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Yearly Archives: 2025

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By Jeffrey Szabo

The March 7 article in Newsday, originally titled, “Public water providers challenge strict PFAS standards, concerning environmentalists,” might mislead readers regarding the Suffolk County Water Authority’s relationship to the legal action against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new PFAS standards. I want to clarify SCWA’s position and correct the record.

First and foremost, SCWA did not bring this lawsuit and is not a party to it. The legal action was initiated by the American Water Works Association and later joined by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, organizations of which SCWA is one of many members. The lawsuit was filed to ensure that the EPA follows the rule of law and the intent of the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

It is also important to clarify that SCWA does not set drinking water standards. These standards are established by the EPA and the New York State Department of Health. Our responsibility is to adhere to these regulations, which we not only meet but consistently surpass. Furthermore, our goal is to treat all contaminants, including PFAS, to nondetectable levels.

Regardless of the outcome of this lawsuit, SCWA’s approach to water treatment will not change. Under my tenure as chief executive officer, we have invested tens of millions of dollars in state-of-the-art treatment technology to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality drinking water. By this summer SCWA will be fully compliant with the 4 parts per trillion  standard established by EPA, well ahead of the required compliance date in 2029. We led the nation in testing for PFAS and have proactively developed new treatment technologies, such as advanced oxidation process treatment for 1,4-dioxane. Our dedicated team of water professionals takes their duty to protect public health with the utmost seriousness, and these achievements are proof of that. 

The fact is SCWA did not pollute the aquifer with PFAS. But our wells draw from that aquifer, and SCWA is now faced with enormous treatment costs to remove the contaminants. Our customers should not bear that financial burden — the polluters should. That is why SCWA is suing the manufacturers of PFAS to hold them accountable for the costs of installing and operating this treatment. Ratepayers should not have to pay for the actions of chemical companies that profited while polluting our water supply.

SCWA’s stance is clear: whether the standard is 10 PPT as set by New York State, 4 PPT as established by the EPA, or any other threshold, our goal remains the same — zero. We are committed to removing contaminants to nondetectable levels and will continue to invest in the technology and infrastructure necessary to achieve this goal.

Our customers can rest assured that SCWA will always prioritize their health and safety, regardless of external legal proceedings. We are proud of our track record and the trust we’ve built within the community. Our rigorous testing protocols and proactive treatment methods have consistently demonstrated our dedication to delivering the highest quality water possible.

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A scene from 'Snow White.' Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Rachel Zegler as Snow White in a scene from the film.Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Andrew Burnap as Jonathan and Rachel Zegler as Snow White in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Gal Gadot as the evil stepmother in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
'Snow White' is now playing in local theaters. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Disney’s Snow White arrives in theaters on a wave of bad publicity. The casting of a non-traditional Snow White and that actor’s criticism of the original animated version, the approach to the seven diminutive cohorts, and the friction between its two stars have caused the House of Mouse to take a cautious approach to the live-action release.

The 1937 feature was part of Disney’s Golden Age of Animation. While a progressive sensibility can find fault with its outdated views, it remains unmatched for pure art and craft. Over the years, dozens of Snow Whites have graced the big and small screens. Beginning with the 1902 silent, adaptations include Mirror, Mirror; Snow White and the Huntsman; Snow White: A Tale of Terror; and Snow White and the Three Stooges.

Putting this aside, Disney’s Snow White is a by-the-numbers remake with some modern additions. The plot connects the usual dots. Snow White’s mother dies, and her father, the king, remarries a beautiful but vain woman. The sorceress queen’s magic mirror informs her she is no longer “the fairest of them all”—that honor now bestowed on her stepdaughter, Snow White.

Enraged, the queen orders her huntsman to take the princess into the forest, kill her, and bring back the girl’s heart. The huntsman takes pity on the girl and lets her escape. Snow White seeks refuge in the cottage of seven dwarfs. When the queen discovers the girl is still alive, she turns herself into a crone, giving her a poisoned apple. Snow White eats the apple and “falls dead.” True love’s kiss—in the form of a prince—wakes her from her death-like slumber, and they live happily ever after.

