Did you attend any of the arts & crafts events this week? Adult Craft: Make Your Own Bracelet at Great Kills Library, CloseKnit at the Noble Maritime Collection, Kinetic Geometry for teens with MakerSpace at the Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, Valentine’s Card-Making Event at Every Thing Goes Book Café, Crochet 4 Kidz Club at Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, Crazy Little Thing Called Love: How to Write Your Own Love Song at West New Brighton Library, Victorian Valentine Workshop at Historic Richmondtown, participate inFull Moon Drum Circle at Every Thing Goes Book Café, or Staten Island OutLOUD’s: Local Mariners, Local History at Leidy's Shore Inn or enjoy Spoken Word at Art on the Terrace or finally sign your kids up for the Zimmer Club Free Youth Program?
I cringe when I hear people saying, “There is nothing to do on Staten Island” or “I can’t make friends here” or “My kids are bored!!!!”. Get out of your abode, put away your electronic devices, take your kids to the local Library for any of their wonderful events and read my “Weekend Events” Blog each week to plan entertaining and exciting events to get involved with or attend.
At Staten Island OutLOUD’s: Local Mariners, Local History event at Leidy's Shore Inn, Beth Gorrie read gripping passages from “In the Heart of the Sea” by Nathaniel Philbrick. Larry Leidy, proprietor of Leidy’s Shore Inn, entertained us with stories and great memories of his great grandparents, grandparents and parents running the oldest tavern on Staten Island and the part it played with the residents, the Snugs, of Snug Harbor (Sailor’s Snug Harbor as it was originally called) throughout the years. Following are photos:
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On Wednesday 2/12 from 10-12, participate in the Bird and Nature Walk at Wolfe’s Pond Park, 420 Cornelia Ave. off of Hylan Blvd. You will search the pond and adjacent Raritan Bay for wintering waterfowl, gulls, etc. If time permits, a side trip to Lemon Creek Park may be in order. Meet in the main parking lot, near the Parks Dept. building.
Attend the Exhibition Fire and Tide: Huguenot Beach in Artifacts and Art on Wednesday from 10-3 at the Visitor Center in Conference House Park, Satterlee St. and Hylan Blvd. What began as a shared curiosity, Staten Island residents Val Falcone and Michael Shanley have embarked on a quest to uncover the history and subsequent transformation of Huguenot Beach. The public is invited to join in an exploration of the art and artifacts that have been assembled throughout their journey. In addition to displaying one of the most comprehensive collections of Terra Marine Inn artifacts, the exhibit will also feature driftwood sculpture crafted from local materials, mixed media projects inspired by historical events and beach ephemera, and a photographic retrospective of Huguenot over the past 120 years. The exhibit continues through 2/28 Monday through Friday from 10-3.
Take an Adult Afternoon Hikes on Wednesday from 1:30–3 at the Greenbelt Nature Center in Blood Root Valley, 700 Rockland Ave. at Brielle Ave. This event repeats every week on Wednesday between 1/22/2020 and 3/25/2020. Enjoy the crisp winter weather as we stroll through different Staten Island Greenbelt trails with Greenbelt educators and a naturalist. Designed for adults ages 18+ who want to spend time in nature and socialize. For more info and to register, call 718-351-3450.
Join the Evening Group Hike on Wednesday at 6 at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. This hike covers approximately five miles at a quick pace. All are welcomed including children with hiking experience who can cover the distance. Please dress for the weather and terrain, and bring water and a snack if you think you will need it. Be advised that there are some inclines, exposed tree roots and uneven terrain along our course. This hike meets in all seasons. Headlamps or a flashlight is required. No advance registration is required for this free event. Join us! If the weather is deemed dangerous, the hike will be canceled. Check our Facebook page.
On Thursday 2/13 from 1-2:30, enjoy a behind-the scenes Snug Harbor Glass House Tour: the Carl Grillo Glass House, where the Horticulture Department propagates plants for the seasonal displays and which is typically closed to the public. Visit the aquaponics and tropical areas, including our giant yellow stripe bamboo, and look at the cuttings and seedlings started for this year’s summer displays. Meet at the Visitor Information Booth in Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terr. This event is rain or shine. General admission is $10, Student/Senior/Snug Harbor Member: $8.
Bring the family to a Valentine’s Day Party on Thursday at 3:30 at the South Beach Library, 21-25 Robin Road. for stories, crafts and snacks to spread love!
The Youth Tech Club meets on Thursday at 3:30 at the Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Ln.Explore new technology like 3D pens, Hummingbird Robotics, Osmo Genius Kits, Google Chromebooks and more! Food for ages 8+. Free but pre-registration is a must by calling 718-984-6670.
On Thursday from 4-5, come to the Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave. for Crafty Cooking where you will create some amazing edible artwork. We provide the supplies, you bring the imagination. Each month you’ll create a different themed treat to bring home.
Do you wish there was a place you could go for writing inspiration and practice? Where you could meet others? If so, attend Prompted: A Creative Writing Session on Friday, 2/14 at 11-12 at the Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, 2550 Victory Blvd. Paper, pens, and writing prompts will be supplied. You just bring your creativity. It's just an hour of writing in a fun manner. No pressure, no angst.
Reading Rocks! A Sensory-Friendly Music, Bubble, and Comedy Series on Friday at 12:30 at the New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Ln. This critically acclaimed music series is about inclusivity and engages children of all abilities with songs, bubbles, comedy, picture books and unique sensory experiences crafted to be inclusive for all children including children on the Autism Spectrum. The children will dance, sing and hear stories which include counting, colors, animals, and music. Parents, teachers and caregivers are also welcome to join the fun. All programs are created and facilitated by certified Music Therapists and certified Autism and Early Childhood Specialists. Recommended for children ages 18 mos.-5 years old with parent/caregiver. No registration required.
Celebrate Love on Friday at 7:30 at Everything Goes Café, 208 Bay St. The theme of this Cabaret/Open Mic tribute event is to celebrate the many kinds of Love: Love of self, friends, family, pets, our beloved planet, our chosen partners. All Genres. Don't forget your heart! MC: Nadette Stasa.
The Zimmer Club Free Youth Winter Program continues on Saturday 2/15 at 9 at 4411 Arthur Kill Rd. The Zimmer Club youth program uses the great outdoors as a classroom to teach youngsters about outdoor activities, conservation and embracing nature. The program blends learning with recreation in the belief that this approach heightens the participant’s environmental awareness. Youngsters are introduced to activities that bring conservation topics to life such as environmental conservation, estuary systems, Blue and Greenbelt management, hunting, fishing (both salt and fresh-water), boating, first aid, camping, gun safety, archery, marksmanship, compass and map reading and more. Please pre-register by email to info@aezyouth.com. All classes are FREE to girls and boys under 18.
The Valentines Day 5K takes place on Saturday from 10–1 beginning at the Conference House Museum in Conference House Park, 298 Satterlee St. Put your heart and legs to the test in the second leg of the 2020 Trail Triple Crown Series. Run solo or team up with your spouse, partner or friend for the pairs competition. The course offers open pathways, woods, water views, and sights of the park's historic landmarks: Conference House, the HH Biddle, Ward-Leven and Rutan-Beckett Houses. History, nature and active recreation come together! For more info and registration, visit https://completerace.ticketleap.com/vd5k2020/dates/Jan-05-2020_at_0100PM
Join the Urban Park Rangers for Living with Deer on Saturday from 1–2 at the Greenbelt Nature Center in Blood Root Valley, 700 Rockland Ave. at Brielle Ave. You will look for signs of deer (buck rubs, deer scat, deer prints, chewed twigs) on the hike in the park and will learn five tips to follow to promote a healthy coexistence with these animals.
On Saturday at 1, participate in Maple Syrup Saturdays at Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center, 2351 Veterans Rd. W. Learn about the entire process of making maple syrup from tap to table! You will hike for up to an hour on our trails to find maple trees, drill holes, hang buckets, and collect sap. Please wear snow boots, gloves and a hat. Good for ages 5+. To accommodate as many people as possible, we will run the exact same program every Saturday. If you think this program might be cancelled due to weather, call 718-605-3970 x201.
On Saturday at 3, at the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. attend the Mighty String Demons Concert, directed by Sanchie Bobrow and featuring Guest Artists Kazuo Nakamura on Double Bass and Bryan Karundeng on Classical Guitar!
The Tavern Concerts continue with two sessions on Saturday at 6 and 8 with Joan Caddell & The Midnight Choir at the newly-restored Guyon Tavern, located on Richmond Rd. The concerts boast the feeling of a 19th-century tavern with a wood-burning stove, candlelight and costumed interpreters. Beverage options include hot apple cider, homemade mulled wine, as well as a refreshing selection of beers. For more info and tickets, visit historicrichmondtown.org
On Saturday at 7:30, the Raymond Bally Band will appear at Everything Goes Café, 208 Bay St. performing their songs of Love, Black Cats & Kisses. The band consists of experimental rocker, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Raymond Bally, multi-instrumentalist Dennis Young and drummer Sean Austin.
Black Cat/Brown Cat will perform on Saturday at 8:30 at Everything Goes Café, 208 Bay St. Guitar (Leon) and Voice (Caitlin) Duo will perform with classical guitar and modern voice.
Participate in a Nature Exploration Hike on Sunday, 2/16 from 11–12:30 meeting at the Parking Lot in Clove Lakes Park, Clove Rd. and Park Dr. Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City and places often off-limits to the general public. On this moderately-paced hike, discover the nature of Clove Lakes Park. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots, and packing water and a light snack.
Attend the Health & Happiness Social by Clara on Sunday from 11-12:30 at Clara's house at 20 Taft Ave., 3rd Fl. (no elevator) for a chilled out conversation about health and happiness with a few conversation prompts to get the social going. On-street parking is available. Ring the lit up bell on arrival; please remove your shoes. Meet your neighbors, engage in positive and thoughtful conversation. FREE but must register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-happiness-social-tickets-90485629955
On Sunday from 1–3 at High Rock Gate in High Rock Park, explore the rich history of the Conservation Legacy and participate in the Greenbelt Service Project, an outdoor trail service project to enhance the Greenbelt. Dress appropriately for winter conditions and working outside for 2+ hours. Ages 14-17 will need written parental consent. For info and registration, call 718-351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org
Join the Friends of the Olmsted-Beil House for "Love in the Writings of Frederick Law Olmsted and Other Staten Island Love Stories" on Sunday from 1-3 at the Court House of Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave. This free Valentine's Day celebration focuses on the historic love that has been experienced on Staten Island. In addition to Mr. Olmsted, Patricia Salmon will tell the love stories of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Britton, Alice Austen and Gertrude Tate, Carlton and Louise Beil, and Richard and Lois Nicotra. This presentation will deeply touch the hearts of all romantics. Valentine's Day chocolate will be enjoyed. This program would not have been possible without support from the Lois and Richard Nicotra Foundation.
The Sea Shanty Sessions take place on Sunday from 2-5 at the Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terr., Bldg. D and are dedicated to William Main Doerflinger (1909-2000), the music scholar who collected traditional sailor’s songs from the residents of Sailor’s Snug Harbor. 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, sessions are held on the third Sunday of every month.
I welcome comments and photos at events you have attended. If you want to share events for me to post, email, text or call.
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