I continue to bellyache about potholes everywhere I drive (why aren’t they repaired/filled in?), trash dumped out of cars in front of my house and by pedestrians wherever they see fit, on the highways, local streets, vacant lots and graffiti.  Does this bother anyone else or are we becoming immune to the state of our Island?  Our elected officials, BP Oddo, Council members Ignizio, Matteo and Rose, have announced the start of a social media campaign where Islanders can share these issues in a number of ways.

  • E-mail or phone.

  • In the comments of the “Staten Island Spring Cleaning” post on the official’s Facebook page.

  • Tweeting with the hashtag #SISpringCleaning.

Include the address and or cross street, photos or any other info about the site and specifically what needs to be cleaned.  It is a start!  Let’s all get involved, folks.

Are you interested in gardening but live in an apartment or home with no yard or don’t know much about it?  Why not consider volunteering at one of the following Community Gardens.  The organizers will teach you how to garden, and you will also make new friends. 

  • Staten Island Moravian Community Garden.  Call the Garden Coordinator at 718-442-5215

  • Joe Holzka Community Garden at the corner of Castleton Ave. and Barker St.  Contact Cathy Zelonis at 917-596-4198 or email at sylvillagusluv@gmail.com

  • Snug Harbor Heritage Farm.  Call Jonathan Wilson at 718-425-3572

  • West Brighton Community Garden at Henderson Ave. and Chappell St.  Managed by Staten Island Deliverance Temple Inc., and overseen by GreenThumb, a division of New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, call 718-447-1824 or e-mail sidt-inc@hotmail.com

  • Westervelt Community Garden. Call 212-333-2552 or visit nyrp.org/green spaces

On Saturday, 4/18, 11-4 at the new Faber Park in Port Richmond at 2178 Richmond Terrace, bring your family to the first annual 2015 Daffodil Festival.  It is a FREE event, with cooking demonstrations, workshops, compost demos, health screenings, children’s events, food, prizes and entertainment.  For more info, call Stefanie Gutierrez at 718-390-8016 or e-mail her at stefanie.gutierrez@parks.nyc.gov

The Forest Restoration Workshop continues at High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave. on Saturday, from 10-2.  Meet in the parking lot at 200 Nevada Ave. to help with restoration efforts—removing invasive plants and restoring trails.  Meet at the administration building.  Gloves and tools are provided.  For more info, call 718-667-2165 ext. 311 or e-mail Jeanne.Paliswiat@parks.nyc.gov.

Staten Island OutLOUD begins a 3-week series of FREE poetry workshops for adults at the Stapleton Public Library at 132 Canal St.. beginning Saturday at 2:30.  Call 718-907-0709 or visit statenisland-outloud.org for info. 

Join the curators of the Staten Island Museum at the field house at Wolfe’s Pond Park,  Hylan Blvd. and Cornelia Ave. on Saturday at 1 for a spring bird and wildflower walk.  Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars.  For registration, call 718-727-1135 or visit nycgovparks.org

Attend the Knit and Crochet Club (Advanced) at the Dongan Hills Library, 1617 Richmond Rd. on Saturday at 10.  For ages 5-10 at 11.  Craft:  Paper Flowers for ages 11-18 is at 3. 

On Saturday at noon, on the South Beach Boardwalk at the Vanderbilt, 300 Fr. Capodanno Blvd., enjoy a Cultural Heritage Concert.  Led by Mark Tranchina of the Vanderbilt/South Fin Grill and the NYC Dept. of Parks, this initiative is curated around themes of improvisation and cultural heritage.  It will feature Sri Lankan Hevisi drumming, Afro-Puerto Rican bomba y plena and American Jazz.  The program will combine individual performances with a jam and artist Q&A session. 

How many of you went to the BBQ Cook-off at Richmond Town or to the North Shore Restaurant Crawl?  I hope you have kept a tally of your favorites and return in the near future to support our local businesses.

This weekend, on Sunday, 4/19, from 2-5, the New Dorp Merchants Group will host an “Eats and Beats” Restaurant Crawl with 16 participating restaurants and live music.  Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at http://www.newdorpmerchants.org or at 181 New Dorp Ln. the day of the event. Guests will receive a guide map as well as vouchers to claim their food samples at each of the restaurants. For further info, contact Anthony Rapacciuolo of PRcision, at (718) 490-5023 or ajr(at)prcision.com

On Sunday at 11, meet the shuttle at 350 Wild Ave. in Travis, then climb to the top of Fresh Kills North Park.  Enjoy the panoramic views while you fly kites--bring your own or make one at the Park to fly at the summit.  Call 718-727-115 for more details.  Great Family Fun! 

Just a reminder to the “over 60” crowd:  FREE yoga classes will be offered on Tuesday and Fridays at 10 a.m. at Faber Park, Port Richmond.  FREE tennis lessons will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-2 at the Greenbelt Recreation Center, 501 Briele Ave. between Rockland and Wolcott Avenues.  All equipment is provided.  For further details, visit CityParksFoundation, org or call the sports department at 718-760-6999.

What are you planning to do this weekend?  You can call me at 646-258-9696, leave a comment below or e-mail me at joan.coogan@gmail.com

Posted by Joan Coogan on

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