Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and if you spent the weekend watching the snow pile up while debating whether to shovel or just admire it, same. The Buzz is going lightly bubbly this week, Monday + Tuesday only as we take a beat to enjoy family time and slide into the New Year with good company, and a few last holidays treats. Don’t worry, next week we’re back to business as usual, with The Buzz landing in your inbox five days a week (Monday–Friday).

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Snail of Approval

• Secret Santas

• Offshore Wind

Ready, Set, Go!

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The Lowdown

Slow Food 🐌

Slow Food East End’s Snail of Approval is all about celebrating the everyday spots that quietly do things the right way. Think good food, fair labor, sustainability, and community love.

Recent honorees include Atelier Disset, Cutchogue Diner, Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, Mattituck Mushrooms, and South Fork Bakery. These aren’t just tasty stops, they’re doing the right thing behind the scenes. From absorbing rising egg costs so regulars can still afford breakfast, to employing adults with disabilities, sourcing ethically, and giving back to local nonprofits, these businesses are proving values matter.

The Snail has also started recognizing institutions and hospitality leaders making a difference. Last year, a hospital chef was honored for transforming patient meals into something nourishing and delicious, and Silver Sands Motel earned recognition for its fossil fuel free operations, livable wages, and close ties to local farmers and fisheries, plus its beloved on-site eateries.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

Cutchogue’s Secret Santas 🎄

If you’ve ever driven down Main Road in early December and thought, “Wow, when did all this holiday cheer show up?” you can thank Joe and Helen Corso, Cutchogue’s very own secret Santas.

For the past 25 years, the Corsos have quietly transformed the hamlet each holiday season, wrapping lamp posts in garland and lights that seem to appear overnight.

Working alongside the North Fork Chamber of Commerce, the couple has their system down to a science. Joe tackles the ladders and the hard electrical work, while Helen handles the finishing touches below. With help from supportive local businesses and the occasional assist from friends and family, the decorations go up in just a few days, often without anyone noticing until they’re lit.

And the magic doesn’t stop with the lights. Joe also helps organize Christmas in Cutchogue, complete with Helicopter Santa, kids’ entertainment, and photos with Santa at the library. Once the holidays wrap up, the Corsos shift gears to plan the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, because apparently, they don’t do “off-season.” ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Offshore Wind Hits the Brakes 🌬

Just as Long Island’s offshore wind momentum was picking up speed, the brakes were slammed. The Trump administration announced a 90 day pause on five offshore wind farm leases, including two projects designed to power Long Island’s electric grid, citing newly flagged “national security risks.”

The pause, issued by the Department of the Interior, does not affect wind farms already up and running. That means Ørsted’s South Fork Wind Farm, which has been powering roughly 70,000 East End homes since late 2023, keeps spinning.

Developers Ørsted and Equinor say they’ve spent years coordinating with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies and are complying with the pause while exploring next steps.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

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Happenings: This Week

Tuesday

🩸 Blood Drive Looking to close out the year with a good deed? The Greenport American Legion is hosting a Blood Drive, inviting everyone to stop by, roll up a sleeve, and help restock a supply that saves lives every single day. More Info

Wednesday

 🏃 .5K Beer Run If your idea of a race includes beer, costumes, and a finish line you can actually see from the start, Greenport Harbor Brewery has your New Year’s Eve plans locked in. The 2025 New Year’s Eve .5K Beer Run proudly claims the title of shortest race on the planet, clocking in at just over 1,640 feet. Along the way encounter five “hydration tables.” Plus prizes for best outfit, fastest time, and a few mysterious, top-secret categories. More Info

🍾 NYE Dinner New Year’s Eve at North Fork Table & Inn is offering two seatings to ring in the new year: an early option with a four course dinner, and a later 8:00 PM seating featuring an elevated five course menu with caviar, plus a midnight celebration to officially welcome 2026. More Info

🥂 Champagne Problems If your New Year’s Eve plans call for bubbles and beats, Champagne Problems at The Boathouse at Silver Sands has you covered. The night will be fueled by excellent cocktails, a killer DJ, and champagne flowing freely all night long. Plus oysters and fried chicken topped with caviar. Dress up, let loose, and toast your way into the New Year. More Info

🍽 Dinner + Countdown Start the night with a dinner overlooking the Sound at The Halyard. Then stay put as things turn festive with a DJ, dancing, the midnight countdown, and a complimentary toast to ring in the New Year. More Info

🎆 NYE Extravaganza Ring in the New Year with an NYE Extravaganza at Little Fish, featuring live music and a champagne toast at midnight. More Info

🕛 Countdown to Midnight Ring in the New Year at American Beech. Enjoy bar snacks throughout the night and dance into the new year with DJ Tim on the decks. More Info

🍽 Dinner, Dancing & Brunch New Year’s Eve at The Watershed is for the people who want the full experience: eat, celebrate, repeat. They’re rolling out a New Year’s Eve à la carte menu with a few chef’s specials in the mix. Afterward, the celebration keeps going with Fred the Human iPod, serving a hybrid acoustic + DJ set.

Bonus: You don’t have to “recover” alone. New Year’s Day Brunch is waiting to ease you gently into 2026. More Info

Thursday

🥞 New Year’s Day Breakfast Start the new year the coziest way possible at the 37th Annual New Year’s Day Breakfast at the Southold Fire Department. Stop by, warm up, and enjoy a classic community breakfast tradition to kick off the year right. More Info

❄️ Polar Plunge Bundle up, bring your crew, and get ready for a splash of icy fun at the Ram’s Head Inn for their Annual Polar Plunge. Come for the adrenaline and the bragging rights then settle into some warm drinks. More Info

🥞 Pajama Party Brunch Roll out of bed , keep the PJs on, and show up ready for comfort food, and a morning that feels like a sleepover at First & South’s Pajama Party Brunch. More Info

🍳 Brunch on the Sound Ease into the new year at The Halyard with a New Year’s Day Brunch. Expect all the classic brunch favorites, plus build your own mimosa pitchers and Bloody Marys to bring yourself gently or not so gently back to life. More Info

🥂🍫 Bubbles & Chocolate Start the year with a sparkling wine and chocolate pairing at Sannino Vineyard, because January 1 deserves something a little indulgent. More Info

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Animal of The Week

Meet Casey 🐾

Meet Casey, a senior terrier mix who has absolutely perfected the art of relaxed companionship.

Casey is medium sized, calm, and completely free of nervous energy. From the moment she walks into a home, she settles in like she’s always belonged there, no adjustment period, no learning curve, no chaos. She’s fully housebroken, handles her business outdoors like a pro, and is a dream on walks (no pulling, and no drama).

Social? Casey checks every box. She’s sweet with strangers, gentle with kids, and easy around other dogs. She’s not reactive, doesn’t bark excessively, and brings a peaceful presence wherever she goes. At night, she sleeps calmly, and during meals she couldn’t care less about what’s on your plate, no begging here.

Car ride? She’s in. Stairs? No issue. Food? She’s not a big eater. Noise? Minimal. Love? Unlimited.

Casey is the kind of dog you’d adopt in a heartbeat if you could, the perfect, low maintenance companion who’s ready to spend her golden years soaking up the good life in a home that will adore her as much as she deserves. If you’re looking for an easy, loving best friend, Casey is waiting.

Questions? Call North Fork Animal Welfare League at 631-765-1811 ext. 1

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Monday

The Watershed | Frank Palmeri | 6-9 PM
The Ram’s Head Inn | Bingo with Benji | 6 PM

Tuesday

First & South | TBA | 5-8 PM
Front Street Station | Music Bingo | 7 PM

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships