Archives for 2019

Museums are a wonderful way to explore new facts about heritage. Whenever school lets out, set aside a day for exploring culture. Learn more about your family’s ethnic background or discover new ethnicities together. Here are some great places to start, including a few museums located right here in Staten Island.

National Museum of the American Indian – This branch of the Smithsonian is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Native American artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The impressive collection represents over 12,000 years of history and more than 1,200 indigenous cultures throughout the Americas. Located at One Bowling Green, Manhattan. americanindian.si.edu

Museum of Chinese in America – MOCA brings 160 years of Chinese American history to life through its exhibitions and educational and cultural programs. MOCA’s Collections and Research Center currently houses more than 65,000 artifacts, photos, memorabilia, documents, oral histories, and art work.  Located at 215 Centre Street, Manhattan. www.mocanyc.org

Sandy Ground Historical Society – The oldest continuously inhabited free black settlement in the United States, a major stop on the Underground Railroad, and possibly containing the only intact 18^th-century cemetery African cemetery in the country, Sandy Ground is more than a museum – it’s an actual piece of African American history. Located at 1538 Woodrow Road, in Rossville, Staten Island. sandygroundmuseum.org

Garibaldi Meucci Museum – The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. Owned by the Sons of Italy Foundation, this museum seeks to preserve the legacies of these men and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes. Located at 420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island. garibaldimuseum.org

Jewish Museum – The Jewish Museum was the first institution of its kind in the United States and is the oldest existing Jewish museum in the world. It houses 30,000 works of fine art, Judaica, antiquities, folk art, ceremonial objects, and broadcast media which reflect the global Jewish experience over more than 4,000 years. Located at 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St, Manhattan. thejewishmuseum.org

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art – Featuring Tibetan and Himalayan art and ritual objects, this small but scenic museum sits on Staten Island’s Lighthouse Hill and resembles a Tibetan mountain monastery. Special programs including films, musical performances, lectures and travel talks, traditional Tibetan crafts, family activities and more. Located at 338 Lighthouse Avenue, Staten Island. tibetanmuseum.org

El Museo Del Barrio – This museum covers a wide range of Puerto Rican, Latin American and Caribbean art and culture.  Its collection includes over 6,500 objects, spanning more than 800 years. It was founded by coalition of activists who felt that Latino artists were not well represented in mainstream museums. Located at 1230 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan. elmuseo.org.

Always call ahead or check the website to confirm museum hours and confirm availability of tours.  

 

 

 

When it comes to purchasing their first homes, young couples say affordable mortgage loans, prime neighborhoods, stellar school districts, and convenient commuting options are at the top of their wish lists – not to mention maintaining strict budgets – in an effort to make their dreams of becoming homeowners on Staten Island a reality.

With the cost of living on the rise and many families struggling to make ends meet, young couples say the first step to buying a new home is to prioritize and strategize – saving money and making lifestyle changes – years before actually starting the search for their dream home.

When Meramonnie and Joseph Mongelli began saving for their current home, affordability was their top priority. Secondarily, they wanted to find a single-family home on a cul de sac in a convenient family-friendly neighborhood with parks and playgrounds in walking distance, as well as top-notch schools and good public transportation options.

They budgeted like other families – and made every penny count, according to Ms. Mongelli, 30 who has recently launched her own event planning business with her sister in law.

The couple saved without help from family members – and even postponed plans for a formal wedding and reception. They were lucky to have some unwanted property they sold for cash.

“We were really frugal and cut where we could,” Ms. Mongelli, who is also a big advocate of DIY projects said. “If we were $50 over budget, we didn’t do it.”

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Little did they know that their goal of affording their own first home would become an even more challenging milestone when they learned they were expecting the birth of their first child in the same year.

They scaled back on, or avoided, many luxuries they previously enjoyed, such as going out to dinner, vacations, and holiday gift-giving, and Mr. Mongelli, 31, a supervisor for Con Ed, brought his own breakfast and lunch to work.

“We shopped around for sales on groceries, and when it came to the baby, I nursed her so that cut food costs,” Mrs. Mongelli explained. She even made her own baby food and juices to offset the additional expenses that come with owning a new home, such as increased utility bills.

When they moved into their new two-story home in Southeast Annadale last year from their small Brooklyn apartment, they knew all their sacrifices had paid off.