The new Snow White follows the essentials with a few variations. Snow White is named for the snowstorm during which she was born. The king disappeared, but no proof of death added to Snow White’s quest. The young woman displays a strong independent streak and speaks up for the mistreated citizens. The biggest departure is the absence of a prince. In his place is the generic “guy,” Jonathan, and his seven out-of-work actors. Snow White and the low-rent Robin Hood “meet cute” when she catches him stealing potatoes from the royal kitchen. While she lets him go, he is arrested and tied to the palace’s front gate. She sets him free. Later, they meet in the forest and reconnect. 

None of the changes are terribly original. While nodding towards political correctness, they could have enhanced this Snow White had they been well-handled. However, they are not, and they do not. The leaden film’s muted and desaturated colors create a joyless landscape. The production is oddly cheap, with costumes evoking dollar-store cosplay. (The exception is the queen’s wardrobe.) The new songs—by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Jack Feldman—barely register. From the lifeless and oddly brief opening number, “Good Things Grow,” and Snow White’s generic I Want song, “Waiting on a Wish,” to the queen’s bizarrely wrong-headed “All is Fair,” not one is memorable. The incongruous “Princess Problems” might be a Meet Me in St. Louis cast-off.

Rachel Zegler (wonderful in West Side Story) is a fine, charming Snow White, understanding the decisive, strong character. She moves with elegant determination and sings with heart and purpose. She just deserved a better script and a modicum of direction. 

Gal Gadot is the most wooden villain on record (including the talking trees in The Wizard of Oz). Her stiff line readings compete with the worst community theatre divas. She looks great; unfortunately, she speaks as though she learned her lines phonetically. 

Andrew Burnap is saddled with Jonathan, a hero so dull that he seems like he is going to fall asleep mid-sentence. (The vibe is a fast-food counter worker on his third consecutive shift.) A distinct lack of chemistry separates Zegler and Burnap; whether this is an absence of spark between the actors or the failure of the screenplay is hard to judge. 

The always reliable Patrick Page voices the Magic Mirror and ably channels the 1937 film. Ansu Kabia’s huntsman barely receives two dimensions. One suspects with the right opportunity, he could have made more of the role. The entire cast appears under-rehearsed as if the cameras rolled days before they found any comfort with the material. Snow White is indifferent Renaissance Faire meets second-rate theme park.

And then there are the dwarfs. (Oh, those dwarfs.) Regardless of the public relations problems, this choice was not the solution. The seven CGI-ed figures attempt to capture the charm of their animated counterparts. They do not—not even a little. Living in a Thomas Kinkade-inspired cottage, their images are simultaneously generic and disturbingly hideous. (The equally CGI-ed forest creatures are a little better, in their kinda weird-kinda cute way.)

Disney misfired, trying to please everyone by twisting itself into a knot of contemporary sensitivity. With lackluster design, an underwritten but overthought screenplay, and an insignificant score, this Disney canon entry will be remembered for its muddled controversies rather than its less-than-bland enchantment. In the end, Snow White is not so much about staying woke but staying awake. 

Rated PG, the film is now playing in local theaters.

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Pixabay photo

By Bob Lipinski

“One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.” — Comedian George Carlin, 1937-2008

Bob Lipinski

Tequila is a distilled spirit produced from the juice of the blue agave, a plant native to Mexico. The agave has stiff, blue-tinted leaves and needle-like thorns, resembling cactus. Tequila is produced within the state of Jalisco, where the town of Tequila is located, as well as in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

In 1795, King Carlos IV of Spain granted Jose Maria Guadalupe Cuervo y Montana the first license to produce and distribute tequila in Mexico, then under Spanish rule. In 1873, Don Cenobio Sauza became the first to export tequila to the United States, crossing the border at El Paso del Norte (now Juárez) with three casks and six jugs of mezcal-tequila.

Tequila comes in two main types, based on the agave content used during fermentation: “100% Agave Tequila” and “Mixto Tequila.” Tequila labeled “100 percent Agave” or “100 percent Blue Agave” is made entirely from agave. If the label doesn’t say 100 percent agave, it isn’t. Mixto Tequila consists of at least 51 percent blue agave and other sugars. It is simply labeled “tequila” without indicating it as mixto.

Tequila must be distilled at least twice by law, though some producers opt for a third distillation. It is bottled at a minimum of 80-proof unless flavored.

Tequila can be grouped into four distinctive categories — Blanco (gold or oro, a subgroup, often referred to as mixto), Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. Cristalino Tequila (crystalline) is an unofficial category (introduced in 2008) of aged tequilas (reposado, añejo, extra-añejo) that are filtered to remove the color (from barrel aging) while retaining the taste and aroma from the barrel.

