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Page 10 Vol. 91 No. 4
JANUARY 22 - 28, 2026
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nesses and the community’s economic growth. Jackson credited the chamBen Jackson, who guided the ber’s board of directors and the Freeport Chamber of Com- support from Freeport Mayor merce through the pandemic as Robert Kennedy for the success its president, was re-elected t h e b u s i n e s s g r o u p h a s during the fall of 2025 to the achieved thus far. leadership position once again A major goal for Jackson and will serve up to two more during his second tenure as years beginning this president is to month. Jackson preincrease the chamviously stepped up ber’s membership to to the presidency further its impact role in mid-2020 on the community. without an election “I would like to due to the pandemic get people more and was re-elected involved,” Jackson, during the spring of 64, said. “We’re try2021 to serve anothing to make it so it’s er two years. more worthwhile to Jackson and the join the chamber. So chamber faced BEN JACkSoN we have to provide a unique challenges re t u r n o n yo u r during his first stint investment.” as president, as Freeport busiIn addition to his role as nesses sought ways to recover chamber president, Jackson economically after Covid-19 has been part of the business shut down much of commerce group for more than 20 years, worldwide. Under Jackson and having served on its board of his successor, Ken Dookram, directors for nearly half of that the group has increased its time. membership by 25 percent and A lifelong resident of Freerevenue by 30 percent in addi- port and alumnus of Freeport tion to helping many local busi- High School, Jackson has nesses recover financially. invested in Long Island comThe chamber is tasked with merce for more than 40 years as working with village leader- the owner of Ben’s General ship to strengthen local busiContinued on page 10
By ANDREW FRANCIS
afrancis@liherald.com
Warren’s app, called “Find My Food Drive,” was awarded for its ability to meet the needs of local community members facing food shortages. Story, Page 3.
Courtesy office U.S. Rep Laura Gillen
Freeport pastor reflects on two decades of community ministry The Rev. Harold Banarsee, senior pastor of the Freeport Church of God for 21 years, has seen numerous forms of ministry as the community has grown and changed. Banarsee first came to Freeport and the church in 1988, to serve as the executive pastor, and was later asked to become senior pastor. Banarsee plans to continue leading the congregation, he said, “as long as the Lord would have me heading his people in this vineyard.” He added, “I really didn’t think that I would be pastoring in Freeport for all these years, but all God
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First-place winner of the NY-04 Congressional App Challenge, Nicia Warren of Roosevelt High School, receives her certificate of recognition. The competition is a nationwide challenge where students submit their apps that they coded themselves.
afrancis@liherald.com
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has shown me the vision that this is where my base would be.” Although he has done ministry around the world, the Freeport community is important to Banarsee, who appreciates the opportunity to meet people and form relationships from the pulpit as well as in the streets of the village. “A pastor sees a village not only by what is built, but by who is becoming visible, welcomed and invested,” he said. “Freeport’s story, with my experience and observation, is of resilience and transition and cultural enrichment. And that really makes me feel that I find myself in the place where I want to be.” Continued on page 6