On Sunday, April 15, almost 60 people crowded into Lola restaurant in Great Neck to attend the lively, entertaining and informative Reach Out America annual fundraiser.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran addressed the crowd on the job she had done so far and also what was in the offing in the coming months of her first administration, historic both because she is a Democrat and the first woman to hold the position.
In her remarks, she stressed that though she did not run solely as a woman, she recognized the fact that girls find inspiration when they encounter females in positions of power where, not having seen them before they previously had feared to tread.
She answered questions seamlessly and the crowd appreciated her accessibility.
Present in the audience were an array of local elected officials, past and present, including Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum, Town Councilwoman Lee Seeman, state Assemblyman Tony D’Urso, Commissioner of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Patty Katz, and former state Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel.
The brunch menu included hummus, falafel, kale “fatoush” salad, chicken curry, eggplant babaganoush, cauliflower mezza, avocado dip and vegetarian pizza. Coffee and prosecco flowed freely.
Before Curran spoke the Voices of Virtue Choir of Hempstead led by founder Rachel Blackburn sang inspirational songs including gospel and other sacred music from African-American culture in general and the black church specifically.
At times there was not a dry eye in the house; at others the entire audience joined in foot stomping and hand clapping during the chorus’s more exuberant selections.
All agreed this was one of the best – if not the best – event Reach Out America has held. ROA is a grassroots nonprofit founded in 2004. It is dedicated to human rights, electoral fairness, accessible healthcare, diplomacy over war and a sustainable environment.
It meets the second Wednesday of the month from September to June at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Shelter Rock to discuss the progress its five committees have made and which future actions are planned; also there is always an expert speaker who addresses timely issues. For more go to www.reachout-america.com.
