Archives for 2019

There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty soup to warm you up on a chilly night. But by February, you’ve probably made more pots of chicken soup or beef stew than you can count. Try something different before the winter is over and you might have a new cold weather go-to for soup night. Here are a few of our favorites:

Rich Potato Leek Soup

Ready Time: 45min
Serves 6

3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 leeks, white and light green parts sliced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 small or 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
salt and pepper, to taste
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
5 cups vegetable broth
Parmesan Croutons:
2 cups whole wheat bread cut into 1″ chunks
2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

1. In large soup pot, add olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, leeks, carrots, celery, garlic, and potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add thyme and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and let cook for 15 more minutes, until potatoes are softened.
5. Using an immersion blender or high-powered blender, puree until smooth.
For the Parmesan Croutons:
6. Preheat oven to 375 °F.
7. Add olive oil to a bowl, then add bread cubes, tossing to coat.
8. Toss with cheese and season with salt and pepper.
9. Place on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until golden.

potatogoodness.com

Smoky Turkey Lentil Chili

Ready time: 45 Minutes
Serves: 6-8

2 lbs ground turkey
1 1/2 cups whole green lentils
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 28 oz cans diced tomatoes
3 cups turkey or chicken broth
1 cup water
1 can black beans
1 can refried beans
1 cup fresh, frozen, or canned corn
1 package chili seasoning (or your own favorite blend)
½ can Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
to taste, salt and pepper

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.
2. Add onions and cook until translucent, 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook through, an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add turkey and cook through, 8–12 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add tomatoes and stir thoroughly.
7. Add lentils, turkey broth, and water.
8. Add spices and Chipotle peppers (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer.
9. Cook for 25–35 minutes, until mixture thickens and lentils are cooked through (it might take longer to ensure lentils are fully cooked).
10. Add black beans and refried beans. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until flavors are thoroughly incorporated. If mixture is too thick, add additional water to desired consistency.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

lentils.org

Pear and Sweet Corn Soup with Basil- Macadamia Pesto 

Ready time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Serves 6

Pesto
2 cups lightly packed basil leaves
3 tablespoons macadamia nuts (about 10 nuts)
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
Soup
4 ripe USA Pears, such as Green Anjou, cut into quarters
3 cups corn kernels
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut milk

For the pesto:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse several times.
2. Scrape down the sides once or twice and continue to pulse until you get a chunky, scoopable pesto. Set aside until the soup is ready.
For the soup:
1. In a medium pot, combine the pears, corn, ginger, and water.
2. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool for 15-20 minutes.
3. Once cooled slightly, puree the soup in a blender in batches until smooth. For a perfectly smooth soup, pass the liquid through a fine mesh strainer.
4. Return the soup to the pot over low heat and stir in the salt and coconut milk. Once warmed through, the soup is ready to serve.
5. To each bowl of soup, add a generous spoonful of the Basil-Macadamia Pesto.

usapears.org

On January 1, 2019 I was honored to take office as a member of the New York State Assembly. I now have the honor and privilege of representing the people of the South Shore’s 62nd Assembly District in the Capitol.

As I travel each week up the New York State Thruway towards Exit 23, I continually reflect on this new experience as a state legislator. I have made the trip up the thruway several times over the last decade as an education advocate and member of Community Education Council 31. Making this drive up to State Street, looking at the Capitol, and now being a part of New York State history is truly humbling.

Each day I walk the streets of Albany to my office in the Legislative Office building, embracing the rich history. From Eagle Street I look beyond the statue of Civil War Union General Philip Sheridan atop his horse and gaze at the towering front steps of the Capitol.

To the right of the Capitol across Washington Avenue stands the New York State Education Department building — a massive white building with columns that stretch from South Swan Street to Hawk Street. Not far off to the right, down Eagle Street at Pine St., is the Court of Appeals, the highest court in New York State. A white building with six pillars, representing justice.

As I enter the Capitol I stand in awe, admiring the military museum honoring the rich history and those who have served. As I make my way to the Assembly Chamber on the third floor I stare at the astounding architecture of the building. As I step on the “Million Dollar” staircase, I am overcome with nostalgia. It is inspiring to know that I now serve in the same chamber that Theodore Roosevelt served in as a member of Assembly.

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining our Mid-Island Little League heroes as they met the governor. I must admit I was like a tourist, consumed by the experience. We gathered in the “Red Room,” named for the red drapes and rug that originally adorned the room.

The Red Room originally served as the governor’s office until 1885. The room has been used for ceremonial functions ever since. There is even still a secret door that Franklin Delano Roosevelt had installed, which allowed him to travel privately in his wheel chair out of the public eye.

A humbling experience, indeed.

The Legislative Work

The main function of the New York State Senate and Assembly is to introduce and pass legislation. The legislation begins with a bill. The bill will describe the creation, change or amendment to an existing or newly proposed law. Each chamber, the Senate and Assembly, must have an exact copy of each bill introduced. The bills will then be referred to the Chamber Committees that have oversight regarding the specific section and part of the law being addressed.

The Committees will meet and discuss the bills. If it passes the committees in both Chambers it will move to a floor vote in both the Senate and Assembly. If the bill passes both Chambers it will then go to the Governor. The Governor will have the option of signing the bill into law or vetoing it. If The Governor signs, it will become law after a certain timeframe detailed in the bill. If the Governor vetoes the bill it is sent back to both the Senate and Assembly, who can override the Governor’s Veto if 2/3 of the members in each chamber vote to override. If they successfully override the veto the bill will become law.

This year’s session in Albany began in January with a change in the political landscape. For the first time in over a decade the Senate, Assembly and Governor’s Office are controlled by the same political party. This shift has resulted in a rapid legislative agenda. As we enter March, we will focus on passing legislation that will put in place the state budget to comply with the April 1^st deadline. The Albany legislative session will run through last week in June.

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

Expert Tips to Combat Test-Taking Anxiety

    “Don’t stress;
    Do your best;
    Forget the rest.”

Sounds easy enough, right? Not for everyone.

The fun little quote makes its rounds on the internet every year as we approach the state exams, drawing praise and social media shares from parents of nail-biting young test-takers everywhere. And it should – it’s concise, helpful, sweet advice. But for students who suffer from severe anxiety, it isn’t quite that simple.

We spoke to Dr. Jared Treiber, a clinical psychologist and neurofeedback specialist who shared the following advice for anyone coping with heightened test-taking anxiety.

BEFORE THE TEST

• Approach the exam with confidence. Use any strategies you can to personalize success: visualization, logic, talking to yourself, practicing, journaling, etc.
• View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you’ve studied and be rewarded for the hard work you’ve done.
• Be prepared. Learn the material thoroughly and organize the materials you will need for the test. Create a checklist.
• Allow yourself plenty of time, especially to do things you need to do before the test and still arrive early.
• Avoid the need to cram just before.
• Strive for a relaxed state of concentration. Avoid speaking with fellow students who have not prepared, who express negativity or who will distract your preparation.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam.
• Don’t go to the exam with an empty stomach. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often recommended to reduce stress. Stressful foods can include processed foods, artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, fried foods, junk foods, pork, red meat, sugar, white flour products, chips and similar snack foods, foods containing preservatives or heavy spices. Surprisingly, even eggs should be avoided. “Eggs can increase serotonin levels and too much can increase anxiety rather than decrease it,” Dr. Treiber says. “So if you are already under stress from a test, they can do more harm than good.”

During the Test

• Read the directions carefully.
• Budget your test-taking time.
• Change positions to help you relax.
• If you go blank, skip the question and go on.
• If you’re taking an essay test and you go blank on the whole test, pick a question and start writing. It may trigger the answer in your mind.
• Don’t panic when students start handing in their papers. There’s no reward for being the first to finish.

If you find yourself tensing up and feeling anxious:

• Relax; you are in control. Take slow, deep breaths.
• Don’t think about the fear. Pause for a moment, then think about the next step. Stay on task, step by step.
• Use positive reinforcement on yourself. Acknowledge that you have done, and are doing, your best.
• Expect some anxiety. It’s simply a reminder that you want to do your best and can provide energy. Just keep it as manageable as possible.
• Realize that anxiety can be a “habit” and that it takes practice to use it as a tool to succeed. You read that correctly—turns out anxiety isn’t always the enemy. According to Dr. Treiber, a small amount of nerves can be used to your benefit. “A little anxiety is good for you, as it can keep you sharp. For example, surgeons should always have a little anxiety so they are more aware of things. You want to develop ways to know and use your anxiety, rather than allow it to hinder you.”

Read Next | A Letter to My Younger Self With Advice on Raising My Daughters

After the Test

• List what worked, and hold onto those strategies. It doesn’t matter how small they might be; they are your building blocks to success.
• List what did not work for you or what techniques need improvement.

Focus on What Matters
A note came home in my son’s backpack recently announcing an afterschool workshop to help students prepare for the ELA exam. I asked my10-year-old son if he would be interested in signing up, and he replied with a resounding “no way.”

When I pressed the issue further, he became adamant in his refusal and even began to cry. I couldn’t understand why he was so upset until he explained that he didn’t think he’d ever get a score of 4 on the exams anyway, so he felt there was simply no point in studying.

It’s disheartening for parents to see something as trivial as an exam deflating their child’s confidence. So it’s extremely important to stress that a child is not the measure of a test grade. Emphasize that tryng his best is all that matters, and that you will be proud of him either way. Remind him that he should be proud of himself too.

By Jeannine Cintron with Dr. Jared Treiber & Dr. Ari Goldstein of Chicago Mind Solutions.

Read Next | Health and Wellness Resources for Your Staten Island Child

While it’s still too early to pack your kids’ sunblock and swimsuits for a day outdoors, it’s not too early to start planning ahead for summer day camp.

Staten Island parents who choose to enroll their children in camp during the summer hiatus from school say they have no regrets and highly recommend summer camp as a means of curing summer boredom, keepin g their kids healthy, active, and occupied — and unplugged from their world of technology. Our friends who are currently living abroad also have the same concerns. They have already found a day camp. Kids vacation care Melbourne provides a fun, engaging and dynamic program.

Working moms, like Christine LoPorto of New Springville, with kids who thrive on learning new experiences in a fun, diverse, and educational setting, said the decision to send them to camp was a no-brainer. She and her husband, Anthony, enrolled son, Anthony, 11, and daughter, Christie, 9, in Staten Island Academy summer camp when they each turned four years old.

She continues to send them as an alternative to whiling time away at home for the two month break from school with a nanny, their heads buried in digital devices. “My children do well with scheduled daily activities and instead of staying home and watching TV and playing video games, my children are in a fun, social environment that includes sports, arts and crafts, swimming, science lab and more,” she explained.

Recalling fond memories of attending summer camp as a youngster herself, Audrey Giambrone of Westerleigh is an advocate of what she feels is a childhood rite of passage. “Camp for me was some of the best summers I have in memory,” she said.

Mrs. Giambrone, who remembers going on trips and making lifelong friends, registered her 6-year-old daughter, Amelia, a year ago for her first summer camp experience at Staten Island Day Camp on the grounds of The College of Staten Island. Besides the fun educational and sports activities, Mrs. Giambrone feels summer camp provides strong social and life skills, like swimming, good manners, and interacting and working with others in a group.
“I feel like that’s important and socializing is huge for kids,” she said.

Even if she and her husband, Michael, weren’t full-time working parents, they would want to have their daughter occupied over the summer. “We have a pool, but there is only so much you can do,” she said. The camp offers door-to-door service, is conveniently located close to their home, has an onsite swimming pool, lots of activities — including bringing in live demonstrations and presentations — and has a good reputation and long history, according to Mrs. Giambone. Plus, its program coordinates with their full-time work schedules, according to Mrs. Giambrone, who made their decision after attending an open house.

