Category Archives: News

Mineola, New York, U.S. October 30, 2022. New York Governor KATHY HOCHUL (Democrat) is on stage at Nassau County rally held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. © 2022 Ann Parry, annparry.com (blog post feature photo)

Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
November 4, 2022

Labor unions rally for Hochul Delgado

• voting in NY:  voteearlyny.org •  find your poll site

Updated Jan. 2022: Election results added near end of post

‘When labor votes, the state wins’Gov. Hochul, 10/30/2022, Mineola, N.Y.

The New York governor’s race has become unexpectedly close.

Two days after early voting started in New York, and nine days before Election Day 2022, Democratic candidates and supporters – largely from labor unions – gathered for a Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. 

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul, young women hold a Hochul Delgado sign and wear a shirt with message “Voting is just like driving: To go backward choose ‘R.’ To go forward choose ‘D.'” (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The Sunday, October 30th event was held outdoors during a sunny autumn afternoon at the Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site in Mineola, Long Island. 

After many candidates, labor union leaders, and democratic leaders on stage spoke, it was time for Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado to speak and then introduce Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

VIDEO: Lt. Gov. Delgado speaks and then introduces Gov. Hochul: 

During Lt. Gov. Delgado’s impassioned speech about WHY it’s so important to vote, and to vote for democratic candidates, particularly for Gov Hochul, the enthusiastic audience frequently punctuated his points by clapping and calling out “That’s right… “Say it again!”… “Preach!”….

The following transcript of Lt. Gov. Delgado’s speech is from the above video that starts shortly after he begins speaking at the podium.

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. ANTONIO DELGADO, Lieutenant Governor of New York State, is on stage at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Transcript of Lt. Gov. Antonio’s Speech (from video above):

[…Referring to some Republican candidates] “….only in it for the game. It’s all a joke. And they play with people’s lives. Like it’s a game. And it’s not.

“We have to step up as people and demand more. We just have to. We have to set the bar.
Integrity, decency, honesty.
Are you principled?
Do you care?
Do you know how to love people?
These things have to matter.
To our democracy to matter.
Education has to matter.
And labor has to matter.

“Any political leader worth their salt that can’t get behind collective bargaining and organized labor needs to not be in public service.
The story of upward mobility, the story, the American Dream.
This whole idea is based on working folk coming together and fighting for more.
To raise their families up across generations.
And you want to call yourself a leader, destroy that?
Come on now. Seriously.
We know we can do better. And guess what folks, we can and we will.

“I got to know Governor Hochul very well.
We talk about the stakes. A lot.
We don’t, we don’t spend time foolin’ around and being political about… oh about this, how..
What are we going to do?
What are the solutions?
How’re we going to govern, to the people?
Those were our conversations.

“She cares. She’s a worker.
From the ground up, not top down.
Not imposing her will, but engaging with the will of the people.
And she leads from the heart, from the heart.
Honest. Upfront. Accessible. Accountable.
The kind of things you want in a leader.
Not gonna lie to your face. Or fear monger. Or peddling hate.
You have that chance right now.

“So whatever people are saying out there.
All the head scratching, all the twitter feeds, and all the chaos and the noise.
Forget about it. Put it to the side.
The only thing we should be doing right now is action, not thinking.
Act.
Show up.
And vote and support an absolutely amazing governor who is dedicated to the people.
Who will fight for the people.
Who comes from the people.
Our governor – Kathy Hochul.”

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Woman pushing stroller with baby boy in it waits on line to sign into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At front right, activist LAUREN CORCORAN-DOOLIN waits on line to sign into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Men wearing orange ‘Carpenters RISE’ shirts and ‘Hochul Delgado’ stickers approach entrance to Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. Event was at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Today I voted early at the Freeport Recreation Center. 

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. L-R, N.Y. Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee JAY JACOBS, Lt. Gov. ANTONIO DELGADO, NYS Comptroller THOMAS DINAPOLI, candidate for Congress NY-03 ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, (at podium) Pres. of Local 338 JOHN DURSO, and Gov. KATHY HOCHUL are on stage at Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

  • my Photo Gallery – Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul (Plus, click each photo here to see larger one.)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. At center, NYS Assembly Deputy Majority Leader MICHAELLE SOLAGES waves to audience at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. At podium is Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee JAY JACOBS; right of him is Gov. KATHY HOCUL; left of him is Lt. Gov. ANTONIO DELGADO. At far right is NYS Assembly candidate AMANDA FIELD (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, the Democratic candidate for New York’s redrawn 3rd Congressional District, participates in Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. YURI JIMENEZ, a member of Local 338, holds her daughter GISELLE, 2 1/2 years old, at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. Audience members are wearing MOMS DEMAND ACTION shirts and holding HOCHUL DELGADO signs at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At center NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and two Hasidic Jewish men talk before start of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul on Long Island.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022.. At left, Democratic Deputy Zone Leader of 21st Assembly District RANDY KOVAR signs into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Sign for ‘ROBERT ZIMMERMAN Democrat for Congress’ NY District 3 is at front. Event was at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Union members hold large 32BJ SEIU sign at Nassau County Rally with Gov.Hochul. 32BJ is a merger of two NYC unions of building service workers and an affiliate of SIEU, the Service Employees International Union.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Young daughters of Local 338 union members help at food tent during Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At right, NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and, at left, NYSUT retiree MEL STERN talk before start of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Activists with BEND The ARC sign attend Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul on Long Island. Bend the Arc is a national group of progressive American Jews.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. At center in light suit, Senator KEVIN THOMAS (NY-06) poses with women wearing PSC CUNY shirts at end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. PSC CUNY, the Professional Staff Congress, represents faculty and staff at the City University of New York and CUNY Research Foundation.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At left, Assemblywoman TAYLOR DARLING, (Democrat) 18th Assembly District of New York, is with a constituent at end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. Woman holds Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW sign, and she and man wear ‘Hochul Delgado’ stickers at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul . Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. LAURA CURRAN, former Nassau County Executive, attends Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. A woman waving and a man, both wearing 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers shirts, leave after end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Today I voted early at the Freeport Recreation Center. 


UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2022 ELECTION RESULTS for above candidates. Winners are listed first, and each link goes to official’s gov’t page.

Governor / Lt. Gov: Kathy HochulAntonio Delgado (D) • Lee ZeldinAlison Esposito (R) 

NYS Comptroller: Thomas DiNapoli (D) • Paul Rodriguez (R)

U.S. House District 3:  George Santos (R) • Robert Zimmerman (D)

NY Senate District 5:  Steven Rhoads (R) • John Brooks (D)

NY Senate District 6: Kevin Thomas (D) • James Coll (R)

NYS Assembly District 15: Jake Blumencranz (R) • Amanda Field (D)

NYS Assembly District 18: Taylor Darling (D) • LaMont Johnson (R)

NYS Assembly District 22: Michaelle Solages (D) • Cara Castronuova (R)


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. New York Governor KATHY HOCHUL is on stage at Nassau County rally held at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. 


Rally with Gov. Hochul: my PHOTO GALLERY

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Garden City, New York, U.S. September 29, 2022. FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut; smiles and waves to audience as he leaves after discussing his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut's Journey' in the updated JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, annparry.com).

Fred Haise: ‘Never Panic Early’ at Cradle of Aviation Museum

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
October 5, 2022

an Apollo 13 astronaut’s journey

Former NASA astronaut FRED HAISE came to the Cradle of Aviation Museum last week for a discussion and book signing about his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey.’ 

