Staten Island Parent Digital Magazine - July 2021

July 2021

siparent.com

Beach Must-Haves for Families

Family Fun! Beaches Water Parks Near Staten Island

r e m m Su ! s t n e v E

Stop the Summer Slide

Before it Starts

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Brooklyn’s ONLY Children’s Hospital  8,000+ Annual Deliveries  Neonatal Intensive Care Unit  Pediatric Intensive Care Unit  70,000+ Pediatric Outpatient Visits  Pediatric Sleep Center  Child Life Services  Pediatric Emergency Department & Trauma Center  Pediatric Cancer Center  Member of Children’s Oncology Group (COG)  25 Pediatric Medical & Surgical Subspecialties

Maimonides Children’s Hospital 4802 Tenth Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11219

718.283.7500 | ChildrensHospitalNY.org

2 July 2021 • siparent.com

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Deserve the Most this Summer!

“My child tried multiple Karate locations and never wanted to go back. 1 class with Master Curry and not only is he hooked, he has set a goal to become a Black Belt.” “..a Clean and Safe place for our kids!”

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July 2021 • siparent.com

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Advertiser Index page 31

SEE YOUR CHILD ON OUR COVER! Submit your photo on siparent.com/childphoto

Publisher & editor-in-chief Roselle Farina Hecht Editor Jeannine Cintron

Inside

editorial assistant Barbara Russo Digital Director Michelle Yannaco Production director Jiyon Son

july 2021

traffic director Heather Gambaro

Benjamin Przybyszewski

Account Executives Janine Mulé, Jodi Fatto, Desiree Cannone information Advertising: 718.494.1932 Questions: info@siparent.com

26

keep in touch

Stop the Summer Slide

Make sure your kids don’t forget what they learned in the last school year when the next one starts.

ILPM siparent.com davlermedia.com facebook.com/siparent instagram.com/statenisland_parent twitter.com/siparent pinterest.com/siparent

18

Incredible Kids

Meet our latest Incredible Kids Awards recipient, Xavier Ojeda!

23-time AWard Winning Magazine

Member of the Parenting Media Association (PMA)

family activities 8 14 20 24

Things to Do in July Water Parks Near Staten Island Beach Essentials for Families Beaches Near Staten Island

fun stuff

11 Moms in Business 12 Community News 28 Make a Kids Chartcuterie Board 29 Birthday Club 30 I Loved You From Afar

guides 31

Professional Services

4 July 2021 • siparent.com

Staten Island Parent is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publisher of this magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

20

david l. miller ceo David Friedman CFO

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American University Bard College Barnard College Binghamton University (7) Boston College (3) Bowdoin College Brandeis University Bucknell University (5) University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of California-San Diego University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara Case Western Reserve University Catholic University Columbia University Connecticut College University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Denver Dickinson College Dominican College Drexel University Duke University Emory University Fairfield University (4) Fairleigh Dickinson University Fordham University (4) Franklin and Marshall College Furman University (2) George Washington University (4) Gettysburg College (3) Hamilton College University of Hartford

THE CLASS OF 2021

University of Pittsburgh Providence College Purdue University Quinnipiac University (3) Hobart & William Smith Colleges (3) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2) Hunter College, City University of NY Ringling College of Art and Design Indiana University - Bloomington Rochester Institute of Technology Iona College Sacred Heart University (2) Ithaca College Savannah College of Art and Design Johns Hopkins University School of the Art Institute of Chicago Kenyon College Seton Hall University Lafayette College (6) Skidmore College Lehigh University (5) St. John’s University (2) Louisiana State University Stevens Institute of Technology (2) Loyola University of Maryland (2) SUNY, University at Albany (4) Manhattan College (2) SUNY. University at Buffalo (2) Marist College SUNY, Stony Brook University (3) University of Maryland Syracuse University (2) Marymount Manhattan College University of Tampa University of Massachusetts–Amherst (2) Temple University Japan University of Miami The New School Michigan State University (3) (Parson’s School of Design) Middlebury College Trinity College Monmouth University Tufts University Montclair State University (NJ) Tulane University Muhlenberg College Union College (3) New York University Utica College University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill Vassar College Northeastern University (2) Villanova University Occidental College Wagner College Pace University Wake Forest University Pennsylvania State University (2) Washington and Lee University University of Pennsylvania Worcester Polytechnic Institute Pepperdine University Yale University (2)

College Acceptances

July 2021 • siparent.com

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editor’s note

Life’s a Beach!

C Comments? Questions?

Suggestions? Don’t be shy!

Email me at jcintron@siparent.com Summer 2021

Find 100+ Activities for Your Family This Summer in our Family Fun Guide!!

Family Fun GuiDE Great Summer activitieS for Your familY

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siparent.com/ffg get news, tips, and humor all month long

onfession: When my kids were very young, I dreaded going to the beach.

Before kids, the beach was for relaxing, soaking up sun, and cooling off in the water. After kids came along, I found myself in a sweaty haze of shovels and pails and sand-covered snacks, wrestling diapers off squirmy, wet babies and hosing everyone down with SPF 10,000.

Now that my kids are a little older, beach trips are slightly more relaxing again.

They’re still a far cry from my youthful days of catching rays, but they’re a vast improvement from chasing curious toddlers around on boiling sand all day long.

Whether you’re a reluctant beach-goer or a self-proclaimed beach bum, you’re bound to spend some time seaside with your family this summer. Be sure to check out page 20, where we offer up essentials for a guaranteed good time in the sun. Then flip to page 24, where we’ve rounded up the best beaches near Staten Island. If your kids are more into water slides than riding waves, we’ve got a list of the best water parks nearby on page 14.

My beach trips aren’t complete without a summer read in my hand. I wish my kids felt the same way! Although I can’t force them to bring a book everywhere they go, there are ways to ensure what they learned in school this year doesn’t slide right out of their heads before back-to-school comes around (is that why they call it the summer slide?). Read our tips on page 26.

Everyone’s favorite summer holiday is this month — the Fourth of July! Be sure to check out siparent.com for ways to celebrate Independence Day with your family.

And don’t miss the adorable kids charcuterie board recipe on page 28 — it’ll be a hit at your holiday barbecue.

Happy July!

siparent.com/signup @siparent @siparent

Editor, Staten Island Parent

Now

Pre-Registering Infants through 5 year olds at the North Shore location

Ti n y Tr e a s u r e s A c a d e m y • 3 6 0 V a n D u z e r S t r e e t , 1 0 3 0 4 • 6 4 6 - 9 4 6 - 6 5 8 5

6 July 2021 • siparent.com

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LIPM OPEN BOWLING 7 DAYS A WEEK RESERVE YOUR LANE BOWLATRABS.COM!

HOST YOUR CHILD’S NEXT PARTY WITH US! AT RAB'S EVERY GUEST IS TREATED LIKE ROYALTY! 2 HOUR PARTY PACKAGES INCLUDES: • BOWLING • BEHIND LANE SETUP • PIZZA & SODA • BALLOON CENTERPIECE

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• INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS • USE OF BOWLING SHOES • USE OF LIGHT WEIGHT BOWLING BALLS • BOWLING PIN FOR THE GUEST OF HONOR

Youth bowling programs for all ages.

Learn more & register today! bowlatrabs.com/youth

1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305 | Phone: 718-979-1600 www.bowlatrabs.com

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July 2021 • siparent.com

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family activities

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Things to Do in July

W

elcome, summer! Looking for fun stuff to do with the family over the break? Here’s some of the month’s most exciting events in Staten Island. Be sure to call ahead or visit event websites to confirm details and COVID precautions. Go to siparent.com/events for details on the events listed here and even more stuff to do for your family, every single day!

Boogie Woogie Wednesdays

Independence Day Celebration

4-7pm Staten Island Children’s Musem 1000 Richmond Terrace Boogie Woogie Wednesdays are free (with advance registration) events at the Staten Island Children’s Museum. It offers a 2-hour session of free play and exploration from 4-6pm plus a free performance from 6-7pm. Each week presents a different theme of dance style.

11am-4pm Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave. Celebrate the founding of the American republic at Historic Richmond Town, with crafts, activities, homemade treats, and more.

Wednesdays, All Summer Long

July 4

2021 Greenbelt Summer Programs High Rock Park • 200 Nevada Ave.

First Forest Discovery (Ages 5-7)

July 14, 28, and Aug. 11

10-11:30 am Within a landscape of plants and trees, children will have the opportunity to explore, move, create, and learn in a safe and welcoming environment.

Eco Explorations (Ages 12-15)

July 13, 20, 27, and Aug. 3, 10

10am-12pm Children will learn about the amazing animals, plants, and habitats found within the Greenbelt by participating in hands-on activities, games, crafts, and nature hikes.

Greenbelt Summer Adventure (Ages 12-15)

July 8, 15, 22, 29, and Aug. 5, 12

10am-12pm Youth will work collaboratively on team and community-building activities, while learning essential outdoor skills, and develop their own leadership styles.

8 July 2021 • siparent.com

111th Travis 4th of July Parade

July 4

12pm Victory Boulevard and Glenn Street It’s the longest continually running Independence Day celebration in the nation! Prior to the 12:30pm parade step off from the Showplace Center, there will be a 12pm ceremony at Independence Park. The triangular shaped parade route departing from Showplace Center is: west on Victory Boulevard to Glen Street to Cannon Avenue; south on Victory Boulevard back to 141 E. Service Road.

Movies Under the Stars

Various Parks on Various Dates All Summer Long

Details at siparent.com/events 8pm Pack up the picnic chair, and watch a flick in the great outdoors! Enjoy familyfriendly entertainment in the city’s parks and playgrounds, ranging from great new movies to all-time classics.

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Breast and Women’s Care That’s Close To Home Personalized care starting with the latest in breast imaging and diagnostics all the way through to survivorship for breast cancer patients.

Dara Fedele, MD, DABR Chief of Breast Radiology Board Certified Radiologist

 3-D Mammograms  Breast Ultrasounds  Stereotactic and Ultrasound Guided Biopsies  Breast Cancer Consultations  Benign Breast Disease Evaluations

Michael Zeidman, MD

Director of Breast Surgery, Mount Sinai Brooklyn Board Certified General Surgeon Breast Fellowship Trianed

 Breast Cancer  Premature Cancer (Carcinoma in situ)  Benign Breast Lesions  Atypical Breast Lesions  BRCA and Other High-Risk Patients  Breast Pain  Oncoplastics

Lance Jung, MD

Board Certified General Surgery

 Breast Cancer  General Surgery

1161 VICTORY BOULEVARD STATEN ISLAND, NY 10301 718-818-1161 l RUMCSI.ORG/BWC

Accredited for over 8o consecutive years

July 2021 • siparent.com

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family activities

@siparent @siparent

Things to Do in July Cont’d Camp Pouch Drive-In Movie Series

Overnight Camping Adventure

1465 Manor Road Details at siparent.com/events Drive-In Movies are back, with expanded viewing opportunities, additional screens, lawn seating, and more. Food trucks will be on location and Camp Pouch will be open its doors to families and the community prior to each film to participate in activities at the Archery Range, Tomahawk Range, Rock Wall Climbing, and additional areas of camp.

6pm Blue Heron Park • 222 Poillon Ave. NYC Council Member Joe Borelli, NYC Parks Department, and the Urban Park Rangers will host a free overnight camping adventure. The event is for kids, and space is limited. For more information or to reserve a spot for your child, contact the office of NYC Council Member Joe Borelli at 718-984-5151 or borelli@council.nyc.gov.

Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer

July 28

CityParks Puppet Mobile Puppet Time

July 15

1pm • Jennifer’s Playground

July 16

11am & 1pm • De Matti Playground

July 21

11am & 1pm • Greenbelt Recreation Center

July 28

Find 100+ Activities for Your Family This Summer in our Family Fun Guide!! siparent.com/ffg Summer 2021

Family Fun GuiDE Great Summer activitieS for Your familY

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10 July 2021 • siparent.com

1pm • Walker Park Puppet‌ ‌Time‌‌ ‌is‌ ‌‌a‌ ‌family-friendly‌ ‌variety‌ ‌show‌ ‌featuring‌ ‌songs‌ ‌from‌ ‌past‌ ‌‌Swedish‌ ‌Cottage‌ ‌Marionette‌ ‌Theatre‌ ‌‌performances‌ ‌including ‌‌ ‌ Pippi,‌ ‌Peter‌ ‌Pan,‌ ‌Princess,‌ ‌Emperor‌ ‌&‌ ‌The‌ ‌Duck.

Magicicada

Opening July 10

Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace Using responsibly-collected and preserved specimens, the artist Jennifer Angus creates installations of insects pinned directly to a wall and other surfaces creating exquisite patterns reminiscent of textiles or wallpaper. Angus’ intricate installations reveal themselves up close to be comprised of actual insects, often species that would not traditionally be considered beautiful.

Her work motivates viewers to understand the role insects have in our ecosystem and the importance of biodiversity.

Summer Sunset Concert

July 29

6:30pm Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave. Staten Island’s summer concerts are back!

Presented by Borough President James Oddo, the concerts are held at venues throughout the borough and have two acts featuring Staten Island musicians.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and socially distance.

This show features Hughie Lynch and Midnight Mischief. The rain date for this show is Aug. 5.

M

nes usi s

om’s in B SPOT LIGHT

Orit Lender

CEO, Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island In her first year as CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, Orit Lender has stewarded the agency through a time of uncertainty while also leading pandemic recovery efforts throughout the community. In short, it’s been a busy year for the JCC’s first female CEO. Yet, it seems no one could have been better prepared to navigate this complex situation than Orit, a mother of two with over 20 years of experience in community-building.

The daughter of Israeli parents, Orit lived in Israel on Kibbutz Urim before moving to Staten Island as a child. She began working for the JCC in 2001, making a positive impact on young people’s lives as the Youth Empowerment Director. She went on to serve the island’s senior population, developing and supervising all of the JCC’s senior centers. In her roles as Assistant and, later, Deputy Executive Director, Orit’s vision and leadership touched all aspects of the JCC’s mission to serve Staten Islanders at every age and stage of life. During this time, she also completed the Duke University Executive Leadership for Non-Profit Certificate program.

