Hey, Ron DeSantis, Florida is where FOLK go to die… from guns

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 5, 2023

Nassau County GOP hosts Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

• VIDEO – Gov. Ron DeSantis & protestor at Cradle of Aviation Museum:

On April Fools Day, the Nassau County Republican Committee hosted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

DeSantis pitched his Florida Blueprint – politics to the right of Trump – to Long Island.

Tickets were free, and the first 300 attendees received a free copy of DeSantis’ new book ‘The Courage to be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival.’

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Before the event started, a few dozen protestors were waving colorful pro-Trump flags at cars passing near CAM’s entrance on Charles Lindberg Blvd.

For though the Long Island event was nominally a stop on the governor’s book tour, it was more importantly an unofficial campaign stop for his undeclared presidential candidacy.

So it was clear Nassau GOP was no longer acting all in for Trump.

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Early in the event, Nassau County Republican chairman JOSEPH CAIRO introduced several GOP leaders sitting in the VIP section.

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Prominent Republicans politicians who stood up included Rep. PETE KING (R-Seaford), who attended with his wife Rosemary Weidl; former Sen. AL D’AMATO (R-NY)), who sat with his ex-wife Katuria D’Amato and their two children; and Rep. ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO (R-Island Park).

Cairo then introduced each speaker, including Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN, former Rep. LEE ZELDIN (R-N.Y.), and, finally, FLA Gov. RON DESANTIS.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman:

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former Rep. Lee Zeldin:

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Gov. DeSantis Event

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Gov. Ron DeSantis:

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While speaking at the podium, Gov. DeSantis commented about the U.S. Navy F11A Tiger jet suspended overhead and how he had served in the Navy.

While earning his law degree from Harvard University, DeSantis joined the U.S. Navy in 2004, and from then to 2010 was a naval officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps. JAGS are attorneys with knowledge of civilian and military law.

• NAVY jet above former NAVY JAG DeSantis:

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DeSantis made many comparisons between Florida and New York, and between Florida and the U.S. government.

An aside: DeSantis said so much he meant as unflattering about New York that I wondered how it struck his hosts.

NO STATE INCOME TAX – The governor said how Florida, unlike New York, has no state income tax, and how his state has the warmer weather, though no mention was made of his state’s growing hurricane season. And he stressed in how [once COVID increased workers’ opportunity to work from home] the biggest increase in U.S. migration to Florida has come from New York recently.

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CULTURE WARS – Abortion, Education, COVID 19, LGBTQ Rights, Gun Safety….

But it was Opposite Day when Gov. DeSantis presented ways his Trumpian conservative brand of CULTURE WARS supposedly is making Florida free. For example:

• ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law

The governor portrayed his authoritarian approach to what Florida’s schools aren’t allowed to say and do as somehow increasing freedom.

• Florida is where folk go to die… from guns cdc.gov states map

DeSantis continued to claim Florida has lax gun safety regulations because largely unfettered gun rights are constitutionally guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

And those regulations are getting even laxer.

On April 3rd, in a non-public event two days after he spoke on Long Island, DeSantis signed legislation allowing residents to carry a concealed loaded weapon without a permit anywhere in the state.

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Second Amendment, ratified in 1791:
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.

DeSantis’ approach to gun safety makes solid sense, as long as one ignores a few things:

1) The first half of the amendment, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,” states the reason for giving the rights is in order to maintain a well regulated Militia. How is that related to a person owning assault rifles, carrying concealed weapons without permits…?

2) In 1791 “Arms” referred to handguns or long guns that could hold one shot at a time.

3) Florida’s rate of deaths due to gunfire is about 3X that of New York, which has significantly stronger gun safety regulation. cdc.gov states map

the courage to be free

Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump won’t be the only options, Republican or otherwise, for presidential candidates in 2024.

And we certainly deserve better than the Florida Blueprint and MAGA cruelty.

Don’t we?

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. Florida Governor RON DESANTIS speaks during event when the Nassau County GOP hosts his program on The Florida Blueprint, at the Cradle of Aviation on Long Island. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Gov. Ron DeSantis event on Long Island: my PHOTO GALLERY

Everytown for Gun Safety

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

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The Art Guild: Reflections on Photography

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
February 14, 2023

REFLECTIONS – The Art Guild
Exhibit on view until March 4, 2023, every Sat. & Sun., 1-5pm
200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset

The Art Guild’s Reflections reception

Something surprising happened at The Art Guild’s reception and awards ceremony for its Reflections photography exhibit.

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. At right, Juror DEBBIE WELLS smiles at artist she’s about to give an award at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. At left is TAG Board Member DAVID WOLLIN. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Much was as expected. The artwork was varied and creative, the refreshments downright lavish. Catching up with some of my photographer friends, including Sara and Marc Josloff, Steve Silberstein, and Susan Kozodoy Silkowitz was so much fun.

♦

First Place – Adults: KENNY NG, Whimsy

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. KENNY NG poses next to his photograph ‘Whimsy,’ which won First Place, at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit . (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

And, as is usually the case, the juror was there to discuss the winning artworks.

Debbie Wells – she of the big smile – was the Reflections juror. Her past experiences include Immediate Past Pres. and Curator of Art League of Long Island, Founding Partner of Artful Circle, Asst. Dir. of Roslyn Landmark Society, and Staff Artist at Richner Communications. Artful Enrichment is her brand-new company.

♦

First Place – High School Students: CHARLOTTE CHAN, Eye of the Beholder

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, Juror DEBBIE WELLS presents the First Place award in the High School Student category to CHARLOTTE CHAN for her photograph ‘Eye of the Beholder,’ at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit . (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

Wells shared feedback about each of the 11 winning photographs as she handed out the awards. Since I was capturing photos of the event, particularly the winners, she didn’t have my undivided attention. But I did notice she included solid info.

♦

Second Place – Adults: MARCEIL KAZICKAS, Blue Over Me

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, Juror DEBBIE WELLS presents the Second Place award to TAG Board Member MARCEIL KAZICKAS for her photograph ‘Blue Over Me,’ at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

Seven awards in, Wells announced my name, for my photograph ‘WEN EKROY’ won an honorable mention.
I took photos of her as I walked up for the award. When she started reading feedback on my photo of iconic Manhattan buildings reflected in the windows of the Javitts Center at dusk, I was still half-focused on what photos to capture next.

♦

Second Place – High School Students: HELEN MURPHY, Night and Day

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, Juror DEBBIE WELLS presents the Second Place award in the High School Student category to HELEN MURPHY for her photograph ‘Night and Day,’ at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

Then Wells’ comparison of qualities of my photo to a ‘Red Grooms’ landscape jolted me to attention.
Red Grooms! Back in 2009, the Nassau County Museum of Art had an electric display of his colorful, vibrant work that I visited more than once.
In fact, one of my photos of his huge sculpture ‘Jumbo’ of the grounds of NCMA was licensed years ago for use in a nationwide exam. [See a ‘Jumbo’ photo at end of this post.]

♦

Third Place – Adults: CAROL MILAZZO-DIRENZO, Pemaquid Reflection

- Because Carol Milazzo-DiRenzo wasn’t present, her husband MIKE DIRENZO accepted her award on her behalf.

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, TAG Co-President ILENE SILBERSTEIN and an exhibiting photographer attend The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) [/caption]

♦

Hmmm, Red Grooms landscapes… My ‘WEN EKYOY’…. Red Grooms landscapes…. Yes, I could totally see it!
For years I’ve been familiar with Red Grooms’ work and, of course, my ‘WEN EKROY.’ As I reflected on the similarities, I was surprised how clear they were and how they had clearly escaped my notice.

♦

Third Place – High School Students: LEXI HUGEL, The Dock

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, Juror DEBBIE WELLS; LEXI HUGEL, who won Third Place in the High School Student category; and Hugel’s teacher, participate at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

After reading feedback about each winner, Wells handed the artist a print out of it taped to the award. That made it easy and more likely to reflect on what she said later.

♦

Honorable Mention – RICHARD FROMAN, Moment of Silence

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, Juror DEBBIE WELLS presents an Honorary Mention award to RICHARD FROMAN for his photograph ‘Moment of Silence’ at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

Here’s what was on the paper Debbie Wells handed to me:

‘HON. MENTION – Wen Ekroy – Ann Parry’
This grid patterned photograph allows the viewer to look at the New York City skyline with a fresh perspective. The grid grounds the composition, while the horizontal section on the top shows a reflective and delicate web of lines.
Below, the artist presents warbled and distorted shapes of iconic skyscrapers, such as the Empire State Building in the center.
The buildings look animated, like a Red Grooms landscape. The photograph shines with originality because it is rare to see architecture and geometric lines look alive with unexpected verve.
The title, Wen Ekroy – New Yorke(r) spelled backwards – is a humorous commentary on the New Yorker building’s signage and quite fitting in the Reflections theme.

Honorable Mention – ANN PARRY, WEN EKROY

Manhattan, N.Y., U.S., Oct. 29: Empire State Building and New Yorker Hotel with its red name sign are reflected at Dusk in Javits Center Windows on 11th Avenue and 35th Street, in New York City. (NYC image © Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

♦

Honorable Mention – DAVID WOLLIN, Wooden Boat

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, TAG Board Member DAVID WOLLIN, who won Honorable Mention for his panorama ‘Wooden Boat’; Juror DEBBIE WELLS; and Executive Director LISA GROSSMAN participate in The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

∼

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. Kenny Ng looks back at DAVID WOLLIN’s panorama ‘Wooden Boat,’ which won an Honorary Mention, at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

Honorable Mention – DEBRA WALLACE, Broken Branch & Reflections

- - - Debra Wallace wasn’t present to accept her award.

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. At center front, TAG member and exhibiting artist MARC JOSLOFF is among exhibitors, members, and guests watching The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony for its Reflections photography exhibit for high school students and adults at historic Elderfields. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

Honorable Mention – ANNETTE KASLE, In the Forest Primeval

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. L-R, Juror DEBBIE WELLS presents an Honorary Mention award to ANNETTE KASLE for her photograph ‘In the Forest Primeval,’ at The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

♦

After the reception, TAG member Steve Silberstein helped out in the office:

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Feb. 11, 2023. TAG member STEVE SILBERSTEIN helps out after The Art Guild’s Awards Ceremony and Reception for its Reflections photography exhibit at historic Elderfields. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) is based on: Manhasset, N.Y, U.S. February 11, 2023. KENNY NG, the First Place winner for his photograph ‘Whimsy,’ attends The Art Guild reception for its Reflections exhibition.

NOTE: Links to others’ sites are for readers’ convenience only.
T.A.G. Reception: my Photo Gallery

The Art Guild: theartguild.org
Artful Enrichment: ArtfulEnrichment.com
CONTACT ME

Here’s my photo of Red Grooms’ sculpture ‘Jumbo’ at Nassau County Museum of Art in 2009:

Roslyn Harbor, N.Y. U.S., May 24, 2009. Red Grooms 2001 sculpture Jumbo, a large outdoor sculpture of Circus Elephant with Tamer and Acrobat, is on the grounds of the Nassau County Museum of Art. The American artist’s sculpture is enamel on aluminum, 116 x 109 1/2 x 45 inches. (© 2009 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Model Trains Now & Then at Cradle of Aviation Museum

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 31, 2022

‘When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.’ – Max Planck (1858-1947)

Long Island Garden Railway Society holiday displays

At the Cradle of Aviation Museum this December 26th, I enjoyed capturing photos of the Long Island Garden Railway Society’s display for the winter holidays, as I did 10 years ago on December 26, 2012.

• 2012:

Dec. 26, 2012. Garden City, N.Y., U.S. – The Long Island Garden Railway Society large-scale model train display surrounds a large decorated tree during winter holidays at Cradle of Aviation Museum. Grumman Blue Angels F-11 Tiger jet is suspended from ceiling. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Though the 2012 and 2022 model train displays I covered were by the same large scale model train organization, LIGRS, at the same museum, CAM, there were also differences – including in my photography equipment, experience, goals, and the COVID-19 impact.

• 2012:

Dec. 26, 2012 – Garden City, New York, U.S. G scale New York Central engine passes by the carousel in the carnival theme section of the Long Island Garden Railway Society display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Photography Equipment

When covering the event in 2012, I used my Nikon D74 DSLR full-frame camera, with a zoom lens, the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 lG ED – arguably the best prime lens, to use as a sole lens, to cover such an event.

A few days ago, I used my Nikon Z9 mirrorless full-frame camera with a macro lens, the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S – an outstanding lens to capture macro, closeup photos of small subjects such as model trains.

This year, had my goal been covering the event and location thoroughly, I would’ve also used a second lens- for example, my Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 A prime lens or my iPhone Pro. My goal was to work on capturing the best photos possible with my macro lens.

• 2012:

Dec. 26, 2012 – Garden City, New York, U.S. This young boy came with his family to see the Long Island Garden Railway Society display in atrium of the Cradle of Aviation Museum. A member of LIGRS is in the center area, available to answer visitors’ questions. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Experience with Place & Subject

The Cradle of Aviation Museum is the Long Island museum I’ve photographed the longest and most often. For over a decade, I’ve loved photographing a wide variety of locations there, repeatedly, from morning to to dusk and night.

And over the past ten years I’ve covered model train events at several places and by several passionate organizations on Long Island, often more than once.

This year, after covering the atrium ground floor display, I asked myself, ‘Time to walk up the stairs to cover this from the upper levels?’ and answered, ‘Not really.’

• 2022:

Dec. 26, 2022. Garden City, N.Y., U.S. A young woman G scale model train figure stands next to a classic red pickup truck with ‘Coca-Cola’ on door at the Long Island Garden Railway Society display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

COVID-19 impact

The model train display looked a bit toned down this year.

It’s been years since spring 2020 when New York became an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce one’s risk of being hospitalized or worse due to the virus. Wearing N95 or KN95 masks significantly reduces the chance of transmitting or getting COVID-19.

But many of Long Island’s museums and clubs are still negatively impacted by COVID-19 – with lower average rates of attendance and participation.

• 2022:

Dec. 26, 2022. Garden City, N.Y., U.S. A bright yellow Denver & Rio Grande Western Passenger Coach G scale car is in the Long Island Garden Railway Society display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

• 2022 – side view of train in Feature Photo:

Dec. 26, 2022. Garden City, N.Y., U.S. A 1931 American Locomotive Company Superheater, seen here in closeup, is part of he Long Island Garden Railway Society display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

About LIGRS’ display:

G scale model trains circle the large festive tree in CAM’s atrium. They pass through many themed areas, including an old-fashioned drive-in theater and a train station.

It’s no surprise the Long Island Garden Railway Society choose G scale, which is both the largest scale model train (ratio of 1:22.5) and most popular outdoor scale model train.

The large size, durability, and ruggedness of G scale model trains make them ideal for large indoor areas, and for outdoors – even in the snow!

• 2022:

Dec. 26, 2022. Garden City, N.Y., U.S. A Santa Claus G scale model train figure rings a bell as he stands next to an antique car at the Long Island Garden Railway Society display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (at top): Dec. 26, 2022. Garden City, N.Y., U.S. A young boy points to a model train traveling around the Long Island Garden Railway Society display of model trains at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Year round at Cradle of Aviation Museum:

Along with special exhibits and events, the air & space museum has the jetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium and world class permanent exhibits – many with historic Long Island roots.

Cradle of Aviation Store – Before leaving CAM this week, I went to the Museum Store and bought my toddler grandson a couple of souvenirs: an adorable pilot’s hat and plush toy version of the genuine U.S. Navy Grumman F11 Tiger Jet suspended from the atrium.

my CAM Model Trains galleries: 2012 photos • 2022 photos

Long Island Garden Railway Society: ligrs.club • membership form

Cradle of Aviation Museum

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Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
November 4, 2022

Labor unions rally for Hochul Delgado

• voting in NY: voteearlyny.org • find your poll site

Updated Jan. 2022: Election results added near end of post

‘When labor votes, the state wins’ – Gov. Hochul, 10/30/2022, Mineola, N.Y.

The New York governor’s race has become unexpectedly close.

Two days after early voting started in New York, and nine days before Election Day 2022, Democratic candidates and supporters – largely from labor unions – gathered for a Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul.

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul, young women hold a Hochul Delgado sign and wear a shirt with message “Voting is just like driving: To go backward choose ‘R.’ To go forward choose ‘D.'” (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The Sunday, October 30th event was held outdoors during a sunny autumn afternoon at the Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site in Mineola, Long Island.

After many candidates, labor union leaders, and democratic leaders on stage spoke, it was time for Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado to speak and then introduce Gov. Kathy Hochul.

• VIDEO: Lt. Gov. Delgado speaks and then introduces Gov. Hochul:

During Lt. Gov. Delgado’s impassioned speech about WHY it’s so important to vote, and to vote for democratic candidates, particularly for Gov Hochul, the enthusiastic audience frequently punctuated his points by clapping and calling out “That’s right… “Say it again!”… “Preach!”….

The following transcript of Lt. Gov. Delgado’s speech is from the above video that starts shortly after he begins speaking at the podium.

Transcript of Lt. Gov. Antonio’s Speech (from video above):

[…Referring to some Republican candidates] “….only in it for the game. It’s all a joke. And they play with people’s lives. Like it’s a game. And it’s not.

“We have to step up as people and demand more. We just have to. We have to set the bar.
Integrity, decency, honesty.
Are you principled?
Do you care?
Do you know how to love people?
These things have to matter.
To our democracy to matter.
Education has to matter.
And labor has to matter.

“Any political leader worth their salt that can’t get behind collective bargaining and organized labor needs to not be in public service.
The story of upward mobility, the story, the American Dream.
This whole idea is based on working folk coming together and fighting for more.
To raise their families up across generations.
And you want to call yourself a leader, destroy that?
Come on now. Seriously.
We know we can do better. And guess what folks, we can and we will.

“I got to know Governor Hochul very well.
We talk about the stakes. A lot.
We don’t, we don’t spend time foolin’ around and being political about… oh about this, how..
What are we going to do?
What are the solutions?
How’re we going to govern, to the people?
Those were our conversations.

“She cares. She’s a worker.
From the ground up, not top down.
Not imposing her will, but engaging with the will of the people.
And she leads from the heart, from the heart.
Honest. Upfront. Accessible. Accountable.
The kind of things you want in a leader.
Not gonna lie to your face. Or fear monger. Or peddling hate.
You have that chance right now.

“So whatever people are saying out there.
All the head scratching, all the twitter feeds, and all the chaos and the noise.
Forget about it. Put it to the side.
The only thing we should be doing right now is action, not thinking.
Act.
Show up.
And vote and support an absolutely amazing governor who is dedicated to the people.
Who will fight for the people.
Who comes from the people.
Our governor – Kathy Hochul.”

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Woman pushing stroller with baby boy in it waits on line to sign into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Men wearing orange ‘Carpenters RISE’ shirts and ‘Hochul Delgado’ stickers approach entrance to Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. Event was at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Today I voted early at the Freeport Recreation Center.

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. L-R, N.Y. Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee JAY JACOBS, Lt. Gov. ANTONIO DELGADO, NYS Comptroller THOMAS DINAPOLI, candidate for Congress NY-03 ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, (at podium) Pres. of Local 338 JOHN DURSO, and Gov. KATHY HOCHUL are on stage at Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

my Photo Gallery – Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul (Plus, click each photo here to see larger one.)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. At center, NYS Assembly Deputy Majority Leader MICHAELLE SOLAGES waves to audience at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. At podium is Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee JAY JACOBS; right of him is Gov. KATHY HOCUL; left of him is Lt. Gov. ANTONIO DELGADO. At far right is NYS Assembly candidate AMANDA FIELD (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, the Democratic candidate for New York’s redrawn 3rd Congressional District, participates in Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. YURI JIMENEZ, a member of Local 338, holds her daughter GISELLE, 2 1/2 years old, at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At center NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and two Hasidic Jewish men talk before start of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul on Long Island.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022.. At left, Democratic Deputy Zone Leader of 21st Assembly District RANDY KOVAR signs into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Sign for ‘ROBERT ZIMMERMAN Democrat for Congress’ NY District 3 is at front. Event was at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Union members hold large 32BJ SEIU sign at Nassau County Rally with Gov.Hochul. 32BJ is a merger of two NYC unions of building service workers and an affiliate of SIEU, the Service Employees International Union.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Young daughters of Local 338 union members help at food tent during Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At right, NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and, at left, NYSUT retiree MEL STERN talk before start of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Activists with BEND The ARC sign attend Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul on Long Island. Bend the Arc is a national group of progressive American Jews.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. At center in light suit, Senator KEVIN THOMAS (NY-06) poses with women wearing PSC CUNY shirts at end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. PSC CUNY, the Professional Staff Congress, represents faculty and staff at the City University of New York and CUNY Research Foundation.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At left, Assemblywoman TAYLOR DARLING, (Democrat) 18th Assembly District of New York, is with a constituent at end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. Woman holds Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW sign, and she and man wear ‘Hochul Delgado’ stickers at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul . Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. A woman waving and a man, both wearing 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers shirts, leave after end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Today I voted early at the Freeport Recreation Center.

• UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2022 ELECTION RESULTS for above candidates. Winners are listed first, and each link goes to official’s gov’t page.

Governor / Lt. Gov: Kathy Hochul / Antonio Delgado (D) • Lee Zeldin / Alison Esposito (R)

NYS Comptroller: Thomas DiNapoli (D) • Paul Rodriguez (R)

U.S. House District 3: George Santos (R) • Robert Zimmerman (D)

NY Senate District 5: Steven Rhoads (R) • John Brooks (D)

NY Senate District 6: Kevin Thomas (D) • James Coll (R)

NYS Assembly District 15: Jake Blumencranz (R) • Amanda Field (D)

NYS Assembly District 18: Taylor Darling (D) • LaMont Johnson (R)

NYS Assembly District 22: Michaelle Solages (D) • Cara Castronuova (R)

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. New York Governor KATHY HOCHUL is on stage at Nassau County rally held at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island.

Rally with Gov. Hochul: my PHOTO GALLERY

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Fred Haise: ‘Never Panic Early’ at Cradle of Aviation Museum

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
October 5, 2022

an Apollo 13 astronaut’s journey

Former NASA astronaut FRED HAISE came to the Cradle of Aviation Museum last week for a discussion and book signing about his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey.’

VIDEO: (17.5 minutes) Fred Haise at Cradle of Aviation MuseumThe sold-out audience greeted Haise with long, loud applause when he entered the updated JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium with a huge moon laser-projected at the top of the full-dome.

my Photo Gallery – Fred Haise at Cradle of Aviation Museum (Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, is about to discuss his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ at Cradle of Aviation Museum. BILL MOORE, book co-author, is behind him. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Thanks to the lively way Haise shared some dangerous times during his career – notably when the Apollo 13 spacecraft was damaged on its way to the Moon on April 13, 1970 – the time seemed to fly by fast enough to escape Earth’s gravity.

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. ANDREW PARTON. President of the Cradle of Aviation Museum, is introducing Fred Haise, former NASA astronaut, who will discuss his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the updated JetBlue Theater Planetarium.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The book’s co-author, BILL MOORE, was on stage with Haise, and after the discussion they both signed visitors’ books in front of the Museum Store.

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. L-R, FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, and co-author BILL MOORE are on stage to discuss Haise’s autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I’ve enjoyed seeing Fred Haise several times at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. As THOMAS RIEDY, a trustee of the museum, said shortly before the event, the Cradle is very lucky that Haise is so supportive, visiting so frequently over the years.

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. L-R, FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, and co-author BILL MOORE are on stage as they discuss Haise’s autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Never Panic Early’

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. At lower left, L-R, FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, with co-author BILL MOORE, discusses ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum. Pictures of Haise’s career are projected on the dome. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Never Panic Early’

Garden City, New York, U.S. September 29, 2022. FRED HAISE (at right in red tie) NASA astronaut, chats with audience members after he discussed his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Never Panic Early’

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. FRED HAISE, at left, NASA astronaut, inscribes his autobiographical book ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ for family of the young boy he’s talking with at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, smiles and waves to audience after his discussion of autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Fred Haise ‘Never Panic Early’: my PHOTO GALLERY

Video (top of post): vimeo.com/757716910

Cradle of Aviation Museum: cradleofaviation.org

Fred Haise: fredhaise.space • ‘Never Panic Early’

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Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. L-R, THOMAS RIEDY, a trustee of Cradle of Aviation Museum, and ANDREW PARTON, President of CAM, look up at full-dome of JetBlue Theater Planetarium before event when Fred Haise, former NASA astronaut, discusses his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Couple of Guys’ show fundraiser

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
September 21, 2022

fundraising for ‘Couple of Guys’ series by Merrick filmmaker Debra Markowitz

VIDEO: ‘Couple of Guys’ fundraiser Q&A….
Near the end of the fundraiser for ‘Couple of Guys,’ series creator DEBRA MARKOWITZ asked if I enjoyed the first two episodes screened this Monday night. Smiling, I simply said ‘Yes.’

There was no way I could begin to do justice right then to the funny and serious things that touched me about the story of divorced attorney RIchard Durant (SAL RENDINO) and heartthrob former rocker Jon Graham (LUKAS HASSEL) – two mature gay men finding each other and love.

• my Photo Gallery – ‘Couple of Guys’ Fundraiser (Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

• ‘Couple of Guys’ donating & perks info

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 19, 2022. L-R, JOHN MAREAN, DEBRA MARKOWITZ, SAL RENDINO, ABILIGAIL HAWK, and CIARÁN SHEEHAN are on stage for Q&A during fundraiser for ‘Couple of Guys’ at Bellmore Movies.

‘Couple of Guys’

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 19, 2022. ABIGAIL HAWK (Blue Bloods) is speaking on stage during fundraiser for ‘Couple of Guys’ limited series held at historic Bellmore Movies. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Couple of Guys’

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 19, 2022. L-R, CHARLES GREENE LEONUS, KATE FOX, and SAL RENDINO pose for photo during ‘A Couple of Guys’ fundraiser at Bellmore Movies. Marean played ‘OK Delivery Guy’ in Episode 1 screened at event. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Couple of Guys’

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 19, 2022. LUKAS HASSEL credit shot is from an episode of ‘Couple of Guys’ screened at fundraiser for ‘Couple of Guys’ held at Bellmore Movies.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Couple of Guys’

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 19, 2022. ASIA LEE wears striking gold and black sequin dress to fundraiser for ‘Couple of Guys’ at Bellmore Movies.

‘Couple of Guys’

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 19, 2022. L-R, Friends pose for photo with ABIGAIL HAWK and TRISH APPELLO during fundraiser for ‘Couple of Guys’ at Bellmore Movies.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Couple of Guys’

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 19, 2022. JOHN MAREAN – co-manager of Intention Films and Media, is ready to help out with Raffle Drawing during ‘A Couple of Guys’ fundraiser at Bellmore Movies. Marean played ‘OK Delivery Guy’ in Episode 1 screened at event. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

video: Ciarán Sheehan singing at ‘Couple of Guys’ fundraiser

FEATURE PHOTO (top of post) other views: Bellmore, N.Y., U.S. September 19, 2022. L-R, DEBRA MARKOWITZ and ABIGAIL HAWK discuss ‘Couple of Guys’ during fundraiser for the TV series at Bellmore Movies.

‘Couple of Guys’ fundraiser: my PHOTO GALLERY

‘Couple of Guys’ donating & perks info

facebook: @coupleofguys • vimeo • IMDB

#coupleofguysminiseries

Intention Films and Media

Bellmore Movies

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Linda Louis: A Summer’s Day

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
September 15, 2022

Linda Louis: site • facebook
Reception: 9/2 – 10/2/2022
Hewlett-Woodmere Library

Linda Louis’ luminous solo show
The expressive artistry of Linda Louis’ other-worldly paintings shines in her colorful solo show ‘A Summer’s Day’ at the Hewlett-Woodmere Library, from September 2 thru October 2, 2022.

• my Photo Gallery – Linda Louis: A Summer’s Day
(Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

Hewlett, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 10, 2022. LINDA LOUIS gazes at ‘Symphony of the Sea’ (48″x48″), with ‘My Sanctuary’ behind her, during reception for her solo show ‘A Summer’s Day’ at the Hewlett-Woodmere Library. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Linda Louis – A Summer’s Day

Hewlett, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 10, 2022. Linda Louis’s Star Series, a collection of 20 small paintings, are on display at reception for her solo show ‘A Summer’s Day’ at the Hewlett-Woodmere Library. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Linda Louis – A Summer’s Day

Hewlett, N.Y. U.S. Sept. 10, 2022. LINDA LOUIS faces up to, L-R, ‘Dreaming in Color’ and ‘Happy Escape’ during reception for her solo show ‘A Summer’s Day’ at the Hewlett-Woodmere Library. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Linda Louis – A Summer’s Day

Feature Photo (at top of post): Hewlett, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 10, 2022. LINDA LOUIS communes with her painting ‘Dream Voyage’ during Reception for her solo show ‘A Summer’s Day’ at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com).

Linda Louis A Summer’s Dream: my PHOTO GALLERY

site: LindaLouisArt.com

facebook: @lindastallonelouis

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Nunley’s Carousel Reopens with a Roar 2022

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
August 27, 2022

Nunley’s Carousel site • facebook • MAP • buy tickets
till 9/11/22: Thurs. thru Sun., 11 am – 4 pm

Lion & Horses & Chariot! Oh My!

VIDEO soundtrack: Billy Joel’s ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ on Nunley’s Carousel organ • FULL SCREEN: click lower right corner

What goes around (and around) has come around on Long Island this summer!

We can once again enjoy Nunley’s Carousel, which recently reopened after the Covid-19 pandemic forced it to close in 2020.

The official ceremony on August 16th had speeches, a ribbon-cutting, and the ultimate fun treat for all – especially the many young children and their parents – a nostalgic ride on Nunley’s Carousel’s lion, 41 horses, and chariot.

• my Photo Gallery – Nunley’s Carousel reopens
(Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN, at center, presides over the ribbon cutting ceremony when historic Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The carousel – now under the management of the Long Island Children’s Museum – is located in the Nunley’s Carousel glass pavilion on Museum Row in Garden City, It’s between LICM and the Cradle of Aviation Museum, which previously managed the carousel.

If you’d like to ride the carousel this summer, be sure to visit by September 11th, since it will be closed from September 12 to October 4, 2022 for the Long Island Children’s Museum Fall Fix-Up.

During the ceremony, Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN shared childhood memories of Nunley’s.

Excerpts from his speech:

Let me tell you something, I was one of those kids that grew up at Nunley’s, and I grew up in Valley Stream, probably 4 1/2 – 5 miles from Nunley’s.

And on a Sunday, if we were really good, and my 3 sisters and brother, we would be treated to going to Nunley’s. And we would ride the roller coaster, and we’d ride the other rides.

And of course, the highlight was always the carousel, and it brings back so many childhood memories to be here today.

I just talked to so many people in the community who remember vividly the first time they went to Nunley’s and they used the carousel and they took all the rides,

And you know, this carousel right here is a real work of art. It’s over 110 years old, and the fact that we could restore it is really something special.

[….]

So I couldn’t be more pleased to be here today for the opening again of the Nunley’s Carousel, a place that brought me so many great memories, childhood memories.

I have 3 sisters and a brother. They live in Arizona now. They are gonna be so jealous when I send the photos today of that.

By the way, we got to go [to Nunley’s] if we got good grades and we behaved ourselves, so obviously my sisters got to go a lot more than I did….

Based on the laughs following Blakeman’s final comment, many related to it – I certainly did!

Among those Blakeman thanked for attending:

SUZANNE LEBLANC – Long Island Children’s Museum President
SCOTT BERMAN – Long Island Children’s Museum Board Chair
ANDREW PARTON – Cradle of Aviation Museum President
GARY GRASSO – National Carousel Association Board Member
FRAN PATERSON – Nunley family representative – the great-niece of William Nunley. (photo near end of post)
GARY FARKASH – Baldwin Historical Society President

Nunley’s Carousel Wurlitzer 153 Band Organ

When the carousel first started, I was surprised the music was a recording of Billy Joel performing his ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ on the piano. Why wasn’t the organ playing his music?

During the ceremony, the carousel organ was set so it could only play off music rolls, not MIDI files (Musical Instrument Digital Interface files)
The midi was disconnected.
Blowers providing air for the organ were on.
The pump which provides air to play pipes, and to read the music roll as it passes over the tracker bar, was also on.
To play off the MIDI files, the pump has to be turned off, and the MIDI has to be reconnected.

I look forward to my grandchildren enjoying the full Nunley’s Carousel experience in the future: riding the magnificently carved and decorated carousel horses, lion, and chariot + hearing the carousel organ playing music.

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. L-R, BETH OBERGH, of Wantagh, and BOB STUHMER, of Garden City Park, chat when Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. Stuhmer arranged many of the songs the carousel organ plays. Obergh took care of and operated the carousel for 11 years until all carousel employees were laid off in 2020. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

When BILLY JOEL composed ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ he had BOB STUHMER arrange it for Nunley’s Carousel organ. Stuhmer – a member of AMICA (Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association) and COAA (Carousel Organ Association of America) – gave Nunley’s a CD of music he arranged for its organ and professionally recorded on site. ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ is the first piece on the CD. (see above photo)

Garden City, New York, U.S. August 16, 2022. L-R, ANDREW PARTON, Cradle of Aviation Museum President • [LYNNE D’AGOSTINO, Ed.D., Long Island Children’s Museum Board Member] • SUZANNE LEBLANC, LICM President • BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive • GARY GRASSO, National Carousel Association Board Member • SCOTT BERMAN, LICM Board Chair • and DARCY BELYEA, Nassau County Commissioner of Parks; pose with carousel in background when Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. Blakeman holds Historic Carousel Award 2020 plaque presented to Nunley’s Carousel by NCA. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Historic Carousel Award 2020

GARY GRASSO, a board member of the National Carousel Association, presented the Historic Carousel Award 2020 to Nunley’s Carousel. NCA had been waiting since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Long Island to present the plaque. (see above photo)

That’s the ticket

Get useful, updated info here: licm.org/nunleys

One ticket is $3 for members of Long Island Children Museum
One ticket is $4 for non-members
Ten-ticket packs are discounted

… and the Nunley’s Carousel experience is – wait for it – priceless!

