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Archives for 2019

Archives for 2019

2018 Breakfast with Santa Events in Staten Island

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

We know Santa snacks on cookies and milk while doing his yearly Christmas Eve rounds, but how does he like his eggs? Swing by one of Staten Island’s “Breakfast with Santa” events and your family can dine with the big guy himself. Don’t forget to bring your camera — and your wish list!

Always call ahead to confirm dates, times, locations, and details.

Breakfast with Santa at Dave Busters
Sunday, December 2 • 8-10am
Dave & Busters Staten Island Mall • 2655 Richmond Ave.
Includes breakfast bar and $10 game card with unlimited video game play.

Sensory Santa
Saturday, December 1 • 10am-4pm
Person Centered Care Services • 150 Granite Ave. • 718-370-1088
Enjoy some time with Santa in a noise-free environment. Take family photos. Get creative and enjoy some arts and crafts. Take home snacks and treats.

Breakfast with Santa at Tumbles
Saturday, December 8 • 10am-12pm
Sunday, December 9 • 11am-1pm
Tumbles of Charleston • 27 Brienna Ct. • 718-554-4009
Includes breakfast treats, open play time in gym, Christmas crafts. Call to reserve a spot.

Annual Breakfast with Santa at Applebees 
Sunday, December 9 • 8:30am-10am
Staten Island Mall location • 2655 Richmond Ave • 718-370-3761
New Dorp location • 430 New Dorp Lane • 718-980-7800
Expressway Plaza location •1451 Richmond Avenue‎ • 718-477-1300
Outerbridge Crossing location • 115 Bricktown Way • 718-943-1200
*100% of proceeds will be donated local charities. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 718-701-8784 or emailing applebeessanta2018@gmail.com.

Children’s Christmas Tea & Shopping Spree
Saturday, December 15 • 12pm & 2pm
Old Bermuda Inn • 2512 Arthur Kill Rd • 718-948-7600
Inexpensive gifts for kids to purchase for their friends and family. Helpful elves will assist with shopping and complimentary gift wrapping. Proceeds will benefit Seton Foundation for Learning.

Breakfast & Bowling with Santa
Sunday, December 16 • 9am-12pm
Rab’s Country Lanes • 1600 Hylan Blvd. • 718-979-1600
One hour of bowling includes rental shoes, breakfast buffet, and photo with Santa.

Brunch With Santa at Grand Oaks Country Club
Sunday, December 16 • Seatings starting at 10am
200 Huguenot Avenue • 718-356-2771
Pictures with Santa & free gifts for kids.

Clove Lakes Health Care Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 16 • 10am
25 Fanning Street • 718-289-7900
Held in the Atrium.

Brunch with Santa and Magician Mike Lane
Saturday, December 15 • 9am-12pm
Sunday, December 16 • 10am
Harvest Café • 694 New Dorp Lane • 347-857-6888
Take a photo with Santa, plus giveaways and more.

Beastly Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 15, 9:30-11am or 1-2:30pm
614 Broadway • 718-442-3131 x33
Includes hot breakfast or lunch, intimate animal encounters, carousel rides, holiday themed crafts and activities, gift from Santa and pictures with Santa (bring your own camera). Reservations required. Limited seats available.

Brunch with Santa at Gringo’s 
Sunday, December 23 • 12:30-2:30pm
8 Navy Pier Ct. • 917-423-2450
RSVP, space limited.

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: holiday

2018 Holiday Shows in Staten Island

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

Celebrate the season with singing, dancing, live music and more! These festive shows will delight the whole family. Tickets required, call for more information.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR HOLIDAY EVENT UPDATES AND MORE!

Always call ahead to confirm dates, times, locations, and details.

NYC Winter Lantern Festival
Nov 28, 2018 – Jan 6, 2019 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday 5-10pm
Friday & Saturday: 5-11pm
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens • 1000 Richmond Terrace • nycwinterlanternfestival
Seven acres of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden will be lit up by 40 LED installations that stretch up to 30 feet tall. The LED lanterns will be accompanied by live performances of traditional Chinese dances and art. Along with this, there will be a variety of holiday vendors to create an experience for guests of all ages.

Merry Music Series
Staten Island Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace • 718-273-2060
Brighton Ballet Theatre • Saturday, December 1 • 2pm
~ Enjoy selected pieces from the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.”
Grace-ful Glee • Saturday, December 8 • 3pm
~ It’s time for holiday caroling with the members of the Grace Foundation of New York’s Junior Glee Troupe. GRACE-ful Glee is an innovative performing arts program provided by the GRACE Foundation that offers individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a chance to build and express their creative singing talents.
Happy Hanukkah! • Saturday, December 8 • 2pm & 3pm
~ Celebrate Hanukkah with a special Jewish cultural performance and sing along.

The Snow Queen
Saturday, December 1 • 3pm
CSI Center for the Arts Williamson Theatre • 2800 Victory Blvd • 718-982-2787
A story about a Snow Queen who lived in her ice palace. On winter nights she swept down on cities and villages and froze them in snow and ice. This theatrical adaptation is set to the music of Archangelo Corelli and danced in a narrated ballet by larger than life puppets. Ages 4+.

Jacob Marley’s “A Christmas Carol”
December 6th-9th and 13th-19th, 8:00 pm
The Conference House • 7455 Hylan Blvd. • 718-984-6046
“Marley” – A Christmas play from the point of view of Jacob Marley

Clove Lakes Health Care Annual Train Show
Saturday, December 8 • 10am-4pm
Sunday, December 9 • 10am-4pm
25 Fanning Street • 718-289-7900
A highlight for residents, children, and grandchildren. Open to all.

Richmond Choral Society presents “Winter Wonders”
Saturday, December 15 • 8pm
St. Clare’s Church • 110 Nelson Avenue • 718-448-3656
Featuring the works of Ola Gjeilo, Michael Gandolfi, Dan Forrest, Mark Hayes and others. The program will also feature a selection of holiday favorites and their traditional “sing along” at the end of the performance.

The Nutcracker with Staten Island Ballet
Saturday, December 15 • 2-5pm
Sunday, December 16 • 2-5pm
College of Staten Island • 2800 Victory Blvd. • 718-980-0500
A family classic. Free parking, closer than Lincoln Center!

The 15th Annual Christmas Show
Friday, December 14 • 7pm
Saturday, December 15 a• 3pm & 7pm
Sunday, December 16 • 3pm & 7pm
St. George Theatre • 35 Hyatt Street • 718.442.2900
The Tradition Continues! Now in its 15th year, this two-hour production is a high energy, rhinestone-studded series of songs and dances that the whole family will enjoy!

Frozen Family Movie Night
Thursday, December 27 • 7pm
St. George Theatre • 35 Hyatt Street • 718.442.2900
Enjoy a family movie night during the holiday season with a screening of Disney’s FROZEN! Dress up like your favorite characters and enjoy an evening that will feature a pre-show costume parade, a singalong, photo ops, and a Winter Wonderland in our decorated grand lobby! Experience the magic of seeing this classic movie on the big screen at the majestic St. George Theatre.

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Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: holiday

Holiday Events in Staten Island for Children with Special Needs

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

special needs girl enjoys holiday

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR HOLIDAY EVENT UPDATES AND MORE!

The following events are for children with special needs and their families. Meet Santa in sensory-friendly atmosphere, attend a holiday show and more. Please call to confirm dates, times, locations, and event details.

Sensory Santa
Saturday, December 1 • 10am-4pm
Person Centered Care Services
150 Granite Ave. • 718-370-1088
Enjoy some time with Santa in a noise-free environment. Take family photos. Get creative and enjoy some arts and crafts. Take home snacks and treats.

A Very GRACE-ful Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 9 • 2-5pm
P.S. 52 • 450 Buel Avenue • 718-983-3800 ext. 223
Autism Friendly Day. Holiday photos, vendors, hot chocolate, treats, food trucks, raffles and a visit from Santa on a fire truck. Children under 5 free. Held in schoolyard and cafeteria-dress warm.

Brunch with Santa and Magician Mike Lane
Saturday, December 15 • 9am-12pm
Sunday, December 16 • 10am
Harvest Café • 694 New Dorp Lane • 347-857-6888
Take a photo with Santa, plus giveaways and more.

Merry Music Series: GRACE-ful Glee
Saturday, December 8 • 3-4pm
SI Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace • 718-273-2060
It’s time for holiday caroling with the members of the Grace Foundation of New York’s Junior Glee Troupe. GRACE-ful Glee is an innovative performing arts program provided by the GRACE Foundation that offers individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a chance to build and express their creative singing talents.

Sensory Santa with Ink Couture & Autism Warriors
Sunday, December 16 • 11am-2pm
Ink Couture • 6264 Amboy Road • 718-887-1587
Open to all children with special needs and their families. Free picture with Santa, toys, snacks and refreshments, and kids activities. Must register by calling or email Ingrid at autismwarriors@yahoo.com.

Caring Santa at the Staten Island Mall
Sundays, December 2 & December 9 • 10am
Staten Island Mall • 2655 Richmond Avenue
Autism Speaks is pleased to partner with the Staten Island Mall and World Wide Photography to present the 5th annual “Caring Santa” program for special needs families who can benefit from visiting Santa in a quiet and calm environment. To be added to the WAIT LIST, please email StatenIsland@autismspeaks.org.

