Real Estate Blog - Nature Center Adventures

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/24-7/28/19)

Posted by Joan Coogan on July 23rd, 2019

The weather was brutal through the week and beyond, but we New Yorkers dealt with it, hopefully attending free concerts, movies, fun times at the New York Public Libraries, at Community Days or Sprinklerfest at Snug Harbor. I worked in my garden, weeded, cut down branches from dead trees and bushes. It’s hot anyway so why not be productive! I enjoyed the breezes on my porch and chatted with neighbors. What did you do?

The 116th Anniversary Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society continued through last weekend.   It didn’t disappoint with games of chance, live music and yummy Italian food especially the smell of zeppoles that beckoned the crowds.  Make it a point to visit the National Landmarked shrine on the grounds at 243 Virginia Ave.  Visit: …

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/17-7/21/19)

Posted by Joan Coogan on July 16th, 2019

Did you attend the screening of award-winning filmmaker James Verdi’s documentary film “Loyalty & Rebellion” at the Conference House on Thursday, enjoy the cool evenings with Movies under the Stars--“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” was my favorite!, attend art openings at Snug Harbor, the 116th Anniversary Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society in Rosebank or try Walk Up Paddling at the Conference House?

If you came to “Back to the Beach” and stopped by the Gillani Homes booth, I thank those of you who signed up for my “Weekend Events on Staten Island” blog and/or took a chance on the Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets House. Below are some photos from the two days at the beach. It was nice and hot out but the sea breezes kept us cool.

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/10-7/14/19)

Posted by Joan Coogan on July 9th, 2019

I hope you, my gentle readers, had a happy and safe 4th of July.  The weather was great with not a cloud in the sky.  Did you attend any of the events mentioned in this blog on the holiday?  The Empire Outlets was hopping with entertainment during their Three-Day Block Party and was a perfect venue to chill out, enjoy the sights, sounds and shop!  The 109th Travis 4th of July Parade was a successful event as well as the 91st Annual Huck Finn Fishing Tournament & Costume Contest at the Zimmer Club and the Historic Richmond Town Independence Day Celebration. 

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence, sponsored by Staten Island OutLOUD and Beth Gorrie, took place in the shade at Fort Wadsworth, and all guests participated.  It was emotional reading…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/3-7/7/19)

Posted by Joan Coogan on July 2nd, 2019

The 11th Annual Polish Festival, organized by St. Stanislaus Kostka church, took place on Sunday at Snug Harbor Cultural Center.  We enjoyed sun, low humidity and a healthy breeze every once in awhile.  I thank all of you who visited the Gillani Homes booth and those who took a chance on the Lottery Ticket House!  A big thanks to those of you who signed up for the "Weekend Events on Staten Island" blog mailing list.  The kiddies were thrilled with the blow up rides, checking out the NYPD car (and siren!!), winning at games of chance, while all enjoyed live music, the Polish dancers, wonderful raffle drawings and basket prizes, scrumptious Polish food—stuffed cabbage, kielbasy and fixings, meat and cheese pierogi, zapiekanka, desserts galore and Polish…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/8-8/12/18)

Posted by Joan Coogan on August 7th, 2018

How many of you guessed the parks I posted last week?  I received a number of e-mails and questions as to where the parks are.  My gentle readers made a few guesses, but I will give you a few hints and check back with you next week.  The first picture shows a number of people on a hike in and around an edifice in the Fall, obviously quite leafless and brownish in color.  In the spring and summer, it would be brightly colored and is another word for “eco friendly”. The next word in the name is the thing one wears to hold up his/her pants. The second park with the brick wall pictured with wildlife grazing was part of the Randall Estate.  Behind the wall, is the remains of a cemetery for retired sailors.  The pond is used for ice skating in the winter, watching snapping turtles, fish and other wildlife in the spring, summer and fall. 

 

 

 

 

You can enlarge the third picture to see the background. That one is a cinch! The fourth park sits atop of New Brighton. The name of the park is what the daily commuter into Manhattan sees as they ride the ferry. 

 

 

 

The fifth park is comprised of 26 acres of woodlands great for hiking, as well as a pool, baseball and basketball courts and a memorial to Veterans who died in WWII.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last photo is of an adorable little girl holding a dandelion.  If you enlarge the photo to see the background, you will know where this park is.  I will post the name and photo (if desired) of the person who named the most correct answers next week. Email or text me with your answers!

 

 

 

 

Did you learn this week how the people of Port Richmond Created America?  I did on Sunday at the beautiful landmarked Reformed Church on Staten Island for Hot Dogs & History.  We were treated to a tour of the church and the grounds and a great history lesson by the knowledgeable Mary Bullock. Hot dogs, salad, beverages and desserts were offered.  One of the young men on the tour was invited to ring the church bell.  Not an easy feat! Below are some pictures from the presentation and tour.

If you enjoy reading my “Weekend Events on Staten Island” and would like to be my Facebook friend, you know what to do—friend request.  If you would prefer to be on my mailing list, please email joan.coogan@gmail.com or call me at 646-258-9696; I will forward it to you each week.  Nevertheless, please do me the honor of SHARING my blog with your friends, either on Facebook (click “Share” underneath the blog) or on the Gillani Homes site.

Could there be life on Mars, the Red Planet?  Find out on Wednesday, 8/8 at 2 at a FREE program at the Greenbelt Center, 700 Rockland Ave.  NASA Solar System Ambassador and Wagner College Professor Harold Kozak delves deeper into this question, looking at four decades of Martian exploration, at images and other evidence from these journeys. Registration is required. Call 718-351-3450 or email: naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org 

Stay cool at the weekly Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series tonight Wednesday from 7-9 at Westerleigh Park, 160 Neal Dow Ave. featuring Sharon Ostrov, Carol Ruiz and Kama Linden.  Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the night air and stars.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?  Participate in Mystery After Dark Tours at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave. on Wednesday from 8-11. Join a costumed interpreter and venture into a new historic house every night after museum hours. Listen to a mystery, story or legend on a tour lit only by candlelight. Dare to explore every inch of houses hundreds of years old. Recommended for ages 13+.  The Twilight tour begins at 8:00 p.m. The Dread of Night Tour takes place at 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10.  Call 718-351-1611 for details.

Bring your kiddies to a morning of FREE Arts & Crafts on the Beach for all ages on Thursday 8/9 at 10 at Great Kills Park, Hylan Blvd. & Buffalo St.  Supplies will be provided. Reservations required. Call 718-351-6970. 

The City Parks Puppetmobile presents “The Big Good Wolf” at Staten Island Children’s Museum, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terr., on Thursday at 11.  All age groups are invited.

On Thursday at 11, at the Richmondtown Library, 200 Clarke Ave., toddlers and caregivers are welcome to attend Toddler Story-Time, interactive stories and songs.  Make some new friends for you and your toddler.

Join the Garden Club at Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. on Thursday at 2.  Grow a library garden this summer. Learn about nature and how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables! Call 718-727-0427 for details.

Dance Away the Night with Taste of Tango in the Park, Thursday from 6:30-8:30 at Greenbelt Recreation Center, 501 Brielle Ave. Strictly Tango NYC Dance School is pleased to bring you that authentic Buenos Aires Tango feeling. Enjoy tango stories, dance demonstrations and tango classes! Everyone will learn, dance, and have fun. You don’t need a partner, Taste of Tango is for all levels of ability. Don’t miss out! The event will take place outdoors in the park.

The 42nd Infantry Division Band 2018 Summer Concert Tour comes to Staten Island Island at Ft. Wadsworth, 210 New York Ave. on Thursday at 7.  For information on 42nd Infantry Division Band and the remaining performance schedule, visit their Facebook page.

On Friday, 8/10 from 1-4, join Adventure Guides at the Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave. who lead FREE nature-related programs at Nature Centers this summer. Nature Center Adventures connect all ages to the natural world with programs including scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals. Programs are from 1-2 and 3-4.

Practice Gentle Flow Yoga on Saturday, 8/11 from 10-11 on the lawn of Clear Comfort, Alice Austen House Museum, 2 Hylan Blvd. led by Be Yoga & Dance in partnership with Shape Up NYC.  Call 718-816-4506 for info.

The Snug Harbor's Free Summer Concert Series continues this Saturday at 7 on the South Meadow Lawn, 1000 Richmond Terr. featuring Wahoo Skiffle Crazies.  Opening act is Weathervane with Paul Kraft, Rin Royer, Alexander Griggs, and Cain Kline and rotating special guests.  Bring a blanket or beach chair to lounge in. All shows are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and wrap around 9 on the campus at 1000 Richmond Terrace in Livingston. Honor Wines and Flagship Brewing Co. will pour drinks for those 21-and-over at $5 a pop, while Cheech A' Cini's Food Truck supplies fried pasta balls and other Italian fare throughout the evening.

Historic Richmond Town's Tavern Terrace Concert Series Featuring “No Quarter” this Saturday and every Saturday until 8/25 from 6–11 at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave. The Tavern Terrace is a weekly concert series to help raise money to help rehabilitate the J. Guyon Tavern, home to the popular Tavern Concert series, following the catastrophic collision in April.  Join Corner House BBQ and The Flagship Brewery at the biggest backyard summer celebration and dessert at Egger's Ice Cream Parlor in the Park. FREE admission; food, drinks and ice cream extra.

The Borough President’s FREE Sunset Summer Concert Series continues on Saturday  at 7 at Midland Beach Plaza, Father Capodanno Blvd. at Seaview Ave. featuring the 60th anniversary of “Little Star” with headliners Vito Picone & the Elegants and performances by Vinnie Medugno, Midlife Crisis Trio, and The Expressions. Grab a blanket or chair and meet friends for a fun evening under the stars. 

Enjoy a FREE, hour-long Zumba class, an integration of Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves to create a unique fitness experience on Sunday, 8/12 at 8:45 at Great Kills Park, Hylan Blvd. & Buffalo St. The classes will tone your body, burn fat and get your heart rate going. The class is presented by the National Park Service and certified YMCA instructors. All ages are welcome. 718-354-4606

The CityParks Foundation Family Adventure Races provide a healthy one hour dose of fun for all on Sunday from 9-11 at the Conference House, 7455 Hylan Blvd. The races take place on an obstacle course featuring 12 activity stations, such as javelin throw, jump rope, hurdles, mini climbing wall and more. Team members must find each station and perform the required exercise together before advancing to the next station and a final dash to the finish line. Awards are given to all who participate with special recognition to the top 3 finishers. Register here for the 9am race, Register here for the 10am race.

On Sunday at 3, attend a FREE outdoor concert featuring the music of the ‘60’s at High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave.  The Viva Voce singers will perform accompanied by piano and guitar music.  All are encouraged to dance and sing along.  Park outside the main gate, follow the park road up toward the “Council Ring” stage area. There is low bench seating but bring a lawn chairs if you wish.  In case of rain, concert will be moved to the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave.  For more info, visit sigreenbelt.org  Additional concerts 8/19 and 26.

I welcome comments and photos at events you have attended.  If you want to share events for me to post, email or call me. 

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