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. FRAN PATERSON, of Poconos, Pennsylvania, represents the Nunley family when Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. Paterson, the great-niece of William Nunley, rode the lead horse, her favorite. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Feature Photo (at top of post): Garden City, New York, U.S. August 16, 2022. A young girl and her mother ride on horses when historic Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com).

Nunley’s Carousel Reopens: my PHOTO GALLERY

site: licm.org/nunleys

video: vimeo.com/annparry/nunleys2022

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Seward Johnson’s fun sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
July 16, 2022

Seward Johnson Exhibition • 6/18 – 9/25/22 • buy Advance Tickets • Map

UPDATE: Extended thru September 25, 2022

Re-visiting the familiar

“It’s easy sometimes to forget the simple things that give us pleasure. If we open our eyes, life is marvelous” – Seward Johnson (1930-2020)

One of my birthday week traditions is going with family or friends to photograph something special. This year I went with Bob to ‘Re-Visiting the Familiar: Seward Johnson at the Gardens.’

The Old Westbury Gardens exhibit has over 30 Seward Johnson sculptures showing people doing everyday things. It runs from June 18th to September 5th, 2022.

• my Photo Gallery – Seward Johnson at the Gardens (Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

A Reason to Smile (bronze, 2004):

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘A Reason to Smile’ (bronze, 2004) – a wry take on the painting ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo Da Vinci – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Other than seeing some photos of the present exhibit on Old Westbury Gardens’ facebook page, I didn’t know what to expect. I soon realized this was fun art, rather than fine art, though fine art inspired some of Johnson’s most iconic pieces.

The statue ‘A Reason to Smile’ (see photo above) was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The statues of dancers on the West Porch (see 3 photos below) were inspired by Pierre Auguste Renoir, the French master Impressionist painter.

Time for Fun (aluminum, 2000) – country couple:

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. Visitor BOB STUHMER is having fun with ‘Time for Fun’ (aluminum, 2000), which is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. The statue is inspired by painting ‘Dance in the Country,’ by Pierre Auguste Renoir. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Time for Fun (aluminum, 2000) – country couple:

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Time for Fun’ (aluminum, 2000) – a country couple dancing outdoors, the woman holding fan high, and wearing red hat – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. The statue is inspired by painting ‘Dance in the Country,’ by Pierre Auguste Renoir. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Whispering Close (aluminum, 2000) – city couple:

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Whispering Close’ (aluminum, 2000) – a city couple dancing outdoors, the man wearing black tails, the woman with elegant dress and long gloves – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. The statue is inspired by painting ‘Dance in the City,’ by Pierre Auguste Renoir. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

HEADS UP: There are no pamphlets about the exhibit. Considering how small the maps, or large the pamphlets, would have to be, this seems both reasonable and ecologically friendly.

Instead, close to the parking lot, there are large panels displaying a map of the grounds, basic info about the exhibit of statues, and a QR Code to direct smart phones to online info:

Seward Johnson Exhibition
https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/exhibition-1

Sculpture Map
https://oldwestburygardens.oncell.com/en/re-visiting-the-familiar-map-323079.html

Map of the Gardens

Testing Togetherness – bronze, 2010 [ full view ]:

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Testing Togetherness’ (bronze, 2010), seen in closeup – a young couple lying on grass, with girl’s head on boy’s chest- is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I had more spontaneous, quick conversations with fellow visitors than during any earlier visit to Old Westbury Gardens.

Though strangers may typically avoid staring at each other, at this exhibit, we often stared at each other from a distance or even rather close. Were we approaching fellow visitors or trompe-l’œil statues?

Time and again, I’d cross paths with someone smiling who’d say something along the lines of, “Did you see the statue of a couple lying down under the tree? I was sure they were real people, even when I got closer, but they didn’t move…” (see above photo)

The Landlady (aluminum, 2004):

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘The Landlady’ (aluminum, 2004) – an older woman sitting at a table with holding open ledger – is on view in Westbury House at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. The work is inspired by the painting ‘L’Arlésienne’ by Vincent van Gogh.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Membership

Except for Old Westbury Gardens members, visitors must purchase tickets in advance. The exhibit is free with admission.

There are several big reasons I’ve kept my OWG membership active, despite Covid: it’s mainly an outdoor venue; I can go, or not, on the spur of the moment, and there’s no cost factor against making short or multiple visits to one event.

Sweet Sixteen – 1981 [ side rear 1 rear 2 ]:

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Sweet Sixteen’ (1981) – from the ‘Reading’ group, and showing a girl sitting atop bench, reading a book – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at historic Old Westbury Gardens (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I used my Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera with the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 lens to capture all photos except ‘Waving Girl,’ which I captured with my iPhone (see last post). Though I LOVE my Nikon gear, they’re not light, and it was a hot day.

So, after a couple of hours of photographing statues mainly in the west area of the grounds, it was near dinner time, and Bob and I left.

I look forward to returning to “bump into” and photograph more statues at the Gold Coast estate before the Seward Johnson exhibit ends.

Creating (bronze, 1981, 1984):

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘A visitor takes a selfie with ‘Creating’ (bronze, 1981), a statue of a man sketching a landscape, during the ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘It often happens that when you look at familiar things through someone else’s eyes you see them as you have never seen them before.’ – John Mole, ‘It’s All Greek to Me!’ 2004

Waving Girl (bronze, 1982)

Old Westbury, New York, U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Waving Girl’ (bronze, 1982) – a young woman waving as if to call to someone across the West Pond, is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. Captured using iPhone 13 Pro (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (top of post) other views: side closeup – Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Out of Sight’ (bronze, 2011) – two young boys with kites – is on view at ‘Re-Visiting the Familiar: Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. Westbury House is in background.

Seward Johnson at the Gardens: my Photo Gallery

OldWestburyGardens.org

SewardJohnsonAtelier.org

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Astronaut Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 23, 2022

Honoring America’s first woman in space

“About time! Love it” – Ellen Thomas Ehmer, former Gruman worker

Though it was near high noon on a hot day – not my favorite for capturing outdoor photos – I thoroughly enjoyed the dedication ceremony for the Sally Ride statue in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum on June 17th.

• my Photo Gallery – Sally Ride statue dedication ceremony (Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Officials (on left) and students (on right) who won essay contest on Sally Ride pull ropes to uncover statue of Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

The inspiring seven-foot bronze statue, titled “The First American Woman in Space,” powerfully commands the new Sally Ride Circle.

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Andy Parton, President of CAM, speaks at podium in front of covered statue of astronaut Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

• VIDEO: Andy Parton & Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips (Read much of Phillips’ speech near end of this post):
Sally Ride statue

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Officials and leaders (on left), and students (on right) who won essay contest, pull ropes to uncover statue of astronaut Sally Ride during dedication ceremony Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Sally Ride statue

Garden City, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Filmmaker Steven C. Barber, the Project Manager of the statue of Sally Ride, speaks during in its dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

The Project Manager of the “The First American Woman in Space” statue is Steven Barber, a documentary filmmaker. (see above photo)

As Andy Parton, President of Cradle of Aviation Museum, said while thanking those who helped make the statue possible:

“….And, finally, a huge vote of thanks to the man who had the vision and passion to make this project work – Mr. Steve Barber….”

Garden City, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. George Lundeen, of Lundeen Sculpture, is one of three sculptors of astronaut Sally Ride statue. They all attended its dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Project Manager Steven Barber introduced the 3 sculptors of Sally Ride statue – GEORGE LUNDEEN, MARK LUNDEEN, and JOEY BAINER (see above photo):

“I want to introduce, in my humble option – and they get a little embarrassed when I say this, but it is true:

These are not just the greatest sculptures in America, these are the greatest sculptures in the world, for many reasons,
the Family Lundeen, George and Mark,
who have believed in me, which is hard to do sometimes,

So anyway, their unwavering spirit has been amazing for me.

So everybody, put your hands together for George and Mark Lundeen, and master sculptor Joey Bainer, behind the tree hiding, Joey is the heir apparent….”

Garden City, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Alexandria Leggitt, who’s working with Barber trying to build ‘Hidden Figures’ monument, poses by the statue of Sally Ride during its dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Project Manager Steven Barber also introduced ALEXANDRIA LEGGITT (see above photo):

“….And I do want to also mention we have a great IBM’er, an executive from IBM here, Alexandria Leggit, who has been tireless in the last 2 years.
She has been working with me trying to build the ‘Hidden Figures’ monument.

“So we want to start moving into diversity, which obviously Sally Ride is…”

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Julia Lauria-Blum, the Curator of the Women Air Force Service Pilots of WWII Exhibit at American Air Power Museum, poses at statue of astronaut Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

JULIA LAURIA-BLUM is another of the many accomplished women who attended the Sally Ride statue dedication ceremony. (see above photo)

Now one of the curators at the American Airpower Museum, previously Lauria-Blum was a Curatorial Assistant at the Cradle of Aviation Museum for 14 years.

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. At far left, Elaine Phillips, the Nassau County Comptroller – and CAM Board of Directors: Vice-Chair Anne Shybunko-Moore, and trustees Peter Stearn, Teresa Ferraro, Dr. Kishore Kuncham, and Mike Stromer – attend dedication for statue of Sally Ride at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com )

Plaque inscription on statue pedestal:

SALLY RIDE
First American Woman in Space

Commissioned by
Matson Family Foundation
Peter Diamandis: on behalf of the XPRIZE Foundation
Maria Shriver

Project Manager: Steven C. Barber

Sculptors: Mark Lundeen – Joey Bainer – George Lundeen

Dedicated June 17, 2022

Cradle of Aviation

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Middle and high school student winners of an essay contest about Sally Ride pose in front of statue of Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips’ speech:
(video of speech is near start of post)

“…So you’re probably wondering why the Comptroller of Nassau County is standing here talking to you ….

But, when I was elected this past November,
I was the first woman to be elected as the Nassau County Comptroller,
thank you, thank you, yes, and I won’t be the last

And when we actually had our inauguration ceremony here at the Cradle of Aviation,
and beforehand, I was thinking,
What do I say?

You know, I’ve been in politics for X amount of years,
I’ve been in the financial service industry for 35 years,
nobody wants to hear that

And I thought about this museum,
and I thought about women who have made first in science

And Sally Ride came to my mind,
and that day I looked at the young women in the audience
and said:

How do you become the first woman,
or the second, or the fifth, or the one-hundredth?
but how do you get ahead in life?

And the answer, one of the answers, is hard work, obviously
but it is also saying Yes when opportunity presents itself

and I will tell you, there are many times
in many of my jobs, careers in the past
Was I fully fully prepared to do the job?
the answer is No
but I said Yes

And you think about it,
Sally Ride, she didn’t grow up thinking she was going to be an astronaut, the first American woman in space

An opportunity came about,
And she applied, out of thousands and thousands of women and men

So, to the young women out in the audience,
When an opportunity comes, it’s OUR responsibility to say YES….”

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) – Garden City, N.Y., U.S. June 17, 2022. Statue of astronaut Sally Ride – the first American woman in space – has unveiling and dedication ceremony at the circle in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Sally Ride Statue at CAM: my PHOTO GALLERY

CAM site: Cradle of Aviation Museum

Sculptors: Lundeen Sculpture • @lundeensculpture

Steven C. Barber: @StevenWhartonBarber

Space.com article: space.com/astronaut-sally-ride-statue-cradle-aviation

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2015 PHOTO: Below, see the metal sculpture (at left) previously in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum:

‘Eyewitness News’ opens Long Island Bureau at Hofstra

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
May 14, 2022

WABC-TV ABC 7 & Lawrence Herbert School of Communication launch L.I. partnership

‘Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness.’ – Mark Twain (1835-1910)

VIDEO 1 – Dr. Susan Poser tells why it was a no-brainer to green light project to have WABC’s Long Island Bureau at Hofstra:
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With great anticipation and my Nikon Z9, I drove to the Grand Opening ceremony of the Eyewitness News Long Island Bureau at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on May 4th.

Thanks to the prediction of a storm, which never arrived, the event was held at Studio A, rather than outside LHSC.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. WABC-TV / ABC 7 opens its Long Island Bureau inside the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. JAMES JACOBS watches his wife take photos of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, with new Eyewitness News Long Island Bureau sign, and ABC7 van, at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Eyewitness News reporter CHANTEE LANS will be stationed full-time at the Long Island Bureau, and ABC7 vans have their own parking spaces next to the LHSC building.

This is MAJOR for several reasons, including:

• 1 • It will give Lans a solid chance to become familiar with, and gain insight about, Long Island, its people and events.

• 2 • It will give Hofstra communication students an ongoing chance to see, and develop a working relationship with, a professional cover news….

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, speaks during opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, speaks during opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘The world needs good journalists right now, and I believe that’s what this is about.’ – Dean Mark Lukasiewicz (May 4, 2022)

The hosts of the event were DR. SUSAN POSER, Hofstra’s president; and Dean MARK LUKASIEWICZ of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

Creating an Eyewitness News Long Island Bureau at Hofstra began in 2018, the year Lukasiewicz became Dean at Hofstra. During his long and distinguished career in journalism, he worked at ABC for 11 years.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. CHAD MATTHEWS, president of ABC-owned television stations, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Guests included CHAD MATTHEWS, the new president of ABC Owned Television Stations; DONALD SCHAEFFER, Chair of the Hofstra Board of Trustees; ABC anchor BILL RITTER, who emceed the ceremony, SHIRLEEN ALLICOT, a graduate of LHSC and current Eyewitness News anchor; Hofstra LHSC students; Hofstra staff and alums; community leaders and officials.

The long-standing mutual respect between Chad Matthews and Dean Lukasiewicz was evident during each of their speeches, and Matthews mentioned he was happy the abc7 Long Island Bureau at Hofstra opened before he named a new General Manager of WABC New York.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. BILL RITTER, anchor of Eyewitness News, emcees the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Eyewitness News anchor BILL RITTER emceed the event.

