Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! New week, new goals… or just surviving Monday

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Free Pre-K

• Cherry Blossom Festival

• Mother’s Day Plants + Brunch Box

Ready, Set, Go!

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The Lowdown

Little Learners, Big News 📚

Mattituck-Cutchogue is rolling out a brand-new free universal pre-K program at Cutchogue East Elementary starting this fall. The district teamed up with Just Kids preschool to offer 33 full-time spots (plus one half-time) for 4-year-olds who live in the district and turn 4 by December 1, 2025.

Applications are open now through Wednesday, May 28. A lottery will be held Friday, May 30, to decide who gets in. Superintendent Shawn Petretti says it’s all about giving kids a strong start through play-based learning, think early math, literacy, and social skills, all wrapped in fun.

Forms were mailed to district families and are also online at mufsd.com. Questions? Reach out to district clerk Lisa Bieber at [email protected] or 631-298-4242 ext. 3101. ($)

Greenport’s Got Spring Fever 🌸

The Cherry Blossom Festival is back, filling the village with pink petals all through April and May. Organized by the AgroCouncil, the festival features a self-guided Petal Tour of over 300 blooming trees (think kwanzan, yoshino, and snow goose cherry trees) scattered across town. Snag a free map at local businesses and go chase those blooms!

The festival kicked off with the “Run for the Petals” 5K this past Saturday, but the fun is just getting started. You’ll find cherry blossom lattes at Aldo’s, floral cupcakes at Blue Duck Bakery, pink hibiscus tea at Tea and Tchotchkes, and cherry blossom manicures at Special Effects Tea Salon and Spa. Pro tip: don't skip the family-friendly crafts at Floyd Memorial Library.

More good stuff coming up: a traditional Japanese folk dance by Minbuza at Holy Trinity Church on May 3 (plus a flower hat workshop after), and a cherry blossom painting party at Veme Studios on May 18 where you can jazz up your clothes, shoes, or bags with floral flair. Both events are free and open to all ages.

Want the full bloom lowdown? Head to agrocouncil.org.

Pizza, Pasta & Pier Parties 🍕🍝🎉

Greenport’s most iconic waterfront hangout just got a serious glow-up. Claudio’s reopened April 19 with fresh vibes, and new eats.

Here’s what’s new:

• Charlie Boy at Claudio’s: Say goodbye to Claudio’s Tavern & Grill and hello to old-school Italian meets modern NYC flair. Think handmade pasta, crispy pizzas, and entrees that feel fancy but won’t destroy your budget.

• Little Charlie Slice Shop: Quick, casual, and cheesy in all the right ways. This one replaces Claudio’s Pizza and is perfect for a grab-and-go dockside moment.

• Common Country East: Crabby Jerry’s got a country makeover. Now it’s serving elevated bar food, fresh seafood, frozen cocktails, and enough whiskey to make any honky-tonk jealous. Bonus: the outdoor vibes are top-tier with updated pier seating and lighting.

Claudio’s is blending old charm with new energy, and we’re here for every bite.

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Happenings: This Week

Monday

🇮🇹 Mangia For a Mission The Southold Rotary Club is serving up Italian Night at A Touch of Venice from 4-8 PM. Enjoy a delicious pasta dinner, complete with salad, and dessert. Proceeds support local scholarships and community projects. More Info

Tuesday

⚾️ Take Me Out to the Ballgame The Southold Recreation Department is selling tickets for upcoming Yankees and Mets games and they’ve got you covered from start to finish. Each ticket includes your seat at the stadium and round-trip transportation. More Info

🥨 Celebrate National Pretzel Day 4th-12th graders can head to the Cutchoque New Suffolk Library from 6-7:30 PM for a hands-on, bite-sized adventure and learn to make homemade pretzel nuggets from scratch. From mixing the dough to shaping each nugget, attendees will leave with pretzels ready to bake at home. More Info

Wednesday

🍷 Sip into Spring Join Jul Fedele at the Cutchoque New Suffolk Library for a guided tasting of aromatic whites, rosés, and reds from 6-7 PM. Enjoy light artisanal cheese pairings as you explore fresh, spring-ready flavors. 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}}

Local Business

Brighten Mom’s Day and Support Southold Students 🌺🎓

The Southold Music Boosters’ annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale is back! Order by May 1 to grab gorgeous blooms while supporting scholarships for Southold High School’s graduating class. Every purchase helps a student’s future grow. More Info

Spoil Mom with a Local Brunch & Rosé 🍷🍽

Bedell Cellars and Southold General are teaming up for a special Mother’s Day brunch box, perfect for two and paired with a bottle of rosé, all for $50. Reserve yours by May 9 and toast to Mom in delicious, local style. 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 Breakdown

Monday

The Watershed | TBD | 6-9 PM

Tuesday

First and South | Rick Rempe & Rick Hall | 6-9 PM

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher