Found 12 blog entries tagged as Historic Richmond Town.

Did you “Pick up a book and read!” this week? My readers responded with their thoughts about recent books they had read.

My Gentle Reader Diane wrote: “Funny you should ask... I just finished “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See. Through the book, I traveled to China in the 1820’s where I met Lily and followed her life into her old age as Lady Lu. I learned sadly about foot-binding, the joys and sorrows of female friendships and of nu-shu, which is the secret-code writing, developed thousands of years ago and used by women in a remote area of southern Hunan Province. I highly recommend this book!”

My Gentle Reader Mark shared: “I read a book recently called “Miracle of the Bells” by Russell Janney published in 1946. The Story involves a…

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It’s back to school this week for most students after a long hot, hot, hot summer!  Please remind your kids to be aware of other children who may not feel comfortable starting a new school or a new class. Tell them to smile and be friendly. Let them know that it’s OK to be nervous and remind them to be kind to their fellow students—they may be nervous also! Bullying should never be tolerated! Remind them if they see something that doesn’t look or feel right, they should tell their teacher, parents or caregivers. I wish them all a successful, happy, safe school year!  Check out the first day of school pictures I unearthed from the 50's.  Big sister, Ellen; Me starting kindergarten leaving little brother, Mark, at home; cousin Tom Urgo with me starting 1st…

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I finally saw the new “Star Wars” movie in 3D.  This 3D technology has become so vivid and life like—all the trailers for the coming attractions, even the animated movies, were also in 3D.  Years ago, when I watched action/adventure movies like “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings”, it was exciting.  Now I feel like I am part of the action. Will the next type movie be “virtual” with vibrating chairs and surround sound as in the theme parks?  

Did you start cleaning out your basement and attic of old electronics for the electronic waste recycling event?  Don’t forget that you can drop off at the Sanitation Department’s site every Saturday and the last Friday of the month at 100 West Service Rd. from 10-5. 

If you have a child who was born in 2011, is…

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Were you an attendee at the “Silent Disco” at Snug Harbor?  One of my gentle readers told me he had a blast—it was like nothing he had every experienced.  Did you catch “Ghost Busters” under the stars on Saturday?   I am embarrassed to say I have not attended even one Yoga class this summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s not therapeutic, relaxing and fun.  Try one of the Yoga classes I listed in past blogs.  Everything becomes clearer in your life; you will not be disappointed.  Maybe I’ll see you there soon.

Today is the day to join New Day Toastmasters, which meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at Regina McGinn Education Center, 475 Seaview Ave.  It’s never too late to learn new skills—namely public speaking.  Guests and new members are…

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How did you spend Earth Day?  Plant any trees?  Pick up trash in your neighborhood?  Participate in forest restoration at High Rock?  Did you attend the grand opening party at Gotham Motorcycles?  (Did you think about purchasing a Harley, an Indian?)  I put the top down on the convertible and welcomed spring—nothing like fresh air!

If you never saw the play “In the Heights” on Broadway, now is your chance to catch a performance of Port Richmond High School’s production of this high energy, sweet and sentimental show on Friday, 5/1 and Saturday, 5/2 at 7.  I have attended the shows at Port Richmond for many years and have never witnessed a more enthusiastic, hard-working group of students singing, dancing, acting their hearts out to entertain the…

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Started working on my garden which I’m happy to say is blooming nicely. 

Have you signed up for one of the Community Gardens in your neighborhood?  Did you attend the 2015 Daffodil Festival in Faber Park or participate in the Forest Restoration at High Rock?   Did you make any new friends this week or learn a new skill? 

On Saturday, 4/25 at 1:00, come out and join Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe in celebrating Native American Culture at the new Heritage Park, Blissenbach Marina, Richmond Terrace.  There will be plenty of traditional story telling and audience participation.  A teepee and artifacts from Staten Island will be on site.

Also on Saturday from 11-6, help celebrate Earth Day at St. George Day in Tompkinsville Park at the intersection…

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Last Saturday, my grandson and I planted a number of flowers in my garden.  He made a new friend (Mr. Worm) and got his hands dirty!  He’s definitely into nature, and for that, I am grateful.  The day after Easter Sunday, tulips, daffodils and crocuses emerged brightening up the garden and the front of my house.  Have you begun getting your hands dirty?  I hope your week was blessed, restful and, if you were able to hang out with your children on Spring break, enjoyable. 

Before I go into the weekend events, I want to remind you that there are only a few more days till April 15!  If you haven’t done so yet, the New York Public Library in Staten Island is offering FREE tax preparation at the following branches:  Richmondtown--Tuesday from 11-3, St.…

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I accompanied my grandson to a special St. Patrick’s Day event at the Tottenville Branch of the New York Public Library on Tuesday.  Miss Amy, one of my grandson’s favorite librarians, read a number of books that featured “green” themes.  After reading, the children sang songs and then watched as Miss Amy turned a stuffed caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.  Each child was given a chance to open the Velcro caterpillar and observe the transformation.  They were enchanted!  Afterwards, there were arts and crafts to color, decorate with glitter, cut out and bring home.  I always have a grand time watching the children and seeing their faces light up when they participate in reading and programs. 
Did you know there are activities and programs at the New…

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While I had an absolutely perfect time hanging out with my grandson for four days last week, playing games, putting together puzzles, working on arts and crafts projects, laughing and teasing each other, I welcomed the arrival Saturday morning of my second grandchild--a perfect little girl.  Even the snow fall throughout this week couldn’t put a damper on my spirit!

What did you do last weekend?  Did you check in at your nearest New York Public Library?  Did you go on a nature hike with your children or friends?  Or did you attend the weekly Wine Tasting at Jean’s Fine Wines?  I received a couple of comments about Edith Susskind, her store and her presence on Forest Ave.  Patrick noted:  “Edith Susskind was an Island institution--Forest Ave. has never…

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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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