Category Archives: American Legion

South Merrick, New York, USA. Woman is running uphill on Norman J Levy Park and Preserve Trail, on south shore of Long Island. (© 2014 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Women’s History Month 2021

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
March 8, 2021

  • Feature Photo: South Merrick, New York, USA. Woman runs uphill late afternoon at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve, Long Island.

To celebrate this month: Women’s History Month – and today: International Women’s Day, here are a few of the memorable women, including my daughters Sue and Laurie, I’ve photographed over the past dozen years. Click each photo to see larger image:


Gabby Giffords

“Garden City, New York, USA. April 17, 2016. GABBY GIFFORDS, former United States Congresswoman - as her husband MARK KELLY, former NASA astronaut looks on - speaks about the importance of GOTV, Getting Out The Vote for Hillary Clinton - including because of Clinton's strong position on stricter gun control legislation - at the Canvass Kickoff at the Nassau County Democratic Office in Garden City. Giffords survived an assassination attempt near Tuscon, Arizona, during her first'Congress on Your Corner' event in January 2011. Kelly was a NASA astronaut. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 17, 2016. GABBY GIFFORDS, former United States Congresswoman – as her husband MARK KELLY, former NASA astronaut looks on – speaks about the importance of GOTV, Getting Out The Vote for Hillary Clinton – including because of Clinton’s strong position on stricter gun control legislation – at the Canvass Kickoff at the Nassau County Democratic Office in Garden City. Giffords survived an assassination attempt near Tuscon, Arizona, during her first ‘Congress on Your Corner’ event in January 2011. Kelly was a NASA astronaut. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Soyeon Yi

“Manhattan, NY, USA. October 10, 2015. Astronaut SOYEON YI, the first South Korean in space, is a panelist on Secret Space Escapes - The Real Life Gravity Panel, at the 10th Annual New York Comic Con. Born in 1978, Yi went into space when she was 29, traveling on Russia's Soyuz TMA-12 to the International Space Station (ISS). (© 2015 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Manhattan, NY, USA. October 10, 2015. Astronaut SOYEON YI, the first South Korean in space, is a panelist on Secret Space Escapes – The Real Life Gravity Panel, at the 10th Annual New York Comic Con. Born in 1978, Yi went into space when she was 29, traveling on Russia’s Soyuz TMA-12 to the International Space Station (ISS). (© 2015 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Regina Gill

“Great Neck, New York, U.S. January 2, 2014. REGINA GILL, Founder and Executive Director of the Gold Coast Arts Center, a not-for-profit, poses in its large studio. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Great Neck, N.Y., U.S. January 2, 2014. REGINA GILL, Founder and Executive Director of the Gold Coast Arts Center, a not-for-profit, poses in its large studio. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Sue Moller Erin King Sweeney

“Merrick, NY, USA. Sept. 9, 2017. L-R, SUE MOLLER, (Democrat - Merrick), candidate for Town of Hempstead Council District 6 (and the photographer's daughter); and ERIN KING SWEENEY, (Republican - Wantagh) Town of Hempstead Councilwoman District 5, pause chatting to pose for photo at Merrick Fall Festival. (© 2017 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, NY, USA. Sept. 9, 2017. L-R, SUE MOLLER, (Democrat – Merrick), candidate for Town of Hempstead Council District 6 (and the photographer’s daughter), and ERIN KING SWEENEY, (Republican – Wantagh) Town of Hempstead Councilwoman District 5, pause chatting to pose for photo at Merrick Fall Festival. (© 2017 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Bernice Sims

