Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! If your biggest plan today is finishing leftovers, solid choice.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Tax Hike & Staff Cuts

• Little Fish Season 4

• 692 Cereal Boxes

Ready, Set, Go!

Sponsored By Little Fish

Coastal Cuisine Done Right 🐟

Little Fish Is Back 🍹

There are a few telltale signs that the North Fork season has officially arrived: longer days, a little more traffic, and Little Fish opening its doors at Kenney’s Beach.

After a packed opening weekend filled with familiar faces and first timers alike, the vibe is exactly what you’d hope for: laid back & lively.

Somewhere between the first round of margaritas and that unmistakable crunch of a tuna tartare taquito, it was clear: this isn’t just a reopening, it’s a reunion. There’s a real appreciation in the air this time of year, the kind that comes from seeing the same smiles return, hearing the buzz pick up again, and settling back into a rhythm that only exists out here.

Grab a few friends, split a Caesar, order another round, and watch the sun dip while live music rolls in.

Little Fish is open Friday through Monday from 5–9 PM with live music.
- Friday: The Earthtones 6-9 PM
- Saturday: Emy McB 6-9 PM

Reservations are live at littlefishnofo.com or by calling (631) 765-8756, and if opening weekend was any indication, you’ll want to lock that in.

See you at the beach!

Dinner Menu | Wine & Cocktail List | Make a Reservation

The Lowdown

Tax Hike & Staff Cuts 💰

Greenport School District is proposing a $26 million budget for 2026–27 that trims staff while asking taxpayers to go well beyond the state cap.

The $25.99 million plan includes a 7.91% tax levy increase, more than double the district’s 3.04% cap, adding roughly $43 per month for homeowners. Because it exceeds the cap, the budget will need at least 60% voter approval on May 19.

The proposal marks a shift away from years of relying on reserve funds to cover ongoing costs, a strategy that helped fund 20 new positions in 2024–25 but has now nearly drained the district’s reserves.

To stabilize finances, the district is considering cutting 21 positions, including instructional and non-instructional roles. Officials say core programs, like small class sizes, AP courses, music, sports, and transportation, would remain intact if the budget passes. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Little Fish Season 4 🍽

There’s a certain moment on the North Fork when things start to wake up again, and right now, that energy is flowing straight through Little Fish in Southold.

Now heading into its fourth season, Little Fish isn’t just reopening, it’s leveling up. A refined menu, new kitchen systems, and a stronger focus on seasonal flexibility are all part of the plan, with the revamped kitchen team making thoughtful tweaks rather than a full overhaul.

The menu leans heavily into local sourcing, with dishes designed to evolve throughout the season. There’s also a bigger push toward partnerships: local farms, bakeries, and even an offsite pastry chef, giving the small kitchen a much bigger reach.

And then there’s brunch. After testing it last year, Little Fish is going all in, and offering brunch on weekends starting in May.

Behind it all is a pretty simple goal: build something that lasts. Owner Arden Gardell, who grew up in the restaurant world, is leaning into a family first approach, both with his team and the community.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

692 Cereal Boxes 🥣

Tony the Tiger might’ve made an appearance, but the real headline at Oysterponds School was 692 cereal boxes lined up and ready to fall.

The Orient school’s fourth annual Cereal Box Challenge smashed its previous record, with students collecting nearly 700 boxes to support local families through CAST.

What started as a goal of 500 quickly turned into something bigger. Pre-K students led the charge with 215 boxes, helping build a colorful domino chain that stretched from the gym straight into the hallway.

Then came the main event.

After a schoolwide countdown, the line toppled box by box, until the final domino hit and the entire school erupted. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

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Happenings: This Week

Monday

🎨 Artist Talk Uncommon Artist in Residence Tom Holmes brings his layered, thought provoking work to Sound View for an artist talk, followed by a studio tour for anyone curious to see where the abstraction actually happens. More Info

Tuesday

🌊 Citizen Scientist Ever wanted to get involved in protecting the local environment but didn’t know where to start? The Cutchogue New Suffolk Library is hosting a hands on workshop to show you exactly how to become a citizen scientist. Learn about real opportunities to contribute through Peconic Baykeeper, plus other ways to get involved in local conservation efforts. More Info

🍷 The Legacy & Future of Long Island Wine Long before the North Fork became a go to wine destination, Louisa Hargrave was helping plant the seeds of what it is today. Now, the co-founder of the Long Island Wine Industry returns to share a firsthand look at its evolution and what’s coming next at the Peconic Landing Auditorium. More Info

Wednesday

🩺 Understanding Diabetes Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. The Cutchogue New Suffolk Library hosts Dr. Silvana Obici for an informative, engaging talk on understanding diabetes, reducing your risk, and living well after a diagnosis. More Info

Thursday

🧘‍♀️ Meditation If your week could use a reset, this is a good place to start. The Southold Library is hosting a guided meditation session designed to help you slow things down, clear your head. More Info

🀄 Mahjong Has your group chat has been talking about learning Mahjong? Presented by NOFO Live, this laid back meetup at The Shoals serves up tiles, tea, coffee, and nibbles. Beginners can jump into open play with basic knowledge, or snag a seat at the Mahjong 101 table for a no stress intro and all the questions. More Info

🥂 Spring Pairing Dinner This is the kind of dinner that reminds you why spring on the North Fork hits different. Sound View is teaming up with Sparkling Pointe for a thoughtfully curated evening of sparkling wines paired with a seasonal menu built around the first harvests of the season. More Info

🧘‍♀️ Wellness Retreat Enjoy a soft reset with a side of waterfront calm. The Ram’s Head Inn hosts a two day Wellness Retreat, April 9-10 with yoga, meditation, live music, and crystal singing bowls that do most of the heavy lifting for you. 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 Spotlight

Book Club 📕🍺

There are two types of book clubs: the ones that feel like homework, and the ones where you get a drink, talk about a thriller, and actually look forward to going. This is firmly the second kind.

The Farm Brewery Book Club, hosted by Virgo Rising, is back at Jamesport Farm Brewery on April 23 from 6–8 PM, and this month’s pick is Run on Red by Noelle W. Ihli.

For $25, you’ll get a beer or cider and a seat at the table for a lively discussion (assuming everyone did their reading, no judgment if not, but you will be exposed quickly).

It’s casual, it’s social, and it’s a good excuse to finally finish a book and leave the house on a weeknight.

^{_{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

Monday

The Watershed | Erin Chase | 6-9 PM
Ram’s Head | Bingo | 6 PM

Tuesday

Eastern Front Brewing | Trivia with Emily | 6 PM
First & South | Jazz E | 6-9 PM

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships