Paul Drum To Be Named Suffolk County Legislator For The Day

GREENPORT, NY — He's got quite a resume: Paul Drum is set to be named Suffolk County Legislator for the Day by Legislator Al Krupski at the 5th Annual "Paul Drum Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast" during the 28th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival.

The award is another honor for Paul Drum, who was 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 will take place on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Front Street Station, located at 212 Front Street in Greenport.

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.

The program grows with donations from the community, sponsors, and “fun-raisers” such as the "Pirate and Mermaid" breakfast, which draws crowds to Front Street Station each year, and 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.

Tickets cost $15 and are available online, at Front Street Station, and at the door. This year, guests will have the chance to meet three mermaids who plan to float over for the fun.

Sailor said she wants to take the time to thank all the civil servants 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, who shares a deep bond of love with her son, reflects on her pride in her son's accomplishments: "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."

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.