“This camp had a lot of happy parents and a lot of happy kids — you usually find one or the other,” she said.
Socialization was also a big draw for Gina Vitale of Richmondtown, who wanted her son, Demarcus, to interact with other children at a young age. She thought summer camp was the perfect solution — especially since he was only 5 years old.

She decided on summer camp located at P.S. 53 where he has made close friends and had unique experiences over the last six years. Ms. Vitale believes camp is a productive way to ensure children remain active — especially in the summer when they are not in school full time. “I feel it is not healthy for a child to sit in all day,” she said, noting that the camp has a wide range of activities, like singing and dancing, and day trips.

Ms. Vitale, also full-time working mother, said the summer camp experience has been remarkable for both her and her son. “They know my son by name and the fact that he looks forward to it makes me even happier,” she said.

Do your homework
Parents considering summer camp should research a provider’s criteria, identifying a safe facility that has a well-trained, qualified, and professional staff, according to Mrs. LoPorto. She said a range of activities that were both fun and diverse — such as dance and arts and crafts to sports and science lab — was second on her checklist. “Lastly, was the schedule — we needed something flexible from June through August,” she said.
Mrs. Giambrone recommends attending open house tours of prospective camps, and viewing their websites for research on the facility, staff qualifications, safety criteria, and overall suitability.

Meanwhile, safety was the most important selling point for Ms. Vitale, especially since her son was so young. “I looked for a camp that would pay attention to my son and not their cell phones,” she said.

Priceless decision
As far as the financial cost, parents like Mrs. LoPorto and Mrs. Giambrone said the rewards far outweigh the financial commitments in the long run. “When we calculate what the nanny service would cost us for 12 weeks, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hot lunch, the price was no longer a deterrent,” Mrs. LoPorto said.
Mrs. Giambrone agreed, saying the program’s wide variety of activities and content — as well as the availability of a lengthy summer camp schedule that begins July 1 and ends Aug. 23 — offset the price tag. “The experience is priceless and outweighs the cost,” she said, adding that her older daughter still talks about her summer camp memories.

Some camps do have a waiting period and some offer early sign ups — with discounts for previous camp families, which Mrs. Giambrone takes advantage of by signing up in February, she said.

While none of the parents interviewed have sent their children to the more expensive and comprehensive sleep away camp option, that is another alternative for those who want to enhance and expand their older children’s home away from home experience. Some sleep away facilities offer mini camps on a trial basis to help amateur campers — and worried parents — decrease their separation anxiety over a shorter time span.

Lasting memories — and slime, ice cream, and rockets
Mrs. LoPorto said her children also look forward to summer day camp every year for its familiarity and friendship; lessons on life skills, as well as special events, like theme days, and end of summer show.
Both Anthony and Christie learned how to swim and improve their water skills with the aid of lifeguards, and excelled at activities like dance, basketball, soccer, and baseball — and even learned an Israeli dodgeball-like game called, “Gaga.” They especially love making slime and ice cream in the science lab and participating in special projects, like constructing rockets.

“With so much technology and screen time, camp is a great way for the kids to unplug and be kids and out in the sun,” Mrs. LoPorto said. “They make great new friends, new experiences, and burn off energy running around all day long,” she added. “SIA has continuously provided nothing but a safe, fun, and memorable summer camp experience for our children,” she added.

Mrs. Giambrone said her daughter came home happy every day last summer — and is already getting anxious to attend this summer’s season to do arts and crafts, play basketball, see her friends, and play games — her favorite part of camp.

She said even if moms or dads are stay at home parents — or are off during the summers with their children — it can be increasingly expensive and difficult to plan activities to curtail their boredom every day.
“Camp is somewhere to go that has a lot of activities, and it’s a good outlet for them,” she added.

By Christine Albano