From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
April 28, 2020

 How I spent Earth Day on Long Island

SLIDESHOW – “Mill Pond Park, Earth Day 2020” with music
Click lower right corner of video to view full-screen:

Months ago, I ordered a box of 20 disposable N-95 masks. By the time they arrived, not long ago, many local first responders were short on Personal Protective Equipment and could use the masks more than I did.

After reading L.I. Herald reporter Andrew Garcia’s article on the Bellmore-Merrick EMS and how it needed PPE, I put on my makeshift face mask, grabbed the unopened box of N-95s, and drove to the not-for-profit’s nearby Bellmore HQ.

• EMT ALEX DOOLEY of Bellmore-Merrick EMS:

Bellmore, New York, U.S. April 22, 2020. EMT ALEX DOOLEY stands at entrance to Bellmore-Merrick EMS to accept PPE donation to squad. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

While dropping off the masks outside the EMS entrance door, I asked EMT ALEX DOOLEY what protective equipment donations the first responders particularly needed, other than masks, and she immediately said “gowns.”

Since dusk wasn’t far off when I left, I decided to capture Earth Day photos at a nearby South Shore park.

Normally I’d head west to Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve in Merrick, but it was closed because its sprawling trails and secluded areas weren’t social-distancing-friendly and Long Island was a major hot spot for the Covid-19 pandemic. So I instead headed east to Mill Pond Park in Wantagh.

The park borders Merrick Road, where I parked, joining two or three other cars already there, and adjusted my face mask after getting out of the car.

•  [digitally colored] Panorama of Mill Pond Park at dusk:

Wantagh, New York, U.S. April 22, 2020. Family feeds swan and geese at Mill Pond Park, as dusk approaches during Earth Day. (© 2020 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

My iPhone 11 Pro was the best and only camera I had with me. Its 2X optical zoom helped make it possible to capture photos I otherwise couldn’t have while Governor Cuomo’s executive order “New York State on PAUSE” is in effect, currently from March 22 to May 15, 2020.

New York State on PAUSE “NY State remains on PAUSE through May 15. All non-essential workers are directed to work from home, and everyone is required to wear a face covering and maintain a 6-foot distance from others in public”

FEATURE PHOTO at top of post: Wantagh, New York, U.S.  April 22, 2020. Two fishermen wearing waders fish at Mill Pond Park on Earth Day as dusk approaches.

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Mill Pond Park 2020 Earth Day:  my PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO:  vimeo.com/annparry/millpondpark2020

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