screen the Chilean film “Ema,” directed by Pablo Larrain, who shares a co-writer credit.

“Ema” has been described by one critic as “Brilliantly acted, shot with precision and style, this is a deconstruction of the ‘nuclear family’ that cries out for a second or third viewing.”

Films in the summer series are screened on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30, with commentary on Tuesday evenings only. A complete list of this summer’s films, with trailers, is available on the PAC website, www.whbpac.org. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit whbpac.org and click on Films.

Foreign Policy Association Looks at “China and Africa”
The next installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program will examine the roiling economic and political issues between China and Africa. Pending any changes based on new guidance, the program will be hosted virtually by the Quogue Library and presented by moderator David Rowe and facilitator Susan Perkins on Saturday, August 14, from 5 to 6 p.m.

To sign up for the August 14 virtual program, visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the FPA Great Decisions “China and Africa” flier on the home page.

Summer Services at Church of the Atonement
The Reverend Dr. Robert Dannals, now in his 19th season at the Church of the Atonement, will officiate for the last time at the church this summer at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services on Sunday, August 8.

On Sunday, August 15, and Sunday, August 22, The Reverend Zachary Thompson will officiate at the Church of the Atonement services.

Rev. Thompson is the Vicar at St. James’ Church in Manhattan. Prior to St. James’, he served as Rector and Associate Priest at the Church of Our Saviour in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Chaplain at Emory University. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, he earned his Master of Divinity at Emory University and a Master of Sacred Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South.

Rev. Thompson’s wife, Amy, is the Director of Admissions at the Church of the Epiphany Day School. They have seven and nine year-old sons, Ezra and Rowan.

Following the traditional schedule, Communion is offered every week at the 8 a.m. service and Morning Prayer at 10 a.m.; on the first Sunday of the month, Communion is offered at both services.

All are welcome at Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The Church of the Atonement is located at 17 Quogue Street.

In the Swim

July 22, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

Comparing the abundance of programming this summer with what was on offer during the Covid summer of 2020 makes At Quaquanantuck think of a race car accelerating from zero to 85 in about three seconds. It’s a little disorienting.

Perhaps that’s why—with live programs returning and summer just getting really underway a couple of weeks ago—it seems impossible that the Quogue Fire Department Open House is coming up in one week, and the Quogue Historical Society Art Show & Sale the week after.

As readers have undoubtedly noticed, the abundance of programming and all manner of events and activities, coupled with At Quaquanantuck’s now monthly (ish) schedule, have resulted in this column getting almost impossibly long. It now requires a real commitment of time to digest it all; anyone trying to read it on their phone in one sitting runs the risk of having their battery die. You have my apologies.

And yet, it is so gratifying to at long last have so much to share as the community comes back to life. So, please, get a calendar to mark up and settle in: there’s a lot going on that you won’t want to miss.

*Youngsters step up to examine a fire truck at a previous QFD Open House. —Photo courtesy of Quogue Fire Department*

Fire Department Brings Back the Open House
As the volunteers made it clear on a postcard announcing the event, the Quogue Fire Department wants to do its part in the return to normalcy by “reinstating our annual open house on August 1” from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Firehouse.

There will be a few changes “to reflect the times and the CDC protocols in effect on that date.” Plans call for emphasizing demonstrations of what the volunteer firefighters do as part of their responsibilities. All activities will be outside, with food and beverages provided “within the guidelines.” And, yes, there will be fire truck rides.

*Everyone wants a chance to try their hand at hitting a target with a fire hose. —Photo courtesy of Quogue Fire Department*

Following the festivities at the Firehouse, there will be a live performance by the band UrbanAcoustic at 6 p.m. on the Quogue Village Green on Jessup Avenue.

Come one, come all, and get your Open House on!

Get Ready to “Celebrate Art!” and Visit the QHS Art Show & Sale
While we’re on the topic of beloved summer traditions that we’re all happy to see coming back, make sure to mark the calendar for the Quogue Historical Society “Celebrate Art!” cocktails and art talk benefit on Friday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Village Green, and the 55th annual Art Show & Sale to benefit the QHS the next day, August 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, also on the Quogue Village Green on Jessup Avenue.

Speakers for the art talk portion of the “Celebrate Art!” benefit will be Frances Beatty and Stacy Goergen, discussing “Contemporary Art After Covid-19: How the pandemic has impacted the contemporary art market.” For more information about the Friday benefit and the Saturday Art Show & Sale, visit https://quoguehistory.org.

*Photo of the first exhibition at the “Old Schoolhouse Museum” in 1949. —Photo courtesy of the Quogue Historical Society*

A Historical Society celebration of a different kind is now going on at the Society’s 1822 Schoolhouse Museum on the grounds of the Quogue Library. The Schoolhouse Museum currently features an exhibit looking back at the very first exhibition in the building that Abram Post salvaged in the early 1900s and the Post family donated to the library in 1948 to be operated as a museum.

On August 24, 1949, the Quogue Library’s newly formed Historical Committee, forerunner of the Quogue Historical Society, opened its first exhibition, which featured “furniture, implements, photographs, and documents, many of them dating back to the early settlers in Quogue.”

Self-guided tours of “Quogue’s ‘Old Schoolhouse Museum’: The First Exhibition, 1949” are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesday).

Historical Society members were reminded at the beginning of this month to renew memberships for the coming year to support the Society’s “ongoing work to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of our charming Village.” Annual memberships provide critical financial support and also serve as assurance of members’ interest in preserving Quogue’s past for future generations.

All those who are not already members, are asked to please consider joining, as membership contributions are the single largest source of income for the Society. Renewing or taking out a new membership can be done online at www.quoguehistory.org. All donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information, email info@quoguehistory.org or call 631-996-9490.

Quogue Association Is Feeling Just Ducky: Watch the Pond to See Why
Fresh from the success of the Association’s Beach Party on July 17, members of the Quogue Association have a surprise in store tomorrow, July 23, for Quogue Pond visitors and passersby.

As Stefanie Beck disclosed in a scoop for At Quaquanantuck this week: “On Friday, July 23, the coolest Duck yet will make its appearance in the Quogue Pond for three weeks only! The visiting duck will herald the return of the Duck Race on August 20, with sales of ducks on only three Saturdays: on July 31, August 7 and August 14 in front of the post office from 9 a.m. to noon.”

Resuming this summer without missing a beat, the annual Duck Race on Friday, August 20, and free attendant celebration at the Quogue Village Dock run from 5 to 7 p.m., with beer, wine and water provided, and music from the band Souled Out. Picnicking is encouraged, so be prepared to BYO munchies and chow down. This year’s winning duck will be awarded $500; second place prize is $250 and third place wins $150.

Prices for the cleaned and recycled ducks this year are: one duck, $5; Quack Pack (5 ducks), $20; Ducky Dozen (13), $50; Quack Sack (30), $100; and a Quoggie (100), $300.

Ms. Beck was also kind enough to share a report on last Saturday’s beach party, calling it “a huge success with over 250 people.” Beer was supplied by the local Westhampton Beach Brewing Company, earning “lots of compliments,” she said, noting that the same brewery will be supplying the beer for the Duck Race celebration. “The DJ played great music and a good time was had by all.”

A reminder to all 2020 members who have not already renewed their membership, and any community members who would like to join the Quogue Association, the process is simple: visit www.quogueassociation.org and click on the “Join/Donate” tab on the upper right of the home page.

Members of the older cast of the **Quogue Junior Theater Troupe** rehearsing some musical magic from “**Pippen**,” running August 3 through 6 at the Quogue Community Hall. The **QJTT Summer Benefit** is scheduled this year on Friday, July 30, with a performance at 7 p.m. at the theater followed by a cocktail reception at the Quogue Field Club at 8 p.m. Visit the qjttonline.org website for more information. —Jeff Prior Photo

More In-Person Programs at Wildlife Refuge; “Moonglow” Graces Story Book Walk
Step by responsibly cautious step, the folks at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge are bringing back more socially distanced in-person programs.

For one example, in collaboration with the Quogue Library, a new story has been placed in the Story Book Walk at the Refuge. The children’s book “Moonglow” by author Peggy Dickerson is about a magical moonlit night in a forest where animals are transformed by the moonbeams. Visitors can start at the beginning of the green trail to find the first page of the book, and follow the arrows around to 19 separate installments.

According to Refuge Associate Director Marisa Nelson, “A Story Book Walk, for folks who aren’t familiar, is a fun, educational activity that places the pages from a children’s story along a trail. The walk is designed to help children at all reading levels to enjoy the outdoors and read a book with their family and friends.” This activity is available to be enjoyed daily from sunrise to sunset this summer; a new book will be installed in the fall.

The Refuge is offering an opportunity to meet “Moonglow” author Peggy Dickerson and purchase the beautifully illustrated book at a Meet the Author social distance event on Friday, August 6, at 10 a.m.

As pretty much everyone knows, “On a moonlit night in the forest, magical things can happen….” At the Meet the Author event, Ms. Dickerson will read from her book and sign purchased copies. The program will take place outdoors (under a tent if raining), and is offered in collaboration with the Quogue Library. For more information about the book, visit www.moonglowkids.com.

*This magnificent great horned owl is one of the resident raptors at the QWR. —Kevin Ferris Photo*

And mark the calendar now for the “Visions of Nature” art exhibition and social distance reception to benefit the Refuge on Saturday, August 21, from 4 to 6 p.m.

*“Pastel Seascape” by Susan Gilbert is one of the works that will be on view in the “Visions of Nature” exhibition at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.*

In the meantime, all are urged to make a donation to the QWR Summer Appeal, a fundraiser established in lieu of the Wild Night for Wildlife benefit. Donations can be made directly on the QWR website, www.quoguewildliferefuge.org, or by clicking on this link, quoguewildliferefuge.org/summerappeal.

*Black crowned night heron stalks a daytime meal . —Florrie Morrisey Photo*

This Week’s Message from “Go Native”: Make a Correction
Way back at the beginning of the environmental movement in the ’60s and ’70s, the directive to “Think globally, act locally” arrived with a whiff of crunchy granola and Birkenstocks and was often sneered at and dismissed as out of touch.

Today, though, with fires and floods and superstorms taking their deadly toll all over the planet, the phrase has taken on an inescapable urgency, and it’s more important than ever to take whatever steps we can locally as we wait and pray for governments to act globally.

For this edition of At Quaquanantuck, Lulie Morrisey and Paula Prentis, self-described “co-motivators-in-chief” of the Go Native initiative in Quogue, are asking residents to consider what kind of actions they can take in their own backyards.

As Ms. Morrisey wrote this week: “‘Save the birds’ … ‘Save the bees’ … these slogans can make one feel powerless in the face of the overwhelming forces arrayed against our natural planet. But the power of one—You!—should not be underestimated. You don’t have to feel helpless, or that you can’t make all the changes to your landscape that you’ve heard recommended: just make a correction.

“Make one or two changes and you’re off to a great start. No need to rip out hydrangeas, just add a few natives (especially pollinators).

“One of the most important changes you can make is to eliminate the use of poisons on your property (otherwise known as pesticides and herbicides).

“Often these chemicals work in the opposite way than intended. Rodenticides cause internal bleeding in voles. This makes them thirsty and they tend to crawl out of their holes and stagger around looking for water. This makes them easy prey for hawks and owls who, after eating a few, will also die from internal hemorrhaging. Yes, this is gruesome, but this is the full circle that we all need to be aware of when we make these choices.

“Similarly, using pesticides to get rid of bugs ends up starving both adult birds and their babies. Baby birds need protein and bugs are the main source of that: especially fat caterpillars! A few holes in your leaves is actually a sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

“We’ve lost an astounding one third of all the birds in North America in the last 40 years—3 billion in all. This is devastating for the health of our planet. Just keep thinking how your actions play out in the bigger picture. And make a correction.”

*Instead of trying to croon his tune, this mockingbird, left, opted to mock/mimic the body language of this high wire willet.*
*—Florrie Morrisey Photo*

New Art Exhibit, Author Conversations, and Plethora of Programs at Library
The Gallery at the Quogue Library will present “The Quogue Photography Exhibit” from July 31 through August 25, with an Artists’ Reception open to all on Saturday, July 31, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

“Fury,” a 24 x 36-inch print on metal by Veronique Louis, will be one of the works on view in “The Quogue Photography Exhibit” opening at the Quogue Library Art Gallery on Saturday, July 31. —Photo courtesy of the artist

The next installment of the summer Conversations with the Author series at the Quogue Library is scheduled on Sunday, July 25, at 5 p.m. with Karin Tanabe, author of “A Woman of Intelligence,” reading from her work and discussing it via Zoom with moderator Andrew Botsford.

David S. Reynolds, author of “Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times,” will be the guest author on August 8, and poet John Barr, author of “Dante in China” on August 15. The conversation with Alexandra Andrews, author of “Who Is Maud Dixon?” will be live and in-person at the library on August 22.

Patrons can opt to go to the library for the Zoom presentations or view them from the comfort of home; the August 22 program with Ms. Andrews will be in-person. To find out more about the series, visit the library website and click on any of the Author Series 2021 fliers on the home page.

The Quogue Library continues to offer an incredibly wide array of programming for children, teens/tweens, families, and adults of all ages. Getting more information and registering is easy: simply click on the flier for any program that catches your interest and a registration link will pop up.

Write America Brings Far-Flung Authors to Your Home
Speaking of conversations with authors, remember that Write America: A Reading for Our Country, the brainchild of Quogue author and playwright Roger Rosenblatt, continues to offer beautiful readings and stimulating discussions aimed at mending some of the rifts roiling our nation on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on the Crowdcast channel hosted by Book Revue, the wonderful, community minded gem of an independent bookstore located in Huntington.

Even as in-person programs resume, the virtual Write America series continues to put together writers in far-flung locations for engaging discussions that can be accessed by anyone around the world, live in real time or in a recorded version.

Coming up on Monday, July 26, will be novelist and journalist Joyce Maynard and poet and essayist Adrienne Unger. On Thursday, August 5, at 7 p.m. the series will offer a special event, “Celebrating Rita Dove,” with the poet in conversation with series creator Roger Rosenblatt. The regular Monday evening schedule resumes on August 9 with memoirist and novelist Kaylie Jones and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Vijay Seshadri; on August 16 the guest authors will be award-winning novelist Ursula Hegi and author and editor Vanessa Cuti.

“Three Women: Three Visions” Opening July 31
“Three Women: Three Visions,” an art exhibit featuring the works of Claudia Baez, Ellen Ball and Leslie Singer, will be on view from July 31 to September 7 at the new Hartman On Hudson space at 8 Moniebogue Lane in Westhampton Beach, with an Artists Reception scheduled on Saturday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.

“Three Women: Three Visions” offers “the evocative visions of three talented artists who employ disparate media to create their moody and dramatic works,” according to a release from gallerist Elizabeth Anne Hartman.

Santa Fe based painter Leslie Singer’s new series, “Gotham Gals,” takes its cues from the audacious Art Deco era painter Tamara de Lempicka, who painted the beau monde exuding elegance and attitude.

*Claudia Baez*, “*Last Year at Marienbad: Someone’s Coming,” 2018*, oil, charcoal and oil stick on canvas, 21 x 27 inches, is one of the works that will be on view in “Three Women: Three Visions,” opening July 31 at Hartman On Hudson in Westhampton Beach. —Image courtesy of Hartman On Hudson

In 2017, Quogue and New York artist Claudia Doring Baez was overcome with teenage memories of going with her family to their neighborhood arts cinema in Mexico City, where she was raised. One film in particular eclipsed the others: French director Alain Resnais’s 1961 enigmatic film “Last Year at Marienbad,” a seminal work of the French New Wave. Using film stills as inspiration, Baez’s oil, charcoal and oil stick paintings on canvas invite the viewer into her private bold and stylized vision of this influential film.

Ellen Ball’s large scale works on Belgian linen feature iconic forms distilled to their abstract minimal shapes, lines and contours, or photographic simplicity. By combining elaborate patterns, she creates wholly original compositions and artworks. Working with found or appropriated imagery, Ball photoshops, cuts, collages, layers, or draws on metal leaf, creating new compositions that are then transferred onto canvas. This process leaves behind black ink and reveals a natural degradation. Provident imperfections occur and new shapes and textures present themselves.

Barbara Ernst Prey through August 4; Clementine Up Next at Quogue Gallery
“Barbara Ernst Prey: Vanishing Point” remains on view until August 4 at the Quogue Gallery at 44 Quogue Street.

*Barbara Ernst Prey, “Early Morning Beach Day,” 2021, oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

The Barbara Ernst Prey exhibition features 20 works in various mediums—watercolor on paper, oil on panel and canvas and digital print—reflecting the widely acclaimed artist’s Long Island roots. Three paintings of Quogue scenes are included in the show.

Coming up next at the Quogue Gallery will be “Clementine: Selfless in a Selfie World.” Featuring 15 works newly created by the artist, the exhibition will run from August 5 to August 25, with an artist reception scheduled on Saturday, August 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Speaking about her “art filter” body of work, the artist has said: “I am intrigued by how I can reflect our social media era in a fine art form. This series is comprised of interchangeable art filters that overlay paintings, instantly transforming them, just as with digital filters in platforms such as Instagram. Filter paintings represent social media symbols, such as the conspicuous selfie pucker.”

*Clementine, “#Retro,” 2021, acrylic on Plexiglass “Art Filter” over acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 inches. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

Clementine employs her “art filter” technique in her new “Selfless” series. The series reflects her journeys to remote villages in third world nations to give hidden stories and humanitarian challenges a voice through her art. Through photography, she captures encounters with disabled school children, orphans facing life threatening events, or those simply in need of basic human essentials such as access to clean water. Melding photography into paintings on canvas, Clementine overlays an art filter that is representative of our social media obsessed society. The resulting message, according to a release from the gallery, is: “Look beyond the self and at others in the world who truly need our attention.”

“Selfless in a Selfie World” is a series created by the artist “to raise the consciousness of society, embracing what it means to move beyond narcissism and towards human connection.”

Clementine is an international artist with an exhibition history spanning Milan, Amsterdam, Brussels, Miami, and New York. She works across series painting primarily in acrylic on canvas and plexiglass. Her paintings range from purely abstract to figurative in style, all with an underlying freedom of expression depicted through bold color palettes and symbolic messages. Clementine received a B.A. from Boston College with additional art studies at Parsons and Harvard.

PAC Film Series Welcomes Billy Collins
Former two-time U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins will join Andrew Botsford to offer film commentary on the Tuesday, July 27, screening of the French film “Mandibles,” directed by Quentin Dupieux, as part of the 2021 Rose and Don Ciampa World Cinema summer series at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

*A giant fly discovered in the trunk of a stolen car sparks the action in “Mandibles.”*

Films in the summer series are screened on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30, with Andrew Botsford of Quogue introducing the films on Tuesday evenings and discussing them afterward, often with guest commentators, followed by an informal audience discussion. A complete list of this summer’s films, with trailers, is available on the PAC website. For more information about PAC protocols and to purchase tickets, visit whbpac.org and click on Films.

Following “Mandibles” the lineup continues with “Summertime” on August 3 and 4; “Swan Song” on August 10 and 11; and “Ema” on August 17 and 18.

Foreign Policy Association Looks at “China and Africa”
The next installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program will examine some of the growing economic and political issues between China and Africa. Pending any changes based on new guidance, the program will be hosted virtually by the Quogue Library and presented by moderator David Rowe and facilitator Susan Perkins on Saturday, August 14, from 5 to 6 p.m.

The Covid-19 crisis has put a massive strain on what was originally a positive economic and political relationship between China and the continent of Africa. As Chinese President Xi Jinping’s centerpiece “Belt and Road initiative” continues to expand Chinese power, the response to the spread of Covid-19, as well as the African governments’ growing debt to China, has seen pushback.

The Great Decisions discussion series, America’s largest program on world affairs, involves reading the Great Decisions briefing book and meeting in a Discussion Group to watch a DVD and discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. To sign up for the July 17 virtual program, click here or visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the FPA Great Decisions “China and Africa” flier on the home page.

Summer Services at Church of the Atonement
The Reverend Dr. Robert Dannals, now in his 19th season at the Church of the Atonement, will continue to officiate at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday services through Sunday, August 8.

Following the traditional schedule, Communion is offered every week at the 8 a.m. service and Morning Prayer at 10 a.m.; on the first Sunday of the month, Communion is offered at both services.

Rev. Dannals, who has been serving as a part-time Associate at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida, was recently appointed as the Interim Rector for the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, for the coming year.

He earned his Masters of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University and a Ph.D. from Graduate Theological. For more than 12 years he has been writing lectionary-based daily e-devotions.

The Reverend Zachary Thompson will officiate at the Church of the Atonement for two Sundays, August 15 and 22.

Rev. Thompson’s wife, Amy, is the Director of Admissions at the Church of the Epiphany Day School. They have seven and nine year-old sons, Ezra and Rowan.

Sunday services are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; all are welcome. The Church of the Atonement is located at 17 Quogue Street.

Remembering Two Stalwart Quogue Residents
Over the last two weeks, our village lost two larger than life characters who loved Quogue dearly. In this week’s column, At Quaquanantuck and those who knew them best remember Frances (Frankie) Ryan and Tom Lawson.

Frances (Frankie) Ryan
Survived by her son Robert Ryan of New York City and her longtime companion Richmond (Dick) Gardner of Quogue, Frances (Frankie) Mead Ryan died peacefully at home in Quogue on July 8 due to heart failure. She was 87.

Born in New York City, she graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1955 and went to work at Met Life Insurance, remaining there until 1963. After changing careers to early childhood education, she moved to Long Island in 1968 and taught at the East Quogue Elementary School, mostly in the first and second grades, until her retirement in 2000.

Mrs. Ryan was known as a patient and supportive teacher with a passion for books, gardening and history.

“A 50-plus year resident of Quogue, the Village was always high in her thoughts,” Dick Gardner wrote in an email this week. “Among her civic interests were the Library, where she spent many Saturday mornings as a volunteer at the circulation desk; the Quogue Historical Society, where she succeeded Pat Shuttleworth as the expert on the histories of Quogue houses and will be remembered for her annual presentations; her service as Village Historian; the Church of the Atonement, where she was a member of the Altar Guild and a Eucharistic Minister; and the Westhampton Garden Club, as an enthusiastic participant in all the club’s activities.”

Her friend Cecelia Lazarescu wrote this week that “in addition to her love of the history of Quogue, Frankie was so very proud of her garden. Years ago, when I first met her, she invited me over to see all of the beautiful things she had planted. At that time I knew nothing about gardening and she seemed to know everything and was willing to share with a novice.”

In addition to her membership at the Quogue Beach Club, the Surf Club, the Quogue Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution; she was also a trustee of the Suffolk County Historical Society.

A funeral was held on July 18 at the Church of the Atonement, and Mrs. Ryan will be interred at the Quogue Cemetery. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Church of the Atonement.

Tom Lawson
Thomas Elsworth Lawson of Quogue, and formerly of Manhattan and Wellesley, Massachusetts, died on June 29. He was 84.

As detailed in an obituary in The Southampton Press, Tom’s Odyssean career began in the golden age of New York advertising and spanned 50 years, with leadership positions at Ogilvy & Mather, McCann-Erickson, and Arnold Worldwide.

In 1971, he joined Ron Rosenfeld and Len Sirowitz to form Rosenfeld, Sirowitz & Lawson (RS&L), which would become one of the most talked about and dynamic agencies in New York over the next 15 years, and was named the hottest medium-size shop of the year in 1979.

A Harvard graduate, he played varsity football there and received the William Paine LaCroix Award for sportsmanship, loyalty, and team spirit. After college, he continued to play tennis, golf, softball, and volleyball as often as he could. He also served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant, earning his Parachutist Badge. In his later life, McDonald’s, a major client, presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Around our village, his dashing good looks combined with his sartorial choices made it appear that he had walked out of the pages of an elegant menswear catalog, and qualified him for best-dressed honors in any context, be it the boardroom or the backyard. Whether greeting a longtime friend or a new acquaintance, his ever-present ebullient bonhomie and love of laughter almost seemed a challenge to anyone he encountered to be in as good a mood as he was.

As the Press obituary noted: “His hospitality was legend: if you showed up on his doorstep—whether you were from overseas or zip code 11959—you were welcomed with drinks, toasted at dinner, and offered a roof over your head for as long as you needed.”

His friend David Campagna wrote in an email this week: “Tom was a special guy. Some of his attributes that come to mind are: humorous; intelligent; ethical; unpretentious; respected boss and businessman; courageous; a loyal and valued friend; loving husband, father, and grandfather; and generous patriarch of his extended family. It was a privilege to know him; He will be sorely missed by many.”

Another longtime friend, Tom Elliott, wrote in an email: “Tom was a man who exuded optimism every day, had a keen sense of humor, left a huge footprint in the advertising world, had a love of all sports, both as a fan and as an avid competitor, and above all an endless love of his family. He will be missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”

He is survived by his wife, Nina, the love of his life for more than 40 years; his children, Patric (Sarah) of Norwell Massachusetts, James (Caroline Flynn) of Park Slope, and Samantha (Matthew Termine) of Park Slope; grandchildren, Maeve, Cordner, Matilda, Theo, and Oliver; siblings, Captain Peter (Rosine) of San Ramon, California, Judy Clarke of Rockland, Massachusetts, and Christopher (Dianne) of Hanover, Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Tom’s life is scheduled for autumn 2021, date to be determined. Donations may be made in Tom’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Proof of Life

July 1, 2021July 1, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

Ah, summer. Although its progress can be measured with holidays—launches Memorial Day weekend; achieves orbit July 4; splashes down on Labor Day—it’s also a subjective thing.

Some tie it to the progress of plant life—rhododendrons, peonies, iris, roses and dahlias—or crops for the table: asparagus, strawberries, corn and tomatoes. Some gauge it from activities: first and last day at the beach or swim in the ocean; launching the boat and pulling it out; first and last fishing trip; rounds of golf played in shorts.

Augmenting whatever hallmarks we might use to identify and embrace this wondrous season, there are events and traditions. Summer of 2020 was perhaps most notable for its lack of these. With no (or only a virtual facsimile of) Memorial Day services; graduation ceremonies; HTC play, Chamber Music concert, or Quogue Junior Theater Troupe shows at the Community Hall; gala fundraisers for important non-profits—including most especially the Wild Night for Wildlife to benefit the Wildlife Refuge or the Quogue Historical Society Art Show and Sale—and no Quogue Association Beach Party or Duck Race, to name only a few of the missing, it was open to question if we really had a summer at all.

Well, of course we did, but it was certainly nothing like the kind of summer we have so happily become accustomed to sharing with family and friends. That’s why we should be even more appreciative this year of all the organizations that are doing whatever it takes to bring back, safely, the events and activities that give this season its beautiful texture. At the same time, we must be even more supportive of those, like the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, that are precluded for a second summer from hosting both a wonderful party and their most important fundraiser of the year.

Quogue Association Checking All the Boxes
Perhaps the group most often associated with setting out the goal posts for this community’s celebration of summer, the Quogue Association is going full bore again this year, scheduling the big Beach Party on July 17 at the Village Beach; setting up for the Duck Race and free concert at the Village Dock on August 20, and awarding, as it does every year, the QA’s annual scholarship to a community service minded student from Quogue.

The QA blockbuster Village Beach Party on Saturday, July 17 (rain date July 24), from 6 to 9 p.m. is one of those rare events that can actually live up to the promise of “fun for the whole family.” The tasty menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and assorted salads, with a beverage selection of wine, beer and lemonade.

DJ Mike Variale of East End Entertainment will be set up down on the beach this year, closer to the action around the traditional bonfire, and free Quogue Association frisbees will be distributed to all the kids. The price is $30 for adults and young persons age 11 and up; $15 for kids 5 to 10; and free for children under 5.

Residents may still be shaking the sand out of their pockets on July 31, the first of three Saturdays when the QA will be set up outside the Post Office to sell cleaned up, restored and recycled ducks for the annual Duck Race on Friday, August 20, to benefit the Quogue Association’s community projects. The race and free attendant celebration and concert at the Quogue Village Dock run from 5 to 7 p.m., with beer, wine and water provided, and music from the band Souled Out. Picnicking is encouraged, so be prepared to BYO comestibles and tuck in. More details on duck prices, sale dates, and prizes for winners in the next At Quaquanantuck.

Quogue Association President Lynn Lomas has announced that Arielle Bolduc is this year’s recipient of the annual scholarship awarded annually by the QA to a graduating student of Westhampton Beach High School who currently lives in Quogue and has demonstrated a significant commitment to community service.

Arielle’s accomplishments include volunteering at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge as a camp counselor, helping to prepare meals for needy families during the holidays, volunteering at Southampton Animal Shelter, and participating in beach cleanups along Dune Road. She is looking forward to attending Louisiana State University in the fall. Congratulations, Arielle!

*Members of the Quogue Association board of directors (left to right) Mac Highet, Stefanie Beck, Lynn Lomas and Kevin Crowe with this year’s QA scholarship recipient Arielle Bolduc.*

To paraphrase the important message passed on by Mayor Peter Sartorius in his most recent email to village residents, dated June 21: Any resident who is not already supporting the Quogue Association by being a member (for the modest sum of $40 per year plus any additional voluntary contribution), should consider becoming a member. And all members on the QA rolls for 2020 who have not already done so are urged to renew their membership as soon as possible. The process is simple: visit www.quogueassociation.org and click on the “Join/Donate” tab on the upper right of the home page. As Hizzoner pointed out, “If you are technologically challenged or just prefer the traditional means of making payments, send your name and email address with your check to the Quogue Association at PO Box 671 in Quogue.”

In addition to the Beach Party, the Duck Race and free concert, the annual scholarship, guest speaker series, monthly newsletter to members, and many other contributions to enhancing the quality of life in our village, the Quogue Association maintains the landscaping at the Village Dock, at the west entrance to Quogue from Montauk Highway, at the Post Lane circle, and at the intersection of Post Lane and Dune Road. Recent projects that the QA fully or partially funded include the restoration of the Nachum Chapin anchor at the Quogue Library, replacement of the Village Clock at the Village Pond, installation of the beautiful serpentine bench on the Village Green, and placement of a resting bench at the intersection of Old Depot and Scrub Oak Roads.

It all boils down to this: there’s every reason to become a member or renew your membership in the Quogue Association, and not a single reason not to.

*Quogo Neck sunset. —Elizabeth Caputo Photo*

Incumbent Trustees Win Another Two-Year Term
In this year’s Quogue Village election on Friday, June 18, more than 100 voters turned out in support of the status quo, awarding incumbents Randy Cardo and Ted Necarsulmer (who were running unopposed) additional two-year terms as Trustees.

Deborah Disston Wins Election to School Board
Quogue School Superintendent Jeffrey Ryvicker was kind enough to share the results of the run-off election for a member of the Quogue School Board of Education: “At a Special Run-Off Election held on June 22, Ms. Deborah Disston was elected to the Quogue UFSD Board of Education,” Mr. Ryvicker wrote in an email this week. “Ms. Disston ran unopposed, as Holly Degnan withdrew her candidacy prior to the election. Ms. Disston will serve as Trustee for a term of three years.”

*The Quogue Historical Society’s 1822 One-Room Schoolhouse Museum is now open for self-guided tours six days a week. —Photo courtesy of Quogue Historical Society*

1822 One-Room Schoolhouse Is Now Open
The Quogue Historical Society has announced that the newly restored Schoolhouse Museum, which now sits in a place of prominence on the grounds of the Quogue Library, is open for self-guided tours Thursday through Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Wednesday.

As the Historical Society pointed out in an email to At Quaquanantuck, “The Schoolhouse is indisputably the most important historic building in the Village. It is not only a rare example of its type and form, but it also survives remarkably intact, with its original 12-over-12 windows—many with original panes of glass—rough-hewn pine floor, and beaded wall boards, featuring 19th century graffiti: carvings of ships and students’ initials. Moreover, it has an entrance hall, which is atypical, as are the vaulted barrel ceilings in the hall and large classroom.

“In anticipation of our celebration of the Schoolhouse’s 200th anniversary, 1822-2022, the Historical Society undertook critical repairs and restoration work on the building, inside and out. The work began in 2019 and was completed in early 2021. The Schoolhouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing resource in the Quogue Historic District (2016).”

On Saturday, July 17, the QHS will open a new exhibition at the Pond House on Jessup Avenue, “Quogue’s ‘Old Schoolhouse Museum’: The First Exhibition, 1949.”

In 1893, when the Village built a new and larger schoolhouse for its burgeoning population, Quogue’s one-room Schoolhouse was closed and abandoned. Abram Post rescued the 1822 building from demolition in the early 1900s and moved it to his property just east of the Quogue Library. He used it as a tool shed and workshop for almost 50 years. In 1948, the Post family donated the Schoolhouse to the Library to be operated as a museum.

On August 24, 1949, the Library’s newly formed Historical Committee, forerunner of the Quogue Historical Society, opened its first exhibition, which featured “furniture, implements, photographs, and documents, many of them dating back to the early settlers in Quogue.”

“Celebrate Art!” Party and Art Show & Sale Return
The QHS is taking its place in restoring the natural order of things by bringing back the popular “Celebrate Art!” cocktails and art talk benefit on Friday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., on the eve of the 55th annual Art Show & Sale to benefit the QHS from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, on the Quogue Village Green on Jessup Avenue.

*After a new school was built, the 1822 Schoolhouse was used by Abram Post as a tool shed and workshop on his propert for 50 years. —Photo courtesy of Quogue Historical Society*

Church of the Atonement Has Begun Summer Services
The Reverend Dr. Richard D. McCall returned this week for his 22nd season at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Quogue Street, officiating at services on Sunday, June 27. Rev. McCall will officiate for two more weeks at the church, on Sunday, July 4, and Sunday, July 11.

He and his wife, the Reverend Dr. Terry McCall, live in Bloomington, Indiana. Their daughter Anne and her husband Myles live in New Orleans, a son Ross and his wife Liz are in Atlanta, and a daughter Emily and her husband Trent live in Bloomington with their two boys, Parker and Charlie.

Masks will be required at services, according to a notification from the church, “until we are sure it is safe for everyone.” All children in the community, age 7 to 14, are invited to sing in the junior choir which is led by Patricia Osborne Feiler, organist and choir director. Rehearsals are held at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings. For additional information regarding the junior choir, contact Mary Vogel via email at mtvogel@icloud.com.

Sunday services are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; all are welcome. The Church of the Atonement is located at 17 Quogue Street.

Taking over on Sunday, July 18, for the first of four Sundays will be the Reverend Dr. Robert Dannals, who is now in his 19th season at the church.

Rev. Dannals has been serving as a part-time Associate at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida. He was for many years Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Church in Dallas, Texas, and served in interim ministry in New York City, Atlanta, and Beverly Hills. He was recently appointed as the Interim Rector for the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, for the coming year.

Rev. Dannals and his wife Valerie have their permanent residence in Jacksonville. They have three daughters: Danielle with two daughters in Jacksonville; Kaleigh, married with one son in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Mary Blair, married in Washington, DC.

*Three brothers—Maximus, Marcus and Magnus Haynia—took care of the official flag raising at the Grand Re-Opening of the Quogue Library on Saturday, June 26. —A. Botsford Photo*

On June 26 it was indeed a very Grand Re-Opening of the renovated, restored and expanded Quogue Library, with some 522 people touring the spectacular new facility. With a theme of “Honoring the Past; Reaching Out to the Future,” the opening ceremonies went off beautifully, with thoughtful remarks and expressions of gratitude by a number of speakers, raising of the Stars and Stripes by three Boy Scouts who are also brothers, and a moving rendition of the national anthem by the very gifted Grace Gramins before the formal ribbon cutting.

In a perfect Quogue moment, when applause erupted after Ms. Gramins sang the concluding line of the Star-Spangled Banner, little Georgia Russell, age two and a half, who had been hopping around the flagpole, looked up at the enthusiastically clapping assembled multitude and graced the crowd with a sweeping, deep bow. Born ready for the limelight, it seems.

During the tours and casual rambling through the library, patrons marveled at the beautiful restoration of the 1897 Library rooms; the wonders of the new Innovation Lab; the space specifically tailored for tweens; the Children’s Room, Children’s Activity Room, Children’s Porch and Garden; the new Art Gallery; the made-over Shinnecock Room and Shinnecock Terrace; and the welcoming Circulation Desk, to name only a few of the fabulous features of the new and yet comfortingly familiar library.

Front Row, left to right, Sally McGrath, Trustee; Catherine Donnelly, consultant, Trustees Philippe McCauliffe, Kathy Lomas and Sarah Adams; Frances Beatty Adler, Co-Chair Capital Campaign; Barbara Sartorius, President Board of Trustees; Trustee Kevin Crowe Sr;. Building Committee Chair Lynda Confessore; Trustee Paul Mejean; Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman; Trustee Pierre de Saint Phalle. Second row, left to right, Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss, Innovation Lab sponsors; Quogue Mayor Peter Sartorius, Assemblyman Fred Thiele Jr. —*Veronique Louis Photo*

*Kids wasted no time trying out the new Children’s Activity Room at the library on Saturday. —Veronique Louis Photo*

With No “Wild Night” This Summer, Refuge Reaches Out for Support
The sad news is that Director Michael Nelson and the Quogue Wildlife Refuge board have once again had to reach the difficult decision not to host a Wild Night for Wildlife gala fundraiser this summer. The better news is that they are already asking supporters to save the date of July 9, 2022 for next summer’s Wild Night party.

In the meantime, the mail invitation to the QWR Summer Appeal, a fundraiser established in lieu of the Wild Night for Wildlife benefit, will include a packet of milkweed seeds, to support wildlife in supporters’ own backyards. The summer fundraiser, in whatever form, is traditionally the most important one of the year for the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, as it supports year-round environmental education programming, excellent quality care for resident animals, and maintains the trails and grounds for all to enjoy. No need to wait for the seed packet and invitation in the mail; donations can be made directly on the QWR website, www.quoguewildliferefuge.org, or by clicking on this link, quoguewildliferefuge.org/summerappeal.

*The lovely Butterfly Garden at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. —Photo courtesy of QWR*

Coming up on Monday, July 12, from 2 to 2:45 p.m., the QWR will host a Kids Painting for Pollinators program for ages 6-12. Participants will take a stroll through the butterfly garden to learn about some plants and butterflies, and then paint a watering can to take home. This program is sponsored by the Leo S. Walsh Foundation. Children should wear a smock or an old tee-shirt as acrylic paints will be used. The fee of $20 per child includes materials. Pre-registration is available here: quoguewildliferefuge.org/events/kids-painting-for-pollinators.

*Master pollinator at work. —Photo courtesy of QWR Summer Appeal*

“Go Native” Urgent Message: the Bees Need Our Help
For this edition of At Quaquanantuck, Lulie Morrisey and Paula Prentis, self-described “co-motivators-in-chief” of the Go Native initiative in Quogue, have turned their attention to the critical decline in the bee population.

As Ms. Morrisey wrote this week: “If you look around your garden, you will probably notice few or no bumblebees on your Nepeta (catmint). Likewise, the clover in your lawn should have many honeybees seeking nectar and pollen, and there seem to be very few in these environs. Bee populations have plummeted over the last decades, and without bees the pollinator cycle is broken. Plants do not get pollinated and the food supply—ours and the birds’—is affected. One in every three bites of food, including fruits, vegetables and nuts, depends on bees and other pollinators.

“While habitat loss and climate change are contributing factors to the dearth of bees, the biggest culprits are the chemicals we are putting on our lawns. The two agrochemicals that are largely responsible for the devastating decline of bees and monarchs are a class of insecticides called neonics, and the weed killer glyphosate (“Roundup”). Neonics are used heavily in agriculture, but they are also included in many commercial sprays used by landscapers against mosquitoes, ticks, etc. (for example, look for Imidacloprid as an ingredient).

“These products are not only toxic to beneficial insects, but can be harmful to your children and pets. There are ways to keep your lawn healthy without weed killer. And as for mosquitos and ticks, it’s a huge problem for sure, but the number one thing you can do is protect yourself with repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. If you must spray, use only a product containing botanical oils and do target spraying in the early morning when bees are less active, avoiding flowering plants.

“The severe decline in bees (and monarchs) is cause for much alarm. Taking no action will lead to very dire environmental consequences for us and the natural world. Remember the message of Doug Tallamy: small steps by many individuals … can make a difference.”

Check Library Website for Programming
A quick glance at the Quogue Library website home page reveals that the staff hasn’t missed a step in offering a wide array of programming for young people and adults of all ages. And registering is easy: simply click on the flier for any program that catches your interest and a registration link will pop up.

The first installment of the summer Conversations with the Author series is only a week away, with Sarah Penner, author of “The Lost Apothecary,” the first guest on July 11. Paula McLain, author of “When the Stars Go Dark,” will speak with author Rene Denfeld on July 18; Karin Tanabe, author of “A Woman of Intelligence,” will be the guest author on July 25; David S. Reynolds, author of “Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times,” on August 8; poet John Barr, author of “Dante in China” on August 15; and Alexandra Andrews, author of “Who Is Maud Dixon?” on August 22.

Among the host of programs on offer, on Wednesday, July 7, the library is hosting a book discussion live via Zoom with Carl Safina at 4:30 p.m. The author will discuss three non-human cultures—what they do, why they do it, and how life is for them—in his most recent book, “Becoming Wild.”

The Quogue Library’s Anti-Racism Book Club will be discussing “Black Food Geographies: Race, Self-Reliance, and Food Access in Washington DC” by Ashante M. Reese live via Zoom on Tuesday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m.

All those interested in learning more about “Snapseed Photo Editing” can sign up for a virtual workshop on the subject led by Ian on Saturday, July 17, at 10 a.m.

And these are just a few of the programs to be found on the Quogue Library website. Dive in!

*Morning glory. —Elizabeth Caputo Photo*

Foreign Policy Association Looks North to the Arctic
The next installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program will examine “The Coldest War: Toward a Return to Great Power Competition in the Arctic?” Pending any changes based on new guidance, the program will be hosted virtually by the Quogue Library and presented by moderator David Rowe and facilitator Susan Perkins on Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m., on Saturday, July 17.

A limited number of discounted briefing books are available for sale through the library; email jbloom@quoguelibrary.org. To purchase a digital copy of the 2021 briefing book, click here. The E-book version of the briefing book is also available at Amazon/Kindle, Rakuten Kobo, Nook (Barnes and Noble), Apple Books , 24symbols.com, and Scribd. To sign up for the July 17 virtual program, click here or visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the FPA Great Decisions “Coldest War” flier on the home page.

Barbara Ernst Prey Up Next at Quogue Gallery
This is the last weekend to see “Norman Carton: Lunar and Organic Abstract Expressionist Series” at the Quogue Gallery before the show closes on July 6.

Next up at the gallery at 44 Quogue Street will be “Barbara Ernst Prey: Vanishing Point,” running from July 8 to August 4, with an artist reception slated on Saturday, July 10, from 5 to 7 p.m.

