Archives for October 2019

Tasty foods for boosting your immune system this season!

While the word “superfood” might conjure images of vegetables donning capes and fighting crime, it isn’t as ridiculous a metaphor as it sounds. Foods that are nutrient-rich and packed with healthy vitamins and minerals can boost immune systems and help ward off illnesses that many families suffer through all winter long. And when these type of food are consumed along with supplements like d-mannose they can help keep the bladder healthy, thus preventing a ton of medical issues at one go. These foods are highly nutritious and they can be pretty tasty too, making them easy to offer kids (or at least sneak into some heavily-disguised kid-friendly meal).

Avocado

. Avocado has high levels of essential fatty acids and vitamin B6, which is important in the biosynthesis of important neurotransmitters. Foods high in B vitamins may be able to counteract some of the symptoms of winter-related depression.

Cranberries

. Cranberries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. The nutrients in cranberries have been linked to a lower risk of urinary tract infections, prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, and decreased blood pressure.

Pomegranate

. This quirky fruit has vitamins C and K, folate and potassium and is a good source of fiber. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing joint pain and preventing strokes. Pomegranate may also help the body fight viruses.

Sweet Potatoes

. One cup of baked sweet potato provides nearly half of your daily vitamin C needs. The same portion also supplies 400%(!) of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Both nutrients are vital for supporting immune function, which is especially important during cold and flu season.

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Pears

. Pears are an excellent source of fiber, good source of vitamin C, and provides 190 mg of potassium. Studies have shown pears decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and a lower weight.

Salmon

. This popular fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals (including potassium, selenium and vitamin B12). With a very high content of omega-3 fatty acids it is considered a valuable ‘brain food.”

Dark chocolate

. Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best known sources of antioxidants known. It could improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol level, reduce heart disease risk, and improve brain function,

Cinnamon

. Cinnamon has high levels of antioxidants, and some studies point to cinnamon as a natural antibacterial agent. Cinnamon also can help regulate blood-glucose levels, which is beneficial for those with diabetes.

Prunes

. Sometimes referred to as “dried plums,” prunes are an important source of boron, which could prevent osteoporosis. High in antioxidants, prunes help the body fight a variety of illnesses.

Cabbage

. Cabbage may be a key element in the fight against cancer. Cabbage has phytochemicals that can protect the body against cancer-causing free radicals. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which can stimulate a sluggish digestive system.

Butternut squash

. This food is packed with carotenoids, which are stellar antioxidants. The starches in this squash also have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Chestnuts

. Chestnuts are worthy of inclusion in anyone’s diet. Unlike many nuts, chestnuts are relatively low in fat but have high levels of protein. They’re also packed with vitamin C and B vitamins.

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Parents know that children’s imaginations know no limits when it comes to playtime. However, the right prop can take make-believe to the next level. Once they put on these ultra-cool dinosaur feet, your kids won’t ever want to take them off. Here’s how to make them:

1. Gather your materials. You’ll need tissue paper cut into squares, a clean sponge, a glue stick, and two empty tissue boxes.
2. Glue the tissue paper squares onto the tissue boxes until everything but the bottom side is covered. We alternated colors for a pretty effect.
3. Cut the sponge into small triangles – you’ll need three for each “foot.” Glue them to what will become the front of each “foot.”
4. Once finished, your kids can place their feet into the openings of the tissue boxes. Make sure they play carefully as they stomp around.

If your little dino is thirsty after all that stomping, offer up a box of his favorite “dinosaur juice” from Juicy Juice! Images & craft printed with permission from Juicy Juice. See more crafts at juicyjuice.com.

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Parents of children entering 3-K or Pre-K in the fall can apply starting Monday, February 4, 2019. Here’s what you need to know:

3-K

3-K will be offered in Staten Island (District 31) for the first time in the fall of 2019. Children born in 2016 who live in New York City are welcome to apply.

• The application period runs from February 4 until May 3, 2019.

• You can search for schools on the NYC MySchools website or app. Click here for the directory.  A complete list is not yet available. We will update this post when it is.

• If you don’t see many schools in your area offering 3-K, don’t panic! More schools will be added throughout the application period, so bookmark the directory page and check back often. You have until May 3 to apply, so research your options and don’t rush.

• You can subscribe here for 3-K updates from the Department of Education.

• 3-K will be offered in District Schools (certain elementary schools), Pre-K Centers run by DOE staff, or NYC Early Education Centers (community-based organizations contracted by the DOE or the Administration for Children’s Services to provide 3-K).

• More information on 3-K can be found here.

• NYC families who have a child born in 2016 can apply to 3-K for All in School Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 23, 27, 31, and 32.

• To apply, you will need two documents containing proof of address, proof of your child’s age, and immunization records.

Pre-K

Pre-K will once again be offered in Staten Island (District 31) in the fall of 2019. Children born in 2015 who live in New York City are welcome to apply.

• The application period runs from February 4 until March 15, 2019.

• You can search for schools on the NYC MySchools website or app. Click here for the directory. 

• You can view the NYC Pre-K Admissions Guide for a complete list of schools offering Pre-K and additional information on each school.

• You can subscribe here forPre-K updates from the Department of Education.

• Pre-K will be offered in District Schools (certain elementary schools), Pre-K Centers run by DOE staff, or NYC Early Education Centers (community-based organizations contracted by the DOE or the Administration for Children’s Services to provide 3-K).

• More information on Pre-K can be found here.

• To apply, you will need two documents containing proof of address, proof of your child’s age, and immunization records.

A small month with big holidays!

With just 28 days (barring leap years, of course), February is the shortest month. Many people have no idea why that is, as it’s the only month to have fewer than 30 days. There is no scientific reason behind that distinction, but rather we can contribute it to the Romans. The early Roman calendar did not include January or February because winter had no agricultural advantages. February was later added by Julius Caesar, who likely shortened the month simply to get to March more quickly (can you really blame him?). Although it’s a short month, there’s no shortage of significant holidays. Here’s how to celebrate tons of February family fun on the Island:

Black History Month

Celebrate black history all month month long at the Staten Island Children’s Museum with Caribbean recipe workshops on Friday afternoons and collage-creation inspired by Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu on weekends. You can also check out Rossville’s Sandy Ground, the oldest continuously inhabited free black settlement in the United States. Click here for more information about Sandy Ground. Check your local library for programs as well, or go to siparent-com.go-vip.net/events.

Lunar New Year

It’s the Year of the Pig! Lunar New Year takes place on Tuesday, February 5. Public schools will be closed in observance of the holiday. Celebrate with the Korean community at the Korean Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 2 at the Staten Island Museum (on the grounds of Snug Harbor). You can also check out the Year of the Boar celebration at Greenbelt Nature Center on Sunday, February 3 and celebrate festive Lunar New Year events all day at the Staten Island Children’s Museum on Tuesday, February 5. Get more details about these events at our Family Calendar at siparent-com.go-vip.net/events.

Valentine’s Day

There are tons of ways for families to celebrate love in Staten Island this month! Both Home Depot and Michaels offer Valentine’s Day crafting for kids on various Saturday mornings throughout the month. Create some old-fashioned love notes at Historic Richmond Town’s Victorian Valentine Workshop on Saturday, February 2. Show some love to our animal pals at the Staten Island Zoo on Saturday, February 16 at their annual I Love the Zoo event. Feeling fit? Grab a partner and run the Valentine’s Day 5k at Conference House Park on Sunday, February 16. Both adult and youth runners are welcome to register. Design a special valentine tee shirt for your sweetie at Fort Wadsworth on Saturday, February 10. And of course, check our calendar (siparent-com.go-vip.net/events) for free programs at local library branches.

President’s Day

You can thank our country’s many leaders for a whole week off of school this month! The midwinter recess usually lands during President’s Week. Create a portrait inspired by Barack Obama’s official portrait at the President’s Day Art Workshop at the Staten Island Children’s Museum on Monday, February 18 (enjoy reduced admission all day as well). On Tuesday, February 19, stop by the Greenbelt Nature Center for a fascinating lesson on presidents’ horses and real life war horses from American history. You might even get to meet a real horse!

Groundhog Day at the S.I. Zoo

Will winter be quick and painless or long and drawn-out this year? Ask Staten Island Chuck, the Staten Island Zoo’s famous resident groundhog, who will once again emerge from hibernation on Groundhog Day to make his annual, seasonal prediction. According to tradition, if Chuck emerges from his burrow and fails to see his shadow, spring will arrive early. However, if he comes out and is frightened by his shadow, causing him to return to hibernation, winter will persist for six additional weeks.

With a nearly 80% accuracy rate, we hope Chuck doesn’t see that shadow! Want to meet him? The Groundhog Day event at the zoo is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 6:30am on Groundhog Day (Saturday, February 2), ceremony starting at 7am and Chuck’s prediction at 7:30. This year’s ceremony will feature a special appearance from Patrick Raftery Rock-a-Silly Band and the P.S.29 chorus.

Did you know Chuck has his very own book? Groundhog Chuck Builds a Weather Station, authored by Deputy Borough President Edward Burke and released in 2017, follows Staten Island Chuck and his animal friends as they work together creating a weather-tracking team. You can purchase it at the Staten Island Zoo gift shop; proceeds support the zoo’s educational programs.

As February rolls in we celebrate and honor the rich African-American history of our country. Schools and communities explore the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans in the United States, from the blight of slavery to the civil rights movement and up to today.

On Staten Island’s South Shore there is a majestic piece of African-American history in Sandy Ground, located in today’s community of Rossville. Sandy Ground first appeared in records dating back to 1799. The name Sandy Ground refers to the rich soil which covered the area.

The first African-American land owners appeared in documents in 1828, migrating from New York, Maryland and Delaware. The first freed black families arrived at Sandy Ground to establish farms and prosper in the oyster trade when new laws in Maryland severely restricted them from harvesting oysters. The South Shore Staten Island oyster trade was very prosperous for these new settlers until it dried up due to overfishing, pollution and industrialization of the area. Eventually the oyster trade ceased to exist after a major typhoid outbreak linked to eating contaminated oysters hit the community. This led to the closure of the oyster bed in 1916.

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Rossville AME Zion Church

In 1930 and 1963 the Sandy Ground community was impacted by severe fires that destroyed significant parts of the community. The community was still able to persevere. One of the anchor points of Sandy Ground was the Rossville AME Zion Church, founded in 1850. Aside from Sunday services, the church hosted many events, including fundraisers, socials, summer camps, concerts and dances. It truly was the epicenter of the community.

One notable member was Reverend Thomas James, a famous abolitionist and civil rights leader. The church served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.

As the congregation expanded, the community needed a new church. The new AME Church was built in 1897 on Crabtree Avenue between Bloomingdale Road and Turner Street. The original church building was demolished around 1930, but its cemetery still exists with over two dozen gravestones, some dating back to the community’s first days. The AME Zion Church eventually moved to the current location at 584 Bloomingdale Road, where it stands today.

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Legacy Lives On 

The Sandy Ground community is preserved in many ways, including the work by the Sandy Ground Museum and Historical Society located at 1538 Woodrow Rd. (Executive Director, Mrs. Sylvia Moody-D’Alessandro). The Museum & Historical

Society hosts classes for children and adults. For more information visit sandyground.wordpress.com.

The newest Public School in the area, a “green” environmentally friendly school located on Bloomingdale Road, includes Sandy Ground in the name: Public School 62: The Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability on Sandy Ground.

In April 2017 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that one of the three new Staten Ferry Boats operated by the New York City Department of Transportation will be named Sandy Ground. The Sandy Ground will join The Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis when the new Boats hit the waterway beginning in 2019.

By Michael Reilly, NYS Assemblyman, former District 31 Community Education Council President and former NYPD Lieutenant

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