Other than patiently waiting for the birth of my second grandchild any minute now, there are some happenings that are almost as terrific this weekend.
Have you applied for a New York City ID card yet? For more information, check out IDNYC site http://www.memberdeals.com/nycgov/contact.php Don’t miss out on this FREE opportunity! Did you see the Dinosaur exhibit at the Zoo? This Saturday’s Tavern Concert at Richmond Town features the band “Squirrel Stew”. For times and reservations, visit HistoricRichmondTown.org
Check out the New York Public Library site: http://www.nypl.org for so many happenings throughout Staten Island and the City each and every day. There are events for children of all ages, teens and adults. My grandson is becoming an avid reader and never misses Toddler Time and/or Story Time each week at the Tottenville Library, thanks to his parents and grandparents! The toddlers meet and interact with others their age and listen to book readings, participate in making crafts, play games and even do simple dances. I have previously written about my love of the Library. From childhood, I was encouraged by my parents to visit the library at least once a week, take out books and READ! Reading is the root to understanding everything—math, science, history, literature, religion. The Library offers computer accessibility, DVD’s, classes, homework help and so much more. One of my first jobs during high school was at my beloved Port Richmond Library. When my brother began working at Port Richmond, he put on shows with the neighborhood kids, helping to keep them occupied and off the streets and showcasing the talent that exuded from them. I can honestly say that some of my best memories came from the Library and what I was involved with. Try it out! 
Today, Friday, 1/23, 1:00 at Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave. between Amboy Rd. and Hylan Blvd. Doodlebug Fun Time takes place for children 18 mos. to 4 years old. They will enjoy stories, songs, crafts and lots of fun. Call 718-967-3542.
Also on Friday at the St. George Library, at 3:30, children can participate in traditional games including checkers, Sorry, Connect Four and Battleship. Who doesn’t remember playing games with their friends and family for hours on end? Great way to make friends!
Check out the Weekly Wine Tasting at Jean’s Fine Wines, 642 Forest Ave. today, Friday, from 5-8. This week’s wine—Ballard Lane Chardonnay California, 2013, Murphy-Goode Pinto Noir California, 2012 and Cantina Sant’Agata Bay/Barbera d’Asti Italy 2013 will be available for tasting. All tasting wines are discounted. Call 718-815-7600 for info.
Saturday, 1/24, Seasonal Explorers meet at 10 at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. Children, ages 5-7,will enjoy fun-filled activities, crafts, stories and hikes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 718-351-3450.
“The Lego Movie” will be screened at the New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Ln. on Saturday at 2. Call 718-351-2977 for details.
Sign up for the NYS DEC-presented professional development workshop—Project WET, Saturday at 9:30, Clay Pit Pond State Park, 2351 Veterans Road West. Geared to teachers and non-formal educators working with young people 5-18, the program focuses on people’s relationship to water throughout their lives. Contact Elisabetta O’Connor, environmental educator at 718-605-3970, ext. 201 or email at Elisabetta.OConnor@parks.ny.gov for info.
Gather your broken or unwanted electronics from the basement and bring to an E-Waste Recycling Event on Saturday from 10-4 at the College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd.Throwing electronics in the garbage is now against NYS law, punishable by fines of $100 starting in April.
Sunday, 1/25, at 2:30, bring your children/grandchildren to Paws to Read sponsored by OutLoud at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. This is a great way to have your children get involved in reading aloud with a licensed therapy dog, Sweetie Pie, curled up on the floor with them. This is a FREE, fun event for the whole family. Call 718-907-0709, email sioutloud@yahoo.com
Another of my fondest memories as a child was going to Edith Susskind’s store on Forest Ave., and shopping for every occasion. My son would ride his bike to her shop with $5 in his pocket and have a beautiful gift wrapped exquisitely for my birthday. Edith and Alfred treated every customer like royalty. Before her passing earlier this year, Edith made arrangements for much of her prized collection to be given to the Staten Island Museum. Visit the Staten Island Museum at 75 Stuyvesant Pl. on Sunday for the opening reception from 2-4 to view “Kaleidoscopic Porcelain: From the Alfred & Edith Susskind Porcelain Collection” together with “Betty Bressi: A Retrospective Exhibition”.
Hi Joan I loved reading all about the goings on in staten island this weekend! this was interesting and informative, sometimes I don't know what to do with the grandkids.... glad to see you are doing well!
Posted by linda labetti on Friday, January 23rd, 2015 at 10:07pmkeep up the good work! Dil Gilani will lmake a great president he is a great guy! congratulations Dil!
Love your Facebook reminders of what's going on in the borough. I check it out whenever i'm looking for something to do on the weekend. I'm sure it's work for you but please keep it up
Posted by Sue Spinelli on Saturday, January 24th, 2015 at 8:02amThank you for the comments, Linda and Sue. I appreciate the feedback. Enjoy whatever outings you decide to have.
Posted by Joan Coogan on Saturday, January 24th, 2015 at 12:23pmLeave A Comment