Blanco (also known as silver tequila), is unaged. It has characteristics such as black pepper, citrus, dill, earthy, green olive, lemongrass, pine, tobacco, and vegetal notes.

Gold (oro) mixto is typically unaged but often treated with caramel coloring or oak extracts to simulate wood aging.

Reposado is aged 2 months to 1 year in wood. It has notes of black pepper, caramel, cinnamon, dried grass, figs, ginger, mint, smoke, tobacco, and vegetal.

Añejo is aged 1 to 3 years in wood. It has characteristics such as baked apple, butterscotch, dark chocolate, clove, ginger, honey, oak, orange, and smoke.

Extra Añejo is aged at least 3 years in wood, comparable to brandy in quality and drinkability.

Blanco and Gold tequilas are ideal for cocktails, while other types are good for sipping, like brandy.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected].

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Pexels photo
A Column Promoting a More Earth-Friendly Lifestyle

By John L. Turner

John Turner

During their lives trees perform functions critical to the health of forests and its wildlife — providing oxygen to the atmosphere for the benefit of all animals including humans, preventing soil erosion and helping to enrich and aerate the soil, and producing food such as nuts, fruits, and seeds that nourish many species of wildlife. 

In death, trees continue to serve vital ecological functions; as the wood softens and the bark peels away from the trunk, the tree creates nesting and roosting habitat as bats and many insects and other invertebrates seek shelter under the bark as does one bird, the brown creeper, which builds it’s crescent shaped nest under large pieces of bark. Woodpeckers have an easier time excavating cavities in the trunk creating nesting habitat for themselves and more than 80 other species of North American birds. These cavities are used by many other wildlife including reptiles, amphibians, and, of course, many mammals like raccoons and flying squirrels. Condominiums in the tree canopy are available to many! 

As the wood softens further, breaking down from the elements of weather, fungus, bacteria and insects, the standing tree becomes a cafeteria too. Woodpeckers chip away the softened wood to feast on beetle grubs previously hidden beneath the surface and mammals feed on several types of shelf fungus that sprout from the trunk like the well known chicken-of-the-woods and hen-of-the-woods, two delicious mushrooms that humans like too!

Given all the benefits of dead trees, which collectively help to stabilize local ecosystems, the message is obvious — if you have dead trees on your property located out of harm’s way from structures such as your home, garden sheds, and the like, let the dead tree give life. If you do, you might be lucky enough to see a roosting screech owl or a flying squirrel gliding from one tree to another in the darkness

A resident of Setauket, author John L. Turner is a naturalist, conservation co-chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, and Conservation Policy Advocate for the Seatuck Environmental Association.

 

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Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

By Heidi Sutton

While the saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” may not be entirely true, it can  be the sweetest. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with fruit, these light, fluffy and easy to make pancakes are the perfect way to kickstart your Spring day. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Recipe by Rachel Gurk of Rachel Cooks

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

YIELD: Makes 10 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

4 eggs

1 cup cottage cheese, low-fat

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup milk, skim

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons sugar

3 teaspoons poppy seeds

DIRECTIONS:

In a blender, combine eggs, cottage cheese, vanilla, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk. Blend until smooth. 

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and poppy seeds. Add the blended wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat, grease or spray if needed. Drop batter by about 1/4 cup onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side (will depend on the heat of your skillet) or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve immediately with desired toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, berries, or an icing glaze.

Mini Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Recipe by Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian

Mini Greek Yogurt Pancakes

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup milk

3 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup fresh blueberries or chopped fresh strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

In mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 

In another bowl whisk together egg, 3/4 cup yogurt, milk, butter and vanilla. Add yogurt mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until combined (batter should still be slightly lumpy).

Scrap batter into large plastic food storage bag. Oil nonstick griddle or large nonstick skillet. Heat over medium heat. Cut off about 1/2 inch from the corner of the plastic bag. Squeeze batter, about 1 tablespoon at a time, through hole onto hot griddle. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until pancakes are golden brown, turning to second sides when bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and edges are slightly dry.

Serve with cinnamon-maple yogurt and sprinkled with berries.

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Steven Zaitz won first place in the NYPA Best Sports Feature Photo category for the above photo.

By Heidi Sutton

The New York Press Association announced the winners of its 2024 Better Newspaper Contest during NYPA’s annual Spring Conference at The Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs on March 20 and 21.

Over 130 newspapers in New York State took part in the annual event celebrating newspaper excellence and community journalism with 2,082 entries competing for 280 awards in 71 categories covering the editorial, advertising and circulation efforts of the state’s dailies and weeklies. Members of the Missouri Press Association were tasked with judging this year’s contest.

TBR News Media, which has 6 newspapers along the North Shore of Suffolk County, was honored with a fitting 6 awards for excellence this year including two first place awards.

Reporter Lynn Hallarman captured first place in the Best Spot News Coverage category for her November 2024 article titled “FEMA denies aid to Stony Brook, state and local officials fight back” on the after effects of the North Shore storm that caused widespread flooding, leading to road closures and extensive property damage to homes and businesses and breached the dams at Stump Pond in Smithtown and Mill Pond in Stony Brook back in August The judge wrote,”Wow! What a phenomenal piece with huge impact to the community. Great writing, in-depth reporting and photography.”

Former news editor Toni-Elena Gallo snagged second place in the same category for her article titled “Storm ravages the North Shore” in August 2024 which addressed each town on the North Shore severely impacted by the flooding. “Great reporting and photos showing storm damage, officials and impact to local wildlife. I really liked the way you broke down and explained each area of impact. It was a well-written report that kept my interested throughout,” commented the judge.

Sports reporter and photographer Steven Zaitz won first place for Best Sports Feature Photo for the photograph on the right titled “Oh-Kay!” which accompanied Zaitz’s article “Evan Kay’s stellar pitching propels Commack to second consecutive Long Island championship” in June 2024.

“The lead photo is full of peak emotion,” wrote the judge. “The player leaping makes the image come alive, creating a focal point that helps organize the image. The flying ball glove is a bonus. The other two photos in the package are also full of emotion with clean backgrounds.”

Art/Production Director Beth Heller Mason won second place for Best Small Space Ad for the design of a 1/4 page ad for the Port Jefferson Lions Club Car Show in September 2024. “Ad full of stuff but you made it feel less crowded and very clean. Way to work it! Great job,” wrote the judge.

The production department also won second place in the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages category for “Shop Local!” box page ads in TBR’s Time for Giving holiday supplement with the judge commenting, “Nice, clean, easy-to read layout.” 

Rounding out the awards, Classifieds Director Sheila Murray won third place for Best Classified Advertising with the judge commenting how he liked the clean layout and how it was well organized.

“As with every year, I am proud of the accolades and recognition of our staff members,” said TBR News Media publisher Leah Dunaief. 

“We are honored to be among the winners recognized by our peers in the New York Press Association but that is not our main purpose, which is to serve our readers and advertisers in the best way possible. Congratulations to the talented and hard working staff of Times Beacon Record News Media!” she said. 

For a full list of winners, visit nynewspapers.com/nypa/better-newspaper-contest/

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Dick Rohman reading “The Night Before Christmas” to his granddaughter Eliza. Photo courtresy Rohman family.

Richard G. Rohman, “Dick Rohman” of Greenport passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 84.

Richard graduated from the Island Trees High School in Levittown in 1958 and served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1965.

In 1963, he married his wife, Jane Rohman. Together, they had two sons, Richard Rohman Jr. and Alexander Rohman. Richard is survived by his wife Jane, sons Richard and Alex and daughters-in-law Barbara and Rebecca. He was the cherished grandfather of Evan, Aidan, Lucas, Jacob and Eliza. He was also a fond uncle to George and Erica, and a loving brother-in-law to Connie.

Richard had a passion for sailing, fishing and skiing. He also built his own business that recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary. There are countless stories where he helps others over the years. His modest demeanor and positive attitude defined him as a great husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, brother-in- law, mentor, boss and leader. He impacted so many lives in a positive way and will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held on April 5, Richard’s birthday. 

Richard will be fondly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Legislator Bontempi, on right, with Irish American Person of Distinction honoree MaryAnne Barry Granato, at the Irish American Heritage Celebration at the H. Lee Dennison Building. Photo courtesy of Leg. Bontempi's office

Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) recognized MaryAnne Barry Granato as the 18th Legislative District’s Irish American Person of Distinction, during the Irish American Heritage Day Celebration at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 26.

A lifelong resident of Huntington, with roots in County Cork, Ireland, MaryAnne has been deeply involved in numerous community organizations, including the Townwide Fund, Huntington Hibernians, Huntington Chamber of Commerce, St. Patrick’s Church, and the Girl Scouts of America. For the past 23 years, she has played a pivotal role in organizing the Huntington Hibernians Grand Marshal Ball, ensuring the event’s continued success through her dedication and meticulous planning. 

MaryAnne recently retired after 17 years of distinguished service with the New York State Senate, followed by four years of dedicated work for the Town of Huntington. She now enjoys spending time with her family, including her four children and seven grandchildren, and relaxing at Suffolk County’s beautiful beaches and parks.

“MaryAnne’s dedication to the Huntington community and beyond has left a lasting impact on countless individuals, and it is my privilege to honor her today. For many years, MaryAnne has been instrumental in the success of the annual Huntington Hibernians Grand Marshal Ball, she is not only a true Irish American but also an outstanding person and a dear friend,” stated Legislator Bontempi.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jeremias Anaribamoran, 47, of Central Islip, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, for allegedly fatally shooting 40-year-old Gustavo Godinez-Carcamo.

“What allegedly began as a social gathering escalated to violence, resulting in the tragic and unnecessary loss of life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our office is committed to seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones, and to holding accountable those who commit violent crimes in our community.”

According to the investigation, on March 15, 2025, just before midnight, Anaribamoran and Godinez-Carcamo allegedly got into a verbal altercation while sitting in the back seat of a vehicle parked in front of the victim’s Central Islip home. The two along with two others had been allegedly hanging out most of the day consuming alcohol. The confrontation escalated to deadly violence after Anaribamoran allegedly pulled out a 9 mm pistol and shot Godinez-Carcamo three times. Godinez-Carcamo then allegedly fled to his home on foot, which was less than half a mile away.

When Suffolk County Police officers responding to the scene arrived, they attempted to render lifesaving measures on Godinez-Carcamo who quickly lost consciousness. Central Islip Volunteer Ambulance Company EMS personnel also attempted to render aid and transported Godinez- Carcamo to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy would later reveal that Godinez-Carcamo suffered multiple perforating gunshot wounds of his torso and right arm.

Investigators quickly began canvassing Central Islip for video surveillance and conducted numerous witness interviews. As a result, the defendant’s identity as well as his residence were quickly identified.

On March 18, 2025, Suffolk Police Homicide Squad detectives arrested Anaribamoran during the early morning after surveilling his home for hours.

While in custody, Anaribamoran, a Honduran national, allegedly confessed to committing the murder to two Spanish speaking homicide detectives. Anaribamoran also consented to having members of the Homicide Squad back to his home and he identified not only the clothing he was wearing when he committed the murder, but he also provided the murder weapon which he had discarded in his trash. As a result, the murder weapon and clothing were recovered

On March 27, 2025, Anaribamoran was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C felonies.

Justice Wilutis ordered Anaribamoran remanded during the pendency of the case. Anaribamoran is due back in court on April 25, 2025, and faces 40 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Frankie Sierra and Jose Johnson of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad.

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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a Shirley man on March 27 for allegedly stealing from eight businesses on nine different occasions during the past 10 days.

While investigating a theft that occurred earlier in the day at Famous Footwear, located at 999 Montauk Highway in Shirley, on March 26, Seventh Precinct Investigative Unit officers observed the suspect, Anthony Anzalone, approaching the business and arrested him.

Anzalone was also identified as the man who committed eight additional larcenies in the area, including another the day prior at that Famous Footwear location.

Anzalone also stole merchandise from:

  • Handy Pantry, located at 630 Mastic Road in Mastic, on March 24.
  • Aldi, located at 855 Montauk Highway in Shirley, on March 23.
  • Walgreens, located at 863 Montauk Highway in Shirley, on March 23.
  • 7-Eleven, located at 1236 Montauk Highway in Mastic, on March 22.
  • 7-Eleven, located at 210 Mastic Beach Road in Mastic Beach, on March 22.
  • Walmart, located at 901 Boulevard East in Yaphank, on March 19.
  • Stop and Shop, located at 999 Montauk Highway in Shirley, on March 18.

Anzalone, 55, was charged with nine counts of Petit Larceny and will be arraigned at a later date.

 

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