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🐝 A Jedi Level Cause

🐝 A Jedi Level Cause

Greenport Budget, Glioblastoma Awareness Ride, Easter Catering

Thomas Loncar
April 16, 2025

Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! You’re closer to Friday than you were to Monday. Celebrate accordingly.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Greenport Budget
Glioblastoma Awareness Ride
Easter Catering

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

All Aboard the Budget Train 💰

Greenport Village is crunching numbers for its 2026 budget—and yes, a tax hike is on the table. Officials are proposing an 8.93% increase in the tax rate. Why? About 6% is to fill a $75K revenue gap, and the rest stays neatly within New York’s tax cap.

What’s driving the uptick? Rising retirement costs, a 20% insurance spike for the fire department, and $400K in new debt for infrastructure projects like the Mitchell Park bulkhead and North Ferry. On the bright side, the village is also thinking revenue: paid parking could bring in $125K, and a miniature railroad (yes, really) might chug along with another $100K.

Water and sewer bills are expected to go up, too—12% and 18% respectively—based on previous rate studies. The fire department’s budget gets a 3.36% boost, mainly from property taxes. Recreation revenue is holding steady, and overall, village officials are cautiously optimistic about what’s ahead. ($)

25 Weeks of Fun 🐠

The Long Island Aquarium just turned 25—and they’re throwing a season-long party to celebrate. We’re talking 25 weeks of fun: discounted admission, giveaways, a “Then & Now” photo contest, and a members-only anniversary bash (complete with an art show, because why not?). Bonus: the first 25 families to visit on the 25th of each month get a commemorative swag bag. Yes, really.

What’s new? Four baby North American River Otters, a rare Fishing Cat, and a Butterfly Garden filled with free-flying beauties from around the world. Oh, and if you haven’t visited in a while, now’s the time.

Beyond the tanks, the aquarium is going full adventure mode: snorkeling with tropical fish, boat tours on the Peconic, penguin selfies, and even diving with sharks (if you’re into that kind of thrill).

The mission? Celebrate the Island’s wild side, inspire conservation, and make sure your next family outing is anything but boring.

May the 4th Be With This Ride 🚴

On Sunday, May 4, Eric Hurnyak of Sound Beach is hopping on his bike for a 55-mile journey from Stony Brook to Greenport (lightsaber optional) to raise funds and awareness for glioblastoma research. He’s riding in memory of his mom, Barbara Johnson Hurnyak, who passed away from the disease just last month. The event’s name? The “May the 4th Be with You Glioblastoma Awareness Ride.”

The ride supports the Glioblastoma Research Organization and has already pulled in close to $3,500.

North Fork pit stops include:

Aquebogue (Mile 30): Scenic water views + snacks. Always a good combo.
Mattituck (Mile 40): Refuel with breakfast and coffee at Love Lane Kitchen.
Greenport (Finish Line): Wrap it all up at Andy’s Restaurant with a post-ride party, Chinese auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

Riders can join for any leg of the route. To support the cause or hop on for a few miles, check out the fundraiser 👉 Here

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Dog of the week

Meet Adele 🐾

Looking for the total package? Meet Adele — a sweet, affectionate pup who’s as polite as she is lovable. She walks like a dream on a leash, snuggles like a pro, and settles into home life faster than you can say “good girl.” Adele’s a well-mannered lady who’s cool with kids, strangers, and other dogs. She signals when she needs to go out, barks only when it counts, and has a soft spot for squeaky toys (and treats... lots of treats!).

She’s working on stairs and car rides, but give her a little patience and she’ll give you endless loyalty. Whether she’s lounging on the couch or politely doing her business in the yard, Adele is just waiting to chase rabbits—and your heart.

Interested? Call the Southold location at 631-765-1811 ext. 1 to learn more about this four-legged gem.

Easter, Hold The Hassle

Not in the mood to roast a ham, peel potatoes, or pretend you enjoy doing dishes? We feel you. If you'd rather spend Easter Sunday hunting eggs than hunting down ingredients, you're in luck.

A bunch of North Fork favorites are serving up fully catered Easter meals—so you can skip the stress and still feast like a bunny king or queen.

From brunch to full-on dinner spreads (yes, dessert is involved), here’s where to order your holiday meal and keep your kitchen spotless:

Wayside Market 🥩

Skip the shopping, chopping, and pan-scrubbing Wayside Market has you covered. Their Easter Catering Menu includes $34.99 single dinners (great for 1-2 people) with entrées like honey glazed ham or braised lamb shank, plus classic sides.

Hosting a bigger crowd, brunch lovers can dig into asparagus tarts, strata, French toast, and more. For dinner there are soups, fresh salads, savory appetizers, and entrées for a crowd—from lasagna to prime rib.

Taking order for Easter until tomorrow! More Info

Lombardi’s Love Lane Market 🇮🇹

If your Easter vibe is relax and feast instead of chop and sweat, Lombardi’s Love Lane Market is here to save the holiday. Their Easter catering menu is family style and set to feed 6-8 people.

Oh, and it’s stacked with crowd-pleasers like honey-glazed ham, roast leg of lamb, and herb-roasted turkey—plus all the cozy sides your carb-loving heart could want (hi, mashed potatoes 👋).

And yes, there’s dessert. Carrot cake, Italian pastries… the kind of sweets that make you forget you were ever considering baking from scratch. More Info

Southold General 🥐

Southold General has your Easter brunch covered. Start the day right with a Croissant Party Box or a Scones Box—because who doesn’t love buttery, flaky goodness?

If you're feeding a crowd, their platters are next level: think French Toast Bake and a Quiche Variety Box that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

For the main event, dive into Spiral Ham, Leg of Lamb, and Truffle Mac & Cheese—because why settle for basic when you can go extra? More Info

^{_{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}}

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher