Did you begin to visit Holiday/Christmas Fairs around Staten Island? See the list of Fairs for this weekend  below--there are always many to choose from.  I visited the fair at the Olivet Presbyterian Church on Saturday and filled bags with gifts, handmade crafts and of course, baked goods. Below are photos from the Fair.

Saturday afternoon, I took a Walk through Goodhue with Clay Wollney, Staten Island Protectors of Pine Oak Woods and a group consisting of ages from infants on their parents' backs to oldsters like me.  The Protectors are committed to increasing the stewardship of Staten Island’s existing parkland, blue belt corridors and nature preserves to continue the effort to preserve Staten Island’s natural areas.  If you have never been on a…

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A Brief History of Veterans Day (borrowed from “Military.com”)

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954,…

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The 1920’s Themed Murder Mystery Dinner at the Second Annual Heart Fundraiser in memory of Robert Cognetta last Thursday was a success!  Did you get to walk the Red Carpet?  Did you figure out "WHODUNNIT"?  All proceeds go toward the SIUH Northwell Health Heart tower, specifically to the construction of the cardiac hybrid operating room for special procedures.  If you would like to make a donation to the Robert Cognetta SIUH Heart Fund, please visit http://www.robertcognettasiuhheartfund.com/ Below are some pictures from the event. 

An exhibit of Paper Tapestries by Sage Reynolds begins Wednesday, 11/9 during center hours at the J Gallery at Joan and Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center, 1466 Manor Rd. An Artist's Reception will take place on…

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Were you able to enrich your lives with “culture” this weekend?  Did you visit one of the many art galleries and/or venues on Staten Island that I highlighted last week?  I attended the Annual Egyptian Festival at the recently purchased Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Diocesan Center at 500 Todt Hill Rd. this weekend hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael and St. Mena. Art, music and color were awash at every step inside this beautiful spiritual center. The children wore costumes to help the visitor experience the pharaonic village tour, the mystery of the pyramids and the resurrection of the Pharaohs.  The aroma of Egyptian and Mediterranean food and the myriad of desserts was irresistible. You must try the all-fresh-fruit smoothie table on…

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As a child playing piano in recitals and competitions each year, I dreamt of being a classical pianist a la Van Cliburn.  I even auditioned for the “Ted Mack Amateur Hour” with my duet partner playing the theme from “Exodus”.  When I was in my late teens and still fancied fame, Dad broke the news to me that there is so much talent “out there” and if I wanted to further my music career I should teach so I could “make a living”.  Well, that didn’t happen!  I always loved to sketch wherever I roamed and then started painting with water colors.  Didn’t become famous doing that either!  I love music and appreciate art in so many forms.  Luckily, New York City and specifically, Staten Island is the perfect place to experience art, music, theater, dance, the…

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The weather this past weekend was balmy and perfect for a Bird and Nature walk, planting tulips at the Marine Hospital Quarantine Cemetery, volunteering at the NYCDEP Beach Floatable Program at Great Kills, exploring Crooke’s Point, enjoying the HONK! for Staten Island Art Parade in St. George or attending any of the Museum open houses. The 29th Annual Staten Island JAZZ Festival, sponsored by the Universal Temple of the Arts (UTA) was a hit at the Music Hall in Snug Harbor on Saturday.  Did you make any new friends? Did you visit with some old friends? 

Don’t miss the Art Exhibit of award-winning Baltimore artist, Karen Y. Buster, continuing through 10/23 from 12-8 at Hub 17, 73 Wave St.  This artist invitational is presented in collaboration with…

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Did you donate an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Drive at Edward Jones this week or sign up for FREE piping and drumming lessons at St. Albans with Richmond County Pipes and Drums or attend the SIMHS Touch-A-Truck Fundraiser?  Did you enjoy one of the last weeks of warm weather as I did, gaze at the remainder of the summer flowers, pick the runt-of-the litter cucumber hiding on the fence enjoy the scent of the beautiful rose on a chilly October day, wonder whether to  pick the melon? or squash? growing on my fence from the neighbor’s yard  or marvel at the caterpillars that return each year to the parsley plants, eat them all up and disappear mysteriously into the night as butterflies.  A new season is practically upon us; I suppose the time is right…

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Last week, I participated in the Scrabble competition at the Senior Olympics at the YMCA.  I know what you are going to say, “Scrabble is part of the Olympics?!”  Yes!  If you know me and my history, every child in our family grew up playing tennis, Canasta and Scrabble.  My Mom, Aunt and I played every Sunday until they passed.  My grandson has been playing Scrabble for 2 years already.  Before game #2, one of my opponents stated proudly that no one in her family will play with her because she always wins—she only plays against the computer now.  How sad!  My second opponent did not speak much and when he did, spoke haltingly and his hand shook.  I felt sorry for him.  Ha! Those two sharks beat me!  I praised them when they made good plays and thanked…

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I am still not ready to run outside in the morning wearing more than a t-shirt and shorts.  By the afternoon, it becomes warm again and by evening, it is great sleeping with open windows.  I am beginning to miss summer, though.  How did you spend the weekend?  Did you visit the many art exhibits and galleries on Staten Island? Did you meet someone special at the St. Francis Catholic Singles Wine & Cheese Social, take a Belly Dancing class with Rachel or go on a hike or walk through the Island’s many parks?  A great time was had by all at the Westerleigh Folk Festival 2016 on Saturday.  The rain was a downer in the morning but soon cleared up to a perfectly mild sunny day.  Continuous musical acts entertained the visitors as well as free pony rides and…

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The 66th Annual Fence Show took place on Saturday at Snug Harbor, and the order of the day was sunshine and a light breeze—perfect for perusing art and enjoying the music.

 

 

Met some friends and made some new ones as I strolled through the Harbor snapping pictures of the remaining flowers still blooming in the gardens.  Snug Harbor is a great place to have a picnic, people watch, visit museums, join your children in the Secret Garden maze, read a book or just chill out on a bench. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attend the ongoing Mother/Daughter Art Exhibit on Wednesday, 9/21 at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, 420 Tompkins Ave. Mary Mondello will show her pastels and Mary Rose will show her abstracts. Admission is $10/$5 for…

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