Did you treat the family to Langan’s Patties and Deputy Dogs at the Tavern Terrace Outdoor Concert Series, or attend any of the outdoor concerts? Did Vito Picone and the Elegants, the Expressions, and, of course, the fabulous opening warm-up act, Vinnie Medugno, singing the oldies, thrill you as they always do at the Midland Beach Splash Plaza? Thank you my gentle reader, Rose, for sharing photos from the concert.
Did you try a Taste of Tango on Thursday at the Greenbelt Recreation Center, Shape Up NYC: Zumba at Midland Beach, attend the AfricanFest NYC at Mount Carmel or experience Basic Canoeing at Willowbrook Park.
Fifty (yes 50!) years ago, I graduated St. Peter’s High School for Girls and 50 years ago I fell “in like” with a redheaded-long-haired guy I met coming off the ferry with me. He was returning from a weekend adventure at “Woodstock”. He was dirty, muddy, grungy, hippie looking (not the type of fellow my Dad, the NYPD detective, would be happy with me dating) and told me the tale of his wild and crazy music festival weekend. In those days, I didn’t watch the News on TV; I read the NY Daily News, the Advance and all the reports of the event a few days later. I avidly listened to my baby-blue transistor radio to find out about what was important like rock & roll music and Woodstock, where a half million people descended on a 600-acre farm in upstate NY to hear 32 acts play over the course of four days of “Peace, Music and Love”. Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, the Who, Janis Hoplin, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were among the line-up of performers.
I knew I had missed out on something extraordinary; and yes, I did date that redheaded boy for a brief moment in time. I had many memories throughout the course of my life to date that have been both good and bad, happy and sad. I have taken risks that have turned out fine and some not so fine.
The summer always seems to be a great time to create memories by having adventures, traveling, doing fun things with your family or by yourself and taking risks. I try to write about fun, cheap and free events on Staten Island each week. A number of years ago, I wrote only about happenings on Friday through Sunday. One of my gentle readers told me she likes to go out during the week and asked if I could extend it. So now I write about events from Wednesday through Sunday. Give me some feedback. Tell me what you would like to do, what risks you would like to take. Tell me how you are making memories for you and your family and friends.
The summer is speeding by and soon the leaves will fall. Enjoy shorts and t-shirt weather while you can. Fifty years have gone by in a blink in my life. Make memories, take risks, try new things! These are your special days. Live life to the fullest--be humble, be happy and be kind!
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Take the family to $1 movies at the Regal UA Theater, 2474 Forest Ave. on Wednesday 8/21 at 10 featuring “Trolls” and “Minions”.
Bring the kiddies 3+ to DJ Dance Party on Wednesday at 4 at the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. Spacey lights make the room come alive as kids dance to some popular and space-themed songs played by the spaciest DJs in NY! Lots of games and activities, too, including limbo and musical chairs! Presented by Pete and Chris Amusements.
Con Edison Family Science Night: Energy--Return to Physics takes place on Wednesday from 6:30–8:30 at Greenbelt Nature Center in Blood Root Valley, 700 Rockland Ave. and Brielle Ave. There are fundamental forces of nature that govern all matter. The challenge, observe and use energy to understand gravity, friction, and several other forces, as we once again return to the vast universe of physics! Good for kids ages 8-10 years old with an adult. The event is free, but you must register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/con-edison-family-science-night-energy-return-of-physics-tickets-65807302413
Participate in the Ocean Breeze Twilight Runs: Crazy Hat Theme Night on Wednesday from 7-8 pm at the Midland Beach Splash Plaza on the FDR Boardwalk and Beach. This free event features a two-mile, fast and flat course on the scenic Midland Beach Promenade. The Twilight Runs are designed for runners of all levels and everyone is welcome to participate. Please note: Registration takes place from 6:15–6:45 on the day of each run. Runs will start at 7:00 p.m. Timing will be limited to 30 minutes.
The Movies Under the Stars: X-Men: Dark Phoenix will be on Wednesday from 7-10 at the Seaside Wildlife Nature Park, Nelson Ave. & Tennyson Dr. Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world. Come early and bring a blanket or chair.
Lace up your shoes for a Nature Walk at Freshkills Park, 350 Wild Ave, on Thursday 8/22 at 10! Learn about the different plants and animals found in the park.
On Thursday at 10:15, and 11, bring your baby, ages 0-18 months to Baby Storytime: Baby & Me at the Tottenville Library, 7430 Amboy Rd. for songs, rhymes, stories and playtime. Meet other babies in the neighborhood! No pre-registration required!
Bring your children ages 5+ to a Summer Reading Celebration: Mission Complete! To the Moon and Beyond!--My Mother the Astronaut on Thursday at 3 at the Richmondtown Library, 200 Clarke Ave. Aquarius’ mom is an astronaut and today is “Take your child to work day”. Aquarius can’t wait to go to NASA and find out what it’s like to be in space! They visit Mission Control where she meets scientists and engineers who show her what they do and she learns all about space travel. Her imagination blasts off and she dreams of incredible journeys through the cosmos!
On Thursday at 4, the Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, 2550 Victory Blvd. will host A Summer Reading Celebration: Comic Culture: Tribe, a comic/manga-based art program that teaches drawing and writing with a focus on TRIBAL FUTURISM, for ages 13-18. You will combine stories that use science fiction, fantasy and explore our indigenous/native cultures, mythologies and history. Presented by Ivan Velez.
As part of the Summer Sunset Concert Series, Whiskey Tango Four and Saints in the City will entertain on Thursday at 7 at Wolfe's Pond Park, Cornelia Ave. & Chester Ave.
On Friday 8/23 night from 6 p.m.-7 a.m. the next morning, sleep under the stars with Family Camping at Willowbrook Park! Camp overnight with our Urban Park Rangers as your hosts and guides. Pitch a tent under the stars and settle in for a night of adventure. Some of our family-friendly camping programs may feature a Ranger-led nighttime hike through the woods, storytelling and s’mores! Tents are supplied; just bring your own sleeping bag and bedding. We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. Register at https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/rangers
Bring the family to Movies Under the Stars: Avengers: Infinity War on Friday from 8-10:30 at Bedford Ave. and Laconia Ave. in Midland Field. The Avengers assemble their power in order to fight their collective enemy, Thanos, before he can wreak havoc on the entire planet. Come early and bring a blanket or chair.
On Saturday, 8/24 from 8–1, volunteer during It's My Park season with Friends of Allison Pond Park as they clean and beautify Allison Pond Park at Prospect Ave. and Brentwood Ave.
The Toddler Sing 'n' Shake Dance Party takes place on Saturday from 11-12 at Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, 2550 Victory Blvd. Let your toddler sing and dance at the Library’s groovy dance party!
Come hear from Citizens Committee for NYC, Partnerships for Parks and Green Thumb at Make it Rain: Grants for Your Green Space on Saturday from 11–1 at Faber Park Field House in Faber Pool and Park, 2175 Richmond Terr. Learn about the financial resources they offer and tips to secure funding for community green space projects in 2020. Please bring a photo ID and allow time to get through security. RSVP and register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/make-it-rain-grants-for-your-green-space-tickets-61897174114
The City Parks Puppetmobile is coming to the Great American New Dorp Family Picnic. Bring the family, bring a chair, and your lunch to Bessie’s Big Shot on Saturday from 1-1:45 at Kivlehan Park, Cedar Grove Ave. & Cedar Grove Beach Pl. Bessie the cow dreams of joining the circus. But can she lift more than Ziegfried, the strongest man in the world? Fly on the trapeze high above the crowd? Come root Bessie on in this variety show as she attempts the impossible and searches for her special talents.
Join the Dick Buegler Bash on Saturday from 2-5 at Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center, 2351 Veterans Rd. W. Honor the memory of Dick Buegler, co-founder of the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods and one of the people responsible for the existence of our Park! Enjoy food, fun, and music. All ages welcome.
Join the Staten Island Philharmonic on Saturday at 6 as they present America the Beautiful, celebrating the National Park Service, John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare, Grand Canyon Suite and more.
Bring the family to Movies Under the Stars: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on Saturday from 8-10 at Lemon Creek Park, Seguine Ave. and Johnston Terr. Teen Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man of his reality, crossing his path with five counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities. Come early and bring a blanket or chair.
On Sunday 8/25 from 1-3, come to the Empire Outlets, 55 Richmond Terr. for Puppetry Arts Day with Tuffy Tiger presents an exciting puppet-themed community event. Enjoy engaging hands-on activities for families including puppet-themed crafts and live performances of “Tuffy Tiger: Live & In Orange.” This 30-minute interactive performance features songs from Tuffy’s album and celebrates the many different friends he has. Plus Meet ‘N’ Greet with Tuffy and friends!
Attend Concerts Under the Trees on Sunday from 3-5 at High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave. Viva Voce Winds--Wild Wood Winds features world premieres by Staten Island composers Howard Fox and Michael Sirotta, plus music by Gershwin, Ellington and more. Bench seating is available, or you are welcome to bring a lawn chair.
On Sunday from 3–6, join Kayak Staten Island for free public Kayaking off the shore at Conference House Park, 860 Page Ave. Boats and life jackets will be provided for a short paddle. Launch help and paddling tips are given by experienced kayakers at the shore and on the water. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Children aged 18 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Do you know of a “high school student 16 or older with working papers, persons enrolled, registered and accumulating credits in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a 2-4 year accredited institution, or Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who possess a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty in the two years preceding the first day of internship” who would be interested in participating in the Mayor’s Office Fall/Spring Internship Program? For more information, visit https://a002-oom03.nyc.gov/nycmointernship/apply.html to apply.
Want to know how to receive the GO!HEALTHY FOOD BOX? Every Tuesday through 11/19 between 4-6 go to Goodhue Center, 304 Prospect Ave. in New Brighton, and sign up and pay $10 Cash, Credit/Debit and Health Bucks! (or $8 with EBT or FMNP) at least one week in advance for $30 worth of fresh local produce. Come back the next week (same time, same place) to pick up your bag and taste the weekly recipe! The Children’s Aid is on hiatus for a few weeks so the next time you can sign up for the Go-Healthy food box is Tuesday 9/3 for pick-up on 9/10.
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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