Freeport Authors: R

Biography by Cynthia J Krieg, Village Historian

Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers came from Bermuda.  She has earned a B.S. in communicative disorders from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.  Her M.S. in speech-language pathology is from Adelphi University.  At the College of New Rochelle, she pursued a second M.S. in multicultural education as well as courses in educational administration.  At present, she is a teacher in the Hempstead School District.  She also writes question and answer columns for local weekly newspapers on topics such as, education and education law.

[Biography by Katherine R. Boulukos, found in the National Herald, November 25th, 2020]

This is the story of how a dream idea became reality! A ‘Make it Grow’ project was suggested in the late l950s to raise money for the new community of St. Paul, Hempstead, NY. A small group of 20 women volunteered to write a Greek Cookbook in English, since there was none around. They called themselves The Recipe Club of St. Paul, although it was not a club at all. These women researched, tested, and retested to find the best Greek recipes. They personally absorbed the expenses involved, and agreed that any money made from the sale of the books would go to St Paul. This is true to this day! Published in softcover, something different at the time, they sent copies to various press food people, included the legendary Craig Claiborne of the NY Times. He raved about the book, and as a result, it became a great success. Doubleday Publishers approached the Recipe Club and said they wanted to publish the book under the heading The Art of Greek Cookery. In a very short time, it reached the top of the ethnic food books category. It sold so well, they asked the group to write another book, which they called The Regional Cuisines of Greece. That book took some of the basics into new foods, many unknown to the general American taste buds. As one point, the Recipe club wanted to redo the two books to incorporate some newer preparation methods, (like using a food processor) and amending some of the recipes to fit culinary dietary guidelines. 

With that goal, they went to Harper Collins Publishers, and their current book was published: The Complete Book of Greek Cooking. Recipes were all retested again and again, and a wonderful array of updated information was included. This current book is available as a hardcover, a softcover, and an E Book.  It can be purchased in bookstores, online with Amazon and through the St. Paul’s parish.  

It is hard to believe that this dedicated group of women managed to make such a mark on Greek food. Many others have followed, with their own success stories – books and articles. 

Book Club participants are overjoyed that they have helped promote the value of our wonderful Greek cuisines not only to Hellenes and Philhellenes, but around the world. They are also thrilled to be able to continue to support their beloved community of St. Paul’s, Hempstead, NY. with all of their earnings. 

Katherine R. Boulukos is Chairperson, Recipe Club of St. Paul.

Biography by Cynthia J Krieg, Village Historian

Born in Brooklyn, Lou Reed grew up in Freeport and graduated from Freeport High School in 1959.  During those years, he played in a number of bands and made his first recording as a member of the doo-wop group The Shades.  He graduated from Syracuse University with a B.A. in 1964 where he expanded his interests to free jazz and other experimental types of music.  He moved to New York City and took a job as a song writer with Pickwick Records.  After playing with a few groups, he formed the Velvet Underground in 1965.  His solo career started in 1971.  He has become a widely respected member of the music industry and was inducted, in 1996, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

See Also:

Reed, Lou (Freeport History Encyclopedia)

Biography by Cynthia J Krieg, Village Historian

Lester Rice was born in Brooklyn and was a sports writer for the Brooklyn Citizen in 1917.  He was the golf editor of the New York Journal American.  In the July, 1937, issue of Golf Review Monthly’s article, “A Paradise for Golf’s Forgotten Man,” he wrote:  “never in all my wanderings over the face of bunkerland have I ever seen the like of traps at Bethpage....Bethpage is the state’s gift to the golfer without a club to call his own.”

Carlyle Richards grew up in Freeport and attended Freeport High School.  In the summer of 2023, Richards donated copies of his book, The Proverbs of Chucky, to the Freeport Memorial Library.

[Biography found in The Leader, 29 March 1951]

William Payson Richardson, who was Dean of the Brooklyn Law School from 1901 to 1945, issued a volume "Outlines of Contracts" in 1905, which was revised and reissued four more times prior to his death in 1945. Dr. Weyrauch, who collaborated with the dean in the final issue in 1940 has brought the subject matter up to date in the book just published. 

Donald Robinson donated his book Prayer Time With Victoria to the library in 2016.

[Biography by author]

My name is Donald Robinson and I have been writing poetry and short stories since I was 11 years old 3 years ago I finally decided to publish my writing in order to let the world know I am a writer because I felt that my words over the years have encouraged and helped people from all walks of life to live healthy lives.

I have mentored both young and older adults and worked as a counselor for 10 years recently I have transitioned over to the medical field  because o f my passion and desire to help others stay healthy.

I have written four books thus far the first book I wrote is titled Listen to my words my second book is titled there is a message in my words my 3 book is a Romance book  which could be ordered online and now my fourth book which is titled Pray time with Victoria a book that I dedicated to my daughter and my wife and I are writing a couples at this present time titled love your spouse as God loves you.

I have lived in Freeport for 30 years and I love my community I not only write because I enjoy it but as I mentioned working as a mentor and a counselor putting my positive messages in a book is another way to touch as many lives as I can to see others happy and living good is a joy to my soul.

I will continue writing for as long as I am able to and I hope my books spread across the world and touch many lives.