Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! We’ve arrived at Wednesday, the speed bump with a view.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Zoning Update Delays

• Cybersecurity Upgrade

• Southold Santa

Ready, Set, Go!

Sponsored By Main Roots Salon

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Need a trim, a tone, or just a good ol’ fashioned blowout? Head to Main Roots Salon in Southold, where great hair and good vibes go hand in hand.

This cozy, modern spot is owned by local hairstylist Kerry Conrardy, who opened the salon with one goal: make great hair feel easy and fun.

Specialties include:
– Blowouts that actually last
– Sunkissed highlights and bold color
– Curly cuts, braids, and kid-friendly trims
– A vibe that’s relaxed, not rushed

Whether you’re going full glam or just need a touch-up before your wine tasting weekend, they’ve got you. And the best part? The vibe’s as fresh as your post-cut mirror selfie.

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The Lowdown

Zoning Update Faces More Delays ⏳

The Town of Southold’s long-awaited Zoning Update hit the brakes this summer, and not the gentle kind. At a Dec. 16 work session, Planning Director Heather Lanza acknowledged that staffing shortages, plus the early retirement of longtime Assistant Planning Director Mark Terry, have slowed progress far more than expected.

Add to that the town parting ways with its zoning consultant, ZoneCo, back in July. Lanza admitted that a promised “working draft in three weeks” never stood a chance, as her department has been juggling major Planning Board applications alongside other heavy lifts, including a long overdue update to the town’s cell tower code.

Public comments from this summer’s zoning info sessions are still being compiled. An attempt to use AI to summarize them didn’t pan out (even robots have limits), and Lanza now says it’ll take a few more months. The town has posted a new Environmental Planner position and is sorting through a stack of resumes in hopes of getting some much needed backup.

Councilman Greg Doroski didn’t hide his frustration, saying the Zoning Update has missed every deadline set over the past several months and warning that momentum, and valuable public input is fading.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

$500K Cybersecurity Upgrade 💻

After a ransomware attack knocked Southold Town’s servers offline for nearly two weeks, the town is moving quickly and spending significantly to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Supervisor Al Krupski confirmed this week that Southold will invest $500,000 to beef up its cybersecurity and overhaul aging IT systems.

Most town systems are now back up and running. Krupski credited the IT department and outside partners for acting quickly and taking the right steps to restore operations. State and county agencies are still working with Southold police to investigate the source of the breach, though no new details have been released.

In the aftermath, the town’s IT team is putting together a playbook outlining how the ransomware was first discovered and how departments can respond faster and smarter if something similar happens again. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Tea and Tchotchkes to Close 🫖

One of Greenport’s coziest corners is saying goodbye. Tea and Tchotchkes, the gift shop beloved for its loose teas, boho clothing, housewares, and giftable finds, will be closing its doors for good later this month.

The shop, which opened in 2017, was founded by Brittany Calvert and her husband, Ken Deeg. Calvert shared the news in a heartfelt social media post, reflecting on the space as far more than a store.

Known for its thoughtfully curated shelves, the shop carried ethically and sustainably made brands. It was the kind of place you popped into “just to look” and somehow left with a tea you didn’t know you needed and a gift you were suddenly very proud of.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

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Animal of The Week

Meet Ash 🐾

Meet Ash the kind of dog who walks into your home and acts like she’s been there forever.

This sweet hound mix is that perfect in-between: affectionate without being needy, playful without exhausting you, and calm in a way that makes everyday life feel simpler. She may come in a little energetic at first, but she settles quickly and then it’s smooth sailing.

Ash is an ideal medium size, housebroken, and already knows common commands. She’s not reactive to strangers or other dogs, enjoys being outside, and loves a good walk. At home, she’s a quiet, easy night sleeper, comfortable with stairs, and she’s also a dream in the car: calm, relaxed, and ready for wherever you’re headed.

If you’re looking for an easygoing, loving companion who will slide right into your heart and your home, Ash is ready when you are.

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

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

Last Week’s Results

Last week we asked: In Home Alone, where are the McCallisters going on vacation?

Answer: Paris

51% of you got it right, the other 49% clearly got left behind like Kevin.

Local Spotlight

Southold Santa 🎶

The North Fork just got a brand new holiday soundtrack, The Hunkerdowns have released a new festive tune titled Southold Santa.

The song is inspired by none other than Southold Santa himself, capturing the small town magic, good cheer, and unmistakable local flavor that make the holidays here feel a little extra special.

With its catchy, feel good vibe, Southold Santa is the kind of song that belongs on every holiday playlist, whether you’re decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, or cruising around with the heat blasting.

^{_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. We’ll always let you know when something is sponsored}}

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Wednesday

Greenport Harbor Brewing (Pec) | Music Bingo | 6-8 PM
Eastern Front Brewing | Bingo | 6-9 PM
Shelter Island Slice | Trivia with Think Inc. | 6 PM
Clam Bar at Alize | Trivia with Pam | 6:30 PM

Thursday

Eastern Front Brewing | Sonic Gumbo | 5-8 PM
Greenport Harbor Brewing (Pec) | Trivia | 6-8 PM
Taps & Corks | Karaoke | 7-10 PM
Southold American Legion | Bingo | 7 PM

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships

12 Days of Christmas