'Southold Police Kids' Fun Fest' Fosters Lifetime Bonds: Photos

GREENPORT, NY — Lifetime bonds between children and police were forged Friday at the annual "Southold Police Kids' Fun Fest," held at Mitchell Park in Greenport.

The event, which provided fun for adults and kids alike, was presented by the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, and, according to Paul Drum's mother, Sharon Sailor, was organized to build positive rapport between the Southold Police Departments and kids.

"It's letting them know to not to be afraid," she said. "In the back of their minds the interaction plants the seed early they have somewhere to turn if they are in trouble."

The goal, she added, is "bringing the community together, rather than dividing us."

All the Paul Drum Life Experience programs, which are offered free for children ages 7 to 12, are designed to enlighten and enrich young minds, she said.

"This event does the same for all people. Positivity and change start to domino with the smallest spark! This event is our spark," Sailor said.

Sailor wanted to thank the entire Southold Town Police Department, as well as their K-9 partner, and also, the Riverhead and Southampton Police Departments,, who also provided their K-9 partners "to execute a fascinating demonstration. I also want to thank Arlene Klein — my right hand— and our board members, the parents, kids, and residents that turned out to make our event a smashing success."

It's not the first time Paul has worked together with the Southold Police Department: In 2015, he was named Police Chief for the Day.

Another fundraiser for the Paul Drum Life Experience Project is the annual Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast — back this year after the pandemic — which will be held at Sailor's eatery, Front Street Station, located at 212 Front Street in Greenport, on Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. until noon.

At the event, Drum will be dubbed "Senator for the Day" by New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, Sailor said.

The Paul Drum Life Experience Project, according to the organization's website, "affords children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," with an eye toward broadening fields of interest, piquing curiosity, and sparking an enthusiasm for learning.

"It all started with a young man's enthusiasm. Paul Drum was seeking a way to give back to the generous community who unconditionally accepted and supported him," the site explained.

Together, Paul's mom Sailor as well as Keturah Hurst and Arlene Klein, worked together to make vision a reality.

Today, the free program is designed for children meeting during the summer months. At each weekly session a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Varied topics may include signing for hearing children, robotics, touring an electric power plant, shark study, and more.

The program grows with money provided by donations from the global community, generous sponsors, and "fun-raisers" including the "Pirates and Mermaids" breakfast held at Front Street Station every year.

In past years, Paul was named Suffolk County Legislator for the Day by Legislator Al Krupski at the 5th Annual "Paul Drum Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast".

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.

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."