VIDEO: (17.5 minutes) Fred Haise at Cradle of Aviation MuseumThe sold-out audience greeted Haise with long, loud applause when he entered the updated JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium with a huge moon laser-projected at the top of the full-dome.

  • my Photo Gallery – Fred Haise at Cradle of Aviation Museum (Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)
Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, is about to discuss his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ at Cradle of Aviation Museum. BILL MOORE, book co-author, is behind him. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Thanks to the lively way Haise shared some dangerous times during his career – notably when the Apollo 13 spacecraft was damaged on its way to the Moon on April 13, 1970 – the time seemed to fly by fast enough to escape Earth’s gravity.

Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. ANDREW PARTON. President of the Cradle of Aviation Museum, is introducing Fred Haise, former NASA astronaut, who will discuss his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the updated JetBlue Theater Planetarium.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The book’s co-author, BILL MOORE, was on stage with Haise, and after the discussion they both signed visitors’ books in front of the Museum Store.

Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. L-R, FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, and co-author BILL MOORE are on stage to discuss Haise’s autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I’ve enjoyed seeing Fred Haise several times at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. As THOMAS RIEDY, a trustee of the museum, said shortly before the event, the Cradle is very lucky that Haise is so supportive, visiting so frequently over the years.

Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. L-R, FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, and co-author BILL MOORE are on stage as they discuss Haise’s autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Never Panic Early’

Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. At lower left, L-R, FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, with co-author BILL MOORE, discusses ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in the JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum. Pictures of Haise’s career are projected on the dome. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Never Panic Early’

Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, New York, U.S. September 29, 2022. FRED HAISE (at right in red tie) NASA astronaut, chats with audience members after he discussed his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Never Panic Early’

Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. FRED HAISE, at left, NASA astronaut, inscribes his autobiographical book ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ for family of the young boy he’s talking with at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. FRED HAISE, former NASA astronaut, smiles and waves to audience after his discussion of autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey’ in JetBlue Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum.


Fred Haise ‘Never Panic Early’: my PHOTO GALLERY

Video (top of post):  vimeo.com/757716910

Cradle of Aviation Museum:  cradleofaviation.org

Fred Haise:  fredhaise.space  • ‘Never Panic Early’

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Couple of Guys fundraiser

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 29, 2022. L-R, THOMAS RIEDY, a trustee of Cradle of Aviation Museum, and ANDREW PARTON, President of CAM, look up at full-dome of  JetBlue Theater Planetarium before event when Fred Haise, former NASA astronaut, discusses his autobiography ‘Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. August 16, 2022. A young girl and her mother ride on horses when historic Nunley's Carousel officially reopens after Covid-19 pandemic forced it to close in 2020. (© 2022 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Nunley’s Carousel Reopens with a Roar 2022

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
August 27, 2022

Nunley’s Carousel  sitefacebookMAP buy tickets
till 9/11/22: Thurs. thru Sun., 11 am – 4 pm

Lion & Horses & Chariot! Oh My!

VIDEO soundtrack: Billy Joel’s ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ on Nunley’s Carousel organ • FULL SCREEN: click lower right corner

What goes around (and around) has come around on Long Island this summer! 

We can once again enjoy Nunley’s Carousel, which recently reopened after the Covid-19 pandemic forced it to close in 2020.

The official ceremony on August 16th had speeches, a ribbon-cutting, and the ultimate fun treat for all – especially the many young children and their parents – a nostalgic ride on Nunley’s Carousel’s lion, 41 horses, and chariot. 

my Photo Gallery – Nunley’s Carousel reopens
(Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

“Nunley’s

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN, at center, presides over the ribbon cutting ceremony when historic Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The carousel – now under the management of the Long Island Children’s Museum – is located in the Nunley’s Carousel glass pavilion on Museum Row in Garden City, It’s between LICM and the Cradle of Aviation Museum, which previously managed the carousel. 

If you’d like to ride the carousel this summer, be sure to visit by September 11th, since it will be closed from September 12 to October 4, 2022 for the Long Island Children’s Museum Fall Fix-Up. 

“Nunley’s

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. AARON, 2, of East Meadow, rides on a horse, with his mother holding him, when historic Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

During the ceremony, Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN shared childhood memories of Nunley’s.

Excerpts from his speech:

Let me tell you something, I was one of those kids that grew up at Nunley’s, and I grew up in Valley Stream, probably 4 1/2 – 5 miles from Nunley’s.

And on a Sunday, if we were really good, and my 3 sisters and brother, we would be treated to going to Nunley’s. And we would ride the roller coaster, and we’d ride the other rides.

And of course, the highlight was always the carousel, and it brings back so many childhood memories to be here today.

I just talked to so many people in the community who remember vividly the first time they went to Nunley’s and they used the carousel and they took all the rides,

And you know, this carousel right here is a real work of art. It’s over 110 years old, and the fact that we could restore it is really something special.

[….]

So I couldn’t be more pleased to be here today for the opening again of the Nunley’s Carousel, a place that brought me so many great memories, childhood memories.

I have 3 sisters and a brother. They live in Arizona now. They are gonna be so jealous when I send the photos today of that.

By the way, we got to go [to Nunley’s] if we got good grades and we behaved ourselves, so obviously my sisters got to go a lot more than I did….

Based on the laughs following Blakeman’s final comment, many related to it – I certainly did!

“Nunley’s

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN rides on the lion when Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens.  (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Among those Blakeman thanked for attending:

“Nunley’s

Garden City, New York, U.S. August 7, 2012.  Nunley’s Carousel organ has panels above it decorated with paintings of Long Island landmarks and iconic scenes. (© 2012 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Nunley’s Carousel Wurlitzer 153 Band Organ

When the carousel first started, I was surprised the music was a recording of Billy Joel performing his ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ on the piano. Why wasn’t the organ playing his music?

  • During the ceremony, the carousel organ was set so it could only play off music rolls, not MIDI files (Musical Instrument Digital Interface files)
  • The midi was disconnected.
  • Blowers providing air for the organ were on.
  • The pump which provides air to play pipes, and to read the music roll as it passes over the tracker bar, was also on.
  • To play off the MIDI files, the pump has to be turned off, and the MIDI has to be reconnected.

I look forward to my grandchildren enjoying the full Nunley’s Carousel experience in the future: riding the magnificently carved and decorated carousel horses, lion, and chariot + hearing the carousel organ playing music.

“Nunley’s

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. L-R, BETH OBERGH, of Wantagh, and BOB STUHMER, of Garden City Park, chat when Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. Stuhmer arranged many of the songs the carousel organ plays. Obergh took care of and operated the carousel for 11 years until all carousel employees were laid off in 2020. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

When BILLY JOEL composed ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ he had BOB STUHMER arrange it for Nunley’s Carousel organ. Stuhmer – a member of AMICA (Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association) and COAA (Carousel Organ Association of America) – gave Nunley’s a CD of music he arranged for its organ and professionally recorded on site. ‘Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel)’ is the first piece on the CD. (see above photo)

“Nunley’s

Garden City, New York, U.S. August 16, 2022. L-R, ANDREW PARTON, Cradle of Aviation Museum President • [LYNNE D’AGOSTINO, Ed.D., Long Island Children’s Museum Board Member] • SUZANNE LEBLANC, LICM President • BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive • GARY GRASSO, National Carousel Association Board Member • SCOTT BERMAN, LICM Board Chair • and DARCY BELYEA, Nassau County Commissioner of Parks; pose with carousel in background when Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. Blakeman holds Historic Carousel Award 2020 plaque presented to Nunley’s Carousel by NCA. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Historic Carousel Award 2020

GARY GRASSO, a board member of the National Carousel Association, presented the Historic Carousel Award 2020 to Nunley’s Carousel. NCA had been waiting since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Long Island to present the plaque. (see above photo)

That’s the ticket

Get useful, updated info here:  licm.org/nunleys

  • One ticket is $3 for members of Long Island Children Museum
  • One ticket is $4 for non-members
  • Ten-ticket packs are discounted

… and the Nunley’s Carousel experience is – wait for it – priceless!

