Category Archives: Holidays

Old Westbury, New York, U.S. December 10, 2021. A light show is projected on south side of Westbury House during Shimmering Solstice, a walkthrough light show designed for historic Old Westbury Gardens. Event runs through January 9, 2022.

Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens: light show magic!

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 18, 2021

UPDATE: Shimmering Solstice Returns! 11/25/22 – 1/1/23
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Shimmering Solstice • 11/20/21-1/9/22 • must buy Advance Tickets • Map

SLIDESHOW – Shimmering Solstice  (Full Screen: Click bottom right corner)

“I took the best photos of my life at Shimmering Solstice!” my friend posted online next to his pictures of the holiday light show at Old Westbury Gardens. Since I also had visited the walk-through wonderland, I wasn’t surprised he was thrilled.

Old Westbury Gardens Shimmering Solstice

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Lighted trees and architecture cast colorful reflections in pond at west side of Westbury House during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

During my hours (!) visiting Shimmering Solstice on the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens, the Long Island Gold Coast estate, I saw families with young children and grandparents, friends from their late teens to seniors, and photo enthusiasts.

VIDEO – Shimmering Solstice  (Full Screen: Click bottom right corner)
Breathtaking scenes include the Rose Garden, the pond, the Walled Garden, and South Lawn and Allee leading to Westbury House, with its decorated front, and a stunning projection show on its south facade.

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Visitors walk down geometrically lit South Allee during Old Westbury Gardens' Shimmering Solstice, running through Jan. 9, 2022. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Visitors walk down geometrically lit South Allee during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice, running through Jan. 9, 2022. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Lightswitch – a collective of internationally recognized lighting, media, and visual designers – worked together with Old Westbury Gardens to create the show that celebrates the OWG’s history and environment.

Old Westbury, NY, U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. A mother watches her children make the the Walled Garden colorfully light up during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Catholic Health is the presenting sponsor of Shimmering Solstice. Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, the President and CEO of Catholic Health, said, “This experience will bring families, friends, and communities together in a beautiful setting to reflect and make memories.”

Because the show both dazzled the senses and created emotional experiences, I do expect my memories will remain as vivid as the photos captured.

Old Westbury Gardens Shimmering Solstice

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. A light show is projected on the south facade of Westbury House during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

How wonderful it would be to have the chance to create such memories at Shimmering Solstice for years to come.

Which is why I was so happy to learn that Nancy Costopulos, the President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, said the non-profit intends to make the unique light show an annual holiday tradition at the historic state.

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Three friends walk among gigantic lighted dandelions during Old Westbury Gardens' Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Three friends walk among gigantic lighted dandelions during Old Westbury Gardens Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

If you’re in the tri-state area and looking for an unforgettable outdoor holiday experience, it’s well worth the drive to visit Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens.

Old Westbury, NY, U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Friends walk down colorfully lighted south allee during Old Westbury Gardens' Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Friends walk down colorfully lighted south allee during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Please note you must buy your tickets before arriving at the event, which runs through January 9, 2022.

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Old Westbury, NY, U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Families explore in front of Westbury House at Shimmering Solstice, a walk-through light show at Old Westbury Gardens, sponsored by Catholic Health, and running through January 9, 2022.

my Shimmering Solstice PHOTOS: bit.ly/annparryOWG2021

my Shimmering Solstice VIDEO: vimeo.com/annparry/shimmeringsolstice

Catholic Health: chsli.org

Lightswitch: lightswitch.net

Old Westbury Gardens: oldwestburygardens.com

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North Merrick, New York, USA. December 19, 2020. North Merrick Fire Department has its annual Santa Claus ride in red sleigh pulled by NMFD fire truck that goes through the streets of North Merrick community. (© 2020 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

North Merrick Fire Department Santa + Holiday Walk

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 31, 2020

Outdoor Holiday Fun

The North Merrick Fire Department escorted Santa in his sleigh throughout our community the night of December 19. It’s a tradition our family looks forward to each year, and the snow lined streets made it particularly festive.

After Santa and his firefighter helpers visited our street, I drove across town to the Community Holiday Tree and Lumiere Walk.

