North Fork Sun

06/04/2026

For decades, a stroke on the North Fork often meant a long ambulance ride to Riverhead, Southampton or Stony Brook — with every minute increasing the risk of permanent brain damage.

That changed this week as Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital officially unveiled its new Primary Stroke Center and a mobile stroke unit designed to bring advanced stroke diagnosis and treatment directly to patients.

Hospital officials say the new program will dramatically improve access to lifesaving care for North Fork and Shelter Island residents.

Learn about the benefits of the Primary Stroke Center in Greenport, offering advanced care to save lives during stroke emergencies.

06/04/2026

🎨 A remarkable piece of Greenport history is about to disappear from public view.

After nearly two months at Floyd Memorial Library, the acclaimed exhibition Stow Wengenroth + The Flacks: The Greenport Group closes June 14. Many of the rarely seen works on display — including paintings, sketches and studies by renowned lithographer Stow Wengenroth — come from a private collection and may never again be exhibited together. Don't miss the free closing celebration on June 13, featuring documentary films, rare archival footage and a discussion with filmmaker Heather Atwood.

Join us to celebrate Stow Wengenroth and fellow artists at Floyd Memorial Library. Experience a unique exhibition before it closes.

06/04/2026

🚶‍♂️🇺🇸 You don't have to walk 22 miles to make a difference.

Walk4Valor returns to the North Fork on Sunday, June 7, honoring fallen service members while raising awareness about veteran su***de. Participants can choose a 22-mile, 11-mile or 5-mile route — or even take part virtually. The community walk begins at 8 a.m. at Southold American Legion Post 803 and ends with a barbecue at the Southold Fire Department.

Read more about how you can take part and support the cause.

Participate in the Southold Walk4Valor event and choose from multiple walking options to support veterans and their families.

06/04/2026

After years of studies, permits, delays and planning, excavators are finally at work on a major wetland restoration project in Aquebogue. Supporters say the effort will improve Meetinghouse Creek, reduce flooding on Church Lane, remove invasive phragmites and help keep pollutants out of Peconic Bay. Read Deborah Wetzel's latest dispatch in the North Fork Sun.

Learn how the wetlands restoration project is addressing flooding and enhancing ecological health in Meetinghouse Creek and beyond.

06/03/2026

North Fork Audubon Society member and wildlife photographer Mary Bertschi shared stories and stunning images Tuesday night from a recent conservation trip to Honduras, where the organization has entered into a three-year partnership supporting bird habitat protection, local guide training and ecotourism initiatives.

Bertschi, a Southold native and a wildlife biologist working in Rhode Island, who first got interested in birding while photographing backyard birds on the North Fork, said the trip underscored the importance of international collaboration to protect migratory species like the Baltimore Oriole, which spend parts of their lives thousands of miles apart. The North Fork Audubon Society has pledged $50,000 over three years to support conservation and education efforts in Honduras, helping fund trails, signage, binoculars, technology and guide training.

“These birds are traveling thousands of miles and spending so much of their lives in so many different places,” Bertschi said. “There’s a huge need for these sistership programs where we’re doing the work together and collaboratively.”

06/03/2026

The numbers are staggering. Suspected Lyme disease cases in Suffolk County have surged from 654 in 2014 to more than 3,200 in 2025, according to health officials. And Suffolk County now accounts for an astonishing 4% of all suspected alpha-gal syndrome cases in the United States — the highest total of any county in the nation. Earlier this week, one of Long Island’s leading tick experts outlined what's driving the trend and what residents need to know.

Learn about Lyme disease from ticks and the various dangers posed by these blood-thirsty parasites in your backyard.

06/02/2026

🌟 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Southold has named longtime New Suffolk resident Jeanette Cooper grand marshal of its Fourth of July parade, honoring decades of volunteerism, community service and quiet leadership.

"She's somebody that you absolutely want as your next-door neighbor," Southold Town Clerk Denis Noncarrow said.

Meet the woman who will lead this historic 250th anniversary celebration.

Join the celebration as Jeanette Cooper is honored as the Southold Fourth of July parade grand marshal for her kindness and community spirit.

06/01/2026

BREAKING: Suffolk County police have charged a Greenport man with multiple offenses following an investigation involving alleged online communications with a purported 13-year-old girl.

Police said the investigation began after a report that the suspect had sent an indecent image and arranged to meet the individual in person. He now faces charges including promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child.

Suffolk County police arrest a Greenport man in child exploitation probe involving indecent photographs and attempts to meet a minor.

06/01/2026

🌿 From colorful wildflower meadows to pollinator-friendly gardens, some of the North Fork’s most creative landscapes will be open to the public next month.

ReWild North Fork’s third annual Garden & Meadow Tour takes place June 20 and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local residents are transforming their properties into thriving habitats for birds, bees and butterflies.

Learn how to register and take the tour.

Experience the ReWild North Fork garden tour and discover inspiring gardens that promote ecological benefits and sustainability.

06/01/2026

They don't get paid. They don't seek recognition. They just keep showing up.

Tuesday’s Crew has spent decades donating its time, skills and craftsmanship to nonprofits across the North Fork, tackling everything from structural repairs to historic restorations. Their unofficial motto, inspired by late crew member John Anderson, says it all: "We did some good here today."

The North Fork Sun salutes Tuesday's Crew.

Learn about Tuesday's Crew volunteers who dedicate their time to preserving North Fork's historic sites without seeking recognition.