Paul Drum Assemblyman For Day At 'Pirate & Mermaid' Breakfast: Photos, Video

GREENPORT, NY — Ah0y, matey! Paul Drum was named New York State Assemblyman for the Day at the 4th Annual "Paul Drum Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast," during the 28th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival Sunday.

The popular event drew a crowd to Front Street Station, where young and old enjoyed pirates, mermaids, food, fun, face painting, balloons, goodie bags, sea shanties, photos, a treasure chest full of loot and delicious fare.

Those who were not able attend are encouraged to donate; the breakfast is hosted and donated by Front Street Station to benefit the Paul Drum Nautical Education Fund, which was organized to teach young children about the rich maritime wonders of the North Fork, with a series of classes for kids offered free, teaching them about their natural environment.

This year, 9 weeks of programs for children 8 to 12 were offered, and 3 lifeguard scholarships were awarded, an increase of two from last year.

The award is another honor for Paul Drum, who was dubbed 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.

Sailor has said that she wants to thank all the officials 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, "Paul has given more back to the community than many with no 'handicaps' at all. He is passionate about being able to develop something that will leave a legacy, while at the same time, bettering where he lives."

The Paul Drum Nautical Education Fund, Sailor said, with the support of the EESM, "has done so much for our youth."

In addition to the free summer programs, the lifeguarding scholarships, based on blind essay, are open to all North Fork students.

EESM and the PDNEP are not just about Greenport, Sailor said.

"The water, the sea, the aquaculture are what the whole East End is all about. We feel that via our small contribution, if we can educate even one youth to respect the water, use water safety skills, respect marine life, throw his/her trash in a can instead of the beach, then we have thrown a small stone in the pond of keeping our East End viable, clean and beautiful, one that will have many ripple effects," she said.

Reflecting, Sailor added, "Maybe even one day one of our scholarship recipients will be able to save a life — all because of a small seaport museum, a family restaurant, an outgoing Down syndrome boy, and a Pirate and Mermaid fundraiser."

Front Street Station absorbs the cost of the breakfast in its entirety to allow all proceeds to be donated toward educational efforts, Sailor said.

To donate, click here.

Patch photos, video by Lisa Finn.