North Fork Buzz
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🐝 New Wireless Communication Plan

🐝 New Wireless Communication Plan

Can You Hear Me Now, New Vineyard, Big State Dollars

Thomas Loncar
January 06, 2026

Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! Day 6 of 2026 and we’re officially out of holiday mode and back in “what day is it?” territory.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Can You Hear Me Now
New Vineyard
Big State Dollars

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

Can You Hear Me Now 📶

If your phone spends more time searching for service than you do for your keys, you’re not alone. Nearly half of Southold residents report getting just one bar of cell service at home, and the town is officially stepping in.

The Southold Town Board will hear public comments on a new wireless communication plan on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 PM at Town Hall.

The proposed law lays out a roadmap for where and how cell towers could go up, with a strong preference for collocating on existing structures and keeping new towers as discreet as possible.

Location matters, too. Priority is given to town owned and industrial properties, while large residential zones, wetlands, coastal erosion areas, parkland, and land protected by Community Preservation Funds are off-limits. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

New Vineyard 🍇

Chris Ariens spent years telling other people’s stories, now he’s planting his own. One year ago, the longtime journalist bought a beautifully maintained 20-acre vineyard on Tuthills Lane in Jamesport, officially launching Theo Vineyard.

Ariens’ path here is a winding one. After years in journalism, a 2023 industry layoff prompted a pause, some soul-searching, and a deep dive into wine education through UC Davis. One vineyard listing later, and suddenly he was learning spray programs, mowing rows on a John Deere, and preparing for his first harvest.

The land was planted and tended since the early ’90s by Lenz Winery vineyard manager Sam McCullough, who’s staying on as an advisor. He’s joined by Lenz’s current vineyard manager Ken Deegan and award-winning winemaker Tom Spotteck, a serious dream team lending their expertise to Ariens’ new venture.

Wines in the works include a merlot rosé and steel fermented chardonnay set for release in 2026, with plans down the line for sparkling wine, red blends, malbec, and oak-aged chardonnay. A small farm stand style tasting room is also in the works once approvals are finalized.

And the name? “Theo” is a nod to Ariens’ great-great-grandfather.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

Big State Dollars 💰

Just before Christmas, New York State dropped a flurry of economic development grants across the East End, and some of the most meaningful wins landed right here on the North Fork.

First up: Bug Light, the East End Seaport Museum received funding to help shore up the beloved lighthouse, protect it from storm damage, and improve passenger access.

Greenport Village will receive funding to update its Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, last updated way back in 1996. The refreshed plan will focus on Greenport’s three miles of waterfront, addressing climate resiliency, public access, shoreline protection, tourism, and job creation

Over on Shelter Island, Sylvester Manor received funding to complete a major interior renovation of its nearly 300-year-old Manor House. The project will include a new Center for History and Heritage, giving this iconic site even more space to tell the stories that shaped the East End and deepen its role as a cultural and educational hub.

There were plenty of other East End projects funded as well, from housing infrastructure and childcare to amphitheaters and historic monuments.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

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Happenings: Upcoming Events

✍️ Calling All Writers Got stories swirling in your head? Put pen to paper at the 5-Day Writing Workshop with Jacqueline Christy, happening Wednesday, January 14 through Sunday, January 18 at the Rams Head Inn. This free, workshop is all about supporting the local creative community. Best part? The schedule is flexible, join for all five days or pop in for just part of a day when it fits your flow. More Info

🧶 Winter Crafts If your looking for a cozy creative winter project, this one’s calling your name. North Fork Fiber Arts is kicking off a Persian Tiles Blanket Crochet Workshop starting Thursday, January 15. Chain on the gorgeous Persian Tiles Blanket by Jane Crowfoot, inspired by intricate Persian ceramic patterns and designed to become the kind of heirloom piece your family fights over someday. More Info

🎭 Tiny Stamp, Huge Drama Opening night of Mauritius is hitting the stage at the North Fork Community Theatre on Friday, January 16. When two half sisters inherit a stamp collection from their grandfather, a family disagreement quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. Enter shady stamp dealers, hidden motives, and a legendary Two-Penny Blue that turns sentiment into a high stakes game of greed and deception. More Info

🎶 All Star Night Looking for a fun night out that supports local talent? Linden Farm All Stars is taking over the Greenport American Legion on Saturday, January 17 for an evening packed with great performances. More Info

🍽️ A Winter Feast Bring your appetite for Supper on the Farm at 8 Hands Farm, hosted by Fyr & Salt on Friday, January 17. This winter feast is served family style, on the menu: wood-roasted leg of lamb with potatoes, cool and creamy tzatziki, feta, olives, pickled peppers, and a crave-worthy spinach & feta hand pie. More Info

✨ New Year, Clear Vision Kick off 2026 with intention at the Vision Board Session at The Shoals on Friday, January 17. This feel good hour is all about dreaming a little bigger, getting inspired, and designing a vision for the year ahead. More Info

🐾 Pet CPR Training Emergencies don’t come with a warning, Pet CPR & First Aid Training with Paws and Claws 911 is coming to Harbor Pet on Sunday, January 18. This hands on session is all about building the confidence and skills that could truly save a life. More Info

🥗 Plant Party Kick off the new year with the Plant Powered Dinner Party at Flavor Fork on Monday, January 19, and it’s anything but boring greens. Bold flavors, and vibrant, feel-good dishes designed to make you forget you’re eating 100% plant-based. More Info

^{_{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}}

Local Spotlight

Grab A Ticket 🎟

The Southold Town Fire Chiefs Council is hosting its Annual Raffle Fundraiser, and it’s a feel good way to support the local volunteer firefighters.

Tickets are available now, and the big drawing will take place after the Annual Washington’s Birthday Parade on February 14, 2026. Grab a ticket, and know you’re helping support the crews who always answer the call.

^{_{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

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships