Did you attend Con-Ed Stem Family Day: Dancing Skeletons at Staten Island MakerSpace, Port Richmond Comic-Con at the Pt. Richmond Library, take a Fall Nature Bike Tour at Brookfield Park or bring your 2, 3, 4 year olds to Greenbelt Peepers or Tree Tots at Greenbelt Nature Center in Blood Root Valley? Did you honor our veterans at the Staten Island Oktoberfest sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Staten Island and Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 NY or Turn & Learn Compost Work Day (NYC Compost Project) at Sung Harbor Cultural Center?
I participated in the Preservation League of Staten Island’s walking tour around New Brighton’s Hamilton Park neighborhood featuring “Porches, Pillars and Posts” led by Eloise Calderwood and John Kilcullen. It began at Christ Episcopal Church with a talk about the church’s rich history and architecture. We continued up the street to view homes and learn about the unique architecture of each on Franklin Ave., Pendleton Pl., Park Pl., and Highview Ave. If you would like to participate in a walk/tour with the Preservation League of Staten Island (PLSI), learn about their mission statement, or become a member, visit https://www.preservestatenisland.org, https://www.facebook.com/pg/preservationleagueofstatenisland/events/?ref=page_internal and/or call 718-727-6100. Below are some photos from our tour.
As part of Open House New York (OHNY), a number of museums, businesses, facilities will open their doors for FREE to the general public. I have listed below the participants. For a more extensive list, visit: https://ohny.org/weekend/plan-your-weekend/grid?search=staten%20island
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Beginning Wednesday 10/16, Congressman Max Rose, partnering with the NYS Division of Veterans Services and the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs, will provide the first of a new series of monthly Veterans Services Day. Services will include: aid and attendance, burials, disability benefits, healthcare, home loan guaranty, pension benefits, property tax exemption, re-employment, review of discharge, survivors’ benefits and VA surviving spouse pension (non-service-connected death). The service will be provided by appointment only at the congressman’s SI location, 256 New Dorp Ln. Veterans and their family members can request an appointment by calling 718-667-3313.
Join the Adult Afternoon Hikes: Reed Basket Willow/Yellow Trail on Spring St. and Richmond Rd. in Reed's Basket Willow Swamp Park on Wednesday from 1:30–3:30. Enjoy the picturesque views of the park as unique features that make the park special are noted. Pace of the hike will be determined by the pace of the group. Good for ages 18+.
The Great Kills Youth Tech Club meets at Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Ln. on Thursday 10/17 from 3:30-4:30. Every Thursday you will explore new technology, including 3D printing, 3D pens, Hummingbird Robotics Kits, Osmo Genius Kits, Google Chromebooks, and so much more! Good for ages 8+.
Bring the children, ages 8+ to Game On! on Thursday at 4:30 at the Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Ln. Check out our PlayStation 4, Wii games, and Bloxel Video Game Software! Use our new Google Chromebooks and Bloxels to create your own video game! Snacks and Refreshments will be provided.
Attend the Anti-Bully Support Workshop on Thursday from 5-7 at Projectivity, 1953 Richmond Terr. This workshop is for children/teens experiencing any type of bullying (in-school, cyber-bullying, food allergy, etc.) and parents looking for resources. All children and parents welcome. Free refreshments.
On Thursday at 6, Our Lady Star of the Sea R.C. Church, 5371 Amboy Rd., will host its annual “Blue Mass” to honor police officers who keep Staten Island safe and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice; Bishop John J. O’Hara and Rev. Thomas Devery will preside. During the service, there will be a special blessing to all Staten Island officers, as well as a blessing of St. Michael medals—the patron of police officers.
The Snugs Duo (Ter & Lou) will perform all Lou Russo original tunes on Thursday from 9-10 at Cargo Café, 120 Bay St.
As part of OHNY, Tech Products, Inc.'s tour is on Friday, 10/18at 1:30. OHNY has partnered with Made in NYC to open the doors of factories and manufacturing spaces across the five boroughs. Visitors will get to observe facility operations and sign-making in progress. Visitors will be required to wear closed toe shoes and long pants. Loose clothing is not permitted. See what the spaces of 21st-century manufacturing look like and hear from manufacturers themselves about how everything from fabric flowers to steel beams is made right here in New York City! To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-products-inc-registration-72159949351
NYRR Open Run: Silver Lake Park takes place on Friday at 7 pm at Silver Lake Park, Silver Lake Park Rd. and Forest Ave. Open Run is a community-based, volunteer-led running initiative bringing free weekly runs and walks to local neighborhood parks, across all five boroughs of NYC. All runs are directed by volunteers and are free to all participants. The finish line is open until the last person is done. The courses vary based on the park, but the courses are between 2.5 and 3 miles long. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the run and to leave their valuables at home – bag check is not provided. No need to do anything before the run, just show up. Open to all ages, experience levels, walkers, strollers, dogs: All are welcome! This program is in coordination with NYC Parks’ Community Parks Initiative. Sign up at: https://openrun.nyrr.org/
Enjoy an afternoon of Fall Foliage Canoeing on Saturday from 11-12 at Clove Lakes Park, 626 Clove Rd. while our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests. First come, first served. Be sure to bring your camera and prepare for the kaleidoscope of colors.
Celebrate autumn and local produce at the 6th Annual Harvest Festival at Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center, 2351 Veterans Rd. W. on Saturday from 11-3. Activities include pumpkin carving and painting, scarecrow building, apple bobbing, face painting, live music, educational activities, crafts, games, and more! Free entry, cash-only fees apply to some activities, bring your own clothes to use for scarecrow building. All ages welcome.
On Saturday from 12-1:30 the Staten Island Creative Community will host Crafting Cloth Dolls with Everet at Art on the Terrace Gallery, 776 Richmond Terr. Participants will make a traditional rag doll: choose and match fabrics, make it simple or add a few beads and decorate to your own style. This is a hands-on activity and open to all ages. Crafting/sewing experience is not required. All materials will be supplied. Free.
The NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation Play Mobile is providing family friendly fun activities at Tompkinsville Park, Victory Blvd. and Bay St. on Saturday from 12-3. The Play Mobile is stocked with recreational games, toys and more. The mobile unit staff will keep children engaged in fun activities and is perfect for outdoor family fun. The event is free and open to the public.
As part of OHNY, explore the historic Governor's House at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Saturday, 10/19 from 12-4 at 1000 Richmond Terr., Bldg. X. This building, designed by Richard P Smyth and built in 1880, was actually never the Governor's House at all, but that of the chief steward, or bookkeeper. The Italianate architectural style prevalent throughout much of the 19th century can be spied in its long windows, bracketed eaves, and simple porches. The original governor's house, which no longer stands, was on the northwest corner of the property and was twice the size of this house.
As part of OHNY, Alice Austen House Museum, 2 Hylan Blvd. will be open Saturday, 10/19 and Sunday, 10/20 from 12-4 with tours at 12, 1, 2, 3 lasting 45 minutes. The tours will highlight the new permanent exhibition--"New Eyes on Alice Austen" led by Amy O'Hara, Director of Operations and Visitor Services, and Kristine Allegretti, Visitor Services Associate.
As part of OHNY, Snug Harbor Studio Artists at 1000 Richmond Terr., Building H, Floor 2, will be open on Saturday, 10/19 from 12-4. Snug Harbor's resident studio artists work across a diverse range of styles and media, including painting, mixed media, photography, ceramics, performance art, and music. Visitors can ask questions, see works in progress, and enjoy Snug Harbor's thriving artistic community. Entrance is at the North Gate at Richmond Terr. but does not have an entrance ramp, and is not recommended for visitors in wheelchairs. Artist/Musician Studios are accessible by elevator. Visitors in wheelchairs are instructed to use caution when entering narrow, rough, uneven, or steep garden paths.
Bring the family to Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm, 435 Richmond Hill Rd. on Saturday from 12-6 and Sunday from 12-6 with all of your favorite autumnal activities! Pick a pumpkin, enjoy an old-fashioned hayride, and indulge in delicious fall food favorites! More than just your classic pumpkin patch, Decker Farm now offers: Children’s Hay Maze, Photo Opportunities with Fun Farm Scarecrows, Pumpkin Chucking, Fire Pit and S’mores, Fall Food and Desserts, Beer and Hard Cider, Children’s Activities, Handicraft Vendors. To purchase tickets and for more info, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/historicrichmondtown/306038#ticket_selection
Join Patricia Salmon for a look at Frederick Law Olmsted and his Staten Island home on Saturday from 1-3 at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 501 Brielle Ave. Learn about the Olmsted-Beil House, a NYC landmark built circa 1685. Patricia Salmon will discuss the house, Olmsted and other residents of the 300+ year old stone farmhouse. Carlton Beil, Erastus Wiman, the Poillon family, Rev. Tesschenmaker and others will be featured. Light refreshments to follow.
Prof. John Rocco of SUNY Maritime College hosts this lively and entertaining discussion on Herman Melville’s life and work and on his frequent visits to Staten Island--Herman Melville on Staten Island on Saturday at 2 at the Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terr. Bldg. D. What’s more, Prof Rocco is a walking treasure trove of fun facts & lore about Melville, Moby Dick and pop culture. Fun for all ages. Book giveaway, while supplies last.
