Category Archives: News

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!

VIDEO 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. 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) 

VIDEO 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. 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) 

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

VIDEO Merrick, N.Y., U.S. May 27, 2024. Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW (D-Dist. 5) speaks:

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

Merrick Memorial Day Parade Ceremony

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

Merrick Memorial Day


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.

  • feature photo in action series:  #1   #2   #3

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

VIDEOS:
• Eric Wieboldt sings:  vimeo.com/annparry/memorialdaywieboldt
• CDR Robert Dishman:  vimeo.com/annparry/memorialdaydishman
• Aux. Pres. Laura Lahood:  vimeo.com/annparry/memorialdaylahood
• Bugler TAPS:  vimeo.com/annparry/memorialdaybugler
• Leg. Seth Koslow:  vimeo.com/annparry/memorialdaykoslow

CONTACT ME


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) 

Merrick, New York, U.S. April 17, 2024. R-L, Former NY Governor DAVID PATERSON, Senior Vice President of Las Vegas Sands Corp., and LAUREN CORCORAN-DOOLIN, also with Sands, pose for photo before Paterson speaks at Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting, about Sands' effort to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum in Nassau Hub. (© 2024 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Former Gov. Paterson talks Sands Casino with Merrick Chamber of Commerce

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 18, 2024

Sands New York casino hotel & the Nassau Hub

Merrick, New York, U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Governor DAVID PATERSON (standing at center in suit), Senior Vice President of Las Vegas Sands Corp., poses for group photo during Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting. MCC President IRA REITER is at left of Paterson. Paterson spoke about Sands' effort, facing some opposition, to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum in Nassau Hub. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. (Standing at center in suit) former NY Gov. DAVID PATERSON, Senior V.P. of Las Vegas Sands Corp., poses with Merrick Chamber of Commerce members, including Pres. IRA REITER left of him, during MCC general meeting. (© 2024 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

I’ve been a member of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce for years, and particularly looked forward to our April general meeting with guest speaker former NY Governor David Paterson, Senior V.P. of Las Vegas Sands.

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Governor DAVID PATERSON, SVP of Las Vegas Sands Corp., speaks at Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting about Sands New York project to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum, Nassau Hub. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Gov. DAVID PATERSON, SVP of Las Vegas Sands Corp., speaks at Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting about Sands New York project to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum, Nassau Hub. (© 2024 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)  in full color

My most recent news photos of Gov. Paterson were from way back in 2013 in Manhattan, so I appreciated the chance to capture current photos of him right here in Nassau County, Long Island. [See photo at end of this post]

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Governor DAVID PATERSON, SVP of Las Vegas Sands Corp., speaks at Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting about Sands New York project to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum, Nassau Hub. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Merrick Chamber of Commerce member attends MMC general meeting. (© 2024 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Paterson spoke about Sands New York’s proposal to build a Sands hotel casino at the Nassau Hub, a project that’s stirred some controversy.

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Governor DAVID PATERSON, SVP of Las Vegas Sands Corp., speaks at Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting about Sands New York project to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum, Nassau Hub. (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Gov. DAVID PATERSON, SVP of Las Vegas Sands Corp., speaks at Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting about Sands New York project to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum, Nassau Hub. (© 2024 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

– Gov. Paterson MCC – 

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Gov. L-R, Merrick Chamber of Commerce officer and DAVID PATERSON, Senior V.P. of Las Vegas Sands Corp., pose during MCC general meeting.  (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. Former NY Gov. L-R, Merrick Chamber of Commerce officer and DAVID PATERSON, Senior V.P. of Las Vegas Sands Corp., pose during MCC general meeting. (© 2024 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) – Merrick, N.Y., U.S. April 17, 2024. R-L, Former NY Governor DAVID PATERSON, Senior Vice President of Las Vegas Sands Corp., and LAUREN CORCORAN-DOOLIN, also with Sands, pose for photo before Paterson speaks at Merrick Chamber of Commerce general meeting, about Sands’ effort to build casino hotel at site of Nassau Coliseum in Nassau Hub.  (© 2024 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Gov. David Paterson at MMC:  my PHOTO GALLERY

Merrick Chamber of Commerce

Sands New York

Hofstra: An Open Letter Concerning the Proposal for a Casino in the Nassau Hub

CONTACT ME


Gov. Paterson & Tom Suozzi, Penn Station, NYC, Nov. 4, 2013:  

Manhattan, New York, U.S. 4th November 2013. Former New York Governor DAVID PATERSON, (center L) runs into TOM SUOZZI, Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive, (center R) in front of the escalators during Suozzi's campaign stop at Penn Station, near end of 36 straight hours of barnstorming across Nassau County, leading up to the November 5 general election. (© 2013 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Manhattan, New York, U.S. 4th Nov. 4, 2013. (Center L) Former N.Y. Governor DAVID PATERSON, and (center R) TOM SUOZZI, Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive, are in front of the escalators during Suozzi’s campaign stop at Penn Station, near end of 36 straight hours of barnstorming across Nassau County, leading up to the Nov. 5 general election. (© 2013 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)