Ritter’s known Chad Matthews and Dean Mark Lukasiewicz for decades, and I enjoyed the heartwarming, funny anecdotes he shared about each.

Ritter narrated the ceremonial unveiling of the Eyewitness News sign as we watched it on the large screen on stage.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Front L-R, KRISTIN THORNE, WABC investigative reporter; reporter; DANIEL GALL, LHSC student; LHSC student, watch opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Front L-R, KRISTIN THORNE, WABC investigative reporter; WABC reporter; DANIEL GALL, LHSC student; LHSC student, watch unveiling of Eyewitness News sign during opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Outside the entrance of the LHSC building, two communications students braved the sunshine, as Ritter put it, to remove the blue cloth covering the sign at the entrance of the Communications building:

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Eyewitness News anchor BILL RITTER watches screen as blue cover falls to reveal new Eyewitness News 7 Long Island Bureau sign on facade of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication building at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Councilwoman DOROTHY GOOSBY, Legislator TOM MCKEVITT, Councilman ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, and Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN were among those attending not just because of their offices but because they were former Hofstra students.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. L-R, MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School; official; ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman; DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead councilwoman; CHANTEE LANS, Eyewitness News’ L.I. Bureau reporter; SUSAN POSER, Hofstra president; BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive; official, and TOM MCKEVITT, Nassau County legislator, pose for photo at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com

And the Mark Twain quote at the top – “Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness” – alludes to a third reason why this Hofstra alum finds it major that Eyewitness News will have a reporter stationed full-time at the Long Island Bureau:

• 3 • Covering news as an eyewitness makes it more likely the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth of the story will be shared.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman, District 1, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. DOROTHY L. GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman, District 1, speaks at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. At right, SUSAN POSER, Hofstra President, speaks with, at center in light jacket, JEFF ABRAMS and family, during WABC-TV / ABC 7 opening ceremony for its Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Front L-R, CHARMISE WOODSIDE-DESIRE, Hofstra’s Assistant Director for Alumni Affairs, and SARA HENDRICKS, WRHU radio station’s professional-in-residence, chat during ceremony when WABC-TV / ABC 7 opens its Long Island Bureau at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. L-R, MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School; ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman; CHAD MATTHEWS, president of ABC-owned television stations; SUSAN POSER, Hofstra president; DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead councilwoman; DONALD SCHAEFFER, Chair of Hofstra Board of Trustees; and TOM MCKEVITT, Nassau County legislator, pose for photo at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. SEDGWICK EASLEY, Executive Asst./Publicity Director to Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, speaks at the ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Far left, guest talks with (seen from back) WABC reporter KRISTIN THORNE and president of ABC-owned television stations CHAD MATTHEWS, and at front right table are LHSC students, at Studio A at Lawrence Herbert School of Communication during opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) – Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. May 4, 2022. SHIRLEEN ALLICOT, a 2004 graduate of Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and current Eyewitness News anchor, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC Long Island Bureau at LHSC. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

VIDEO 2 – After heartfelt, funny intro from ABC anchor BILL RITTER, Dean MARK LUKASIEWICZ says what the world needs right now:

ABC 7 Opens L.I. Bureau at Hofstra: my PHOTO GALLERY

LI Advocate: Eyewitness News sets up shop at Hofstra’s Herbert School [Megan Naftali, May 5, 2022]

Lawrence Herbert School of Communication

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Hofstra Earth Day 2022: getting down & a bit dirty

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 22, 2022

Planting a native pollinator garden (after a few years, it doesn’t need watering!)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, Professor BRET BENNINGTON, extreme right, poses with students during 'EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.'(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. Professor BRET BENNINGTON, extreme right, poses with students during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• PHOTO GALLERY | Also, click each photo to see it larger

Though I have bird feeders and don’t use pesticides in my yard, I want to make it more hospitable and inviting to birds, squirrels, butterflies… and help Long Island’s ecology.

So I was excited to cover the hands-on event “EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden” that BRET BENNINGTON, Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, presented at the Student Garden at Stuyvesant Hall, Hofstra University.

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, students shovel mulch to add to prepare garden beds during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra undergrad and grad students planted the university’s first native pollinator garden with species grown from seed by Hofstra students in a greenhouse on the rooftop of Gittleson Hall.

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging into soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: ‘Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging soil to loosen it, and then covering the soil with newspapers, and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging into soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then covering the newspapers with mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students students plant native pollinator plants in prepared garden bed. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students plant native pollinator plants in prepared garden bed. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students students plant native pollinator plants in prepared garden bed. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, Prof. BRET BENNINGTON has EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, students and Prof. BRET BENNINGTON (in red and black vest) plant garden during EARTH DAY: ‘Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) related image

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden,’ Nodding Pink Onions are among the perennials planted in Hofstra’s first native pollinator garden with species grown from seed by students in the greenhouse on rooftop of Gittleson Hall. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden,’ Nodding Pink Onions are among the perennials planted in Hofstra’s first native pollinator garden. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Rooftop Greenhouse at Gittleson Hall

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, BRET BENNINGTON and GAIL BENNINGTON tend plants in the West Greenhouse on the rooftop of Gittleson Hall at Hofstra University.

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, L-R, Prof. BRET BENNINGTON and instructor GAIL BENNINGTON tend plants in the West Greenhouse on rooftop of Gittleson Hall. (© 2022 Ann Parry) greenhouse image

GAIL BENNINGTON, Adjunct Instructor of Geology, Environment, & Sustainability, assisted during the garden planting.

After the event, I went to GIttleson Hall where she showed me the rooftop greenhouse… and a timeless pair of sneakers (see end of post).

Long Island Native Plant Initiative

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, L-R, Professor BRET BENNINGTON and ANTHONY MARINELLO, Secretary of Long Island Native Plant Initiative, talk during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry)

ANTHONY MARINELLO, the Secretary of the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) and owner of Dropseed Native Landscapes Native Plant Nursery, was at the planting.

At an Earth Day event earlier that afternoon, Marinello explained why “planting native plants in gardens is so important for protecting the ecology of Long Island.” [from Hofstra site]

If you’re interested – like I am – in learning the benefits of planting a native plant garden, and how to do it, LINPI’s site is a helpful resource:

• Long Island Native Plant Initiative: linpi.org • plant fact sheets

Feature Photo at top of post: Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. L-R, student ‘BADGER’ and Prof. BRET BENNINGTON take quick break from planting to pose during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Student Garden at Hofstra University.

Hofstra Earth Day 2022: my PHOTO GALLERY

Hofstra University: hofstra.edu • Environment & Sustainability

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Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. GAIL BENNINGTON holds up sneaker, with illustration of Charles Darwin and a giant tortoise at the Galápagos archipelago, that Prof. Bret Bennington received as gift. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. Adjunct Instructor GAIL BENNINGTON holds up a sneaker – with illustration of Charles Darwin and a giant tortoise at the Galápagos archipelago – from pair Prof. Bret Bennington received as a gift. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

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