Freeport Authors: N

Biography by Cynthia J Krieg, Village Historian

Jacques Nevard was a respected foreign correspondent for The New York Times.  He began his career in journalism as an assistant shipping editor with The New York Journal of Commerce.  His career with The Times began in 1955 where he specialized in maritime labor and waterfront problems.  As tensions increased in Southeast Asia, he was assigned to The Times’ Hong Kong bureau.  From there he traveled to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam where he covered battles and earned the respect of his colleagues for his valor and integrity.  From there he went to the Thailand bureau but had problems with President Mohammad Ayub Khan.  When he returned to New York in 1966, he was appointed Deputy Police Commissioner for press relations.  In 1970 he became the communications director for the New York Transit Authority.  He died in 1977.

Lavenia H. Niblett is the author of Love in the Middle.  She donated copies of her book to the library in 2018.

[Biography by Author]

Lavenia H. Niblett, born June 21, 1951 in rural Virginia, number seven of 14 children, attended schools in Henry, Mercer, and McDowell counties; moving to New York in 1971.  I realized at a very young age that my dominant gift was servitude. Caring for my younger siblings, elderly neighbors, or anyone in need of assistance; working as a teacher's assistant during the summer months. My season in healthcare began at age sixteen and continued through 1989.

In October of 1990 my husband and I began distributing food, clothing etc., and with the support of others we began parking our hotdog truck (Hot Dog Palace), in surrounding neighborhoods serving hot meals. Our home has always been a place where one could come for support, food, a place to rest and for spiritual support. We conducted Bible studies for more than two years, services were extended into other areas and prisons where we successfully distributed more than two thousand Bibles. Many individuals upon their release sought us out knowing we were there to lend a helping hand, provide prayer, and support with available resources.

In the year 2002 the radio ministry was birthed (Divine Inspiration) brig prayer and words of encouragement into the homes of listener. Being moved by the response our radio listeners we began conducting home bound services, visiting hospitals, and nursing homes to pray and to serve communion.

Anytime there is a call for food or clothing whether in New York, or other states, or countries, we have, we can, and will continue to do our best to supply those in need; if God continues to bless us with the resources and a heart to bless other, service will always be a part of who are are, striving to inspire others through our energy and compassion.

My book titled Love in the Middle is an inspirational memoir and collection of Scripture based writing and advice inspired by a long and full life To God Be the Glory!

Biography by Cynthia J Krieg, Village Historian

Born in Freeport, Jerry Nichols was a 1967 graduate of Freeport High School.  He was the Director of the Freeport Memorial Library, and the Suffolk Library System.  Now he is Director of the Palmer Institute for Public Library Organization and Management, a graduate studies program at CW Post College.

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