WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (4/19

Who among you, my gentle readers, were able to meet with Mayor Bill de Blasio this past week? Did you express your concerns to him and his staff of commissioners about issues you may have? Were you satisfied with the Mayor’s response?

Recently, I encountered a Department of Sanitation street sweeper coming down a nearby street and was in awe along with other residents on the street. I have only seen street sweepers in Brooklyn, never on the Island. This particularly street is filled with potholes, broken pavement and an actual crater; I would prefer to see these streets repaired first! Did you know that you can report any problem you may have to New York City’s "311" Complaint Line? I have kvetched about that particular crater many times and also brought it to the attention of the powers to be at my civic association meeting numerous times--to no avail. However, I have reported other issues to 311, and they were taken care of immediately. You can go one step further and become involved in your Civic Association, Block Association, NYPD Precinct Community Council (see website) http://nypdnews.com/nypdfacebook/community-council-calendar/or your local Community Board which plays an important role in improving the quality of life. Visit the website and learn how you can make a difference.http://www.nyc.gov/html/cau/html/cb/si_about.shtml

Did you attend RECYCLED: A Children’s Art Workshop with the Staten Island Creative Community at Art on the Terrace Gallery or visit the RECYCLED exhibit?

Hopefully, you filed your taxes on time and now can think about the spring/summer weather and more important things like planting flowers and vegetables.

Were you able to visit Nothing New Thrift Shop and find some terrific items or a donated Prom Dress and accessories for your teenager? The event was a huge success and many delighted young ladies left the Shop with beautiful dresses and accessories all set for their proms. There are so many “finds” awaiting you. Visit the website and Facebook page for a schedule of Open Mic events and catch a glimpse of new items that arrive at the store every day! http://www.nothingnewwarehouse.com/https://www.facebook.com/NothingNewThriftShop/

Check out Art in Action, a program where children are given the opportunity to develop their creativity and personal expression through a variety of fun and educational arts and crafts projects! It takes place on Wednesday 4/19 from 3:30-4:30 at Walker Park, Davis Ave. Registration is required. Call 718-816-6172 or email Dana.Vitolo@parks.nyc.gov to register.

The Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. will sponsor Growing Healthy Eaters on Wednesday at 4. This 6-session series’ curriculum, created by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, aims to educate young children and their caregivers about the importance of eating well through a series of interactive, entertaining and delicious sessions. The lessons cover a variety of topics from “Food Mood” to “Flavorful Fruit” and provide nutritional expertise in bite-sized portions!

Participate ina Group Hike or Trail Run on Wednesday at 6 at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. Good for all ages. Call 718-351-3450 for details.

Tech Zone, for ages 6-11, meets on Thursday, 4/20 at 4 at Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave. Call 212-621-0690 for info.

The Young Adult Breast Cancer Support Group meets on Thursday, 4/20 at 6 at SIUH Cancer Services/Nalitt Bldg., 256C Mason Ave. This is a group for young women (18 to 40 years old) diagnosed with breast cancer. For info, call 718-226-6481 or visit http://ldesimone@northwell.edu

On Thursday from 7-9, join your friends and neighbors for Movies Night at Staten Island Creative Community at Art On The Terrace Gallery, 776 Richmond Terr. Watch and discuss the Film Styles of Ingmar Bergman, Luis Bunnell and Federico Fellini, featuring scenes from “The Seventh Seal”, “Wild Strawberries”, “Los Olvidados”, “La Chien Andalusia”, “8 ½” and “The White Sheik”.

The SIUH Northwell Health Outreach Team will be at the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, 307 Victory Blvd. for Albanian Community Day on Friday, 4/21 at 10. Free help to be tobacco free, prevention information on diabetes, cancer, heart disease and more will be available. Call 718-816-9865 for info or visit http://www.aicc-ny.org

Sometimes, a new mom has feelings of sadness and depression. Join with other women for support at Postpartum Depression Support, Friday, 4/21 and every third Friday at 11 at the Maternity Unit, 1^st Fl., Richmond University Medical Center, 355 Bard Ave. Register by calling, Catherine Wilson Mooney, RN, MSN at 718-818-4298. An emergency line is maintained at 718-818-2032.

Attend the Lecture Series: Alexander Hamilton on Friday from 6-8 at The National Lighthouse Museum, 200 Promenade at Lighthouse Pt. (behind St. George Post Office). The guest speaker, Wade R. Goria, will present an educational insight of Alexander Hamilton's contribution to enlarging the sphere of our domestic commerce. Admission is $10; Museum members are free. Call 718-390-0040 or visit http://wwwlighthousemuseum.org for info.

Bring your kiddies to Movies Under the Stars: "Trolls" on Friday from 7-8:30 at Wolfe's Pond Park, Cornelia Ave. Arrive early to get your spot; bring a blanket or chair to sit on.

