Did you go ice skating last weekend?  One of my readers reminisced how “life was much simpler in those days” as she ice skated on Brady’s Pond and Cameron Pond in Grasmere.  Another reader remembered skating on Allison Pond, “taking dates to the War Memorial Skating Rink at Clove Lakes” and also weekend skating with his children.  I remember having cold toes and warming up in front of bonfires at Martlings Pond with my older sister.  She had tried out for the Silver Skates competition and dazzled everyone with her figure eights all over the pond.  Do you have any memories you would like to share?

  As I think of everything I am thankful for each day, I urge my readers to remember those in our lives who are in need of companionship, maybe a telephone…

2445 Views, 2 Comments

Read Full Post

The latest in a series of health initiatives planned by Staten Island Borough President James Oddo calls for students to quit sugary drinks for one month. The "Sodabriety" Challenge has been issued to four area high schools: Staten Island Tech (New Dorp), St. John Villa Academy (Fort Wadsworth), Staten Island Academy (Todt Hill), and Susan Wagner High School (Manor Heights).

Within each school, a Challenge Advisory Council was formed, comprised of ten students and two teachers, designed to promote the campaign and encourage other students to sign up. Participants were asked to fill out surveys before beginning the challenge and once more after they have completed it in 30 days. The incentives offered here are better health and awareness of the negative…

1779 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Fifty years ago, on November 21, 1964, ceremonies were held in Brooklyn for the opening of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Master builder Robert Moses realized his vision of connecting Staten Island to the rest of the boroughs by overseeing the construction of what was then the longest suspension bridge in the world.


[Photo source: silive.com]

Today, in light of the anniversary, a celebration will be held at The Overlook at Fort Wadsworth. Festivities include a 50-gun salute by the New York State Veteran Corps of Artillery, and FDNY Fireboat display in the harbor, and a performance by the acclaimed P.S. 22 Chorus. MTA President James Ferrara, Chairman Thomas F. Pendergast, and other officials will be on hand. Later this evening, a cocktail reception…

1527 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The Staten Island Greenbelt's original 5K run, "Fall Flat," returns this Saturday, November 22. Here's to hoping that runners don't take the race's title too literally!

The fun run will take place in Willowbrook Park and is suitable for beginners and walkers as well as seasoned runners. The race will be professionally timed, and an awards ceremony will follow. In addition, race apparel will be provided for registered participants. Refreshments will be served during the run. 


[Photo source: sigreenbelt.org]

The race begins at 10:00am at the park entrance on Eton Place, near the carousel. Runners will follow the 'White Trail' and will circle around Willowbrook Lake. The 'White Trail' is mostly flat, hence the race's name, and has recently received…

1608 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

What did you do last weekend?  Meet the Greyhounds, adopt a precious kitten or watch TV wrapped up in a warm sweatshirt or sweater sipping hot cocoa?  This weekend will warm up a bit so get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air. 

On Saturday, 11/22, Tai Chi classes are outdoors in the Meditation Garden at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Ave. Call instructor, Bob Murphy at 646-765-4694 for information.   

Help your children to move away from TV and computers with FREE Zumba classes every Saturday for ages 5-12 at 11:00 a.m. and 13 and older at 12:00 p.m. at the Berry Houses Friendship Club, 211 Jefferson St.  Call 718-979-0010 for info. 

Meet the Parkside Outdoor Boot Camp at Silver Lake at the corner of Forest Avenue…

2036 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Community safety concerns? Real-time news updates affecting your area? There's an app for that! Borough President James Oddo presented a new, free smartphone app today which he hopes will encourage Islanders to become more engaged with their surroundings.

The new app for smartphones and tablets is called "BP Assist." It will allow residents to report quality-of-life issues, such as potholes, broken street lights and signs, area flooding, andother concerns. The app will also provide news and updates for our area, from street closures, to upcoming events, important borough contact information, the ferry schedule, and more. 

BP Assist is available, free of charge, for Apple and Andriod devices. All submitted issues are sent directly to Borough Hall…

1444 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and you've been putting all of your energy into creating the perfect menu and buying your ingredients early. But what about the house? How are you going to add that extra bit of charm to your table, your living room, your home?

We here at Gillani Homes have found some interesting and unique design ideas to give your home just what it may be missing this year. All of these inspirational images can be found on our Pinterest page. Here are some of very easy do-it-yourself festive ideas sure to bring your family together this holiday:

Homemade Cinnamon Candle
Wrap a candle in cinnamon sticks. No need for glue,
just tie them up with some twine or string. Whether
or not the candle is scented, it won't matter, since
the aroma…

1436 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce unveiled a contest for shoppers in an effort to promote local businesses. The message is "shop small," meant to encourage residents to do their buying at area small business rather than big-name retailers. The contest will be running for one day, the Saturday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday, designated as "Small Business Saturday."

Participants can download print a 'passport' from the S.I. Chamber of Commerce website. Each time the holder shops from a participating small business on the island on Saturday the 29th, their passport will be stamped. Many of these businesses will be having special offers and giveaways as incentives. Shopping at eight of these participating locations on this day will gain the shopper…

1577 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

This marks the 14th year that the Staten Island Board of Realtors is bringing us 'Adopt-a-Senior.' The holidays can be a tough time for those who spend it alone, and this program looks to change that. The initiative sends volunteers to area nursing homes to spread some quality time with seniors who may not have visitors of their own. 


[Photo source: silive.com]

SIBOR has collected a senior wish list of sorts, filled with items like games, books, puzzles, and makeup. These items will be distributed to over 500 designated seniors throughout the island. The Realtors are accepting gift donations at their headquarters on Richmond Ave through December 2nd. Visits and gift distribution will take place from December 11th to December 23rd.

Laird Klein,…

1523 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

So, how did you do on the roads at the new 25 mph speed limit?  I admit it has been a challenging week.  As soon as I start accelerating, I remember I must slow down.  I encountered a few police cars here and there (one in the Snug Harbor driveway on Henderson Ave.) and decelerated.  Not too obvious, right?  Also, I’m wondering if all the drivers behind me know about the slower speed limit.  More than a few have zipped past me frustrated that I was a slow poke. 
 
The Harbor Lights Theater Company’s production of the iconic and one of my favorites, “West Side Story” continues Friday, 11/14 and runs through 11/16 and next weekend in the Music Hall at Snug Harbor.  Also offered is a Dinner/Brunch/Theater special.  Call 718-273-7516 or visit HLTC.org for…

1861 Views, 2 Comments

Read Full Post