Meanwhile, Melissa and Daniel Hurtado also reaped the benefits of maintaining a disciplined savings routine – owning a semi-attached home with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in Port Richmond that has all three of Mrs. Hurtado’s wish list items – three bedrooms, and a basement and backyard.

Depositing their income tax return for four consecutive years and sacrificing big family vacations and other activities, the couple was able to afford a home in Staten Island after their hopes of purchasing a home in New Jersey were crushed by the reality of exorbitant property taxes.
They searched for a year and were hoping to find a home through a short sale or a foreclosure as a way to avoid the $600,000 to $700,000 price tag of the average three-bedroom homes they were seeing on Staten Island.

“We did the math, and with all the bills and our social life, we decided we would lower our price range to the upper $300s,” said Mrs. Hurtado, 37, a retail store supervisor. Her husband, Daniel, 32, is a machine operator.

As they were eagerly awaiting the closing in February, she said the couple had been living in her mom’s two-family home in Bulls Head and paying rent as they continued to build a nest egg for their growing family, which includes three sons ranging in age from 5 to 14.

Couples like the Hurtado’s said Staten Island was the most affordable – both in terms of the cost of the homes and the property taxes. “We decided to buy on Staten Island because it’s the cheapest of all the boroughs that we could afford,” Ms. Mongelli agreed. She said they attempted to buy a home four years earlier, but didn’t have enough resources to make a full commitment.

This time, she said they stuck to a tight budget and decided to shop for a home below the amount they were pre-approved for – not at the top of their budget – so they could stay within their means.

They researched mortgage brokers, but Ms. Mongelli said they ultimately settled on a recommendation from a friend. He negotiated the terms of their mortgage, crunching numbers until the couple was content and under budget. “He was honest and we felt comfortable with him,” Mrs. Mongelli said.

Licensed real estate agent Dawn Eugenio of DiTommaso Real Estate in New Dorp said young couples share similar priorities and can become stressed when the market doesn’t cooperate. “Most young first-time home buyers are looking for three-bedroom, two-bath homes with a nice size yard for a possible growing family, and always a good location with a good school district,” she said.

Ms. Mongelli said they researched a neighborhood that would offer quality schools for their now 15-month-old daughter, and wanted a neighborhood that would hold or increase in value with the changing real estate market.

She suggested first-time buyers research schools before submitting a down payment on a home. “Just don’t think about elementary school – think about at least up to junior high school,” she said.

Mrs. Hurtado said the quality of schools in her new neighborhood was important, since one of her sons will need to switch schools. It was less of a concern, however, for her high schooler and other son who will remain in his current school.

Besides good schools, couples also look for homes in walking distance to public transportation, according to Mrs. Eugenio. “A lot of buyers work off the island,” she noted.

“Today’s market is very competitive,” Mrs. Eugenio added. “We are still at decent mortgage rates, but inventory on the island is very limited, which makes it very frustrating for anxious first-time buyers.”

Ms. Mongelli said they were felt they purchased their home in a buyer’s market, and were able to secure an attractive interest rate and a long-term real estate investment, although the high cost of a new roof wasn’t in their budget and almost cost her the home. However, after some negotiation, the seller lowered the price to cover the roof replacement and seal the deal.

Mrs. Hurtado said patience and will power are two traits that helped them land their home. “We were getting so disgusted because we just wanted a home and we just wanted to give up because we couldn’t afford what I wanted. She admitted finding the right home was a challenge, but said sacrificing and staying focused helped them finally discover the right home they cherish.

“Take your time and don’t settle for the first thing,” Mrs. Hurtado advised.

Ms. Mongelli, meanwhile, said she and Mr. Mongelli felt their strict budget, self-discipline, and well thought out planning process helped them find their desired home and achieve their top priorities, minimizing their anxiety and pressure in a challenging market.

“Timing is everything,” Mrs. Mongelli said. “You have to plan and have to do your homework.”

By Christine Albano, a Staten Island-based writer and mother of three who has owned her own home for 20 years. 

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While jetting off to a tropical climate during your kids’ winter break from school may not be in your family’s budget, there are plenty of affordable activities within the five boroughs to keep them occupied and help create unique family memories. From holiday light displays to ice skating and holiday shows and concerts, the Big Apple has many seasonal-themed events and attractions for children of all ages.

New York City’s public schools are closed from December 26 to January 2, while individual parochial and private schools may vary; all schools are due back January 3.

