Paul Drum Legislator For Day At 'Pirate & Mermaid' Breakfast

GREENPORT, NY — It was another feather in the proverbial cap for Paul Drum Sunday — Paul was named Suffolk County Legislator for the Day by Al Krupski at 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.

At the event — which included mermaids, face painting and fun for kids, and music by The Daves and Liza Coppola — emcee Jerry Cibulski discussed the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, a 501(c)(3) organization that offers a free enrichment program brought to children during the summer season.

The breakfast is hosted and donated by Front Street Station each year to benefit that Paul Drum Life Experience Project, which "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 site added.

Cibulski said a vast array of sessions were offered during July and August. "It was lots of fun," he said.

"Thank you for supporting my program," Paul told the crowd who'd gathered to support his mission.

Krupski presented Paul with a proclamation, signed by all 18 county legislators. "They all signed it because they all know what a great program you have here and what great event you have here every year during the Maritime Festival."

Paul is active in reaching out to elected officials to discuss issues that impact residents, such as dredging, Krupski said. "There's a lot of diversity here in the county. As legislator of the 1t District — the biggest district, covering Fishers Island, Southold, Riverhead, Shirley, Ridge, Manorville, East Moriches and Center Moriches — it's a lot of ground to cover. The only thing you have to remember is you work with everyone here to serve everyone in the whole county. You'll do a great job — congratulations," Krupski said.

Greenport Village Trustee Mary Bess Phillips thanked all who organized the event and for supporting and creating the Paul Drum Life Experience Project.

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.

Sharon Sailor, Paul's mom, said before the event that she wanted 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."

Patch photos, video by Lisa Finn.