Category Archives: Nassau County

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

New Hyde Park, New York, U.S. June 25, 2024. Magician Rob Romeo, (Rob Cederstrom) performs at Senior Luncheon at Christ Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park.(© 2024 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Senior Lunch Magic at Christ Lutheran Church, NHP

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
July 18, 2024

Magician Rob Romeo at Christ Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park

Hot pizza and cool magic were on the menu for the recent Senior Lunch at Christ Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park.

“Magician Romeo

New Hyde Park, New York, U.S. June 25, 2024. L-R, Magician ROB ROMEO (AKA ROB CEDERSTROM) and BEA HENEY are spin masters during the Senior Lunch at Christ Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

There were lots of Oohh’s and Aahh’s… and laughs as ROB ROMEO – AKA Romeo the Odd – AKA Rob Cederstrom – performed his zany magic with the help of several guests.

VIDEO Magician Rob Romeo, 6/25/2024:

My iPhone 15 Pro Max was the best and only camera I had at the lunch. So if I cross paths with the charismatic Rob Romeo again, here’s hoping I have my Nikon Z with me!

“Magician Romeo

New Hyde Park, New York, U.S. June 25, 2024. L-R, LAURIE MENDICINO, magician ROB ROMEO (AKA ROB CEDERSTROM), and LISETTE MARTINEZ laugh heartily after a successful magic trick during the Senior Lunch at Christ Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


FEATURE PHOTO  (at top of post): New Hyde Park, New York, U.S. June 25, 2024. Magician Rob Romeo (Rob Cederstrom) performs at Senior Luncheon at Christ Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park. 


Magician Rob Romeo:  my PHOTO GALLERY

Rob Romeo (Romeo the Odd):
• facebook: facebook.com/romeothetramp
• instagram: instagram.com/romeotheodd

Christ Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park: christchurchnhp.org

Video:  vimeo.com/annparry/robromeo

CONTACT ME

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. Singer RITA POSILLICO and CHRIS leave Elderfields Preserve after performing during The Art Guild 's Membership Showcase Reception. © 2024 Ann Parry, annparry.com - Feature Photo for blog post

The Art Guild Flourishes & Ruffles

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 16, 2024

T.A.G.’s Members Showcase: The Art Guild
Exhibit on view through July 13, 2023, every Sat. & Sun., 1-5pm
200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset, N.Y.

The Art Guild 2024 Members Showcase reception & awards

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG instructor HOWARD ROSE chats with fellow guest at The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The Art Guild’s Members Showcase Garden Party is my favorite TAG reception each year because the awards ceremony is held outdoors and there’s live music. 

Singer and musician RITA POSILLICO’s  musical talent and choice of songs were pitch perfect.

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. June 7, 2024. Singer RITA POSILLICO leaves Elderfields Preserve after performing during The Art Guild ‘s Membership Showcase Reception. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Here’s Rita singing. However, the photos I most enjoyed capturing of TAG’s chanteuse were when I ran into her walking along the path behind Elderfields after the event. [See photo above.]

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. A guest in pink attends The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• ART AWARDS

ALEX FERRONE, the Juror of Awards, is the Owner and Director of the Alex Ferrone Gallery in Cutchogue on the North Fork. The gallery, which represents mid-career and emerging artists, emphasizes photography and now includes other media as well.

Ferrone’s a fine art photographer herself, and I’m particularly drawn to her magnificent aerial views of water. 

Ferrone presented awards to:

  • First Place – Melancholy – ALICE RIORDAN
  • Second Place – Memorial to a Tree – SILVIA MARIA REY
  • Third Place – Grevy’s Zebra Stripes – JANIS HURLEY

Honorable Mentions

  • Falls River Preserve, Essez Ct – DIANE BARES
  • Mavis – ANGELA CLASSI
  • Demetrious profile – LINDA FUNK
“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. JANE CAIRNS IRVINE’s Kiln Fired Glass flower is on display at The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• TERRI SHKUDA AWARD:

Board Member MARY BEHLING was honored for providing incomparable refreshments for TAG receptions. And separate from the rest of the food, there’s a table just for gluten-free treats!

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG Board Members, L-R, V.P. ANNETTE KASLE, Pres. SHELLEY HOLTZMAN, Recording Secretary MARY BEHLING, and ILENE SILBERSTEIN pose for photo during The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• ARCH SUPPORT

STEVE SILBERSTEIN, a fellow Nikon Z8 fan, noticed mine was outfitted with a Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens. I was interested in capturing portraits, not documenting the event. Using my gear, he captured this portrait.

Then he showed me a great spot to capture portraits at Elderfields Preserve – the ivied brick arch at the north side of the house. When the subject stands a bit in front of the arch, it acts as a light box:

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG member STEVE SILBERSTEIN attends The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• KAZICKAS FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Juror EMILY MARTIN presented awards to recipients of the $1000 Kazickas Family Foundation Scholarships for Nassau County High School Seniors who will pursue the visual arts:

  • SHANE ADAM – Wantagh High School
  • ALDEN KISNER – Cold Spring Harbor High School
  • AVERY KO – Great Neck South High School 
“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. AVERY KO, a High School Scholarship winner, attends The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• TAG Members Showcase Reception:  my Photo Gallery

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG instructor JOAN STEVENS, in colorful floral dress, attends The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

– The Art Guild – 

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG’s Social Media Manager YOOJIN LEE captures iPhone photos during The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• IN MEMORY OF PETER DEJANA

TAG’s Art Director/Program Director TRACY LEFKOWITZ received a one time award for community outreach in memory of Peter Dejana.

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG Art Director/Program Director TRACY LEFKOWITZ receives a Community Outreach Award in memory of Peter Dejana during The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception.(© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

– The Art Guild – 

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. At right, Assistant Director HEATHER SCHWARTZ attends The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve.(© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

– The Art Guild – 

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG Class Manager GRACE LUCARELLI attends The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• THE ART GUILD FLOURISHES

TAG continues to grow its wide range of art offerings, including: 

The Art Guild is a Nassau County treasure


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. Singer RITA POSILLICO leaves Elderfields Preserve after performing during The Art Guild ‘s Membership Showcase Reception.


“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. TAG member and fellow guest leave after The Art Guild Membership Showcase Reception & Awards is over at Elderfields Preserve.(© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

T.A.G. Members Showcase 2024:  my Photo Gallery

The Art Guild:  theartguild.org

Alex Ferrone Gallery:  alexferronegallery.com

Alex Ferrone Fine Art Photography:  alexferrone.com

Talent online:

CONTACT ME


Here’s a vintage take on singer Rita Posillico in her ruffles:

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. June 7, 2024. Singer RITA POSILLICO leaves Elderfields Preserve after performing during The Art Guild ‘s Membership Showcase Reception. (© 2011 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)