“Nunley’s

Garden City, N.Y., U.S. August 16, 2022. FRAN PATERSON, of Poconos, Pennsylvania, represents the Nunley family when Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. Paterson, the great-niece of William Nunley, rode the lead horse, her favorite. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Feature Photo (at top of post): Garden City, New York, U.S. August 16, 2022. A young girl and her mother ride on horses when historic Nunley’s Carousel officially reopens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com).


Nunley’s Carousel Reopens:  my PHOTO GALLERY

site: licm.org/nunleys

video: vimeo.com/annparry/nunleys2022

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Old Westbury, New York, U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Out of Sight’ (bronze, 2011) - two young boys with kites - is on view at 'Re-Visiting the Familiar: Seward Johnson at the Gardens' sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. Westbury House is in background. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Seward Johnson’s fun sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
July 16, 2022

Seward Johnson Exhibition • 6/18 – 9/25/22 • buy Advance TicketsMap

UPDATE: Extended thru September 25, 2022

Re-visiting the familiar

“It’s easy sometimes to forget the simple things that give us pleasure. If we open our eyes, life is marvelous” – Seward Johnson (1930-2020)

One of my birthday week traditions is going with family or friends to photograph something special. This year I went with Bob to ‘Re-Visiting the Familiar: Seward Johnson at the Gardens.’

The Old Westbury Gardens exhibit has over 30 Seward Johnson sculptures showing people doing everyday things. It runs from June 18th to September 5th, 2022.

my Photo Gallery – Seward Johnson at the Gardens (Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

A Reason to Smile (bronze, 2004):

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘A Reason to Smile’ (bronze, 2004) – a wry take on the painting ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo Da Vinci – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Other than seeing some photos of the present exhibit on Old Westbury Gardens’ facebook page, I didn’t know what to expect. I soon realized this was fun art, rather than fine art, though fine art inspired some of Johnson’s most iconic pieces.

The  statue ‘A Reason to Smile’ (see photo above) was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The statues of dancers on the West Porch (see 3 photos below) were inspired by Pierre Auguste Renoir, the French master Impressionist painter.

Time for Fun (aluminum, 2000) – country couple:

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022.  Visitor BOB STUHMER is having fun with ‘Time for Fun’ (aluminum, 2000), which is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. The statue is inspired by painting ‘Dance in the Country,’ by Pierre Auguste Renoir. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Time for Fun (aluminum, 2000) – country couple:

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022.  ‘Time for Fun’ (aluminum, 2000) – a country couple dancing outdoors, the woman holding fan high, and wearing red hat – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. The statue is inspired by painting ‘Dance in the Country,’ by Pierre Auguste Renoir. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Whispering Close (aluminum, 2000) – city couple:

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Whispering Close’ (aluminum, 2000) – a city couple dancing outdoors, the man wearing black tails, the woman with elegant dress and long gloves – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at  Old Westbury Gardens. The statue is inspired by painting ‘Dance in the City,’ by Pierre Auguste Renoir. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

HEADS UP:  There are no pamphlets about the exhibit. Considering how small the maps, or large the pamphlets, would have to be, this seems both reasonable and ecologically friendly.

Instead, close to the parking lot, there are large panels displaying a map of the grounds, basic info about the exhibit of statues, and a QR Code to direct smart phones to online info:

Testing Togetherness  – bronze, 2010 [ full view ]:

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Testing Togetherness’ (bronze, 2010), seen in closeup – a young couple lying on grass, with girl’s head on boy’s chest- is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I had more spontaneous, quick conversations with fellow visitors than during any earlier visit to Old Westbury Gardens.

Though strangers may typically avoid staring at each other, at this exhibit, we often stared at each other from a distance or even rather close. Were we approaching fellow visitors or trompe-l’œil statues?

Time and again, I’d cross paths with someone smiling who’d say something along the lines of, “Did you see the statue of a couple lying down under the tree? I was sure they were real people, even when I got closer, but they didn’t move…”   (see above photo)

The Landlady (aluminum, 2004):

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘The Landlady’ (aluminum, 2004) – an older woman sitting at a table with holding open ledger – is on view in Westbury House at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. The work is inspired by the painting ‘L’Arlésienne’ by Vincent van Gogh.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Membership

Except for Old Westbury Gardens members, visitors must purchase tickets in advance. The exhibit is free with admission.

There are several big reasons I’ve kept my OWG membership active, despite Covid: it’s mainly an outdoor venue; I can go, or not, on the spur of the moment, and there’s no cost factor against making short or multiple visits to one event.

Sweet Sixteen  – 1981  [ side  rear 1  rear 2 ]:

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Sweet Sixteen’ (1981) – from the ‘Reading’ group, and showing a girl sitting atop bench, reading a book – is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at historic Old Westbury Gardens (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I used my Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera with the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 lens to capture all photos except ‘Waving Girl,’ which I captured with my iPhone (see last post). Though I LOVE my Nikon gear, they’re not light, and it was a hot day.

So, after a couple of hours of photographing statues mainly in the west area of the grounds, it was near dinner time, and Bob and I left.

I look forward to returning to “bump into” and photograph more statues at the Gold Coast estate before the Seward Johnson exhibit ends.

Creating  (bronze, 1981, 1984):

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘A visitor takes a selfie with ‘Creating’ (bronze, 1981), a statue of a man sketching a landscape, during the ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘It often happens that when you look at familiar things through someone else’s eyes you see them as you have never seen them before.’ – John Mole, ‘It’s All Greek to Me!’  2004

Waving Girl (bronze, 1982)

Seward Johnson Sculptures at Old Westbury Gardens 2022

Old Westbury, New York, U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Waving Girl’ (bronze, 1982) – a young woman waving as if to call to someone across the West Pond, is on view at ‘Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. Captured using iPhone 13 Pro (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


FEATURE PHOTO (top of post) other views: side  closeup – Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. June 24, 2022. ‘Out of Sight’ (bronze, 2011) – two young boys with kites – is on view at ‘Re-Visiting the Familiar: Seward Johnson at the Gardens’ sculpture exhibition at Old Westbury Gardens. Westbury House is in background.


Seward Johnson at the Gardens: my Photo Gallery

OldWestburyGardens.org

SewardJohnsonAtelier.org 

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Hempstead, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Statue of astronaut Sally Ride - the first American woman in space - has unveiling and dedication ceremony at the new Sally Ride Circle in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island.

Astronaut Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 23, 2022

Honoring America’s first woman in space

“About time! Love it” – Ellen Thomas Ehmer, former Gruman worker

Though it was near high noon on a hot day – not my favorite for capturing outdoor photos – I thoroughly enjoyed the dedication ceremony for the Sally Ride statue in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum on June 17th.

my Photo Gallery – Sally Ride statue dedication ceremony (Plus, click each photo below to see larger one.)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Officials (on left) and students (on right) who won essay contest on Sally Ride pull ropes to uncover statue of Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

The inspiring seven-foot bronze statue, titled “The First American Woman in Space,” powerfully commands the new Sally Ride Circle.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Andy Parton, President of CAM, speaks at podium in front of covered statue of astronaut Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

VIDEO: Andy Parton & Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips (Read much of Phillips’ speech near end of this post): 
Sally Ride statue

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Officials and leaders (on left), and students (on right) who won essay contest, pull ropes to uncover statue of astronaut Sally Ride during dedication ceremony Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Sally Ride statue

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Filmmaker Steven C. Barber, the Project Manager of the statue of Sally Ride, speaks during in its dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

The Project Manager of the “The First American Woman in Space” statue is Steven Barber, a documentary filmmaker. (see above photo)

As Andy Parton, President of Cradle of Aviation Museum, said while thanking those who helped make the statue possible:

“….And, finally, a huge vote of thanks to the man who had the vision and passion to make this project work – Mr. Steve Barber….”


Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. George Lundeen, of Lundeen Sculpture, is one of three sculptors of astronaut Sally Ride statue. They all attended its dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Project Manager Steven Barber introduced the 3 sculptors of Sally Ride statue – GEORGE LUNDEEN, MARK LUNDEEN, and JOEY BAINER (see above photo):

“I want to introduce, in my humble option – and they get a little embarrassed when I say this, but it is true:

These are not just the greatest sculptures in America, these are the greatest sculptures in the world, for many reasons,
the Family Lundeen, George and Mark,
who have believed in me, which is hard to do sometimes,

So anyway, their unwavering spirit has been amazing for me.

So everybody, put your hands together for George and Mark Lundeen, and master sculptor Joey Bainer, behind the tree hiding, Joey is the heir apparent….”

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Alexandria Leggitt, who’s working with Barber trying to build ‘Hidden Figures’ monument, poses by the statue of Sally Ride during its dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Project Manager Steven Barber also introduced ALEXANDRIA LEGGITT (see above photo):

“….And I do want to also mention we have a great IBM’er, an executive from IBM here, Alexandria Leggit, who has been tireless in the last 2 years.
She has been working with me trying to build the ‘Hidden Figures’ monument.

“So we want to start moving into diversity, which obviously Sally Ride is…”

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Julia Lauria-Blum, the Curator of the Women Air Force Service Pilots of WWII Exhibit at American Air Power Museum, poses at statue of astronaut Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

JULIA LAURIA-BLUM is another of the many accomplished women who attended the Sally Ride statue dedication ceremony. (see above photo)

Now one of the curators at the American Airpower Museum, previously Lauria-Blum was a Curatorial Assistant at the Cradle of Aviation Museum for 14 years. 

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. At far left, Elaine Phillips, the Nassau County Comptroller – and CAM Board of Directors: Vice-Chair Anne Shybunko-Moore, and trustees Peter Stearn, Teresa Ferraro, Dr. Kishore Kuncham, and Mike Stromer – attend dedication for statue of Sally Ride at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com )

Plaque inscription on statue pedestal:

SALLY RIDE
First American Woman in Space

Commissioned by
Matson Family Foundation
Peter Diamandis: on behalf of the XPRIZE Foundation
Maria Shriver

Project Manager:  Steven C. Barber

Sculptors: Mark Lundeen – Joey Bainer – George Lundeen

Dedicated  June 17, 2022

Cradle of Aviation


Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2022. Middle and high school student winners of an essay contest about Sally Ride pose in front of statue of Sally Ride during dedication ceremony at Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2022 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips’ speech:
  (video of speech is near start of post)

“…So you’re probably wondering why the Comptroller of Nassau County is standing here talking to you ….

But, when I was elected this past November,
I was the first woman to be elected as the Nassau County Comptroller,
thank you, thank you, yes, and I won’t be the last

And when we actually had our inauguration ceremony here at the Cradle of Aviation,
and beforehand, I was thinking,
What do I say?

You know, I’ve been in politics for X amount of years,
I’ve been in the financial service industry for 35 years,
nobody wants to hear that

And I thought about this museum,
and I thought about women who have made first in science

And Sally Ride came to my mind,
and that day I looked at the young women in the audience
and said:

How do you become the first woman,
or the second, or the fifth, or the one-hundredth?
but how do you get ahead in life?

And the answer, one of the answers, is hard work, obviously
but it is also saying Yes when opportunity presents itself

and I will tell you, there are many times
in many of my jobs, careers in the past
Was I fully fully prepared to do the job?
the answer is No
but I said Yes

And you think about it,
Sally Ride, she didn’t grow up thinking she was going to be an astronaut, the first American woman in space

An opportunity came about,
And she applied, out of thousands and thousands of women and men

So, to the young women out in the audience,
When an opportunity comes, it’s OUR responsibility to say YES….”


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) – Garden City, N.Y., U.S. June 17, 2022. Statue of astronaut Sally Ride – the first American woman in space – has unveiling and dedication ceremony at the circle in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Sally Ride Statue at CAM: my PHOTO GALLERY

CAM site:  Cradle of Aviation Museum

Sculptors:  Lundeen Sculpture@lundeensculpture

Steven C. Barber: @StevenWhartonBarber

Space.com article: space.com/astronaut-sally-ride-statue-cradle-aviation

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2015 PHOTO: Below, see the metal sculpture (at left) previously in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum:

Hempstead, NY, U.S. June 17, 2022. Sally Ride statue unveiled at Cradle of Aviation Museum (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Garden City, N.Y., USA. December 12, 2015. Metal rocket sculpture appears to soar into sky in circle in front of Cradle of Aviation Museum. (© 2015 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com )

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. May 4, 2022. Shirleen Allicot, a 2004 graduate of Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and current Eyewitness News anchor, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC Long Island Bureau at LHSC.

‘Eyewitness News’ opens Long Island Bureau at Hofstra

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
May 14, 2022

WABC-TV  ABC 7 & Lawrence Herbert School of Communication launch L.I. partnership

‘Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness.’  – Mark Twain (1835-1910)

VIDEO 1 – Dr. Susan Poser tells why it was a no-brainer to green light project to have WABC’s Long Island Bureau at Hofstra:

With great anticipation and my Nikon Z9, I drove to the Grand Opening ceremony of the Eyewitness News Long Island Bureau at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on May 4th.

Thanks to the prediction of a storm, which never arrived, the event was held at  Studio A, rather than outside LHSC.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. WABC-TV / ABC 7 opens its Long Island Bureau inside the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. JAMES JACOBS watches his wife take photos of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, with new Eyewitness News Long Island Bureau sign, and ABC7 van, at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Eyewitness News reporter CHANTEE LANS will be stationed full-time at the Long Island Bureau, and ABC7 vans have their own parking spaces next to the LHSC building.

This is MAJOR for several reasons, including:

1 •  It will give Lans a solid chance to become familiar with, and gain insight about, Long Island, its people and events.

2 •  It will give Hofstra communication students an ongoing chance to see, and develop a working relationship with, a professional cover news….

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, speaks during opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, speaks during opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘The world needs good journalists right now, and I believe that’s what this is about.’ – Dean Mark Lukasiewicz (May 4, 2022)

The hosts of the event were DR. SUSAN POSER, Hofstra’s president; and Dean MARK LUKASIEWICZ of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

Creating an Eyewitness News Long Island Bureau at Hofstra began in 2018, the year Lukasiewicz became Dean at Hofstra. During his long and distinguished career in journalism, he worked at ABC for 11 years.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. CHAD MATTHEWS, president of ABC-owned television stations, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. CHAD MATTHEWS, president of ABC-owned television stations, speaks at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Guests included CHAD MATTHEWS, the new president of ABC Owned Television Stations; DONALD SCHAEFFER, Chair of the Hofstra Board of Trustees; ABC anchor BILL RITTER, who emceed the ceremony, SHIRLEEN ALLICOT, a graduate of LHSC and current Eyewitness News anchor; Hofstra LHSC students; Hofstra staff and alums; community leaders and officials.

The long-standing mutual respect between Chad Matthews and Dean Lukasiewicz was evident during each of their speeches, and Matthews mentioned he was happy the abc7 Long Island Bureau at Hofstra opened before he named a new General Manager of WABC New York.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. BILL RITTER, anchor of Eyewitness News, emcees the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. BILL RITTER, Eyewitness News anchor, emcees the opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Eyewitness News anchor BILL RITTER emceed the event.

Ritter’s known Chad Matthews and Dean Mark Lukasiewicz for decades, and I enjoyed the heartwarming, funny anecdotes he shared about each.

Ritter narrated the ceremonial unveiling of the Eyewitness News sign as we watched it on the large screen on stage.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Front L-R, KRISTIN THORNE, WABC investigative reporter; reporter; DANIEL GALL, LHSC student; LHSC student, watch opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Front L-R, KRISTIN THORNE, WABC investigative reporter; WABC reporter; DANIEL GALL, LHSC student; LHSC student, watch unveiling of Eyewitness News sign during opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Outside the entrance of the LHSC building, two communications students braved the sunshine, as Ritter put it, to remove the blue cloth covering the sign at the entrance of the Communications building:

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Eyewitness News anchor BILL RITTER watches screen as blue cover falls to reveal new Eyewitness News 7 Long Island Bureau sign on facade of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication building at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Eyewitness News anchor BILL RITTER watches screen as blue cover falls to reveal new Eyewitness News 7 Long Island Bureau sign on facade of Lawrence Herbert School of Communication building at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

Councilwoman DOROTHY GOOSBY, Legislator TOM MCKEVITT, Councilman ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, and Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN were among those attending not just because of their offices but because they were former Hofstra students.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. L-R, MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School; official; ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman; DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead councilwoman; CHANTEE LANS, Eyewitness News' L.I. Bureau reporter; SUSAN POSER, Hofstra president; BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive; official, and TOM MCKEVITT, Nassau County legislator, pose for photo at opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. L-R, MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School; official; ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman; DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead councilwoman; CHANTEE LANS, Eyewitness News’ L.I. Bureau reporter; SUSAN POSER, Hofstra president; BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive; official, and TOM MCKEVITT, Nassau County legislator, pose for photo at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com

And the Mark Twain quote at the top –  “Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness” – alludes to a third reason why this Hofstra alum finds it major that Eyewitness News will have a reporter stationed full-time at the Long Island Bureau:

3 • Covering news as an eyewitness makes it more likely the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth of the story will be shared.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman, District 1, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. DOROTHY L. GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman, District 1, speaks at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. At right, SUSAN POSER, Hofstra President, speaks with, at center in light jacket, JEFF ABRAMS and family, during WABC-TV / ABC 7 opening ceremony for its Long Island Bureau inside the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. At right, SUSAN POSER, Hofstra President, speaks with, at center in light jacket, JEFF ABRAMS and family, during WABC-TV / ABC 7 opening ceremony for its Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra University. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. BRUCE BLAKEMAN, Nassau County Executive, speaks at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Front L-R, CHARMISE WOODSIDE-DESIRE, Hofstra's Assistant Director for Alumni Affairs, and SARA HENDRICKS, WRHU radio station's professional-in-residence, chat during ceremony when WABC-TV / ABC 7 opens its Long Island Bureau at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Front L-R, CHARMISE WOODSIDE-DESIRE, Hofstra’s Assistant Director for Alumni Affairs, and SARA HENDRICKS, WRHU radio station’s professional-in-residence, chat during ceremony when WABC-TV / ABC 7 opens its Long Island Bureau at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. L-R, MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School; ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead Councilman; CHAD MATTHEWS, President of ABC-owned television stations; SUSAN POSER, Hofstra President; DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman; DONALD SCHAEFFER, Chair of Hofstra Board of Trustees, and TOM MCKEVITT, Nassau County legislator, pose for photo at the opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. L-R, MARK LUKASIEWICZ, Dean of Lawrence Herbert School; ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO, Town of Hempstead councilman; CHAD MATTHEWS, president of ABC-owned television stations; SUSAN POSER, Hofstra president; DOROTHY GOOSBY, Town of Hempstead councilwoman; DONALD SCHAEFFER, Chair of Hofstra Board of Trustees; and TOM MCKEVITT, Nassau County legislator, pose for photo at opening ceremony of WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. SEDGWICK EASLEY, Executive Asst./Publicity Director to Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, speaks at the ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. SEDGWICK EASLEY, Executive Asst./Publicity Director to Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, speaks at the ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ABC7NY + Hofstra

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Far left, guest talks with (seen from back) WABC reporter KRISTIN THORNE and president of ABC-owned television stations CHAD MATTHEWS, and at front right table LHSC students chat, at Studio A at Lawrence Herbert School of Communication during opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. May 4, 2022. Far left, guest talks with (seen from back) WABC reporter KRISTIN THORNE and president of ABC-owned television stations CHAD MATTHEWS, and at front right table are LHSC students, at Studio A at Lawrence Herbert School of Communication during opening ceremony of the WABC-TV Long Island Bureau at Hofstra. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) – Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. May 4, 2022. SHIRLEEN ALLICOT, a 2004 graduate of Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and current Eyewitness News anchor, speaks at the opening ceremony of the WABC Long Island Bureau at LHSC. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


VIDEO 2 – After heartfelt, funny intro from ABC anchor BILL RITTER, Dean MARK LUKASIEWICZ says what the world needs right now:


ABC 7 Opens L.I. Bureau at Hofstra:  my PHOTO GALLERY

LI Advocate: Eyewitness News sets up shop at Hofstra’s Herbert School  [Megan Naftali, May 5, 2022]

Lawrence Herbert School of Communication

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Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. L-R, student 'BADGER' and Prof. BRET BENNINGTON take quick break for photo at 'EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Student Garden at Stuyvesant Hall in Hofstra University.

Hofstra Earth Day 2022: getting down & a bit dirty

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 22, 2022

Planting a native pollinator garden  (after a few years, it doesn’t need watering!)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, Professor BRET BENNINGTON, extreme right, poses with students during 'EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.'(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. Professor BRET BENNINGTON, extreme right, poses with students during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

PHOTO GALLERY | Also, click each photo to see it larger

Though I have bird feeders and don’t use pesticides in my yard, I want to make it more hospitable and inviting to birds, squirrels, butterflies… and help Long Island’s ecology.

So I was excited to cover the hands-on event “EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden” that BRET BENNINGTON, Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, presented at the Student Garden at Stuyvesant Hall, Hofstra University.

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, students shovel mulch to add to prepare garden beds during 'EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.' (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, students shovel mulch to add to prepare garden beds during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra undergrad and grad students planted the university’s first native pollinator garden with species grown from seed by Hofstra students in a greenhouse on the rooftop of Gittleson Hall.

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging into soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging into soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: ‘Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging soil to loosen it, and then covering the soil with newspapers, and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging into soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging into soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then covering the newspapers with mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students students plant native pollinator plants in prepared garden bed. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers, and then mulch. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students plant native pollinator plants in prepared garden bed. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden' at Hofstra University, students prepare garden beds by digging into soil to loosen it, and then covering it with newspapers and then mulch.

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Hofstra University, students students plant native pollinator plants in prepared garden bed. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, NY, U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, Prof. BRET BENNINGTON has EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, students and Prof. BRET BENNINGTON (in red and black vest) plant garden during EARTH DAY: ‘Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)  related image

Hofstra Earth Day

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. During Prof. Bret Bennington’s ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden,’ Nodding Pink Onions are among the perennials planted in Hofstra’s first native pollinator garden with species grown from seed by students in the greenhouse on rooftop of Gittleson Hall. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. During ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden,’ Nodding Pink Onions are among the perennials planted in Hofstra’s first native pollinator garden. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Rooftop Greenhouse at Gittleson Hall

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, BRET BENNINGTON and GAIL BENNINGTON tend plants in the West Greenhouse on the rooftop of Gittleson Hall at Hofstra University.

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, L-R, Prof. BRET BENNINGTON and instructor GAIL BENNINGTON tend plants in the West Greenhouse on rooftop of Gittleson Hall. (© 2022 Ann Parry)   greenhouse image

GAIL BENNINGTON, Adjunct Instructor of Geology, Environment, & Sustainability, assisted during the garden planting.

After the event, I went to GIttleson Hall where she showed me the rooftop greenhouse…  and a timeless pair of sneakers (see end of post).

Long Island Native Plant Initiative

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, BRET BENNINGTON and GAIL BENNINGTON tend plants in the West Greenhouse on the rooftop of Gittleson Hall at Hofstra University.

Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. At Hofstra University, L-R, Professor BRET BENNINGTON and ANTHONY MARINELLO, Secretary of Long Island Native Plant Initiative, talk during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden.’ (© 2022 Ann Parry)

ANTHONY MARINELLO, the Secretary of the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) and owner of Dropseed Native Landscapes Native Plant Nursery, was at the planting.

At an Earth Day event earlier that afternoon, Marinello explained why planting native plants in gardens is so important for protecting the ecology of Long Island.” [from Hofstra site]

If you’re interested – like I am – in learning the benefits of planting a native plant garden, and how to do it, LINPI’s site is a helpful resource:

• Long Island Native Plant Initiative:  linpi.org  plant fact sheets


Feature Photo at top of post: Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. L-R, student ‘BADGER’ and Prof. BRET BENNINGTON take quick break from planting to pose during ‘EARTH DAY: Help Plant a Native Pollinator Garden’ at Student Garden at Hofstra University.


Hofstra Earth Day 2022: my PHOTO GALLERY

Hofstra University:  hofstra.edu •  Environment & Sustainability 

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Hempstead, N.Y., U.S. April 18, 2022. Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. GAIL BENNINGTON holds up sneaker, with illustration of Charles Darwin and a giant tortoise at the Galápagos archipelago, that Prof. Bret Bennington received as gift. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, New York, U.S. April 18, 2022. Adjunct Instructor GAIL BENNINGTON holds up a sneaker – with illustration of Charles Darwin and a giant tortoise at the Galápagos archipelago – from pair Prof. Bret Bennington received as a gift. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. L-R, Judge STEVE LAMPASONA and First Place winner JAN GUARINO are flanking her watercolor at The Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibition. (photo © 2022 Ann Parry, FromLongIsland.com)

T.A.G. You’re It! – Nikon Z9

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
March 25, 2022

Figuratively SpeakingThe Art Guild
Exhibit: March. 13 – April 2, 2022
200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset

The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking Reception

I went to The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking reception with my Nikon Z9 and BOB STUHMER, who had his colorful “Jack and The Beanstalk Giant” illustration in the exhibit:

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. BOB STUHMER poses next to his illustration “Jack and the Beanstalk Giant” at the The Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The reception was days after my Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera arrived – 4 months after I ordered it!

I used the only native Z lens I had at that point – the macro Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens.

Though a brilliant prime lens for capturing portraits, the 105mm is hilariously ill-suited as a solo pro lens for capturing events. That’s why I used my iPhone 13 Pro to capture the group photo near the start of this post. I would have had to back up into the next room to capture it with the 105mm lens.

But I was more interested in getting used to the new lens than the new Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II that makes it possible to use my array of F-mount lenses on the Z series camera.

It was a fun challenge.

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. Judge STEVE LAMPASONA and winners, L-R, MELISSA MORA - Honorable Mention, MICHELE GARFIELD - 3rd Place winner, JAN GUARINO - First Place, ALICE RIORDAN - Honorable Mention, KAY VICKERS - 2nd Place, and JUDY VINE - Honorable Mention, pose during Reception for The Art Guild's Figuratively Speaking Exhibit at Elderfields.

Manhasset, NY, U.S. March 13, 2022.  The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking reception:

(above photo) At center, Juror of Awards STEVE LAMPASONA, & winners (L-R) • MELISSA MORA, Honorable Mention • MICHELE GARFIELD, Third Place • JAN GUARINO, 1st Place • ALICE RIORDAN, Honorable Mention • KAY VICKERS, 2nd Place • & JUDY VINE, Honorable Mention • pose at The Art Guild’s Reception for Figuratively Speaking Exhibit. (iPhone 13 Pro)

Here’s a portrait of First Place winner JAN GUARINO. The JPG is straight from the memory card:

““The

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. First Place winner JAN GUARINO attends The Art Guild’s reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Here’s another portrait of Jan Guarino. I used Nik’s Silver Efex Pro 3 to process the raw file:

““The

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. First Place winner JAN GUARINO attends The Art Guild’s reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Here’s a portrait of LUCAS VICKERS with his wife. I used Nik’s Viveza to slightly adjust the JPG.

““The

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. LUCAS VICKERS and his wife, of Astoria, attend The Art Guild’s reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. His mother KAY VICKERS won Second Place for her pastel “Union Square” of Lucas. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

KAY VICKERS‘ “Union Square” – a pastel portrait of her son Lucas (see above photo) – won Second Place:

““The

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. KAY VICKERS won Second Place for her pastel “Union Square” of her son, at The Art Guild’s reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I captured this portrait of a cheerful visitor during the awards presentation, but later on I couldn’t find her or anyone who knew her. Woman of Mystery:

““The

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. A woman smiles during The Art Guild awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Here’s STEVE LAMPASONA, the Juror of Awards:

““The

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. STEVE LAMPASONA, the Juror of Awards of The Art Guild’s Figuratively Speaking contest, participates at its reception and awards ceremony. at Elderfields Preserve. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Steve Lampasona has his silver point and graphite portrait “Rén with the Mane” on display at the Figuratively Speaking exhibit:

““The

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. Juror of Awards Steve Lampasona has his silver point and graphite portrait ‘Ren with the Mane’ on display at The Art Guild reception and awards ceremony for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Here’s a portrait I captured of a young woman as she and her companion chatted with Lampasona at the exhibit:

““TAG

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. A young woman listens to the juror of Awards during the Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Here’s the same above photo processed differently:

““TAG

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. A young woman listens to the Juror of Awards during the Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

MELISSA MORA won an Honorable Mention for her printmaking Chine-collé “Don’t Let It Enter (1/4).” RAPHAEL, almost two years old, and his mom were two of her family members who attended the reception:

“The Art Guild

Manhasset, New York, U.S. March 13, 2022. RAPHAEL, almost two-years-old, and his mother, whose sister Melissa Mora who won an Honorable Mention, attend the The Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibit. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Some who helped make event happen:
SHELLEY HOLTZMAN, Co-President T.A.G.
LISA GROSSMAN, Executive Director T.A.G.
SONA HYDE Gallery Manager T.A.G.


Photo processing software

DxO PureRaw 2 covers the Nikon Z9 + Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 lens combo, so I used it to process the raw files before working further on them in any other software, such as PhotoshopOn1 Portrait AI – and, from the Nik Collection: Silver Efex Pro 3 and Viveza.

NOTE: LINKS to others’ products & sites are for readers’ convenience only.


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Manhasset, N.Y, U.S. March 13, 2022. L-R, Judge STEVE LAMPASONA and First Place winner JAN GUARINO flank her watercolor at The Art Guild reception for its Figuratively Speaking exhibition.


T.A.G. Reception: my Photo Gallery

The Art Guild:  theartguild.org

Michele Garfield: michelegarfield.com

Jan Guarino: janguarinofineart.com

Steve Lampasona: lampasona.com

Bob Stuhmer: bobstuhmer.com

Judy Vine: instagram.com/judy.vine/

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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!

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

UPDATE: Shimmering Solstice Returns! 11/25/22 – 1/1/23
Subscribe for updates from OWG on tickets+

Shimmering Solstice • 11/20/21-1/9/22 • must buy Advance TicketsMap

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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Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 25, 2021. L-R, NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and visitor BOB STUHMER, wearing a face mask because of COVID-19, chat at the senator's booth the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.

Twice Around the Bellmore Family Street Festival

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
October 2, 2021

VIDEO  Click bottom right corner for Full Screen – Bellmore Family Street Festival, Sept. 25, 2021:

The first Saturday in autumn, August 25th, Bob and I visited the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival. The food, the smells, the crafts… were tantalizing, and the people were the highlight of the afternoon.

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 25, 2021. Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN visits the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.

Bellmore, NY, U.S. Sept. 25, 2021. Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN visits the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival. (© 2021 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

As we walked to the carnival rides at the opposite end of the festival, I ate grilled corn on the cob, chatted at various political booths, and browsed at countless crafts booths, including one where I bought a solar powered blue bird for my front garden. 

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 25, 2021. At center, JASON ABELOVE, the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor, visits the South Shore Women's Caucus booth at the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.

Bellmore, NY, U.S. Sept. 25, 2021. At center, JASON ABELOVE, the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor, visits the South Shore Women’s Caucus booth at the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.

We were about to leave when we ran into my daughter Sue’s family, so the five of us headed off together towards the carnival rides and ices.

Bellmore, NY, U.S. Sept. 25, 2021. New York State Legislator STEVE RHOADS (R-19th District) speaks with a visitor at the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.

Bellmore, NY, U.S. Sept. 25, 2021. NYS Legislator STEVE RHOADS (R-19th District) speaks with a visitor at the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.

After the bonus hour or so of family fun at the festival, Bob and I decided, once again, to leave.

““Merrick,

Bellmore, New York, U.S. September 25, 2021. New York State Legislator TOM MCKEVITT (R-13th District) visits the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Just before we turned off Bedford Ave to head to the car, DAN YNGSTROM — wearing his bright pink Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores VOLUNTEER shirt (as seen early in above video) — said a cheery hi.   

Bellmore, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 25, 2021. Musician at the New York Musician's Center (NYMC, 701 Bedford Ave) sings, while accompanying himself on electric guitar, during the 34th Annual Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.

Bellmore, N.Y., U.S. Sept. 25, 2021. Musician at the New York Musician’s Center (NYMC, 701 Bedford Ave) sings, while accompanying himself on electric guitar, during the 34th Annual Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post):  Bellmore, NY, U.S. Sept. 25, 2021. L-R, NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and visitor BOB STUHMER, wearing a face mask because of COVID-19, chat at the senator’s booth at the 34th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival.


Bellmore Family Street Festival: my photo Gallery

Video:  vimeo.com/annparry/620478331

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Mineola, New York, USA. April 26, 2021. Activist at rally holds sign saying: STOP TAXING OUR WATER. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally to urge NYS Assemby to push through legislation, before that date, corresponding with NYS Senate Bill S989A to establish a Nassau County Water Authority and except water works corporations in counties of populations over one million from a special franchise tax. (© 2021 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Activists Rally to STOP New York American Water Rate Hikes

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
April 27, 2021

Activists urge NYS Assembly to pass legislation to create Nassau County Water Authority

  • contact info for NYS Assembly members at end of post
“Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. At rally, activists hold signs saying STOP TAXING OUR WATER, and Water for ALL! Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. At rally, activists hold signs saying STOP TAXING OUR WATER, and Water for ALL! Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Yesterday, April 26, activists held a rally in Mineola about the unfair burden of paying dam-bursting rates – about to rise 26% higher on May 1st – for water from New York American Water, a private company.

Living in Merrick, I’m among over 124,000 customers of NYAW in Nassau County who pay rates many times higher than county residents with municipal water.

“Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. MARGARET MAHER, from non-profit Food and Water Watch, speaks at rally. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally to urge NYS Assembly to push through legislation, before that date, corresponding with NYS Senate Bill S989A to establish a Nassau County Water Authority. (© 2021Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. MARGARET MAHER, from non-profit Food and Water Watch, speaks at rally. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Since 2011, I’ve been covering rallies and attending meetings about the extreme, unfair difference in rates customers pay for water from private companies versus municipal water in Nassau County.

“Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. Activists and civic leaders - including in front row, center, wearing lapis blue face mask and jacket, CLAUDIA BORECKY, a Co-Director of CAWS (Clean Air Water Soil) - rally at Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. Activists and civic leaders – including in front row, center, wearing lapis blue face mask and jacket, CLAUDIA BORECKY, a Co-Director of CAWS (Clean Air Water Soil) – rally at Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

But the notable changes water customers have experienced over the past 11 years have been repeated sales from one private water company to another, and a flood of rate hikes.

“Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. At front, GEORGE POMBAR, President of Glen Head-Glenwood Civic Association, speaks at rally. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally to urge NYS Assembly to push through legislation, before that date, corresponding with NYS Senate Bill S989A to establish a Nassau County Water Authority. (© 2021Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. At front, GEORGE POMBAR, President of Glen Head-Glenwood Landing Civic Council, speaks at rally. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

New York State Senate Bill S.989a

Recently, however, New York State Senate Bill S.989a passed –  sponsored by Sen. James Gaughran (Dem.-5th District, Northport) – which relates to the assessment of property owned by water-works corporations – including creating a Nassau County Water Authority and exempting water works corporations in counties of populations over one million from a special franchise tax.

In addition to NYS Sen. James Gaughran, Sen. John Brooks (Dem. – 8th Dist., Seaford), Sen. Leroy Comrie (Dem. – 14th Dist., St. Albans)  Sen. Todd Kaminsky (Dem. – 9th Dist., Long Beach), and Sen. Kevin Thomas (Dem. – 6th Dist, Garden City) actively supported the bill’s passage, and speakers at the rally thanked them.

“Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. L-R, DAVE DENENBERG, Co-Director of CAWS; LLOYD NADEL (speaking at mics) attorney for Glen Head-Glenwood Landing Civic Council; ERIC WELTMAN, Senior Organizer for Food & Water Watch and Food & Water Action; (activist); GEORGE POMBAR, Pres. of GH/GL Civic Council; and AGATHA NADEL, Director of NSCC,  speak at rally. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. L-R, DAVE DENENBERG, Co-Director of CAWS; LLOYD NADEL (speaking at mics) attorney for Glen Head-Glenwood Landing Civic Council; ERIC WELTMAN, Senior Organizer for Food & Water Watch and Food & Water Action; (activist); GEORGE POMBAR, Pres. of GH/GL Civic Council; and AGATHA NADEL, Director of NSCC,  speak at rally. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

But for New York American Water customers to avoid the 26% rate hike, and for such changes to take place, the NYS Assembly must also pass corresponding legislation before May 1st.  [See UPDATE near end of post]

“Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. Activist META MEREDAY, of Baldwin, speaks at rally and holds up sign saying: NY Assembly, Only You Can Stop the Rate Hike! Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally to urge NYS Assembly to push through legislation, before that date, corresponding with NYS Senate Bill S989A to establish a Nassau County Water Authority. (© 2021Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. Activist META MEREDAY, of Baldwin, speaks at rally and holds up sign saying: NY Assembly, Only You Can Stop the Rate Hike! Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Contact your NYS Assembly member:

New York State Assembly members:  assembly.state.ny.us/mem/

Michael Durso  •  District 9
nyassembly.gov/mem/Michael-Durso
dursom@nyassembly.gov •  516-541-4598

Charles D. Lavine  •  District 13
nyassembly.gov/mem/Charles-D-Lavine
LavineC@nyassembly.gov  •  516-676-0050

David G. McDonough  •  District 14
nyassembly.gov/mem/David-G-McDonough
mcdonoughd@nyassembly.gov  •  516-409-2070

Michael Montesano  •  District 15
nyassembly.gov/mem/Michael-Montesano
MontesanoM@nyassembly.gov •  516-937-3571

John K. Mikulin  •  District 17
nyassembly.gov/mem/John-K-Mikulin
mikulinj@nyassembly.gov •  516-228-4960

Taylor Darling •  District 18
nyassembly.gov/mem/Taylor-Darling
darlingt@nyassembly.gov  •  516-489-6610

Edward P. Ra  •  District 19
nyassembly.gov/mem/Edward-P-Ra
rae@nyassembly.gov  •  516-535-4095

Judy Griffin •  District 21
nyassembly.gov/mem/Judy-Griffin
griffinj@nyassembly.gov  •  516-561-8216

Michaelle C. Solages •  District 22
nyassembly.gov/mem/Michaelle-C-Solages
SolagesM@nyassembly.gov  •  516-599-2972


“Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. AGATHA NADEL, Director of North Shore Concerned Citizens (NSCC) speaks at rally, and behind her at right is ERIC WELTMAN, Senior Organizer for Food & Water Watch and Food & Water Action. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally to urge NYS Assembly to push through legislation, before then, corresponding with NYS Senate Bill S989A to establish a Nassau County Water Authority. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. April 26, 2021. AGATHA NADEL, Director of North Shore Concerned Citizens (NSCC) speaks at rally, and behind her at right is ERIC WELTMAN, Senior Organizer for Food & Water Watch and Food & Water Action. Faced with a 26% rate increase from New York American Water going into effect May 1, 2021, activists and residents who are NYAW customers rally to urge NYS Assembly to push through legislation, before then, corresponding with NYS Senate Bill S.989As to establish a Nassau County Water Authority. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Company & groups in post:

New York American Water – www.amwater.com/NYAW/
facebook – nyamwater    twitter – @nyamwater

CAWS – LI Clean Air Water and Soil – www.licaws.org/

Food and Water Watch
www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2021/03/02/stopping-privatization/

Glen Head-Glenwood Landing Civic Council
www.facebook.com/ghgwlcivics/

North Shore Concerned Citizens (NSCC)


→ UPDATENew York State Assembly Bill A07279

Before May 1, 2021, NYS Assembly Bill A07279 passed, which “relates to the establishment of the north and south shore water authority and capping the rate a water-works corporation may increase its rates and charges.” It was sponsored by Rep. Charles Lavine (Dem. – Dist. 13, Glen Cove), and co-sponsors Rep. Judy Griffin (Dem. – Dist. 21, Rockville Centre), Rep. Michaelle Solages (Dem. – Dist. 22, Elmont), and Rep. Michael Montesano (Rep., Ind., Cons. – Dist. 15, Glen Head).

NYS Assembly Bill A07279 differs from NYS Senate Bill A.989.a in some significant ways. For one, the NYS Assembly bill would form a North and South Shore Water Authority, covering fewer New York Water Authority customers than the Nassau County Water Authority NYS Senate Bill S.989.a would cover.


my Photo Gallery: Rally to Stop NY American Water Rate Hikes

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Rockville Centre, NY, U.S. Sept. 21, 2020. Ruth Bader and Martin Ginsburg were married in his family's Colonial home in 1954. BRIAN and CHLOE SCHIELE bought the house from Ginsburg family in 2016. (© 2020 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Married in RVC House

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
September 30, 2020

RBG’s 1954 wedding at Rockville Centre home

When iconic Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died of metastatic pancreatic cancer on September 18th, Long Island media included coverage about Martin Ginsburg’s family home in Rockville Centre, where he and Bader were married the summer of 1954.

  • CLICK each photo below to see it transform
“Rockville Centre, New York, U.S. September 22, 2020. Ruth Bader and Martin Ginsburg were married in 1954 in his family's home on Long Island. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Rockville Centre, New York, U.S. September 22, 2020. Ruth Bader and Martin Ginsburg were married in 1954 in his family’s home on Long Island. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The Colonial, which overlooks the Rockville Links Golf Course, reminded me of the homes in the RVC area my family lived in during the late 1980’s.

Checking Google maps, I saw the former Ginsburg – and current Chloe and Brian Schiele – family home was less than a mile north of where my family lived decades ago.

I simply had to photograph where the woman who would become the Notorious RBG was married.

“It’s Overwhelming!”

Soon after arriving, I met BRIAN SCHIELE and his daughter MAEVE, and we chatted as I captured photos.

“Rockville

Rockville Centre, New York, U.S. September 22, 2020. L-R, MAEVE SCHIELE, 7, and her father BRIAN SCHIELE are standing in front of their home, where Ruth Bader and Martin Ginsburg were married in 1954. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Though her parents have known about the Ginsburg connection since they bought the house in 2016 from Martin Ginsburg’s sister and brother-in-law, Claire and Edward Stiepleman, Maeve first found out after Justice Ginsburg died.

Since then, Maeve has had a chance to share the history of her home with her classmates.

When asked how the past few days have been, Meave said, “It’s overwhelming!”

“Rockville

Rockville Centre, New York, U.S. September 22, 2020. CHLOE SCHIELE is in front of her home, where Ruth Bader and Martin Ginsburg were married in 1954. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Later, though clearly busy, CHLOE SCHIELE kindly paused so I could photograph her in the front yard.

Bader and Ginsburg chose to have their wedding at his family house so they could save money for their European honeymoon.

Ruth Bader also lived at the home for a while, and Brian Schielle pointed out the room he GUESSED was her bedroom.  It had been built as a maid’s room and was on the right side of the house. He felt it was likely the other bedrooms were already occupied by the Ginsburg family.


To learn more about pancreatic cancer & to donate towards its research:

The Lustgarten Foundation: lustgarten.org


  • FEATURE PHOTO B&WCOLORVINTAGE at top: Rockville Centre, NY, U.S. Sept. 21, 2020. Ruth Bader and Martin Ginsburg were married on Long Island in 1954. The Schiele family bought the Colonial home from Gingsburg family in 2016. (© 2020 Ann Parry)

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