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Raise your hand if you’ve ever made an unrealistic New Year’s resolution.

According to a report by U.S. News, a whopping 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. I don’t have specific data on how many of those resolutions involve losing weight and getting fit, but I don’t think I’d be far off the mark in saying it’s a large percentage. Every year, gym memberships skyrocket thanks to well-meaning folks who want to get in shape. But it’s really hard!

Don’t worry — this, our annual Wellness issue, is not simply about working out or getting a beach bod. That’s not a magazine I’d care to read, so I certainly wouldn’t impose that on our readers. Instead, this issue is about wellness of all kinds: physical, spiritual and even emotional.

A few years ago, my partner spent a few days at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead for an injury and was thoroughly shocked by the last thing he expected to find there: the food was amazing. We were genuinely impressed by the menu, which resembled that of a high-quality restaurant and included filet mignon and Junior’s cheesecake. I did what I love to do — some investigating! — and discovered an incredible movement to improve the culinary experience across the Northwell Health system. Read about the remarkable chef Chris Singlemann making it happen in Riverhead.

Sometimes, the path to living well is about following the queues you’re given in life. That’s how Greenport’s The Market owner, Shelley Scoggin, wound up becoming Greenport’s long-running healthy food store and market with healthy, organic, traceable products (and a staple for anyone who wants a fresh smoothie or the best kale salad in town). Contributor Stephanie Villani learned the colorful community-centric history of this neighborhood favorite.

Maybe your neck is super tight and you could really use a massage (who couldn’t?!). Or perhaps you want to explore other options for your healthcare besides traditional medicine. Staffer Amanda Olsen, 2024 Times Review intern Mele Buice and Stephanie Villani all found new businesses on the North Fork, from Riverhead to Greenport, that feature unique services like assisted stretching, infrared saunas, reformer Pilates and naturopathic medicine. Check out what these cool businesses have to offer.

While brainstorming ideas for this issue, Times Review’s lifestyle editor-in-chief, Amy Zavatto, mentioned that she’d bumped into her former Shelter Island High School cross country coach and South Ferry owner Cliff Clark. While they caught up over a coffee, she was shocked to learn Cliff had just turned 80. He sure doesn’t look it — a lifetime of running, teaching and giving to others seems to be his secret to longevity. Learn about Clark’s fascinating story.

If you’re a local yogi, you may well have taken a class by AJ Lang. The instructor, who lives on the North Fork and was previously featured in a home issue for his fabulous midcentury modern house — told us his favorite things. For those who like to explore the spiritual and sweet-smelling side of things, we shopped at Rowan Craft Boutique, a Southold store filled with crystals, handcrafted organic candles and soaps and other often locally made sundries. And if you are looking to get beach-ready for the summer, we do have a terrific guide on where to get fit from contributor Beth Ann Mayer.

I’m also excited to debut our newest column in this issue, the Northforker Book Club. This month, we spoke to Burton’s Books in Greenport and got five recommended reads to keep your brain sharp (get off that phone!) from one of our favorite independent, page-turner shops. Each month, we’ll ask another local bookseller or local library for their recommendations. Take a look at Burton’s picks.

Whether you read this magazine from the comfort of your favorite couch or while you’re on the treadmill, I hope you are doing well and enjoying everything the North Fork has to offer.

Lee Meyer
Managing Editor

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