Did you, my gentle readers, shovel snow this weekend? If you live on Staten Island, you probably had all the tools of the trade ready—snow blower, shovels, salt. All over the country, there were floods, icing, snow storms and chilly, sub-zero weather; even my Southern friends were chilled. We dodged the snow bullet on the Island but were prepared. I hope you left the house and participated in some activities--maybe the Bird and Nature Walk at the Conference House or Evening Group Hike through the Greenbelt or volunteered with HEALTH for Youths cleaning and beautifying various parks as part of the It’s My Park program. I attended the Writing Workshop for Adults: Introduction to Memoir Writing on Saturday led by award-winning author Marianna Randazzo at the Greenbelt Nature Center. I had never been to the Nature Center (even though I have included many of their events in my blog) and was quite pleased with the exhibits. I look forward to bringing my grandchildren to one of the Greenbelt’s workshops or events. See photos below.
Getting back to the Writing Workshop…Marianna Randazzo passed out coins and suggested we recall an occurrence in our lives in the year on the coin--AND write about it! It took a few moments to remember what was happening in that year, and I quickly wrote about an event. We were shown how to respectfully give feedback/critique and handling the same, identify details of the story that interested us and what we would like to know more of, resources in marketing our ideas and how to publish. Some participants shared their stories; others respectfully commented and critiqued. I thought they were all terrific; and one, in particular, brought tears to my eyes. But what was surprising is that I haven’t thought about the “moment in my life” I had written about in many years. What I considered a non-event could be elaborated to make a pretty interesting story that people may want to read!
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On Wednesday, 1/23 at 3:30, join the folks at the Huguenot Library, 830 Huguenot Ave. with your children ages 3+ for DIY Erupting Snow! Wear comfy clothes because it may get messy. Pre-register at the library or by calling 718-984-4636.
The SI Babywearers and Everything Parent meets on Thursday, 1/24 at 12 at the West New Brighton Library, 976 Castleton Ave. This is a peer-to-peer group for those expecting, moms, dads, and caregivers to sit and chat with one another, share similar situations, to learn from one another and feel supported. Breastfeeding support will be available at all meetings. Bring your own carriers to be fitted as needed! ALL babies and children are welcome. Tea, coffee, etc. will be available.
On a winter’s day, what can a child do when it is cold outside? Children 4+ and caregiver can go to the West New Brighton Library, 976 Castleton Ave. for Kiddies, Let’s Color! as they color snowmen, snow boots and other winter images on Thursday at 3:30.
Homework Help for Children is available at the Port Richmond Library, 75 Bennett St. on Thursday from 3-5. Monday, 1/28 from 3-5, Thursday, 1/31 from 3-5. For children ages 6-10, if help is needed to complete homework assignments, stop by during homework help hours.
Bring your children to Painting for Kids on Thursday at 4 to the New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Ln. Children will create their very own painting of their choice while listening to music. Be sure to wear clothes you can get messy in!
The South Beach Library, 21-25 Robin Rd. will be hosting Family Movie Night: Atlantis (2001) on Thursday at 4:30. Perfect for the whole family, the film is about a young adventurer named Milo Thatch who joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis.
Test out your vocal chords and join in a night of singing for a cause--Person Centered Care Services at Karaoke Night on Thursday at 7 at Steiny's Pub, 3 Hyatt St. Bring your friends for a night of fun. Food & drinks available! RSVP to Alyssa D’Agosto to secure your space at adagosto@pccsny.org or 718-370-1088 x 219.
Bring your children ages 18 mos. to 3 years to Toddler Storytime: Toddler Time on Friday, 1/25 at 10:15 & 11:15 at the Tottenville Library, 7430 Amboy Rd. They will enjoy stories, songs, crafts and fun and meet other toddlers in the neighborhood!
Attend Family Literacy Workshop: City's First Readers Presents The Early Literacy Series for Parents and Children at the Port Richmond Library, 75 Bennett St. on Friday at 11:30. Enjoy Musical Fun, Read Aloud, Parent Discussion, Free Book Give Away and Library Card sign up. To sign up for the library card please bring two forms of identification.
Begin the new year with January Evening Yoga Series on Friday from 6:30-7:30 at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. Five Boro Power Yoga will provide a series of four classes for people of all experience levels. Come to all or some. Stretch, breathe and relax your way into 2019. Minimum donation to the nonprofit Greenbelt Conservancy is $10/per class, payable at the door. BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and water bottle. To register, call the Greenbelt Conservancy at 718-667-2165, ext. 105.
Meet your friends at Everything Goes Café, 208 Bay St. on Friday at 8 for entertainment by Yimba Roda, a trio that combines various strains of American and world music: jazz, free improvisation, traditional African and various popular traditions. All the members of Yimba Roda are composers and well known in the New York City/International music world: Kevin Norton– vibraphone/percussion, Steve LaSpina–bass, Jim Pugliese–drums, African percussion. $10 is suggested donation.
Join the Zimmer Club, 4411 Arthur Kill Rd. for Registration/Orientation and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, 1/26 at 9, with an overview of 2019 Winter Youth Classes with a presentation by Assemblyman Michael Reilly. Pancake breakfast and refreshments to follow. Students ages 5-17 must pre-register at www.aezyouth.com or call 718-948-9599. Seating will be limited.
If you haven’t taken a class at the Staten Island MakerSpace, 450 Front St, Unit B, check out their website: www.makerspace.nyc and sign up for one! For those of you who are concerned about the plight of honeybees, this 3 session course, A–Bee–C’s of Beekeeping will introduce you to Honeybees and Beekeeping. Learn the basics about honeybees, beehives and equipment before making the leap to become a beekeeper. The 3 session course begins Saturday from 10-12, Saturday 2/9 from 10-12, Saturday 2/23 from 10-12 at a cost of $50 or $20 to attend the first session only--Introduction to honeybees, their role in the environment, bee and hive products and the threats to honeybees survival and. discuss the ways to help the honeybees survive. If you have any questions about this upcoming workshop, call 718-273-3951 or email emily@simakerspace.com or to register for the class, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-bee-cs-of-beekeeping-tickets-53365493628?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
The Staten Island NAACP 9th Annual HBCU Experience College Fair 2019 takes place on Saturday from 11-3 at Curtis High School, 105 Hamilton Ave. Hundreds of students and parents attended last year and left with a lifetime of information! Spread the word!
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Workshops for parents and students
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Volunteer Opportunities for students
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Community service Hours for all Participants
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Over 50 Schools from all 5 boroughs & NJ Attend
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On-site Admission to select HBCUs/Admisión en el sitio para seleccionar HBCUs
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Seniors: Bring your unofficial transcripts and SAT/ACT Scores
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Resources for the entire family
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Spanish, French and Arabic Translation available!
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