How many of you went to the first performance of the Historic Richmond Town Tavern Concert Series?  I can confirm that it was a delightful evening around the wood burning stove singing along with Bob Conroy, Norm Pederson and Bill Doerge.  You can join in on the fun this Saturday with “Stout”. Believe me when I say you will forget how cold it is outside; order some hot mulled cider, wine or cold beer, nibble on peanuts and be glad you left your abode.  It continues every Saturday through 3/28.  Put it on your favorite list of things to do on Saturday night.  Call 718-351-1611 for reservations and info or visit online: http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/tavern-concerts 

If you are in need of a New York City ID card, IDNYC has made available beginning…

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How are you doing on your New Year resolutions?  I want to share one of my goals for 2015.  On Monday, I began the Sweathogs training with Vinny Zaloom at the Staten Island Board of Realtors.  I'm part of a winning team--“The A-Listers” consisting of real estate professionals of varied ages with varied experience.  After a 4 1/2-hour session, we left with training/mentoring, much enthusiasm, the tools to build a business plan, improve our work habits and as a team, to encourage each other to list and sell real estate.  We were told to identify our goals on a 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper.  How is that for an opportunity?  Is your goal a world class cruise around the world with family, a new home, Harvard tuition for a gifted grandchild or that much-dreamed-…

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Have you made any New Year resolutions?  As a real estate broker, each year I resolve to work harder, list and sell more real estate properties, become more organized in my every day life, spend more time with my family, become more tolerant and make more money.  As you all know, money isn’t everything.  Life becomes easier, but it does not solve all our problems. An important part of identifying and stating your goals should be to write it down on a piece of paper.  Also, an important part of your goals, i.e. starting that diet, returning to the gym, stop smoking, is to verbalize it.  Each year, I type in bold print, FULL CAPS, my goals for the New Year.  This Monday 1/5 at 9:30 a.m., I will begin the Sweathogs training program at the Staten Island Board…

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I hope you had a happy, healthy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and enjoyed family and friends and maybe even started new traditions.  Maybe you volunteered by distributing presents to seniors at nursing homes or at hospitals in the pediatric units or served dinner at a community kitchen.  A group of my friends, who sing carols at Silver Lake Nursing Home each year, returned once again last Saturday.  Instead of singing only in the dining room, we visited the day room on each floor and were able to engage the residents in sing alongs.  I felt like we touched each resident, but, in reality, we were touched when many smiled, loudly sang along and thanked us when we left.  It took all I had to hold back the tears.  


To keep the holiday spirit in your heart…

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Did you visit the Living Nativity at Salem Evangelical Church last week, listen to Choral music or breathed fresh air at one of our parks or nature areas. 

My grandson, Gerard, ever the aficionado of prehistoric creatures, and at age 3, can pronounce the names of every dinosaur, is in for a treat!  “Dinosaur Encounters” debuted at the Staten Island Zoo yesterday.  Eight animatronic dinos will be at the Zoo for four months until April 1.  Triggered by motion detectors, the beasts move heads and tails and grunt and growl hoarsely.  The exhibit is free with regular admission.  

Saturday, 12/20 and Sunday, 12/21, the Staten Island Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" at 1 and 5 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at the College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory…

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Was last weekend festive for you?  Did you sing along with all the holiday songs at St. Peter’s Girls and Boys H.S. Alumni Christmas Concert?  Did you join the Preservation League of Staten Island at their Holiday Party or purchase art work from the Snug Harbor Studio Artists? 

Beginning tonight, Friday, 12/12, and continuing through Sunday, 12/14 from 6-8, experience a live Nativity at Salem Evangelical Church at 644 Clove Rd.  In addition to the Nativity scene with costumed actors, live animas and a petting zoo, there is continuous Christmas caroling led by the Salem choir.  Inside, the guests can experience more live Christmas music, homemade cookies, hot chocolate and a time of quiet meditation in the sanctuary.  Call 718-442-7740 or visit…

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I apologize for not getting my events update to you sooner.  Last night was the West Brighton Holiday Stroll, a terrific family event featuring the Forest Ave. strip from Walbrooke Ave. to Broadway!  Businesses set up tables outside their stores/offices, greeting the Strollers, sharing food, goodies, giveaways, singing Christmas carols, sharing information, taking pictures with Santa, the Snowman, Ninja Turtles and much more.  Everyone was happy, enjoying pizza, hot soup, chicken fingers, pasta, hot chocolate, coffee, apple cider, balloons and chatting with friends and making new acquaintances along the way.  Even I got to meet Santa in front of Pastosa Ravioli!

Talk about stores and businesses--How many of you skipped Black Friday, slept in the day…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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