In 2020, Orit was selected to be the JCC’s next Chief Executive Officer. While navigating the leadership transition period, she was also navigating the early months of the pandemic. As the JCC’s facilities temporarily closed to the public, Orit led the agency through new initiatives that not only aided Staten Islanders in crisis, but also kept the Jewish community connected.

Driven by the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, Orit collaborates with other community leaders and organizations to touch more lives with the JCC’s work. She serves as a member of many of these organizations, including UJA-Federation of NY, the Staten Island Not for Profit Association (SINFPA), and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Through these relationships, Orit works to build a better, more caring community for all.

Orit’s leadership inspires the next generation—not only through the growth of JCC programs, like summer camp, that empower kids to be kind and community-minded, but also right at home. Orit and her husband Ed are the proud parents of David, age 17, and Ethan, age 11, who are also active in JCC youth and sports programs.

July 2021 • siparent.com

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community news

What’s Happening Staten Island?

Local News, Major Events, Community Updates and Hot Topics

Free Summer MEals for kids & adults All children and adults are eligible to receive free “grab & go“ meals at sites across the city, including schools and other locations in all five boroughs, beginning Monday, June 28. Meals are available Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm. No identification is required. Vegetarian meals are available at all locations and kosher and halal meals are available at select locations.

All sites will be closed on Monday, July 5 (Independence Day observed) and on Tuesday, July 20, for Eid-ul-Adha.

For more information and a list of meal sites, visit schools.nyc.gov/ school-life/food/summer-meals.

Park it Here!

City Completes Renovation of Two Staten Island Parks Staten Island is living up to its nickname as the Borough of Parks as the NYC Parks Department recently announced the completion of the General MacArthur and Fairview parks renovation projects.

The centerpiece of General MacArthur Park is the renovation of its ballfields and basketball courts. The $11 million capital project includes a variety of upgraded amenities that athletes and community residents of all ages will enjoy. The project reconstructed and converted the multi-use ball fields 12 July 2021 • siparent.com

from natural turf to a synthetic turf.

The basketball courts were also fully reconstructed with new bleacher seating.

Additionally, the revamped park now features improved lighting, chess tables, new adult fitness equipment, and more welcoming park edges and entrances.

The $20.3 million renovation of Fairview Park transformed 23.5 acres of undeveloped land into a new sprawling green space. The park now has a multi-purpose field, baseball field, tennis courts, pickleball courts, adult fitness equipment, a picnic area, parking area, bio-retention areas, paths, and landscape elements. There is also an ADA-compliant multi-purpose trail. The park is located on Bricktown Way, next to the Bricktown Centre shopping complex.

Better Daily Commute? Yes Please!

The Department of Transportation recently completed a project along Battery Place in Lower Manhattan that will help Staten Island express buses more easily access the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, a move designed to ease evening traffic at a location that has long been a stranglehold for commuters.

Improvements include the installation of curbside bus lanes in both directions, the adjustment of bus stops to improve bus operations, the update of travel lanes to minimize conflicts between buses and other traffic, and

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signal timing adjustments to prioritize bus movements.

“The redesign of Staten Island’s express bus system has been one of the most challenging endeavors of my career,” BP Oddo said. “But through this arduous process of creating and iterating a new SIM network, opportunities have arisen to collaborate with the MTA and city agencies such as the DOT to address long standing bottlenecks and obstacles to the most expeditious commutes possible.

Moving 30,000-plus Staten Islanders to and from Manhattan every day will never be easy. That’s why it is that much more important we aggressively correct and improve everything actually in our control.”

Made On Staten Island: Turn Your Home Into A Film Set Could your home be the backdrop for the next big blockbuster? The film industry is in need of film-friendly homes. Location scouts are interested in all different kinds of homes, especially those that are dated, homes with basements and large closets—there’s a market for everything!

“Staten Island is open to the

film business!” states the Borough President’s SmugMug page. “The staff of the Borough President’s office is available to assist not only production companies and location scouts, but Island organizations to facilitate positive filmings in our borough.”

If you are interested in listing your home or business as a potential film location, email photos, a brief description of the space and your contact information to Jennifer Sammartino at JSammartino@ StatenIslandUSA.com.

July 2021 • siparent.com

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family activities

Top Water Parks for Families

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ater parks are a signature part of summer, and a perfect way to spend time with family and friends. There are plenty of options nearby, so we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite waterparks in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania—all perfect for a day trip (or an overnight stay) from Staten Island. Grab your bathing suits and some sunscreen, and prepare to beat the heat while staying cool!

Pirate’s Cove at the Land of Make Believe 54 Great Meadows Road – Route 611, Hope, NJ 908-459-9000 lomb.com Ahoy mateys! Your kids may not stop talking like pirates after their visit to Pirate’s Cove, the water park section at the Land of Make Believe. Take a walk on the wild side with a thrilling ride down Pirate’s Peak, zooming through a tunnel and waterfalls. Or stay cool as you explore Buccaneer Pirate Ship and the wading pool, both ideal for smaller children.

Why we like it: One admission price includes all rides, shows, and attractions, including the amusement park rides at Land of Make Believe. So, you’ll get an action-packed day of family fun, both on land and in the water.

Runaway Rapids Waterpark at Keansburg Amusement Park 275 Beachway Ave., Keansburg, NJ 732-495-1400 keansburgamusementpark.com

14 July 2021 • siparent.com

Enjoy dozens of rides for all ages. Test your acrobatic skills at the Nestea Plunge, a Tarzan-style rope swing. Defy gravity on the uphill waterslide where you’ll plunge downhill, only to be propelled back uphill and down again. The younger set will adore Toddler’s Reef, where they’ll find a dancing fountain, climbable jeep, and more, all geared just for their size.

Why we like it: Those who aren’t fans of water parks don’t have to pay full price.

Get a dry spectator ticket for $14.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 732-928-2000 sixflags.com Thrill seekers will delight in the tall, fast, crazy, and, of course, wet rides here. At King Cobra, race through a snake’s body and then go face-to-face with a huge cobra head. Or raft through a 132-foot tunnel into the mouth of a huge funnel for a unique water rush. Little ones aren’t left out of the mix. They can explore Discovery Bay, a huge shallow water playground, or take it easy and cruise down the lazy river.

Why we like it: If you want to make a full day of it, Six Flags Great Adventure is nearby.

Splish Splash 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton, NY 631-727-3600 splishsplash.com Splish Splash, with 96 acres of slides and attractions, offers fun for everyone. Enjoy more than 20 water slides, two wave pools, a large kiddie area, lazy river, and a tropical bird show. Plus, experience high speed slides like Bombs Away and Riptide Racer.

Why we like it: Bootlegger’s Run is the only hydromagnetic water coaster in New York full of breathtaking drops, including one from nearly five stories high.

The Great Wolf Lodge 1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA 800-768-9653 greatwolf.com Feed your need for adventure at this indoor water park. Find out what it’s like to ride a roller coaster made of water on Hydro Plunge. It propels your raft, via a motorized

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track, up a steep climb, only to send you plunging down a thrilling 52-foot vertical drop. Or try The Double-Barrel Drop. It’s the ultimate water slide with flashing LED lights, electrifying twists and turns, barrel drops, and 450-degree spins.

Why we like it: Come for a day with a pass that includes access to the water park and more.

Kalahari Resorts 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 570-580-6000 kalahariresorts.com At 220,000 square feet, this is the largest indoor water park in America. It’s part of Kalahari Resorts, a mega resort with an African theme (named after the Kalahari Desert). On the Anaconda, hang on tight as you navigate sharp turns and high-speed

plunges on this family raft ride. Or go for Barrelling Baboon, where you’ll slide through soaring dips and twists.

Why we like it: Take lessons on how to swim like a mermaid or chomp like a shark.

Rocking Horse Ranch Resort’s Big Splash Indoor Water Park 600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY 845-691-2927 rockinghorseranch.com Enjoy 85-degree temperatures year-round at Big Splash Indoor Water Park. It’s part of the all-inclusive ranch-themed family resort, Rocking Horse Ranch. Try your luck on the water walk challenge, where you try to pull yourself over a net on the tubes without falling off. Other resort activities include an arcade, horseback riding, and mountain tubing.

Why we like it: Pricing includes all meals, accommodations, activities, and nightly entertainment.

Mountain Creek Waterpark 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 973-827-2000 mcwaterpark.com Enjoy the great outdoors, water style, at this mountainous water park. Get an adrenaline rush as you plummet through the double-looping thrill slide, Zero-G. Or see if you can handle the iconic Colorado River Rapids. Kids World features Junior Rapids and Fishing Village, a children’s water playground sure to entertain little ones.

Why we like it: Try a popular attraction, The Canyon Cliff Jump. Leap off a ledge in front of spectators.

Now open for 2021!

Tickets and Season Passes now available for purchase Order online at storybookland.com

Face masks are required for guests 2 and up. Due to the ongoing COVID situation, all dates and times are subject to change.

6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234 (a stone’s throw from Atlantic City)

609-646-0103 • www.storybookland.com

July 2021 • siparent.com

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family activities

Waterparks Round Up Cont’d Thundering Surf Waterpark 300 Taylor Ave., Beach Haven, NJ 609-492-0869 thunderingsurfwaterpark.com Everyone in the family will have fun getting wet at Long Beach Island’s popular water park. Little ones can romp around, and adults can relax at Cowabunga Beach. Sail down 1 of 8 whirling water slides or float along the lazy river, which features interactive water play activities. Just beware of the river’s surprise mega-water blasters.

Why we like it: Toddlers will love the area just for them with 6 small foam slides, dancing floor jets, and small spray features.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom 3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA GPS Address: 4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA 610-395-3724 dorneypark.com This park features rollercoasters and water rides including Steel Force, the longest steel roller coaster on the East Coast, and HYDRA, the first and only floorless coaster in Pennsylvania. Play in the waterpark, which features three levels of water games and the 70-foot-tall Lighting Falls water slide.

16 July 2021 • siparent.com

Why we like it: There are dining deals available for lots of places to eat, refresh, and rehydrate throughout the park.

Splashdown Beach 16 Old Route 9W, Fishkill, NY 845-897-9600 splashdownbeach.com Self-proclaimed “America’s biggest little water park” featuring slides, rides, a wave pool, and play areas. The Rock Beach is an expanded beach area that includes Nathan’s Famous.

Why we like it: Discount rates are available after 3pm all week long.

Whitewater Challengers Lehigh River, Poconos, PA 800-443-8554 whitewaterchallengers.com This company offers family-style whitewater rafting for families with kids ages 4 and older. Check the website for information about booking.

Why we like it: The venue offers easy whitewater rafting, perfect for beginners and younger children.

Hersheypark 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 717-534-3900 hersheypark.com The park features more than 65 rides and

attractions, from 20 kiddie rides to 12 breathtaking roller coasters (including the new family coaster the Coco Cruiser) and everything in between. It also features more than 10 water rides on the Boardwalk.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is located just outside the main gate to Hersheypark (hersheys.com/chocolateworld).

Why we like it: So much is chocolatethemed. What’s not to love?!

Morey’s Piers 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 609-729-3700 moreyspiers.com Morey’s Piers spans more than 18 acres along six beach blocks. It includes three piers and two beachfront water parks: the Adventure Pier, which features coasters, thrill rides, and a raceway; the Surfside Pier, with kiddie and family rides; the Mariner’s Landing Pier, where you can ride traditional rides such as the Ferris wheel and teacups, play in the arcade, and enjoy Boardwalk treats; the Raging Waters water park, with kiddie play areas, water slides, and activity pools; and the Oasis Waterpark + Beach Club, which features more water rides for kids and adults.

Why we like it: Its mini water park— the Bonsai Beach—has water jets and climbing ropes, adding some adventure to the beach experience.

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Get Outside!

RENT SOME FUN! $5 OFF*

Bike & Beach Rentals *Get $5 off when you present this ad. Not valid holidays, holiday weekends or with any other offer. Limit one per transaction.

Offer valid only for locations listed.

SPECIALTY CYCLES • CRUISER BIKES • TANDEMS • KIDS BIKES • BEACH RENTALS & MORE! STATEN ISLAND

FDR Boardwalk at Sand Lane FDR Boardwalk at Jefferson Ave

QUEENS

Flushing Meadows at David Dinkins Circle Flushing Meadows on North Meadow Lake

BROOKLYN

Marine Park Bensonhurst Park

Product, hours, and pricing vary by location.

wheelfunrentals.com/NYC • (917) 231-6229

July 2021 • siparent.com

17

fun stuff

Congratulations...

Xavier Ojeda

Staten Island University Hospital’s Incredible Kids Awards Recipient

C

ongratulations to 10-year-old Xavier Ojeda, the May Incredible Kid of the Month! Xavier has been bravely battling leukemia since he was only 8 years old, including undergoing a bone-marrow transplant late last year. Xavier was nominated by his mom for his incredible strength in the face of the unimaginable.

Unfortunately, after Xavier was voted Staten Island’s Incredible Kid last month, his family learned his cancer had returned. According to his mom, he recently completely three rounds of chemotherapy, in addition to several blood and platelet transfusions in between treatments, and continues to fight his way back to a healthy life. His courage and determination is an inspiration to anyone fighting an illness, young or old.

Xavier’s mom is a single parent raising five children.

If you would like to help his family through this difficult time, you can donate to or share his GoFundMe page at gofund.me/b4fe0628.

incredible kids awards Staten Island’s Incredible Kids Awards recognizes and honors outstanding children in the community. Nominees have helped others in need, donated time or effort to an important cause, boast impressive achievements at a young age, or simply stand out for their kindness and compassion.

Nominations for the Incredible Kid of the Month are closed. We will reveal our final Incredible Kids Awards recipient next month in our August issue. Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to all of our honorees. And a huge thanks to our sponsor, Staten Island University Hospital for helping us honor Staten Island’s bravest, kindest and brightest youth!

meet staten island university hospital’s Featured Pediatric SpecialistS Staten Island University Hospital’s board-certified pediatric sleep specialists evaluate and treat conditions that may cause your child to suffer from inadequate sleep or breathing problems. Left untreated, these problems may lead to learning and behavioral issues, as well as serious conditions affecting the heart and lungs.

Our program is one of the few in New York City that is certified to provide sleep testing on children from birth through the teen years.

Dr. Siu-Pun Chan, M.D.

18 July 2021 • siparent.com

Pediatric Specialist 718.226.5619

Dr. Pushpom James, M.D.

Pediatric Specialist 718.226.5619

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n o i t c u r t Cons WATER PARK AMERICA’S

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Now offering dance camps for all age groups, acro clinics to enhance specific skill sets, and themed single day camps for our 4-6 year olds.

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Center Stage Dance Co. Ltd. 10 Akron St. • Staten Island, NY 10314 • 718.982.9226 CenterStageDanceLtd@yahoo.com • www.CenterStageDanceCoLtd.org

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MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL ANY PROMOTION AT THEIR DISCRETION. EXPIRES 12-31-21.

diggerlandusa.com Located In West Berlin, NJ A Day Trip Away From Staten Island

July 2021 • siparent.com

19

family activities

Beach Essentials For Families

By Jessica Allen

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un: out. Bathing suit: on. Sounds like today’s a beach day. Pack our essentials in your tote or trunk for safe, summer fun. Our picks range from the best in protective gear to toys for the whole family to enjoy. Surf’s up!

Babiators Sunglasses babiators.com

Babiators aren’t just cute (although they are super-cute), they’re necessary. Kids’ eyes are more susceptible to sun damage than adult peepers, and not just because kids spend so much time outside. Children have clearer lenses and bigger pupils than grown-ups.

Protect your baby’s blues (and greens and browns and hazels) with a pair of Aviators ($22), specially designed for the under-5 set. Bigger kids can go for on-trend styles like the heart-shaped Uptown ($32) or super-round Weekender ($36).

20 July 2021 • siparent.com

BOB Sunscreen brushonblock.com You can’t have a list about beach essentials for families without mentioning sunscreen, of course. But BOB ($25) is different. BOB stands for “Brush on Block.” This mineral-based powder won’t sting eyes or drip onto a beloved swimsuit, but it will offer a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ protection that won’t harm marine life (it’s also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free). BOB comes with a bright soft brush, so you can teach your baby or toddler to say “bye-bye goopy lotion” with every application.

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Coolibar coolibar.com Here’s a genius product: a hat that looks cool, and has a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50+—which means it’s blocking 98 percent of harmful UV radiation— baked in. Coolibar has you covered, with its bucket hat ($29) in marlin blue watercolor or navy coral reef (pictured). But there’s something else remarkable about the hat, which comes in two sizes (s/m, for ages 4-8) and (l/xl, for ages 10-12). It can go in the water! And the UPF will never wash out, no matter how many cannonballs your kid attempts, or trips through the spin cycle it takes.

Create A Castle Building Kit createacastle.com Developed by a self-described sand castle-building super fan, Create A Castle does exactly that. You pack the sand into the top of the cylinder, place it where it needs to go, then unbuckle and open it to reveal a perfectly shaped turret or tower. The Pro Tower Kit ($49.99) comes with everything you need to make your own Windsor, Osaka, or, closer to home, Belvedere Castle. And, during the winter, when beach days are distant memories (sigh), you can break out the Pro Kit and build an epic snow castle.

Sea to Summit phone case seatosummitusa.com

Pottery Barn Beach Ball potterybarnkids.com Pottery Barn offers an array of 20-inch beach balls ($29.50).

They’re designed to be tossed, kicked, carried, and even sat upon. For extra magic, wait until you get to the beach before inflating—and watch your child’s eyes light up as the secret object suspended inside the ball is revealed. We like the rainbow (pictured), but our top choice faced some tough competition from the narwal, shark, and smiling sun. Deflate when you’re done, and stick it in your tote for your next trip.

Bringing your phone to the beach is a great way to preserve your memories, keep up with your favorite podcast, and take that can’t-miss Zoom call. But getting a phone filled with sand, or water, is less ideal. As Sea to Summit puts it, “avoid having to put your phone in rice. Rice is for sushi.” The company’s waterproof case will keep your treasured tech safe, while ensuring you don’t miss a text or a tweet. The smaller size ($29.95) measures 5.8-by-3.3 inches; the larger size ($34.95) tops out at 6.7-by-3.6 inches.

July 2021 • siparent.com

21

family activities

Sony Wireless Portable Speakers electronics.sony.com Beaches and music go together like peanut butter and jelly, or ham and cheese. Sony seems to have designed its SRS-XB43 wireless speaker ($199.99) with beach life in mind: not only is the speaker dust-, rust- and waterproof, but it works horizontally or vertically (perfect for when your cooler/table only has so much space). Great bass too. Plus, the batteries last for up to 24 hours, so you can seamlessly transition from kiddie classics to adult favs as day turns into night. And the speaker is washable, so no worries if it gets splattered with the aforementioned jelly or sunscreen.

Takeya takeyausa.com You can’t have much fun in the sun if you’re worried about staying hydrated. Enter Takeya’s water bottle ($22.99), designed with kids in mind. It’s insulated, so it will stay cool for 24 hours no matter how hot it gets.

The 14-oz version comes in black or teal, both with an easy-to-open spout lid. Our favorite feature just might be the bumper on the bottom, which ensures a gentle landing and minimizes scratches and dents, regardless of how hard the bottle gets thumped.

Photo credit: Takeya

Beach Essentials For Families Cont’d

Waverunner Balls

Tesalate Towel tesalate.com It’s hard to escape sand when you’re on a beach— unless you’re laying on a Tesalate towel, that is. This Australian company uses a custom-made microfiber blend to prevent sand from sticking to, or coming home, with you. Somehow, each strand is 200 times thinner than a human hair, and yet the towel ($59) holds up to a liter of water without dripping. It also dries super-fast and folds up to about the size of a paperback book. Inspired by the coast, Tesalate patterns are bold, beautiful, and easy for your little ones to spot.

waverunnerball.com Waverunner balls have to be seen—or, er, thrown—to be believed. Each ball bounces on the water. Think skipping stones, only with bright balls and no special technique required. Seriously!

The number of bounces depends on how hard and far you throw, but the balls will most definitely bounce, making these balls perfect for everyone, regardless of athletic ability. The Water Skipping Speed Duo ($14.99) comes with one small and one medium ball. Great for a simple game of catch, all-the-better for a heroic game of splash-football-handball-back spin-tag. Okay, so, we literally just made that up, and can’t wait to try it out.

Jessica Allen writes about food, culture, travel, and New York City, where she lives.

22 July 2021 • siparent.com

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LIPM SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS JULY 1st Offering Morning, Evening, & Weekend Classes for All Levels

Glamour Girl & Diva Birthday Parties SHARKEY’S PRESENTS

Treat the Birthday Girl and her Friends to an Extra Special Glamour Day in our special tween lounge!

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• Theme Based Art • Social Groups/Role Playing/ Public Speaking • Sensory/Proprioceptive Play Sessions • Reading Intervention/Book Clubs • Speech Therapy • Multicultural Linguistics • Parent Training At Sensorielle we have vision of providing our community of children with a multiple intelligence approach to learning. We believe in having children fully immersed in their learning.

We are committed to exceeding the expectations of our families with modern explorative experiences.

We are experienced working with children with varying degrees of speech and language delays, sensory processing disorder, children with ASD from newborn to school age.

ALL OUR THERAPISTS ARE LICENSED IN THEIR FIELD. 1847 Victory Blvd, Staten Island NY 10314 347-341-6849 • Sensoriellenyc.com Follow us on Instagram @sensoriellenyc

Each girl will be treated to a pretty hair style, make up application and mini-cure! Plus pick a pretty outfit and be a part of a Fashion Show where they get a souvenir photo!

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718-981-1187 x9136 • stjosephhillacademy.com July 2021 • siparent.com

23

family activities

Let’s Go to the Beach!

B

each blankets, swimsuits, the ocean breeze, and more! Nothing says summer like a day (or night) at the beach. Whether you like to lay on the sand, take a dip in the water, or try your hand at boardwalk games, there’s something for everyone at our local beaches. Check out our round-up of beach destinations located nearby in New York and New Jersey—including right here on Staten Island—then head to the shore for some fun in the sun!

Point Pleasant Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 732-892-0600 pointpleasantbeach.com Features arcades and games, beach, restaurants, Jenkinson’s amusement park rides & aquarium, live entertainment, and fireworks shows.

7 Presidents Oceanfront Park Long Branch, NJ • 732-229-7025 monmouthcountyparks.com The 38-acre park includes an activity center, a boating launch, fishing, a playground, swimming, sand volleyball, pavilion with snack bar, and restrooms.

Seaside Heights Seaside Heights, NJ • 732-793-6488 seaside-heightsnj.org The beach and boardwalk features Casino Pier amusement rides, Breakwater Beach water park, plus go-karts, mini golf, arcades, games, and food.

Ocean City Ocean City, NJ • 609-399-7082 oceancityvacation.com Two and half miles of boardwalk containing 24 July 2021 • siparent.com

family amusements like OC Waterpark and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, plus the beach and free entertainment.

Sandy Hook Sandy Hook, NJ • 732-872-5970 nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook One of New Jersey’s most beautiful beaches, visitors can go fishing, birding, camping, boating, canoeing, enjoy picnics, take sightseeing tours, and eat at local seafood restaurants.

Wildwood Wildwood, NJ • 800-992-9732 wildwoodsnj.com Features more than 100 rides and attractions including Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks, Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club, Splash Zone Water Park, games, arcades, food, and restaurants.

Coney Island Brooklyn, NY • 718-373-5862 coneyisland.com Amusement park rides for kids of all ages, games, food, fireworks shows, beach, live entertainment, New York Aquarium, ferris wheel, carousel, and more.

Nautical Mile Freeport, Long Island • 516-377-2200 longisland.com/freeport-nautical-mile A lively, seaside destination featuring great restaurants, shopping, fishing boats, mini golf, and ice cream shops.

Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk Queens, NY nycgovparks.org/parks/rockawaybeach-and-boardwalk/ A year-round destination for locals along the Rockaway peninsula, it comes alive each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. It features the city’s only legal surfing beach, a variety of concessions, playgrounds, and other activities.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach Midland Beach and South Beach, Staten Island nycgovparks.org/parks/fdr-boardwalk-and-beach Features a 2.5-mile boardwalk, barbecue ares, playgrounds, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, and kayak and canoe launch sites.

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LIPM Gateway National Recreation Area: Great Kills Park Great Kills, Staten Island 718-354-4606 nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/great-kills-park This beach area has a multi-use path, fishing areas, a marina, and boat launch. Plus, ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year.

Wolfe’s Pond Park Beach Prince’s Bay, Staten Island • 718-984-8266 nycgovparks.org/parks/wolfes-pond-park/facilities/beaches A small and calm beach located on the Island’s South Shore, it features a beautiful water view, sandy shores, and picnic tables.

Less Wait Time, More Face Time.

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Cedar Grove Beach Great Kills, Staten Island • 718-987-2060 nycgovparks.org/parks/great-kills-park/facilities/beaches Another small and tranquil beach on the Island’s South Shore, this one features playgrounds and lots of natural areas to explore.

Call 212-398-1288 or visit vanguarddermatology.com to schedule!

July 2021 • siparent.com

25

raising kids

Stop The Summer Slide Before It Starts

S

By Jessica Allen

ummer slide, brain drain, skill slippage. No matter what you call it, learning loss during school vacation is real—and so are its damaging effects. Studies cited by the National Summer Learning Association estimate that more than 50 percent of U.S. students experience summer learning loss. Spread across five years, some students can lose, on average, approximately 40 percent of academic advances.

But learning loss can be prevented, with some effort and engagement on the part of grown-ups. Amita Gupta, Ed.D., professor of early childhood education at CUNY, recommends families use a schedule. “The planned experiences for children should serve to support their growth in four developmental domains (cognitive, social, emotional, and physical), and also address some academic content learning in literacy, social studies, math, and science. This may sound daunting to parents, but the good news is that several of these targets can be reached with a single activity or experience.”

2. Cook

Cooking your own meals doesn’t just help your wallet—it helps your child’s brain. Use cooking as an opportunity to talk and learn about: • Math: How much do you need of each ingredient? How many people are drinking soda? How many people are drinking milk?

• Chemistry: What happens when you mix one ingredient with another? What happens when you add heat?

• Human anatomy: Why does food taste the way it does? How do we convert food into energy? What happens to the calories or food we don’t need?

• Environmental sustainability: Where was this food grown? How, and by whom? How did it get from there to your table?

• Culture: Why does your family eat what it eats? What kinds of foods did you grow up eating? How does food reinforce culture?

What kinds of foods are common across cultures?

1. Read

According to the Colorado Department of Education, reading “just four to six books during the summer has the potential to prevent a decline in reading achievement scores from the spring to the fall.” The New York Public Library is offering tons of summer reading activities around this year’s theme of “Tails and Tales.” Check your local branch for events and reading lists divided by age. Heighten the fun by having your kid start a virtual book club with a far-flung relative or friend. And remember the value of modeling. Kids tend to do as we do, not necessarily as we say. If you want to raise a reader, don’t forget to make time to read yourself.

26 July 2021 • siparent.com

Dial the conversation up or down, depending on your kid’s age and interest. Remember too that it doesn’t have to be cooking. “Whatever the household chore—gardening, grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, organizing, taking a walk—can all be turned into experiences in sorting, classifying, sequencing, observing, predicting, sharing, helping, team building, and problem solving,” Dr. Gupta notes.

3. Do Some Math

Incorporating learning into your everyday life will help your child become a lifelong learner. It also reminds kids why fundamentals and facts are so important.

At the grocery store, talk about what you could buy for $5 or $500.

Discuss budgeting. Have a chat about wants versus needs. Point out different shapes to little kids. Teach tweens how credit cards work.

And teenagers can learn about the magic of compound interest. Avoid falling into the all-too-common parent trap of saying, “I’m terrible at math” by showing how much we all use math every single day.

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LIPM 4. Play Games

The boom in tabletop gaming means there’s a game for every skill you wish to cultivate in your child. But your kids will be having too much fun to realize they’re actually learning.

In Scotland Yard (suitable for kids 8 and older), for example, players use logic and critical thinking to find a criminal’s London location. Weird But True—based on the beloved book series by National Geographic—requires players (age 8 and older) to consider whether a wacky factoid is true or false. The uber-popular Wingspan teaches players (ages 14 and older) about birds, ecology, and biology.

5. Check the Mail

Subscription boxes give you the chance to experience the world without leaving your house. The day our Universal Yums subscription snack box arrives is one of the happiest in my household. My son and I make predictions about that month’s country, then we enjoy reading about the fun facts (and ranking the snacks) in the colorful, fun booklet that accompanies the treats. Sometimes we draw maps.

Sometimes we talk about history or politics. No matter what, we eat all the candy.

6. Go to Living Room Summer School

Is your kid a budding coder? Mixed media artist? Cat lover?

Regardless of your child’s interest, there’s a class for that. The pandemic has seen a boom in online learning, with options ranging from a short, one-off class to a multiweek deep-dive. Outschool has tons of video-based classes for kids age 3-18, including math practice, geography, and chess. Social clubs too.

7. Join, or Extend, a Learning Pod

When COVID shut down in-person learning, many parents formed learning pods—small groups led by a teacher or tutor.

If you already have one from the academic year, consider extending it through the summer, perhaps with some extra sports or crafts thrown in.

If not, consider finding a few like-minded families to form a learning pod. Establish your expectations (frequency of meeting, topics discussed, amount of work to be done, masks on or off). The pod’s facilitator could be a recent high school or college graduate, or perhaps a teacher on summer break.

How much to pay this person depends on several factors, but you should be realistic about what you’re asking the person and the kids to do.

8. Set Goals and Celebrate

Set actionable, realistic goals, then celebrate them.

Maybe you want your soon-to-be third-grader to read five books over the summer. Set up a chart, add some stickers, and break the big goal (five books) into smaller goals (one chapter every week). Every two chapters gets an ice cream. The right incentive can help motivate.

Above all, make it fun. It is summer, after all.

Jessica Allen writes about food, culture, travel, and New York City, where she lives.

I asked my son’s first-grade classmates for suggestions about ways to grow their brains during the summer. Here’s what they said: • Write for fun • Do workbooks • Keep a journal or diary of all the fun things you do • Cool your brain by going swimming • Eat a lot of good stuff • Go to summer camp • Have a sleepover on the Intrepid

July 2021 • siparent.com

27

raising kids

S

Kids Charcuterie Snack Board

ummer sun means it’s time for warm-weather fun for kids of all ages, and all that activity and playing outside calls for snacks and hydration to recharge. Whether your children like to play poolside or take a bicycle adventure through the neighborhood, the right nutrient-dense foods can keep the fun going all day long.

For an option that quenches hunger (and thirst) without sacrificing nutrition, try an assortment of ways to enjoy watermelon. As a refreshing ingredient or standalone treat, watermelon includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25 percent) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 mg per 2-cup serving)—an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection—than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Plus, it’s made of 92 percent water, meaning it’s a flavorful way to encourage kids to rehydrate while having fun in the sun.

Make watermelon part of a balanced snack plate with this Kids Charcuterie Snack Board, including assorted watermelon, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced veggies, sliced fruits, crackers, pretzels, and more. In addition to the nutritional benefits, the simplicity of this snack means children can help assemble it while showing off their creativity.

Visit watermelon.org to find more kid-friendly recipe ideas.

28 July 2021 • siparent.com

Ingredients: • Cubed watermelon • watermelon balls, skewered • watermelon wedges • watermelon sticks • flower-shaped watermelon cutouts • peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, halved • ham and cheese pinwheels • sliced veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers, and celery • other sliced fruit • pretzels • crackers • small bowl of candy (optional) Directions: 1. Prepare watermelon, sandwiches, pinwheels, veggies, fruit, pretzels, crackers, and candy, if desired.

2. Arrange all ingredients on large board or platter.

SOURCE: National Watermelon Promotion Board

fun stuff

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free kids meal at WENDY’S (Staten Island only)

300 Bay St • 10301 | 1761 Forest Ave • 10303 1661 Hylan Blvd • 10305 | 6420 Amboy Rd • 10309 25 Putnam St • 10312 | 26 Richmond Hill Rd • 10314 July 1 Vincent A. Canepa Ediie Tunyla Justin Bavaro Brett Friedman Vincent Marino Vincent Canepa Shayla Velez Lucas Bouzada Gabriella Alvarez Gabriel Alverez Sofia Pellizzi Vivienne Krasner Lucas Bouzada July 2 Christopher Ferrigno Jackson Pax Olinsky Sharde Thomas Michael Melfi Albert Kapkayev Armani Dior Thomas Michael Melfi Nina Giblin Victoria Landy Nina Giblin July 3 Lisa Martin Jared Joseph Cannon Ronnekia Booker Brianna Miranda Kacie Rosa Roberto C. Gonzalez Jr. Landon Feo Ella Ulitto Kawaun Martin July 4 Anthony Ricciardi Emma Jordan Kay Justin Miccio Jonathan Jacknow Frankie Maglio Jamir Payton Briana Payton Jack Bozzo Rachel Garcia Isabella Brunetti July 5 Elana Roldan Tamara Gasparik Maeve Butler Nicco Pellicane Nicholas Allan Devin Manneh Tyler Berrocal James Owens Ava Leung Gabriel Gjoni Giovanni Caprino Morgan Lui Vincent Petrosino

July 6 Anthony Gambale Alexandra Love Taylor Camille Bacci Dasani Gasparik Nicholas Stetter Travis Stetter Rick Susco Megan Gonzalez Jacqueline Avila Shayla Bazil

July 12 Jaclyn Durkin JoLynn Marie Fale Sabrina DiBenedetto Matthew J. O’Shea Caitlin Rivera Philip DeMarco Kenneth A. Stanfield Nick C. Rotondi Adriana Paino Charley Smalls

July 7 Jamie Nicole Talamo Lorraine Brancale Nicole M. Najsarek Vincent Zeh Briana Marie Guaragno Isaac Rodriguez Thea Frucsione Anakin Belarmino Jake Rudloff MaeLee Spiller Charlotte Pizzuto

July 13 Emily Kosakevitch Xander Misrahi Christian J. Hestnes Nicholas Barton Matthew Barton Jackson Pierce Isabella Montalvo Levi Shipman Erin Quick Sofia Mattera

July 8 Emilee Correa Elijah Correa Michael Cintron Angel Diaz Laniah Albright James Manley Adrian Potter Christopher Williams Vincent Rey Luna July 9 Joseph A. Giovansanti Vincent Andrew Dacunto Alivia M. Howard Courtney M. Moane Nicole Cruz Angelica Conca Max Shelkowitz Mia Artsen Thomas Batovsky Sarah Arce July 10 Joseph Damiano Alexandra Frank Nethya Samarakkodige Jordan Sabbatino Christian Dietrich Thomas Gottlieb Elijah Santiago Jimani Ebanks July 11 Toney Armstrong Arianna Licari Leorie Beriguete Donovan Hynes Nariyah Barron Joseph Craig Jax Massella Anthony Jorg Jaxson Thornton Gavin Afflitto Anthony Jack

July 14 Benjamin Winchel Allison Nicole Hagan Michael Odessa Janelle Kempf Marina Grippo Aaron Artsen Anthony Lobaito Janelle Kempf Gabriel Caccese Christopher Larsen Frankie Tortorello Ralph Calise July 15 Shannon Helfman Max Pellicane Andrew Wu Olivia Cragan Samaira Salman Jason Partnow Nicholas Pellizzi Zahmari Milbry Mateo Papagni Giada Carnabuci Hemza Aburabia Aseel Aburabia Mohammed Aburabia

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Dylan Hillers Ethan Chyorny Sofia Pellizzi July 27 Frankie J. Lupo Caitlyn Amber Bove Jennifer Finan Victoria Sorensen Vincent Wiseman Madison Alfano Javan Pastoriza Edward Mercado Vincent Wiseman James Stavola Masarrat Alam July 28 Amanda Samuels Andrew Barb Matthew Scaduto William Jaenicke Jasmine Ann Patterson Christopher Gomez Benjamin Walfish Julianna Batista Elizabeth Maniscalco Olivia Bernabe July 29 Claire Burfeind Grace Burfeind Thomas Cariddi Don James Kiviella Amanda Rivera Rachel Driscoll Molly Driscoll Kyler Monti Edward Monahan Gioia Cerrai Brielle Rosario Sabrina Barraclough Sacha Murphy Michael Camelitti July 30 Summer DeDilectis Terry Mackenzie Terry Makayla Thomas Kennedy Erika Rivette Marcua Ragusa Feyza Durmaz Taj Metellus David Tobe III Dasani Wright July 31 Jayden Ruiz Lizette Gonzalez-Ruiz Kareem Cargill Jayden Gomez Andrew Watts Jayden Ruiz Luca Weisman Noah Polakowski Joyce Howard Johnny Howard Noah Polakowski Eli Medina Jayden Ruiz

July 2021 • siparent.com

29

Local Spotlight

I Loved You From Afar

Staten Island Native Authors Children’s Book on Becoming a Grandma During COVID

By Barbara Russo

J

oni Acquafredda became a first-time grandmother on Sept.

8, 2020. She was ecstatic when the baby was born, but like so many other grandparents of babies born during the pandemic, her contact with the child at first was limited to Zoom calls and FaceTime.

As a registered nurse working the front lines during the pandemic, Acquafredda, along with her family, took extra caution around the baby. For several months, the new grandmother—a Lakewood, NJ, resident and former Staten Islander­­—was only able to see the newborn from a distance, except for the rare occasion when she was able to quarantine beforehand.

She remembers the first time she and her husband met their grandchild for all but a few moments.

“We met at the front door the day they came home from the hospital. I literally saw her in my son’s arms from outside for 10 minutes, and that was it,” Acquafredda recalls.

That night, feeling deep sadness and longing to hold her grandchild, Acquafredda decided to express her feelings through writing.

“I started jotting things down on my phone. I was writing how I felt,” she says.

With encouragement from her family, those notes became the inspiration for her new book, I Loved You From Afar, published

by Full Court Press.

The 24-page hardcover was written for children to understand, but anyone who longed for a loved one they couldn’t be near during the pandemic will be able to relate, according to the author.

“The book is about my feelings and everything I was going through at the time,” Acquafredda says. “It’s a labor of love, and when I think about it, I think the book speaks to the hearts

30 July 2021 • siparent.com

of so many women, grandparents, and others who had similar experiences during the pandemic.”

The book was illustrated by Linda Gerecitano, retired elementary school art teacher from Dongan Hills. The author and artist didn’t know each other before collaborating on the book. They were brought together by Acquafredda’s sister who knew the two women had a lot in common. Like Acquafredda, Gerecitano had a grandchild born during the pandemic and experienced the same challenges.

“Joni’s writing resonated with me so much because our experiences were exactly the same—meeting through the glass, the outdoor visits, the FaceTiming,” Gerecitano says.

“When I read what Joni wrote, I thought to myself, ‘this is exactly what I’m going through.’ It was so easy to put those words into illustrations.”

Gerecitano’s illustrations throughout the book are based on symbols found in different world cultures, representing values such as unity, harmony, love, and longevity.

Both women hope people who purchase the book treasure it as a keepsake for years to come.

“I don’t think the book is so much relevant now as it will be years from now,” Acquafredda says. “I think it’s a good introduction into what COVID was all about, especially for that situation—the beginning of life for those born during the pandemic.”

The women started the I Loved You From Afar Facebook Group, where members can share their similar pandemic experiences and learn more about the book.

“We created this page so that people can share their stories,” Acquafredda says. “They heard our story, and now we want to hear theirs.”

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Seeking out nearby resources in legal services, speech development, therapy or other specific need?

These local professionals can help.

attorneys Kurt T. Richards, P.C. Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY 718.720.1000 www.krichardspc.com

Divorce, Family Court, Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements.

Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.

orthodontics Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D., p.C. Our office follows all Covid-19 safety guidelines from the CDC, 444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312 718.967.5213 • www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

ADA & AAO. Mini & Clear Braces, Invisalign, Digital Scanner, Free Consults. Gentle, personal, quality care for children/adults.

American Assoc. of Orthodontists & Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics Member.

psychotherapists Michael DeSimone Ph.D, LCSW 175 Burbank Ave (New Dorp) • 917.301.5962 michael.w.desimone@gmail.com www.michaeldesimonetherapy.com

Offering Telehealth therapy sessions via telephone or video during the pandemic.

Treating a number of Acute Stress Disorders triggered by the ongoing threat of Covid 19. I continue to provide mental health services related to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, loss and grief for adults, adolescents and latency age children. Private and confidential.

speech pathology Sandra Mazzucco M.A., C.C.C.-SLP Annadale Town: 465 Belfield Ave North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave 718.815.6024

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults, PROMPT Trained, Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy, Specializing in Fluency. ASHA Certified. Following COVID-19 Guidelines. Telehealth available.

tutor Tiny To Tall Tutoring & Test Prep A network of enthusiastic and experienced teachers providing virtual and 347.749.0024 tinytotalltutoringandtestprep@gmail.com FB & IG TinyToTallTutoringandTestPrep

in person tutoring and test preparation. Whether you are looking for one on one, individualized tutoring sessions or group programs, we’ve got you covered!

ADVERTISER INDEX Developmental/Special Needs Dr. Michael Desimone..................................................................... 31 JCC................................................................................... Back Cover Sandra Mazzucco ........................................................................... 31 Sensorielle ...................................................................................... 23 YMCA ............................................................................................. 25

Family Fun Diggerland....................................................................................... 19 Rab’s Country Lanes.......................................................................... 7 Storybook Land............................................................................... 15 Wheel Fun Rentals.......................................................................... 17

Health Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental).......................................................... 13 Maimonides....................................................................................... 2 Richmond University Medical Center.............................................. 9

Salvatore R Indelicato DMD........................................................... 31 Vanguard Dermatology ................................................................. 25

Services Kurt T Richards Pc........................................................................... 31 Sharkey’s Cuts................................................................................. 23

Schools & Tutoring St. Joseph Hill Academy ................................................................. 23 Staten Island Academy..................................................................... 5 Tiny to Tall Tutoring & Test Prep.................................................... 31 Tiny Treasures.................................................................................... 6

Sports, Music & Art Art Lab............................................................................................. 17 CenterStage Dance......................................................................... 19 Ed Perpatua Tennis Academy........................................................ 19 JCC of Staten Island........................................................ Back Cover Master Curry Karate.......................................................................... 3 S.I. Community Tennis.................................................................... 23

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