“Garden City, New York, USA. April 17, 2016. BERNICE SIMS, a campaign volunteer for Democratic presidential primary candidate Hillary Clinton, is working at the Canvass Kickoff at Nassau County Democratic Office. Ms. Sims is a social worker, civil rights activist and author of the 2014 book Detour Before Midnight - her personal account of the last hours she and her family were with the Mississipi Burning civil rights workers killed by the KKK in 1964. (© 2016 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 17, 2016. BERNICE SIMS, a campaign volunteer for Democratic presidential primary candidate Hillary Clinton, is working at Canvass Kickoff at the Nassau County Democratic Office. Ms. Sims is a social worker, civil rights activist and author of the 2014 book ‘Detour Before Midnight’ – her personal account of the last hours she and her family were with the Mississippi Burning civil rights workers killed by the KKK in 1964. (© 2016 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Laura GillenLiuba Grechen ShirleyLaura Curran

“[Photo Composite Illustration] Massapequa, NY, USA. August 5, 2017. L-R, Democrats LAURA GILLEN, Hempstead Town Supervisor; LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY, Congressional candidate for NY 2nd District; and LAURA CURRAN, Nassau County Executive, pose at opening of campaign office. (Setting: Merrick, New York, USA. June 20, 2013. Tern flies over marsh reeds at Levy Park and Preserve, the highest point of South Shore of Nassau County, Long Island.)

[Photo Composite Illustration] Massapequa, NY, USA. Aug. 5, 2017. L-R, LAURA GILLEN, Hempstead Town Supervisor; LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY, Congressional candidate for NY 2nd District; and LAURA CURRAN, Nassau County Executive, all Democrats, pose together during official opening of Shirley’s campaign office. (Setting: Merrick, NY, USA. June 20, 2013. Tern flies over marsh reeds at Levy Park & Preserve.) (© 2017 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Cathy Horvath

“Old Westbury, NY, U.S. August 23, 2014. CATHY HORVATH is with AUGIE, a 4-year-old male Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), from WINORR, Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation, at the 54th Annual Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games, at Old Westbury Gardens. WINORR is run by Cathy and her husband Bobby, licensed animal rehabilitators in North Massapequa. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. August 23, 2014, CATHY HORVATH is with AUGIE, a 4-year-old male Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), from WINORR, Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation, at the 54th Annual Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games, at Old Westbury Gardens. WINORR is run by Cathy and her husband Bobby, licensed animal rehabilitators in North Massapequa. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Laura GillenKathy Hochul

“Hempstead, New York, USA. January 1, 2018. L-R, Hempstead Town Supervisor LAURA GILLEN and New York State Lt. Governor KATHY HOCHUL pose for photo shortly before Lt. Gov. swears-in Gillen, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., USA. January 1, 2018. L-R, Hempstead Town Supervisor LAURA GILLEN and New York State Lt. Governor KATHY HOCHUL pose for photo shortly before the Lt. Gov. and Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (Dem-NY) swear-in Gillen, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Francine Goldstein

“Merrick, NY, USA. May 3, 2018. Francine Goldstein looks forward to her 30th year of participating in AIDS WALK NEW YORK, a fundraising walk and run in Central Park on May 20, 2018, benefiting Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). Goldstein has raised over $500,000 from sponsors over the years, and currently is the 2018 2nd highest fundraiser. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., USA. May 3, 2018. FRANCINE GOLDSTEIN looks forward to her 30th year of participating in AIDS WALK NEW YORK, a fundraising walk and run in Central Park on May 20, 2018, benefiting Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). Goldstein has raised over $500,000 from sponsors over the years, and currently is the 2018 2nd highest fundraiser. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)



Birgit Fioravante  •  Wendy Reynolds

“Merrick, N.Y., U.S. February 21, 2010. Duelling Divas stars, sopranos BIRGIT FIORAVANTE and WENDY REYNOLDS - wear Roman cloaks while singing Mira, O Norma and Casta Diva from Bellini's Norma - in comic opera concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association. (© 2010 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. February 21, 2010. Duelling Divas stars, sopranos BIRGIT FIORAVANTE and WENDY REYNOLDS – wear Roman cloaks while singing Mira, O Norma and Casta Diva from Bellini’s Norma – in comic opera concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association. (© 2010 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

thebirgit.com

facebook.com/WendyReynoldsFindYourVoice


Judy Kennedy

New Paltz, New York, October 16, 2019. Childhood friends Judy Kennedy, who's a singer and banjo player, and the photographer visit historic Mohonk Mountain House, on Lake Mohonk.

New Paltz, N.Y., October 16, 2019. Childhood friends JUDY MCCARTHY KENNEDY, who’s a singer and ukulele player, and (not shown) Ann Parry, the photographer, visit historic Mohonk Mountain House. Trip was birthday gift from Parry’s daughter. (@ 20219 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) click image to see color version


Lori Belilove 

“Old Westbury, New York, U.S. - June 21, 2014 - Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company dances modern dance in Greek tunics throughout the gardens during the Midsummer Night event at the historic Long Island Gold Coast estate of Old Westbury Gardens. Ms. Belilove is wearing a Greek white tunic and purple over-scarf. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. – June 21, 2014 – LORI BELILOVE, of Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company, performs modern dance in Greek tunics throughout the gardens during the Midsummer Night event at the historic Long Island Gold Coast estate of Old Westbury Gardens. Ms. Belilove is wearing a Greek white tunic and purple over-scarf. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Sheimyrah Mighty

“East Meadow, New York, U.S. October 15, 2008. SHEIMYRAH MIGHTY, a 10-year-old Haitian American singer, walks across stage of Harry Chapin Theater after singing God Bless America at start of Obama Rally at Eisenhower Park. (© 2008 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

East Meadow, N.Y., U.S. October 15, 2008. SHEIMYRAH MIGHTY, a 10-year-old Haitian American singer, walks across stage of Harry Chapin Theater after singing God Bless America at start of Obama Rally at Eisenhower Park. (© 2008 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Ajna Jai  •  Stephanie Donnelly

“Bellmore, New York, USA. July 18, 2018. L-R, AJNA JAI, actor playing title character of The Adventures of Penny Patterson, and STEPHANIE DONNELLY, director and writer of the short film, pose before movie screens at LIIFE 2018, the Long Island International Film Expo. The comedy, sci-fi, woman directed film, about a high school student facing obstacles to winning science fair when her boyfriend becomes a superhero, was nominated at LIIFE for Best Student Film. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Bellmore, N.Y., USA. July 18, 2018. L-R, AJNA JAI, actor playing title character of The Adventures of Penny Patterson, and STEPHANIE DONNELLY, director and writer of the short film, pose before movie screens at LIIFE 2018, the Long Island International Film Expo. The comedy, sci-fi, woman directed film, about a high school student facing obstacles to winning science fair when her boyfriend becomes a superhero, was nominated at LIIFE for Best Student Film. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

stephaniedonnellyfilms.com

ajnajai.com


Marie Delus

“Port Washington, New York, USA. April 11, 2016. MARIE DELUS who lost her nephew Pierre-Paul Jean-Paul in Queens, is a panelist on gun violence prevention with other activists who lost family members due to shootings, and with Hillary Clinton and Rep. S. Israel. (© 2016 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Port Washington, N.Y., USA. April 11, 2016. MARIE DELUS who lost her nephew Pierre-Paul Jean-Paul in Queens, is a panelist on gun violence prevention with other activists who lost family members due to shootings, and with Hillary Clinton and Rep. S. Israel. (© 2016 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Jane Braden-Golay

“Merrick, New York, USA. January 21, 2015. JANE BRADEN-GOLAY, from Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and President of the European Union of Jewish Students, is speaking at the Merrick Jewish Centre the night before she is scheduled to address - upon the invitation of Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations - ambassadors and civil rights leaders at Rep. Power's residence, after the first United Nations General Assembly meeting on rise of anti-Semitic violence worldwide. AJC Long Island and Merrick Jewish Centre presented the event

Merrick, N.Y., USA. January 21, 2015. JANE BRADEN-GOLAY, from Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and President of the European Union of Jewish Students, is speaking at the Merrick Jewish Centre the night before she is scheduled to address – upon the invitation of Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations – ambassadors and civil rights leaders at Rep. Power’s residence, after the first United Nations General Assembly meeting on rise of anti-Semitic violence worldwide. AJC Long Island and Merrick Jewish Centre presented the event “Terrorism in France – Where Do We Go From Here?” with speaker Braden-Golay, a senior at the University of Zurich. (© 2015 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Shelly Strickler

“New Hyde Park, New York, U.S. March 25, 2014. SHELLY STRICKLER, NYC broadcast journalist who was a long time anchor and reporter for WOR Radio, discusses how the media has handled political scandals from 1900 to the present. Strickler received the New York Press Club's President Award in 2013 for blazing a trail for women in radio. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

New Hyde Park, N.Y., U.S. March 25, 2014. SHELLY STRICKLER, NYC broadcast journalist who was a long time anchor and reporter for WOR Radio, discusses how the media has handled political scandals from 1900 to the present. Strickler received the New York Press Club’s President Award in 2013 for blazing a trail for women in radio. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Janet Hamlin

“Hempstead, NY, U.S. November 12, 2013. Janet Hamlin, a courtroom artist covering the military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay since 2006, shows her charcoal drawings and discusses her work at Hofstra University. Much of the time she was the only journalist providing a visual record of the events at the United States naval base in Cuba, and her new book

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. November 12, 2013. JANET HAMLIN, a courtroom artist covering the military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay since 2006, shows her charcoal drawings and discusses her work at Hofstra University. Much of the time she was the only journalist providing a visual record of the events at the United States naval base in Cuba, and her new book “Sketching Guantanamo” is a collection of her images. (© 2013 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Laurie Grab  •  Chandri Barat

“Roslyn, New York, U.S. September 13, 2019. L-R, LAURIE GRAB, a social worker from Merrick (and the photographer's daughter), and CHANDRI BARAT, are at ANIMODULES Agents of Peace exhibit Farewell Reception and Founders' talk by GARY BARAT and CHANDRI BARAT, at the Nassau County Museum of Art's Manes Art & Education Center, named for Dr. Harvey Manes, who was in attendance and spearheaded the exhibit. (© 2019 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Roslyn, N.Y., U.S. September 13, 2019. L-R, LAURIE GRAB, a social worker from Merrick (and the photographer’s daughter), and CHANDRI BARAT, are at ANIMODULES Agents of Peace exhibit Farewell Reception and Founders’ talk by GARY BARAT and CHANDRI BARAT, at the Nassau County Museum of Art’s Manes Art & Education Center, named for Dr. Harvey Manes, who was in attendance and spearheaded the exhibit. (© 2019 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Lori Horowitz

“Massapequa, New York, USA. September 18, 2014. LORI HOROWITZ, artist and gallery owner, is sitting on her sculpture, Truths Without Consequences, a gigantic naked baby on an open crib, as a young woman visitor also interacts with the artwork during the Studio 5404 Art Space opening reception for the art show Taking it to the Street. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Massapequa, N.Y., USA. Sept. 18, 2014. LORI HOROWITZ, artist and gallery owner, is sitting on her sculpture, Truths Without Consequences, a gigantic naked baby on an open crib, as a young woman visitor also interacts with the artwork during the Studio 5404 Art Space opening reception for the art show Taking it to the Street. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)



Sharon Williams

““Merrick,

Merrick, N.Y., USA. May 28, 2012. American Legion Auxiliary members SHARON WILLIAMS and her granddaughters MADISON and JACQUELINE are marching in the Merrick Memorial Day Parade. Their Merrick Post 1282 hosted the parade and ceremony. (© 2012 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Hillary Clinton

“Port Washington, New York, USA. 11th April 2016. HILLARY CLINTON, leading Democratic presidential primary candidate, has a discussion on gun violence prevention with Rep. S. Israel, and with activists who lost family members due to shootings. Clinton, the former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator from New York, called for stronger gun legislation and vowed to take on the gun lobby NRA National Rifle Association. (© 2016 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Port Washington, N.Y., USA. April 11, 2016. HILLARY CLINTON, leading Democratic presidential primary candidate, has a discussion on gun violence prevention with Rep. S. Israel, and with activists who lost family members due to shootings. Clinton, the former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator from New York, called for stronger gun legislation and vowed to take on the gun lobby NRA National Rifle Association. (© 2016 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Claudia Borecky

“Merrick, New York, U.S. April 9, 2011. Claudia Borecky, of Merrick, is a Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead Council. This civic leader's experience includes being a Nassau County Board of Elections worker, a Nassau County legislative aide, and reporter for Merrick Life. (© 2011 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 9, 2011. CLAUDIA BORECKY, of Merrick, is a Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead Council. This civic leader’s experience includes being a Nassau County Board of Elections worker, a Nassau County legislative aide, and reporter for Merrick Life.(© 2011 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Sylvia Cabana

“Hempstead, NY, U.S. January 1, 2018. SYLVIA CABANA, at podium, speaks after being sworn in as Hempstead Town Clerk, and LAURA GILLEN, just sworn in as Hempstead Town Supervisor, sits at left in front row with family, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. January 1, 2018. SYLVIA CABANA speaks at podium after being sworn in as the first Latin women Hempstead Town Clerk, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)


Kathleen Rice

“Bellmore, New York, U.S. 22nd September 2013. Nassau County District Attorney KATHLEEN RICE (Democrat), running for re-election in November to a third term in office, makes a campaign stop to the 27th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival. (© 2013 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Bellmore, N.Y., U.S. September 22, 2013. Nassau County District Attorney KATHLEEN RICE (Democrat), running for re-election in November to a third term in office, makes a campaign stop to the 27th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival. (© 2013 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Liuba Grechen Shirley

““Long Island, New York, USA. October 15, 2017. Congressional candidate Liuba Grechen Shirley is with her daughter Mila.

Long Island, N.Y., USA. October 15, 2017. Congressional candidate (NY-02) LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY is with her daughter MILA. During her campaign, Shirley gained nationwide attention when she successfully petitioned the FEC, Federal Election Commission, for the right to use campaign funds to cover childcare. (© 2017 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


International Women’s Day 2021: #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021

InternationalWomensDay.com

brief timeline:

1911 – International Women’s Day is first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, on March 19th.

1913 – Russian women observe the first International Women’s Day on February 23, which is then changed to March 8th. In 1914, women across Europe – including in London, UK – hold rallies expressing women’s solidarity.

1975 – The United Nations starts celebrating International Women’s Day.

2001 – site launches to re-energize movement and to provide guidance and resources, and adopts an annual campaign theme.


Women’s History Month 2021: “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced”

WomensHistoryMonth.gov

brief timeline:

1978 – “Women’s History Week” starts in California.

1980 – President Jimmy Carter declares the Week of March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week, and following presidents continue.

1987 – Congress passes law designating each March as “Women’s History Month,” and starting 1995, each president issues annual proclamation designating March “Women’s History Month.”


my Photo Gallery: Women’s History Month 2021

Breast Cancer Research Foundation:  bcrf.org

CONTACT ME

Levittown, New York, USA. June 4, 2018. L-R, Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory and Liuba Grechen Shirley are Congressional District 2 Democratic primary candidates that meet to debate, which is held by Seaford Wantagh Democratic Club at Levittown Hall. (© 2018 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Grechen Shirley & Gregory Debate: Rivals of ‘The King’

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
June 6, 2018

DISCLOSURE: Photography I’ve done for Liuba Grechen Shirley has appeared elsewhere, but nowhere on this post.

Levittown, NY, USA. June 4, 2018. Debate between Congressional District 2 Democratic primary candidates Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory and Liuba Grechen Shirley, held by Seaford Wantagh Democratic Club at Levittown Hall.

Levittown, NY, USA. June 4, 2018. Debate between Congressional District 2 Democratic primary candidates Suffolk County Legislator DUWAYNE GREGORY and LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY, is held at Levittown Hall. (© 2018 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

On June 26th, Democratic Primary voters in NY Congressional District 2 will determine which candidate – LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY or Leg. DUWAYNE GREGORY – challenges the long-entrenched Republican incumbent in the midterm election.

Levittown, NY, USA. June 4, 2018. Candidate Liuba Grechen Shirley speaks during Congressional District 2 Democratic primary debate with Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory held by Seaford Wantagh Democratic Club at Levittown Hall. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Levittown, NY, USA. June 4, 2018. Candidate LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY speaks during NY Congressional District 2 Democratic primary debate with Suffolk County Legislator DUWAYNE GREGORY at Levittown Hall. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Community organizer, business and non-profit leader Liuba Grechen Shirley and Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory faced each other Monday, June 4, in a debate held by the Seaford Wantagh Democratic Club at Levittown Hall.

Levittown, NY, USA. June 4, 2018. Candidate Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory speaks during Congressional District 2 Democratic primary debate with Liuba Grechen Shirley held by Seaford Wantagh Democratic Club at Levittown Hall. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Levittown, NY, USA. June 4, 2018. Candidate Suffolk County Legislator DUWAYNE GREGORY speaks during NY Congressional District 2 Democratic primary debate with LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY at Levittown Hall. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The two Democrats, not surprisingly, have much more in common than not, but there are differences and points they each stressed.

Gregory is the Majority Leader of the Suffolk County Legislature, where he’s been legislator for the 15th District since 2008, compared to Grechen Shirley who hasn’t held an elected office.

Grechen Shirley’s fundraising efforts have been more successful; plus, the mother of two toddlers recently gained national attention when she became the first female congressional candidate to get FEC approval to use campaign donations for childcare when she’s working on her campaign.

The following short videos – each about 5 minutes – are Gregory’s and  Grechen Shirley’s closing statements, and give insights about the candidates and the goals each would have if elected to congress:

  • VIDEO – DuWayne Gregory’s closing statement:

  • VIDEO – Liuba Grechen Shirley’s closing statement:

The candidates most forcefully voiced opposition for their Republican opponent running for his 14th term, Rep. Pete King, a politician they agreed neither reflects the values, nor serves the needs, of his constituents well.

When an audience member asked Gregory and Grechen Shirley what would happen if he or she didn’t win the June 26th primary – each promised to support the winner’s campaign to unseat King. 


Gregory & Grechen Shirley Debate:   my PHOTO GALLERY

CONTACT ME

North Merrick, New York, USA. March 31, 2018. Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN flings her arms up high after cutting the yellow tape to start the Egg Hunt at the Annual Eggstravaganza, held at Fraser Park and hosted by North and Central Merrick Civic Association (NCMCA) and Merrick's American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1282. Young children rush to collect eggs in their Easter baskets. (© 2018 Ann Parry, Ann-Parry.com)

Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt at Fraser Park

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
April 3, 2018

Like jelly beans spilling out of cellophane bags, children rushed onto Fraser Park field to hunt for 1,600 eggs during the 16th Annual Eggstravaganza, held Saturday in North Merrick. Though snow was (correctly) predicted for that night, it was sunny, spring-jacket weather the morning of the Egg Hunt.

North Merrick, New York, USA. March 31, 2018. Young children eagerly wait behind yellow tape for start of Easter Egg Hunt at the Annual Eggstravaganza, held at Fraser Park. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, New York, USA. March 31, 2018. Young children eagerly wait behind yellow tape for start of Easter Egg Hunt at the Annual Eggstravaganza, held at Fraser Park. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN officially started the Egg Hunt, and visitors also had the chance to meet and chat with Hempstead Town Supervisor LAURA GILLEN and Hempstead Town Clerk SYLVIA CABANA.

The Eggstravaganza co-hosts were North and Central Merrick Civic Association – which had its new co-presidents SUE MOLLER and LOU CICCONE keeping the event running smoothly – and American Legion Auxiliary 1282, which had President FLORENCE HOFFMAN and many other members manning the Entrance and art activity tables & more.

North Merrick, NY, USA. March 31, 2018. At right, Town of Hempstead Supervisor LAURA GILLEN chucks 8-month-old EMMA HALPERN under the chin, while Emma is held by her mom KELLY HALPERN, as dad MATT HALPERN looks on, at the Annual Eggstravaganza. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, NY, USA. March 31, 2018. At right, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen chucks 8-month-old Emma Halpern under the chin, while Emma is held by her mom Kelly Halpern, as dad Matt Halpern looks on, at the Annual Eggstravaganza. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

North Merrick, NY, USA. March 31, 2018. At center, Hempstead Town Supervisor LAURA GILLEN (in pink coat) and Hempstead Town Clerk SYLVIA CABANA (in brown jacket), pose with members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1282, which was a co-host of event: L-R, SUE MOLLER, FLORENCE HOFFMAN, MATTIA SARACENI, SHARON WILLIAMS, FAY AMBROSINO, and BARBARA BYRNE, at Eggstravaganza held at Fraser Park. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, NY, USA. March 31, 2018. At center, Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen (in pink coat) and Hempstead Town Clerk SYLVIA CABANA (in brown jacket), pose with members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1282, a co-host of event: L-R, Sue Moller, Florence Hoffman, Mattia Saraceni, Sharon Williams, Fay Ambrosino, and Barbara Byrne at Eggstravaganza held at Fraser Park. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Other community leaders at the event included WENDY GARGIULO, President of the North Merrick Board of Education; and ALISON FRANKEL, President of South Bellmore Civic Association (SBCA).

North Merrick, New York, USA. March 31, 2018. Sitting at table, LUCY MURPHY, member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 1282 and (right of her) SUE MOLLER, co-Pres. of NCMCA, and others are at Entrance table to Eggstravaganza at Fraser Park. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

North Merrick, New York, USA. March 31, 2018. Sitting at table, Lucy Murphy, member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 1282 and (right of her) Sue Moller, co-Pres. of NCMCA, and others are at Entrance table to Eggstravaganza at Fraser Park. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Brittany the Balloon Lady, of Balloons by Brittany, was a big hit – including with my grandson and granddaughter who were there with their mom and dad.

North Merrick, NY, USA. March 31, 2018. Back Row, L-R, Hempstead Town Clerk SYLVIA CABANA; BETTY TUCKER (clown) a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1282; Hempstead Town Supervisor LAURA GILLEN; and SUE MOLLER, Co-President of North and Central Merrick Civic Association; pose with Easter Bunny and children at the Annual Eggstravaganza at Fraser Park. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, NY, USA. March 31, 2018. Back Row, L-R, Hempstead Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana; Betty Tucker (clown) a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1282; Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen; and Sue Moller, Co-Pres. of North & Central Merrick Civic Assoc.; pose with Easter Bunny and children at Eggstravaganza at Fraser Park. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

And the Easter Bunny – the furriest special guest at the Eggstravaganza – looked very hoppy to sit on a park bench with children as their parents took photos.

FEATURE PHOTO (at top): North Merrick, New York, USA. March 31, 2018. Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN flings her arms up high after cutting the yellow tape to start the Egg Hunt at the Annual Eggstravaganza, held at Fraser Park and hosted by North and Central Merrick Civic Association (NCMCA) and Merrick’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1282. 


Eggstravaganza North Merrick 2018:  PHOTO GALLERY

Facebook:  North and Central Merrick Civic Association

CONTACT ME