Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! Welcome back from the land of BBQ and bare feet. Monday’s here, and she brought a to-do list.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Long Island Aquarium turns 25

• Dancing on the Dock

• Auction, Wingo, and Pig Roasts

Ready, Set, Go!

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The Lowdown

Seal-ebrating 25 Years 🎉

The Long Island Aquarium just turned 25 and it’s still making waves.

This Riverhead favorite has gone from bold idea to full-blown marine wonderland.
-A 180,000-gallon shark tank
-African penguins (rescued!)
-Otters, snow monkeys, and over 100 wild exhibits

It’s one of only three places in the U.S. where you can swim with sand tiger and nurse sharks, rescued as pups and now 11–12 feet long. There’s also the New York Marine Rescue Center on-site, the state’s only licensed rescue/rehab facility for sea turtles and marine mammals.

In 2011, they added the Sea Star Grand Ballroom, a butterflies & birds exhibit, and a full Hyatt Place hotel. Throw in a six-story climbing tower, a marina, snorkeling zones, and a waterfront bar & grill, and you’ve got an aquatic playground with serious staycation potential.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

Dancing Dockside 💃

If you spotted sequins and sway steps near the water in Greenport recently, you weren’t imagining things. “Dancing on the Dock” took over Porto Bello on June 26, turning a summer night into a full-blown fundraiser for Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH).

But this wasn’t just a pretty party. Every dollar raised is staying right here on the North Fork to help expand behavioral health programs, improve clinical care, and boost community outreach. SBELIH is also working toward becoming a Primary Stroke Center, which means faster, lifesaving treatment for stroke patients, right here at home. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

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Happenings: This Week

Monday

🧘 Sound Meditation Head over to CAST for a peaceful evening of sound and stillness, led by Andonia Fthenakis. This free community gathering offers a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect, with yourself and those around you. More Info

Tuesday

🌸 W.E.B. North Fork July Meetup Women’s Entrepreneurial Business North Fork is hosting its July meetup at the picturesque North Fork Flower Farm. Guests are invited to arrive at 5 PM for a private tour of the blooming fields and stunning property. The evening includes wine provided by Chronicle Wines, light bites, and flowers available for purchase to take home. It’s a beautiful opportunity for local women entrepreneurs to connect and unwind. More Info

Thursday

✒️ Sip & Script Head over to Pugliese Vineyards for a beginner-friendly modern calligraphy workshop with Sip & Script. Learn the art of pointed pen calligraphy using dip pens and ink, perfect for adding a personal touch to snail mail, wedding details, home décor, and more. More Info

🍗 Soul Food at the Library Chef Cheryl Grigg of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering is bringing the flavor to the Mattituck-Laurel Library. Join her for Soul Food Basics, a live cooking demo featuring the ultimate comfort classics: fried chicken, mac and cheese, and greens done right. More Info

🍷🍽️ Wined & Dined Round 3 of the Summer pop-up Series with Chronicle Wines featuring the culinary magic of Grace & Grit. Swing by for a mouthwatering menu of tapas-style bites perfectly paired with Chronicle’s bold, beautiful wines. The theme this time Hooray for Rosé. More Info | Menu

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Local Business + Non Profits

Monday Night Pig Roast 🐖

First and South’s beloved summer tradition is back. Join them every Monday night for the Pig Roast & Tap Takeover, it’s everything your summer Mondays were missing.

Every Monday, they’re serving up a plate stacked with slow-roasted pork, fresh seasonal veggies, housemade cornbread, and sweet corn on the cob.

And because no pig roast is complete without the perfect pint, their favorite craft breweries will be taking over the taps each week with fresh, local brews made to match the feast. It’s the best excuse to start your week with a full belly and a fresh pour.

Silent Auction 🛍

From dreamy getaways and fine dining to fun family adventures and one-of-a-kind North Fork treasures, CAST’s Silent Auction is stacked, and open to everyone.

It’s all leading up to Blast for CAST, their 7th annual and biggest ever fundraiser. Every bid supports CAST’s mission to uplift and empower neighbors in need, so you can feel good while you treat yourself (or someone else).

The auction closes Thursday, July 10 at 8:45 PM, so don’t miss your chance to score something special while giving back to a great cause.

Designer Handbag Wingo 👜

Mark your calendars, Kait’s Angels Designer Handbag Wingo is back on August 1, 2025 at the gorgeous Peconic Bay Vineyard, and tickets are officially on sale.

Expect raffles, fabulous prizes, plenty of laughs, and your shot at taking home a seriously swoon-worthy designer handbag. It’s part wingo, part girls’ night, and 100% for a great cause.

Proceeds support Kait’s Angels, a local nonprofit that’s all heart, helping North Fork neighbors facing illness, tough times, and unexpected life challenges.

Extra Honey

Strengthen Your Body, Center Your Mind

North Fork Bodies In Motion offers a dynamic, low-impact fitness program for adults of all ages and abilities. Founded by Master Instructor Dr. Marilyn A. LoPresti, Ph.D this integrative approach blends physical endurance, strength training, and cardio with the mindful practices of Authentic Tai Chi and Authentic Qigong meditation.

The result? A holistic path to improved balance, stress relief, and inner strength. This is fitness that moves body, mind, spirit, and energy.  Inquire via email at [email protected]*

Facebook | Instagram

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Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Monday

Minnow | Jon Divello | 5-8 PM
Billy’s by the Bay | Rick Rempe | 5-8 PM
Mitchell Park | Noiz | 7:30-9:30 PM

Tuesday

Billy’s by the Bay | George Tebbit | 5-8 PM
First and South | Rob Europe | 6-9 PM
Piano Bar at Sound View | Sara Mundy | 6-8:30 PM
Eastern Front Brewing | Trivia | 6-9 PM

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher