Real Estate Blog - Staten Island Creative Community

WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/14-8/18/19)

Did you participate in the 'Touch and Feel' Tour of the Colonial Herb Garden at the Historic Conference House and learn about the many fragrant, culinary and health beneficial plants that are easy to grow and use, volunteer to help clean and beautify Westerleigh Park or make a rag doll at the Crafting Cloth Dolls workshop at the Mont Sec House? Did you take the family to one of the Movies Under the Stars? We are so lucky on Staten Island to have so many free events!

The Opening Reception of the exhibit: DOLLS, hosted by the Staten Island Creative Community at Art On The Terrace Gallery, took place on Saturday.  Read about "The Doll Says Project" below. For more info about SICC and/or future events, visit https://sicreative.org/ or their Facebook page,…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (4/3-4/7/19)

Isn't it wonderful to finally see "color" outside, maybe spotting the first robin of the season or ducks hanging out on a pond?  It's these little things that make it all worth while as the memory of the cold, damp, windy, winter weather with a only few passing snow storms comes to an end and we welcome spring.

Did you visit Nothing New Thrift Store this week and check out the great finds? Or take a Beginners Course in Magic from Bob Friedhoffer at the South Beach Library, attend the Curtis High School Student Art Exhibit that was presented by Staten Island Creative Community at Art On The Terrace or enjoy Stargazing at Great Kills National Park? You have another chance for the next eight months (once a month) to Stargaze.  See…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (3/27-3/31/19)

Spring is busting out all over!  Just praying whatever flower blooming this week in my garden doesn’t get covered by a surprise snow storm or a bomb cyclone!  I took a stroll through Snug Harbor and spotted a sad looking turtle on a block of wood hesitating to go into the murky green water of the pond.  Two ducks were hanging out in the water but did not look too alive or excited to be there. 

Did you attend Kelly Link’s theatrical reading of The Faery Handbag from the award-winning book “Pretty Monsters” presented by Staten Island OutLoud and hosted by Jodi Kenny at the Nothing New Thrift Store on Saturday? Following are photos from that event.

If you have never visited Nothing New Thrift Store at 4916 Arthur Kill…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (3/6-3/10/19)

Did you, my gentle readers, embrace the surprise snow storms we encountered this past week?  I do enjoy the scenery after a new-fallen snow! I finally had a chance to play in the snow with the grandkiddies, helped them build a snowman, made snow angels, watched them slide down the hills and listened to their squeals of delight.  I don’t, however, appreciate the stress of commuting in the snow, struggling to get to appointments on time and, of course, shoveling. 

Ladders for Leaders is a nationally recognized program that offers high school and college students the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations and government agencies in New York City. The program is an…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (8/15-8/19/18)

I received a number of emails from my gentle readers with good guesses naming the parks/playgrounds I posted two weeks ago. The 1st park: The abandoned remains of a building and chimney in the Greenbelt.  Credit for photo taken by Diane Darconte while on a hike. (www. Sigreenbelt.org) The 2nd: Allison Pond Park abutting Prospect, N. Randall and Brentwood Avenues in Randall Manor.

The 3rd: Alice Austen House and Museum located at 2 Hylan Blvd. 

The 4th: Skyline Park and playground located on the corner of Prospect Ave. and Clyde Pl. and where you can view the Manhattan Skyline.

The 5th: Goodhue Park on the corner of Lafayette and Brighton Avenues.  The nature walk where this photo was taken was led by Clay Wollney and was phenomenal.  I highly recommend getting back to nature and taking a hike.

The 6th: Von Briesen Park overlooks the Narrows and the Verrazano Bridge and is located on Bay St. and North Rd.  It’s also where my Dad took us kids to watch the construction of the bridge many times over those five years until it was completed in 1964. For more information on these parks and/or the many parks in Staten Island, visit www.nycgovparks.org 

I am happy to inform you that my gentle reader, Percy Speer, (who is camera shy) named 5 out of the 6 parks.  Kudos to you, Percy, and to all who responded!  Thank you for reading.

What did you do this week and weekend?  Did you attend the Mars program at the Greenbelt Nature Center or the Mystery After Darks Tours at Historic Richmond Town, or the CityParks Foundation Family Adventure Races with your kiddies? Did you dance the Tango or Zumba or go to any of the outdoor concerts?  I attended the 42nd Infantry Division Band 2018 Summer Concert at Ft. Wadsworth on Thursday.  What an enjoyable evening the audience, young and old, had savoring the cool breezes and listening and singing along to a fabulous array of music—classical, rock, country, patriotic, played by this orchestra!  If you would like to know more about the history of the 42nd Infantry Division Band check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/42ndIDBand/ Below are photos from that evening.

People ask me, “How can I receive the “Weekend Events” blog.  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.

Want to get out of the heat?  Regal Summer Movie Express UA, Staten Island Stadium 16, 2474 Forest Ave. invites you to $1 movies on Wednesday, 8/15 at 10, featuring “Paddington 2” and “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie”.  A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute. Call 844-984-7342 x 636 for info.

In observance of Community Center Week, join Senator Diane Savino on Wednesday from 12-3 at Tappen Park, 106 Canal St. for her 11th Annual Back To School Blast! Children must be present with an adult to receive school supplies.  For info, call her office at 718727-9406.

Bring your family to the Resource Room, 534 Forest Ave. for a FREE Lego, Robotics, Art and S.T.E.M. Expo Wednesday from 6-8.  Whether you want to create a cool painting, design an amazing robotic or learn about the magic of science, this is a perfect event for the whole family.

Con Edison Family Science Night—It’s Electric! takes place at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. on Wednesday at 6:30. Explore how energy can be changed, transferred or used in its different forms to fit the needs of humans. A few short, self-guided activities will start families thinking together, followed by a full group activity. These programs are designed for families with children ages 8 - 10 years old.  Pre-register at 718-351-3450 or sigreenbelt.org

Stay cool at the weekly Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series tonight from 7-9 at Westerleigh Park, 160 Neal Dow Ave. featuring Eddie Jackson and Midnight Muse.  Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the night air and stars.

Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with Wildlife Superheroes on Thursday, 8/16 at 4 at the Dongan Hills Library, 1617 Richmond Rd.  Have you ever wondered why some of our most popular superheroes are often named after animals? Spiderman, Batman, and Aquaman all share traits with their particular animal namesake. A visit by a New Canaan Nature Center naturalist will give participants an up-close look at several creatures with an array of “super” qualities that makes each a “wildlife superhero” in its own right.

Have you been to the Summer Eats at Historic Richmond Town yet?  Presented by Egger's Ice Cream Parlor and Historic Richmond Town every Thursday Night this summer, "Summer Eats" features a weekly rotating theme of food trucks, music, photo booths, games, entertainment and, of course, delicious Egger's Homemade Ice Cream! This Thursday, 8/16 from 5-10, Empanada Guy and Bad Boys Curbside Grill will be on site. FREE admission and parking is at the Third County Courthouse, 441 Clarke Ave. For details, call 718-351-1611 ext. 266.

When was the last time you went to Every Thing Goes Book Café & Neighborhood Stage at 208 Bay St.?  It is touted as “The biggest used book store on Staten Island”. They sell CD’s, DVD’s, records, VHS.  It’s an ideal place to go when you are alone; you will make friends immediately.  They host art exhibits, musical performances and the café has an eclectic menu and organic and fair trade coffee & tea.  This Friday, 8/17 at 7:30, check out the performances by Heartless Artichokes (true visions expressed in song) and Comfort Cat Band (Catnip flowering, bees expected; songs with ukulele and friends.). For upcoming events, visit their site at:  http://www.etgstores.com/bookcafe/books.html

Check out the Summer Fair and Flea Market at Christ Church, 76 Franklin Ave. on Saturday 8/18 from 9-3.   You can always find a treasure there!

The annual Sandy Ground Festival takes place on Saturday from 12-6 at the Sandy Ground Museum, 1538 Woodrow Rd.  The FREE Festival celebrates African-American history, art, music and, of course, the food! Enjoy the music of David Brown & the Versatiles and the Pantonics Steel Band while you meet, mingle, tour and eat. Tours of the Museum will be offered throughout the day as well as arts and crafts for the kiddies.

Attend the Closing Reception for the Summer Invitational exhibit, Prints: “Here & There”, on Saturday from 2-4 at The Art Lab, 1000 Richmond Terr., Ste. 10.  This event is FREE to the public. 

On Saturday from 6–11, you can enjoy the Historic Richmond Town's Tavern Terrace Concert featuring “Muthaload” 441 Clarke Ave.  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 are extra.

The Snug Harbor's Free Summer Concert Series continues this Saturday at 7 on the South Meadow Lawn, 1000 Richmond Terr. featuring Promised Land. The opening act is American Beauty Band.  Bring a blanket or chair. 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.

The Borough President’s FREE Sunset Summer Concert Series continues on Saturday at 7 (rescheduled from last week because of rain) 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. Bring a blanket or chair and meet friends for a fun evening under the stars.  Fireworks will follow the show at about 9:15. 

Enjoy a morning of easy Beach Volleyball on Saturday at 10 for ages 10+ at Great Kills Park, Hylan Blvd. & Buffalo St.  This is a great way to start your day!

A FREE Beginner’s Cycling class for kids or adults, sponsored by Transportation Alternatives and the Richmond Terrace Therapeutic Gardens, will be given on Sunday, 8/19 from 10-12 at the Richmond Terrace Houses.  Bicycles will be provided.  As space is limited, RSVP is a must.  rose.uscianowski@transalt.org

The Staten Island Creative Community (SICC), in collaboration with Staten Island MakerSpace celebrates Staten Island and its waterfront at the 11th Annual Art by the Ferry Festival on Sunday from noon-7 at MakerPark, 450 Front St., corner of Thompson St.  Admission is FREE. The festival features live music, hand crafts items, painting, photography, graphic arts, food, beer and fun things for the kiddies all day long.

On Sunday at 3, attend a FREE outdoor concert featuring Staten Island Philharmonic’s Woodwinds Ensemble at High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave. 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 details, visit sigreenbelt.org 

Participate in a Sea Shanty Session on Sunday (and the 3rd Sunday of each month) from 2-5 at the Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terr. Led by the Folk Music Society of New York, this program offers a great opportunity to experience authentic, time-honored maritime songs in an appropriately historic setting. The sessions are FREE and family friendly and you are encouraged to sing along if the mood strikes you!  Believe me, you will want to sing!  Be sure to visit the exhibits beforehand so you can get the feel for what these songs meant to the seamen.

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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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (4/5 – 4/9/17)

Did you know that two ring-tailed lemurs, an endangered species native to the island of Madagascar in Africa, were born to different mothers this week at the Staten Island Zoo?  Every day, there is something new and wonderful to discover at the Zoo.  Plan your trip soon and experience this wild animal exhibit close up and participate in many different, exciting events throughout the year.  Admission is as follows: Children 2 and under – FREE, Children 3-14 - $6, Seniors (60 and over) - $7, Adults 15-59 - $10.  After 2:00 on Wednesday, admission if FREE for all.  Check out their website www.statenislandzoo.org or call 718-442-3100 for info. The Zoo is located at 614 Broadway, directly across from the YMCA.

Need a dress for the prom?  The Nothing New…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (4/27 – 5/1/16)

My grandson’s Topsy-Turvy strawberry planter is growing beautifully in my front yard and the water recycling barrels are starting to fill up (thanks to a couple of rainfalls this week).  My garlic, chive and sage plants are doing great.

Did you celebrate Earth Day at the St. George Day Festival or listen to Tales from Shakespeare with Staten Island OutLOUD at Every Thing Goes Book Café?  Did you take a Walking Tour of Historic Westerleigh, visit the juried photo exhibit at Alice Austen House Museum or learn about the art and language of cinema at the Staten Island Creative Community?  As I gathered together with family on Sunday, observing the interaction, silliness and smiles and enjoying each other’s company, my brother quoted someone very wise, “…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (4/21 – 4/24/16)

It looks as if my favorite time of year has arrived—Spring!  I strolled through the garden in the back and front yards with my grandchildren admiring the various flowers, herbs and veggies that we have planted or which have reappeared from last year.  We also planted our starter vegetables that we had begun from seed inside.  My son and grandson set up a Topsy-Turvy strawberry planter in the front yard.  Hopefully, it will grow and we will have yummy fruit to eat.  We also have water recycling barrels attached to our drain pipes to recapture water to use in the garden.  

Friday, 4/22, is Earth Day!  What will you do to save the environment?  Do you recycle each week?  Do you use a travel coffee mug instead of disposable foam cups each day? Will you…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (2/10 – 2/14/16)

Were you able to stop at the NYPD “Crime Prevention” Table at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal this week?  I constantly read about incidents where a person leaves his/her key in their car--running no less, sometimes with a child strapped in the baby seat, to quickly run into a deli to buy a lottery ticket/newspaper/coffee.  When the person returns, the car is gone!  Is this shocking to you?  You bet!  Last week, I noticed an upscale red car parked in front of my house with the front window open on the passenger side.  All day, I checked to see if the car was still there and if the window had been closed.  The driver must have been distracted or maybe a passenger had left it open.  I actually worried because I felt I had some responsibility to find the…

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