*Barbara Ernst Prey, “Vanishing Point,” 2006, watercolor on paper, 28 x 37.8. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

The exhibition will feature 20 works in various mediums—watercolor on paper, oil on panel and canvas and digital print—reflecting the artist’s Long Island roots. Three paintings of Quogue scenes are included in the show. According to the gallery, “Vanishing Point” offers “a comprehensive look at the work of an artist whom Charles A. Riley, Director of the Nassau County Museum of Art, describes in his exhibition catalogue essay as ‘quite simply put, the world’s pre-eminent woman watercolorist.’”

In his essay, Riley, who has been writing about Prey for decades, notes that “Starting within the realist category, the clear descent from Mary Cassatt, Rosa Bonheur … Georgia O’Keeffe and others seems limiting … open the frame to include abstraction and a different matrilineal prospect follows—Mitchell, Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Jane Wilson, Mary Abbott and perhaps closest in terms of sheer aesthetics, Helen Frankenthaler.

“The Ninth Street Women are enjoying a moment … offering Prey a group context one generation removed who accomplished by virtue of their own pluck and talent the forging of a style both painterly and powerful that locks down its claim to posterity. The only two women appointed to the National Council on the Arts are Prey and Frankenthaler. Both of them embody a cardinal principle of aesthetics: Originality married to technique earns this ranking.”

One of America’s most renowned contemporary artists, Barbara Ernst Prey was recently commissioned by MASS MoCA to create the largest known watercolor painting (8 by 15 feet) for a new building. Prey’s work also resides in the National Gallery of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the New York Historical Society, Kennedy Space Center and the permanent collection of the White House, where she is one of just two living female artists represented. In addition, the artist’s work has been featured and discussed in numerous books and publications, and on radio and television programs.

Prey earned a Bachelor’s degree from Williams College, where she is an adjunct faculty member, and a Master’s degree from Harvard University. She has received numerous institutional accolades, including a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation enabling her to spend a year painting in Asia, a Fulbright Scholarship, and the New York State Senate’s “Women of Distinction” Award. She maintains studios in New York, Maine, and Massachusetts.

*Barbara Ernst Prey, “Variations of Color,” 2021, watercolor on paper, 11 x 14. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

Summer Film Series Heating Up at Performing Arts Center
Tickets are on sale now for the next films in the 2021 Rose and Don Ciampa World Cinema summer series at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

Films are screened on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30, with Andrew Botsford of Quogue introducing the films on Tuesday evenings and discussing them afterward, often with guest commentators, followed by an informal audience discussion.

The lineup for July begins with “Les Notres” (“Our Own”) on July 6 and 7. According to the intriguing PAC description, “To the tight-knit community of Sainte-Adeline, Quebec, Magalie appears as a normal suburban high school sophomore surrounded by friends. But this popular teenage girl is harboring a shocking secret: she’s pregnant. When Magalie refuses to identify the father, suspicions among the townsfolk come to a boiling point and the layers of a carefully maintained social varnish eventually crack.”

On July 13 and 14, the film will be “Final Account,” described as “an urgent portrait of the last living generation of everyday people to participate in Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. Over a decade in the making, the film raises vital, timely questions about authority, conformity, complicity and perpetration, national identity, and responsibility, as men and women ranging from former SS members to civilians in never-before-seen interviews reckon with—in very different ways—their memories, perceptions and personal appraisals of their own roles in the greatest human crimes in history.”

And on July 20 and 21, the film will be “Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters.” This documentary “traces the remarkable history and legacy of one of the most important works of art to come out of the age of AIDS –choreographer Bill T. Jones’s tour de force ballet “D-Man in the Waters.” In 1989, D-Man in the Waters gave physical manifestation to the fear, anger, grief, and hope for salvation that the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company felt as they were embattled by the AIDS pandemic. As a group of young dancers reconstructs the dance, they learn about this oft forgotten history and deepen their understanding of the power of art in a time of plague.”

A complete list of this summer’s films, with trailers, is available on the PAC website. For more information about PAC protocols and to purchase tickets, visit whbpac.org and click on Films.

Graduation Time
This is the time of year for graduations, one of the signals that summer is truly underway. At Quaquanantuck salutes all graduates, with special recognition for some of the ones that readers have let me know about.

Maxwell Smith, son of Joanie Mullen and Gabe Smith, graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music, Dance and Performing Arts in NYC last week. He studied in the Technical Theater Studio and has worked some summers with QJTT here in Quogue.

Max will be attending John Cabot University in Rome, Italy, for his freshman year and then Tulane University. The graduation was in a great venue: at Central Park Summerstage.

Maud Fitzpatrick, daughter of Tara Fitzpatrick, went to the Quogue School starting in fourth grade, graduated this year, and will now be attending Westhampton Beach Middle School in the fall.

At Quaquanantuck also learned of three 2021 graduating seniors from Westminster School who reside at least part-time in Quogue: Miranda Douglass, daughter of Stephanie and Andrew Douglass; Hunter Hoogkamp, son of Carolyn and Greg Hoogkamp; and William Mazzaro, son of Laura and Gene Mazzaro.

Please send news (and photos!) of any other Quogue graduates to AtQuaq@gmail.com.

Haywire Bringing It All Back Home
Haywire owner Raenell Murray is continuing the practice she initiated last summer, inviting her faithful customers, as well as new friends, to come to her house to see all of the clothing items she is selling.

*A sample of items available from Haywire.*

Ms. Murray recently advised At Quaquanantuck that there will be regular priced items in the house and a barn full of sale items. All are invited to come see fabulous French capris and trousers, cashmere sweaters, shawls, colorful tops, jewelry and much more. Call Ms. Murray at 631-283-2809 to set up an appointment.

*Musicians of the Manhattan Chamber Players at the Quogue Chamber Music concert on July 12. —Mary Thames Louis Photo*

Following the unqualified success of the June 12 concert, Quogue Chamber Music impresario Jane Deckoff offered this message to At Quaquanantuck: “Thank you to Jeff Ryvicker and the Quogue Elementary School for their generosity in providing their faculty and staff parking lot for the tent … We were also gratified by the decent weather and by the fact that the acoustics turned out to be excellent … the Quogue audience leapt to their feet and gave the musicians a standing ovation after the Chausson. Everyone was just so excited to be up and about that any stress and the hard work were well worth it.”

*The fully vaccinated audience enjoyed dropping their masks for the Quogue Chamber Music concert on June 12. —Mary Thames Louis Photo*

Write America Keeps the Light Bright
At Quaquanantuck continues to be amazed by—and very grateful for—the seemingly endless roster of extraordinarily talented, sensitive, and insightful writers who have happily signed up to be on the ongoing weekly program Write America: A Reading for Our Country.

The brainchild of the prodigiously gifted writer, teacher and Quogue boulevardier Roger Rosenblatt, Write America offers beautiful readings and stimulating discussions aimed at mending some of the rifts roiling our nation, airing on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on the Crowdcast channel hosted by Book Revue, the wonderful, community minded gem of an independent bookstore located in Huntington.

To catch up on what the series is all about, At Quaquanantuck recommends a visit to the Book Revue website, bookrevue.com/write-america-series, where you can access recordings of all the readings and conversations of the series up to now.

The June 21 program featured author, editor and professor Lou Ann Walker, Quogue’s own Whiting Award-winning author and professor Genevieve Sly Crane, and short story writer Jeordie Chou. Coming up on Monday, July 5, will be novelist and screenwriter Susan Isaacs, novelist and playwright Jean Hanff Korelitz, and Pulitzer Prize nominated author Ishmael Reed; on July 12, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gregory Pardlo and sportswriter and novelist Robert Lipsyte; on July 19, Kate Lehrer, former New Yorker contributor Elizabeth Hawes Weinstock, and Pushcart Prize-winning poet David Tomas Martinez; and on July 26, novelist and journalist Joyce Maynard and poet and essayist Adrienne Unger.

And Away We Go

June 10, 2021June 23, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

Now this is more like it. It’s beginning to feel like summer around here.

The beginning of June in 2020 was a time of buttoning up, shutting down, settling in and keeping apart, putting on masks and gloves, crossing off one event or planned gathering after another on the calendar.

*Village Dock, June 4, 2021. —A. Botsford Photo*

Summer 2021 has a delightfully different feeling. Sure, there are still some restrictions and limitations, but this June is much more like the start of summers of yore: the Village election is back on schedule; the school and library budgets were approved but there’s a runoff vote for school board member on June 22; people are getting together for drinks and dinner parties; Quogue Chamber Music is offering its traditional June concert under a tent this Saturday; live theatre is back, with the Hampton Theatre Company production of “Sylvia” wrapping up on Sunday and the Quogue Junior Theater Troupe taking over the Community Hall on June 20 in preparation for productions of “Pippin” and “Frozen Jr.” in August; the newly renovated and expanded Quogue Library—which can only be described as amazing—will host a Grand Re-Opening on June 26 and open for business on June 27; the Wildlife Refuge has a pre-Father’s Day sale on Saturday, June 12, as well as Private Family Paddling sessions June 12 and 18, and an important Zoom talk by Doug Tallamy on June 15; the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is bringing back its summer film series starting June 15.

Get the picture? Read on for the details on a summer that’s raring to go. The weather’s fair; track clear: let’s get started.

*From the number of photos submitted, it appears that many residents enjoyed the beautiful rainbow that followed the showers of June 4 in Quogue. —Judy Gruhn Photo*

Village Election June 18
Knocked off kilter by the Covid pandemic and associated shutdowns and calendar shuffling, the Quogue Village election is back to its usual schedule this year and will be held on Friday, June 18, with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the firehouse on Jessup Avenue. Incumbents Randy Cardo and Ted Necarsulmer are running unopposed for two-year terms as Trustees, which means they will only be opposed by any write-in candidates. Which means it’s still important to come out and cast your vote.

School and Library Budgets Approved; Runoff Vote for School Board
While turnout was only a fraction of what one might hope for in our generally civic minded village, it was still gratifying to see that village voters showed overwhelming support on May 18 for the budgets of two institutions that provide the foundation and the backbone for education and enrichment for all ages in our community. The Quogue School budget was approved by a vote of 145 to 22; and the Quogue Library budget was approved by a vote of 135 to 23.

The election of a school board member to fill the position held by Tim Carbone, meanwhile, was a dead heat, 75-75, which might seem to indicate that the two candidates, Holly Degnan and Deborah Disston, are essentially equally qualified. A special run-off election has been scheduled at the school on Tuesday, June 22, from 2 to 8 p.m. For complete details, visit the Quogue School website at www.quogueschool.com.

As has been noted in this column many times, both the school and the library have faced whatever challenges came their way over the years and still maintained the highest standards of excellence in their dedication to their respective missions and service to the community. Then came Covid.

Beyond health care, probably no other sector was as hard hit by the pandemic as education. But in Quogue, thanks to the efforts of Quogue School Superintendent Jeffrey Ryvicker, the willing teachers, dedicated administrators and support staff, the 2020-2021 school year has been as close to “normal” as possible for the students and parents while still observing the necessary safety restrictions and protocols.

The Quogue Library, meanwhile, was already embarked on perhaps the most ambitious renovation and expansion in the facility’s history when the coronavirus pandemic effectively stalled forward motion on all building projects all across the country. Not only did the library make an almost seamless—and instantaneous—shift over to an astounding array of virtual programs, the tireless members of the Building Committee—chair Lynda Confessore, Sally McGrath, Paul Mejean, and Barbara Sartorius—with help from IT Director Russell Weisenbacher, the board of trustees, and, for the past year, new library Director Jenny Bloom, somehow managed the gargantuan task of keeping the multi-tiered project on track. And now the new library and all its many wonders will be unveiled at a grand re-opening party on June 26, and the new business as usual will begin on June 27. (See below.)

All residents are urged to remember that voting to approve a budget is only one way to express your appreciation for what the women and men of these two institutions have accomplished—in both cases for no other reason than a desire to provide the best possible resources for our community. They should be thanked, applauded and saluted at every opportunity for their miraculous achievements, all on our behalf.

On June 26, the Big Reveal
So much to celebrate in this June of reawakening, with the Grand Re-Opening of the Quogue Library on Saturday, June 26, near the very top of the list.

The official invitation went out this week, with the library trustees and staff urging patrons to “bike, hike or share a ride” to this come-one, come-all celebration from 1 to 5 p.m.

On tap are an opening ceremony, with local Eagle Scouts helping to raise the flag and guest speakers Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman offering remarks, and an official ribbon cutting at 1:15 p.m.

Also on the schedule are tours of the renovated and expanded facility and lots of activities, with the Mambo Loco band providing musical accompaniment and the library offering refreshments under the tent. Kids (of all ages) are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite book character, and the library trustees are asking all patrons to “come masked” for activities inside the library “so we can protect each other.”

Members of the community are also being invited to contribute a message to a time capsule that will be sealed at the conclusion of the re-opening celebration. Residents who are interested in submitting an item to the time capsule are asked to email a description of their proposed contribution to library staff at info@quoguelibrary.org and inquire about the particulars.

*From the northeast, across the new tent pavilion. —A. Botsford Photo*

Before It Can Re-Open, the Library Has to Close
The Quogue Library will close its Midland Street location on Saturday, June 12, at 1 p.m. and will re-open in the spectacular new Quogue Street location the day after the big celebration, at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 27. Patrons are asked to stop in at the Midland office or call staff before 1 p.m. on June 12 for help reserving books or having holds sent to a neighboring library in the interim.

Starting June 27, the Quogue Library will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Tuesday, and closed on Wednesdays.

Library Programming Is Virtually Continuous
While the Quogue Library will not have a physical, brick and mortar operation running for the two weeks between June 12 and June 27, the wide array of virtual programs for body, mind, spirit and palate will continue uninterrupted. Courtesy of library staffer and frequent At Quaquanantuck correspondent Elizabeth Caputo, a sampling of these offerings is listed below.

In the fitness department, Leisa M. Taylor is leading a “Powerhouse Pilates” series on Mondays at 10 a.m. through July 5, dedicated to learning about and strengthening specific muscle groups. On Tuesdays at 10 a.m. through June 29, Ms. Taylor will be helping participants “Learn How to Balance Your Body and Mind.”

In “Chakra Yoga” on Fridays at 10 a.m. through July 16, Jillian will guide participants through an hour-long energetic yoga class focusing on one chakra or thought/feeling/area of the body per class.

