Author Archives: Ann Parry

About Ann Parry

Ann Parry Photography Inc. | site: ANN-PARRY.com | photoblog From Long Island: FromLongIsland.com • • • Long Island, New York, is my home base for photographically capturing PORTRAITS, the arts • civics & government • animals • classic cars • aviation & space • • • I'm also a freelance newspaper & magazine photographer, and a contract photographer for a news wire service.

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 16, 2025. U.S. Rep. LAURA GILLEN (Democrat - NY District 4) answers a question during her in-person Town Hall at Hofstra University on Long Island. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Rep. Laura Gillen reaches across the aisles at Hofstra town hall

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
April 18, 2025 

  • America’s just barely a functioning democracy  (author’s opinion)

Wanting to get a good aisle seat at Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s town hall, I arrived at Hofstra’s Student Center Theater shortly after 5pm, an hour before doors opened.

VIDEO: Rep. Laura Gillen (NY04) gives an Update at Town Hall:

During the wait, I chatted with someone nearby on line. Suddenly she looked up at me and paused. In little more than a whisper, she said, “I have pension funds invested in the stock market… but I still hope it crashes.”

Then she gave me a little “You know what I mean, don’t you?” nod.

I knew, and I wasn’t shocked.

America’s just barely a functioning democracy. So if someone feels little is making the president obey the law and constitution, tragically, a stock market crash might seem an acceptable horror if it put Trump in check.

By the time the town hall began, I didn’t notice any empty seats. First three Girl Scouts marched up to the stage, where they led the Pledge of Allegiance. Then KIM DOMAGE, of Calvary Tabernacle, sang the Star Spangled Banner.

“Rep. Laura Gillen's Hofstra Town Hall

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 16, 2025. KIM DOMAGE, of Calvary Tabernacle, sings the National Anthem during Rep. Gillen’s town hall. (©2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Rep. Laura Gillen (NY04), who’s on the Transportation & Infrastructure and the Science, Space & Technology Committees, began with  an update about her first months in Congress.  [see above video]

When the moderator, Hofstra Professor of Political Science, ROSANNA PEROTTI, explained she’d pick constituents’ questions from a bowl and read them aloud, several audience members called out that people who submitted questions should be able to ask them. 

“Rep. Laura Gillen's Hofstra Town Hall

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 16, 2025. L-R, Dr. ROSANNA PEROTTI , Hofstra Professor of Political Science, reads a constituent’s question out loud as U.S. Rep. LAURA GILLEN (Dem – NY04) listens during her town hall. At left is a blue bowl filled with constituents’ questions written on paper slips. (©2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Rep. Laura Gillen and audience members appeared to agree on several questions, including ones about working to reinstate the SALT tax deduction, improve roadway safety and poor water quality, and protect social security and medicare.

LAKEN RILEY ACT

VIDEO: Rep. Gillen’s Town Hall, Laken Riley Act:

But there were also questions on topics some audience members strongly disagree about with the congresswoman. 

Based on angry comments I read on social media after Gillen voted for the Laken Riley Act, I wasn’t surprised when her statements such as, “I support the Laken Riley Act, and I’d vote for it again,” drew loud criticism from several audience members.

After a man shouted, “You should be ashamed of yourself!” security escorted him out of the theater.

“Rep. Laura Gillen's Hofstra Town Hall

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 16, 2025. During Rep. Laura Gillen’s town hall at Hofstra, audience members turn to back of theater where people are shouting in protest against Gillen’s vote for the Laken Riley Act. (©2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

TARIFFS & DISCHARGE

VIDEO: Rep. Gillen Town Hall, tariffs & discharge petition:

The audience supported Rep. Gillen’s strong attack against the president’s contradictory, extreme, and unpredictable words and actions about tariffs

Gillen explained there’s a bipartisan (Republican & Democrat) and bicameral (House and Senate) bill, the “Trade Review Act of 2025,” aiming to reassert Congress’s authority over trade policy. It includes that any tariff implemented by administration has to be reviewed by Congress within 60 days, and Congress can stop a tariff at any time.

Rep. Gillen feels the bill is important and hopes it will make it through the House and Senate.  

She explained how the House of Representatives is a majority rules place, and a discharge petition is the one way to get around Speaker of the House Johnson’s control of what Congress votes on.

