On Saturday, April 12, ECLI-VIBES invited clients to celebrate Easter at its office in Islandia. Thanks to a heartwarming donation of 200 Easter baskets from community members, 93 families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, or abuse were able to enjoy the event with their families, allowing each child to pick out their own Easter basket.
Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES
“The Easter event deeply touched me. Everything was done with care and kindness, which meant a lot to me and my daughter. It inspired me to want to give back in some way, even if I can only do a little. Knowing people are doing this kind of good work gives me hope,” said an ECLI-VIBES client.
Children also participated in different activities and photo opportunities, like other ECLI-VIBES events. Families attending enjoyed Easter-themed snacks, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, therapy dogs, and a planting activity. Volunteers and ECLI-VIBES staff were present to help these families experience the joy of spring.
“The joy displayed by these families illuminated the building,” shared Bilingual Senior Coordinator Danielle Gorman. “It was wonderful to see all the families engaged in the planned activities and excited to choose their Easter baskets.”
Photo courtesy of ECVLI-VIBES
ECLI-VIBES intentionally offers a unique experience that goes beyond traditional human services. Nevertheless, the organization aims to create memorable family experiences through holiday drives and events. This year’s Easter celebration featured themed photoshoots, animal interactions, and creativity-focused, hands-on activities.
“We could simply provide these families with an Easter basket and send them on their way. However, we love to create personal and engaging activities that will create lasting memories for them. We have seen that introducing activities brings more smiles and offers these families a sense of normalcy,” said Assistant Coordinator Gina Ocello.
Some families who signed up for the Easter event could not attend because of the weather. They will be contacted to pick up their baskets separately.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, call the ECLI-VIBES 24-hour hope line at (631) 360-3606. To learn more about ECLI-VIBES and the services they provide, visit www.eclivibes.org.
About ECLI-VIBES
ECLI-VIBES is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking and empower individuals to break free from the cycle of violence and abuse and achieve independence. They provide services such as a 24-hour hope line, counseling programs, advocacy assistance, legal assistance, a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program, housing programs, and a fully-stocked community food pantry. To learn more about ECLI-VIBES and how you can get involved, please visit www.eclivibes.org.
Each spring, as daffodils bloom and days grow longer, Christians around the world gather to celebrate the most profound and joyful day in our faith: Easter. This holy day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead—an event that transformed history, shattered despair and opened the gates of hope for all humanity. For followers of Jesus, Easter is not simply a commemorative holiday; it is the heartbeat of our faith, a celebration of life conquering death, love triumphing over hate, and divine mercy extending to all people.
In the Christian story, Jesus, the Son of God, is crucified—an innocent man executed by the powers of his day. His death was brutal, and for his followers, it seemed the end of everything they had hoped for. But then, on the third day, something happened that no one expected: Jesus rose from the grave. He appeared to his friends, not with vengeance or judgment, but with peace on his lips and love in his wounds. The resurrection of Jesus is not just about his life continuing—it is about a new kind of life that breaks into the world. It is God’s promise that sin, suffering, and death will never have the final word.
Easter proclaims that God is doing something new, not just in the life of Jesus, but in our lives as well. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work among us, bringing hope in our despair, light in our darkness and courage in our fear. In a world still plagued by division, violence, loneliness and injustice, Easter is a bold declaration that love is stronger than hate and that life will always rise again.
For the Episcopal Church, Easter is not only a theological truth but also an invitation to live differently. We believe in a risen Christ who welcomed the outcast, forgave his enemies, and broke bread with the stranger. We seek to follow in his way by practicing a radical welcome—one that mirrors the wide embrace of the empty tomb.
In our congregations, you’ll find people of every background, race, political view, orientation and identity. We believe that God’s table is big enough for everyone. Whether you are a lifelong Christian, someone who’s been away from church for years, or someone who has never stepped into a church before, you are welcome here. Not just tolerated—welcomed, honored and loved.
The Episcopal Church does not claim to have all the answers, but we are committed to asking the right questions in the community. We read Scripture thoughtfully, take tradition seriously and engage with the world with compassion and humility. We hold a faithful tension between being traditional and having a modern approach. We do this not because it’s easy, but because we believe it’s faithful to the radical love Jesus showed on Easter morning.
In this season of renewal, many are searching for meaning, connection and hope. Easter meets us in that longing and reminds us that no matter how lost or weary we feel, resurrection is possible. There is no grave too deep, no failure too final, no sorrow too heavy for the risen Christ to meet us there and lift us up. Easter is not only about what happened long ago in a garden tomb; it’s about what God is still doing—here and now—in the lives of real people and communities.
So if you’re reading this and wondering if church is for you—if God is for you—know this: the answer is yes. Easter is for you. Grace is for you. The door is open, the light is on, and the feast has been set. Come as you are.
This Easter, may we all encounter the hope that rolls away every stone and find ourselves drawn into the joyful mystery of life made new.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Garnett is the rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport.
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.
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.
What better way to hop into the spring season than with these adorable bunny butt cupcakes? These Easter bunny cupcakes have a bright, lemony white cake base with a marshmallow and white chocolate bunny diving into homemade buttercream “grass” frosting. Not only does this spring dessert make a delightful addition to your festive Easter spread, it’s also the perfect way to get the kids involved with seasonal activities.
Bunny Butt Cupcakes
Recipe courtesy of Amanda Rettke
Bunny Butt Cupcakes
YIELD: Makes 24 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 (2 layer size) white cake mix or your favorite cupcake recipe
1 tablespoon Pure Lemon Extract divided
1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
2 sticks butter softened
16 ounces confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
10 drops Green Food Color
1-2 drops Red Food Color
12 large marshmallows halved crosswise
3 tablespoons white nonpareil sprinkles
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding 1 tablespoon lemon extract and vanilla. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
To make bunny feet: In medium, microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips on high 30 seconds. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Spoon into pastry bag or re-sealable plastic bag. Snip small corner from bag. Pipe 24 pairs of bunny feet onto parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Use toothpick to smooth out bumps or rough edges, and gently tap cookie sheet on counter to help settle. Allow to harden 2 minutes in freezer or 15 minutes in refrigerator.
To make frosting: In large bowl, beat butter and remaining lemon extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Remove half the frosting and place in medium bowl. Add green food color; mix until evenly blended. Spoon into pastry bag fitted with grass decorating tip. Set aside. Remove half the remaining frosting into small bowl.
Add red food color; mix until light pink. Spoon into another pastry bag.Using pink frosting, pipe three toes and padding on each bunny foot. Once frosting has set (about 1 hour) gently press down on pink frosting to create smoother look.
To assemble cupcakes: Pipe green frosting onto each cupcake in series of short motions to create individual grass spots. Cover top of each cupcake completely.
To make bunny butts: Place cut sides of marshmallow halves onto each frosted cupcake, leaving room for bunny feet. Shape remaining white frosting into dime-sized balls then roll with white sprinkles to cover. Pipe small drop of remaining pink or white frosting onto top of each marshmallow. Press bunny tail on top. Place both bunny feet against base of marshmallow with toes facing down.
Decorating tip: If you don’t have a grass tip, simply spread a thick layer of green frosting over the top of the cupcake. Then, using a fork, fluff frosting with an upward motion to create grassy texture.
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.
(Culinary.net) Warmer days at the start of spring mean Easter is almost here, and the big bunny himself will be hopping around in no time delivering goodies.
This Easter, celebrate with your loved ones with a delicious and colorful Easter Bunny Butt Cake. It can bring smiles and laughter while putting everyone in a light, joyful mood.
This cake is fun and bright with a fluffy, moist interior. Complete with chocolate candy eggs, shredded coconut and chocolate chips for little bunny toes, this recipe goes all out to paint a picture of the Easter bunny. This cake is worth every step. It’s delicious and as cute as can be, plus it’s perfect for dessert after a big Easter dinner.
Easter Bunny Butt Cake
Yield: Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
2 eggs, plus 4 egg whites, at room temperature
3/4 cup cream of coconut
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
2 teaspoons coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Buttercream Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
4 thin pretzel sticks
1 bag (10 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut
8 drops green food coloring
2 large round chocolate candy melts
6 chocolate chips
mini candy-coated chocolate eggs, for garnish
Directions
Heat oven to 325 F.
Line muffin pan with four paper liners. Spray oven-safe glass bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, cream of coconut, pineapple, coconut extract and vanilla extract until combined.
In food processor, pulse flour, sugar, baking powder and salt until combined. Add 6 tablespoons butter. Pulse until combined. Add remaining butter. Pulse until coarse meal forms.
In large mixing bowl, add coarse flour butter meal. Add half of egg mixture. Beat 1-2 minutes. Add remaining egg mixture; beat until combined.
Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until done. Cool completely.
Pour remaining batter into prepared oven-safe bowl. Bake 1 hour, 40 minutes, or until done. Cool completely.
To make buttercream frosting: In large bowl, add powdered sugar and butter; beat until fluffy. Add milk, vanilla extract and coconut extract; beat until creamy.
Turn bowl upside-down on cake stand until cake removes from bowl. If cake needs leveled, turn cake over and trim to flatten. Frost cake.
Remove wrappers from cupcakes. Using two pretzel sticks, press into base of cupcakes
and anchor to bottom rim of bowl cake to create bunny feet. Frost feet.
Take third cupcake and cut muffin top off. Cut muffin top in half. Using one pretzel stick, anchor one muffin top half at bottom of full cupcake to form toes. Repeat with second muffin top half for other foot. Frost toes.
Attach final cupcake with remaining pretzel stick to butt area of cake to make tail. Frost tail.
Apply 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut all over cake. Press chocolate candy melts into bottoms of bunny feet to resemble foot pads. Add chocolate chips to resemble pads for toes.
Place remaining coconut in plastic bag. Add green food coloring. Toss in bag until coconut is colored. Spread around base of cake for grass. Decorate grass with chocolate eggs.
Tips: Spoon flour into dry measuring cup and level off excess. Scooping directly from bag compacts flour, resulting in dry baked goods. Add 1 tablespoon additional milk if frosting is too stiff. Keep adding until desired consistency.
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!
Farmingville
Farmingville Fire Department, 780 Horseblock Road, Farmingville hosts a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Chinese Auction on March 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $15 per person, ages 5 and under free includes pancakes, bacon and sausage, coffee, orange juice, water and one photo with the Easter Bunny.
Mount Sinai
Mt. Sinai Fire Department Company 1, 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai hosts its 14th annual Pancakes with the Easter Bunny on March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Come out and eat some pancakes, see the Easter Bunny and buy some raffles to win awesome prizes. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children, children under age 4 are free. No reservations needed. Pay at the door. For more information, call 631-530-3820.
Port Jefferson Station
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 on March 24 with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and fruit served with orange juice, coffee and tea with free photo booth with the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children, under age 5 and under are free at the door. Call 516-383-3456 for more information.
St. James
St. James Volunteer Fire Department Engine #3, 533 North Country Road, St. James presents Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $7 adults, $3 ages 12 and under at the door. Call 631-584-5760 for more information.
Selden
Selden Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting their annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny, at Engine #1, 44 Woodmere Place, Selden on March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Come on down and have some pancakes with the bunny, fun for all! $10 per person at the door, children 3 and under free!
There will also be raffle tickets available for purchase at the breakfast to win some Easter Basket goodies! For more information please email Samanthacotty6@gmailcom
1 package (12 ounces) white confectionary coating wafers
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
1 box (16 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon Sunflower color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional)
48 unfrosted mini yellow cupcakes, baked in white paper liners
sprinkles (optional)
additional McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
To make broken egg shell pieces: melt coating wafers as directed on package. Spread on large foil-lined baking sheet to 1/4-inch thickness. Refrigerate about 10 minutes, or until firm. Break into small, irregular pieces. Set aside.
In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar, beating until well blended after each addition, frequently scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Beat in marshmallow creme until well blended. In small bowl, stir food color into milk until dissolved. Add colored milk to frosting; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in additional milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency.
To decorate cupcakes: spoon frosting into large pastry bag fitted with large round tip. Pipe two dollops of frosting on top of each other to form baby chick. If desired, insert sprinkles into face for eyes and beak. Or tint any remaining frosting with food colors to pipe out eyes and beak.
Place coating wafer pieces around bottom of baby chick to resemble broken egg shell.