Filed Under: Family Fun

Library, Museum & Store Holiday Events in Staten Island – Free or Low Cost

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

kids learning to cook

Fun stuff can be FREE too! Or at least, pretty cheap. You don’t need to break the bank to have holiday family fun. Here’s some local ideas for celebrating the season on a dime.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR HOLIDAY EVENT UPDATES AND MORE!

Always call ahead to confirm dates, times, locations, and details.

Sled with Reindeer

Saturday, December 1 • 9am-12pm
Home Depot • All Staten Island Locations • homedepot.com/workshops
Dash through the snow in our hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a model sleigh pulled by a reindeer. Free.

Kids Club Advent Calendar

Saturday, December 1 • 10am-12pm
Michael’s • All Staten Island Locations • michaels.com/classes
Kids 3+ ($2) and 6+ ($5) can enjoy making an advent calendar.

Jewelry Making Inspired by the Season

Saturday, December 1 • 11:30am
Greenbelt Recreation Center • 501 Brielle Ave. • 718-351-3450
Create winter-inspired jewelry using both crafted and upcycled materials. Participants will learn introductory jewelry making techniques and create easy-to-love pieces. Ages 12+. Registration required. $5.

Weekend Art Studio: Pop-Up Holiday Cards

Saturdays & Sundays in December • 1pm
SI Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace • 718-273-2060
Create pop-up cards inspired by snowy days. Free w/ admission.

ShopRite Kidz Cook Holiday Cookies

Fridays in December • 3pm & 4pm
SI Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace • 718-273-2060
Make delicious cookies to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Omisoka. Free w/ admission.

Winter Wonderland Storytime

Tuesday, December 4 • 3:30 pm
West New Brighton Library • 976 Castleton Avenue • 718-442-1416
Join in a story, tell us about your favorite parts of winter and the holidays, and than make a craft based on your favorite part of winter. Ages 4+, no registration is required. Free.

Holiday Wreath Craft

Wednesday December 5 • 3:30pm
South Beach Library • 21-25 Robin Road • 718-816-5834
Free craft activity.

Foam Gingerbread People Craft

Wednesday, December 5 • 3:30pm
Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Lane • 718-984-6670
Free craft activity.

Winter Crafternoon

Thursday, December 6 • 3:00pm
Huguenot Library • 830 Huguenot Ave. • 718-984-4636
Join us for a crafternoon all about the upcoming winter and holidays! Festive fun is sure to be had, so make sure to comfy clothes because it may get at bit messy. All ages! Free.

Snowman Craft

Thursday, December 6 • 3:30pm
South Beach Library • 21-25 Robin Road • 718-816-5834
Free craft activity.

Read Next | Holiday Events in Staten Island for Children with Special Needs

Holiday Ornament Decorating

Thursday, December 6 • 4pm
Mariners Harbor Library • 206 South Avenue • 212-621-0690
No matter what holiday you celebrate, get into the holiday spirit at the library. Decorate your very own ornament and display your masterpiece on the library’s holiday tree. First come, first served. All ages.

Kids Club Dashing Reindeer

Saturday, December 8 • 10am-12pm
Michael’s • All Staten Island Locations • michaels.com/classes
Kids 3+ ($2) and 6+ ($5) can enjoy creating a reindeer.

Holiday Festival of Traditions

Sunday, December 9 • 12pm-6pm
Conference House Park • 7455 Hylan Blvd.This holiday celebration features the Festival of Trees exhibit with a glittering display of decorated evergreen trees and the Menorah representing the Jewish Festival of Lights to commemorate the diverse cultures of our community past and present. Trees are individually decorated to honor the traditions of Poland, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Scandinavia, and Mexico.

Holiday Story and Craft Hour

Tuesday, December 11 • 3:30 pm
West New Brighton Library • 976 Castleton Ave • 718-442-1416
Enjoy a Holiday story or 2 and make a fun, seasonal craft. Ages 4+, no registration is required. Free.

Elf Story & Craft

Tuesday, December 11 • 4pm
Tottenville Library • 7430 Amboy Road • 718-984-0945
Join us for an ELF EXTRAVAGANZA of holiday stories, crafts & fun! Best for ages 4 & up. Pre-registration begins Dec. 4 in person OR by phone. Space is limited. Register by phone or in-person.

Light Up Holiday Cards

Thursday, December 13 • 3:30pm
Huguenot Library •830 Huguenot Avenue • 718-984-4636
Create a light up greeting card! Participants decorate a card with a circuit made of copper tape, a coin cell battery, and an LED. Learn about basics of electricity and make a take-home card for family or friends. For ages 13-18 years old. Presented by Staten Island MakerSpace.

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Kids Club Christmas Frame

Saturday, December 15 • 10am-12pm
Michael’s • All Staten Island Locations • michaels.com/classes
Kids 3+ ($2) and 6+ ($5) can enjoy creating a Christmas frame out of materials.

Saturday, Annual Wreath Workshop

Saturday, December 15 • 10am-12pm
Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center • 2351 Veterans Rd W • 718-605-3970 x201
Create a holiday wreath using fresh greens. Best for pre-teens through adults. Please call to RSVP. $15.

Preparing for Winter Solstice

Saturday, December 15 • 11am-12pm
Greenbelt Nature Center • 700 Rockland Avenue • 718-351-3450
Celebrate the end of fall and look forward to the cozy winter days ahead. Ages 4-8. $8. Must register.

Family Holiday Movie: Elf

Tuesday, December 18 • 3:30 pm
West New Brighton Library • 976 Castleton Avenue • 718 442-1416
After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. For all ages. Free.

Family Finger Painting: Festive Lights

Wednesday, December 19 • 4pm
South Beach Library • 21-25 Robin Road • 718-816-5834
This new sensory art program is for the little ones, the older ones, the ENTIRE family. Free.

Winter Holiday Storytime

Thursday, December 20 • 3:30-4:30pm
St. George Library • 5 Central Avenue • 718-442-8560
If you and your family aren’t traveling, don’t miss this special story time featuring holiday stories, music, and a craft. Ages 3-12 & families welcome. Free.

Gingerbread Houses

Thursday, December 20 • 4:00 pm
Stapleton Library • 132 Canal Street • 718-727-0427
Created on a flat frame, participants will construct a house to be decorated with graham crackers, candies and cereal and all participants will prepare “royal icing” for their displays. Free. Registration required.

Family Holiday Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Thursday, December 18 • 3:30pm
West New Brighton Library • 976 Castleton Avenue • 718 442-1416
On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the citizens of the town. For all ages. Free.

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Walk-In Workshop: Create New Year’s Eve Noisemakers!

Tuesday, December 26 & Wednesday, December 27 • 1-4pm
SI Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace • 718-273-2060
Create unique noisemakers to ring in the New Year! Pick up a ticket at the front desk.

Toddler Noon Year’s Eve

Friday, December 28 • 11:15am
West New Brighton Library • 976 Castleton Avenue • 718 442-1416
Celebrate the clock turning 12:00 with some music, dancing, and stories before the countdown. Snacks will be provided and an apple juice toast at noon. Ages 2+, no registration is required. Free.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration

Monday, December 31 • 11:00am
Stapleton Library • 132 Canal Street • 718-727-0427
For the younger crowd that can’t stay up until midnight, celebrate the new year as we count down to noon with stories, activities and other treats. Free.

New Year’s Eve (Day) Party!

Monday, December 31 • 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
SI Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace • 718 442-1416
Welcome 2019 with games, crafts, light refreshments and a performance by Music with Patrick.

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Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: holiday

What You Need to Know About A.M.B.E.R. Alerts

October 28, 2019 By Michael Reilly

teddy page on street

I know many of you may have questions about how Amber Alerts are activated. Here are the New York State guidelines for Law Enforcement agencies to activate the Amber Alert Plan for a missing child.

“The AMBER Alert Program is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry, to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases. The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of the child.”

AMBER Alerts are automatically sent through the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) program to millions of cell phone users. If you have a WEA-enabled phone, you are automatically enrolled for the three alerts: President, Imminent Threat and AMBER Alerts.

The New York State AMBER Alert Plan can be activated when an investigating law enforcement agency has reasonable cause to believe that:

  • An abduction of a child (under the age of 18) has occurred, and
  • The child is believed to be in danger of serious bodily harm or death, either due to the actions of another or due to a proven mental or physical condition.

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Even if formal activation criteria have been met, activation may be impractical if available information is not specific enough and/or an extended period of time passed since the disappearance.

For example, an AMBER Alert specifying involvement of a white van (without a license plate number) could actually hinder an investigation by causing the public to inundate police agencies with possible sightings.

“Reasonable Cause to Believe” means that from eyewitness accounts, or by eliminating other possibilities, your investigation leads you to believe that a child has been abducted.

Familial abductions qualify only if a child is endangered by the actions of the abducting family member.

Whenever an AMBER Alert request does not meet activation criteria, requesting agencies are referred to other NYS Police investigative resources and to the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services Missing Persons Clearinghouse (MPC) for possible issuance of a Missing Child/College Student Alert.

AMBER Alerts will link to photos of missing children under FCC upgrades.

Any questions or concerns on AMBER Alert messages received on your phone should be directed to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). Reach them at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit missingkids.com.

By Mike Reilly, District 31 Community Education Council President and former NYPD Lieutenant

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Filed Under: Family Fun

How to Avoid Hackers and Cyberscams When Shopping Online

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

online shopper upset
Hackers and cyber-scams can spoil your holiday. Experts share what you need to know before you click “buy.” Here are a few things to look for when shopping online to help you recognize shady sites and keep your information private.

Click here to read the full article at NYMetroParent

Filed Under: Family Fun

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