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By Heidi Sutton

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 19  from 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 an  Easter 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, Melville  on 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.

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine presenting the State of the County address. Photo taken from the livestream of the event

By Daniel Dunaief

After four upgrades from bond rating agencies and a comprehensive effort to work together with the legislature, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) believes Suffolk is doing well.

That, however, doesn’t limit opportunities for improvements, particularly in areas such as sewers, water quality, highway and road safety and the opioid war.

In a wide-ranging State of the County address before the 18 members of the county legislature, Romaine began his talk by thanking the group for working well together, setting off a distinction from national and state governing bodies.

“I look at other levels of government” including Washington and Albany and “the partnership is missing there, replaced by partisanship,” Romaine said. Local governments at the level of villages, town and counties, have to “deal with the pragmatic and we have to make sure that things work.”

Indeed, since he took office 15 months ago, Romaine said he hasn’t vetoed a single resolution.

Recognizing the bigger picture challenges of an economy that could suffer amid tariff tumult, Romaine suggested that seasoned political veterans had been through tough times before, such as the pandemic in 2020, the financial market meltdown in 2008 caused by the subprime mortgage market meltdown and the stock market rout of 1987.

“We got through tough times before and we’ll get through this as a team,” Romaine said.

Romaine highlighted how the county had received four bond upgrades. In December, Moody’s Ratings upgraded the county’s debt rating to A1 from A3 due to the county’s improved financial position, sales tax growth and operational oversight, according to the Bond Buyer.

Bond rating upgrades lower the cost of the county selling debt through the public markets, as investors typically don’t require as much interest for borrowing entities that are more likely to pay back their debts. This benefits the county and taxpayers, who don’t have to pay additional interest.

Romaine reiterated that he would never pierce the tax cap, which is the state limit on how much an entity can charge in property taxes.

Additionally, Romaine plans to settle some of the outstanding lawsuits that the county has been facing since before Romaine took office.

Claw back money

On the fiscal side, Romaine suggested the previous administration, run by Steve Bellone (D), had spent about $27 million on cybersecurity.

Romaine said he’s looking to claw back money from spending that “should not have taken place,” he said.

Romaine has hired a chief information officer, who is working with Homeland Security and cybersecurity and infrastructure security agencies.

“We have someone on staff and virtual,” Romaine said, in an effort to continue to safeguard infrastructure.

As for the Department of Public Works, he is aiming to improve roads, drainage and sewage, as he suggested infrastructure was “neglected for far too long.”

Sewers are a significant challenge for the county, with 70 percent of the county having cesspools and septic tanks.

In the next three and a half years, Romaine plans to spend over $1 billion in the county on sewers.

Speaking to a representative from the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), Romaine challenged the governor to invest in the county, which he would match dollar for dollar on sewers and clean water.

Well water, which can be contaminated, is also a problem for the county.

“Imagine having to drink that water, or bathe your child in that water, or put formula in that water?” Romaine asked.

Residents need a funding source to change their source of water. Romaine plans to work with federal and state governments.

Water quality “should not be based on income,” Romaine said.

Energy

In addressing the likely energy problems created by future storms that threaten to cut off the energy supply when trees topple on power lines, Romaine indicated he’s talking with the Long Island Power Authority and PSE&G about burying their lines over many years to increase resilience.

While Romaine would like to come up with incentive programs to encourage industrial buildings, schools and other public buildings that can structurally afford it to put solar panels on their rooftops, the substations for these energy companies are “inadequate.”

“LIPA, spend the money, invest in substations,” he said. “That’s my very clear message.”

Pointing to another resource, Romaine suggested linking the extensive farm system on Long Island with schools to work to ensure that no one, particularly children, should go hungry.

Schools “can purchase farm products for school lunches,” which are more nutritious and support farmers, he said. “The synergy has to be worked out.”

To celebrate and promote aquatic farmers, Romaine said Smith Point would be the site of the first all Suffolk oyster festival in the third week in August.

Echoing a focus of Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, Romaine focused on road safety.

“When you get on the highway, you don’t have to take your life in your hands,” said Romaine.

The County Executive launched a permanent task force to combat street racing and takeovers. The Suffolk County Police Department recently added nine patrol officers to enhance highway safety and will add more officers in the summer.

In addressing safety from one of the scourges of the island, Romaine asked the legislature to work with him to reform the opioid fund distribution review process.

He would like to get the third round of funding out by this summer. The first two rounds included worthy applicants, such as the Police Department, the Medical Examiner who buried 400 people from overdoses, the probation department, the sheriff’s department and the health and social service department which all received no funding.

These agencies need to know what they have to do to get the necessary funding to make a difference in the lives of people battling addictions to opioids.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

We need the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act

Toxic microplastics have invaded the Long Island Sound, harming wildlife and making their way into human bodies, too. Unfortunately, you can bet on this problem to get worse, because plastic production is projected to double nationwide in the next 20 years.

Plastic is polluting our lakes and oceans, filling our landfills, spewing toxins from garbage-burning incinerators and making us sick. On top of all that, it costs taxpayers millions to deal with all the waste that plastic pollution creates. We need to control this monster. Thankfully, New York is on its way to doing just that. 

Long Island’s state legislators can do their part by helping pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act: a bill that’s already backed by two thirds of New York voters. It will reduce plastic packaging by 30% over the next 12 years, require at least 75% of remaining packaging to be reused or recycled by 2052, outlaw 17 harmful chemicals and materials used in plastic packaging and require large companies to pay fees on packaging, thus reducing local taxpayers’ burden.

Plastic pollution is out of control, but we can live with safer packaging. Our health depends on it.

Judith Enck

President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Regional Administrator

The reality of renewable energy on Long Island

In his letter [Feb. 27] about the transition from our present fossil-fuel- based electrical economy to one based on renewable energy, George Altemose calculates what he believes the necessary area that must be covered by solar panels in order to supply Long Island’s energy, including charging large batteries to carry us through several overcast days of low solar generation.

If the number of square miles of solar panels Altemose calculates appear daunting, it’s because he overlooks several important factors in our plan to end our use of fossil fuels on Long Island — the same fossil fuels that are producing the climate change that is now so obviously here.

First, it is planned that the largest source (49%) of our renewable energy needs will come from offshore wind turbines that will generate energy even after the sun goes down and solar panels stop producing; solar generation will be much less than that.

Second, the Long Island Solar Roadmap, released just before the COVID-19 outbreak after several years of research by the Nature Conservancy and the Defenders of Wildlife, indicates that 5,000 MW of solar generation — a number equal to Altemose’s worst-case scenario — could be installed on just one quarter of Long Island’s “low-impact” sites consisting of large flat roofs, carports, industrial land, brownfields, etc., without impacting any residential or wooded areas. But Long Island won’t need such a massive installation because we’ll have plenty of wind energy.

Finally, while we are a physical island, we are not an electrical island. The LIPA grid is currently connected to the mainland by five high voltage underwater cables that are used to import energy from New Jersey, Connecticut and Westchester when that is needed here. In addition, the Propel New York project will add two new cables linking us to the Bronx and Westchester. These would normally be used to export offshore wind energy that is landed here to locations in the New York City metro area and upstate, but they could equally be used to import energy from mainland sources if that were needed here.

All these carefully researched plans assume a rapid increase in the number of electric vehicles (these will be charged mostly at night, when electrical demand is lower than in the day), and the replacement of air conditioners and furnaces with efficient heat pumps that will reduce summer peak loads while increasing the lower demand we now have in the winter.

A massive transition to renewables is happening here and in the rest of the world; many major countries are well ahead of the United States because the United States is held back by those who would deny climate change in order to advance their own financial or political interests.

Peter Gollon 

Former LIPA trustee, Energy chair, Long Island Sierra Club Huntington

The EPA should be protected

A letter by Jim Soviero appeared in this newspaper on April 3 [EPA and media need accountability]  filled with innuendos and deceptive claims about the Environmental Protection Agency.  He calls for “accountability” for money already legally disbursed by the EPA as per the Biden legislation passed by Congress and signed into law, to fund beneficial projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution. 

He’s echoing Lee Zeldin, our former Long Island congressman and now head of the Donald )Trump (R) EPA.  While in Congress Zeldin had a long record of opposing measures to safeguard air and water quality, instead serving the interests of the oil and gas industry, in spite of the fact that Long Island has no oil and gas industry.  If Zeldin really wanted “accountability,” why didn’t he protest when Trump fired the EPA Inspector General, whose one and only job is to hold the EPA accountable for its expenditures?  This IG, Sean O’Donnell, was appointed by none other than Trump himself back in 2020.  Could it be that Zeldin really wants not “accountability” but a more pliable IG to rubber-stamp the Zeldin-Trump agenda of climate denialism and environmental havoc?

Zeldin describes the mission of the EPA as “lower[ing] the cost of buying a car, heating a home, and running a business.”  No – the EPA is not the Commerce Department. The EPA’s mission, embedded in its name, is to protect the environment. I remember when the Cuyahoga River in Ohio was so polluted with oil slicks it caught on fire –  many times.  When Los Angeles was covered by a thick poisonous smog on a daily basis.  All before the EPA.  The EPA’s mission is to protect us from sickness and premature death from damaged lungs, heart disease, asthma and other consequences of the unchecked release of toxins into our air and water.  And it’s also about energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that threaten us, our children and grandchildren.

In spite of the letter writer’s innuendos, the rightful recipients of the funding Zeldin is trying to snatch back are reputable and longstanding organizations run by qualified professionals with years of experience in engineering, finance and energy efficiency.  The funds are being used for such things as increasing the affordability of modern, efficient heat pumps to replace inefficient gas or oil heating.  And the organization Power Forward Communities, so sneered at by the letter writer, is a coalition of some of the most trusted nonprofits in the nation, including Habitat for Humanity International and United Way Worldwide.

David Friedman

St. James

Support our libraries

Please support our libraries in your publication! Interviews with librarians and patrons, and analyses of how our libraries support our communities. There are books, yes, but there is so much more. Our libraries are threatened, and we need to save them. They build community, support learning and critical thinking, offer classes and access to, e.g., internet to those who need it. And best of all, they’re a place you can go to get a lot without paying for anything.

Bente Videbaek

Port Jefferson

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Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

People don’t generally get married at 9 a.m, with an active, energetic and all-out party that follows immediately after the magical ceremony and that lasts until 3 pm.

No, big events like weddings, birthday parties and even smaller gatherings, like, oh, I don’t know, a pickleball tournament, sometimes start late in the evening and end some time after midnight.

Those are, as we all know, the typically festive party hours, when we welcome, as loudly as we can, the married couple for the first time to the dance floor, when we yell into each other’s ears standing feet from the trumpet and trombone players and when we cheer for the heartfelt sentiments of friends and family who share moving anecdotes about the people at the center of attention.

But what if, like me, you’re a morning person? What if, as the night goes on and everyone else becomes increasingly giddy, the inner child in you begs to go to bed because you know, no matter how hard you try to block out the morning light or to sleep in as late as possible, you will arise early the next morning?

For the past few incredible weekends, in which I visited my son in college where we played in a late night pickleball contest that ended around 1 a.m. and then traveled to celebrate a family wedding for a beloved cousin whom I’ve known since she was four, I have desperately tried to force my mind and body to push through the fatigue.

I recognize, of course, that people can’t and don’t sleep when their bodies and minds demand, such as when they are working several shifts or jobs to pay the bills, when they are taking care of someone late at night, or when an illness keeps them from getting the rest they need. These are clearly much harder and more real challenges than playing in a sporting event or celebrating with family.

I also realize that the academic and working world is geared towards morning people. Important tests and meetings can start as early as 8 a.m., when night owls would otherwise prefer to cruise into the final few hours of a restful sleep. Standardized tests also never started at 10 p.m. Someday, maybe some circadian scientist will offer to give tests at different blocks of time and see if scores improve for those who self select into their hourly wheelhouse.

I recall my first experiences with activities that extended well past midnight. Decades ago, I attended an all night dance to raise money for a worthy cause. I wasn’t sure how I’d do at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., when my body demanded time to recharge and shut down.

Fortunately, my high school friends and I took cat naps and, once the sun appeared, my system came back to life.

High school ski trips also typically left the school parking lot some time around 2 or 3 a.m., which was tough on those who drove us to school, especially if they had early morning activities the next day. After greeting everyone at the bus, I slept against the window, waiting until the sun flicked my “on” switch back into position.

During the recent late night pickleball games and wedding, I did my best to rally beyond my daily routine.

The first few games of pickleball went well, as the excitement of competition and of spending time with my son more than compensated for my fatigue.

The toughest words that night were “let’s run it back,” which my son and his friends said after each game. That meant one more game which turned into at least five more. By the end of the night, I felt like I was playing on four flat tires and I was swatting helplessly at the ball. I definitely cost us the final game, which my son accepted with remarkably good nature.

Fatigue didn’t interfere noticeably at the wedding, particularly because I threw myself around the floor to some of the final songs, including Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”

The after party at the hotel, however, pushed my limit. When someone nearby lit up a cigar, the scent of which overwhelmed my system, I couldn’t continue to stay awake and ignore the smell.

While I didn’t hang out and chat in the lobby until the last moment of the post party gathering, I made it past 2 a.m., which is as late as I can get before closing my eyes for “just a second” turns into a few hours of much needed rest.

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The cover of the first issue of The Village Times in 1976 by Pat Windrow

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

Two happy milestones have marked this week. My oldest grandson turned 30, which we celebrated in style, and The Village Times, the flagship of Times Beacon Record News Media, was started exactly 49 years ago.

First the details of the birthday bash.

It happened Sunday afternoon at the ballpark, Citi Field, the home of the Mets, or what we Old Timers used to call Shea Stadium. Now if you knew my grandson at all, you would know he is a fierce and utterly loyal fan of the Mets since his earliest years. You could gather from that bit of information, that he is mighty stubborn about his loyalties. After all, there have been many incentives to switch support to other, more winning teams, right? And who could blame him? But that is not his style. His loyalty is boundless. And of course, the Mets have gradually rewarded him for his patience.

Thus, it was no surprise that he wanted to share his special day with the Mets, and in his honor, they won the game. But I get ahead of myself.

It’s worth relating how beautiful Citi Field is, especially so for me, a die hard Yankee fan who spent many afternoons during my teens in concrete-riven Yankee Stadium. 

Now admittedly, we did have a luxurious situation. The cost of a box at the park was shared. We entered from a designated parking lot, after waiting on a short line, and were guided  past giant pictures of Met greats like Jerry Koosman and Tom Seaver, to a manned elevator that took us swiftly to the fourth floor.

We stepped out into a spacious hallway of patterned marble floors, paneled walls, high ceilings with recessed lighting and multiple wooden doors that led to individual suites. Overstuffed armchairs lined the walls. And you should see the bathrooms.

Staff greeted us all along the way and led us to our room, where more overstuffed seating, fruit and salad awaited us. At the far end was a sliding glass door leading out to cushioned balcony seats that accommodated most of the 18 of us as we watched the game. 

Happily both suite and balcony had heaters, although the weather, while chilly, behaved nicely. The early morning rain had stopped. More ballpark food arrived throughout the afternoon, but it was hard to tear ourselves away from the balcony as the Mets won what turned out to be a pitchers’ duel, 2-1. I can hardly wait to see how we will celebrate his 40th.

As for our newspaper anniversary this past Tuesday, it came and went quietly as we enter our 50th year. We were busy putting out this week’s papers. But we will certainly whoop it up at various community events throughout the year until we reach half a century.

It’s easy to fall back on the well-used cliche, “time flies,” but it is astonishing to me and to those who were involved in the start-up, like our general manager, that we have reached almost five decades of publishing hometown news. So much has happened, so much has changed, but not the mission of the newspaper. 

Our goals have always been steadfast. We strive each week to bring vetted news, information and even some fun to our readers, originally with newsprint, and now with the additional platforms of the 24/7 website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and the weekly podcast, The Pressroom Afterhour,  which is also on Spotify. 

We promise our staffers that, if and when they leave, it will be with more skills than when they arrived because we invest in our people. And the third and last part of our mission is to support and give back to our readers and advertisers in whatever ways we can, starting with working to create a sense of community.

Frankly, we consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have survived almost 50 years, as we see hometown papers fall around us. Last week, while I was attending the New York Press Association Convention in Saratoga Springs, two more papers closed down, leaving their neighborhoods unprotected.

We continue because you support us. Thank you.

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Kellie Wehrheim of Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve. Photo from Town of Smithtown
A bat house. Photo from Town of Smithtown
An owl house. Photo from Town of Smithtown
A bird house. Photo from Town of Smithtown

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack has launched an inspiring new project to support local wildlife and ecosystem health throughout the Town of Smithtown’s parks and beaches.

With a deep commitment to conservation and environmental education, the preserve has introduced 26 handcrafted wooden homes for bluebirds, wrens, bats, and Eastern screech owls, all designed and built by Hoyt Farm Groundskeeper, Kellie Wehrheim.

“Kellie has always had a deep love for birds and wildlife, and her fearless nature when it comes to caring for and protecting them is truly inspiring. From a young age, she’s never hesitated to lend a hand to an animal in need, and today, that same tenacity and work ethic shines through in her work at Hoyt Farm. Her commitment to conservation and stewardship—especially in creating safe habitats for native birds and bats that play a crucial role in our ecosystem—makes me incredibly proud. Smithtown is lucky to have her making such a meaningful impact, and as her dad, I couldn’t be prouder.,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The initiative aims to provide safe nesting habitats while also encouraging public engagement with nature. The newly constructed homes include six bluebird boxes, six wren boxes, six screech owl boxes, and eight bat houses. These boxes will be installed at optimal locations and heights within Smithtown’s parks and beaches, ensuring they benefit local wildlife populations.

“This project is not only about providing a safe habitat for our native wildlife but also about promoting education and environmental awareness… Each box will be clearly labeled to identify which species it was designed for. We hope this initiative inspires the residents of Smithtown to get outdoors, explore nature, and share in our mission to protect the wildlife that lives among us,” added Hoyt Farm Preserve Manager Jeff Gurmin and Park Interpretive Specialist Sheryl Brook.

The Importance of Supporting Native Wildlife

Providing safe, dedicated spaces for these species has a lasting environmental impact:

  • Birdhouses help birds thrive by offering protection and nesting opportunities. In return, birds contribute to weed and insect control, pollination, soil fertilization, seed dispersal, and biodiversity.
  • Bat houses provide critical roosting and breeding sites, helping declining bat populations while offering natural mosquito and pest control, reducing the need for pesticides.
  • Screech owl boxes provide safe nesting spots for these nocturnal predators, supporting natural rodent and insect control and encouraging local biodiversity.

Beyond their ecological benefits, these bird and bat houses serve as an educational tool—offering a unique opportunity for residents, students, and nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about native wildlife up close.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for these beautifully crafted homes at Smithtown parks and beaches. Whether taking a stroll at Hoyt Farm, Paul T. Given Park, or the Nissequogue River Headwaters, nature lovers will soon spot these new additions, offering shelter to local birds, bats, and owls.

This initiative reflects the Town of Smithtown’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship, ensuring that our wildlife, parks, and natural habitats thrive for generations to come.

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is located at 200 New Highway, Commack.

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Kings Park Central School District's Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown

On April 2nd, student leaders from RJO Intermediate School, in the Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall for a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how local government serves the community.

Accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Timothy Eagan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Cartisano, the students were welcomed by Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and representatives from several Town departments for a special presentation on the inner workings of municipal government.

The Superintendent’s Council is composed of student leaders in grades 4 through 12 from R.J.O. Intermediate School, William T. Rogers Middle School, and Kings Park High School. Throughout the school year, the council meets monthly to explore leadership, service, and civic engagement. This year, the students focused on gaining a deeper understanding of local government functions and community service.

Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome such a fantastic group of students from Kings Park to Town Hall. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful questions truly impressed all of us. This is a remarkable group of young leaders, and it was inspiring to see their genuine interest in how local government works and serves the community. I want to sincerely thank Superintendent Dr. Timothy Eagan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Cartisano for encouraging these future leaders to engage in public service and civic education. We’re proud to support programs like this that help shape tomorrow’s community leaders,” said Supervisor Wehrheim.

The students participated in presentations from five Town of Smithtown departments, each offering a detailed look at the services they provide and their impact on the community. Presenters included: Simone Freeman, Assistant Town Attorney; David Barnes, Director, Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW);  Peter Hans, Director, Planning and Engineering; Liam Trotta, Environmental Planner; Bill White, Director, Building Department; Leigh Wixson, Director, Smithtown Animal Shelter; and Denise Vibal, Animal Control Officer.

Each speaker offered valuable insight into their department’s role and responsibilities, shared advice for students interested in public service careers, and discussed academic pathways, internships, and volunteer opportunities within the Town.

Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown

“Our instructional theme this year in Kings Park is, ‘Learning and Preparing for My Future.’ I was both delighted and thankful that our student-leaders had the opportunity to learn about the functions of various town departments and future employment and/or volunteer opportunities. It is my hope that Kings Park’s best and brightest youth remain informed and committed to our town’s future. A special thank you to Supervisor Wehrheim and his staff for making this special event happen!” said Dr. Tim Eagan, Superintendent, Kings Park Central School District

Students who participated are members of the Superintendent’s Council, a group of student leaders in grades 4-12 who meet monthly over the school year. Every fall, two students are nominated to join the council by their peers in 4th grade, and they continue their participation through graduation. The students provide essential insight and a perspective on a wide range of topics. This year, the group focused on learning about local government, specifically the various town departments and their functions. In preparation for their visit to Town Hall, the students performed some internet research on specific departments and then shared what they found with the rest of the group.

The Town of Smithtown looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Kings Park Central School District and encourages students to remain active participants in their community’s future.

 

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From left, Suffolk County Police Officer Matt Spilotros, Eagle Scout Alexander Tafone and Leg. Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Troop 539’s Alexander Jude Tafone on April 6 at Travis Hall at St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park.

For his community service project, Alex organized a 5K Fun Run/Walk to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Approximately 150 people participated in the event and Alex was able to donate over $10,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“This is a wonderful honor for Alex, and he certainly earned it. I know his parents, family, friends, troop leaders and fellow scouts must be extremely proud of him. What is so special about this award is that you obtained it while still a teenager. This recognition will stay with you for the rest of your life,” said Legislator Trotta.

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James Carr

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that James Carr, 36, of Lake Grove, was sentenced to 5 1⁄2 years in prison, followed by 1 year of post release supervision, after a jury found him guilty in February of assault and drug possession charges in connection with the January 2024 near-fatal overdose of his infant child.

“It is nothing short of miraculous that first responders were able to revive this infant with Narcan,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I continue to urge our legislators to pass the Death by Dealer statute, which would give us the tools needed to seek justice proportionate to the harm caused with enhanced penalties. No child should have to fight for her life because of exposure to these deadly substances, and no community should have to bury victims of this poison without proper justice being served.”

James Carr Prosecution

The evidence at trial established that on January 13, 2024, members of the Suffolk County Police Department and the Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a non- responsive infant on Colmar Avenue in Lake Grove.

When they arrived, “John Doe,” an 11-month-old infant, had turned blue, his eyes were rolled toward the back of his head, and he was having extreme difficulty breathing.

Due to his serious condition, the ambulance that was transporting the boy to the hospital had to pull over during the transit so a MedCat Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) could board the ambulance to provide additional lifesaving care to the infant. The child had stopped breathing for an extended period of time on the way to Stony Brook University Hospital and had been unresponsive for approximately 40 minutes. The medics inside the ambulance determined that the symptoms the child was exhibiting were from opiate poisoning. They quickly acted and provided the baby with a quantity of Narcan in each nostril. Five minutes after the administration of Narcan, he took a full breath on his own and began to cry.

Once at the hospital, the 11-month-old child was diagnosed with acute fentanyl poisoning, hypoxia, and respiratory failure and required additional doses of Narcan in the Pediatric Emergency Room. After his admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the infant was placed on a Narcan drip in order to prevent recurrent respiratory failure due to the opioid poisoning. Carr was arrested on the same day.

A search of the Lake Grove residence was conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department, and investigators recovered a straw containing cocaine, 4-ANPP (a precursor to fentanyl), heroin, and fentanyl residue, a digital scale containing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl residue, and a plastic bag containing cocaine residue.

On February 27, 2025, Carr was convicted after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Golgas, for Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

On April 7, 2025, Carr was sentenced to 5 1⁄2 in prison. He was represented by John Campo Esq.

Robert Mauro Prosecution

A review of phone data recovered from Carr’s phone revealed that on January 4, 2024, and January 5, 2024, he was in contact with the separately-convicted defendant Robert Mauro, 40, of Miller Place, where Mauro offered to sell narcotics to Carr. Mauro advertised the drugs to Carr as an “oz of fire that some kid od’d off of.” Over the next few days, Carr actively sought out the drugs from Mauro. On January 9, 2024, Mauro sold the drug to Carr, just four days before the infant ingested a near-fatal dose of fentanyl.

On January 29, 2024, while Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Squad detectives were conducting their investigation into Carr and Mauro, Homicide Squad detectives responded to a fatal overdose that occurred at a home in Patchogue. At that location, law enforcement recovered from the scene the 31-year-old overdose victim’s1 cell phone, and a quantity of fentanyl/4-ANPP.

A review of that victim’s phone data showed that she too had purchased narcotics from Mauro. This sale occurred on January 28, 2024. A further review of the data showed that on January 26, 2024, the victim texted Mauro that she had not used heroin in over a year and was concerned about the substance she was going to buy.

An autopsy conducted by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the female victim’s cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, fluro fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, methoxyacytal fentanyl, xylazine, and buprenorphine. Mauro pleaded to Manslaughter in the Second Degree in October 2024. He was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison, which is the maximum sentence allowable under the law, and which will be followed by a period of two years post-release supervision once he is released.

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta and his honoree Susan Benjes. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Legislature

In 2019, the Suffolk County Legislature passed a resolution requesting each Legislator to select an “Irish American Person of Distinction” who resides in his or her district to be honored at the Irish American Heritage Celebration in Hauppauge during the month of March.

On March 26, a celebration was held at the Dennison Building in Hauppauge to recognize each legislator’s honoree. Several Irish singers and the Suffolk County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band entertained the honorees and their families, as well as various county officials.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (D-Setauket) named Susan Benjes, a resident of Kings Park, as Irish American of Distinction for the County’s 13th Legislative District.

Benjes is a proud Irish American as her grandfather came to the United States for a better life and eventually found one in Kings Park. She grew up in Kings Park and graduated from Kings Park High School. She worked at Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital and earned a nursing degree. She transferred to Pilgram State Hospital where she worked until her retirement. She was honored to be this year’s Grand Marshal.

Legislator Trotta said, “I have known Sue for years and she is so involved in the community – volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry at St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park, organizing class reunions, collecting donations for people in need and serving on the Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.”

 

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