šŸ Boats & Budgets

Boating Safety, Budgets, Reopening This Week

Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! Another Monday, another excuse to drink an extra cup of coffee.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

  • Boating Safety

  • Budgets

  • Reopening This Week

Ready, Set, Go!

Where good food and good times never rest šŸ•šŸ»

🄩 Craving a local gem with history and flavor? Look no further than Sophie's Rest in Southold! Nestled at 730 Main Bayview Road, Sophie's is renowned for its thin cracker crust pizzas that locals can't get enough of. But that's not all—Tuesday night prime rib is a tradition you won't want to miss. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it's the perfect spot to unwind, and savor delicious food. Whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through, Sophie's offers a taste of local charm and culinary delight. Stop by or call 631-765-5700!
Website

The Lowdown

Free Boating Safety Fest 🚤

Boaters of New York, listen up, Brianna’s Law is now in full sail, meaning if you’re operating a powerboat, you must take a safety course. (Yes, even if you’ve been boating since flip phones were a thing.)

To celebrate National Safe Boating Week and get everyone water-ready, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is throwing a big safety bash at Mitchell Park in Greenport on Saturday, May 17 from 9-4 PM And trust us, it’s more than just whistles and rules.

Here’s what’s on deck:

  • Demos galore: flares, fire extinguishers, VHF radios, and more

  • Live action: search-and-rescue drills, safe docking, man overboard practice

  • Life jacket fittings for you and your furry first mate (yep—dogs need floaties too)

  • Knot tying, compass skills, and how to actually read those nautical charts

  • Sea chanteys, historic sailor jams, and a noon ceremony with local officials and a trumpet (because, why not?)

Bonus: Free vessel safety checks for those who pre-register at 917-939-9844.

Hosted by Southold Flotilla 14-18-08 and friends from the East End flotillas, the event is also shining a spotlight on paddleboard and kayak safety, because those little crafts have big accident numbers.

So grab your boat shoes, your curious pup, and maybe a sea shanty or two. Greenport’s the place to be May 17.

New Budget, New BOE Faces šŸ’°

Mark your calendars: Tuesday, May 20 from 3–9 PM at the Mattituck High School gym. That’s when voters in the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District will decide two big things—next year’s school budget and who gets a seat at the Board of Education table.

Budget basics:

  • Total proposed budget: $46.77 million

  • Increase from last year: $1.42 million

  • Tax levy: $42.17 million (still within the cap, so breathe easy)

Where’s the money going?
Three buckets:

  • Programming (75.6%) – Think: universal pre-K, 17 AP courses, more academic support in middle school, better ENL programs, extended-day learning, curriculum upgrades, K–6 ELA & math coaching, special ed, plus extracurriculars and sports.

  • Capital Improvements (15.9%) – $7.44 million for tech upgrades and keeping the buildings from looking like time capsules.

  • Admin (8.5%) – $3.96 million to keep the district running smoothly behind the scenes.

Proposition 2:
Want nicer bathrooms? Better lighting? Smoother sidewalks? Voters will also decide whether to create a $10 million Capital Reserve Fund for facility improvements.

BOE shakeup: Two open seats.

  • Jennifer Anderson is stepping down.

  • George Haase resigned last June.

One candidate is in the race so far: Linda Stavrinos, longtime Mattituck resident and all-around school supporter. ($)

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Happenings: This Week

Monday

🧘 Meditation Monday Join Carl Timpone and Megan Frey at the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library for a guided meditation class that goes beyond relaxation. This transformative experience helps dissolve mental barriers and unlock your true potential for lasting happiness. More Info

Tuesday

āš¾ļøšŸ¶ Bark in the Park Night Cheer on the Long Island Ducks alongside the North Fork Animal Welfare League and their adorable adoptable dogs. Meet the pups, mingle with staff and volunteers, and enjoy a tail-wagging good time at the ballpark. More Info

Wednesday

šŸ’ƒšŸŽ‰ Bollywood Night NOFO LIVE is partnering with The Halyard to bring Bollywood to the North Fork. Enjoy Indian-inspired cuisine, colorful entertainment, and all the vibrant energy you’d expect as NOFO LIVE toasts another incredible season. More Info

šŸŽØ Sip, Snack & Create Head over to The French Picnic in Cutchogue as it transforms into a cozy, creative haven. Guests will paint handcrafted wood herb planter boxes while sipping wine or coffee and enjoying a curated selection of artisanal cheese and charcuterie. It’s a relaxed, hands-on evening that blends creativity and great flavors.
More Info

Thursday

šŸ‘  Step Into Oz Follow the yellow brick road to the North Fork Community Theatre. It’s opening night for The Wizard of Oz. Running through June 1, don’t miss this magical, family-friendly musical filled with beloved songs, dazzling costumes, and all your favorite characters from over the rainbow. 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

Local Business

Greenport Creamery šŸ¦

It’s official—Greenport Creamery is reopening on Wednesday, May 14, and summer just got a whole lot sweeter. Locals and visitors alike can once again enjoy their favorite small-batch scoops, sundaes, and waffle cones made with love right in the heart of Greenport.

Whether you're craving a classic like mint chip or feeling adventurous with one of their seasonal specials, there’s something for every sweet tooth.

New for the Season: Whoopie Screams (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), Pineapple Whip, new Gelato flavors, and so much more.

Perfect for a post-beach treat, a midday stroll stop, or a sunset snack on the go.

Duryea’s Orient Point šŸ¦ž

Big news for East End food lovers—Duryea’s Orient Point is officially back for the season starting Friday, May 16, and so are the iconic dockside sunsets, ultra-fresh seafood, and crisp glasses of rosĆ©.

Known for its unbeatable waterfront views and Mediterranean-inspired menu, Duryea’s is the ultimate summer dining destination. From their famous lobster cobb salad to perfectly grilled branzino, every bite tastes like vacation.

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 Breakdown

Monday

The Watershed | TBD | 6-9 PM

Tuesday

First and South | Jeff LeBlanc | 6-9 PM
The Piano Bar at Sound View | Sara Mundy | 6-8:30 PM

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher