Did you bring your “bouncing babies”, toddlers, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews to one of the many Story Time events at the libraries this week or just set them on your lap to read in your own space and at your own pace? There is nothing more comforting than reading to a child who is attentive, excited about turning the pages, excited about each part of the story and what comes next. My favorite memories were reading to my son, niece, nephew, grandchildren and accompanying them to the library reading and craft sessions. The librarians are adept at keeping their attention piqued and afterwards engaging the kiddies in a craft activity. Don’t miss out on this special bonding opportunity with your children. Visit the New York Public Library site: https://www.nypl.org/ to find a library near you.
I visited the H.H. Biddle House (down the street from the Conference House) for the Holiday Festival of Traditions. Even though the rain was relentless on Saturday, many people came in and out of the historic landmarked house the entire time I was there. The trees, decorated to honor the traditions of Poland, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Scandinavia, and Mexico, were lovely. Below are some photos. If you missed the chance to see this exhibit, you can always visit the H.H. Biddle House as well as the Conference House for ongoing exhibits, tours and workshops. Find out events and exhibits at: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/
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The NYC Department of Small Business Services is hosting a Business Planning Basics on Wednesday, 1/9 from 2-4:30 at the NYC Business Solutions, 120 Stuyvesant Pl. This course will teach you how to organize your business idea into a structured plan, identify and promote your business to potential customers, fulfill the legal requirements of starting your business, and develop your financial projections.
You will learn about:
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Components of a strong business plan
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Interconnectivity of marketing, finance, human resources and operations
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Strategies for reaching your target customers
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Developing a break-even analysis
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Tools and templates that will assist you with the planning process
To register, visit nyc.gov/sbs and https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-planning-basics-staten-island-01092019-tickets-53597913803?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Play it Forward NY's Anti-Bully Support Workshop takes place Wednesday from 4-6 at the Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church, 584 Bloomingdale Rd. All children and parents welcome to attend this workshop for children/teens experiencing any type of bullying (in-school, cyber-bullying, food allergy, etc) and parents looking for resources, for bringing children/teens together who have lived through this experience and offering a safe place to share stories and brainstorm on how to handle the problem. Refreshments will be served. For information, visit www.playitforwardny.com or call 646-765-6531.
Attend Speed My Way Up: A Conversation with Author Kristin Pitanza, Wednesday at 6:30 at the St. George Library, 5 Central Ave. Many Staten Islanders lamented the opening of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in 1964 as the end of a golden age for the bucolic, pastoral and sparsely populated borough of New York City. Farmland and lush forests gave way to suburban tract housing and cookie-cutter two-family homes as families from the other boroughs swarmed in by the thousands. Kristin Pitanza weaves a deeply personal tapestry in the four stories included in Speed My Way Up.
Teen Video Games is on Thursday 1/10 from 1-6 at the St. George Library, 5 Central Ave. Come have some friendly competition with your friends on the PS3 and PS4.
Come to the South Beach Library, 21-25 Robin Rd. on Thursday, 1/10 at 4:30 and see a movie perfect for the whole family--Family Movie Night: Ice Age (2002). Set during the Ice Age, a saber tooth tiger, a sloth and a woolly mammoth find a lost human infant, and they try to return him to his tribe.
The West New Brighton Library, 976 Castleton Ave. will host Babies and Brew: Playtime for Them, Coffee for You on Friday 1/11 at 11. Come for a fun, unstructured playtime for you and your youngest children! Enjoy coffee and snacks while the little ones socialize and play. Fun for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Celebrate the release of the film “A Dog’s Way Home” by crafting on Friday at 3 at the Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Ln. For ages 4, registration is required by calling 718-984-6670 or in person.
Attend RISE Open Mic Night on Friday at 6 at Everything Goes Café, 208 Bay St. Rise is a student-run nonprofit organization meant to empower the youth through creative writing. Support RISE and share your own creativity! Donations will be accepted at the door. Instagram @RISE310.
Childbirth Education Classes take place on Saturday 1/12 from 8-5 at Richmond University Medical Center, 355 Bard Ave. Call Doreen Allan-Reyes at 718- 818-4294 for info.
Kids 3+ can enjoy creating a Snowman Canvas on Saturday from 10-12 at Michael's Craft Store. There is a $2 fee to participate. Call or sign up in store: 2795 Richmond Ave (Pergament Mall) : 718-697-0252; 30 Barrett Avenue (Forest Avenue Shoppers Plaza): 718-720-0377; 245 Bricktown Center Charleston: 347-694-7203.
The Art Lab’s 16th Annual Open Show with Artists’ Reception takes place on Saturday from 2-4 at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terr., Ste 10. This show, which includes visual art, painters, photographers, sculptures, continues though 2/9.
Attend Arts, Culture & Fun: Astronomy on Saturday from 6-7:30 at Willowbrook Park, 1 Eton Pl. The Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history and folklore of the universe. Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events. All equipment is provided. Stargazing is best on clear cloud-free nights. In case of cloud cover, Rangers will be prepared with additional related activities.
Attend an introductory Trail of the Month Hike: Nature Center Trail to learn about the benefits of hiking and outdoor recreation on Sunday 1/13 at 11 at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. Then enjoy some post-hike hot cocoa in our Nature Center. Registration required; call: 718- 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots at Birding: Winter Waterfowl on Sunday from 11-12:30 at Alice Austen Park, Hylan Blvd. and Edgewater St. New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Bring field guides and binoculars or ask a Ranger to borrow a pair. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Join the Rangers at Historic Brookfield Park, 575 Arthur Kill Rd. on Sunday from 11-12:30 as you learn more about the history of this area and the story of the park that expanded our city to over 30,000 acres of parkland.
Attend Picture Lotto Sunday, at historic Mont Sec house, Fort Wadsworth, 210 New York Ave. on Sunday from 2-3. Did you know that this game was played by children 100 years ago? The game was used to teach children while having fun. For info, call 718-354-4500 or email Diane_Wulff@nps.gov
Take a History Walk and Fort Tour with the Rangers at Fort Wadsworth to explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system on Sunday from 2-3:30. Meet at Fort Wadsworth, 210 New York Ave. Reservations required; call 718-354-4655. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
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