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🐝 Harbor South Earns National Recognition

🐝 Harbor South Earns National Recognition

First Time Buyer Plan, First in New York Honor, Southold Weighs Immigration Proposal

Thomas Loncar
July 30, 2026

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Good Morning, North Fork! The only thing standing between Thursday and the weekend is one good night's sleep.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

First Time Buyer Plan
First in New York Honor
Southold Weighs Immigration Proposal

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

First Time Buyer Plan 🏡

Southold is dramatically expanding its proposed first time homebuyer program, raising the maximum eligible purchase price for a single family home from $750,000 to nearly $2 million.

The change comes after officials realized the original cap would have covered only a handful of homes on the market. Instead, the town plans to use New York State's legal purchase price limits, meaning single family homes up to $1.96 million and two family homes up to $2.51 million could qualify.

The program would offer zero interest, deferred loans covering up to 18% of a home's purchase price, helping buyers reach a 20% down payment and avoid private mortgage insurance. Buyers would still need to qualify for a mortgage, contribute at least 2% themselves, meet income limits and either live in Southold or have lived there within the past five years. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

First in New York Honor 🧠

Peconic Landing's Harbor South has become New York's first SAIDO Learning Model Community, earning national recognition for its innovative approach to dementia care.

The Greenport memory support neighborhood is now one of just six communities in the country to receive the designation, which recognizes excellence in delivering the research backed SAIDO cognitive engagement program. The program uses reading, writing and simple math exercises to help residents living with dementia stay mentally engaged.

Since introducing SAIDO in 2025, Harbor South has trained 22 Supporters, exceeded participation benchmarks and seen residents maintain, or in some cases improve their cognitive scores. Staff have also observed brighter moods, increased engagement and renewed interest in hobbies.

Get the full story 👉 Peconic Landing

Southold Weighs Immigration Proposal 🏛️

Southold officials are one step closer to deciding whether to adopt a local law outlining how the town responds during federal immigration enforcement operations.

At a packed meeting Wednesday morning, members of the town's Public Safety Task Force and community leaders urged the Town Board to move forward with OLA of Eastern Long Island's proposed legislation, saying it would provide clear reporting procedures and greater transparency without interfering with federal immigration enforcement.

Supporters said putting the policy into law would give residents confidence in how local officials respond during future immigration operations, while others cautioned against legislating based solely on emotion and encouraged the board to carefully weigh potential consequences. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Weathered Barn Turns 15 🎉

Fifteen years ago, Rena Casey-Wilhelm sat on the floor of an empty Greenport storefront wondering if she'd made the biggest mistake of her life. Today, The Weathered Barn is celebrating 15 years as one of the village's most beloved independent shops.

What began as a small artisan boutique has evolved into a carefully curated home and lifestyle store known for its in house candles, soaps and body care products, while still showcasing the work of local makers.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

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Happenings: Weekend Preview

Friday

🤠 Line Dancing Kick off the weekend with boots, and music at Southold Historical Museum's Line Dancing in the Barn. More Info

🛍️ NOFO Style Pop Up Summer style meets sunset drinks at Sound View’s Low Tide Bar. Browse the collection of cotton linen robes, hats, jewelry, and bags while taking in one of the best waterfront views on the North Fork. More Info

🧑‍🌾 Farmer for a Day Trade the inbox for the fields during a hands on morning at KKs The Farm, with harvesting, digging, and a closer look at what it takes to grow food on the North Fork. After the work is done, The Halyard will serve a farm picnic, and you’ll head home with a KKs tote, gardening gloves, and a straw hat. More Info

🦪 Oyster Night Freshly shucked Peconic Gold oysters and vineyard sunsets make a pretty convincing argument for staying a little longer at Suhru & Lieb Vineyards. More Info

🎶 Finish the Lyrics Some songs only need a few words before everyone joins in. Finish the Lyrics Trivia at Clovis Point Vineyard puts that memory to the test with an evening of music, laughs, and friendly competition. More Info

Saturday

🍷 Summer Benefit & Auction An evening of cocktails, fine wine, live music, and friendly bidding awaits at the Oysterponds Historical Society Summer Benefit & Auction. More Info

🦪 Oyster Social Freshly shucked Little Ram Oysters, crisp wine, craft cocktails, cold draft beer, and live music set the scene at the Oyster Social at North Fork Table & Inn. More Info

🛍️ Crafts Fair Treasure hunters and art lovers can spend the day browsing a mix of antiques, fine art, handmade crafts, and unique finds at the the Village Green in Cutchogue. Plenty of opportunities to uncover a one of a kind piece while supporting talented artists, makers, and collectors. More Info

💪 Farm Fit Trade the gym walls for open fields during Farm Fit at Sang Lee Farms, where a full body strength class unfolds among the vegetables and buzzing beehives. More Info

Sunday

⚽ U.S. National Amputee Soccer Fundraiser Support an inspiring cause at the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Fundraiser with Aldrich Sports, bringing the community together to help athletes compete on the world stage. More Info

🎶 Reunion Grammy nominated pianist Steven Blier returns to Poquatuck Hall with acclaimed baritone Theo Hoffman for an afternoon of unforgettable songs spanning Gershwin, Bernstein, Sondheim, the Beatles, and more. 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

Friday

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships

🐝 Harbor South Earns National Recognition

First Time Buyer Plan, First in New York Honor, Southold Weighs Immigration Proposal

Together With

Sponsored By Petal & Peep

Thoughtful Gifts and Timeless Toys 🧸

The Lowdown

First Time Buyer Plan 🏡

First in New York Honor 🧠

Southold Weighs Immigration Proposal 🏛️

Weathered Barn Turns 15 🎉

Happenings: Weekend Preview

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Thursday

Friday

THANKS!