Real Estate Blog - Joan Coogan

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (9/14– 9/18/16)

As I reflect on the horrible disaster of September 11, watched as families memorialized their loved ones who perished at Ground Zero and again Sunday evening in St. George at The Postcards monument to the Staten Islanders who were lost, I remember the extraordinary feeling of unity that occurred afterwards.  People said “hello” at the bus stop, on the ferry, on the street.  Houses of worship were filled with people looking for answers, asking “why” and praying for unity, love and understanding.  I feel we have forgotten, not what happened that day and those who perished, but the love and understanding that is needed to exist in a peaceful world.  I strongly believe in the power of prayer so today, I pray for unity once more.  My gentle readers, will you…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (9/7– 9/11/16)

How many of you attended the Staten Island Philharmonic performance of “The British are Coming...Again!” on Saturday at the Conference House or on Sunday at Alice Austen House Museum?    Conducted by Maestro Russell Houser, CW4, US Army Bandmaster, Ft. Lewis, Washington, music selections included The Beatles, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Queen and Adele.  While we awaited Hurricane Hermine’s wrath (which never arrived), the weather was perfect for listening to the fabulous music and the glorious singing group, “Voices of Experience” (formerly Helluva Choir).  We were even encouraged to sing along with the familiar songs.  By the way, if you were as impressed as I was with Voices of Experience, they meet Thursday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. at the Staten Island…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/31– 9/5/16)

On Wednesday, I accompanied my grandchildren to an interactive musical production featuring Presley and Melody at the Tottenville Library.  They sing

(with words to the songs on a screen so all can sing along), dance and include every child in their production by sharing props—rainbows, blow-up guitars, pom-poms, smiley face paddles. 

Afterwards, each participant was given a goodie bag compliments of the Library and local businesses.  For more information about Presley and Melody, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Presley-and-Melody- or their website www.presleyandmelody.com 

For programs/classes/events for adults, seniors, teens and toddlers at your neighborhood New York Public Library, visit…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/24 – 8/28/16)

After a few weeks of sultry days and nights, we are finally experiencing relief! Vito Picone and the Elegants highlighted Saturday’s Borough President-sponsored concert at Midland Beach.  Always on top, these gentlemen made us laugh, tap our feet, dance and brought back the memories of our younger lives with their wonderful doo-wop vocals ending with their hit "Little Star".

The two warm-up acts included the 50’s Band--the Expressions and a very talented Lina Fiscardi who sang all the hits we love.  Read all about Lina at: http://www.silive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/08/single_mother_gets_big_break_a.html#incart_river_index 

This past Sunday, I attended the Ballroom Dancing Social at the Y and never sat down.  It is always a pleasure to…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/14 – 8/20/16)

I don’t know about you, but when the weather gets into the 90’s with real feels above 100, I become listless and lazy.  It’s a good time to get involved with anything air conditioned like libraries, museums, gyms or if outside the beach, pools, reading underneath a tree in the park, family picnics or hanging out with the kiddies at the sprinklers.  You can’t just stop exercising?  Did you take a Zumba class this week or practice your Ballroom Dancing at the Social at the Y on Sunday? Did you take your children to one of the events at the many libraries on Staten Island?  I know we will soon be complaining about the chill in the air, so let us enjoy our gardens and the outdoors, do a bit of weeding in the early evenings and pick those juicy tomatoes,…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/10 – 8/14/16)

Can you think of a better way to start your morning than with an hour of exercise?  Yes, of course—sipping coffee on my porch, reading the Times, anything but exercise!  Well, I used to think the same until I discovered a Zumba class at the YMCA on Broadway with Blanny Couto. 

At first I thought I would be bored since it is geared towards seniors.  Was I surprised!  The seniors in this class can out-Zumba me any day as well as participate in the Senior Olympics, dance and work out in the gym. Within minutes, the class Zumbas to rock and roll, Latin songs, jive, among other enjoyable tunes we have all grown up with. The music is not so excruciatingly loud that I need ear plugs (as historically I have been forced to use at other Zumba classes). Blanny…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/3 – 8/7/16)

Did you purchase a Koi at the Tri-State ZNA Koi Show at Snug Harbor this past weekend?  One of my gentle readers, Cecilia, submitted photos from the show that her daughter took.  Never realized how beautiful these fish are.  Now, if I only had a backyard pond. . .

How many of you attended the Borough President's Summer Concert last Thursday at Wolfe's Pond Park featuring Charlie Poveromo and Vinnie Medugno?  These great voices, introduced by Cousin Brucie, WCBS, entertained their audience with songs from yesteryear, including Humperdinck, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, just to name a few.  If you missed this performance, check it out live on Facebook at the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/VinnieMedugnoOfficial/#

Did you reserve…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/27 – 7/31/16)

The Borough President’s sponsored Summer Concert Series at Snug Harbor on Thursday evening was the perfect way to cool down on a very humid summer evening. By the time the SI Snugs started their performance, the breezes began and the Beatles Tribute Band—LoveMeDo, prompted the audience to sing along with all those favorite songs we remember from our younger days.

The Gillani Homes Charity BBQ was a great success on Friday.  Proceeds from the 50/50 were donated to the March of Dimes. Yummy food was served, music, dancing and mingling was the menu of the evening.  See following link and photos below. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10210487550652942&type=1&l=18acd849b5

Did you take your kiddies to the Tottenville Library…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/20 – 7/25/16)

Did you visit the magnificent, completely hand-made Grotto this week during the 113th Anniversary Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society?  If not, you still have a chance to enjoy the festivities this Thursday, 7/21 through 7/24 at 7:30 at Virginia Ave. in Rosebank. On Sunday, a magician was entertaining the delighted kiddies.  Enjoy music by DJ Vin D and bands throughout the festival. Following are photos of the Grotto and surrounding altars.

Back to the Beach took place on Saturday and Sunday with the sun blazing most of the day but cool breezes made the heat bearable.  Many visitors stopped by at the Gillani Homes booth to say hello and enter the chance to win a Lottery Scratch-Off Ticket House.  See the photos below.

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/13 – 7/17/16)

Did your child make an “Under the Sea” Paper Lantern at the Tottenville Library on Wednesday?  This little girl made a darling paper lantern, decorated it with stickers and was happy to hang out with Curious George afterwards.  Photowalk at Fort Wadsworth on Saturday was an eye opener!  With professional photographer, Ed Coppola, as our guide, we captured photos of all the many angles and views of the Verrazano Bridge and the many edifices—inside and out—of the Fort.  A Gateway Park Service volunteer filled us in on the background of this historic site. All of the fotogs, down to the youngest child had a ball snapping pictures.

Participate in the Bird and Nature Walk at Great Kills Park, Hylan Blvd. and Buffalo St. on Wednesday,…

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