The Blessing of the Animals will be on Saturday, 4/22 from 9-12 at New Dorp Moravian Church, 2205 Richmond Rd. Bring your pets to the Parsonage Lawn. Pet adoption agencies, pet sitters, veterinarians and other pet-related groups will attend for a morning of pet-friendly activities, along with the blessing service. Call 718-351-0090 for info or visit http://www.newdorpmoravian.org

“We are the Dinosaurs” Storytime will take placeat Barnes & Noble, 2245 Richmond Ave. on Saturday 4/22 at 11. FREE for all ages. Laurie Berkner’s chart-topping, beloved hit “We Are the Dinosaurs” is now a picture book featuring an adorable cast of characters and vibrant, playful art by Ben Clanton. Don’t miss out! 718-982-6983

Don’t miss St. George Day 2017-a FREE community festival celebrating earth day and the arts on Saturday, 4/22 from 11-5 at Tompkinsville Park, Victory Blvd and Bay St. Wait till you experience the marching band, Giant Dragon Puppets, music and dance, art around the park, kid zone, book faire, (shop at and/or bring stuff to the Free store) and free art magazine and more. Rain or shine! If you want to volunteer, email SGDvolunteer @gmail.com. High school students will receive community service for their participation. For more info, visit www.stgeorgedaysi.org

The NYC Chili Cookoff 2017 takes place on Saturday from 12-4 at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave. This family event includes chili sampling, judging, cash prizes, amusements and live entertainment. Admission is $12.75 for Adults Online, $15 at the Door, Children: $6 Online, $8 at the Door. Call 718-351-1611 for info.

Experience The Public Theater Mobile Unit: "Twelfth Night" at Faber Park, Kill Van Kill & Faber St. on Saturday at 1. FREE for all ages. Call 718-360-3440 for info.

Learn how to become an eco-hero Saturday at 1 at Earth Day Extravaganza at the Interpretive Center, 2351 Veteran’s Rd. West. Activities include building bird feeders, a pond-themed puppet show performed by local student-scientists, recycling relay races, and more. FREE for ages 5+. For details, call 718-967-1976.

On Saturday, from 2:30-4:30, the Staten Island Creative Community Spoken Word will collaborate with the Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave. to present Children’s Haiku and Origami Workshop. The writing workshop for children ages 8-16 will combine the composition of poetry with the construction of origami birds to make a Haiku tree for the library.

Bring your family to Movies Under the Stars: “Moana” on Saturday from 7-9 at Russell Timoshenko Soccer Field, Father Capodanno Blvd & Slater Blvd. Arrive early to get your spot; bring a blanket or chair to sit on.

Movies Under the Stars presents "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" on Saturday from 7-9 at Willowbrook Park, Eton Place and Richmond Ave.

“I am number…” a human interest documentary web-series chronicling the individual experience of men subjected to the U.S. Selective Service Draft during the Vietnam War Era (1955-1975) will be presented Sunday, 4/23 at 2 at the Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terr., Bldg. A. Call 718-227-1135 for details or visit http://www.statenislandmuseum.org/calendar-programs/presentation-i-am-number

Attend “Songs of the Sailors Concert” on Sunday, 4/23 at 2 at theNoble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terr., Bldg. D. Led by the Folk Music Society of New York, the Noble Maritime Collection's monthly Sea Shanty Session is launching its new CD, Songs of the Snug Harbor Sailors, with this free concert featuring Liverpudlian Hughie Jones. You will enjoy this foot-stomping, lively affair! Call 718-447-6490 for details or visit http://www.noblemaritime.org/events/2017/4/23/songs-of-the-sailors-concert-featuring-hughie-jones

Participate in a Pot Luck Friendship Dinner, Sunday, 4/23 from 5-7:30 at the Turkish Cultural Center, 1665 Richmond Rd. In this time of increasing division and hostility, here is an opportunity for Staten Islanders to come together from different neighborhoods, different faith traditions, different ethnic backgrounds to listen to each other and make new friends over dinner. Please bring a meatless meal so all can enjoy. RSVP to: karen_jackson@projecthospitality.org or 917-859-4535.

The NYS Cancer Services Program and the Cancer Services Program of S.I.is sponsoring FREE mammograms on Tuesday, 4/25 in the mobile mammography van at Hylan Plaza Parking Lot in New Dorp (near CVS) from 9-noon and at Bricktown Commons (Michael's Park Lot) in Charlestown from 1:30-4:30. To make an appointment call 800-564-6868.

On Tuesday, 4/25 at 2:30 at the College of Staten Island, Archives, 2800 Victory Blvd., meet Jay Weichun, a man who spent five years documenting and interviewing home gardeners all over Staten Island. With fond memories of his own grandparents growing vegetables in the back yard, he began this project to understand the people and place of Staten Island. http://www.growingfoodonstatenisland.com/

I welcome comments and photos at events you have attended. If you want to share events specifically for children or adults or seniors, by all means, email or call me.

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Posted by Joan Coogan on April 19th, 2017

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