Growing up, I was that kid stuck in a family of non-dog lovers and very much alone in my desire to have a dog join our family unit. My mother, who could not fathom sharing her home with a four-legged creature, tried to pacify me with a parakeet. "Tippy", which I named her, was friendly enough, but couldn't snuggle with me at night. Fast-forward 18 years. After getting married, I finally got … [Read more...]
Staten Island OutLOUD is having tons of fun this winter, bringing Tom Sawyer to Staten Island
By Beth Gorr Director of Staten Island OutLOUD You heard me right: The boy from Hannibal, Missouri lives and breathes here on the Isle of Staten - and Mark Twain himself strolls our neighborhoods. What are we talking about? The Big Read! What's The Big Read? It's a celebration of classic literature, a community party - And YOU'RE invited! Actually, The Big Read is a lot like … [Read more...]
Looking for Staten Island weekend family fun? Check out our favorite family picks
As I sit here watching my daughter's bedroom wall hoping that finally these crazy rains and weather patterns we've been privvy to will finally prove that the last job done on her wall has at long last fixed the leak that has not stopped gushing for several months (I'm crossing my fingers Mike)- I'm trying to conjure up thoughts of blue skies, sunshine and map out activities for what I hope will be … [Read more...]
Fun stuff happening on Staten Island this weekend
Sure you could go off-Island this weekend for fun, but in case you want to stay off a bridge and/or highway-here's what we'll be checking out this weekend on Staten Island and so should you! The NYC Department of Education's 4th Annual Children's Day Parade Where: Midland Beach Picnic Area at Lincoln Ave When: Saturday; 10am - 2pm (Rain date June 12) Cost: FREE! What's the gaga factor: … [Read more...]
Confidence building activities for Staten Island kids
This year, in light of all the tragic cases of kids being bullied to death in 2010, one of my resolutions is instilling my kids with an extra dose of confidence and self-esteem as they tackle their day. Sure sitting them down and talking it out is one option but, since my kids usually tune me out the minute I try to have a talk with them, what I think works best is engaging them in activities that … [Read more...]