Category Archives: events

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)

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

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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)

Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. Democrats LISA LIN, candidate for New York State Senate District 5, and ELLEN LEDERER DEFRANCESCO, candidate for New York State Assembly District 14, have Coffee with the Candidates campaign event. (© 2024 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Lisa Lin & Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco: Time for Change

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
September 19, 2024                    – OPINION –

Lisa Lin – State Senate District 5 – lisalin4ny.com
Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco – State Assembly Dist. 14 –
ellen4assembly.com

Tuesday night I went to ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ in Merrick. It was a chance to meet and learn more about Democrats Lisa Lin for NY State Senate District 5 and Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco for NY State Assembly District 14.

“Coffee with Candidates

Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. L-R, SANIYA, an Eleanor’s Legacy intern, and ELLEN LEDERER DeFRANCESCO, the Democratic candidate for NY State Assembly District 14, pose holding campaign sign during the ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

First, Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco introduced herself and her key issues:

• Cost of Living
• Women’s Reproductive Rights
• Education
• Environment
• Public Safety
• Life Quality for Seniors

Lederer DeFrancesco is challenging NY Assemblyman Dave McDonough,  an 87-year-old gentleman who lives in the same town I do.

I’ve attended a wide variety of civic and political events over the past decade, but the most recent time I’ve seen McDonough was on Nov. 8, 2016, as he and his family headed into Park Avenue Elementary School to vote. 

From the Long Island Herald October 27, 2020 piece endorsing Dave McDonough:

“…He indicated that this would likely be his last term in office if he is re-elected — with nearly 20 years in Albany under his belt, he said it would soon be time to “move on….”

New York State Assembly 14 constituents deserve a representative who will actively work on important issues: Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco.

“Coffee with Candidates

Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. LISA LIN, Democratic candidate for NY State Senate District 5, speaks with supporter during the ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ campaign event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Then, Lisa Lin introduced herself and her key issues:

• Stand Up for Working Families
• Get Serious about Safety
• Defend Public Education
• Advocate for the Disability Community
• Stand Up to Hate & Bigotry
• Protect Our Environment
• Advocate for Reproductive Freedom
• Support Seniors
• Promote Small Business
• Fight for Common Sense Gun Laws

Lisa Lin is challenging NY Senator Steve Rhoads, who’s quite a pleasant fellow.

But Lin’s issues are more aligned with mine. Plus she has solid, relevant education and experience, including earning a law degree, and working in public service and as Supervising Court Attorney.

  • UPDATE – Oct. 10, 2024 – Newsday endorses Lisa Lin for New York State Senate 5th District
“Coffee with Candidates

Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. JANET GOLDSTEIN, a Moms Demand Action member, discusses working for gun sense in America, during the ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ campaign event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

During each of their dynamic presentations, Lisa Lin & Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco welcomed questions. After both presentations, guests had lots of time to speak with each candidate individually.

I’m certainly glad I attended the informative ‘Coffee with the Candidates.’

“Coffee with Candidates

Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. JEANINE wears her ‘Cat Moms for Harris, Walz’ shirt to the ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ Lisa Lin and Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco campaign event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

– Lin & Lederer DeFrancesco –

“Coffee with Candidates

Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. MIA and BRYAN attend the ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ Lisa Lin and Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco campaign event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

– Lin & Lederer DeFrancesco –

“Coffee with Candidates

Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. L-R, LISA LIN, Democratic candidate for NY State Senate District 5; supporter; and MATTHEW pose holding campaign poster during ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

– Lin & Lederer DeFrancesco – 

“Coffee with Candidates Merrick, New York, U.S. September 17, 2024. L-R, ELLEN LEDERER DeFRANCESCO, the Democratic candidate for NY State Assembly District 14, and host FRAN, wearing her ‘Read. Think. Vote.‘ shirt, are at the ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ campaign event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com).


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Merrick, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 17, 2024. L-R, Democrats LISA LIN, candidate for NY State Senate District 5, and ELLEN LEDERER DEFRANCESCO, candidate for NY State Assembly District 14, have Coffee with the Candidates campaign event. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


New York Deadlines for key November 2024 elections:

Registration deadlines  elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process
• In-person at local election office : Oct 26
• Online : Oct 26
• By mail (received by) : Oct 26

Absentee ballot deadlines  elections.ny.gov/request-ballot
• Request ballot (received by) : Oct 26
• Return ballot by mail (postmarked by) : Nov 5
• Return ballot in person : Nov 5 by 9:00 p.m. EST

Voting deadlines  elections.ny.gov/registration-and-voting-deadlines
• Early voting : Oct 26 – Nov 3
• In-person : Nov 5


Coffee with Candidates 2024:  my Photo Gallery

Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco for NY State Assembly District 5:  ellen4assembly.com • facebook.com/ellen.defrancesco

Lisa Lin for NY State Senate District 14:  lisalin4ny.comfacebook

ELEANOR’S LEGACY:  eleanorslegacy.com

Moms Demand Action:  momsdemandaction.org

Kamala Harris for President:  kamalaharris.com

CONTACT ME

Merrick, New York, U.S. May 27, 2024. Young men wearing firefighter ceremonial uniforms, including Merrick Hook and Ladder, are wrapping up large American Flags they carried while marching in Merrick Memorial Day Parade on Long Island. (© Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Merrick Memorial Day Reflections 2024

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
May 28, 2024

American Legion Merrick Post 1282 hosts Memorial Day parade & ceremony

Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. SHARON WILLIAMS, an American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1282 member, stands next to that unit’s wreath. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

The Merrick Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony has grown to feel more and more like a family event over the years.

My dad was a member of the American Legion Merrick Post 1282, which hosts the events – I’m a member of its Auxiliary unit – and this year my granddaughter Emmy marched with her Girl Scout troop!

SLIDESHOW (photo video with music) – Merrick Memorial Day – New York, U.S. May 27, 2024. [To START, PAUSE, or STOP video, click on its bottom left corner]


CLICK HERE to watch a Larger size of the above PHOTO VIDEO on your computer screen.

  • Merrick Memorial Day
Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. VINCENT MIENTUS, a Viet Nam veteran, and member of Merrick Freeport VFW Post 1310, attends Memorial Day Ceremony. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

  • Merrick Memorial Day

VIDEO – Star Spangled Banner  Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. ERIC WIEBOLDT sings ‘Star Spangled Banner’ acapella:

  • Merrick Memorial Day
Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. Women holding Bellmore-Merrick Emergency Medical Services EMS banner march in Merrick Memorial Day Parade.(© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

  • Merrick Memorial Day
Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. Bellmore Merrick Emergency Medical Services EMS members, including paramedics, march in Merrick Memorial Day Parade. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

  • Merrick Memorial Day

VIDEO – Robert Dishman Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. ROBERT DISHMAN, Commander of American Legion Merrick Post 1282, speaks. He first told about the post’s volunteer Rick Ambrosino and his hospitalized father, post member Joseph Ambrosino:

  • Merrick Memorial Day
Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. U.S. Army Major AL GARBARINO, who served in Iraq, wears his white uniform at the Memorial Day Ceremony. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

  • Merrick Memorial Day

VIDEO – Laura LaHood Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. LAURA LAHOOD, President of American Legion Auxiliary Merrick Unit 1282, speaks – including about Operation VEST, Veterans Ending Suicide Together:

  • Merrick Memorial Day
Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. CAVIN EDWARDS, a Marine Corps veteran, and his daughter, MAYA LYNN EDWARDS, 7, stand in front of WWII monument. Edwards served in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

  • Merrick Memorial Day

VIDEO – Leg. Seth Koslow Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW (Merrick – Dist. 5) speaks:

  • Merrick Memorial Day
Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW (Merrick – District 5), of South Merrick, attends Memorial Day Ceremony. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 


FEATURE PHOTO  (top of post): Merrick, New York, U.S. May 27, 2024. Young men wearing firefighter ceremonial uniforms, including for Merrick Hook and Ladder, prepare to stow large American Flags they carried while marching in Merrick Memorial Day Parade.


Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony: my PHOTO GALLERY

American Legion Merrick Post 1282: merrickpost1282.org

American Legion Merrick Auxiliary Unit 1282

Bellmore-Merrick EMS:  bmems.com

Merrick Fire Dept.:  merrickfd.org

North Merrick Fire Dept.:  northmerrickfd.org

Operation VEST:  operationvest.org

VISUAL MEDIA:
• SLIDESHOW (photo video with music) Merrick Memorial Day:  vimeo.com/951408326

• All 6 videos on this post:  vimeo.com/showcase/11209458

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Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. Wood sign announces new members are welcome to American Legion Merrick Post 1282. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)