North Fork Buzz
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🐝 Live Music Culture & Community

🐝 Live Music Culture & Community

Stop Work Order, Live Music Today, The Paddle Gets Passed

Thomas Loncar
July 01, 2026

Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! We're officially at the midpoint of the year. The good news? There's still plenty of 2026 left. The bad news? It seems to be moving pretty quickly.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Stop Work Order
Live Music Today
The Paddle Gets Passed

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

Stop Work Order 🐓

Construction at the site of a proposed 16 acre chicken farm on Ackerly Pond Lane has been put on pause after Southold Town issued a stop work order, saying work began before Planning Board approval and building permits were secured.

The farm's owner, Grant Callahan of Rejuvenate Farms, said the structures are movable chicken shelters that sit on skids rather than permanent foundations. The proposed operation would focus on pasture raised organic eggs using rotational grazing and regenerative farming practices.

The project has drawn significant opposition from nearby Jasmine Lane residents, who have raised concerns about potential odors, noise, pests, dust, and other impacts. Nearly 200 people signed a petition opposing the operation earlier this year.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

Live Music Today 🎸

Drive around the North Fork on any summer weekend and you'll spot the signs everywhere: "Live Music Today."

What looks like a simple afternoon soundtrack has quietly grown into a major part of the local economy, creating work for musicians, helping fill seats at wineries, breweries and restaurants, and giving people another reason to order another round.

For venues, it means making a significant investment. Greenport Harbor Brewing Company estimates it spent roughly $75,000 on live music last year, while smaller spots like Little Fish in Southold admit the math doesn't always work in their favor. Many continue hosting performers simply because they love the culture and community it creates.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

The Paddle Gets Passed 🛶

Some businesses get sold. Others get passed along.

That's the story behind Eagle's Neck Paddling Co., the longtime kayak rental operation tucked inside Orient Beach State Park. After owner Jeff Scharadin passed away last year, the business found its next steward in Southold native Victoria Caggiano, who spent the previous season learning the ropes directly from him. Scharadin had planned to sell her the company, and after his passing, his family honored that wish.

The opportunity came unexpectedly while Caggiano was redesigning Scharadin's website through her marketing company. When he mentioned wanting to sell, she raised her hand.

Over the course of a summer apprenticeship, Scharadin taught her everything from moving heavy kayaks safely to managing deliveries across the North Fork's maze of waterfront roads. More importantly, he wanted to make sure the business stayed with someone who understood what made it special.

Eagle's Neck offers kayak and paddleboard rentals inside Orient Beach State Park, along with deliveries to vacation rentals across the North Fork.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Relief Program for Farmers 🧑‍🌾

Rising costs have been hitting farms hard, and New York is stepping in with some financial help.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that applications are now open for a new $30 million aid program designed to help farmers deal with higher costs tied to tariffs and trade policies. The funding is aimed at offsetting increased expenses for things like equipment, fertilizer, feed, seed and other farm supplies.

The program could benefit a number of North Fork agricultural businesses, including vineyards, produce farms, livestock operations and even aquaculture producers. Eligible farms can receive anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

The Whale's Tale Is Back ⛳️

This week, Nicole and Robert Strauss officially reopened The Whale's Tale, the longtime mini golf and ice cream destination on Ram Island Road, bringing a beloved local institution back to life.

They're also making a few changes. The price of mini golf has been reduced from $16 to $12 per round, a prepaid golf card is being introduced for regular players, and the couple plans to add movie nights, a candy wall stocked with nostalgic treats, extended weekend hours and the return of a miniature golf tournament.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

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Animal of The Week

Meet Thor 🐾

Meet Thor, a young pup with a big name and an even bigger heart. At first, he might hang back and take it all in, but give him a little time (and maybe a snack), and you'll quickly discover the goofy, lovable dog hiding underneath. Thor is the kind of pup who wants to be brave, and every day he's learning that the world is full of good things.

Food is definitely one of Thor's love languages. Treats are a fast track to earning his trust, and once he's comfortable, his playful personality comes charging through. He's dog-social, eager to learn, and always ready for an adventure with someone he trusts. Whether it's exploring a new trail, playing with canine friends, or simply figuring out that new experiences aren't so scary after all, Thor approaches life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He's looking for a family willing to cheer him on as he continues building confidence and discovering just how great life can be.

Thor is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and ready for his next chapter. If you're looking for a sweet, fun-loving companion who will reward a little patience with a whole lot of loyalty, Thor just might be your guy.

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

If you are interested in volunteering and helping animals like Thor, contact Laura at [email protected]

Trivia Time 🧠

Your brain deserves more than scrolling and skimming. Each week we’ll hit you with one question designed to make you pause, scratch your head, and maybe argue with whoever’s sitting next to you. Think of it as a quick mental pit stop: a chance to flex your random knowledge, test your memory, or finally use that obscure fact you learned in 7th grade.

Just click one of the multiple choice answers to see if you got it right!

Find more info on the answer at the very end of the newsletter

Which Founding Father was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

Last Week’s Results

Last week we asked: Which state was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution and become the first state of the United States?

Answer: Delaware

43% of you got it right. For the 57% that missed it, you now know one Delaware fact.

Extra Honey

Let’s Mahj!

NoFo Mahj Club is a Mahjong community of women offering both lesson and open play events to venues across the North Fork!

These Mahjong events are fun, social gatherings for beginners and experienced players. All levels are welcome! Whether you come with friends or arrive solo and meet new ones, these events are a great way to learn the game and connect with other ladies on the North Fork. Great for both social and networking opportunity!

Next week's schedule includes:
🀄 Tuesday, 7/7 – Aldo's
🀄 Wednesday, 7/8 – Green Hill
🀄 Friday, 7/10 – The Menhaden

Space is limited for each event, so be sure to reserve your spot before they're full.

Follow @nofomahj on Instagram to stay up to date on all of their events throughout the summer!

Instagram | Events

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships

Declaration of Independence