From Long Island

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Eisenhower Park Through Z Lens

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 11, 2022

a walk in the park

Soon after my Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera arrived, I researched which Z lens was best for walking around, for travel.

I ordered the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S. It captures a useful range of distances, has excellent focus, and – weighing a bit under 1.5 pounds – isn’t too heavy to carry for at least a couple of hours.

The Sunday after the lens arrived from B&H Photo Video, the weather was actually springlike, rather than the rainy days before it.

So I chose focus and color camera settings good for landscapes, and went to Eisenhower Park in East Meadow for a test run of the Nikon Z9 + Nikkor Z 24-120mm combo.

NOTE: I used DxO PhotoLab 5.2 to process the above photos.

Walking around the lake, I captured images of the Veterans Memorial along the east side and the 9/11 towers sculpture area on the west side.

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): East Meadow, N.Y, U.S. April 2, 2022. The Nassau County Veterans Memorial is seen from across Eisenhower Park Lake.

Eisenhower Park + Nikkor Z 24-120mm lens: my Photo Gallery

Nassau County, N.Y. gov’t site: Eisenhower Park

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T.A.G. You’re It! – Nikon Z9

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
March 25, 2022

Figuratively Speaking – The Art Guild
Exhibit: March. 13 – April 2, 2022
200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset

The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking Reception

I went to The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking reception with my Nikon Z9 and BOB STUHMER, who had his colorful “Jack and The Beanstalk Giant” illustration in the exhibit:

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. BOB STUHMER poses next to his illustration “Jack and the Beanstalk Giant” at the The Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The reception was days after my Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera arrived – 4 months after I ordered it!

I used the only native Z lens I had at that point – the macro Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens.

Though a brilliant prime lens for capturing portraits, the 105mm is hilariously ill-suited as a solo pro lens for capturing events. That’s why I used my iPhone 13 Pro to capture the group photo near the start of this post. I would have had to back up into the next room to capture it with the 105mm lens.

But I was more interested in getting used to the new lens than the new Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II that makes it possible to use my array of F-mount lenses on the Z series camera.

It was a fun challenge.

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. Judge STEVE LAMPASONA and winners, L-R, MELISSA MORA - Honorable Mention, MICHELE GARFIELD - 3rd Place winner, JAN GUARINO - First Place, ALICE RIORDAN - Honorable Mention, KAY VICKERS - 2nd Place, and JUDY VINE - Honorable Mention, pose during Reception for The Art Guild's Figuratively Speaking Exhibit at Elderfields.

Manhasset, NY, U.S. March 13, 2022. The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking reception:

(above photo) At center, Juror of Awards STEVE LAMPASONA, & winners (L-R) • MELISSA MORA, Honorable Mention • MICHELE GARFIELD, Third Place • JAN GUARINO, 1st Place • ALICE RIORDAN, Honorable Mention • KAY VICKERS, 2nd Place • & JUDY VINE, Honorable Mention • pose at The Art Guild’s Reception for Figuratively Speaking Exhibit. (iPhone 13 Pro)

Here’s a portrait of First Place winner JAN GUARINO. The JPG is straight from the memory card:

Here’s another portrait of Jan Guarino. I used Nik’s Silver Efex Pro 3 to process the raw file:

Here’s a portrait of LUCAS VICKERS with his wife. I used Nik’s Viveza to slightly adjust the JPG.

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. LUCAS VICKERS and his wife, of Astoria, attend The Art Guild’s reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. His mother KAY VICKERS won Second Place for her pastel “Union Square” of Lucas. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

KAY VICKERS‘ “Union Square” – a pastel portrait of her son Lucas (see above photo) – won Second Place:

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. KAY VICKERS won Second Place for her pastel “Union Square” of her son, at The Art Guild’s reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I captured this portrait of a cheerful visitor during the awards presentation, but later on I couldn’t find her or anyone who knew her. Woman of Mystery:

Here’s STEVE LAMPASONA, the Juror of Awards:

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. STEVE LAMPASONA, the Juror of Awards of The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking contest, participates at its reception and awards ceremony. at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Steve Lampasona has his silver point and graphite portrait “Rén with the Mane” on display at the Figuratively Speaking exhibit:

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. Juror of Awards Steve Lampasona has his silver point and graphite portrait ‘Ren with the Mane’ on display at The Art Guild reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Here’s a portrait I captured of a young woman as she and her companion chatted with Lampasona at the exhibit:

Here’s the same above photo processed differently:

MELISSA MORA won an Honorable Mention for her printmaking Chine-collé “Don’t Let It Enter (1/4).” RAPHAEL, almost two years old, and his mom were two of her family members who attended the reception:

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. RAPHAEL, almost two-years-old, and his mother, whose sister Melissa Mora who won an Honorable Mention, attend the The Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Some who helped make event happen:
• SHELLEY HOLTZMAN, Co-President T.A.G.
• LISA GROSSMAN, Executive Director T.A.G.
• SONA HYDE Gallery Manager T.A.G.

Photo processing software

DxO PureRaw 2 covers the Nikon Z9 + Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 lens combo, so I used it to process the raw files before working further on them in any other software, such as Photoshop – On1 Portrait AI – and, from the Nik Collection: Silver Efex Pro 3 and Viveza.

NOTE: LINKS to others’ products & sites are for readers’ convenience only.

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Manhasset, N.Y, U.S. March 13, 2022. L-R, Judge STEVE LAMPASONA and First Place winner JAN GUARINO flank her watercolor at The Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibition.

T.A.G. Reception: my Photo Gallery

The Art Guild: theartguild.org

• Michele Garfield: michelegarfield.com

• Jan Guarino: janguarinofineart.com

• Steve Lampasona: lampasona.com

• Bob Stuhmer: bobstuhmer.com

• Judy Vine: instagram.com/judy.vine/

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Women’s History Month 2021

• facebook.com/WendyReynoldsFindYourVoice

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:

Laura Gillen • Kathy 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)

twitter.com/LtGovHochulNY

Gabby Giffords

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)

giffords.org

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)

twitter.com/mscoolastro

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)

Bernice Sims

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)

facebook.com/bernice.sims1

Laura Gillen • Liuba Grechen Shirley • Laura 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)

twitter.com/NassauExecutive

Cathy Horvath

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)

facebook: WINOOR

Francine Goldstein

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)

gmhc.org/francine-goldstein-promise

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)

• thebirgit.com

Judy Kennedy

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, N.Y., U.S. – June 21, 2014 – 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)

isadoraduncan.org

Sheimyrah Mighty

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)

reverbnation.com/sheimyrahmighty

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

Regina Gill

goldcoastarts.org

Marie Delus

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)

everytown.org

Jane Braden-Golay

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)

twitter.com/JaneB_G

Shelly Strickler

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)

starringthestricklers.com

Janet Hamlin

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)

janethamlin.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)

baratfoundation.org

Lori Horowitz

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)

www.lorihorowitz.com

Sharon Williams

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)

merrickpost1282.org/americanlegionauxiliary.html

Hillary Clinton

Port Washington, N.Y., 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)

hillaryclinton.com

Claudia Borecky

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

Kathleen Rice

Bellmore, N.Y., 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)

twitter.com/RepKathleenRice

Liuba Grechen Shirley

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)

votemama.org

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

Turning an Obstacle into a Sweet Tool

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
May 7, 2020

reflecting on an essential errand

Last weekend I drove to my fiancé Bob’s home to drop off a banker’s dozen of blueberry hazelnut oatmeal cups. Because Long Island is a hot spot of the Coronavirus pandemic, I hoped the box of breakfasts would help delay his next trip to the supermarket.

Earlier that week, when trying my first and only cup, I was unpleasantly surprised how the sugar overpowered the grain-fruit-nut combo, but Bob famously enjoys eating any food that isn’t a hard boiled egg.

“Garden City Park, New York, U.S. May 2, 2020. Behind Bob Stuhmer, social distancing in his front yard, is box of food, on Long Island. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Garden City Park, New York, U.S. May 2, 2020. Bob Stuhmer, social distancing in his front yard, has box of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Blueberry Hazelnut Oatmeal Cups on his stoop. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

After I parked across from Bob’s house, our social distancing swap-dance began:

I carried the oatmeal box to his front stoop, where I left it, and then walked back to the curb.

Then Bob came outside, walked to a curb area far from me, and left a bag with two bottles of chardonnay he picked up from outside the entrance of a nearby liquor store.

He went back by his stoop, and I picked up the bag, put it in my car trunk, and returned to the curb.

“Garden City Park, New York, U.S. May 2, 2020. Dusk falls on suburban street in Long Island. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

As we were chatting, Bob looked up and past me, saying, “Look at the beautiful sky!” I turned around to see the golds, pinks, mauves and violets of dusk grow.

Using my iPhone 11 Pro, I captured a colorful photo, but along with the sky and houses, it included a less-than-picturesque parked car (mine) across the street, and a truck parked along the curb next to me.

Faced with the intriguing challenge, and after some trial and error, I decided to stand at the side of the truck and position my cell phone by its roof.

The truck, which had been a distraction, an obstacle, transformed into a giant reflector that helped me capture intriguing scenes. Yes!

fyi fLI
Because I must avoid gluten, it’s crucial I use reliable brands of gluten free food, such as Bob’s Red Mill. Thought not a fan of the oatmeal flavor I gave Bob, I’ve been enjoying their Apple Pieces and Cinnamon, Maple with Raisin, and Organic Classic oatmeal during the Novel Coronavirus “New York State on PAUSE” stay-at-home.

Bob’s Red Mill is in partnership with No Kid Hungry (NoKidHungry.org).

FEATURE PHOTO at top of post: Garden City Park, NY, U.S. May 2, 2020. Dusk falls on suburbia, including Engel home, on Long Island.

Garden City Park at Dusk: my PHOTO GALLERY

COVID-19 useful links:

New York State gov’t: Novel Coronavirus
CNN: Coronavirus news, tips, podcast
New York Times: Coronavirus news & useful guidance
Newsday: Coronavirus blog
World Health Org: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

Earth Day 2020: PAUSE & Webbed Feet

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
April 28, 2020

How I spent Earth Day on Long Island

SLIDESHOW – “Mill Pond Park, Earth Day 2020” with music
Click lower right corner of video to view full-screen:

Months ago, I ordered a box of 20 disposable N-95 masks. By the time they arrived, not long ago, many local first responders were short on Personal Protective Equipment and could use the masks more than I did.

After reading L.I. Herald reporter Andrew Garcia’s article on the Bellmore-Merrick EMS and how it needed PPE, I put on my makeshift face mask, grabbed the unopened box of N-95s, and drove to the not-for-profit’s nearby Bellmore HQ.

• EMT ALEX DOOLEY of Bellmore-Merrick EMS:

While dropping off the masks outside the EMS entrance door, I asked EMT ALEX DOOLEY what protective equipment donations the first responders particularly needed, other than masks, and she immediately said “gowns.”

Since dusk wasn’t far off when I left, I decided to capture Earth Day photos at a nearby South Shore park.

Normally I’d head west to Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve in Merrick, but it was closed because its sprawling trails and secluded areas weren’t social-distancing-friendly and Long Island was a major hot spot for the Covid-19 pandemic. So I instead headed east to Mill Pond Park in Wantagh.

The park borders Merrick Road, where I parked, joining two or three other cars already there, and adjusted my face mask after getting out of the car.

• [digitally colored] Panorama of Mill Pond Park at dusk:

Wantagh, New York, U.S. April 22, 2020. Family feeds swan and geese at Mill Pond Park, as dusk approaches during Earth Day. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

My iPhone 11 Pro was the best and only camera I had with me. Its 2X optical zoom helped make it possible to capture photos I otherwise couldn’t have while Governor Cuomo’s executive order “New York State on PAUSE” is in effect, currently from March 22 to May 15, 2020.

New York State on PAUSE “NY State remains on PAUSE through May 15. All non-essential workers are directed to work from home, and everyone is required to wear a face covering and maintain a 6-foot distance from others in public”

FEATURE PHOTO at top of post: Wantagh, New York, U.S. April 22, 2020. Two fishermen wearing waders fish at Mill Pond Park on Earth Day as dusk approaches.

Bellmore-Merrick EMS: Membership Inquiry • Donate

LIHerald.com: Subscribe • Donate

Mill Pond Park 2020 Earth Day: my PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO: vimeo.com/annparry/millpondpark2020

long ago last month, at fotofoto gallery

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
March 31, 2020

putting a pin in it

MY ANSWER: Fotofoto gallery’s “Your Best Shot” Reception, on February 29, 2020, for its Open Photography Push-Pin Exhibition

QUESTION: What’s the most recent social gathering of two or more people you’ve attended?

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. DONNA LYNN STEIN, of Centerport, is at fotofoto gallery reception for its ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography push-pin exhibition. Susan Tiffen, her mother-in-law, was a Best in Show co-winner. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

On Leap Day, I got a chance to see my friends and their photography at the fotofoto gallery push-pin event in Huntington.

Then March came in like a lion that quickly became an invasion of COVID-19 lions. Serious and smart social distancing became a must.

So my above answer will be my answer for the foreseeable future.

SUSAN TIFFEN (@SusanTiffen1)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. Susan Tiffen poses under to her photo ‘Jones Beach Babe,’ a Best in Show co-winner, as her son takes her picture during reception at fotofoto gallery for its ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography push-pin exhibition. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. SUSAN TIFFEN, of Roslyn Heights, poses under her photo ‘Jones Beach Babe,’ a Best in Show co-winner, as her son and daughter-in-law take her picture during reception at fotofoto gallery for its ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography push-pin exhibition. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

SUSAN SILKOWITZ (@ssilkowitz)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. SUSAN K. SILKOWITZ points to her photo during fotofoto gallery reception for its ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography push-pin exhibition. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

C SLOGGATT WOLFF (@c.wolf.5)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. Artist C SLOGGATT WOLFF is at fotofoto gallery reception for its ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography push-pin exhibition. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

AHMAD HARMON photos (@Ahmadshotya) My favorite photos by an artist I didn’t know about until the fotofoto reception:

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. Photographs by AHMAD HARMON are among those displayed at fotofoto gallery's 'Your Best Shot' Open Photography exhibition, seen during its Reception. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. Photographs by AHMAD HARMON, of Newport News, Virginia, are among those displayed at fotofoto gallery’s ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography exhibition, seen during its Reception. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

LINDA LOUIS (LindaLouisArt.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. Artist LINDA STAALLONE LOUIS and her husband are at fotofoto gallery reception for its ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography push-pin exhibition, which includes her photo of her young granddaughter. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. Artist LINDA STALLONE LOUIS and her DAVE, both of Dix Hills, are at fotofoto gallery reception for its ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography push-pin exhibition, which includes her photo of her young granddaughter. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FOTOFOTO GALLERY (facebook fotofoto gallery group)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. Seen from a sidewalk sign and fotofoto gallery reception for its 'Your Best Shot' Open Photography push-pin exhibition. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

BOB STUHMER (BobStuhmer.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. BOB STUHMER waits across the street from the Paramount Theater while his friend captures photos, after they left the nearby fotofoto gallery reception. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. February 29, 2020. BOB STUHMER, of Garden City Park, waits across the street from the Paramount Theater while his girlfriend captures photos, during their walk from fotofoto gallery to RAVAGH PERSIAN GRILL Huntington. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

fotofoto finish

FEATURE PHOTO at top of post [NOTE: digital isolation of photos] Huntington, NY, U.S. Feb. 29, 2020. Photographs in the fotofoto gallery ‘Your Best Shot’ Open Photography exhibition are attached to walls with push-pins. Below are Facebook links of photographers, when possible:

Photographs, clockwise, starting upper left: VICTORIA JORGLEWICH @Victoria6868 (wet beach boardwalk) • DEBORAH KITTNER @DeborahKittnerPhotography (hot air balloons) • DEBORAH KITTNER (tulip) • ART LEIBOWITZ (mother child diamond wall) • LINDA LOUIS LindaLouisArt.com (granddaughter) • ART LEIBOWITZ (hazy beach fencing) • ART LEIBOWITZ (Extremely Loud Incredibly Close, NYC) • DEBORAH KITTNER (sunflowers butterfly) • VICTORIA JORGLEWICH (train tracks sunbeams)

fotofoto gallery reception: my photo gallery

fotofoto gallery: site • facebook

New York State gov’t: Novel Coronavirus
CNN: Coronavirus news, tips, podcast
New York Times: Coronavirus news & useful guidance
World Health Org: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

The Art Guild Photography Exhibit: Everything Old is New Again

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
February 9, 2020

“Everything Old is New Again” at The Art Guild:
Exhibit: Feb. 1 – 23, 2020 • HOURS • MAP
200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030

The Art Guild past & present (video with music, 2013-2020):

I got such happy news recently – my photograph “The Three Graces” won First Place in The Art Guild’s current Photography Exhibit: “Everything Old is New Again.”

TAG board members and the juror stressed how each photographer with work in the exhibit had reason to be proud, since there were over 200 entries, and Elderfields has room to display about 65 pictures.

Old Westbury, New York, U.S. 22nd June 2013. Dances by Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company, with appearances by the Beliloveables, are performed by dancers at the Midsummer Night event at Old Westbury Gardens, throughout the illuminated grounds of the historic Long Island Gold Coast estate. (© 2013 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, U.S. Three dancers in the Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company perform “The Three Graces” dance at the Midsummer Night event at Old Westbury Gardens. (original photos © 2013 / Oval photo completed 2020. Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

“The Three Graces” is part of my multi-year photographic series of Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company performing on the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens, an historic estate on the Gold Coast of Long Island.

I captured the photos used to create “The Three Graces” during a dance of the mythological trio at the South Allee, a vast evergreen-lined path unfurling from the rear of the mansion, and I completed the oval photo in 2020.

Expressing and unifying the dichotomy of the eternal and ephemeral, individual and group, past and present… helped inspire “The Three Graces.”

Big thanks to TAG member Steven Silberstein for capturing this photo during awards ceremony:

Manhasset, NY, U.S., Feb. 1, 2020. L-R, Board Member DAVE WOLLIN, 1st Place winner ANN PARRY, and Judge HAROLD NAIDEAU pose at The Art Guild exhibition Everything Old is New Again, at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2020 Steven Silberstein)

Juror HAROLD NAIDEAU is a photographer, artist, and educator. He teaches photography at several Long Island institutions, including Five Towns College and Stony Brook University. His photographic portraits include NYC inhabitants, and icons such as Andy Warhol, Kiss, and Robin Williams. Naideau’s book Women on the Wall: Graffiti’s Urban Mythology – Struggle, 2014, is a compilation of graffiti and poems about women.

FEATURE PHOTO at top of post: Manhasset, NY, U.S., Dec.7, 2019. Guests enter house at Elderfields Preserve during The Art Guild’s annual 10×10 Silent Auction Fundraiser and Reception.

The Art Guild Receptions, Past & Present: PHOTO GALLERY • VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/annparry/tag

“Midsummer Night” my photo galleries: 2013 • 2014 • 2015

Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company: SITE

Old Westbury Gardens: SITE

TheArtGuild.org MAP:

FYI fLI: Check out the 1974 song “Everything Old is New Again” written by Peter Allen and Carole Sager

Lowbrow Art & Artists are Life of the Reception

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 8, 2019

When I unexpectedly decided to capture some of the colorful and bold pictures and people at Huntington Arts Council’s Opening Reception on March 29th, I used the best, and only, camera on me: my iPhone.

Huntington, NY, USA. March 29, 2019. Angela Tigner is across from Bareback Rider at Huntington Arts Council Reception for Lowbrow Art Exhibition. Tigner was the model for Bob Stuhmer’s illustration. At center, Juror Benjamin Owens (wearing hat) is with an artist. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

It turned out the Friday night fun was too good to pass up covering at the Bright Colors Bold Strokes, Creations of Lowbrow Art exhibit.

FYI: Check what happens when you click any photo.

Bareback Rider

I went to the reception with my friend Bob Stuhmer, a professional illustrator who had two pictures – “Bareback Rider” and “Polaner” – in the exhibit. Each is a 20″x16″ marker illustration.

Huntington, NY, USA. March 29, 2019. Angela Tigner poses next to Robert Stuhmer’s illustration “Bareback Rider” at the Huntington Arts Council Reception for Lowbrow Art Exhibition. Tigner was the model for the Big Top Circus bareback rider. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Angela Tigner, the model for the Big Top Circus bareback rider, came to the reception with her two daughters.

Huntington, NY, USA. March 29, 2019. At center, Angela Tigner poses with her daughters (L-R) Kayla Tigner and Karina Tigner, at the Huntington Arts Council Reception for Lowbrow Art Exhibition. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

More-A-Logo

Huntington, NY, USA. March 29, 2019. At left of her “More-a-Logo” artwork, Eileen Palmer does a Pink Flamingo pose with some of her friends and fellow artists at Huntington Arts Council Reception for Lowbrow Art Exhibition. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Artist Eileen Palmer’s 50″x30″ textile mixed media collage “More-a-Logo” has a large pink flamingo made of fabric, buttons, rhinestones, old maps, wallpaper, and designer labels including Tiffany & Co, Christian Dior, and Lilly Pulitzer.

Huntington, NY, USA. March 29, 2019. Closeup of More-a-Logo, by Eileen Palmer shows designer tags and colorful fabric in body of pink flamingo, at Huntington Arts Council Reception for Lowbrow Art Exhibition. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Palmer and several of her friends and fellow artists sparkled with themed accessories, such as glittery pink and white paper crowns, pink leis, and pink flamingo pens.

The Juror’s In

Juror Benjamin Owens, an award-winning artist who’s been featured in JUXTAPOZ Magazine, works in electronic and traditional mediums, and his skills include graphic design, illustration, advertising, branding, and restoring antiques.

In April, Owens has a solo exhibition at Muñeca Arthouse in Patchogue. “Martian in this World” a 16″x20″ digital collage vinyl print on PVC by Ratgrrl. – Muñeca owner Jessica Valentin – is part of the HAC Exhibit.

If Lowbrow Art be the Food of….

Huntington Arts Council’s Bright Colors Bold Strokes, Creations of Lowbrow Art exhibit is on view through May 4, 2019.

Feature Photo at top of post: Huntington, NY, USA. March 29, 2019. (L-R) Juror Benjamin Owens and Huntington Arts Council Executive Director Marc Courtade address visitors during HAC Reception for Lowbrow Art Exhibition.

HAC Lowbrow Art Reception photos: MY GALLERY

Sites:

Huntington Arts Council
Bob Stuhmer: Face-inating.com
Benjamin Owens: Phine Art Designs
Eileen Palmer: Women Sharing Art inc
Angela Tigner: Angel Ink Expressions

Missed the Rainbow, Caught the Puddle

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
January 31, 2019

Flash Flood

Driving on Long Island’s south shore at the end of yet another flash flood, I turned north toward the Merrick Library on Merrick Avenue and faced a fierce sunset.

I wanted to capture the fleeting sky show reflected on water, but the nearest body of water, a pond, was about a half mile away. So I turned west onto a soggy side street across from the library, saw a golden-orange reflection in a puddle, and pulled to the curb.

But a telephone pole and its wires were too prominent, so I slowly drove on, and as I passed a parked car discovered a lake of a puddle – the biggest one I ever saw this far inland from Merrick’s jagged shoreline.

Merrick, New York, USA. January 24, 2019. After flash flood, reflection of colorful winter sunset fills large puddle in road of suburban town on south shore of Long Island. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

After parking, I slowly walked around and around the puddle, all the while lifting and lowering and leveling my iPhone to capture the blaze.

Puddle Sunset

Later, back at home, I saw a flood of pictures on local news and social media of a full double rainbow that appeared before the sunset and before I paid attention to the sky that late afternoon.

But if I’d caught the rainbow, I’d have missed that fiery puddle sunset.

Merrick, New York, USA. January 24, 2019. After flash flood, reflection of colorful winter sunset fills large puddle in road, on south shore of Long Island. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Sunset Puddle: MY GALLERY

Site: Merrick Library

Hillary Clinton Book Signing ‘Hard Choices’ at Huntington Book Revue

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
August 26, 2014

Lots of people in Huntington must have been happy it didn’t rain as originally predicted for August 6th, 2014, the day Former Secretary of State HILLARY CLINTON signed copies of her new memoir Hard Choices for 1,200 people at the Book Revue.

Huntington, New York, U.S. - August 6, 2014 - A police officer and police dog are leaving the Book Revue, a few hours before a book signing for H. Clinton's new memoir, Hard Choices, starts at the Book Revue in Huntington, Long Island. A large sign on the book store window says that the Clinton book signing that night is Sold Out. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, Ann-Parry.com)

Several hours before the 6-8pm Hard Choices book signing, I drove to Huntington with my daughter, who had a ticket and copy of the memoir, and she got on the line, already a few blocks away from the store’s entrance.

Huntington, New York, U.S. - August 6, 2014 - At the entrance to the Book Revue, a teen girl is told water bottles are not allowed at the book signing for H. Clinton's new memoir, Hard Choices, in Huntington, Long Island. (Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. – August 6, 2014 – At Book Revue entrance, security tells teen that water bottles aren’t allowed at Hillary Clinton ‘Hard Choices’ book signing, Long Island. (© 2014 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

I began capturing news photos, including of KENNY MITCHELL of Garden City, who arrived 11:10pm the night before and was first on line; protestors; members of Super PAC Ready for Hillary; extensive security, including county police, federal agents, and K9 officers.

Sue Moller, of Merrick, at book signing for Hillary Rodham Clinton's new memoir, Hard Choices, at Book Revue in Huntington, Long Island. Clinton’s book is about her four years as America’s 67th Secretary of State and how they influence her view of the future. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Huntington, New York, U.S. August 6, 2014. Hillary Clinton shakes hands with visitor at book signing for Clinton’s new memoir, Hard Choices, at Book Revue, Long Island. (© 2014 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

When it was time to enter the store, Secret Service checked my Nikon D4 and lenses very thoroughly. Finally, the Book Revue’s co-owners, brothers RICHARD KLEIN and ROBERT KLEIN, introduced Hillary Clinton, and she began signing copies of her memoir.

UPDATE Sept. 10, 2021: Starting today, Huntington’s Book Revue reopens to give away thousands of used books. It officially closed Sept. 9, 2021, evicted by landlord for hundreds of thousands of dollars of unpaid rent, due to COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Hillary Clinton at Book Revue: my photo GALLERY