I’m going to share a secret about my family. . .We are diehard fans of Fleet Week! From childhood, before it was called “Fleet Week”, ships would dock on Staten Island and Dad would strengthen our weak little legs enough (with hard work around the house! Lol!) to climb up and down those ladders and through the ship without tripping, slipping or complaining. It was an exciting experience for us, and every year, without a miss, we would wait on lines to tour the ships. Since then, our family would venture to Ft. Wadsworth and wait for the Parade of Ships. Usually, it would take a couple or more hours before the first one would come under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The kiddies would run around playing with the other kiddies as photographers would take their position on benches and ladders to get the special shots of the fleet. This year, we decided not to arrive as early as we always did as it is getting harder to entertain the children. So, sure enough, as the luck of the Coogan’s would have it, we arrived at a later hour only to discover the Parade had gone by at 8:30 a.m.! Nevertheless, on Friday, we toured 3 out of the 4 ships at the USS The Sullivans Homeport Pier—The medium endurance cutter USCGC Campbell, Keeper-class cutter USCGC Katherine Walker and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham. Below are some photos taken, including the crew of these ships with the promise that their folks back home can read this week’s blog and know they are all well and AOK on Staten Island.
On Sunday, I attended the Memorial Day Parade, rescheduled to “the day before Memorial Day” on Forest Ave. As usual, the shady side of the street was more comfortable and less hot and I met friends and family throughout the Parade. See the following photos:
What did you do this week? If you would like to share photos of your experience at Fleet Week, the Parade or other events, please forward.
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Participate in a Bird and Nature Walk: Brookfield Park on Wednesday 5/29 from 10-12. You can expect to see wading birds, waterfowl, and raptors. Meet in the parking lot off Arthur Kill Road, near Brookfield Ave. Free/Donations are welcomed.
Are you 18-24 years of age, living at NYCHA, a high school grad or GED holder, ready to change the world and launch your career? Check out Green City Force! To apply, visit: greencityforce.org/apply or attend the info session on Wednesday from 1-3 at the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. or call 929-381-9877 or 718-289-8100.
Enjoy the Adult Afternoon Hikes--Greenbelt on the Go! on Wednesday from 1:30-3 at the Greenbelt Nature Center in Blood Root Valley, 700 Rockland Ave. Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring as you stroll through different trails within the Greenbelt. Designed for adults ages 18+ who want to spend time in nature, get healthy exercise, and more!
Attend the Lyme Disease Forum on Wednesday from 7-8:30 at the Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Rd. The NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and researchers from Columbia University will present important information about Lyme disease and the black-legged ticks that are vectors for the disease. Topics to be discussed include basic facts about Lyme disease, symptoms and health impacts, public safety tips, precautions when exploring natural areas, and do’s and don’ts on tick removal. A question and answer period with the audience will follow the presentations. Please RSVP to Diane Marciuliano at (718)816-2246 or DMarciuliano@statenislandusa.com
Come out and get active at Faber Park (Richmond Terr. at Faber St.) with CityParks Seniors Fitness Yoga on Thursday, 5/30 from 11–12. All New Yorkers 60+ can participate in free tennis lessons, yoga and fitness walking in 16 neighborhood parks across the city. Activities in this six-week Seniors Fitness program take place twice a week and all equipment is provided. For info, call 718-760-6999.
For ages 5-12, create your own Japanese Koi Fish to celebrate Asian Heritage Month on Thursday at 4 at the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St.
Attend the Staten Island New Teacher Job Fair on Thursday from 4:30-6:30 at Michael J. Petrides, 715 Ocean Terr., Bldg. A, Borough President’s Hall of Science, 2nd Fl. Job Fair Seeking Applicants in the following license areas: Elementary-Bilingual, ESL, Physical Education & Special Education, Secondary-All Licenses. The NYC Department of Education offers all teachers:
Competitive Salaries
Professional Development Opportunities
Medical, Dental, Vision, & Prescription Drug Benefits
Pension and Retirement Benefits
Tax Deferred Annuity Program
Employee Discounts
Loan Forgiveness and Loan deferral for Eligible Teachers
Paid Holidays for Many Religious and All Federal Holidays
To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/staten-island-new-teacher-job-fair-tickets-59226542182?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
You may want to try Easy Rider--Indoor Cycling on Thursday from 6-6:45 at the Biddle House, 70 Satterlee St. Did you love riding bikes as a kid? Are you intimidated by the idea of a full-on Tour-de-France-style cycling class? Then consider this kinder, gentler approach to riding. In no time, you'll go from novice to know-how! You will build up time on the bike from week to week--growing your ability, confidence, and comfort! Please commit to at least 3 classes. Everyone rides at their own pace. The soundtrack for this course draws from movie scores and classical music. Space is limited; registration required! Please register by emailing Stephanie.Parello@parks.nyc.gov or by calling (646) 571-5234.
Meet your friends at Sunset Tai Chi on Thursday from 7-8:15 at the H.H. Biddle House, 70 Satterlee St. Tai Chi focuses the mind while training the body—meditation through movement. Once learned, it can be maintained easily as a healthy life-long practice, adapted to your abilities and/or limitations. Note that this is the oldest original Chen-Style Tai Chi, taught by traditional instruction, where each student learns at their own pace and builds up their knowledge bit-by-bit. Outdoors, weather permitting. New students, please register by calling 646-571-5234 or by emailing Stephanie.Parello@parks.nyc.gov.
To mark the beginning of the 2019 hurricane season, NYC Emergency Management presents Mobile Office Hours on the FDR Boardwalk at Father Capodanno Blvd. and Parking Lot 6 (fishing Pier) on Friday, 5/31 between 11-2. Come find information on how to be prepared for hurricanes, learn about Community Emergency Response Teams and sign up for NotifyNYC.
Honor Wines, the Island’s only “green” wine shop, has re-opened after relocating from St. George to 104 Beach St. near the corner of Van Duzer St. Join your friends for Wine Tasting”every Friday evening from 5-9. Honor Wines “support growers who specialize in producing smaller yield, beautifully crafted natural, organic and sustainable wines that are delicious, speak of ‘place’ and are at an every day drinking price point ($12-18)!”.
Bring your family and friends to the Tavern Terrace Outdoor Concert Series on Friday from 6–11 at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave.Staten Island’s biggest backyard barbecue returns for another fun-filled season at Historic Richmond Town’s Main Village site. The Tavern Terrace Beer Garden features a selection of hand-crafted ales and lagers from Staten Island's famed Flagship Brewery, and delectable smoked classics from Corner House BBQ. The Terrace will be open Friday and Saturday evenings all summer long, featuring live music each Saturday! Bring a blanket and have a picnic! Enjoy classic outdoor games and cool down at Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor with a sweet treat!
Enjoy Movies Under the Stars “Creed II” on Friday from 8-10 at Cpl. Thompson Park, Broadway and Wayne St. Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, Creed is up against the challenge of his life. You should arrive before 8 to get your spot. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on; there will be a limited supply of chairs available. Bottled water is OK, but no glass. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome!
Grab your kids right now because you now have a promotion that you can partake in and have fun at the same time. Home Depot is offering a Free Putting Green Workshop For Kids on Saturday 6/1 from 9-12. Exercise mental strength with a game of tabletop golf. In this hands-on workshop you and your child can discuss the mindset, jargon and strategy of the sport as you build a putting green to master your hole-in-one. Once your course is built, your child can look forward to decorating it with paint and stickers. 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. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. To register, visit: https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/
The Third Annual Greenbelt Outdoor Adventure Day on Saturday from 11-3 at Willowbrook Park, 1 Eton Pl. Join the Greenbelt Conservancy, NYC City Parks and partnering organizations. 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,
On Saturday at 11, sing, dance, and reveal your inner musician at Music & Movement time for children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers at the New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Ln.. Our music time is dynamic and interactive, so come ready to participate in the fun. Pre-register at:718-351-2977
Bring a bike and a helmet for this free, fun event for children ages five+ and show your kids how to Learn To Ride a two-wheeler at Midland Beach Parking Lot 8 on the FDR Boardway, Seaview Ave. and Father Capodanno Blvd. on Saturday from 11-1. *Parents must ensure that the bicycle fits their child and is in good working order (i.e., wheels spin freely, brakes function). The child must be able to rest his or her feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bicycle seat. Training wheels should be removed in advance and tires should be inflated until they are hard.
On Saturday from 2-4, historian Pat Salmon, author and historian, will lead a talk and discussion about the history of The Oystermen of Captain's Row at The Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terr., Bldg D. One stretch of Richmond Terr., historically known as the Shore Road, was referred to as “Captain’s Row” owing to the many ship captains who purchased or built fine homes along the thoroughfare. This program will analyze their lives and livelihoods, as well as the local oyster industry which provided their income. This program is free; donations are appreciated.
Movies Under the Stars: Iron Man takes place on Saturday 6/1 at 8 at Willowbrook Park Archery Range, Richmond Ave. and Eton Pl. Watch this action film based on the Marvel comics superhero and his alter ego, munitions magnate Tony Stark, as they take on villains bent on world domination. You should arrive before 8 to get your spot. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on; there will be a limited supply of chairs available. Bottled water is OK, but no glass. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome!
The Bug Club: The Greenbelt Amateur Entomologist Society meets on Sunday, 6/2 from 10-11:30 at Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. The Bug Club explores the anatomy, life cycles, and the natural history of the bugs through engaging activities, excursions in the Greenbelt, and live demos. Following in the footsteps of Staten Island Naturalist, William T. Davis, you will explore the world of insects through journaling and drawing insects from live models–both in the classroom and outdoors. For ages 5+. Please pre-register & RSVP at: naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org or call: 718-351-3450.
The 52nd Annual Art Exhibit, presented by The South Shore Artist Group, will take place Sunday 6/2 from 11-5 (rain date 6/9) at the Conference House Park, at Hylan Blvd. and Satterlee St. There will be an arts and crafts table for the children and admission is free .
The Victory Boulevard Merchants Association’s Annual Restaurant and Merchant Stroll takes place on Sunday 6/2 from 12-3. Sponsored by Councilman Steve Matteo, TD Bank and Empire State Bank, this fun family event will allow you to sample signature dishes from over 12 participating restaurants. Tickets are $15/person and can be purchased at Alfonso’s Pastry Shoppe, 1899 Victory Blvd. or online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/victory-blvd-restaurant-stroll-tickets-61969753200?fbclid=IwAR29B0dmB6wUjHpHY2KUQ01s0IgclIhr0IR4Szuuygln89NAzZY88UZdPOE
SUMMER INTERN OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS - BOROUGH HALL. From Borough President James Oddo. The start of summer is just around the corner, which means we are getting ready for our summer student interns to begin working with us. Our teams are seeking creative high school and college students who are detail oriented and interested in local government for an exciting opportunity to work at Borough Hall. The hours are flexible (between Monday and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm), but may require a few nights depending on the department’s schedule and responsibilities. We have internships available within our Communications, Tourism, Education, and Accounting Teams, as well as a data fellowship position within our Policy Team. Click here for the descriptions and to apply: https://www.statenislandusa.com/internships.html
I welcome comments and photos at events you have attended. If you want to share events for me to post, email or call me.
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