As part of OHNY, the Battery Weed at Ft. Wadsworth will be open on Sunday, 10/20, from 10-3. Guided tours of Battery Weed with National Park Service rangers will take place at 10, 12 and 2. Ft. Wadsworth is one of the oldest military installations in the nation. Rich in history and natural beauty, it affords the opportunity to observe an important part of our nation's history, while offering magnificent views of New York Harbor. Ft. Wadsworth contains a National Register Historic District that is characterized by resources primarily associated with the coastal defense system and its protection of New York Harbor for some 200 years. Battery Weed is also recognized as a New York City Landmark for its "special historical, aesthetic interest and value as part of the development, heritage and cultural characteristics of New York City."
On Sunday from 10-3 the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art hosts Attic Treasures Under The Tent, a fundraiser to Benefit the Tibetan Museum. You can shop for one of a kind items, vintage jewelry, unique boutique, decorative arts, holiday items and treasures from our travels. All proceeds will benefit the Museum’s Programming and Building Funds.
During OHNY Weekend, join DSNY for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Staten Island Compost Facility, Freshkills Park. 450 West Shore Expressway Service Rd. E. on Sunday from 10-3 and see these processes in action up close. Learn how we turn food scraps and yard waste into finished compost! This is a family-friendly event; play games, win prizes, and meet our compost mascots--Scrappy and Leif! Admission is free/registration is required through compost-tour.eventbrite.com Parking is available. Free shuttle transportation is also available to and from the Staten Island Ferry throughout the morning. Please wear closed-toe shoes and full-length pants for your safety.
Be an explorer with the Urban Park Rangers as you venture into habitats that exist in New York City Parks at Ecosystem Explorers: Deciduous Forests on Sunday from 11-12:30 at High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave.
Old Home Day returns on Sunday from 11-5 at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave. featuring historic trades’ demonstrations, music, food, and crafts. The village comes alive with the smell of freshly baked bread in the kitchen of the historic Guyon-Lake-Tysen house, hearty fall soups served from a cast iron kettle and many other homespun activities. Admission is Adult-$10, Student/Senior-$8,Child $5. For info and tickets, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/historicrichmondtown/309743#ticket_selection
As part of OHNY, the National Lighthouse Museum, 200 Promenade at Lighthouse Point, will be open on Saturday from 11-5 and Sunday from 11-5 with a 1 hour tour at 2 on Saturday. It is located on the grounds of the former U.S. Lighthouse Establishment General Service “Super” Supply Depot on the North Shore of Staten Island. The National Lighthouse Museum's exhibits and tour of the site's buildings will educate visitors about the history and technology of the nation's lighthouses. The museum is located a three minute walk from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Parking is available onsite on Saturday only. See Museum website for more information.
As part of OHNY: Conference House Park Edition takes place on Sunday from 12-4 at 298 Satterlee St. featuring the historic houses of Conference House Park with self-guided tours. In addition to the park's namesake—the circa 1680 Conference House, the Henry Hogg Biddle House (circa 1840) with its front and rear two-story porticos, the William H. Rutan/Becket House with its intact 1950s-era kitchen, and the Ward-Leven House circa 1830 (the second oldest within the park), will open for visitors. Art and culture are also on display during Open House New York. At the H.H. Biddle House will be a watercolor painting exhibition: Donna Napoli's: Staten Island Treasures, on display until January. On display at the park's visitor center will be a local student exhibit entitled: Folk Art-A Sense of Community. All events are free!
As part of OHNY, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Ave., will be open with free admission on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 with a slide lecture at 2 on both days about the history of the Museum and the founder, Jacques Marchais, led by Meg Ventrudo, Executive Director. The high ceilings give the Museum the feel of a Tibetan chanting hall and it holds a collection of art and artifacts from Tibet, Nepal, northern China, and Mongolia. Outside, the building is surrounded by a meditation garden containing Tibetan and Himalayan plants. Tour Info: Access Notes, Street parking or S74 Bus to Lighthouse Ave.
Our Second Seed Swap: Bigger & Better! takes place on Sunday from 2-4 at the Campus of the Society of St. Paul, 2187 Victory Blvd. The Native Plant Society of Staten Island is looking forward to the second Seed Swap this year, featuring FREE perennial native and non-native seeds harvested from local gardens. We will also have a variety of annual seeds to share, including Mexican sunflower, zinnia, and compact and giant marigolds. The seeds are free, but this event is open only to dues-paying members of our Society. If you're not yet a member, you can join at the door on 10/20. Annual dues: $10 for individuals; $15 families; $5 seniors.
Participate in the Sea Shanty Session on Sunday from 2-5 at Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terr.Led by the Folk Music Society of New York, this program is gaining in popularity and 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! If you can’t make it this weekend, we hold a session on the third Sunday of every month.
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