North Fork News

Pickleball For All

In late September Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell and other town staffers marked the official opening of the new, recently completed pickleball courts, located at Tasker Park on Peconic Lane in Peconic.

“We are happy to provide new courts that meet the growing popularity of a sport for the entire public to enjoy,” Russell said.

While the initial cost of the project was expected to be $50,000, the actual cost came in $10,340 under budget, at $39,660, Russell said. Latham Sand & Gravel excavated the site free of charge and the grading and milling were done by Jeff Standish, Southold Town’s director of public works.

Bay to Sound Trail System Cleanup

If you love the outdoors and look forward to more trails on the North Fork, volunteer to help clean-up the Bay to Sound Trail System. Activities include trail clearing, raking/spreading wood chips, and garbage removal from legacy dumping. Gloves, bags, and necessary equipment will be provided, as well as water and snacks.

The fall trail cleanups will take place on many preserves including:

Saturday, October 13 — Arshamomaque Preserve (meet at Main and Pipes Neck Roads)

Saturday, October 20 — Meet at Pipes Neck Road (1/8 mile south of Main Road)

Sunday, October 28 — Arshamomaque Preserve (meet at Chapel Lane parking area)

All sessions run from 8 to 10:30 AM. For more information, contact Aaron at 631-765-6450 ext. 218 or at acvirgin@eastendenvironment.org.

New Food On The Fork

East on Main, a new eatery in Mattituck, celebrated its grand opening on Friday, September 21. According to owners Tony Piraino and Vincent Palma, the restaurant is a “farm country grill room and nautical tavern” that features home-cooked meals “stolen right from Mom’s kitchen.” It’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even offers a late-night menu.

“Eat like a farmer, drink like a sailor” is the eatery’s motto, and it offers football and happy hour specials on different days of the week, along with brunch, music, pool, dancing, and a room for private functions. The menu offers comfort food with a twist, with various seafood dishes, pot pies, lasagna, salads, soups, classic breakfast fare, fried chicken, pot pies, and desserts including fried Twinkies. East on Main is located at 10560 Main Road in Mattituck.

Student Excellence

Riverhead High School students who participated in the Health Careers Academic Readiness and Excellence program during the summer earned accolades from the Riverhead Central School District Board of Education at the board’s September 25 meeting. Each participant was presented with a certificate and a white lab coat before taking an oath administered by Erik Flynn, clinical lecturer at Stony Brook University. As part of the oath, the students promised to commit to their futures.

The summer program was held in partnership with Stony Brook University, and assists high schoolers in preparing for college and careers. Students participated in presentations with researchers, scientists, and numerous professionals in the health care industry. They also learned about the college application process, time and stress management, team building, study habits, interview skills, and community service.

Cyberbullying Savvy

Riverhead High School ninth-graders learned more about cyberbullying, sexting, and safe cyber communication on September 25 through a program overseen by school librarian Kim McGurk. Now in its fourth year, the program addresses students with the message to always think before posting on social media or texting, and to be aware of the privacy and tracking settings on their cellphones and other electronic devices.

In addition to McGurk’s presentation, students heard from Riverhead police officer Byron Perez, who is also a school resource officer within the district. Perez, a 2003 graduate of Riverhead High School, introduced himself as someone students could speak with regarding any issues they may have. He also discussed cases he has worked on involving cyberbullying and its consequences.

West Nile On The North Fork

Three new mosquito samples from the North Fork have tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services reported on October 1. The samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, the common house mosquito that transfers the virus, were collected on September 20 from Aquebogue, Southold, and Shelter Island.

“Though the temperatures are getting cooler, mosquitoes may still be active for several more weeks,” said Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce exposure to West Nile virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

To date this season, the county has reported that one horse, four humans, 139 mosquito samples, and 12 birds have tested positive for the virus. It was first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999.

Residents are advised to eliminate standing water in and around homes, minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active, and use mosquito repellent. To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

According to Dr. Tomarken, most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, coma, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.

Government Meetings

Greenport Village Board

October 18: Work Session, 7 PM, Greenport Firehouse

October 25: Regular Session, 7 PM, Greenport Firehouse

Riverhead Town Board

October 16: Regular Meeting, 6 PM, Town Hall

November 7: Work Session, 2 PM, Town Hall

Shelter Island Town Board

October 10: Town Board Work Session, 1 PM

October 15: Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board, 8:30 AM

October 16: Town Board Work Session, 1 PM

Southold Town Board

October 15: Planning Board work session, 4 PM, Meeting Hall

October 15: Planning Board public meeting, 6 PM, Meeting Hall

October 23: Planning Board work session & regular meeting, 7:30 PM,
Meeting Hall

Got North Fork news to share? Email to ieenews@indyeastend.com by Thursday at noon.