Staten Island parents won’t have to go far to find kid-friendly activities.

“Pinkalicious the Musical,” is based on the popular children’s book, “Pinkalicious,” and debuts on December 28 at 6 p.m. at the St. George Theater. For tickets, which are $25, visit www.stgeorgetheatre.com.

The Staten Island Zoo launches two school break programs for toddlers to tweens with “Zoo Kid Fun Days.” On Wednesday, December 28, “Dinosaur Kid Fun” includes a fossil artifact table, dinosaur and fossil crafts, a dinosaur movie, and other cool activities. On Thursday, December 29, “Biome Blitz” focuses on animals and exploring rainforests, tundra, deserts, and savannahs. Crafts and a movie about the earth’s habitats are included. Both run from noon to 3 p.m. and admission is included in the general zoo admission price of $6 for children ages 3 to 14; $10 for adults ages 15-59; and $7 for seniors ages 60 and over. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is free every day and admission is free after 2 p.m. on Wednesdays.

One of the most popular family events is the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where the 250-acre grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland. Celebrating its 25th year, the train show runs from November 19, 2016 to January 16, 2017.

“This is not your ordinary train show,” said mom Samantha Surat, whose daughters Violet, 12, and Olivia, 9, love the unique scenery, featuring model trains whizzing past 150 New York City landmarks that are handcrafted using bark, leaves, and other all-natural materials. “I remember we saw Yankee Stadium made of twigs, berries and nuts,” the Castleton Corners resident said. “Your eyes are constantly finding something to ‘ohhh’ and ‘ahhh’ over.”

“Model trains are traveling through these masterpieces, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty,” recalled Jane Connor, a mother of five, who plans to revisit the show with her husband, Adam Simmons, and children Gabriella, 5; Emma-Sky, 7; Lucian, 7; Lukas, 11; and Madison, 12. She said the train show can quickly become a family tradition. “It really is breathtaking,” Ms. Connor, a resident of Livingston, said.

The Botanical Gardens also has lots to offer, including a toddler village, crafts, photo opportunities, and a Gingerbread Café for hot chocolate and snacks.
“You’re transported into a Christmas village,” Mrs. Surat said, adding that dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable shoes are recommended.
Ticket prices range from $8 for children between 2 and 12; $20 for adults; and $18 for students with valid ID and seniors 65 and older on weekdays. Children under 2 and members are free. Advance reservations are strongly suggested, and Mastercard users save 10% when ordering online by visiting http://www.nybg.org/hts16/.

Westerleigh dad Dave Clark and his wife, Linda, become traditional New York “tourists,” visiting the Christmas light display in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is officially lit on November 29, the window displays along Manhattan’s famed 5th Avenue, and Santa Claus at Macy’s in Herald Square with their 10-year-old daughter, Meghan.

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Stops at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Holy Innocents, or St. Agnes churches, as well as tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and Handel’s “Messiah,” a holiday concert performed by the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, are also on the agenda for the Clark Family.

The 90-minute Christmas Spectacular featuring the world-famous New York City Rockettes runs through January 2. For ticket visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Sites, like Groupon.com and plumbenefits.com, offer discounted tickets, according to Mr. Clark.

He said sight-seeing in the Big Apple with his daughter allows him to “experience the joy and wonder of Christmas again through her eyes.”

Another classic holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker” ballet, will come to life at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center through December 31, with matinees on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. For tickets visit: www.newyorkcitytheatre.com.

Families can also visit attractions like the Winter Village at Bryant Park, which features 125 holiday shops and kiosks, food and snack concessions, photo opportunities, a holiday tree lighting through January 2. Kids can visit the ice skating rink and skate for free if they bring their own now through March 5, 2017.

Parents we spoke with said they want their kids to unplug during the winter break – whether they stay close to home or venture into the other boroughs. “Taking your children to all the five boroughs has to offer gives them experiences, broadens their horizons, and gives them something to share when they do go back to school,” Ms. Connor said.

Whatever activity suits your family’s interest and budget, planning ahead helps when traveling to other boroughs. Check online for show times and parking; and leave early to accommodate transportation, admission lines, and overcrowding. And of course, don’t forget your camera to capture all your family’s memorable experiences.

By Christine Albano, a Staten Island-based writer and mother of three who enjoys the Big Apple during the holidays with her children, and hopes Santa brings her a future trip to the Caribbean.

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