In programming for adults, this Friday, June 11, at 7 p.m. “The Lost Boys of Montauk” will feature author Amanda Fairbanks in conversation with Henry Osmers, the Montauk Lighthouse Historian; and the Adult Fiction Book Club will meet on Zoom on Sunday, June 13, at noon to discuss “Interior Chinatown” by Charles Wu.

The library sponsored monthly Cancer Talk on Wednesday, June 16, at 4:30 p.m. will feature scientist Sonam Bhatia of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory speaking about new techniques in the study of breast cancer, with a Q&A to follow.

Also on Wednesday, June 16, at 7 p.m. the library will play virtual host to a Facebook Live presentation by “Simply Creative” chef Rob Scott, “The Summer Is Bursting with Flavor.” Participants will learn how to make grilled shrimp with feta cheese, tomato, and orzo salad; grilled jerk chicken with a watermelon Fire and Ice salsa; and a summertime red, white, and blueberry shortcake. Sounds tasty.

*Rhododendron red. —Elizabeth Caputo Photo*

Patrons who pick up the kit with all necessary supplies at Midland before Saturday, June 12, will be able to take part in a Virtual Paint Class focusing on seascapes with Marie Camenares on Friday, June 18, from 7 to 8 p.m.

In these days of hacking, phishing and ransomware, it’s more important than ever to understand what kinds of security are available. On Wednesday, June 23, at 3:30 p.m. the library’s SeniorNet program will examine “Internet Security,” with the discussion centered on antivirus software, firewalls, malware, phishing, private browsing, and security settings for MS Edge, Firefox, and Google Chrome.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, author and “Great Gatsby” scholar Richard Webb Jr. will present a Zoom discussion of his book, “Boats Against the Current: The Honeymoon of Scott and Zelda.”

Teen programs include a Virtual Paint Party on Friday, June 11, at 7 p.m.; and Dungeons and Dragons for seventh grade and up on Saturdays at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Tweens (age 8 to 11) can turn an old t-shirt into a tote bag by tuning in to the Fabric and Fiber Inventions program on Wednesday, June 23, at 3 p.m. And there are a number of programs geared to younger children as well.

For more details and to register for any of the programs sponsored by the library, visit the quoguelibrary.org website and click on the flier on the home page.

And, in all the excitement swirling around the library these days, don’t forget to mark the calendar for this summer’s Conversations with the Author series, which will feature Sarah Penner, author of “The Lost Apothecary,” on July 11; Paula McLain, author of “When the Stars Go Dark,” on July 18; Karin Tanabe, author of “A Woman of Intelligence,” on July 25; David S. Reynolds, author of “Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times,” on August 8; and Alexandra Andrews, author of “Who Is Maud Dixon?” on August 22.

*Downy mallard ducklings. —Florrie Morrisey Photo*

Foreign Policy Association Taking Stock of Brexit
The next installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program will examine the possible end of globalization as we have come to understand the term. Hosted virtually by the Quogue Library and presented by moderator David Rowe and facilitator Susan Perkins on Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m., the topic for the June 12 discussion, following a brief video on the subject, will be “Brexit: Taking Stock & Looking Ahead.”

After years of contentious debate and awkward negotiations, the United Kingdom formally left the European Union at the start of 2021. Saturday’s program will consider what the future of Europe and the UK looks like. Will the UK survive a possible Scottish vote to leave? Who will step up into a leadership role in the EU now that Angela Merkel is out of the spotlight?

To sign up for Saturday’s virtual program, click here or visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the FPA Great Decisions flier on the home page. As always, the library is hosting or sponsoring a wide array of virtual programming for all ages and interests. To find out more and to register for any of these programs, visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the fliers posted on the home page.

Refuge Makes Father’s Day Shopping Easy
Although 2021, sadly, will be another summer without a Wild Night for Wildlife, there are still plenty of ways to support the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Take this weekend, for example: An outdoor pre-Father’s Day t-shirt and hat sale with proceeds supporting the QWR will be held on Saturday, June 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shoppers also have the option to place orders online and schedule porch pickup, or call 631-653-4771 to arrange a time to stop by for front porch shopping.

Another way to support the Refuge and enjoy some quality family/friends time into the bargain would be to sign up for a Private Family Paddling slot this Saturday, June 12, or next Friday, June 18.

Those who register for a private time slot with family and/or friends can enjoy exploring Old Ice Pond via kayak or canoe. Paddling will be partially guided by a naturalist, with some time set aside to free paddle as well. Paddlers will observe the various species of freshwater fish, turtles, and birds that live in and around this 100+ year old pond that was originally created for ice harvesting for the Quogue Ice Company.

Each time slot is limited to six people. Options of single and double kayaks or canoes will be determined prior to arrival based on the individuals in the party. The $250 fee must be prepaid, and refunds are possible only with seven-day cancellation notice. To check on available time slots for June 12 or June 18, click here or visit quoguewildliferefuge.org and click on Private Family Paddle Days on the Events Calendar page.

*Ruddy turnstones. —Florrie Morrisey Photo*

Message of Hope for Planet Earth
You know the topic is important when the Leo S. Walsh Foundation, the Peconic Land Trust, and the Quogue Wildlife Refuge team up to offer a free Zoom program on “Nature’s Best Hope: A Conversation with Doug Tallamy,” on Tuesday, June 15, at 7 p.m.

As the announcement on the QWR website reminds us: Recent headlines about global insect declines and the loss of three billion birds in North America alone paint a bleak picture about how ineffective current landscape designs have proved in sustaining the flora and fauna that sustain us. Such losses are not an option if we wish to continue anything like our current standard of living on Planet Earth.

The good news, according to the QWR, is that none of this is inevitable. Mr. Tallamy will discuss simple steps that each of us can—and must—take to reverse declining biodiversity and will explain why we humans are nature’s best hope.

To register in advance for this meeting, click on https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvcu-uqjorHdOUSFWypDyCbMeXN5Jbf657, or go to quoguewildliferefuge.org and click on Nature’s Best Hope on June 15 on the Events Calendar page.

After registering, a confirmation email will provide details on joining the meeting.

While visiting the Events Calendar page, be sure to check out the Full Moon Night Hike on June 23, and a special Painting for Pollinators program for adults and teens on June 24.

“Go Native” Update for Quogue Backyards
In line with Mr. Tallamy’s “Nature’s Best Hope” message, Lulie Morrisey and Paula Prentis, self-described “co-motivators-in-chief” of the Go Native initiative in Quogue, don’t want to slack off on their push to engage Quogue homeowners in efforts to protect pollinators, increase biodiversity and practice conservation. They continue to emphasize the following points:

—“Two Thirds for the Birds”: plant two native plants for every three plants on your property, thus supporting the life cycles of birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife in our area.

—Cut back, or better yet eliminate, use of pesticides and herbicides.

—Listen to Doug Tallamy speak, either live in the QWR June 15 Zoom talk, or in a YouTube video of his standard talk on the importance of native plants in building “conservation corridors” throughout the country. The important thing to remember: every homeowner can make a very real difference with just a few changes to their backyard.

In addition, village residents should be aware that—in line with information in an interesting article on honey bee swarms in last week’s Southampton Press—if you see a honey bee swarm, please do not call an exterminator. This kind of swarming is a natural phenomenon in which a colony decides to peel off some of its members to create a new colony for the queen.

The bees are very vulnerable at this stage, but with no babies or food to protect, they have no incentive to sting. Sometimes, if they don’t find a home, such as a hollow tree, they might move into the wall of a house. In this case, call Long Island Beekeepers Club to relocate them (longislandbeekeepers.org/report-a-swarm). There is currently a bill pending in the Suffolk County Legislature which would ban the killing of swarms of honeybees.

More on Terrapins
In case the photo of a tiny turtle in the last At Quaquanantuck got any readers interested in finding out more about diamondback terrapins, QWR Associate Director Marisa Nelson sent along this flash from the Seatuck Environmental Association:

“One of Long Island’s more iconic coastal species is the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), the only turtle in the world that inhabits brackish water habitats such as salt marshes, tidal creeks, and shallow bays and harbors. Individual terrapins can be seen with their heads bobbing at the water surface, basking in the sun on mud banks, and, most excitedly, occasionally encountered when a female comes ashore seeking a nesting site to lay her eggs.”

Most excitedly indeed.

*Tiny diamondback terrapin on the move. —A. Botsford Photo*

“Terrapins face myriad threats that jeopardize their long-term survival [on Long Island] such as motor vehicle and boat collisions in addition to increased habitat loss. To address these threats and other basic aspects of terrapin ecology, Seatuck and a coalition of governmental entities, other nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions have formed the Long Island Diamondback Terrapin Working Group, which first met in 2018. Seatuck and our partners are seeking volunteer community scientists to join “Terrapin Watch,” which seeks to identify important diamondback terrapin habitat across Long Island, as well as potentially dangerous road crossings.”

Readers can learn more about the Terrapin Watch project and how to get involved during the Community Science LI webinar series (https://seatuck.org/community-science-webinars) program on diamondback terrapins on Wednesday, June 16, from 2 to 3 p.m.

The event is free and open to everyone but registration is required. At this event, you will learn all about diamondback terrapins ranging from their natural history, ecology, and how to submit sightings of them by using the free online submission form (coming soon).The webinar will be recorded and posted on Seatuck’s website shortly after. To learn more about diamondback terrapins and the work Seatuck is doing to protect them, visit the Seatuck website seatuck.org/diamondback-terrapins.

*Alert box turtle. —Elizabeth Caputo Photo*

Quogue Chamber Music “Tenting Tonight” on June 12
Quogue Chamber Music will launch its 2021 season on Saturday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. with members of the Manhattan Chamber Players—piano and strings—performing works by Brahms and Chausson under a tent at the Quogue Elementary School at 10 Edgewood Road.

With an eye to patrons’ safety during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, masks will be required; there will be no reception following the concert; and no tickets will be sold at the box office on the night of the performance.

Check the Quogue Chamber Music website (www.quoguechambermusic.org) about ticket availability, or email info@quoguechambermusic.org.

HTC’s “Sylvia” Wraps Successful Run; QJTT Up Next
After a successful run, the long-delayed Hampton Theatre Company production of “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney—a romantic comedy about the impact of adopting a stray dog on an empty-nest marriage—will offer its final performance on Sunday, June 13.

The happy news is that essentially all available seats were filled for almost every one of the 15 performances. The not so happy news is that only some 60 seats were available for each performance under New York State guidelines for small theaters issued at the time when tickets first went on sale.

*Amanda Griemsmann as Sylvia in the Hampton Theatre Company production closing Sunday, June 13. —Tom Kochie Photo*

Even so, the Hampton Theatre Company, cast, crew and audiences and supporters were thrilled to be the first to bring back live theatre joy to the East End after some 15 months of dormancy due to Covid.

Next up in the return of live theatre at the Quogue Community Hall will be the two 2021 productions of the Quogue Junior Theater Troupe: “Pippin” for the older cast (14 – 19) with performances August 3 to 6; and “Frozen Jr.” for the younger cast (9 – 13; must be entering fourth grade) with performances August 24 to 27.

Summer Film Series Returns to Performing Arts Center
After a 2020 summer of a dark theater, tickets are on sale now for the 2021 Rose and Don Ciampa World Cinema summer series at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, starting almost a month earlier this year on Tuesday, June 15.

As in the past, films will be screened on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30, with Andrew Botsford of Quogue introducing the films on Tuesday evenings and discussing them afterward, often with guest commentators, followed by an informal audience discussion.

The lineup for June begins with “Undine” (German/English) on June 15 and 16. According to the intriguing PAC description, “Undine works as a historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban development. But when the man she loves leaves her, the ancient myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water.”

Review blurbs are equally intriguing: “The film questions the fixed nature of human behavior in a world whose borders are constantly shifting.”—Slant Magazine. And “Christian Petzold’s optimistic romantic tragedy ‘Undine’ is a ciné-conundrum par excellence.”—The Arts Desk.

On June 22 and 23, the film will be “Summer of 85” (French) and on June 29 and 30, the film will be “Werewolves Within” (English).

In accordance with state guidance, the PAC is capping attendance at 250, and there will be no physical tickets. Moviegoers will check in using the last name of the original ticket order. For more information about PAC protocols and to purchase tickets, visit whbpac.org and click on Films.

Quogue Gallery Opens Norman Carton Show This Week
“Norman Carton: Lunar and Organic Abstract Expressionist Series” is the title of the next exhibition coming up at the Quogue Gallery. On view from June 10 to July 6, with an opening reception scheduled on Saturday, June 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., the exhibition will feature 15 oil paintings on canvas from the late artist’s epochal Lunar and Organic Abstract Expressionist series of the 1970s.

A release from the gallery describes Norman Carton (1908-1980) as “one of the most fascinating figures of the Abstract Expressionist movement.” Writing about a 2020 exhibition at the Quogue Gallery focused on Carton’s works on paper painted in the 1950s and ’60s, art historian and critic Charles Riley noted that “Norman Carton, with his academic training, his love of studio process and materials (he ground his own vivid pigments) and his mastery of art history, stuck to art as part of life. As these wonderfully painterly, quite often large and substantive works in gouache triumphantly show, there was plenty of room left to operate in the Abstract Expressionist style, especially when it came to color.”

The 2021 exhibition of Carton’s paintings opening on June 10 builds on this important historical association. In his comments on the genesis of these paintings, the artist emphasized that they were “inspired by late 1960s and 1970s advances that see our natural world in new ways.” Referring to these works in oil, Mr. Riley, the director of the Nassau County Museum of Art, writes: “What you see in these chromatically rich paintings is an expansion of Carton’s gesture, an opening of space in sweeping curves that certainly conjures the Einsteinian vision of curved space-time, which Carton understood so well.”

*Norman Carton, “No. 3369” (1976), Oil on canvas, 24 x 30. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

Norman Carton was an Abstract Expressionist painter who was critically regarded as possessing a painting style of superlative action and a unique talent as a colorist. He exhibited at the prestigious Stable Gallery, New York City, and founded one of the first artists’ cooperative galleries in lower Manhattan, a group of like-minded artists who laid emphasis on color, texture, and the materiality of paint. Carton was known as a “painter’s painter” who produced a large body of work while continuing to devote his life to education and lecturing in the arts.

During a long artistic career, he showed in more than 135 group exhibitions and more than 20 one-man shows. Awarded numerous awards, prizes, and fellowships, he also founded a fabric design firm and production company that was featured in such magazines as Interior, Harper’s Bazaar, Women Wear Daily, and Vogue. His work is represented in more than 200 public collections throughout the world, including the Whitney Museum of Art; the Albright-Knox Gallery; the Norfolk Museum of Art; the Chrysler Art Museum, the Jewish Museum in Paris; the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and the Museum of Art in St. Denis, France.

As many readers know, the Quogue Gallery is dedicated to presenting a program of artistic excellence by showcasing the work of prominent, mid-career and emerging artists in the modernist tradition. Its core focus is on discovering and exhibiting figurative and abstract expressionist painters who are recognized historically as well as those of great promise whose reputations and achievements have fallen through the cracks of history. Since its founding in 2014, the Gallery’s growing presence in the modern and contemporary art world has been acknowledged by the press. The gallery has been featured in many publications, including the New York Times, Dan’s Paper, Beach Magazine, Hamptons Art Hub, Artnet News, Southampton Press, and others. The gallery also has been recognized for the quality of its exhibitions by Hamptons Art Hub, Artnet News and other outlets. Quogue Gallery is at 44 Quogue Street, Quogue, NY 11959. quoguegallery.com

Bridge Building Continues on Write America
At Quaquanantuck continues to be amazed by—and very grateful for—the seemingly endless roster of extraordinarily talented, sensitive, and insightful writers who have happily signed up to be on the ongoing weekly program Write America: A Reading for Our Country.

Coming up on Monday, June 14, will be New York Times bestselling author Meg Wolitzer and novelist, social worker, poet and activist Lora Tucker. The June 21 program will feature author, editor and professor Lou Ann Walker, Quogue’s own Whiting Award-winning author and professor Genevieve Sly Crane, and short story writer Jeordie Chou. On Monday, June 28, emerging writer Suchita Nayar, short story writer Amy Cacciola, and writer, editor and photographer Cornelia Channing will read from their work and join the discussion.

Memorial Day

May 27, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

High on the list of the many blessings of being able to gather again—while respecting responsible safety protocols—is the opportunity to come together once more on Monday, May 31, at 10 a.m. outside the firehouse on Jessup Avenue for the Quogue Fire Department sponsored observance of Memorial Day.

According to Quogue Ordinance Inspector and volunteer firefighter Chris Osborne, the resident coordinator for Monday’s program is Steve Alpert. The guest speaker will be Bob Dunigan, local businessman and Vietnam veteran pilot.

The annual commemoration of all the men and women who have died while serving in the military for the United States of America ranks, along with Veterans Day in the fall, as one of the most important holidays on our calendar. So many of the wonderful freedoms we enjoy, so much of our country’s identity and pride, and even our quality of life: all are thanks in large measure to the dedicated commitment, regardless of the consequences, of the men and women who have served in the military over the 245 years since our nation’s founding. On Veterans Day, we give special thanks to those who served in the military; on Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

*“These We Honor.” Memorial Day 2019. —A. Botsford Photo*

Perhaps through overuse, classifying their deaths as “the ultimate sacrifice,” though apt, sometimes seems to lessen the significance of lives brutally cut short; hopes, dreams and relationships obliterated; the fabric of families ripped apart. As in years past, At Quaquanantuck urges all readers to attend the QFD service on Monday, and to explain the meaning of the holiday to children and grandchildren. It is so important for us today, and for generations to come, to recognize the tremendous debt of gratitude, and honor, that we owe.

Speaking of service, our gratitude is owed as well to the hosts of Monday’s ceremonies, the men and women of the Quogue Fire Department, more than 60 volunteers who respond seven days a week, 24 hours a day to structure fires, gas leaks, automobile accidents, water/ice rescues, and any number of other emergencies.

Perhaps because of the influx of off-season residents due to the pandemic, in 2020 the QFD volunteers responded to more emergency calls than in any other year. All of the certified volunteers undergo a minimum of 100 hours of training in fire fighting, rescue, and dealing with hazardous materials. The QFD also has an active Explorer program for community teenagers 15 and up, to prepare the next generation of volunteer firefighters.

Bear in mind that Monday’s ceremony is an outdoor event and, for your own protection and consideration of others, the fire department is requesting that all who attend respect the Covid safety protocols put in place.

Members of the Westhampton Garden Club and Quogue Fire Department traveled to the Battery Park Conservancy on May 19 to pick up plants for the 9/11 memorial at the Quogue Firehouse. Front row, left to right, Lynda Confessore of the WGC; Gabriela Marin, Battery Conservancy head horticulturist; Lucian Gomez, Battery Conservancy gardener: Joy Flynn of the WGC; Inger Mejean, WGC past president and project leader; and Michael McMahon of the QFD. Back row: Philip Condyles, Battery Conservancy gardener; Sean Kiely, Battery Conservancy park manager; Warrie Price, Battery Conservancy founder and president; Joan Reilly of the WGC; and Dave Schaffauer of the QFD. —Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Garden Club

Garden Club Helps Expand 9/11 Memorial at Firehouse
With thanks to correspondent Lynda Confessore, At Quaquanantuck is happy to report that, one week ago on Wednesday, May 19, two volunteer firefighters from the Quogue Fire Department joined members of the Westhampton Garden Club on a mission into New York in the second phase of an ambitious project to expand the 9/11 Memorial at the firehouse.

*The 9/11 memorial at the Quogue Firehouse on Jessup Avenue. —A. Botsford Photo*

Originally given to the QFD in recognition of the volunteers’ unhesitating response to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the memorial consists of a six-foot section of I-beam from one of the towers that fell. After bringing the beam back to Quogue, QFD volunteers mounted it atop a waist-high base and transformed it into a sculptural fountain as a permanent memorial.

In 2019 the Westhampton Garden Club, under the leadership of then president Inger Mejean, proposed expanding the memorial as a Garden of Remembrance, a place of peaceful respite based on the model of the Battery Conservancy in Manhattan.

After approval for the idea was obtained from the Quogue Fire Department, the Mayor and Trustees, a unique partnership developed between the Battery Conservancy, where many sought shelter or boarded boats at the water’s edge when the towers fell, and the Westhampton Garden Club—both fervent proponents of the restorative power of nature’s beauty. According to the WGC, both gardens, though very different in scale, are meant “to pay tribute to those who died on September 11, 2001, the thousands of survivors who fled to safety, the heroes who responded without hesitation to Ground Zero, and all who have searing memories of that day.”

After 9/11, the board of the Battery Conservancy decided to redesign and rebuild a 10,000-square foot area on its promenade as the Gardens of Remembrance, designed by the renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, known for his use of perennials and native plants. The WGC goal was to create a smaller garden with similar goals, with Dragonfly Landscape Design Ltd. of Speonk agreeing to donate their services in preparation of the beds and the installation of the plants.

*Dragonfly Landscape Design crew at one of the Garden of Remembrance beds. —Photo courtesy of WGC*

After the Westhampton Garden Club obtained a $1,000 grant from the Plant America program of the National Garden Club to cover costs, WGC members went to Battery Park in 2019 to help plant 5,000 bulbs in the Conservancy Garden, some of which would be brought back to be replanted in the Quogue Garden as a connection between the two.

On Wednesday, May 19, “all the planning and cooperation came to fruition,” according to Ms. Confessore. Two Quogue firemen, Second Assistant Chief Dave Schaffauer and Company Captain Michael McMahon, and members of the Westhampton Garden Club traveled in a QFD vehicle to the Battery Conservancy to pick up the “exchange” plants, thank TBC president and founder Warrie Price and other staff members, and have “a time for remembrance in this beautiful garden with views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and other memorable sites—all part of the history and future of New York City.”

Now that the plants have been brought back to Quogue and are under the tender care of Dragonfly Landscape Design, the square stone base for the I-beam will be refurbished and irrigation for the plants will be rerouted in time for an official opening of the garden in September 2021, the 20th anniversary year of the September 11 attacks.

At Quaquanantuck joins the rest of the village in saluting all involved—the Westhampton Garden Club, the Quogue Fire Department, the Battery Conservancy, and Dragonfly Landscape Design—and giving thanks for their efforts on the 9/11 memorial and in all their good works.

*Spring surfcasting as spectator sport. —A. Botsford Photo*

Library Grand Opening Scheduled June 26
With more books being shelved every day, carpet being laid, and finishing touches added all around, Quogue Library Director Jenny Bloom and the library’s Board of Trustees are “feeling confident” that June 26 will be the date of the Grand Opening event at the newly renovated and expanded library, with tours, official opening ceremonies, and special activities.

In order to complete preparations for the Grand Opening and the start of regular service at the library, Ms. Bloom and the library staff are planning to close the Midland facility at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. While work will continue getting ready to open the new library, “we will need to be closed for the two weeks prior to the Grand Opening,” the library director said this week.

Quogue Library staffers reluctantly took a break from their labors for a photo op in the front door of the newly renovated and expanded library. Left to right, Stephen Jordan, Eileen Schermeyer, Arie DePhillips, and Elizabeth Caputo. —A. Botsford Photo

“June 27 will be our first real day of service, and we are going to be open on a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Tuesday schedule,” she continued. “We are also beginning to feel out the waters for some in-person programs once we are open.” For the time being, the library will need to be closed on Wednesdays, as current staffing levels do not allow for a seven days a week schedule.

Look for more details on the June 26 Grand Opening in the June 10 At Quaquanantuck.

More information is also forthcoming on this summer’s Conversations with the Author series, which will feature Sarah Penner, author of “The Lost Apothecary,” on July 11; Paula McLain, author of “When the Stars Go Dark,” on July 18; Karin Tanabe, author of “A Woman of Intelligence,” on July 25; David S. Reynolds, author of “Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times,” on August 8; and Alexandra Andrews, author of “Who Is Maud Dixon?”, on August 22.

The next installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program, hosted virtually by the Quogue Library, is scheduled on Saturday, June 12, from 5 to 6 p.m. The topic for the June 12 discussion, following a brief video on the subject, will be “Brexit: Taking Stock & Looking Ahead.” More details in the June 10 column. As always, the library is hosting or sponsoring a wide array of virtual programming for all ages and interests. To find out more and to register for any of these programs, visit www.quoguelibrary.org and click on the fliers posted on the home page.

Chris Rottmann, husband of Quogue Library staffer Elizabeth Caputo, recently made these birdhouses—the two at right modeled on the smokehouse and Schoolhouse Museum on the library grounds—and donated them to the library. —Elizabeth Caputo Photo

The Mayor’s Corner
The most recent posting of “Quogue Updates” by Village Mayor Peter Sartorius is so chock full of important and interesting information—property taxes; school district tax rate and a runoff election for a seat on the Quogue School Board; village elections; open hours and parking rules at the Village Beach; new proposed laws (on smoking on village property, leaf blower use, and nuisance lighting); bids for sidewalk reconstruction on Jessup Avenue; changes at the Post Office; and more—that At Quaquanantuck can’t possibly do it justice in a distillation.

Readers are encouraged to click on or visit www.villageofquogueny.gov/Files/96667.pdf to take advantage of this remarkable resource and bring themselves fully up to date on Village news.

*“Okay: day at the beach in your kicky new outfit … big smile, big smile. C’mon; work with me!” —A. Botsford Photo*

Quogue Wildlife Refuge Zoom Talk on Tick-Borne Diseases
With warmer weather upon us, and everyone spending more time in the out of doors, the folks at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge have scheduled a Zoom talk next week on a topic that can’t get enough attention: “Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases: What You Need to Know.”

As the QWR description of the program pointed out, “Chances are that you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with Lyme or another tick-borne disease.” On Wednesday, June 2, at 5:15 p.m. Jerry Simons, PA-C, a member of the Medical Advisory Panel of Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Regional Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center, will speak about the types of diseases that are carried by the different species of ticks found on Eastern Long Island, and the symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options that are available. Tips on preventing tick bites will also be shared.

To register in advance for this meeting, click on the following link us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register or visit www.quoguewildliferefuge.org and find the program under the Events Calendar tab on the home page. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

*Yes, it’s one of the tiniest turtles you’ll ever see, but what kind of turtle is it? See below for the answer, courtesy of Marisa Nelson at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. —Jamie Whitall Photo*

As always, At Quaquanantuck relies on Associate Director Marisa Nelson and staffers at the QWR for identification and information about wildlife in our area. This week, Ms. Nelson offered this response to a query related to the photo of the tiny turtle above:

“It looks like it may be a diamondback terrapin, which lives in brackish water such as our bays and creeks. Found on land when they are tiny as ALL turtle nests are on land. Most important to know is not to move turtles, as you can mistakenly put a freshwater turtle in salt water or vice versa, or a terrestrial box turtle into any kind of water. The only time a turtle should be moved is if it is in the road or in direct harm’s way such as the path of a lawn mower, etc. Otherwise they live their very long lives in the same home territory, and relocating them can cause failure to thrive.”

Ms. Nelson also offered this note on the recent golf outing to benefit the Refuge: “Golfing with the Owls, honoring Mayor Peter Sartorius, was a successful event, and we are so very grateful to golfers, sponsors, supporters, and Golf Committee Co-Chairs Paul Insalaco and Andre Insalaco!”

Quogue Village Mayor Peter Sartorius was the honoree at the recent Golfing with the Owls at Sebonack Golf Club benefit for the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Above, left to right, Eric, Barbara, Peter and Scott Sartorius.

HTC’s “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney Selling Out at Limited Capacity
The long-delayed Hampton Theatre Company production of “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney—a romantic comedy about the impact of adopting a stray dog on an empty-nest marriage—opens on Thursday, May 27, and runs through June 13.

In “Sylvia,” a sassy stray dog (played by a human) is brought home from Central Park and becomes a major bone of contention for Greg and Kate. A street-smart mixture of (possibly) Lab and poodle, Sylvia offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. While Kate considers Sylvia a rival for Greg’s affection, Sylvia sees Kate as clueless about the bond between man and dog. After a series of hilarious and touching complications, all three learn lessons about the importance of compromise and the power of love.

In accordance with the Governor’s guidance for small theaters, advance ticket sales are based on limited seating capacity of approximately 60 ticket holders for each performance. As a result, even though two additional Saturday matinees were added, many of the performances have already sold out. “Sylvia” runs at the Quogue Community Hall from May 27 to June 13, with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 7, Saturdays at 2:30 and 8, and Sundays at 2:30. To check for ticket availability, visit www.hamptontheatre.org, or call 631-653-8955. Patrons are required to wear appropriate face coverings while inside the theater. A complete list of HTC safety protocols may be found at www.hamptontheatre.org.

*Amanda Griemsmann as Sylvia is scolded for getting on the couch by Catherine Maloney as Kate*. *—Tom Kochie Photo*

Tickets Available for Quogue Chamber Music “Tenting Tonight”
Quogue Chamber Music will launch its 2021 season on Saturday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. with members of the Manhattan Chamber Players—piano and strings—performing works by Brahms and Chausson under a tent at the Quogue Elementary School at 10 Edgewood Road.

Tickets are $50, for the concert only; or $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased by mail by sending a check to Quogue Chamber Music, POB 1984, Quogue, NY 11959 or by Paypal on the QCM website (www.quoguechambermusic.org). There will be no social distancing, but proof of vaccinations will be required at the door and masks need to be worn.For further information about ticket sales or safety protocols, email info@quoguechambermusic.org.

Quogue Gallery Prepares to Change Out Shows
The Quogue Gallery at 44 Quogue Street at the intersection with Jessup Avenue got started early this year, with “Robert Remer: Biophilia” on view from March 13 until next Monday, May 31.

Coming up next at the gallery will be “Norman Carton: Lunar and Organic Abstract Expressionist Series,” on view from June 10 to July 6, with an opening reception scheduled on Saturday, June 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition will feature 15 oil paintings on canvas from the late artist’s epochal Lunar and Organic Abstract Expressionist series of the 1970s. More details on this exhibition will be posted in the June 10 At Quaquanantuck.

*Norman Carton, “The Haunting Spectre,” Oil on canvas, 52 x 38.5. —Image courtesy of Quogue Gallery*

Haywire Continues to Adapt
In a typical, pre-pandemic summer, Haywire owner Raenell Murray would display her wares in three different shows. However, even as more and more people are vaccinated, pandemic protocols still need to be observed. So, as she did last summer, Ms. Murray is inviting her faithful customers, as well as new friends, to come to her house to see all of the clothing items she is selling.

She advised At Quaquanantuck this week that there will be regular priced items in the house and a barn full of sale items. Starting June 10, all are invited to come see fabulous French capris and trousers, cashmere sweaters, shawls, colorful tops, jewelry and much more. Call Ms. Murray at 631-283-2809 to set up an appointment.

*Raenell Murray’s Haywire fashions will be confined to quarters for another summer.*

Write America Keeps the Spark Burning
Anyone who hasn’t checked out the new Write America weekly program is encouraged to join the legions of fans who have already made a habit of tuning in. The brainchild of writer, teacher and Quogue resident Roger Rosenblatt, the program offers beautiful readings and stimulating discussions between gifted writers on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on the Crowdcast channel hosted by the Huntington independent bookstore Book Revue.

Coming up on Monday, May 31, in the “weekly readings and conversation about how books and art might bridge the deep divisions in our nation” will be New York Times bestselling author Bruce Weber and editor, novelist, poet and founder of Lit Pub Molly Gaudry.

As noted, Write America runs weekly, every Monday at 7 p.m. EST on Book Revue’s Crowdcast channel. All events are free; registration is required at bookrevue.com/write-america-series. A selection of signed titles will be available for purchase with each Write America episode; Book Revue ships worldwide. For more information, click here or visit bookrevue.com/write-america-series.

*Quogue angler Bob Murray not only managed to catch this beautiful squeteague (aka weakfish), he also seems to have mastered the art of the selfie for this handsome portrait*. *Congratulations!*

Hopeful Signs of Spring

May 6, 2021 atquaqLeave a comment

In any ranking system for words that have historically been ascribed the greatest multiplicity of meanings and interpretations, “season” (the noun, not the verb) should surely be near the top.

In season; out of season; high season; low season; the season; off season. Fishing season; baseball season; hunting season; football season; flu season. As might be expected, writers have their own ideas: “A little season of love and laughter/Of light and life, and pleasure and pain …” (Adam Lindsay Gordon). “A convenient season …” (The Bible: Acts; Romans). Youth is “an overpraised season …” (Samuel Butler). “To every thing there is a season …” (The Bible: Proverbs; Ecclesiastes). “‘Tis the season …” (Thomas Oliphant). “Season of the Witch …” (Donovan).

Based on solar astronomy and the waxing and waning of hours of daylight, the calendar divides the year neatly into four seasons of equal length, but it’s safe to say they are never experienced with anything like that kind of precision. Winter is always too long; summer too short. We consult burrow-dwelling rodents in search of omens that spring will come early. In spite of snowdrops and daffodils giving way to forsythia and now lilacs, longtime local residents often share the complaint that “we just don’t get a real spring on the East End: one week it’s winter and the next week it’s summer.”

And even though the calendar tells us that summer 2021 doesn’t begin until the solstice, at 11:32 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, everybody knows that, around here, the opening bell for the season actually rings just three weeks hence, on Memorial Day weekend.

Today, the hundreds of signifiers assigned to help us mark the transition between seasons have all been scrambled. With traditional weather patterns seemingly out the window thanks to climate change, many of the signals from the natural world—first frost; leaves turning; January thaw; ice locking up and then releasing the bays; first buds opening—have become bewilderingly inconsistent.

As if that weren’t enough, the seemingly interminable onslaught of Covid-19—and all the countermeasures and adaptations mustered to take it on—has now thoroughly scrambled the equation. While we continue to make progress in combating this scourge, each day that the pandemic maintains its grip makes it clear that we will likely never return to the way things were in the Before Times. And it’s sadly way too soon to try to anticipate what things will look like in the After Times, if indeed they ever come.

*With summer on the way, the birds won’t have the shoreline to themselves for much longer. —A. Botsford Photo*

Any formula for combining different indicators we might have had to help us shape our expectations for different seasons has been undone by the ongoing lack of reliable or consistent data. Yet still, lost at sea in this strange and disorienting new world, we continue to look for familiar natural and social cues as aids to navigation as we try to make our way back to the pursuits and activities that have always added color and texture to the fabric of our lives.

That’s why it’s beyond reassuring to see so many instances of local institutions doing whatever it takes, and following whatever protocols are required, to stick to—or return to—their traditional schedules: clear signs that lots of aspects of summer as we once knew it (or a close facsimile thereof) are coming back.

The annual vote on the Quogue School budget and Quogue Library budget is coming up in two weeks, on May 18. The Hampton Theatre Company will at long last mount its production of A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” with limited, physically distanced seating, starting on May 27. Quogue Chamber Music will play host to members of the Manhattan Chamber Players under a tent at the Quogue School on June 12. The library is lining up writers for the Conversations with the Author series, with hopes the program can go live by August.

With vaccine now available to all in this season of vernal rebirth, everyone is working to once again make summer what it’s supposed to be. All that’s needed for them to succeed is your respectful and safe support. ’Tis the season.

And so it goes in the days of the novel coronavirus today.

*Penniman’s glass. —Ginny Rosenblatt Photo*

2021 Quogue Budget Vote
Most residents are aware of the herculean efforts that have been required to keep elementary school education up to the historically high standards of the Quogue School during the pandemic. Equally challenging, although in other ways, has been overcoming all the challenges posed to the Quogue Library’s ambitious—and magnificent—renovation and expansion project while staying on track for a grand opening in June.

The best way to show appreciation for all the hard work and dedication of the Quogue School’s administrators, teachers and staff, and the library’s building committee, board of trustees and tireless staff would be to vote your approval for all their efforts, in person at the school on Tuesday, May 18, from 2 to 8 p.m., or by absentee ballot.

Applications for absentee ballots can be picked up at the school during school hours, or downloaded from the Quogue School website, www.quogueschool.com, clicking on Budget Information on the home page. Once completed, absentee ballot applications must be returned to the District Clerk at the school by May 11 at the latest for in-person. If returning absentee ballot applications by mail (PO Box 957, Quogue, NY 11959), they should be received by the District Clerk by May 10 to allow enough time for the actual ballots to be mailed back and then, once filled out, received back at the school by May 18.

It’s too late for residents who aren’t registered to vote in Quogue to register electronically, but voters can register in person at the polls on May 18 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Quogue School.

This year’s budget hearing will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11. Residents can attend the hearing via the Zoom link available at www.quogueschool.com.

*Quogue Library Director Jenny Bloom at the new main circulation desk at the library. —A. Botsford Photo*

Library Project On Track for June Opening
Busy though she is, Quogue Library Director Jenny Bloom still manages to make time to update At Quaquanantuck on the progress of the library’s renovation and expansion project.

“Actually, we have had a number of really good pieces come together,” Ms. Bloom wrote in an email this week, “and, while still jumping through some hoops in order to get our Certificate of Occupancy, the moment seems to be in our favor.

“We are scheduling the return of our collection and the staff to shelve it in our beautiful new space in time for our June opening. And the timing is terrific, as we are feeling hopeful about our ability to imagine some in-person and hybrid outdoor and distanced programs for the summer and fall.

*The new Children’s Room leads out into the bright space of the Activity Room. —A. Botsford Photo*

“Service at Midland continues, but we are looking forward to: our Grand Opening in June; our Author Series this summer; Horseshoe Crab fun in August, and a whole season of Summer Learning programs that will knock our kids’ socks off! Spoiler alert: Sammy-the-Seal will be back with friends for another pen-pal program.”

Although there are still too many variables in play to make a precise prediction of when it will be, At Quaquanantuck joins with all Quogue (and East Quogue) residents in offering positive thoughts and full support for a successful grand opening of the beautifully made-over facility in June. Watch this space for details.

*A favorite space for many longtime patrons, the 1897* *section has been beautifully restored by Sea Level Construction. —A. Botsford Photo*

Great Decisions Discussion Program Looks at Globalization
The second installment of this year’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program, hosted virtually by the Quogue Library, is scheduled this weekend on Saturday, May 8, from 5 to 6 p.m. The topic for Saturday’s discussion, following a brief video on the subject, will be “The End of Globalization?”

In the wake of the final stages of Brexit and the America First doctrine of the previous U.S. presidential administration, the merits and drawbacks of globalization and the protectionist policies that threaten it continue to be the subject of debate.

Questions to be addressed in the virtual program moderated by David Rowe and facilitated by Susan Perkins will include: What is globalization, exactly, and how will it be affected by protectionist trade policies? How will the United States and the world be affected by such policies? Is globalization really at an end, or in need of a refresh?

Also, in view of Brexit and the pandemic, are countries that were more inclined to pull away from globalization efforts going to continue to do so? Has there been enough of an emphasis on the economic benefits of globalization on the average person? What are the reasons for opposition to globalization and support for economic nationalism?

The Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions Discussion program provides background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year, serving as the focal text for discussion groups across the country. For more information, visit www.fpa.org. To register for Saturday’s program, click here or click on the flyer on the library’s home page.

*The Hampton Bays Volunteer Fire Department has settled for once and for all the question of who has the best view of the ocean. —A. Botsford Photo*

Quogue Chamber Music Returns June 12 with “Tenting Tonight”
Silenced by the coronavirus pandemic for all of 2020, Quogue Chamber Music will return to beautiful form for the 2021 season, opening on Saturday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. with members of the Manhattan Chamber Players—piano and strings—performing works by Brahms and Chausson under a tent at the Quogue Elementary School at 10 Edgewood Road.

Tickets are $50, for the concert only; or $5 for students. To purchase tickets, make checks payable to Quogue Chamber Music, Inc. and mail to PO Box 1984, Quogue, NY 11959, or visit the website, www.quoguechambermusic.org.

After the Governor loosened restrictions on Monday this week, At Quaquanantuck received this notification from Quogue Chamber Music: “While we recognize that Covid-19 requirements are subject to changes, in order to maximize our seating capacity within our tent and remain in compliance with current NY State requirements, masks will be required, as will proof of vaccination, either with a CDC vaccination record or a NY State Excelsior Pass.

“We’ve been encouraged by ticket sales to date, and hope to be able to fully accommodate demand. Should we reach capacity we will create a waiting list and notify those on the list if seats become available from ticket holders who let us know they can’t attend.”

For further information about ticket sales or safety protocols, email info@quoguechambermusic.org.

The Manhattan Chamber Players are a chamber music collective of New York-based musicians who share the common aim of performing the greatest works in the chamber repertoire at the highest level. Formed in 2015 by Artistic Director and violist Luke Fleming, MCP is comprised of an impressive roster of musicians who all come from the tradition of great music- making at the Marlboro Music Festival, Steans Institute at Ravinia, Music@Menlo, Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival and Perlman Music Program, and are former students of the Curtis Institute, Juilliard School, Colburn School, and the New England Conservatory.

MCP has been praised in Strings Magazine for the group’s “fascinating program concept … It felt refreshingly like an auditory version of a vertical wine tasting.” The writer’s praise continued in applause for “an intensely wrought and burnished performance … Overall, I wished I could put them on repeat.”

At the core of MCP’s inspiration is its members’ joy in playing this richly varied repertoire with longtime friends and colleagues, most of whom they have been performing with since they were students. Its roster allows for the programming of the entire core string, wind, and piano chamber music repertoire—from piano duos to clarinet quintets to string octets. While all its members have independent careers as soloists and chamber musicians, they always strive to make room in their schedules for any opportunity to come together and again share in this special collaboration.

The program being performed in Quogue will include the Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34 and the Chausson Concerto for violin, piano and string quartet in D Major, Op. 21. Performers for the June 12 concert will be Adam Barnett-Hart, Elizabeth Fayette and Brendan Speltz, violins; Luke Fleming, viola; Andrea Casarrubios, cello; and Mika Sasaki, piano.

*A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia” opens on May 27 at the Quogue Community Hall, more than a year after it was originally scheduled to run. —A. Botsford Photo*

One Year Later, “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney Opens May 27 in Quogue
More than a year after it was first scheduled—and ready—to open, “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney will be the Hampton Theatre Company’s first production at the Quogue Community Hall since all theaters in the state were shuttered on March 12, 2020 by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo in response to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The romantic comedy about the impact of adopting a stray dog on an empty-nest marriage opens on Thursday, May 27, and runs through June 13.

In accordance with the Governor’s guidance for small theaters, seating capacity will be limited for each performance to approximately 60 ticket holders, who will be required to wear appropriate face coverings while inside the theater. To ensure physical distancing, tickets will only be sold in advance through the company’s website, www.hamptontheatre.org, or by phoning the HTC box office at 1-631-653-8955. A complete list of HTC safety protocols may be found at www.hamptontheatre.org.

*Amanda Griemsmann, left, plays Sylvia and Catherine M*aloney is Kate in the HTC production of “Sylvia.” —Tom Kochie Photo

A reviewer for the New York Daily News wrote: “I can only call it one of the most involving, beautiful, funny, touching and profound plays I have ever seen.” Vincent Canby, in his New York Times review of the original 1995 production, wrote: “Dramatic literature is stuffed with memorable love scenes. But none is as immediately delicious and dizzy as the one that begins the redeeming affair in A. R. Gurney’s new comedy, ‘Sylvia’.”

Originally produced Off-Broadway in 1995 with Sarah Jessica Parker as Sylvia and Blythe Danner and Charles Kimbrough as Kate and Greg, “Sylvia” has been widely produced in regional theatre, including by the Hampton Theatre Company in 1998. The play made its Broadway debut in 2015 with Annaleigh Ashford as Sylvia, Matthew Broderick as Greg, and Julie White as Kate.

A.R. (Albert Ramsdell) Gurney Jr. (1930 – 2017) was an American playwright, novelist and academic. Occasionally credited as Pete Gurney, he is known for works including “The Dining Room” (1982), “Sweet Sue” (1986/7), and “The Cocktail Hour” (1988), and for his Pulitzer Prize nominated play “Love Letters.” His series of plays about white upper-class life in contemporary America have been called “penetratingly witty studies of the WASP ascendancy in retreat.”

In addition to “The Dining Room” (in 1990 and 2000) and “Sylvia” (1998) other plays by A.R. Gurney produced by the Hampton Theatre Company include “Love Letters” (1994), “Later Life” (1996) and “Black Tie” (2012).

*Amanda Griemsmann as Sylvia. —Tom Kochie Photo*

The cast of the Hampton Theatre Company revival of “Sylvia” features four HTC veterans: Amanda Griemsmann (“A Comedy of Tenors,” “Don’t Dress for Dinner”) as Sylvia; Catherine Maloney (“A Comedy of Tenors,” “The Boys Next Door”) as Kate; and George Loizides (“On Golden Pond,” “Alarms and Excursions”) in three different roles. Adding a touch of mystery, the HTC has so far offered only one clue as to the identity of the actor playing Greg, noting that the role will feature “a familiar HTC face.”

Hampton Theatre Company Artistic Director Diana Marbury directs. Set design is by Sean Marbury; lighting design by Sebastian Paczynski; sound by Seamus Naughton; and costumes by Teresa Lebrun.

Because of limited seating capacity under the Governor’s guidelines, the HTC has added two additional Saturday matinees to the company’s regular production schedule. “Sylvia” runs at the Quogue Community Hall from May 27 to June 13, with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 7, Saturdays at 2:30 and 8, and Sundays at 2:30. Tickets have been on sale for a week so far, and the limited seating capacity for each performance has already translated into several “sold-out” performances. There are currently a good number of seats available at all three Saturday matinees, as well as some seats for Friday and Saturday night performances.

Discount tickets for “Sylvia” are available for veterans, Native Americans, seniors, patrons under 35, and students. For reservations and information on all available discounts, visit www.hamptontheatre.org or email info@hamptontheatre.org.

To reserve tickets, visit www.hamptontheatre.org, or call the HTC box office at 1-631-653-8955.

*A discerning osprey family returned to their favored prime Quogue real estate this spring.*

Go Native Movement Gaining Momentum
Since the announcement in the April 8 At Quaquanantuck of the establishment of the new Quogue “Go Native” group, a number of readers have expressed an interest in the initiative encouraging the use of native plants and the forswearing of pesticides, but many are unsure what steps to take next. Never fear: Lulie Morrisey and Paula Prentis stand ready to keep you informed and provide practical steps for restoring the biodiversity on properties in our area.

As Ms. Morrisey writes: “For those who haven’t already seen a Doug Tallamy presentation, we urge you to make that your first step in order to really “get” how individual homeowners can make a difference in achieving the balance that nature requires to have a fully functioning ecosystem. Click on or visit the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY4aV5hqkxY.

“Another important step in the process is to not choose plants solely for their decorative value; select instead those (typically native) plants that will contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

“It’s also important to think in terms of combinations of native plants, as illustrated by the following helpful anecdote from Paula Prentis:

“‘I was about to add four ‘butterfly bushes’ (Buddleia) to our yard,’ Paula said, ‘when a very kind friend explained that unless I had the corresponding plants to support the butterfly cycle, I wouldn’t be doing the butterflies a favor! Without both a host plant AND a nectar plant, I’d be bumming out the lepidoptera! Host plants include oak, blueberry, aster, milkweed (Monarchs’ favorite), and viola; nectar plants include clethra, echinacea, rudbeckia, liatris, joe-pye weed, goldenrod, hollyhock, monarda, physostegia and ironweed. Baptisia and helianthus are both host and nectar plants.’”

“For those residents who rely on landscapers to take care of their properties,” Ms. Morrisey wrote, “it is time to speak to them about your concerns and begin to have a say on what happens in your individual environments. Find out what chemicals they use and discuss reducing or eliminating them entirely. Your property can be healthy without the use of any of these products. And the danger they pose for birds and beneficial insects is enormous (to say nothing of children or pets).

“For reference, see the Perfect Earth Project website https://perfectearthproject.org/ and read about lawn care and chemical use. A balanced ecosystem will take care of many of the ‘problems’ you may have with your lawn or shrubs. (And while you’re at it, ask your landscaper to eliminate the use of noisy, polluting leaf blowers that just blow grass clippings around!)”

To summarize, Ms. Morrisey’s wrote: “Action Steps to take in May: 1) listen to Doug Tallamy’s presentation; 2) start to come up with a plan for your property using native plants; and 3) talk to your landscaper if you use one.”

By the next At Quaquanantuck column, Ms. Prentis and Ms. Morrisey have promised to submit photos of the native areas they are starting to install on their own properties. For more information, email Ms. Morrisey at lulieinquogue@gmail.com.

*Tom turkey struts his stuff. —Florrie Morrisey Photo*

Refuge Announces New “Go Native for Wildlife”
Whether or not you’re Golfing with the Owls, all supporters of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge are urged to cash in any favors they might be owed by the weather gods in order to secure fair skies and good playing conditions for the QWR benefit golf outing at Sebonack Golf Club next Tuesday, May 11.

The fine folks at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge are no strangers to promoting pollinator gardens and native plants in the local landscape. Now, building on the momentum of previous programs and this year’s Earth Day celebration, QWR Associate Director Marisa Nelson has announced a new initiative called “Go Native for Wildlife.” (quoguewildliferefuge.org/go-native-for-wildlife)

Under the new initiative, generously sponsored by the Leo S. Walsh Foundation, the Wildlife Refuge will be “working with local Garden Centers and Nurseries in the community so that together we can support our local wildlife with the sale of native plants,” according to the QWR website. “Throughout the 2021 season, participating businesses will offer at least five native plants at a time that support native butterfly, bee, and bird species. We hope YOU join us by shopping at their centers and purchasing native plants for your garden! It’s a fun way to support birds, bees and butterflies!”

The special native plant offer will be available at the following participating, wildlife friendly businesses, which will all be displaying the new Go Native for Wildlife logo: Aspatuck Gardens in Westhampton Beach; Decorative Gardens Nursery in Calverton; Enchanted Gardens in Speonk; Forge River Nursery in Mastic; The Gardens at Beds & Borders in Laurel; Holly’s Garden Center in East Moriches; Talmage Farm Agway in Riverhead; Trimble’s Nursery in Cutchogue; and Verderber’s Garden Center in Aquebogue.

Endorsers/partners for the new initiative include: The Barefoot Gardener; Dragonfly Landscape Design; Dropseed Native Landscaping; Glover Perennials; LINPI (Long Island Native Plant Initiative); New Suffolk Waterfront Fund; Remsenburg Garden Club; SandyGardenGirl; Two Thirds for the Birds; and the Westhampton Garden Club.

Upcoming in-person programs at the Refuge include: Painting in the Pollinator Garden, Celebrate World Turtle Day; a Full Moon Night Hike on May 27 at p.m.; and Earth Yoga Outdoors with Amy Hess.

Offered on two Wednesdays, May 12 and 19, from 3 to 5 p.m., Painting in the Pollinator Garden (for adults and teens 13 and up) will offer instruction in watercolor techniques so that participants can create their own paintings to take home. Beginners are welcome; dress to be outside. Cost is $35 per person; includes all supplies. Payment due at time of registration as space is limited. Register by clicking here or on the QWR website, quoguewildliferefuge.org.

Adults and families are invited to come to the Refuge to Celebrate World Turtle Day on Saturday, May 22, from 11 a.m. to noon. Visitors will learn all about Long Island’s turtles through a short presentation, then meet some turtles find out more about ways to help local species. Bring a blanket to sit on; cost is $5 per person and reservations are required as there is limited space.

Earth Yoga Outdoors with Amy Hess on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. is going strong at the Refuge.The one-hour class is held in a large outdoor space on woodchips near the pond, weather permitting. Participants are asked to bring a sheet or blanket and a yoga mat, and dress to be outdoors and consider sunscreen and insect repellant. The cost is $15 per class; early registration is advised (click on Earth Yoga on the Events page at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org) as space is limited.

This month’s Full Moon Night Hike at the Refuge steps off at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 27. Adults and families with children age 9 and up will enjoy an evening hike through the forest up to North Pond while looking and listening for nocturnal creatures, and enjoying some night vision activities under the light of the moon. Cost is $10 for QWR members or $20 for non-members; reservations required 24 hours prior, as space is limited.

Clockwise from left, Meghan Lemos Dos Santos of Bartlett Tree Experts gave away hundreds of native flowering dogwood trees as part of the Earth Day festivities at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge on April 17; QWR Program Coordinator Cara Fernandes teaching visitors all about screech owls; Claire Beaver, left, helped out Theresa Belkin of Hampton Coffee at Earth Day; a percentage of all sales that day was donated to the QWR.

Full Slate of Virtual Programs Sponsored by Quogue Library
The Quogue Library continues to offer a wide array of virtual programs for all ages and interests.

The current schedule of popular exercise classes continues in May with Pilates on Mondays at 10 a.m. and Sculpting and Cardio Dance for all ages on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., both with instructor Leisa DeCarlo; and Yoga with Jillian for adults and youngsters 8 and up on Fridays at 10 a.m.

Other virtual programs coming up include: the Paint Program with Marie: Poppies on Friday, May 7, at 7 p.m., for artists who already picked up their kits last week; the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions Discussion on “The End of Globalization?” on Saturday, May 8, at 5 p.m.; the Adult Book Club discussing “Shuggie Bain” by Douglas Stuart on Sunday, May 16, at noon; and a Prowler NYC Presents: Walking Tour of Manhattan (via Google Street View) exploring the backdrop of the glorious Twenties, “an era that forever transformed the New York skyline,” led by Deborah Zecler.

Highlights of programs for younger patrons and families include: a Star Wars Trivia Night on Friday, May 7, at 7 p.m.; a Mothers’ Day Story Crafternoon on Saturday, May 8, at 4 p.m.; a BOTS: Walking Robot Dog program for ages 8 to 11 on Saturday, May 15, at 3 p.m.; a Birds of a Feather program for ages 5 and up on Sunday, May 16, at 2 p.m., with participants (each registered individually) creating unique pieces of art as they learn all about local birds; and a Dinosaurs Rock program for ages 5 and up on Thursday, May 27, at 5 p.m. (with fossil pickup on Monday, May 17).

For more information and registration instructions for any of these programs and a host of additional offerings for children, visit the Quogue Library website at quoguelibrary.org and click on the program flier on the home page. Remember that new programs are added regularly, so check the website often to make sure you don’t miss out.

*“Germaine Krull – Der Akt: Zwanziq, 1920 #4,” (2020) by Claudia Doring Baez, Oil on canvas, 11 x 14 inches.*

New Show for Claudia Baez in Chelsea
Denise Bibro Fine Art has announced a second solo exhibition for Quogue and New York artist Claudia Doring Baez, “Germaine,” opening May 20 and running through June 5 at the gallery on the fourth floor at 529 West 20th Street in New York.

Ms. Doring Baez’s “Germaine” series is inspired by the work and life of European photographer Germaine Krull, who spent years in Brazil, Thailand, and India. According to the gallery, “Krull’s life and work illustrated, denounced, and dialogued archaic patriarchal structures that still prevail even today. Doring Baez’s ‘Der Akt: Zwanziq’ and ‘Les Amies’ series channel the transgressive potential of Krull’s work and translate it to the present. Her work reaffirms the social change ignited in Krull’s work and keeps the fire burning.”

Ms. Doring Baez has been painting since childhood, after she accompanied her mother, also a painter, to noted artist Robin Bond’s studio in Tacubaya, Mexico. She has lived and painted in New York for the past 30 years. She received her B.A from Columbia University NYC, and her M.A from The New York Studio School, NYC, where she did her thesis work, inspired by Cindy Sherman. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions in New York City and Mexico.

Denise Bibro Fine Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Masks are mandatory when entering the building and gallery. Hand sanitizer is available. For more information, visit denisebibrofineart.com; email info@denisebibrofineart.com; or call 212-647-7030.

*An oystercatcher looks for a meal in the marsh alongside Dune Road. —Florrie Morrisey Photo*

Write America Continues to Amaze
The new Write America weekly program—the brainchild of writer, teacher and Quogue resident Roger Rosenblatt—is maintaining its perfect record of providing wonderful readings and stimulating discussions between gifted writers on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on the Crowdcast channel hosted by the Huntington independent bookstore Book Revue.

Those readers who have been tuning in already know how great this series is. For those who have yet checked it out, At Quaquanantuck recommends a visit to the Book Revue website, bookrevue.com/write-america-series, where you can access recordings of all the readings and conversations of the series up to now. I wish last Monday’s writers, Carlos Fonseca and Rose Styron, could have been allowed another hour; Mr. Fonseca’s insights and Ms. Styron’s tales of impromptu dinner parties for legendary writers and U.S. Presidents—and dinner invitations (commands) from such notables as Fidel Castro—were absolutely mesmerizing illuminations of cultural and political history.

Coming up next in the “weekly readings and conversation about how books and art might bridge the deep divisions in our nation” are: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Lloyd Schwartz and journalist and author Priya Jain on May 10; two-time National Book Award finalist Patricia McCormick, award-winning poet and poetry editor Michelle Whittaker, and four-time Tony Award-winning actor Frank Langella on May 17; and prize-winning poet Grace Schulman, award-winning essayist Lance Morrow, and historian and author Nell Painter on May 24.