Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! Your shortcut to sounding informed with your friends starts now.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Train With X Factor

• Public Safety Task Force

• 250th Takes Shape

Ready, Set, Go!

Sponsored By Party Animal North Fork

Where North Fork Parties Begin 🎉

Party Animal North Fork’s Valentine’s Collection Is Here ❤️

Roses are fine. Chocolate is cute. But balloons? Balloons are a love language.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the ordinary and go full heart-eyes with Party Animal North Fork’s Valentine’s collection, packed with heart shaped balloons and festive party décor that actually sets the mood. Cute heart napkins, love letter plates, banners, and even “Cupid Is Stupid” pink cocktail napkins.

Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, a Galentine’s hang, or a full-blown “love is in the air” soirée, they’ve got the goods to make it extra.

Website | Instagram | Valentine’s Day Collection

The Lowdown

Train With X Factor 🏀

When Josh Hart wanted to sharpen his handle before the season, he didn’t book a Manhattan mega facility. He came to the North Fork.

Out here, he linked up with Xavier Allen, the 23 year old Mattituck grad behind X Factor, a fast-growing training program that has become a magnet for everyone from sixth graders to serious NBA talent, including Kevin Love and Jimmy Butler.

Allen has built his name the modern way: nonstop work, strong relationships and a social media presence that puts his drills, teaching style and local athletes front and center.

But talk to him for a few minutes and you’ll hear it’s about more than crossovers.

His message to players is simple: Be Great.
At practice. In games. In how you show up for your community.

X Factor runs private sessions, small groups, team workouts, strength training and mentorship, usually operating out of Sportime in Quogue and other East End gyms. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Public Safety Task Force 🤝

After nearly an hour of emotional public comment tied to the Feb. 4 ICE operation in Greenport Village, the Southold Town Board agreed to create a Public Safety Task Force aimed at addressing how federal immigration enforcement activity intersects with day to day life.

The new group will study health, safety and welfare concerns, look at possible legislation and help shape how the town prepares for future incidents.

The decision came after weeks of pressure from residents who say the recent arrests, including two near the school at morning drop-off, rattled the community.

Town leaders stopped short of adopting a resolution drafted by OLA of Eastern Long Island, which lays out steps for how police might respond and communicate during federal operations. Instead, they opted to build a broader working group first.

The task force will include two Town Board members, two representatives from the police department, members from existing advisory groups, a school district representative and two appointees from the village, one official and one resident.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

250th Takes Shape 🇺🇸

At Tuesday’s work session, Town Historian Amy Folk and volunteer Katie Girandola gave the Southold Town Board a preview of what’s shaping up to be a town wide, maybe region wide, definitely big celebration of America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

And this isn’t just a parade and call it a day situation. Organizers are talking schools, libraries, historical societies, cultural groups, boats in the harbor, the works.

First up: a logo contest for students in grades K through 12. Kids are invited to design something that captures local history and the spirit of independence. The winning design could show up on posters, signage and materials all year long.

There’s discussion of inviting the tall ship USCGC Eagle to Greenport, maybe even other historic vessels. The American Legion is taking the reins on the Fourth of July parade and the reading of the Declaration, ideally with enough volunteers that no single person has to marathon the whole document.

Local historical groups are brainstorming reenactments, colonial crafts, music and even the possibility of a tea themed harbor moment.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

^{_{Stories with a ($) require a third party subscription}}

Happenings: Weekend Preview

Friday

🕵️‍♀️ Murder on the Menu Valentine’s Day weekend is getting a dramatic twist with a Murder Mystery Dinner at The Rams Head Inn. Guests are encouraged to dress up, sip wine, follow the clues, and see if they can crack the case before dessert is served. More Info

🧀 Cheese + Wine Melted cheese and good wine are doing exactly what they do best. Raclette Fondue for Two, paired with two glasses of wine, is being served Friday-Sunday at Suhru & Lieb Vineyards. More Info

🎨 Galentine’s Paint & Sip Round up your favorite people for a night of creativity, Galentine’s Paint & Sip is heading to Bedell Cellars with Wine of a Kind. Guided painting, great wine, light bites, and the kind of evening that ends with a masterpiece or at least a very fun story. More Info

Saturday

❤️ Valentine’s Day Breakdown In case you missed it, we did a full breakdown of Valentine’s Day activities earlier this week, packed with dinner spots, events and sweet ways to celebrate. Even if you read it already, check it out again because we’ve added even more Valentine’s Day events to the list! You can find our Tuesday edition 👉 Here

