SI Parent Magazine

Solutions For Parenting In Staten Island

Things to Do with Your Kids & Covid Safety Updates

Here’s how to make homemade ice cream 🙂 yum!

Archives for SI Parent Staff

SI Parent Staff

4th of July Events in Staten Island

By

This 4th of July is no doubt going to be different than years past, but luckily New York has begun reopening so there are plenty of ways to have safe summer fun to celebrate this year. For instance, Macy’s annual 4th of July fireworks celebration will reach all five boroughs — including Staten Island — for the first time this summer, all while ensuring social distancing and the audiences’ safety.

The signature fireworks show will be produced as a series of unannounced five-minute displays across New York City from Monday, June 29 through Saturday, July 4. Each display will end before large crowds have the opportunity to form. With the fireworks reaching heights of about 1,000 feet, the goal is for New Yorkers to be able to enjoy the week-long spectacle from home.

“These five-minute surprise displays will showcase Macy’s signature pyrotechnic design and scale, while encouraging spectators to continue following safety and social distancing measures. The multiple location spectacle will culminate with a full-scale television presentation of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, capturing the spirit of the city for all New Yorkers and the nation to enjoy, choreographed to a rousing score, and featuring the nation’s best musical performances,” Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, said in a press release.

You can also watch the fireworks on TV during NBC’s national broadcast of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from 8-10pm. The special will feature performances from some of the country’s top musical acts, a compilation of the spectacular fireworks from the week, and a live grand finale. Visit macys.com/fireworks for more information.

The 110th annual Travis Fourth of July Parade, one of the the longest running parades in the U.S. will take place this July 4th, with regulations in place to ensure the safety of spectators. The parade will consist of a caravan of members driving the parade route in their decorated cars with the Travis Oceanic Firehouse bringing up the rear.

The parade ceremony starts at noon in front of P.S.26 and steps off at 12:30 in front of Showplace. All access roads into Travis including the Victory Blvd exit off Route 440 will be closed at 11:30 a.m.

Virtual 4th of July Events

Historic Richmond Town Independence Day Celebration
WHEN: July 4, Throughout the day
WHERE: Historic Richmond Town Facebook Page
WHAT: Join a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Staten Island youth, a virtual pie baking demonstration and tour of the Guyon-Lake Tysen Farmhouse, and host your own pinwheel parade with a craft activity for youth and families.
WANT TO GO? Free. Join via Facebook live.

Kids Club: Crayola CIY Crafts—4th of July Crafts
WHEN: July 3, 4pm
WHERE: Michaels Stores via Zoom
WHAT: Make a 4th of July Wreath, Construction Paper Beads, and Salt Painting Fireworks!
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required. See supplies list.

Celebrate July 4th @ Home
WHEN: July 4, 10am-3pm
WHERE: New-York Historical Society Online
WHAT: NYHS has a whole day’s worth of programming planned, including a speech by Frederick Douglass delivered by historical interpreter Joel Cook, a deep dive into Jackie Robinson’s legacy of activism with the Jackie Robinson Museum, and sing-alongs that give voice to struggles and hopes throughout American history.
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required.

July 4 with the National Archives
WHEN: July 4, 11am-4pm
WHERE: National Archives Online
AGE: All
WHAT: The National Archives will lift the words of the Declaration of Independence off of its well-worn parchment paper and bring them to homes across the country online, while providing a host of educational activities for the whole family.
WANT TO GO? Free. Register online.

Feeling crafty? Check out some fun Fourth of July crafts to do with kids here.

10 Common Mistakes When Applying Sunscreen

By

Summer is in full swing. Finding a safe and effective sunscreen for you and your family is a major component of your sun safety toolbox. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment has updated its 2020 Guide to Sunscreens with 119 new SPF products. 

The guide includes a comprehensive list of safe sunscreens, including:

Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens

Best Sunscreens for Kids

Best Lip Balms with SPF

When applying sunscreen, it’s important to read product instructions. When applied incorrectly, it provides far less protection from harmful ultraviolet rays and leaves skin exposed to sun damage.

Here are 10 of the most common mistakes people make when applying sunscreen:

Not reading the ingredient label

Some sunscreen ingredients have been linked to health harms and should be avoided.

EWG recommends a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these active ingredients have fewer health concerns, and these products generally offer good sun protection. Zinc oxide especially provides good broad spectrum protection, protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and stability in the sun.

Some commonly used sunscreen ingredients can do more harm than good. For example, oxybenzone, a sunscreen chemical used in 40 percent of the non-mineral products in the 2020 Sunscreens Guide, is easily absorbed through the skin and is a known skin sensitizer and hormone disruptor, according to a study by the Food and Drug Administration. Another study found that adolescent boys with higher oxybenzone levels in their bodies had significantly lower total testosterone levels.

Not only is oxybenzone harmful to human health but it also has negative aquatic impacts and has been shown to cause coral bleaching and coral death.

On sun-exposed skin, retinyl palmitate, or vitamin A, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions.

EWG’s sunscreen label decoder will help you find out what labels really mean.

Not applying enough sunscreen

Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. To protect your body fully, you should use about an ounce of lotion – enough to fill a shot glass. Product testers apply a thick coat of sunscreen to their skin to determine its SPF – the equivalent of a family of four using up a four-ounce bottle in just two hours. Make sure to slather it on!

Lotions will coat your skin in the most uniform way. Avoid aerosol sprays. They don’t coat skin evenly and can pose inhalation risks.

Remember to apply lotion to your brows, ears, scalp and tops of your feet. And make sure to use a lip balm with SPF as well.

Forgetting to reapply sunscreen every two hours

Think one coat of sunscreen lasts all day? Think again.

Sunscreens lose effectiveness over time. And high SPF in the product you use is no excuse to prolong your time in the sun. Such products can give people a false sense of security so they think they are completely protected from sunburn and long-term skin damage, and can stay out in the sun longer without reapplying. EWG recommends that consumers avoid products labeled with anything higher than SPF 50+.

So, regardless of your product’s SPF rating, make sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Applying sunscreen outdoors

Get a head start – apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you venture outside. If you’re already exposed to the sun while applying sunscreen, harmful rays are already hitting your skin. On some days, even five minutes outside in the bright sunlight without sunscreen can damage skin.

You’ll also be less likely to miss a spot if you take the time to apply sunscreen at home. And allow some additional time with kids, who tend to squirm as you apply the SPF product.

Wearing sunscreen only at the beach or pool

You’re exposed to harmful UV radiation year-round, not just at the beach or pool. 

Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through thick clouds. It’s not unheard of to get a sunburn on an overcast day.

In winter months, the sun’s skin-damaging ultraviolet rays reflect off snow and ice, increasing your exposure. This is especially true on ski vacations, with greater UV exposure the higher the altitude.

And remember, UV rays can pass through some glass panes while you drive or work by a window. Check out more sunscreen myths here.

Using an old, separated or expired sunscreen

As sunscreens age, or repeatedly heat and cool (think: home cabinet to poolside, then back again), the formulation can separate or clump in its container. When this happens, the sunscreen won’t coat your skin in the thick or even way that’s necessary for proper skin protection.

Shake sunscreens before applying and store them at an even temperature whenever possible. Toss any product if it clumps or if the oil separates from the lotion.

Sunscreens are generally formulated to last about three years. However, it’s important to check expiration dates and examine the product’s texture before use. Discard products after their expiration date because they may no longer provide proper protection.

Neglecting to wear sunscreen because of your darker skin tone

Regardless of your ethnicity or complexion, everyone needs to use sunscreen. No one is immune from the sun’s harmful UV rays. And though melanin increases in response to sun exposure, that tan is a sign of skin damage.

Although dark skin tones naturally produce more melanin to protect skin, it’s not enough to prevent skin cancer, wrinkling and photo-aging.

Using a product that combines sunscreen and bug repellent

Avoid products that combine insect repellent with sunscreen.

Bugs are typically not a problem during the hours when UV radiation peaks. And, more importantly, if you reapply sunscreen every two hours, as advised, you will be overexposed to the active ingredients in the repellent.

Overlooking SPF products formulated for babies

Many baby products are formulated without fragrance and other sensitizing or allergenic ingredients. These products also work well to help protect adults with sensitive skin. This year, EWG found 16 best-scoring sunscreen products for kids.

For babies and children, sun protection is particularly important, since getting severe sunburns as a child can increase a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer. For babies under 6 months, who are not yet protected by melanin, it’s best to keep them out of the sun and to avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are most intense.

Relying on sunscreen alone

Although sunscreen can help protect your skin from sun damage, it should never be your only line of defense.

Proper sun protection includes wearing protective clothing, like a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Find or make shade as much as possible, and stay indoors during peak midday sun.

Provided by the Environmental Working Group. 

6th Annual Staten Island Borough Arts Festival

By

The Borough Arts Festival is a gallery of artwork and performances by talented students from Staten Island, presented virtually this year. All works featured in the festival are by students K-12 in Districts 31 and 75.

View the festival here.

“New York City is the arts capital of the world, and our borough arts festivals showcase the immense creativity and talent of students from across the city. These festivals bring school communities together to admire the incredible artwork and performances of students from each borough and I join their proud parents in celebrating their achievements.” Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza

Berry Picking Farms Near Staten Island

By

Berry picking is a staple of early summer. Spending the day in the warm sunshine, picking nature’s sweetest treats is the perfect family outing. Pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more at one of these pick-your-own fruit farms near Staten Island — just over the bridge in nearby New Jersey.

Berry Picking in Burlington County

Johnson’s Corner Farm 
133 Church Road, Medford
609-654-8643
Pick your own blueberries through July; peaches through the end of August; sweet corn July through August.  String beans available mid June through early July. Hayrides to U-Pick run from 10am-1pm Monday-Friday every half hour, and Saturday-Sunday from 10am-4pm continuously (Friday evening hayrides mid-June through August are free). Farm market, bakery, and produce hours are 8am-7pm daily; ice cream window open until 9pm. Fun After Five happens every day with splash pads, pedal go carts, sandboxes, feeding the animals, and more. On Friday nights, families can have fun at the Classic Car Cruise and BBQ.

Cherry and strawberry picking is available 7 days a week, you must register to get a slot. Discovery Barnyard, Animal Farm, and Splash are all closed.

Berry Picking in Gloucester County

Fruitwood Farms
419 Elk Road (Route 538), Monroeville
856-881-7748
U-pick hours (begins Monday, June 15):
Monday – Friday 9am- 7pm
Saturday 8am – 4pm and the farm is closed on Sundays.
$2.45 per pound and you must bring your own container.
Call ahead for cherry availability. On-site store with honey products and fresh produce open Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm.

Berry Picking in Hunterdon County

Califon Farm Stand & Orchard
472 County Road 513, Califon
908-439-2955
Not open yet, usually open last week in June.
Pick your own yellow and white peaches through September; open 9am-6pm daily, starting in July. On-site store with fresh produce and baked goods. You can also take a horse-drawn hayride on most weekends.

Melick’s Town Farm
Apple Orchard: 19 King St., Oldwick
Strawberry Patch: 170 Oldwick Road
Peaches: 472 County Road 513, Califon
908-439-2955
Open from 8:45am-9:30am for seniors, and 9:30am-6pm for everyone else. Picking your own peaches will likely begin in around 3 weeks.
Pick your own peaches July through September. Call about other seasonal pickings. Open 9am-6pm daily.

Phillips Farms
290 Church Road, Milford
908-995-0022
Open daily, 9am-6pm (U-Pick closed on Tuesdays)
Pick your own black and red raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples (call for availability). Farm stand with a variety of fresh produce open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday-Sunday 8:30am-6:30pm.
Strawberry fields may close early if there are not enough berries left to pick that day.
Farm Stand Update: The Milford Farm Stand next to 290 Church Road is now open 7 days a week starting Memorial Day Monday (May 25, 2020).  Hours are 9am-5pm, with 9-10am reserved for Seniors and those at risk (please respect this).

Schaefer Farms
1051 Flemington/Whitehouse Road (County Road 523), Flemington
908-782-2705
Farmstand is open Monday-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm offering curbside pickup. Air Farm Market open every Sunday 10am-3pm with food truck, farm products, arts, crafts, antiques, and treasures
Pick your own blackberries from July through August and raspberries through August. Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm (seasonal, changes in the fall).
Farm stand with homegrown sweet corn, a variety of vegetables, and Nutrena seeds. Farm-grown eggs, flowers, candles, milk, butter, and cheese are also available.

Berry Picking in Mercer County

Lee Turkey Farm
201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
609-448-0629
Open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 2-6pm; last admission at 5:15pm
Pick your own peaches, melons, apples, and sweet corn (call for availability), along with broccoli, lettuce, eggplant and more.

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton
609-924-2310
Picking on Friday opens at 9am till 4pm or as supplies last. Farm store open daily from 9am-5pm, masks required on the farm.
Pick your own blackberries and blueberries through August. Check website for other seasonal pickings.
Open daily, 9am-6pm for farm store, though hours may vary. On-site store with pre-picked produce, certified organic veggies, and baked goods. Hosts different festivals during the year (check website for dates). Fresh seasonal flowers available. On-site winery and tasting room open Friday- Sunday, 12-6pm.

Berry Picking in Middlesex County

Stults Farm
146 Cranbury Neck Road, Plainsboro Township
609-799-2523
Open Monday- Friday from 12pm-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm. Right now strawberries, raspberries, honey, lettuce, kate, and beets are available. Farm stand is outdoors, and people should practice social distancing and wear masks.
Sign up for email alerts on the website to be notified when different fruits become available for pick your own. Farm stand on-site with a variety of fruits and vegetables for purchase. Open 12-6pm on weekdays, 10am-5pm on weekends.

Von Thun’s Country Farm Market– South Brunswick
519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction
732-329-8656
U-Pick will be open from 9am-5pm, and picking is by reservation only. Picking will remain limited in South Brunswick as the season comes to an end. The farm market, greenhouse, and picking fields are open, however our picnic, activity, and barnyard areas are closed.
Farm market will be open from Monday-Friday 10am-6:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm. The Greenhouse will be open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm
Online orders will now be offered from Monday-Saturday. At time of checkout you will be given time for pickup.
Pick your own blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, vegetables, and more. Call for availability. Open weekdays 10am-6pm, weekends 9am-5:30pm. (U-pick ends at 5pm). On-site market with pre-picked vegetables and plants.

Berry Picking in Monmouth County

Battleview Orchards
91 Wemrock Road, Freehold
732-462-0756
Country Store open from 9am-6pm daily, closed Tuesdays. Sour cherry season will begin around June 22, peach season will begin the second week in July, tomatoes and sweet corn will be available in the store in mid-july.
Open daily, country store open, picking fields close at 3pm
Pick sour cherries from June through mid-July; peaches from July through mid-September; nectarines from late July through August. All dates can change depending on supply and the weather. Country store and a bakery on site with fresh local produce. Homemade apple cider available for purchase.

Berry Picking in Morris County

Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farm Lane, Chester
908-879-7189
Ice cream stand open every day from 9am-7pm. Alstede Fresh farm store is open everyday from 9am-6pm.
Open daily 9am-7pm in the summer. Last admission for berry picking is 5pm
Pick your own blueberries through July, blackberries through September, red and black summer raspberries through July, red fall raspberries from mid-August through October; and sweet corn through October (subject to availability). Cut-your-own flowers July through October. Veggies from July-October. Corn maze in the fall with a giant hay pyramid, farm animals, hayrides, pony rides, a farmer’s market, and homemade ice cream available all year round. Mid-July sunflower maze will be available.

Hillview Farms
223 Meyersville Road, Gillette
908-647-0957
Starting in mid-July, pick your own blueberries will be open from 9am-5pm daily.
Pick your own blueberries through the month of July, peaches through September, flowers through September. Open 9am-6pm everyday (including weekends), fields close at 5pm.

Berry Picking in Ocean County

DeWolf’s Farm
58 W. Colliers Mill Road, New Egypt
609-758-2424; [email protected]
Monday-Friday the store is open from 8am-6pm and the fields are open from 8am-5pm .
Saturday-Sunday the store is open from 8am-5pm the fields are open from 8am-4pm weather permitting. Call 609-758-6288 for more information. Right now the farm is offering kale, dill and cilantro, sugar snap peas, snow peas, peas and fava beans.
Pick your own blackberries in July and August. Pick your own vegetables April through November. Open 7am-6pm daily. Pick your own available until 5:30pm, stand open until 6pm.

Emery’s Organic Blueberry Farm
346 Long Swamp Road, New Egypt
609-758-8514
Pick your own blueberries; fields open 9am-4pm when available (call ahead to confirm). PYO blueberry updates will change regularly, so you can check the facebook page for the most updated information. Farmers’ market on site open 9am-6pm daily with a variety of pastries, pies, and pre-picked blueberries.

Berry Picking in Sussex County

Valley View Farms
290 Route 206 S. (Woodside Ave.), Newton
973-579-7271
Self-service shopping only for the time being. Open from 8am-6pm.
Pick your own raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries mid-July through August. Also offers pick your own vegetables starting in July and cut-your-own flowers (including sunflowers) in July. Open 9:30am-7:30pm daily; call ahead as hours are subject to change due to weather.

Summer Activities

By

Staten Island wants to help you Save the Summer! Check out these fun activities your child can take part in.

Summer 2020! Camp Kandinsky and Camp Picasso Return
Camp Picasso (ages 6-12) begins July 7 and Camp Kandinsky (ages 3-5) begins July 13. At Art Lab summer camp we encourage the development of your child’s artistic skills while providing a fun and creative environment. Pre-K and Camp Picasso will feature outdoor activities, individual materials, and safe distancing. Visit website to register.

Art Lab Inc.
718.447.8667  
[email protected]   
www.artlabsi.com

A Unique Summer program
We are thrilled to be providing a unique summer program to engage and challenge students remotely. All 41 creative classes are 15 hours long, over 5 weeks, taught exclusively by Staten Island Academy faculty and graduates. Your child will be engaged while they build their skills and challenge their minds.

Staten Island Academy 
917.692.3547
email us
facebook.com/statenislandacademy
instagram.com/siacademy
twitter.com/si_academy

Piano Lessons with Grove
Hello Parents! I have been teaching piano for 8 years and hope I never stop! I have a Music degree and pride myself on creatively teaching to the individual, prioritizing laughter, and learning music not just as a skill, but a language for true expression. Fun is a priority!

Westerleigh Area and Facetime/Zoom
347.466.1781
[email protected] 
groverune.com/pianolessons
facebook.com/groverunepiano
instagram.com/groverune

Get Musical With Us!
From July 7-August 28 and enjoy our summer fitness and music program! Activities will showcase classes that ET Labz offers year-round. Activities will be indoors and in small groups. Ages 6-15, Tues-Thursday from 9-1pm. Self Direction Friendly! Call 718.948.2208 for details!

ET Labz
718.948.2208
[email protected]
etlabz.com

Camp is open for the summer!
After months of being stuck inside, kids will finally get the chance to enjoy nature, have fun, and spend time with other kids! Our camps adhere to all ACA, CDC, and NYSDOH guidelines for safety. Specialty camps also available. Space is limited, register early!

JCC Day Camp
1131 Manor Road
718.475.5231
[email protected]
Camp.SIJCC.org
Facebook

Center Stage Dance
Four different summer subscriptions, based on the age of your dancer, offering virtual summer classes. Single-day camps with at-home kits for our little ones, and endless activities and dance classes to choose from. Option to reserve a space IN STUDIO in the month of August! E-mail us for more info.
 
Center Stage Dance Co. Ltd.
10 Akron St • SI, NY 10314
718.982.9226
[email protected]
centerstagedancecoltd.org
facebook.com/centerstagedancecoltd
instagram.com/centerstage_danceco

Virtual Summer Camps at Historic Richmond Town
This summer, Historic Richmond Town is offering a fun and exciting virtual experience! Learn more about American history by cooking with historical recipes, toys, and games, and learn basket making from our masters. Historical Interpreters guide daily activities online via Zoom and kits containing materials will be available for curbside pickup.

Click here for more information 
or email [email protected]
441 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306

Let the Theatre Come to You!
Join us for Virtual Summer Theatre Classes
July 13-July 31
Class sessions for ages 4-5, 6-8, 9-12 and 13 & up. Visit our website for class description and registration information.

Summer Virtual Camp
While Wagner College prepares for a safe fall return for all students, we are still here at Lifelong Learning and will offer Virtual Summer Camps! Learn new skills, languages, computer programs; create art or play games with new friends – all from the comfort of home. Visit wagner.edu/youth-programs for more information.

Wagner College Lifelong Learning 
347.466.1781
[email protected]
facebook.com/wagnerlifelong
twitter.com/wagnerlifelong

Governor Cuomo Says Day Camps Can Open for Summer 2020

By

Governor Cuomo announced Tuesday that day camps in New York state will be permitted to open on June 29. He has yet to announce whether sleepaway camps will be open, however.

Health and safety specifics for opening following the coronavirus pandemic weren’t given, but last week the Centers for Disease Control released information regarding how camps should operate. According to the  guidelines, camps are recommended to:

  • Educate campers, staff, and their families on when they should stay home from camp
  • Teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water
  • Keep small groups of campers together all day (cohorting)
  • Have campers bring their own lunch and sit in separate areas as opposed to a dining hall
  • Stagger arrival and dismissal times by cohort
  • Avoid field trips and large camp group gatherings
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and equipment

This flowchart from the CDC serves to help camps determine whether opening is recommended.

The American Camp Association and YMCA of the USA also released educational resources to help camps and state officials make informed decisions about camp this summer. Recommendations include:

  • Prescreening of campers and staff before camp
  • Ongoing screening throughout summer
  • Increased hand washing and sanitizing
  • Fewer children in bunks at overnight camps
  • Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces daily throughout facilities
  • Holding activities outside as often as possible
  • Organizing campers into small group “households” with limited mixing of groups

Find a summer camp in Staten Island

Staten Island Parent

Staten Island Parent helps parents make better decisions. We have many informative articles and the latest local events that matter to you. We also feature important directories including schools, afterschool programs, camps, special needs, birthday parties, health and wellness. Our contests and clubs are fun for the whole family!

Staten Island Parent July 2020 magazine
  • connect with SI parent:

Copyright © 1989-2020 Staten Island Parent Magazine, All Rights Reserved

Are you a parent? Do you live in Staten Island?
Sign up now to join Staten Island Parent’s Family of Friends!