However, Rep. Gillen candidly described a discharge petition as a long shot, particularly because the procedure requires some Republican to sign onto the petition.

Then she added, “But the more pressure that our colleagues feel to uphold the rule of law, the more likely they might be to join us on some legislation.

When an audience member called out asking what happens if the bill passes but Trump vetoes it, Rep. Gillen slowly said, “If Trump vetoes it… he vetoes it.”

Prof. Rosanna Perotti, the moderator, added, “We all know what happens at that point. That’s the civics thing.” Then she read the next question.

At the end of the town hall, several audience members also made their frustration clear when they shouted the president must be impeached.

FUTURE TOWN HALLS

Rep. Gillen’s town hall was the first of a series she plans to hold. I want to attend others because I learned quite a few things and appreciated hearing the audience reactions during the Hofstra town hall.

About civic engagement: 

Constituents who see the president as acting in an unconstitutional way need to feel hope it’s possible to stop those actions.

Civic engagement was touched on, for example, when Gillen stated how [constituents] putting pressure on [her Republican] colleagues can help pass bills, and Perotti said if Trump vetoes a bill then it’s time for the “the civics thing.”

But I’m not sure if many audience members had time during the event to appreciate the crucial role civic engagement may play when Republicans control the Executive Branch, both Houses, and have a conservative Supreme Court. 

Building on that,  it could be helpful to:

  • discuss in detail how civic engagement is crucial because it helps put pressure on officials or candidates we disagree with, and helps support ones we agree with. Discuss the role marches, protests, contacting elected officials, volunteering for candidates… can play.)
  • We need to feel our elected officials are listening to us. 
    If the audience brings up impeachment, explain what facts make it unrealistic right now. Go over those reasons even if they were discussed earlier in a different context.

For those of us who agree America’s just barely a functioning democracy: Work to help get our country through this crisis.


also seen at town hall:

“Rep. Laura Gillen's Hofstra Town Hall

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 16, 2025. Dr. JOYLETTE WILLIAMS, Democratic candidate for Nassau County Clerk, attends Rep. Gillen’s town hall. (©2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

    • Rep. Gillen’s Hofstra town hall
“Rep. Laura Gillen's Hofstra Town Hall

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 16, 2025. JOE SCIANABLO, Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor, attends Rep. Gillen’s Town Hall at Hofstra University on Long Island. (©2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


fLI FYI:

from authoritarian’s playbook

  • attack the Free Press
  • attack the Rule of Law
  • attack Academic Institutions
  • attack Civil Liberties such as free speech and freedom of religion
  • silence Political Opponents

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

democracy – representative democracy – republic

  • Democracy has different forms, including representative democracy and direct democracy – similar to how a car can be a pickup truck, a limousine, an SUV.
  • Representative democracy and republic are basically the same.
  • Our founders referred to our representative democracy or republic as a democracy

Feature Photo  (at top of post):  Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 16, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA A. GILLEN (NY-04) holds town hall at Hofstra University. 


Rep. Laura Gillen’s town hall:  my PHOTO GALLERY my VIDEOS

Rep. Laura Gillen:  gillen.house.govcontact/newsletter subscribe

Hofstra University:  hofstra.eduDept. of Political Science

Girl Scouts of Nassau County:  gsnc.org

Kim Domage:  facebook.com/kim.domage

Joe Scianablo:  facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575047587490

CONTACT ME


“Rep. Laura Gillen's Hofstra Town Hall

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 16, 2025. U.S. Rep. LAURA GILLEN (D-NY04) holds an in-person town hall at Hofstra University. (©2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The 1.5" medal, designed and sculpted by artist John P. McGraw, is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to U.S. Capitol police and other officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The front features the U.S. Capitol and date January 6th, 2021. On the back, obverse side, "Honoring the service and sacrifice of those who protected the U.S. Capitol" has a 'U.S. Capitol Police 1828' badge above it and a 'Metropolitan Police 1861' badge below it. The medal is mounted with 5 long strands of 21mm copper wire wrapped around the edge of the coin, and one strand wrapped into a loop at top to hang from a necklace. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Mounting the U.S. Mint January 6 Bronze Medal

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry  (annparry.com)
March 31, 2025      

mounting “insurrection coin” with 21mm copper wire

My cousin LOUIS GOLINO is a knowledgeable numismatist who writes for some of the most respected coin organizations and publications.

As a long-time casual coin collector, I enjoy his articles because they’re interesting and he presents solid information in a clear, inviting way.

Recently I read his article “Controversy Surrounds January 6 Medals” in the American Numismatic Association’s readingroom.money.org. 

The 1.5″ and 3″ medals, designed and sculpted by artist JOHN P. McGRAW, are bronze duplicates of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to U.S. Capitol police and other officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. 

“Jan 6 Bronze Medal

The U.S. Mint 1.5″ medal – the obverse shown here – is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to U.S. Capitol police and other officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The front features the U.S. Capitol and date ‘January 6th, 2021.’ (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

After reading the article, I was so interested in the medal – because of the heroes it honors, its design, and the controversy surrounding how the Trump administration altered its official description – that I visited its U.S. Mint page.

The obverse (front side) of the medal prominently features the U.S. Capitol and has “January 6th, 2025” along the bottom.

The reverse (back side) includes design elements quite specific to January 6th. The inscription “Honoring the service and sacrifice of those who protected the U.S. Capitol” has a U.S. Capitol Police 1828 badge above it and a Metropolitan Police 1861 badge below it.

Along the left edge of the back is an American flag with “Act of Congress 2021” at the bottom. That refers to how “Public Law 117-32 authorized ‘four congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.'” [info from usmint.gov]

“Jan 6 Bronze Medal

The U.S. Mint 1.5″ medal – the reverse shown here – is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to U.S. Capitol police and other officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. . (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I ordered the smaller medal, which was a reasonable size (1.5″ diameter) and price ($20). To help make the medals widely available, there’s no mintage limit, product limit, nor household order limit.

Then, after researching online how to mount a coin, I bought 21mm copper wire that’s tarnish resistant, a jewelry wire cutter, and pair of 6 in 1 ball making pliers. 

Mounting the medal/coin
 1.  First wrap 21mm copper wire around the edge of the coin, and add an extra 1.5″ to that length.
Cut five strands of wire each that total length.
 2.  Next, wrap the five strands of wire around the coin, with the middle of the strands at the bottom of the coin.
Using three short pieces of wire, lash the five strands together where they’re at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock around the coin.
 3.  Then, at the top of the coin, wrap a wire (a few inches long) twice around the 10 strands, where the five wires overlap.
With that wire create a loop a necklace cord can fit through.
Next wrap that wire once around the 10 strands, and then twist it around the looped wire so the loop’s two strands thick.
Then wrap the wire around the 10 strands a final two times.
Or use a separate wire to make the loop for the necklace.
 4.  Finally, using the ball pliers, create a small coil from each of the ten ends of wire flaring at the top of the medal.

I’m happy I mounted the January 6 bronze medal and look forward to wearing it hanging from a 3mm thick black woven cord. But I wouldn’t personally mount any coin or medal that’s expensive or has a mintage limit.

Why? Thanks to my imperfect control of the copper wires, my January 6th bronze medal now has little battle scars. (No need to mention that to my cousin Louis)


January 6 Bronze Medal: my PHOTO GALLERY

U.S. Mint: United States Capitol Police and Those Who Protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 Bronze Medalusmint.gov/united-states-capitol-police-and-those-who-protected-the-us-capitol-on-january-6-2021-bronze-medal-MASTER_MDJ6.html

“Controversy Surrounds January 6 Medals” by Louis Golino:  readingroom.money.org/controversy-surrounds-january-6-medals

CONTACT ME

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA A. GILLEN (Democrat NY-04) has her swearing-in celebration in Nassau County, Long Island. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s Swearing-in Celebration

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
January 26, 2025              PHOTO ESSAY

Rep. Laura Gillen’s (NY-04) swearing-in celebration in Elmont

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At left, Rep. STEVE ISRAEL administers oath to Rep. LAURA GILLEN as her husband CHRIS FINEGAN holds the Bible, during Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

While processing my news photos of Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration yesterday, I visited Facebook during a quick break.

I was struck by how powerfully the following Facebook post, and one of its replies in particular, conveyed how it felt being at the event. (I have permission to share them here):


facebook from Lauren Corcoran-Doolin’s facebook post about Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration that afternoon:

Lauren Corcoran-Doolin
January 25 at 6:52pm
Today had some special vibes! Some people just remind you to keep going xo

Tammie Williams-Pittman
January 25 at 10:54pm
It was like a family reunion ❤️ kissy face


“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s brother PETER GILLEN, mother ELAINE GILLEN, and brother JAMES GILLEN pose for photo before the representative’s swearing-in celebration begins at the Elmont Public Library. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

 • Click on any photo to see it in a larger size • 

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At extreme right, NICOLE GRODNER, Local 290 business representative of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters (UBC), and other L.I. union members, are guests at Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman DOROTHY GOOSBY and JONATHAN PREBOST are guests at Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCENassau County Legislator Seth Koslow,  emcee of celebration

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW is the emcee of Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

NATIONAL ANTHEM – Kim Domage, Calvary Tabernacle

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At podium, KIM DOMAGE, from Calvary Tabernacle, sings the National Anthem during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. From L-R are Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral and Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY of Union Baptist Church. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

INVOCATION – Rev. Michael Ngoka, St. Agnes Cathedral

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. Standing at left, Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral, goes to Rep. LAURA GILLEN after he gives the Invocation during her swearing-in celebration.(© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

WELCOME REMARKS – Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. NYS Assemblywoman MICHAELLE SOLAGES gives welcome remarks during Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. L-R, Rep. Laura Gillen’s brother PETER GILLEN, mother ELAINE GILLEN, and two youngest children are listening to NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ remarks during the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. Laura Gillen’s two youngest children are listening to NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ remarks during the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

REMARKS – Congressman Gregory Meeks

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. Rep. GREGORY MEEKS gives remarks during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, Congresswoman  LAURA GILLEN and her husband CHRIS FINEGAN listen to Congressman Meeks’ remarks during Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH – Congressman Steve Israel

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At podium, Rep. STEVE ISRAEL gives remarks during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. Seated, L-R, are Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY of Union Baptist Church, Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN, her husband CHRIS FINEGAN, Congressman GREGORY MEEKS, and KIM DOMAGE.  (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. STEVE ISRAEL makes remarks during Rep. Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

SPECIAL REMARKS & INTRODUCTION – Chris Finegan

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. CHRIS FINEGAN gives special remarks before introducing his wife, Congresswoman Laura Gillen, during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. CHRIS FINEGAN gives a compliment in a humorous, off-hand way before introducing his wife, Rep. Laura Gillen ,during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

REMARKS – Congresswoman Laura Gillen

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. LAURA A. GILLEN ( NY, 4th District) makes remarks during the celebration of her swearing-in as a freshman member of Congress. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. LAURA GILLEN puts her hands to her heart as she gives remarks during her swearing-in celebration. At right are NYS Assemblywoman MICHAELLE SOLAGES and Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

CLOSING PRAYER – Rev. Dr. Sedgwick Easley, Union Baptist Church

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At podium, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY, of Union Baptist Church, gives the Closing Prayer at Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At podium, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY, of Union Baptist Church, gives the Closing Prayer, and, from L-R, are Rep. LAURA GILLEN, her husband CHRIS FINEGAN, and Congressman GREGORY MEEKS, at Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

COMMUNITY

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At lower left, NAGINDER SINGH gives Rep. LAURA GILLEN news articles Singh collected about Gillen’s campaign, at the end of the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, NAGINDER SINGH and Rep. LAURA GILLEN, wearing a fuchsia Indian garment, pose for photo at the end of the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, ELLEN LEDERER DeFRANCESCO and New York State Senator SIELA BYNOE pose for photo during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At right, a guest hugs New York State Senator SIELA BYNOE at the end of Congresswoman Gillen’s swearing-in celebration . (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At center, Rep. LAURA GILLEN poses with union members, including from  Local 290 of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA A. GILLEN (NY-04) gives remarks during her swearing-in celebration at Elmont Public Library.


Congresswoman Laura Gillen event:  my PHOTO GALLERY

Two of my earlier posts featuring Laura Gillen:
• Jan. 2018: Inaugurating a new era for Long Island
• April 2018: Steve Israel brings out his big guns on Long Island

CONTACT ME

Congresswoman Laura Gillen

Elmont, N.Y., U.S. January 25, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN (Dem. NY-04) speaks during her swearing-in celebration at the Elmont Public Library. At right are Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW and N.Y.S. Assembly Deputy Majority Leader MICHAELLE SOLAGES. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)