Did you participate in any of the many Halloween activities on Staten Island with your children or attend All About Bats at Bloomingdale Park? I always loved getting dressed up for Halloween as a kid (never store bought, always old clothes from Mom or Dad turned into a costume), and I always love seeing houses decorated for the season. A few houses I have passed lately are displays of death, horror--chillingly grotesque. Is this what Halloween has become? Are we so immune to horror that we want to add it our every day lives? Sorry, not in my book! Today is my gallery of “tasteful” Fall/Halloween decorations. Also, photos of homemade costumes over the years. Hope you enjoy!
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Bring the kiddies ages 0-3 to Itty Bitty Storytime: Halloween Costume Party on Wednesday, 10/30 at 11:15 at the Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave. They can enjoy interactive stories, lively songs, fingerplays and rhymes. Foster a love of reading and meet other little ones in the neighborhood. Come dressed up for Halloween for some extra fun!
Take an Adult Afternoon Hike on the Multipurpose Trail on Wednesday from 1:30–3:30 at St. Andrews Church, Old Mill Rd. and Richmond Hill Rd. Meet at the lot across from St. Andrews Church on Old Mill Rd. Enjoy the picturesque views of each park, as we point out a few of the unique features that make each park special. The pace of the hike will be determined by the pace of the group. Ages 18+.
Slime Making for kids 3+ will take place on Wednesday at 3:30 at the Huguenot Library, 830 Huguenot Ave. Join us and make your very own slime! Make sure to wear comfy clothes, because slime is slippery and might get everywhere! Limited supplies. Pre-register at 718-984-4636 and sign in at the desk when you arrive!
Participate in Compost 101 on Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 at the Greenbelt Nature Center in Blood Root Valley, 700 Rockland Ave. at Brielle Ave. Decomposition is a natural process that helps to create healthy new soil. Discover how to speed up this process and reduce your household waste by learning the basics of home composting. All ages. Registration is required; call 718-351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org
On Wednesday at 6:30, attend Tenant, Homeowner and Landlord Resource Housing Resource Fair, presented by Debi Rose and NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation & Development at the Staten Island Museum Auditorium, Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terr. Learn about property tax exemptions and abatement, HPD home repair/improvement loans, foreclosure prevention and much more.
Pat Salmon, the author of “Staten Island Slaying” and “Murder & Mayhem on Staten Island” will be having a discussion on local lore on Wednesday at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 2655 Richmond Ave. Please join us and Spooky Staten Island to learn more about the borough of Staten Island.
On Thursday, 10/31 from 3-5, Trick or Treat Around Staten Island is happening. Stores in five business districts, Castleton Ave. Merchants Assn., Downtown Staten Island, Forest Ave. BID, South Shore BID and Victory Blvd. Merchants Assn., are opening their doors to ghosts, goblins, princesses, witches and superheroes on Halloween. Children in costume can pick up free custom treat bags at: Wicked Stitches, 840 Castleton Ave., Kiara’s Beauty Salon, 696 Bay St., Forest Ave. BID office, 86 Forest Ave., Giovanni’s Trattoria, 3800 Richmond Ave. and Alfonso Pastry Shoppe, 1899 Victory Blvd. Participating businesses will have a special Trick or Treat sign displayed in the store windows indicating they are a sweet stop along the way. For more info, visit: www.statenislandusa.com/trickortreatsi.html
Bring the kiddies to A Haunting We Will Go on Thursday from 3-6 at Kivlehan Park, Cedar Grove Ave. and Cedar Grove Beach Pl. Join us for a frightfully good time. Enjoy our haunted walk with our ghouls and goblins, a pumpkin patch, and more.
Join the Salem Evangelical Free Church, 634 Clove Rd. for Trunk or Treat on Thursday between 4:30-6:30! This is a safe alternative to trick or treating--Carnival games, bounce house, trunks filled with candy and more! Check it out!
Attend Trunk or Treat on Thursday from 5-7 at the International Christian Center, 1501 Richmond Ave. Free event for all ages. Fill your bag with tons of candy from dozens of cars that have trunks filled with treats. It’s like going to 40 houses in 15 minutes. Safe for the kids, plus games music and snacks for all.
Preschool Story & Craft at the Huguenot Library, 830 Huguenot Ave. on Friday, 11/1 from 10:30-11. Does your child like story time, crafts and playing with peers? This is a great way to let your children get creative, meet other families and have some fun! Ages 3 to 5 years. First come, first served.
Join the Great Kills Adult Coloring Group on Friday at 10:30 at the Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Ln. Tired of seeing the world in black and white or dealing with the gray areas of life? Immerse yourself in the stress reducing and meditative world of coloring. Come color with us. You will be ticked pink. The coloring sheets and colored pencils will be provided.
On Friday at 11:30, bring the babies and toddlers to Baby S.T.E.A.M.-Fun with Food at the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. We will explore open-ended ways to promote early learning through art. Process art is about the journey, not the destination! Learn how to create process art at home. First come, First served.
