There’s only one thing that can pry their attention away from the chocolate in the Easter basket: one of these Cheesecake Minis — delicious desserts sure to make everyone’s tastebuds hop, courtesy of Kraft/Heinz.
Easter Cheesecake Minis
Easter Cheesecake Minis
YIELD: Makes 18 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1-1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 packages (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons desiccated unsweetened coconut, toasted
54 speckled chocolate eggs
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 325° F. Mix graham crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter; press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin cups. Beat cream cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar with mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Spoon over crusts. Bake 25 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool and refrigerate for two hours. Top each cheesecake with 1 tablespoon coconut; shape to resemble bird’s nest. Fill with malted milk eggs.
Chocolate-Pomegranate Cheesecake Minis
Chocolate-Pomegranate Cheesecake Minis
YIELD: Makes 24 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 and 1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
4 packages (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
3/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds, patted dry
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 325°F. Combine cookie crumbs, butter and 2 tablespoons sugar; press onto bottoms of 24 paper-lined muffin pan cups. Beat cream cheese, vanilla and 1 cup of the remaining sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Spoon over crust. Bake 20 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Meanwhile, bring pomegranate juice and remaining sugar to boil in saucepan; simmer on medium-low heat 15 min. or until thickened, stirring frequently. Cool and then refrigerate until ready to use.
Spoon pomegranate sauce over cheesecakes just before serving; sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.
Blueberry-topped Cheesecake Minis
Blueberry-topped Cheesecake Minis
YIELD: Makes 18 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
3 packages (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 cup whipping cream
2 cups blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon zest
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 325° F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter; press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin cups.
Beat cream cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Spoon over crusts. Bake 25 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool and refrigerate for two hours. Beat whipping cream with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; spread onto cheesecakes.
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
The Mt. Sinai Fire Department held its 15th annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Company 1 on Mt. Sinai Coram Road on April 13. It was a robust turnout with raffles silent auctions and plenty of food where the kids had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. No one left hungry.
Rabbi Joshua Gray at Temple Isaiah’s Second Night Community Seder that took place on Sunday evening, April 13.
Photo courtesy Rabbi Joshua Gray
By Rabbi Joshua Gray
Rabbi Joshua Gray. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Nothing brings me back to my childhood, gathered around the kids’ table with my brothers and cousins, like the Hillel sandwich. This singular Passover concoction is a mixture of maror (horseradish) and charoset (a sweet apple and nut mixture), packed between two pieces of matzah, or unleavened bread. If your mouth is not immediately watering at the sound of this combination, I don’t think anyone would blame you. It is only after you try this Passover staple that you fully understand the strangely amazing symphony that is the bitter herb dueting with the sweet pieces of apple and wine. All of this occurs between the satisfying crunch of the matzah. I assure you this combination is one that you, and your tastebuds, will never forget.
Over 70 percent of Jewish people in the United States will attend a Passover, or Pesach, seder this year. The seder (meaning “order”) is a ritual meal, complete with storytelling, song and general togetherness. We use a special bookcalled a Haggadah to tell the story of the Israelite Exodus from slavery in Egypt, our subsequent opportunity to live as a free people, and the constant desire to reach our promised land, either literally or proverbially. We are told to continue the tradition; to pass down this important story l’dor vador, from generation to generation. Children are an integral part of the ritual, and we all kvell (burst with pride) as our littlest seder-goers muddle through their designated songs and readings.
The aforementioned combination of bitter and sweet is no accident. The story of Passover and its rituals are a beautiful part of being Jewish. The message is also a universal one: with freedom comes the responsibility to work toward justice for all people. I always get a bit emotional during our seder when we recite the ten plagues of Egypt; the method by which the hard-hearted Pharaoh finally let the people of Israel go. It is tradition to remove a drop of wine from our cups as we recite aloud each plague. Why do we do this? On a macro level, we recognize that our cups of celebration are never completely full so long as others in the world suffer. The sweetness of freedom from bondage is fused with the bitterness that comes with the knowledge that there is still pain and unrest in our human community. We recognize that while we might be free, there are so many in our world who do not enjoy such self-determination. Individually, we might ask ourselves what could be holding us back from feeling entirely free. What might we be able to let go of that will allow us to live a more meaningful life?
One of the most important moments in our seder comes as we recite the line: “In every generation each individual is bound to regard themselves as if they had personally gone forth from Egypt.”Not only do we balance both bitterness and sweetness through the lens of Jewish memory, but we are specifically challenged to put ourselves in the place of those who have gone before us. We grow our empathy for the human family as we build this skill of compassionate curiosity.
While the goals of Passover are lofty and the rituals might feel a bit baroque, just remember the Hillel sandwich. We are nourished by the tastes from our past as we strive toward a future of justice for all people. On a baser level, Passover evokes memories via taste, smell, song and story. I wish all of you a “Chag Pesach Sameach,” a Happy Passover, and remember, you are always welcome at my table. Try the Hillel sandwich. Trust me.
The author is the Rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook.
In honor of Earth Day, PSEG Long Island and Suffolk County, in partnership with the PSEG Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation, will provide more than 230 customers in Suffolk County with a free tree through the Energy-Saving Trees program. The program showcases how planting the right trees in the right location can reduce utility bills and promote ongoing system reliability.
“Earth Day is a time for all of us to remember that we have a part to play in building a greener future,” said David Lyons, PSEG Long Island’s interim president and COO. “Strategically planting trees helps save up to 20% on a home’s summer energy bills once the trees are fully grown, while also improving air quality and reducing storm water runoff for all residents across Long Island and the Rockaways.”
The free energy-saving trees can be reserved at https://get.arborday.org/pseg starting Monday, April 14, until all trees are claimed. The reserved trees will then be available for pick-up on Tuesday, April 22, at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge, from 9 aim, to 12:30 p.m. All reserved trees will be held until noon, when they will become available on a first come, first served basis.
“We continue to identify opportunities to make Suffolk County environmentally sustainable, and planting just one tree can make a difference,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “We encourage our residents to take part in the PSEGLong Island Energy Saving Trees program and work collaboratively to embrace clean energy and innovative solutions to improve our region’s air quality. Together we will continue to raise awareness and make a difference in Suffolk County.”
“Trees add beauty to neighborhoods, help reduce energy consumption, filter pollutants that negatively affect community health and wellbeing, and provide places of respite, along with many other benefits,” said Calvin Ledford, president of the PSEG Foundation. “The PSEG Foundation is proud to support the Energy-Saving Trees program, which will help provide more than 230 trees to the Suffolk County community. We are excited that our employees can volunteer to be part of this initiative distributing the trees and sharing energy efficiency information and help create a more environmentally sustainable ecosystem across Long Island and the Rockaways.”
The Energy-Saving Trees online tool helps customers estimate the annual energy savings that will result from planting trees in the most strategic location near their homes or businesses. All customers who participate will receive one tree and are expected to care for and plant them in the location provided by the online tool, taking into account utility wires and obstructions. The types of trees offered include red maple, river birch, scarlet oak, flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar and sweetbay magnolia.
PSEG Long Island will also be on site at the H. Lee Dennison Building on April 22 to share information about energy saving and financial assistance programs. In addition, they will distribute reusable shopping bags and free LED lightbulbs to save customers money and energy, and to support the environment. Information, shopping bags and lightbulbs are available to all customers. The Energy-Saving Trees must be reserved ahead of time.
PSEG Long Island will host a similar event in Nassau County on Saturday, April 26.
PSEG Long Island will also be a sponsor of the RISE Earth Day event in the Rockaways on Saturday, May 3, where the company will be giving away 35 trees on a first-come, first-served basis. The event takes place from noon to 3 p.m. at 58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Far Rockaway.
In honor of Earth Day, PSEG Long Island is also offering free Google Nest smart thermostats to customers on its Online Marketplace through April 29.
Serving the community
PSEG Long Island is committed to giving back to the people and communities it serves by actively supporting hundreds of local charity events each year through the company’s Community Partnership Program. For more information on how PSEG Long Island supports the communities it serves, visit psegliny.com/inthecommunity/communitypartnership.
What’s more fun than an Easter egg hunt? Here is a list of egg hunts on the North Shore for this weekend and next weekend so grab your baskets and a camera and hippity hop over to these fun springtime celebrations.
Cold Spring Harbor
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold an Egg Hunt for children ages 0 to 6 on April 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19 with 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. Fee is $12 per participating child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Children must be accompanied by a parent. By reservation only at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Commack
Burr Intermediate School, 202 Burr Road, Commack hosts a free egg hunt with over 4,000 eggs on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games, prizes, special golden eggs and a free photo of your child with the Easter Bunny. Register at www.commackegghunt.com. 631-486-3811
East Northport
Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will host a free Easter Egg Hunt on April 19from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Activities will include face painting, crafts, games, bounce houses, photo-ops, and of course, hunting for eggs! You may even see the Easter Bunny! Held rain or shine. Free. Visit islandchristian.com/easter to register. 631-822-3000
East Setauket
Benner’s Farm hosts their Easter Egg Hunt Weekend on April 18, 19 and 20 this year. File photo by Rita J. Egan/ TBR News Media
— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt celebration on April 18, 19 and 20 with craft vendors, barnyard animals to see and hold, an egg hunt in the fields (at your purchased time slot), pictures with the Spring Bunny and more! This is a ticketed event only. Tickets are sold online only for $13.50 per person. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172
— Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket invites children up to 5th grade to an Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. with games, story time, crafts, face painting and more. No tickets needed. Free. 631-941-3670
Farmingdale
— The American Airpower Museum, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along with an Easter Tram Rides, photos with the Easter Bunny and visit their“Bunny Patch” to adopt your very own plush toy bunny or chick!No pre-registration or tickets required. Admission for adults $20, seniors/vets $15, kids ages 3-12 $10. 631-293-6398
— Village of Farmingdale hosts its annual Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 11 years old on April 12 on the Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale at 11 a.m. followed by photos with the Easter Bunny. Free. Rain date is April 13 at 2 p.m. 516-249-0093
— Stew Leonard’s, 261 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale hosts an Easter egg hunt on April 15 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Take photos with the bunny and collect eggs filled with candy and other prizes from costumed characters. Free for ages 8 and younger. Get tickets at eventbrite.com. 516-962-8210
Farmingville
Farmingville Historical Society will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Arboretum Park, 10 Maple Lane, Farmingville on April 19 at various times from noon to 3 p.m. Embark on an Easter Egg Adventure into the historic firehouse for fun activities, meet a real life bunny and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. $15 per child. Register at FHSLI.org.
Flanders
Children ages 2 to 9 are invited to join anEaster egg hunt for “duck” eggs at The Big Duck Ranch, 1012 Flanders Road, Flanders on April 19 at noon. Prizes will be given out for the winners in each age group. Bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny. The Long Island Duck Farming exhibit will also be open to the public. Free. Rain date is April 26. 631-284-3737.
Huntington
Children ages 1 to 8 can enjoy a spring celebration and egg hunt at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington on April 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a meet and greet with Mr. Bunny and a special concert by FunikiJam. $20 per child. Held rain or shine. Register at www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.
Melville
Take part in an Easter Egg Hunt at White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melvilleon April 12 to 13 and April 14 to 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the Easter Bunny, visit the bunny holding station, see a magic show and much more. Admission is $29.95. 631-351-9373
Port Jefferson
Meet the Easter Bunny at the annual Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce sponsored Easter event on April 19. Photo by Kyle Barr
Children ages 2 to 8 are invited to join the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for an Easter Egg Hunt following the annual Easter Parade in the Village of Port Jefferson along Main Street on April 19 at 12:45 p.m. Line up in front of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 1 p.m. after the parade. Photo ops with the Easter Bunny will be from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free. 631-473-1414
Port Jefferson Station
Brightview Senior Living, 1175 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station will host an Easter egg hunt, storytime fun with local children’s authors, photos with the Easter Bunny and a special Easter basket raffle on April 13 from noon to 4 p.m. Reserve your spot at www.eventbrite.com.
Rocky Point – just added!
The Rocky Point annual Easter egg hunt for ages infant to 5th grade will be held at Robert Miner Park, aka Rocketship Park, Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point on April 15 at 11 a.m. (egg hunt at noon) with face painting and tattoos. Photos with the Easter Bunny are $5.
St. James – rescheduled to April 19
Children can hunt for Easter eggs at Deepwells Farm in St. James on April 19. Photo by Greg Catalano
St. James Chamber of Commerce will host a Spring Egg Hunt for children ages 1 to 10 at Deepwells Farm, 2 Tayor Lane, St. James on April 19 at 1 p.m. with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. Free. No rain date. 631-584-5810
Selden – This event has been canceled due to the weather.
Join Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella and the Middle Country Youth Civic Association for a community Easter egg hunt at Veterans Park, Boyle Road, Selden on April 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Free. 631-451-6647
Setauket
Caroline Episcopal Church, 18 Caroline Ave., Setauket hosts a community Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy games, prizes, snacks, a live magic show, face painting, an Easter hat contest, hat parade and a special long-eared guest. Free. Register online at carolinechurch.net/egghunt2025 631-941-4245
Smithtown – rescheduled to rain date of April 13
Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Spring Festival and Egg Hunt on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with musical entertainment by Lena and the Happy Clam Band, games, animal presentations, crafts, face painting, pony rides, egg hunts, and a visit by the Easter Bunny. $25 children, $5 adults. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Wading River – rescheduled to April 13 and April 19
Bakewicz Farms, 291 Route 25A, Wading River will hold an Easter egg hunt on April 13 and April 19 at 1:30 p.m. Every child will leave with eggs filled with candy, stickers, and toys. Enjoy face painting and take pictures with the Easter bunny. $15 per child. For tickets, visit www.bakewiczfarmsny.com.
Easter is right around the corner! Celebrate early at one of the following pancake breakfasts with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget your camera!
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Selden Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary & Jr. Company will be hosting their annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny, at Engine #1, 44 Woodmere Place, Selden from 8 a.m. to noon with pancakes, raffles to win some Easter Basket goodies, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. $12 per person at the door. Children under the age of 3 are free. 631-732-1234
Pancakes with the Easter Bunny
Mt. Sinai Fire Department Company 1, 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai hosts its 15th annual Pancakes with the Easter Bunny from 8 a.m. to noon. Come out and eat some pancakes, see the Easter Bunny and take a chance on a raffle. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children, children under age 4 are free at the door. For more information, call 631-530-3820.
Pancake Breakfast w/Easter Bunny
The Polish American Independent Ladies Auxiliary presents a Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Polish American Independent Club, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and fruit served with orange juice, coffee and tea, free photo booth and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children ages 6 to 17, $2 ages 5 and under at the door. Call 516-383-3456 for more information.
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Mt. Pleasant Elementary school kindergarten students were unable to capture a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Sneaky leprechauns visited Mt. Pleasant Elementary School kindergartners in Smithtown on St. Patrick’s Day. Students found a trail of gold dust, a bit of a mess and shiny gold coins along with a special message. Unfortunately, students found their leprechaun traps empty as they were unable to catch one. Better luck next year.
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2025 Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Julianne Mosher
By Julianne Mosher
Route 25A in Miller Place was decorated in green with thousands of people from across Long Island excited for the 73rd annual Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day parade.
On Sunday, March 16, the parade route began at Harrison Avenue in Miller Place with local fire departments, school districts and businesses marching east to Broadway in Rocky Point. This year’s co-grand marshals were John and Raymond O’Sullivan, whose father was the grand marshal exactly 60 years ago.
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2025 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
By Rita J. Egan
Lake Avenue in St. James was a wee bit crowded on Saturday, March 15. Despite an overcast sky, locals, many adorned with green shirts and accessories, came out in droves to watch the hamlet’s 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Hosted by the St. James Chamber of Commerce, the parade was led by Town of Smithtown Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy, this year’s grand marshal. Elected officials, Scouts, dancers, bands and even some spooky creatures from Deepwell’s Haunted Mansion joined Murphy along the parade route.
Residents along Woodlawn Avenue could also enjoy the parade as participants lined up in and near the Smithtown High School East parking lot and marched up the street before turning onto Lake Avenue and heading toward the St. James train station.
Polish American Independent Ladies Auxiliary of Port Jefferson invites the community to join them for Breakfast with the Bunny at the Polish Hall, 35 Jayne Blvd.,Port Jefferson Station on Sunday, April 13 with two seatings: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Hop on over for a delicious pancake breakfast, festive fun, a Photo Booth, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children ages 6 and up, $2 children ages 5 and under. For tickets go to https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/breakfast-with-the-easter-bunny or call Jennifer at 516-383-3456.