New Honor For Paul Drum: Radio Station Owner For A Day

GREENPORT, NY — Paul Drum will soon have a new feather in his proverbial cap: He will be named owner of WLNG, a Sag Harbor-based radio station, for the day.

He will be celebrated at the 6th Annual Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast, to be held at Front Street Station, located at 212 Front Street in Greenport, on Sunday, Sept. 22, during the 29th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased here, at Front Street Station, or at the door on the day of the event.

The award is another honor for Paul Drum, who was named Suffolk County Legislator for a day in 2018, dubbed New York State Assemblyman for the Day in 2017; Greenport Mayor for the Day in 2014, Police Chief for the Day in 2015 — Town Supervisor Scott Russell also designated a Paul Drum Day in Southold that year — and Suffolk County Executive for the Day in 2016.

The breakfast is hosted and donated by Front Street Station to benefit the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, a 501(c)(3) that "affords all children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," according to the organization's website. "The desired result is a broader field of interests, piqued curiosity in something outside of one's own realm of everyday experiences, and an enthusiasm for learning."

The organization was born out of Paul Drum's enthusiasm and desire to give back to the community; Sharon Sailor — Paul's mom — Keturah Hurst and Arlene Klein put their minds and hearts together to conceive of the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, which provides children the opportunities for innovation, exploration and expression.

The program, which takes place each summer, offers free classes for children ages 7 to 12, meeting once a week for eight weeks during July and August. At each weekly session a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Topics include organic gardening, forensic science, animal husbandry or rescue, journalism techniques, and more.

Last month, for example, the Paul Drum Life Experience Project gave back to the community, presenting the first-ever "Southold Police Kids' Funfest." Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, as well as other members of the police department joined together for a morning of fun; children who attended were able to check out the mobile command center, highway vehicles, ATVs, and marine patrol vessels, as well as fingerprinting, trying on official regulation police gear, and demonstrations by motorcycle and bicycle officers.

A special presentation by the Southold and Riverhead Canine Corps was also held.

The program grows with donations from the community, sponsors, and "fun-raisers" such as the "Pirate and Mermaid" breakfast. The popular event draws crowds to Front Street Station each year, where young and old enjoy pirates, mermaids, food, fun, face painting, balloons, goodie bags, sea shanties, photos, a treasure chest full of loot and delicious fare.

Sailor thanked all who have taken time out of their schedules "to support us, and especially Paul and his program. He sends an important message to the disabled community that no matter what your station or handicap one can always find a way to be involved and give back."

Sailor added: "I am humbled by the community support, at how quickly the PDLEP has grown, at the number of children who attend the classes, and the wonderful women that work alongside me. I am so proud of Paul and his enthusiasm for making a difference, for the program, and for getting the most out of each day." The breakfast, she said, "is a merriment filled event for all ages, where your donation goes right back to the community and merriment and happiness abound for a few hours."

(Courtesy Sharon Sailor)