🥁 A Winter Classic One of Greenport’s most beloved traditions is back as the Greenport Fire Department hosts its annual Washington’s Birthday Parade. More Info

🖤❤️ Flanneltine’s Flannel season is calling. Head over to Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. (Peconic) for Flannetine’s Day. The afternoon features a curated lineup of local makers and artisans, perfect for snagging something for that special someone, plus a limited release of Love Potion No. 42155. And the fun keeps going: The Realm hits the stage at 6pm. More Info

🧘🎨 Move Together Paint Together Love and friendship get a fun twist with a Partner Yoga + Canvas Paint Party at The Heart Of It. Bring a partner, friend, or Galentine to bond through playful acroyoga and then switch gears into creativity, painting each other on canvas for a one of a kind keepsake and plenty of laughs along the way. More Info

🎹 Piano Battle There’s no such thing as a quiet night when Dueling Pianos take over. Expect familiar songs, sing-alongs, and a crowd that’s fully in it from the first note. It all goes down at Front Street Station. More Info

📖 Poetry Fest Love and literature are on tap at Eastern Front Brewing Co. for its first ever Valentine’s Poetry Fest. Share original poems or favorite verses, whether you’re a seasoned poet or just feeling brave. Bonus: readers get $1 off pints. More Info

✍️ Screenwriting Workshop Want your dialogue to sound less “movie trailer” and more actually human? How People Talk is a six week screenwriting workshop at the North Fork Arts Center led by Tony Spiridakis and Bill Finkelstein, diving deep into the art of great dialogue, the kind that reveals character, builds tension, and keeps a story moving. More Info

🎭 Acting Workshop Ready to stretch your creative muscles, a welcoming six week acting workshop at the North Fork Arts Center led by actor and educator Diogo Martins, guiding participants through a progressive exploration of storytelling via monologues and scene work. More Info

🔮 Tarot Readings A little mystic energy is heading to the Black Llama Bar, Alexandra Blazer will be offering tarot readings for anyone curious about what the cards have to say. Grab a drink, pull a spread, and leave with a little insight. More Info

Sunday

🥣 Soupy Sundays Head to Chronicle Wines for a cozy lineup featuring hearty winter soups from Grace & Grit, fresh loaves from 1610 Sourdough, and your favorite Chronicle wines by the glass. More Info

🏁 Start Your Engines Racing fans Sunday afternoon is spoken for with a Daytona 500 Watch Party. Big screen TVs, plenty of food, and a cash bar to keep the afternoon moving at the Southold America Legion. More Info

🐾 Pet CPR Training Emergencies don’t come with a warning, Pet CPR & First Aid Training with Paws and Claws 911 is coming to Harbor Pet. This hands on session is all about building the confidence and skills that could truly save a life. More Info

🤠 Country Concert Get ready for an hour of foot stomping country as Gene Casey brings his signature “Rock-a-Boogie” sound to Cutchogue New Suffolk Library. More Info

🪄 Magic Show Get ready for the impossible to happen right in front of you, Neil’s First Magic Show is coming to The Watershed Kitchen with table side magic featuring mentalism, sleight of hand, and plenty of “wait, how did he do that?” moments. 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

Thursday

Eastern Front Brewing | Sonic Gumbo | 5-8 PM
aMano | Edward P Cassidy | 5 PM
Greenport Harbor Brewing (Pec) | Trivia | 6-8 PM
Bridge Lane Wine | Valentine’s Day Trivia | 6:30-8 PM
Taps & Corks | Karaoke | 7-10 PM
Southold American Legion | Bingo | 7 PM

Friday

Corey Creek | Kelli Baker | 4-8 PM
Suhru & Lieb | Cassandra House | 5-7 PM
Main & Mill | Paris Ray | 5-7 PM
Tucker’s Taproom | Ahmad Ali | 6-9 PM
Touch of Venice | Marty Attridge | 6-9 PM
One Woman Winery | Tim Siciliano Duo | 6-9 PM
Southold Social | K + R Music | 6-9 PM
Eastern Front Brewing | Dead Jive | 6-9 PM
Jamesport Farm Brewery | Trivia | 6:30-8:30 PM
The Clam Bar at Alize Brewing | Sahara | 7-10 PM
The Watershed | Leah Larenti | 7-10 PM
Lucharitos | Karaoke with DJ Henry Eau | 9 PM

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up

Want your business to sponsor North Fork Buzz? Lets Chat

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected] 

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the North Fork Buzz today. Like what you read? Send it to a friend!

Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships