Category Archives: Wantagh

Wantagh Warriors Baseball & Miss Wantagh Pageant, July 4th

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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Kitten Bowl III Party at Last Hope Animal Rescue

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
February 23, 2016

On Super Bowl 50 Sunday, furball fans at Last Hope Animal Rescue in Wantagh enjoyed food, face painting, and cheering on the Last Hope Lions, their home team of kitties playing in the Hallmark Channel’s Kitten Bowl III.

Wantagh, New York, USA. February 7, 2016. Volunteer MIKE DAY, 13, of Wantagh, looks as if he's giving coaching advice to the gray kitten player with the red collar on TV in Hallmark Channel Kitten Bowl III. At Last Hope Animal Rescue's Open House, the guests cheer on their team, the Last Hope Lions, which the tiny tabby szs a member of. Over 100 adoptable kittens from Last Hope Inc and North Shore Animal League of America participated in the pretaped games, and the Home and Family Felines won the 2016 championship, which first aired the day of Super Bowl 50. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. Feb. 7, 2016. Volunteer MIKE DAY, 13, of Merrick, looks as if he’s giving coaching advice to the tabby team member on TV in Hallmark Channel Kitten Bowl III, at Last Hope Animal Rescue’s Open House. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

The Open House guests were thrilled when host BETH STERN, an animal activist and spokesperson for North Shore Animal League America, introduced tabby cat ALEXANDER, the Mayor of Last Hope. Ms. Stern explained Alex is available for adoption and then kissed him, which he accepted like a purr-fect gentleman.

Wantagh, New York, USA. 7th February 2016. Volunteer LAURA LANG holds Tabby cat ALEXANDER, the Mayor of Last Hope Rescue, wearing a glittery gold hat during Last Hope Animal Rescue's Open House during Hallmark Channel Kitten Bowl III television special. Alexander appeared on the TV show with its host B. Stern, who announced Alex is available for adoption. People at the center watched the game and cheered on their team, the Last Hope Lions. Over 100 adoptable kittens from Last Hope Inc and North Shore Animal League America participated in the taped games, and the Home and Family Felines won the 2016 championship, which first aired the day of Super Bowl 50. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. Feb. 7, 2016. Volunteer LAURA LANG holds ALEXANDER, the Mayor of Last Hope Rescue, at the center’s Open House during Hallmark Channel’s Kitten Bowl III. Alex appeared on the show with host Beth Stern. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Wantagh, New York, USA. February 7, 2016. Tabby cat ALEXANDER, the Mayor of Last Hope Rescue, is available for adoption during Last Hope Animal Rescue's Open House during Hallmark Channel Kitten Bowl III. Alexander appeared on the TV show with its host B. Stern. The adoption center's volunteers and visitors watched the game on TV and cheered on their team, the Last Hope Lions. Over 100 adoptable kittens from Last Hope Inc and North Shore Animal League America participated in the taped games, and the Home and Family Felines won the 2016 championship, which first aired the day of Super Bowl 50. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. Feb. 7, 2016. ALEXANDER, the Mayor of Last Hope Rescue, in Wantagh, is available for adoption.  (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Another exciting highlight was when Tiger – one of the tiny tabby players in Kitten Bowl III – visited the party with his new family, Charlie Brown and Melanie Benedetto. The now 7-month-old celebrity sported a fur-ociously cute harness with skull and crossbones, and after graciously allowing his fans to see him up close, jumped on top of a nearby tall cage.

Wantagh, New York, USA. February 7, 2016. Tiger the tabby cat, one of the team players in the Hallmark Channel Kitten Bowl III, is with his new family, CHARLIE BROWN, who's holding the star whose new name is Yogi, and MELANIE BENEDETTO, of Massapequa, at Last Hope Animal Rescue's Open House, where the adoption center's volunteers and visitors watch the game on TV and cheer on their team, the Last Hope Lions. Over 100 adoptable kittens from Last Hope Inc and North Shore Animal League America participated in the taped games, and the Home and Family Felines won the 2016 championship, which first aired the day of Super Bowl 50. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Wantagh, NY, USA. Feb. 7, 2016. Player Tiger in Hallmark Channel Kitten Bowl III is with his new family, L-R, MELANIE BENEDETTO and CHARLIE BROWN, at Last Hope Animal Rescue’s Open House, where guests  watched the taped game on TV. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Though Kitten Bowl victory escaped the grasp of Last Hope Lions’ tiny paws, the cute catheletes feel like winners, since they and all 100+ kittens in the game have been adopted.

Adoptable (as of 2/23/16) cats & dogs in my Last Hope Open House gallery:

  • ALEXANDER the Mayor of Last Hope
  • WOODBURY the calm, sociable tabby
  • HALLIE the affectionate white & orange beagle
  • FORD the friendly gray pit mix

Official site of Last Hope Animal Rescue

  • My photos of Last Hope’s Open House:   Gallery

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Interested in ADOPTING a cat or dog on Long Island, or learning ways you can help ones without furr-ever homes?  Visit:  LastHopeAnimal Rescue.org

Last Hope Cleo

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
December 31, 2015

This year our family welcomed a furry new member – Cleo, a tabby cat we adopted from Last Hope Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation in Wantagh.

Cleo the tabby cat at home on Sept. 1, 2015, after being adopted from Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wantagh, New York, USA (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Merrick, NY, USA. Sept. 1, 2015. Cleo Parry surveys her new kingdom – uhm, home – after being adopted from Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation in Wantagh. (© 2015 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

A volunteer at Last Hope told me Cleo was a friendly stray, possibly abandoned by her family, when she was picked up and brought to a veterinarian.  When she was spayed, her left ear was clipped, or tipped, so it would be easy to tell she had the operation. So Cleo’s our clipped ear cutie.

Cleo the tabby cat at home on Sept. 1, 2015, after being adopted from Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wantagh, New York, USA (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Merrick, NY, USA. Sep. 1, 2015. Cleo Parry the yoga cat forgot her mat. (© 2015 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Now Cleo’s about 1 1/2 years old, and zips upstairs, checks the rooms, and flies back down at the speed of light, and when you hold her, she melts into your arms.

It wasn’t love at first sight for Cleo and her sister Hurricane Hillary, who had been Top Cat (and sole cat) after her older sister Minnie died 8 months earlier. But Cleo was super interested in her new sibling, and kept jumping over pet gates and into trouble with Hillary.

Cleo the tabby cat at home on Sept. 1, 2015, after being adopted from Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wantagh, New York, USA (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Merrick, NY, USA. Sept. 1, 2015. Cleo Parry catnaps, after zipping up and down, and up and down, and around. (© 2015 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Then Cleo’s persistence paid off, and Hillary once again started enjoying having someone to play with, sit with in sunny windows, and help remind me when it’s time for their breakfast or food treats.

UPDATE: related post, 2/23/2016: Last Hope’s Open House for Kitten Bowl III

Site: Last Hope Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation

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