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🐝 We Have a Grand Marshal

🐝 We Have a Grand Marshal

Grand Marshal, Building Up Greenport, The Future Of Jean Cochran Park

Thomas Loncar
June 03, 2026

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Good Morning, North Fork! Wednesday is the middle child of the week, quietly holding everything together while Friday gets all the attention.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Grand Marshal
Building Up Greenport
The Future Of Jean Cochran Park

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

Grand Marshal 🇺🇸

For years, Jeanette Cooper has been one of those people quietly woven into just about every corner of the North Fork.

Now, Southold Town is putting her at the front of the parade.

The longtime New Suffolk resident was recently surprised with the news that she’d been selected as grand marshal of Southold’s Fourth of July parade, one of the centerpiece events tied to the town’s America 250 celebration this summer.

A nurse by profession, Cooper spent years working at San Simeon by the Sound before later joining the Southold School District. Along the way, she became deeply involved with Mattituck Presbyterian Church, the Cutchogue Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the American Legion and countless community efforts that rarely come with recognition.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Building Up Greenport 🏘️

What if Greenport made room for hundreds more full time residents downtown?

That’s the question a group of local architects tackled during a packed community meeting at the Old Schoolhouse last week, unveiling conceptual plans that could dramatically reshape parts of the village with new housing, retail space and even a multi-level parking structure.

The proposals centered around three familiar downtown sites:
- the long vacant 110 Front Street building across from Mitchell Park
- the strip mall at 204 Front Street
- the Adams Street parking lot between First and Main

The big idea behind all of them: allowing three story buildings downtown again.

Architects behind the concept said the goal isn’t luxury condos or a giant outside development project. The focus, they said, is creating more year round housing for the people who actually work in Greenport.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

New Executive Director 🎭

There’s been a whole lot of “new” happening at the North Fork Arts Center lately.

The Greenport arts hub recently unveiled a half million dollars in renovations, including a new ADA compliant elevator, accessible bathrooms and seating, upgraded HVAC system and even a piano. But perhaps the biggest shift is happening behind the scenes.

Alison Omens officially stepped in as executive director on May 15, taking over day to day leadership from founder Tony Spiridakis, who will remain chair of the board while focusing on projects.

Omens brings a pretty stacked résumé to Front Street. The former president of JUST Capital previously worked in Washington, D.C. public affairs and later served in the Obama Administration under Labor Secretary Tom Perez before eventually landing full-time in Greenport in 2025.

She’s focused on expanding year round programming, bringing in more regional audiences and experimenting with new ideas, including summer improv classes for kids.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

The Future Of Jean Cochran Park ⚽️

Big changes could be coming to Jean Cochran Park in Southold, including the possible removal of the park’s long cracked roller hockey rink to make room for expanded soccer fields, better irrigation and, perhaps most importantly, actual bathrooms.

Right now, the heavily used Peconic Lane park still relies on porta potties, something Recreation Supervisor Janet Douglass told the Town Board has become increasingly difficult for families and visitors, especially those with mobility issues.

The town had hoped to use a state grant worth up to $900,000 to help fund major upgrades, but missed the application deadline back in February after trying to pull together materials in just a couple of weeks.

Now, town officials are pivoting to an in house, phased improvement plan instead.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

Award Winning Short Films 🎥

A night of internationally acclaimed short films, complete with comedy, drama and a longtime Long Island radio personality on the mic, is headed back to Southold next week.

The 45th Annual Asbury Short Film Concert will take over CAST’s Treiber Gathering Hall on June 13, bringing a curated lineup of 10 to 12 short films from around the world to the North Fork.

The event will once again be hosted by Bill Evans, the former WABC meteorologist and current programming director at WLNG Radio.

The Asbury Short Film Concert has been around for decades, starting as a post college film showcase created by founder Doug LeClaire and friends working in the film industry. Over time, it evolved into a touring showcase featuring award winning short films from all eras and genres, with stops everywhere from Berlin to Los Angeles.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

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Animal of The Week

Meet Cheri 🐾

Meet Cheri, a sunbathing professional, cuddle enthusiast, and all around cozy girl.

This beautiful 6 year old long haired dilute tortoiseshell has clearly mastered the art of finding the warmest patch of sunlight in the room and settling in like she pays rent there. Cheri came to the Animal Shelter after her owner passed away, and while life has changed quite a bit for her recently, she’s remained incredibly sweet, affectionate, and easy to love.

Currently living with a foster, Cheri has been showing everyone exactly what makes her such a special companion. She loves other cats, enjoys cuddling up close, and has the kind of calm, comforting presence that makes a house feel more like home. She’s spayed, up to date on all her shots, and more than ready to trade temporary foster life for a forever family of her own.

If your ideal roommate enjoys naps in the sunshine, quiet companionship, and the occasional cuddle session, Cheri may be exactly who you’ve been looking for.

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

If you are interested in volunteering and helping animals like Cheri, contact Laura at [email protected]

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

What U.S. state is the largest by total area?

Last Week’s Results

Last week we asked: On this day in history in 1930, the 1,046 foot Chrysler Building opened to the public as the tallest man made structure in the world at the time. Today, which structure currently holds the title of the world’s tallest man made structure?

Answer: Burj Khalifa

59% of you got it right. The other 41% probably learned something during this process, which feels educational enough.

Extra Honey

Let’s Mahj!

NoFo Mahj Club is hosting Mahjong 101 lessons and open play events at spots across the North Fork this summer, bringing together beginners, seasoned players and anyone looking for a fun excuse to gather with friends.

The events are designed to feel welcoming, social and easy to jump into, even if you’ve never played before. The next events are coming up on June 7, 11 and 12, with plenty more planned throughout the summer. Check out their June events and register*

Instagram | Events

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships

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