Times of Smithtown

Pixabay photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

The bright yellow forsythias and the pink azaleas, along with the dramatic magnolias and the delicate cherry blossoms contradict the miserable March weather we have been enduring. 

But, you can’t fool Nature with adverse temperatures. She has her own calendar. Further proof of the season may be taken from the runny noses and watery eyes of the allergy sufferers, and the appearance of the tiny ants around the kitchen sink. And if you are among the lucky ones, you know what that means: call the sprinkler guys and the pool crew to get on their schedules, check who will be available to mow the lawn this year, and have the air conditioners tuned up and filters changed.

Yup. It’s spring.

If you have a boat, even a small one, it’s time to remove the shrink wrap, polish the teak and the hardware, check the engine, and if it is a sailboat, carefully look over the sails and count the life jackets. Maybe there is a new person who has joined the family.

If you have a garden, this is planting and seeding time. Get out the mulch and start spreading. Straighten the hose lines. Perennials are up, annuals are going in. Take a good look around the neighborhood. There seems to be a riot of daffodils throughout the yards and villages this year. And the fruit trees are bursting with color. Maybe it’s the contrast with the grey and the rain that’s been surrounding us.

There are chores we no longer need to do. I don’t know how many of you remember, but we used to have the snow tires removed and the regular tires put back in their place. We would ask that the winter oil in the car be emptied and replaced with the summer oil at the gas station. We still need to give the car a thorough cleaning, however, and put the snow brush back into the trunk. The shovels and walkway salt go into the garage and, if we have one, the snow blower is returned to the far corner.

Inside the house, we need to put the heavy winter coats in the back of the closet, take off the long underwear if we wear that armor against the cold, put away the turtlenecks and shake out our lighter shirts, blouses and pants to prepare them for the warmer temperatures. Might as well look at the bathing suits, too. Maybe we need a new one this year.

Those who go on trips in the summer may well be studying locations and fares around this time, if they haven’t already. I’m not part of that exodus, however. Where can you go to enjoy the season better than right here on the shores of Long Island? Others agree. They are my warm weather relatives and friends, and I welcome their company. We should start to get the guest room ready.

Amid all that activity and bustle, we must be sure to stop every now and then to enjoy the birdsong coming from the many bushes. And if we look hard enough, we can see birds’ nests in the branches of the trees and under the edges of porch roofs.

On a final note, spring is also the time when the world’s major holidays are observed: Ramadan, Passover and Easter.  The holidays all include prayers for peace. Would that we could all celebrate the holidays concurrently in a world filled with only peace: no more warfare, no more hatred, no more violence.

Since we are all people praying for the same blessing, why has it been so impossible to achieve? Will it ever happen? May we someday truly turn our swords into plowshares?

Enjoy the marvel of the new season in peace.

Take part in a community clean-up event during Earth Day. Photo courtesy of Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce

By Heidi Sutton

Whether you choose to participate in a beach or park clean-up, nature walk or a fun festival, there are plenty of ways to show your love for the planet for Earth Day over the next few weeks.

Huntington

Family Fun Earth Day Celebration

Town of Huntington hosts a family-friendly Earth Day celebration at Manor Farm Park, 210 Manor Road, Huntington on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can enjoy arts & crafts, Touch a Truck, live music, a marine touch tank, beekeeping demonstrations, storytime, giveaways and much more. 631-351-3175

Melville

Earth Day Celebration – This event has been postponed to May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

West Hills County Park, Sweet Hollow Road, Melville and Suffolk County Leg. Rebecca Sanin will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a DDR horse show, live poetry readings and music, lawn games, farmers market, food vendors, environmental information booths and free giveaways. No registration necessary. 631-854-5100

Mount Sinai

Community Beach Clean-Up

Town of Brookhaven will hold an Every Day is Earth Day Beach Clean-Up at the Cedar Beach Nature Center in Mount Sinai on Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m. to remove litter and marine debris from the coastline. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Port Jefferson Station

Greenway Trail Cleanup

In celebration of Earth Day, the Three Village Community Trust will host a Friends of the Greenway trail clean-up at the Port Jefferson Station trailhead (parking lot by Rte. 112/Hallock Avenue) on Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Ronkonkoma

Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup at Lily Pond County Park, Smithtown Blvd., Lake Ronkonkoma on Tuesday, April 22 at 8 a.m.  in celebration of Earth Day and in memory of Diane Spitz, who spent many years as unofficial caretaker of the Park. Please bring gloves and bags. Email [email protected] to register.

Shoreham 

Metal for Tesla

Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, 5 Randall Rd, Shoreham will host its annual Metal for Tesla scrap metal drop-off event (appliances, car parts, shelving etc.) in honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 631-886-2632

Smithtown

Earth Day at Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to an Earth Day is Every Day celebration on Sunday, April 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. Children will meet resident animals, make a craft and go on a scavenger hunt to find out some of the things they can do to help the natural world. Best for families with children over 4 years old. $15 per child, $5 per adults. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more info, call 631-979-6344.

Stony Brook

Earthstock Festival at SBU

The signature Earthstock Festival returns to Stony Brook University’s West campus, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, live music, a duck race, lots of activities and performances. Free and open to all. Visit www.stonybrook.edu/earthstock.

Community Beach Clean-Up

Town of Brookhaven will hold an Every Day is Earth Day Beach Clean-Up at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook on Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. to remove litter and marine debris from the coastline. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Train Station Beautification Project

The Three Village Community Trust invites the community to join them for the Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project on Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Earth Day. The group will be weeding, clearing fallen branches, removing litter, de-vining trees, and other tasks to beautify the Station. Bring your gloves and garden tools. 631-942-4558

Wading River

SWR Earth Day Cleanup

The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce invites the community to  participate in an Earth Day Clean-up event on Sunday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River for a day of environmental stewardship. Supplies will be provided or feel free to bring you own. Community service credits available. Held rain or shine. Register at www.wadingrivershorehamchamber.com.

Photo courtesy of PSEG Long Island

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

Stock photo

In last week’s issue, two local hikers walked from Robert Moses to Montauk. Garbage littered their path throughout the journey: a jarring contradiction to the beautiful coastal landscape. In another article, our Long Island Congress members conferred about offshore drilling and wind power. In public hearings over land use, constituents and town officials negotiate green space and vegetative buffers. Environmental issues are interwoven into the fabric of our community, embedded in almost every field or industry. 

The younger generation, as the inheritors of our community, are faced with mounting environmental concerns with energy storage, renewable energy and climate change. While previous generations had leeway to push environmentalism to the side, the younger generations can not afford to ignore the diminishing health of the environment.  Programs such as the one offered at Stony Brook University, are paramount in ensuring that these students have the tools to do so.

At Stony Brook University’s second annual Long Island Youth Climate Summit, teenagers learned how to get involved with environmental movements. We wholeheartedly agree with local officials who recognize the importance of a university program that provides an important and necessary opportunity for students to learn about these issues. 

Further,several political leaders such as Suffolk County legislators and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine attended the conference; however, while democratic officials were well-represented, republicans were in shorter supply. While we don’t know what kept other officials from attending, or if they were aware of the event at all, the disparity suggests a potentially problematic political divide in how we approach environmental topics that can impede progress.

This was only the second time the Climate Summit occurred, but it is a huge step in closing the gap between environmental misinformation and increasing awareness of growing environmental concerns such as the warming climate and weather-related natural disasters. Long Island has its fair share of environmental problems and we have to make sure the next generation is aware and ready, not only out of necessity but out of appreciation for the gift of our world.

In honor of April’s Organ Donation Awareness Month, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown, in collaboration with LiveOnNY, hosted a special flag-raising ceremony on April 2. 

Heart transplant recipient Ed Schafer was present at the ceremony to share his story and also discussed the memorable moment when he met his donor family. He explained how it was an unforgettable moment when the donor’s mother asked to feel Ed’s heart beating. It was at that moment, she knew her son’s heart lived on, in Ed. Ed’s donor was only 32 years old when he passed away. 

Pictured from left, Zach Matuk, RN; Megan Burrows, RN; Natasha Thomas, LiveOnNY; Ed Schafer, heart transplant recipient; Karen Cummings, LiveOnNY; Chris Nelson, Interim President, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital; Chris Boukas, St. Catherine’s Chief Operating Officer; Mary Ellen McCrossen, St. Catherine’s Community Relations Manager and kidney donor; Laurie Yuditsky, St. Catherine’s Vice President, Quality and Patient Safety; Leslie Callahan, St. Catherine’s Office Manager, Plant Operations. To register as an organ donor, go to LiveOnNY.org.

Pixabay photo

By Frank Artusa

For as long as there have been nation states, spies have been hard at work trying to gather intelligence for strategic advantage. Historically, the direct victims of such efforts have been government agencies, the military and corporate intellectual property, but recent events have put us all in the crosshairs when it comes to our digital communications.

Though sophisticated methods like collecting radio frequency emanations, tapping above ground and undersea communications cables, and other signals intelligence techniques, have been historically employed by adversary nations, few could have predicted the massive data breach recently perpetrated by an elite hacker group attributed to the People’s Republic of China called Salt Typhoon.

Salt Typhoon, a codename assigned by Microsoft’s cyber threat intelligence team, was first discovered in Fall 2024 to have compromised telecommunications systems and networks belonging to Verizon, T-Mobile, Spectrum and several others. The widespread compromise involved the exposure of data associated with phone calls, voicemails, and text messages impacting millions of Americans. The true extent of this massive breach has yet to be revealed, and it’s unknown whether the affected systems have been fixed.

The idea that any hacker group could obtain access to such critical infrastructure and persist, undetected, for apparently up to a year or more, is difficult to comprehend. The Federal Government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) indicated that Salt Typhoon was able to obtain access due to unpatched network hardware and leveraging entry points designed for use  by law enforcement, or “backdoors”.

Some experts blame the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), a 1994 digital wiretapping law that compels telecommunications companies to assist law enforcement in conducting electronic surveillance with a court order. This tool by the very nature of its existence presents a potential backdoor into the telecom’s network. However, federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities utilize this technique to investigate criminal activity, with probable cause, to uncover evidence of crimes ranging from gang activity, organized crime, public corruption and everything in between. This makes CALEA a double edged sword: supporters laud its criticality to criminal investigations and detractors argue for its potential misuse by hackers or a corrupt government. 

Despite the obstacle described above, in December 2024 the FBI and CISA took the bold step of recommending that individuals utilize communication apps that offer end to end encryption (E2EE). E2EE is an encryption methodology that is used by apps like Whatsapp, Signal, and iMessage (when communicating between apple devices). 

E2EE makes it impossible for an interloper to read data due the advanced encryption utilized to encode data. As an example, it would require thousands, if not millions of years for a supercomputer to break encryption implemented by these applications. Quantum computing, a radical new computer processing technology poses a threat, but this innovation is still years away and governments are aggressively working to develop quantum proof encryption as well.

A clear use of the government’s own utilization of this E2EE technology was recently demonstrated when U.S. national security and defense officials used Signal to communicate tactical war plans in Yemen, albeit with unintended recipients.

Threats posed by advanced nation states capable of funding top tier cyber espionage operations are growing, with dozens of capable groups originating from Russia, Iran and North Korea as well as China. Additionally, this doesn’t include independent cyber criminal groups looking to steal and sell personal data. Considering the wide array of potential threats to digital data, E2EE appears to be one of the few tools guaranteed to stop hackers from eavesdropping on digital communications.

Internet Crime Complaint Center — www.ic3.gov

Frank Artusa, a resident of Smithtown, is a current cybersecurity professional and retired FBI Special Agent.

Starting on April 1, Dogwood Elementary School in Smithtown celebrated Autism Acceptance Week. Children have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Mrs. Nielsen’s students wrote and shared about the different things that make them special.

Mrs. Braun and Mrs. Diemer’s class learned about autism acceptance. After listening to a story, students brainstormed ways they can be kind and include others and worked on this project together.

On April 2, students were encouraged to wear red, gold, rainbow or blue to show support and acceptance of individuals with autism.

One characteristic of autism is to show incredibly focused passion for topics of interest. On April 3, students shared their passions and interests.

On April 4, students dressed in cozy pajamas in recognition of the fact that individuals with autism often have a variety of sensory sensitivities.

Smithtown Town Hall. File photo

By Peter Sloniewsky

An application for a controversial Kings Park waste management rail project was withdrawn by CarlsonCorp, a local developer, at the end of March. 

Townline Rail Terminal LLC, an affiliate of CarlsonCorp, proposed a new commercial rail terminal in Kings Park to the federal Surface Transportation Board in January. Elected officials that supported the project, including Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim  (R) and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R, Fort Salonga) cite a desire to take trucks off of the roads as a main purpose for the project. 

In a previous interview with TBR News Media, CarlsonCorp head Toby Carlson also cited the closure of the Town of Brookhaven Landfill as an important reason to build the rail yard. At a public meeting in January, proponents of the plan, including Carlson, claimed that a more efficient system of waste management is necessary and that replacing garbage trucks with freight trains would reduce road congestion and environmental impact. 

To pass, the proposal would have required amendments to local zoning and waste management laws alongside a town environmental review. The proposed construction would have extended approximately 5,000 feet off the Long Island Rail Road Port Jefferson Branch line, and would have been used to dispose of incinerated ash and construction debris with diesel freight trains. 

However, the proposal was met with firm community discontent. In particular, residents of Smithtown and surrounding areas revived the Townline Association, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to fighting the project. 

In a Change.org petition with more than 3,200 signatures, the Townline cited health risks, noise concerns, potential water pollution, a negative impact on home values and a lack of public notice for their opposition. The project was also opposed by the Commack Community Association and the Fort Salonga Association. 

While this project may have been canceled, the landfill’s closure still presents a major issue for waste management across Long Island. Nicole Garguilo, a public information officer for the Town of Smithtown, clarified that the town is still looking for solutions. 

“But while this specific proposal is no longer moving forward, the underlying issue — the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions — has not gone away,” Garguilo wrote to TBR News Media. 

Garguilo also emphasized that the Town of Smithtown is looking for a larger-scale process in the future. 

“The rail line project was set aside by the applicant until a broader, regional plan involving both Suffolk County and New York State could be established to address the growing solid waste crisis,” Garguilo told TBR. “Addressing the waste crisis will require thoughtful

planning, strategic research and coordinated action at the highest levels of government. Meaningful solutions must be rooted in comprehensive federal, state and county legislation, with sustained support and funding at the core of any long-term strategy,” She added. 

That being said, she also affirmed that the Town of Smithtown would be more open to public comment in the future on such matters. 

“This experience has reaffirmed a vital lesson: that early, transparent and consistent public engagement is essential, even when the Town’s role is limited by federal or state jurisdiction, or by constitutional and zoning laws. Residents deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns acknowledged — especially on issues as impactful as infrastructure and waste management,” Garguilo wrote. “As we move forward, we are committed to full transparency. The public will be kept informed in real time, and every proposal will be subject to rigorous review and community input. We know there are no easy answers — but we also know that inaction is not an option.”

Eleven international students’ visas have been terminated since March 28,  Stony Brook University officials confirmed. The University’s Office of Global Affairs notified the students. 

“We want to assure you that our Global Affairs team is exceptionally knowledgeable in advising our international community and are working around the clock to provide individualized support to our international students, faculty, and scholars,” reads a letter written by Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Carl W Lejuez, Graduate School Dean Celia Marshik and Senior Associate Provost for Global Affairs Lindsi Walker. “They are leveraging their extensive network of partners, including SUNY, to gather up-to-date information on resources and guidance.”

University representatives did not disclose why the visas were revoked and referred questions to SUNY. On March 21, Interim President Richard McCormick released a letter addressing unrest among international students. The letter came amidst an increase in visa terminations across New York and the country.

In January, President Trump reversed a policy that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement from making arrests in schools and places of worship. 

According to Inside Higher Ed, more than 700 international students have had their visas revoked across the country as of April 11. In New York, at least 62 students across eight public and private universities have had their visas terminated. 

“As you know, this is a time of heightened uncertainty for international students on the nation’s college campuses. I am writing to emphasize that you are a valued member of our campus community,” McCormick wrote in the March letter. 

Students with questions regarding their visa status are directed to Stony Brook University’s Visa and Immigration Services, the office of International Student Success,Counseling and Psychological Services or the Student Support Team.

Metro image

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.