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🐝 8 Foot Made by Debris Whale

🐝 8 Foot Made by Debris Whale

Debris Whale, Strawberry Festival Winners, Skate Park Raffles

Thomas Loncar
June 18, 2025

Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! If coffee could talk, it’d say, “I got you”

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Debris Whale
Strawberry Festival Winners
Skate Park Raffles

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

From Buoys to Beauty 🐳

On June 29, an 8-foot North Atlantic right whale named Corazón Valiente (translation: “Valiant Heart”) will surface outside the East End Seaport Museum. But don’t worry, it’s not a real whale, it’s made of lobster gear, buoys, plastic sandbags, and a badminton birdie for a spout. Yep, UpSculpt is back at it.

Founded by local artist Cindy Pease Roe, the nonprofit turns marine debris into jaw-dropping sculptures that raise awareness about ocean plastic pollution. Think art class meets beach cleanup, with major impact.

The unveiling comes with a side of kid-friendly fun: touch tables, microscopes to see microplastics, and a make-your-own sculpture station. In short, the perfect way to sneak in some eco-education with your weekend plans.

Want to get your hands dirty (in a good way)? Join a Made-by-Debris workshop:

July 13 @ VEME Studios (5–7 PM)
July 17 @ Mattituck-Laurel Library (4–5 PM)

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

Monarchs Get the Royal Treatment 🦋

On June 13, Southold officially cut the ribbon on its newest crown jewel: the Custer Preserve Monarch Waystation, a certified pollinator paradise built by the community, for the monarchs. It’s the latest project from Monarchs Matter, the brainchild of student Cynthia Zhang, who’s been on a mission to save these winged wonders since her freshman year.

The project brought together some of the North Fork’s finest: ReWild Long Island, Group for the East End, Southold-Peconic Civic Association, and an army of shovel-wielding volunteers. Two years ago, this spot was basically a weed jungle. Today? It’s a butterfly buffet stocked with native milkweed, nectar plants, and mowed paths perfect for a nature stroll.

Why monarchs? They’re not just pretty faces. They’re what scientists call an “umbrella species.” Protect them, and you protect everything else, birds, bees, even those elusive owls.

The preserve is open to the public at 1080 Main Bayview Road. Just follow the butterflies.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

Queen, Cake & Carnivals 🍓

Rain or shine, Mattituck shows up for strawberries. Despite some drizzle, the 70th annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival was packed this past weekend, and the vibes were berry good.

👑 Strawberry Royalty
Say hello to your 2025 Strawberry Queen: Morgan Dunne, a Mattituck High School sophomore who crushes it in sports, music, theater, writing, and volunteer work. The crown isn’t about pageant glam, it’s all about community impact, and Morgan wears it with pride.

🍰 Shortcake Showdown
In a battle of stomachs and speed, the World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship returned with one clear winner: Geoff Esper, who inhaled 22.75 pounds of shortcake in 8 minutes. (That’s not a typo. Twenty. Two. Point. Seven. Five.) ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Harbor Front Inn’s Makeover 🏨

Greenport’s beloved Harbor Front Inn just flipped the script for 2025 with a full-on refresh that’s all about coastal charm meets modern ease. This waterfront spot, with 39 revamped rooms, has reimagined its lobby into a cozy hangout, think wine bar vibes mixed with a laid-back reading nook, all wrapped in soft beachy tones and just the right dash of nautical flair.

The design? Old-school colonial touches, like antique oil paintings and William Morris prints, with fresh, comfy modern style.

But it’s not just about looks. Guests can now book cool curated experiences like electric Moke tours through the North Fork or sip their way through Macari Vineyards.

Get the full story 👉 Dan’s Papers

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Dog of The Week

Meet Lewis 🐾

Looking for a dog who’s equal parts adventure buddy and snuggle pro? Say hello to Lewis, a medium-sized reddish-brown heartthrob with a personality as sweet as his face.

At first, Lewis is full of tail-wagging energy, but give him a moment and he’ll melt right into your lap. He’s got the whole package: playful outside, cuddly inside, and a total gentleman with people and pups alike.

Here’s what you’ll love about Lewis:

Playtime pro: fetch, rope toys, frisbees, he’s game!
Cuddle king: loves curling up in bed and sleeps through the night.
Gets along with strangers and other dogs.
Calm in the car, chill in the yard.
Knows basic commands and aims to please
Big on affection: get ready for sloppy kisses and warm nuzzles.

He’s still working on his house-training and does best with a harness, but with a little patience, Lewis will be your loyal shadow and four-legged best friend.

Ready to meet your new favorite family member? Call the Southold location at 631-765-1811 ext. 1 to learn more about Lewis.

Raffle For A Cause

Greenport Skate Park 🚲🎸🎨

Greenport Skate Park is on a mission, to revitalize the park and give local skaters the upgrade they deserve. And you can help make it happen (while possibly scoring some very cool prizes) by entering the Greenport Skate Park Raffle.

Three incredible prizes are up for grabs, all donated by generous local businesses and artists who believe in the power of community—and a good ollie.

Raffle #1: The Ride of Your Life
An electric bike by Electric Bike Co. (a $3,500 value!) was donated by the folks at NoFo Bikes. It’s sleek, sustainable, and perfect for cruising the North Fork in style.
Drawing requires a minimum of 250 ticket sales.

Raffle #2: Limited Edition Strumming
Music lovers, this one’s for you, a Limited Edition D’Angelico Gramercy Guitar, donated by Green Hill Kitchen. Whether you play or just want to hang it on your wall and look cool, this is a collector’s dream.
Drawing requires a minimum of 40 ticket sales.

Raffle #3: Your Pet, Immortalized
Artist and Greenport Skate Park Inc. president Rena Wilhelm is donating a custom pencil portrait of your beloved pet. It’s a heartwarming, one-of-a-kind keepsake that’ll outlast even the best skate deck.
Drawing requires a minimum of 40 ticket sales.

You can purchase raffle tickets online, and volunteers will fill out the physical tickets on your behalf using the contact information you provide.

The winners will be drawn on Saturday, July 5th at 9 PM at Green Hill Kitchen.

^{_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something is sponsored}}

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Tom Loncar- Publisher