North Fork Buzz
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🐝 Soccer with a Side of Sea Turtles

🐝 Soccer with a Side of Sea Turtles

Paddle Battle, Paul Drum Life Experience Project, Soccer Coaches and Fundraiser

Thomas Loncar
July 22, 2025

Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! As the Golden Girls would say: thank you for being a friend (who opens emails).

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Paddle Battle
Paul Drum Life Experience Project
Soccer Coaches and Fundraiser

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

Paddle for the Turtles 🐢

Grab your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, Paddle Battle LI is back on the Peconic River Saturday, July 26, and it’s making waves for a good cause.

There’s a 2.5-mile fun race, a 5-mile competitive one, and a casual paddle if you’re just in it for the sunshine and sea turtle love. Proceeds go to the New York Marine Rescue Center, the only place in New York that rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and more.

They’ve saved over 3,900 animals since 1996 and run a 24/7 marine life hotline. This event helps them do more of that magic.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

Every Wednesday, A New Adventure 🌟

In a world where summer camps can cost more than a weekend getaway, the Paul Drum Life Experience Project in Greenport is doing something wild. They’re offering a totally free summer program for kids ages 7–12.

Every Wednesday morning, kids dive into hands-on adventures that are anything but ordinary. We’re talking goat yoga, beekeeping, magic tricks, ham radio, Japanese fish printing, chocolate bar painting, and more.

It’s all in honor of Paul Drum, a local legend with Down Syndrome who’s now the heart of the program, and frequently the life of the party.

Run by local power duo Sharon Sailor and Arlene Klein, the camp is fueled by community donations and a passion for giving kids new experiences they’ll never forget.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

New Coach ⚽️

After 31 years with Coach Andrew Sadowski at the helm, Southold boys varsity soccer is entering a new era.

Chris Ruggi, longtime Southold resident, JV and junior high coach, and proud dad of Southold students, has officially stepped into the varsity head coach role.

He’s already running voluntary summer workouts, planning for the August 25 kickoff to official practice.

Chris is a former Division I soccer player, and off the field, he teaches English as a New Language (ENL) and is a passionate advocate for newcomer and immigrant students.

Joining him on the sidelines: Lucas Grigonis as assistant coach and Dan Hagerman as strength and conditioning coach. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Crutches, Grit, and Goals ⚽️

What started as a simple idea between two lifelong friends, Joe Aiello and Francis Buonaiuto, is quickly becoming a North Fork staple. The Aldrich Sports League, founded in 2023, is back with its 2nd Annual U.S. National Amputee Soccer Fundraiser on Sunday, August 3 at Aldrich Lane Soccer Fields in Laurel.

The day kicks off with the 5v5 playoff tournament, featuring the top 8 teams in a single-elimination showdown.

Then comes the main event, the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Team exhibition match. Last year, Joe and Francis played… and lost 20–1. They’re still recovering.

Proceeds go to the American Amputee Soccer Association, helping cover travel and training costs as the team preps for the 2026 World Cup in Costa Rica. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

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Happenings: Upcoming Events

🐶🍦 Bark If You Love Ice Cream North Fork Animal Welfare League is teaming up with Magic Fountain on Saturday, August 2 for the ultimate feel-good event. Come meet some adorable, adoptable dogs while treating yourself to some ice cream. Because nothing says summer like wagging tails and waffle cones. More Info

🖼 From Fine Art to Funky Finds The Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild is bringing their Antiques, Fine Art & Crafts Fair to the Cutchogue Village Green on Saturday, August 2. Expect pottery. Photography. Paintings. Handmade crafts. And vintage gems you didn’t know you needed. More Info

🎥 National Night Out Join the Southold PD on Tuesday, August 5 for a family-friendly night of fun at National Night Out. There’ll be food, games, a bouncy house, and a live DJ, plus a free screening of The Wild Robot under the stars. Enjoy a summer evening that’s all about community. More Info

🎉 CAST Turns 60 They’ve been helping neighbors, lifting up families, and building a stronger community since 1965, and now it’s time to party. Join CAST on Friday, August 8 to celebrate 60 years of impact with lite bites, beer & wine, and live music from The Hoodoo Loungers. More Info

🎷 Blue Light Club A one-of-a-kind blues and jazz experience coming to North Fork Community Theatre on Friday, August 8 and Sunday, August 10. Part concert, part theatrical storytelling, this immersive show channels the soul of a smoky jazz lounge with live music, unforgettable characters, and a retro radio-style vibe. Led by Long Island music legend Jack Licitra, it’s a toe-tapping, heart-thumping celebration of American roots music. More Info

🎟 Backyard Bash Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 9, it’s time for the Backyard Bash at the East Marion Firehouse. Buy a $100 raffle ticket and you’re in, with entry for two guests, plus a shot at the $10,000 grand prize. Enjoy an evening of beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres, all while supporting your local fire department. More Info

🍑 Peach Festival Join the fun at Harbes Family Farm on Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10 for a peachy celebration like no other. We’re talking fresh-picked peaches, peach eating contests, live music, and all the sweet summer vibes. 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

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Tom Loncar- Publisher