“North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. L-R, JOSH MACK, JESSICA MACK, and daughter CALLEIGH MACK, 10, are posing at their Candy Cane Lane candy stand in front of their home during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. L-R, JOSH MACK, JESSICA MACK, and daughter CALLEIGH MACK, 10, are posing at their Candy Cane Lane candy stand in front of their home during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Twenty-nine North Merrick homes had their front yards decorated, each in a different theme, for the Community Holiday Tree and Lumiere Walk the night of December 19, 2020.

Two of the many themes my family enjoyed were:  “A Very Murray Christmas” starring a festive photo of actor Bill Murray, and “Candy Cane Lane” featuring a candy cane stand and metal pit fire.

“North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. At center, L-R, JESSICA MACK and JOSH MACK stand with 2 neighbors around fire pit during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. At center, L-R, JESSICA MACK and JOSH MACK stand with 2 neighbors around fire pit during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

What a creative and fun way to celebrate the holiday season while also staying outside and observing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic!

FEATURE PHOTO at top of post: North Merrick, NY, USA. December 19, 2020. North Merrick Fire Department has its annual Santa Claus ride in red sleigh pulled by NMFD fire truck going throughout the community. (© 2020 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com).

North Merrick Fire Department:  northmerrickfd.org

North Merrick Holiday Fun:  my Photo Gallery

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Garden City, NY, USA. Nov. 24, 2018. Peppa Pig walks in atrium of Long Island Festival of Trees holiday event, an annual family fun at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island. All proceeds raised benefit the non-profit charity Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc.

Long Island Festival of Trees 2018

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
November 28, 2018

When did Long Island’s winter holiday season arrive this year, at least for me? 

Garden City, New York, USA. November 24, 2018. The Festival of Trees, an annual family fun holiday event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, has a free ice skating rink in the atrium. All proceeds raised - including from sale of donated decorated Christmas trees - benefit the non-profit charity Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc., of Long Island.(© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Garden City, NY, USA. November 24, 2018. The Long Island Festival of Trees, an annual holiday event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, has a free ice skating rink in the atrium.(© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Not in October when witch costumes and candy canes debuted in tandem at stores. Not weeks ago when we had our first snow. It was last weekend, when the annual Long Island Festival of Trees opened at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

The atrium had a two-story high, candy-themed Christmas tree, an elf taking visitors’ pictures with Santa, and a free ice skating rink, complete with free skates.

All proceeds raised — including from the sale of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, and Department 56 village porcelain pieces, all donated — benefited the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc.

While admiring a tree decked out as an elegant peacock near the skating rink, I saw Peppa Pig stroll into view. Peppa certainly had a long walk ahead of her through the vast museum if she planned to see all the vendors, events, and decorations… though, alas, no muddy puddles *Snort* 

Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County site: CP Nassau

Long Island Festival of Trees 2018:  PHOTO GALLERY 

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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

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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. Young children rush to collect eggs in their Easter baskets.

Eggstravaganza North Merrick 2018:  PHOTO GALLERY

Facebook:  North and Central Merrick Civic Association

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Old Westbury Gardens Winter Holiday – Now & Then

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 23, 2017

Last Sunday, while entering the snowy grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with my friend Bob, I thought back to 2007, when I visited the Gold Coast estate during a biting, heavy snowfall.

PAST – 2007

That day 10 Decembers ago, I stayed outside capturing photos until I absolutely had to go to Westbury House, beg mercy from volunteers in the Entrance Hall, take off my gloves and boots, and stand toasty close to the fireplace.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. Dec. 5, 2007. At Westbury House, the Entrance Hall window with black wrought iron grill gives hazy glimpse of snowstorm. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 5, 2007. At Westbury House, the Entrance Hall window with black wrought iron grill gives hazy glimpse of snowstorm. (© 2007 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Slowly defrosting in the impressively elegant wood and marble hall, I imagined myself back outside the mansion, but during the Great Blizzard of 1947, when the John and Margarita Phipps family lived there….

FANTASY 1947

I was a trespasser with a noble mission – wielding my Kodak in the snowstorm to capture ghostlike images of trees – and, alas, flirting with hypothermia.

Without warning, a tall stranger swept me off my numb feet and whisked me to the mansion. As we took off our coats, I noticed he, too, had a camera strapped around his neck.

We sat in front a fireplace surrounded by books, and he put his hand to his chest. “Victor, Victor Hasselblad – a… a husgäst of Phipps,” he said softly and with a melodic accent. “And you, lilla frusen lövsångare?” 

“Oh my,” I said, “You’re THE Victor Hasselblad!” 

The genius nodded. 

“You’ve just GOT to develop a Hasselblad camera for civilians!” I said, and then started to tell him why….

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. A lighted Christmas tree decorates the formal dining room of Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens during its Winter Holiday event. (Ann Parry/˙ 2017 Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. A lighted Christmas tree decorates the elegant dining room of Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens during its Winter Holiday event. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

PRESENT – 2017

Now I’m, at times, better about coming in from the cold before losing feeling in my extremities.

But I always do my best to protect my camera. So last weekend when Bob and I arrived at Old Westbury Gardens and stepped out of the car on to slippery icy snow-covered grounds, we headed straight to Westbury House.

Once inside, we heard what sounded like live music coming from the Ballroom just ahead. We were right, for in a far corner of the vast room, pianist ANGELINA FUSCO was playing traditional Christmas music on a Steinway grand piano, backlit by large windows. Capturing the atmospheric scene was a fun challenge.

  • CLICK on any photo to see larger image
Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. Pianist ANGELINA FUSCO plays Christmas music on Steinway grand piano to entertain visitors at Old Westbury Gardens museum, a former estate of John Shaffer Phipps, during snowy winter holiday weekend on Long Island's Gold Coast. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. Dec. 17, 2017. Pianist ANGELINA FUSCO plays Christmas music on Steinway grand piano at Old Westbury Gardens museum during Winter Holiday weekend. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

The Main Hall was a must see, especially for families with children, since that’s where Santa sat surrounded by a Christmas tree, fireplace that was a great setting for holiday photos, and stairway strewn with stuffed animals looking as if they’d spilled out of Santa’s bag as he made his way up to the Children’s Quarters on the Third floor.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. Santa sits ready for visitors next to a Christmas tree on second floor of Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens museum during snowy winter holiday weekend. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. Santa sits ready for visitors next to a Christmas tree on second floor of Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens museum during winter holiday weekend. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Bob lingered longest in the bedroom with a large-scale model train traveling around the room, disappearing for a while each lap as it followed tracks under the bed.

Visitors of all ages also enjoyed the charming scene in Mrs. Phipps’s bathroom, where deer and penguins watched a fawn take a bubble bath in the green and white bathtub.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. In the Westbury House children's sunny bathroom of Old Westbury Gardens museum, deer and penguins watch over fawn taking a bubble bath. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. Deer family and penguins watch over a fawn taking a bubble bath in Mrs. Phipps’s bathroom at Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens, a Long Island Gold Coast estate. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

As closing time neared, we visited the Porch facing West, with its three walls of windows, and enjoyed hot cider and the panoramic, ungilded dusk view.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. At Westbury House, two Christmas trees flank the Porch facing West, with panoramic view of snowy grounds during Winter Holiday event at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2017, Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. December 17, 2017. At Westbury House, two Christmas trees flank the Porch facing West, with panoramic view of snowy grounds during Winter Holiday event at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

And when it was time to go, we made our way through the snow once again.

Old Westbury Gardens Winter 2017:  PHOTO GALLERY

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Wantagh Warriors Baseball & Miss Wantagh Pageant, July 4th

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
July 5, 2016

SKIPPER the Jack Russell terrier was one of many celebrators dressed in patriotic red, white and blue when awards were handed out, and the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant crowning ceremony was held, following the Wantagh Independence Day Parade yesterday morning.

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. Skipper the Jack Russell terrier is wearing patriotic red white and blue stars bandana at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant crowning ceremony, an Independence Day tradition on Long Island. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2016. Skipper the Jack Russell terrier is wearing patriotic bandana at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant crowning ceremony on Long Island. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

I wore sunglasses, but the harsh midday sun made me wish I’d also brought my From Long Island cap.

Wantagh WARRIORS Baseball Team 2016

The crowd cheered loud and long when members of the winning Wantagh WARRIORS baseball team lined up to receive certificates issued by the Nassau County Supervisor.

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. High school Wantagh Warriors baseball team members receive Certificates issued by Nassau County Supervisor at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant, an Independence Day tradition on Long Island. The Wantagh Warriors baseball team won another county championship, its third Long Island Championship and its second New York State Class A championship. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. Wantagh Warriors baseball team members receive Certificates issued by Nassau County Supervisor at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

During 2016, the Warriors baseball team won yet another county championship, its 3rd Long Island Championship, and its 2nd New York State Class A championship.

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. Teams members of the high school Wantagh Warriors baseball team receive Certificates issued by Nassau County Supervisor at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant, an Independence Day tradition on Long Island. The Wantagh Warriors baseball team won another county championship, its third Long Island Championship and its second New York State Class A championship. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. Teams members of the high school Wantagh Warriors baseball team receive Certificates issued by Nassau County Supervisor at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

MISS WANTAGH 2016

During this special 60th anniversary, quite a few former Miss Wantaghs  – both from recent years and decades ago – participated, wearing their banners and crowns.

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. EMMA CAREY, newly crowned Miss Wantagh 2016 (front row 3rd from right) and other present and past contestants pose for group photo at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant crowning ceremony, an Independence Day tradition on Long Island. Since 1956, the Miss Wantagh Pageant, which is not a beauty pageant, crowns an area high school student based mainly on academic excellence and community service. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. EMMA CAREY, newly crowned Miss Wantagh 2016 (front row 3rd from right) and other present and past contestants pose for group photo. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

LYNN CLAYTON-LUONGO, Miss Wantagh 1956 – the first Miss Wantagh – travelled from Everett, Massachusetts, for this special anniversary event.

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. LYNN CLAYTON LUONGO, Miss Wantagh 1956, 76 years old, the first Miss Wantagh ever, participated in the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant crowning ceremony, an Independence Day tradition on Long Island. Clayton was the 1st Runner Up and Miss Congeniality in the 1958 New York State Miss Ameria Pageant. Since 1956, the Miss Wantagh Pageant, which is not a beauty pageant, crowns an area high school student based mainly on academic excellence and community service. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2016. LYNN CLAYTON-LUONGO, Miss Wantagh 1956, the first Miss Wantagh ever, participated in the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant crowning ceremony. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

In 1958, when Clayton was 18, she was Miss Congeniality and First Runner Up in the New York State pageant of Miss America. But Miss Wantagh isn’t a beauty pageant. It crowns a Wantagh resident in high school based mainly on academic excellence and community service.

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. Standing L-R, EMMA CAREY; BRIANNA COLTELLINO; KERI BALNIS, Miss Wantagh 2015; STEVE RHOADS, Nassau County Legislator District 19; MAUREEN O'CONNELL, Nassau County Clerk; and ELLA STEVENS, Miss Wantagh Pageant coordinator; at the 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Pageant, an Independence Day tradition on Long Island. O'Connell is opening envelop to find who Miss Wantagh 2016 is - Emma or Brianna. Since 1956, the Miss Wantagh Pageant, which is not a beauty pageant, crowns an area high school student based mainly on academic excellence and community service. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, New York, USA. July 4, 2016. Standing L-R, EMMA CAREY; BRIANNA COLTELLINO; KERI BALNIS, Miss Wantagh 2015; STEVE RHOADS, Nassau County Legislator; ERIN KING-SWEENEY, Town Councilwoman; and ELLA STEVENS, Pageant Coordinator; at 60th Annual Miss Wantagh Crowning. King-Sweeney is opening results envelope, so she can announce Miss Wantagh 2016 – Emma or Brianna. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Results of this year’s pageant:

  • EMMA CAREY – Miss Wantagh 2016
  • BRIANNA COLTELLINO  –  1st Runner Up
  • GRACE ANNE McKENNA  –  2nd Runner Up
  • COURTNEY CARDONA  –  3rd Runner Up
  • ISABELLA SANTERAMO & KAYLA SCHMIDT – Ambassadors

Officials included Hon. CHRISTOPHER QUINN, Supervising Judge of Nassau County Court; ERIN KING-SWEENEY, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman; STEVE RHOADS, Nassau County Legislator, District 19; and ELLA STEVENS, the Miss Wantagh Pageant Coordinator.

Wantagh WARRIORS Baseball Team:  GALLERY

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Garden City, New York, U.S. January 20, 2014. JAEL CHARLTON, 6, of Freeport, reads King's 1963 "I Have a Dream Speech" at the program Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where children explored Dr. King's life and then created an artwork of peace, at the Long Island Children's Museum, to celebrate the American official federal holiday Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (© 2014 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Martin Luther King Jr Day at Long Island Children’s Museum

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
January 21, 2014

Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King,  Jr.

At yesterday’s program ‘Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,’ the Long Island Children’s Museum had a room full of families with young children eager to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day.

Garden City, New York, U.S. January 20, 2014. L-R, JESSE RIVERA; son JADEN RIVERA, 4; wife ALEXANDRA RIVERA; and son JACOB RIVERA, 5, of Sea Cliff, create artwork of peace at the program Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where children also explored Dr. King's life, at the Long Island Children's Museum, to celebrate the American official federal holiday Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. January 20, 2014. L-R, JESSE RIVERA; son JADEN RIVERA, 4; wife ALEXANDRA RIVERA; and son JACOB RIVERA, 5, of Sea Cliff, create artwork of peace at the program ‘Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’ at the Long Island Children’s Museum. (© 2014 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

STACEY LEE, LICM’s Outreach Director, presented information about Dr. King’s life, and the children read his famous 1963 speech “I Have a Dream.”

Garden City, New York, U.S. January 20, 2014. STACEY LEE, Outreach Director of Long Island Children's Museum, presents the program 'Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.', where children explore Dr. King's life and then create collages of peace, for the American official federal holiday Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Garden City, NY, U.S. January 20, 2014. STACEY LEE, Outreach Director of Long Island Children’s Museum, presents program ‘Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’ where children also explored Dr. King’s life. (© 2014 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

After exploring Dr. King’s life, children then created artworks of peace to celebrate the American official federal holiday Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Garden City, New York, U.S. January 20, 2014. L-R, AIDAN TROPEANO, 6, and his mother DEANNA TROPEANO, 30, of Levittown, create artwork of peace at the program Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where children also explored Dr. King's life, at the Long Island Children's Museum, to celebrate the American official federal holiday Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. January 20, 2014. L-R, AIDAN TROPEANO, 6, and his mother DEANNA TROPEANO, 30, of Levittown, create artwork of peace at the program ‘Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’ at the Long Island Children’s Museum. (© 2014 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

MLK – LICM

Garden City, New York, U.S. January 20, 2014. JAEL CHARLTON, 6, of Freeport, reads King's 1963

Garden City, NY, U.S. January 20, 2014. JAEL CHARLTON reads King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream Speech” at the program ‘Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’ at Long Island Children’s Museum. (© 2014 Ann Parry/ann-parry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (top of post): Garden City, NY, U.S. Jan. 20, 2014. JAEL CHARLTON, 6, of Freeport, reads King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream Speech” at the program Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, at the Long Island Children’s Museum.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., LICM:  my Photo Gallery

LICM: Long Island Children’s Museum

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Garden City, New York, USA. December 6, 2013. Visitors experience the nativity scene at the manger, with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, the Holy Family, at A Night in Bethlehem, an annual Advent at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, on Long Island, on December 6, 7, and 8.

Live Nativity: A Night in Bethlehem

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 10, 2013

Friday night, I went back in time to A Night in Bethlehem – held at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, in Garden City – and experienced a Living Nativity manger scene with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, complete with animal stable.

  • VIDEO:  ‘A Night in Bethlehem’ at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 2013. Song is “Carol of the Bells.”

The Advent event is free and open to the public, in Long Island, New York. Visitors enjoy grinding olives, making beeswax candles and other activities at re-creations of shops from two thousand years ago, and it’s a special Christmas treat for the whole family.

Garden City, New York, USA. December 6, 2013. Visitors experience the nativity scene at the manger, with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, the Holy Family, at A Night in Bethlehem, an annual Advent at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, on Long Island, on December 6, 7, and 8. (Ann Parry/ann-parry.com)

Garden City, NY, USA. Dec. 6, 2013. Living Nativity at A Night in Bethlehem, Resurrection Lutheran Church (© 2013 Ann Parry/ann-parry.com)

• Lutheran Church of the Resurrection:
420 Stewart Ave, Garden City, NY 11530  Google MAP
facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/resgardencity
phone:  516-746-4426  –  email: office@rescgc.org

• A Night in Bethlehem: 
my PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO  https://vimeo.com/336918180

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Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012

Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry  (ann-parry.com)
July 5, 2012

The Miss Wantagh Pageant has been a tradition here on Long Island, New York, since 1956.

Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2012. KELLY GARLAND, Miss Wantagh 2010, attends Miss Wantagh Pageant ceremony, a long-time Independence Day tradition on Long Island. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2012. KELLY GARLAND, Miss Wantagh 2010, attends Miss Wantagh Pageant ceremony, a long-time Independence Day tradition on Long Island. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Soon after yesterday’s Wantagh July 4th Parade, a large crowd gathered on the front lawn of the Wantagh Elementary School on Beech Street for the Miss Wantagh Pageant winner announcement and Crowning Ceremony.

Miss Wantagh 2011, KARA ARENA, sang two patriotic songs in such a lovely voice it was easy to mistakenly assume artistic talent is one of the qualities contestants are judged on. In fact, the Miss Wantagh Pageant, which is not a beauty pageant, crowns a high school student based mainly on her academic excellence and community service.

Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2012. Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012 winner Hailey Orgass receives trophy from Eden Held Miss Wantagh 2009 at crowning ceremony. 1st runner up was Alyssa Kelly, 2nd runner up was Paulina Renda, & 3rd runner up was Alyson Hopkins. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. July 4, 2012. Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012 winner HAILEY ORGASS receives trophy from EDEN HELD Miss Wantagh 2009 at crowning ceremony. 1st runner up was ALYSSA KELLY, 2nd runner up was PAULINA RENDA, & 3rd runner up was ALYSON HOPKINS. (© 2012 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

The new Miss Wantagh:

Wantagh, New York, U.S. July 4, 2012. HAILEY ORGASS, Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012, holds trophy at crowning ceremony, a long-time Independence Day tradition on Long Island. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, New York, U.S. July 4, 2012. HAILEY ORGASS, Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012, holds trophy at crowning ceremony, a long-time Independence Day tradition on Long Island. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Other participants in the ceremony included former Miss Wantaghs KELLY GARLAND (2010) and EDEN HELD (2009); ELLA STEVENS, the Coordinator of Miss Wantagh Pageant; Nassau County Legislator DAVE DENENBERG, who announced the 1st Runner Up; and Nassau County Clerk MAUREEN O’CONNELL, who announced Miss Wantagh 2012.

Miss Wantagh Pageant 2012: PHOTO GALLERY 

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Freckles Americana

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
July 3, 2011

Holding American flags, the young girl, with her dog on a leash, and younger boy watched the Memorial Day Parade on Merrick Avenue – a Norman Rockwell moment right here in Merrick, New York.

It wasn’t until looking at the photos on my computer monitor that I noticed her impressive freckles.

Merrick, New York, U.S. - May 30, 2011 - Freckled girl with dog, and young boy at Memorial Day Parade, Merrick, New York, USA, on May 30, 2011. Tinted and textured noise added for vintage effect. (Ann E Parry/Ann Parry, Ann-Parry.com)

Merrick, New York, USA. – May 30, 2011 – Freckled girl, with dog, and boy watch parade. (© 2011 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Happy July 4th!

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