DIY Kids Workshop–American Eagle will be on Saturday 11/2 from 9-12 at your local Home Depot stores. Your child will be proud to complete this project using everything in the American Eagle kit. Learn to use a hammer, fine sandpaper, wood glue and a Phillips screwdriver. Assemble the bird’s basic shape and its wings, then add fun stickers. Paint the piece to bring it to life, and then build the base to help your bird stand tall. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register here. https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/
On Saturday from 9-4, attend the Scandinavian Holiday Fair at Eger Home, 140 Meisner Ave. which will include crafts, delicious food, raffles, live music and more.
Adults 50+, participate in Meditation Hour on Saturday 11/2 at 10:15 at the Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave. The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be tough and stressful on the mind. Escape the stress and frustrations of your daily routine during an hour of guided meditation. Meditation can help quiet the mind or help you embark on your own spiritual journey. Come in comfortable clothing.
Attend Storytime and Activities Featuring “The Crayons’ Christmas” on Saturday at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 2655 Richmond Ave. The Crayons are back—just in time for the holidays! Join us for Storytime and activities featuring this unique, new book and see how Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate the season.
The Friends of Kivlehan Park, Inc. are hosting a Fundraiser Clothing Drive on Saturday from 2-4 at Cpl. Allan F. Kivlehan Park, corner of New Dorp Ln. and Cedar Grove Ave. They will accept all clothes and accessories in securely tied in bags. Shoes, household items, stuffed animals must each be securely tied in separate bags. Visit the Friends of Kivlehan/NewDorpBeach Park Facebook page for exclusions.
On Saturday at the same time, same location, Councilman Steven Matteo and the Friends of Kivlehan Park, Inc. are sponsoring Give Thanks—Give Back at the 5th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Project Hospitality. Please bring any packaged food items, in particular: stuffing mix, canned gravy, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables and fruit, instant mashed potatoes, ground coffee, tea bags. Stop by to make a donation, visit with neighbors, have a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie and bring the kids for a play date. Drop off worn or damaged American flags for proper disposal.
Be an explorer with the Urban Park Rangers with Ecosystem Explorers: Critters of the Night on Saturday from 6-7:30. This program focuses on nocturnal wildlife. Meet at the Comfort station in Willowbrook Park, near Eton Place and Richmond Ave.
Boy Scout Troop 37 will host a Pancake Breakfast & Raffle Basket Bash on Sunday, 11/3 from 8 a.m.–1 at Conran Hall, St. Teresa’s Gym, 1634 Victory Blvd. All are welcome! All You Care to Eat–serving pancakes, sausage, pastry, coffee, tea and juice. Fantastic raffle prizes include TV, gift baskets, gift certificates, basket of cheer, spa baskets, camping equipment, sporting gifts, lotto bucket, 50/50 and much more. Raffle tickets sold separately. This event will support funding for the summer camp program and program activities for Troop 37 throughout the year. $7.00 entrance fee. Mystery Prize raffle ticket with admission.
Baby & Me Storytime Featuring Elmo takes place on Sunday at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 2655 Richmond Ave. Join us as we read a book and participate in activities featuring sensory growth for your little ones. Good for children 0-24 months old.
Join Staten Island Insectarium & Environmental Education on Sunday from 11-12:30 at Blue Heron Park, 222 Poillon Ave. for Discovering Insects, Spiders, and their Kin! This program will explore the biology, natural history and lives of these often misunderstood animals and the role they play in our lives. It will include: live animal demos and engaging activities, with a short hike. Good for ages 6+.
Participate in Nature Photography: Fall Foliage on Sunday from 1-2:30 at Forest Ave. and Silver Lake Park Rd. in Silver Lake Park. Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems and beautiful fall colors of this awe-inspiring park on Staten Island.Share your best NYC Parks fall foliage photos with us on Twitter and Instagram with #FallforNYC. We’ll share our favorite #FallforNYC photos at @nycparks!
On Sunday, 11/3 from 1-5, the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, 54 Pt. Richmond Ave. will host Community Christmas Holiday Fair featuring twenty vendors over two floors, raffle baskets, 50/50, kids table, snacks and drinks available and free guided tours of the Landmark site. For more info, call 718-442-7393 or visit info@olddutchchurchnyc.org
Want to know how to receive the GO!HEALTHY FOOD BOX? There are only a few more weeks left. Every Tuesday through 11/19 between 4-6 go to Goodhue Center, 304 Prospect Ave. in New Brighton, and sign up and pay $10 Cash, credit/debit and Health Bucks! (or $8 with EBT or FMNP) at least one week in advance for $30 worth of fresh local produce. Come back the next week (same time, same place) to pick up your bag and taste the weekly recipe! Check out what we received today! 
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS ON SUNDAY 11/3! DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR SATURDAY EVENING BEFORE YOU GO TO BED.
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