Did you spend time with the kiddies, grandkiddies, nieces or nephews treating them to any of the Cool School Holiday events around town? Did you attend St. George Day, or Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day at Staten Island Makerspace on Sunday?
I decided to get some exercise on Saturday during “Move your Body, Meet Your Neighbors” Weekend Walk Street Festival sponsored by Councilwoman Debi Rose, Staten Island Business Outreach Center, NYC Dept. of Transportation and the newly established Castleton Avenue Merchants Organization (CAMO). This little corridor of Castleton Avenue has been a favorite of mine for years. It’s an eclectic mix of small businesses that add value to the local community. Among the businesses participating on Saturday were Wicked Stitches, Nurnberger Bierhaus, Richmond Hood Co., Sushi Wen--Japanese Cuisine, Anthony’s Barber Shop, North Star Yoga, Relax Be Healthy, Tattoo Gallery, Castleton Chemists Pharmacy, Massa’s Hair Studio, to name a few. The entertainment included a magician, balloon sculptor, caricaturist, roller skating demo/yoga flow, skateboard demo/face painting, hair braiding, candle making workshop and a dance party. You could have your photo taken in front of a “garden” thanks to Wicked Stitches, participate in painting the community mural or adopt a pet at the P.L.U.T.O. station (www.plutorescue.petfinder.com). I met many friends and made some new ones. Come on down to the Castleton Avenue corridor of merchants; you will be happy you did. Check out the CAMO Facebook page. For more info, email castletonavenuemerchants@gmail.com 
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On Wednesday 5/1 at 11, toddlers and caregivers are welcome to attend the Richmondtown Library, 200 Clarke Ave. for Toddler-Story Time, interactive stories and songs while socializing with others in the community. Good for ages 18-36 months.
Join the Greenbelt Conservancy, NYC City Parks, and partnering organizations, in celebrating the Third Annual Outdoor Adventure Day in Willowbrook Park, 1 Eton Place on Wednesday 5/1 from 11-3. This free, family-friendly outdoor recreation celebration will offer loads of fun for families. A variety of guided outdoor activities will include canoeing, guided hikes, fishing, Yoga, outdoor service projects, and much more!
On Wednesday at 4, the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. will host STEMDay. Come and have a blast exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and math! Good for ages 5-11.
For ages 3 years and up with caregiver, come to Family Story Time on Wednesday at 4 at the New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Ln. Enjoy hearing books read aloud, finger plays, action rhymes and coloring.
On Wednesday 5/1 at 6:30, you are invited to participate in Snug Harbor’s master planning process by attending a public workshop hosted by their design team in collaboration with NYC’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Dept. of Design and Construction (DDC), and Dept. of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), referred to as our Capital Project Scope Development (CPSD) at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Bldg. P lobby, 1000 Richmond Terr. RSVP requested: tfeo@snug-harbor.org ***First, share your thoughts on Snug Harbor by completing the survey from Marvel Architects. Your input will help us guide the process: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYWZKGF***
Greenbelt Peepers, a nature-inspired class for two years olds, takes place on Thursday 5/2 from 9:45-10:15 at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. Through hands-on activities, crafts, and stories, 2 year-olds will become familiar with the sights and sounds of the forest. Space is limited. Registration required; call 718-351-3450. $3/Free for GC Members.
On Thursday from 11-10, all full service Carvel shops in NY and nationwide will host $0.85 Cone Day, offering junior soft serve cones and cups for just $0.85. Staten Island Carvel Ice Cream Store info: 280-30 Marsh Ave. For info, call 718-761-1367.
Join CloseKnit, the longest-running public program, on Thursday from 2-4 at the Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terr. It is free and open to knitters of all skill levels. The goods members make are donated to community charities including the The Seamen’s Church Institute’s Christmas at Sea program and the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless.
Discover a universe of language and fun at the Richmondtown Library, 200 Clarke Ave. on Thursday at 4 with KidsLIVE: Future Hits Educational Rock Show. Developed and led by Chicago Public Schools teacher and indie rock musician Matthew Baron, Future Hits' concerts are interactive, include video projections, are bilingual (Spanish and English), and (secretly) educational. Best for children ages 5-8.
Join the South Beach Library, 21-25 Robin Rd. for Builder’s Club on Thursday 5/2 at 4 this fun program that invites you to plan, collaborate and create with other builders. You will be using Lego bricks, magnetic tiles, craft sticks, card stock paper and other surprise materials to further challenge your imagination.
Get ready to play some of your favorite board & Wii games on Friday 5/3 at 3:30 at Game On at the St. George Library, 5 Central Avenue. Good for children 5-12 years old. Please note: This program will be held in the Children's Room.
Come to the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. on Friday at 3:30 for Graphic Novel Activity. Children 5-12 years old will learn to create their very own comic strip. Browse your favorite graphic novels and learn what it takes to become an author and illustrator.
On Friday, 5/3 at 8, enjoy a performance by the Yankee Rebels Bluegrass Band at Everything Goes Café, 208 Bay St. In the 1960's, 3 high school buddies realized that all three loved Bluegrass music and decided to form a band. The band has won eight first prizes at Bluegrass contests and performed at Bluegrass festivals all over the eastern U.S. Two of the three founding members, Art Dekhayser on guitar and Les Bayer on 5-string banjo are joined by Mark Ferrel on mandolin, Bill Christophersen on fiddle and Allen Cohen on upright bass, to recreate past triumphs and forge ahead with traditional style Bluegrass that sounds at home in the 21st century.
Make a gift for Mom at the Blooming Art DIY Workshop at all Home Depot Staten Island locations on Saturday 5/4 from 9-12. In this hands-on workshop you and your child can discuss the art of patience as you build a blooming work of art to gift or put on display. Once it is built, your child can decorate it with paint. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. To register for Forest Ave., call 718-273-5069, for Targee St., call 718-818-9934, for Veterans Rd. W., call 718-984-4690.
The Richard Buegler 10-Mile Spring Walk is on Saturday from 9:15-3:15. Following in the steps of founder and friend, Richard Buegler, participants will enjoy a pleasant walk through the woods of the Greenbelt, a woodland which defines the life’s work of Richard Buegler. Beginning at Staten Island Blvd., behind Petrides High School, you will walk the trails in search of Pinkster Azaleas, trout lilies and a colorful collection of migrating spring birds and emerging butterflies. For more information contact Dominick Durso at 917-478-7607, Don Recklies at 718-768-9036 or Chuck Perry at 718-667-1393.
Show your love for Clay Pit Ponds by helping maintain our trails during I Love My Park Day on Saturday from 10-1 at the Visitors Center, 2351 Veterans Rd. W. Best for ages 10 and up. Please RSVP at https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day.
On Saturday from 10-6, artist and garden aficionado, Sage Reynolds will hold an Open Garden and Plant Sale of unusual begonias, some grasses, blooming perennials, Abutilons and other unusual plants at 129 Tysen St. next to Snug Harbor.
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