Staten Island Parent May 2014

MAY 2014

.com

AwardWinning Parentin g Media Associa tion Member

SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYDAY PARENTING

Hiring The Right BABYSITTER GARDENING SUCCESS 7 Simple Steps

The Privilege of

Motherhood

A Gift to be Thankful For

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

You can use a QR Code scanner on a smartphone to visit our website.

Download one of the following free apps: QR Reader for iPhone, Barcode Scanner for Android and ScanLife for Blackberry

ADVERTISER INDEX 107

MAY 2014

So many women arrive at motherhood through different journeys, yet each mother celebrates her unique experience this month on Sunday, May 11th.

In her article, Gayla Grace shares some touching insights on the gift of motherhood, while a few of our Facebook friends weighed in with their views.

COVER STORY The Privilege of Motherhood:

Read more on page 58

A Gift to be Thankful For COLUMNS

ARTICLES 28 Gardening Success: 7 Simple Steps Growing your own food in a garden is a great family activity

CONTESTS & CLUBS

34 Good Sports

4 “to the moon & back”

by Joe LoVerde

Name Ring Giveaway

32 Britax Affinity Stroller Giveaway

40 Growing Up Online

by Carolyn Jabs

36 Why Newly Proposed Nutrition Labels Are Good Pros and cons of three suggested changes

38 Hiring the Right Babysitter

49 Radian RXT Carseat

46 Parent & Child Time

68 Hidden Cake Contest

by Ann Clinton

105 Birthday Club

60 Dear Teacher

How to find someone trustworthy for your kids

by Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts

66 Ask the Doctor

54 Encouraging Your Child to Read

by Pankaj Patel, Clinical Chair, Dept of Psychiatry, RUMC

Instill a love of reading to last a lifetime

56 Pets Can Improve Personal Health Positive health benefits for pet owners

SPECIAL NEEDS FAIR

72 Gigi’s World

by Gigi & Gina LaGuardia-Schrecker

SPECIAL SECTION 48 OMG...I’m a Mom!

S. I. LIVING

FAMILY NEEDS

20 Community & School News

52 It’s In The Cards

49 Birth Announcements 62 Facebook Chatter

102 Party Services

74 Family Calendar

106 Family Classifieds 108 Professional Directory Looking for fun

Things To Do IN Staten Island?

Visit

www.siparent.com

for places you can take the kids.

Gerri Friscia, Editor

We enjoyed our time at Senator Andrew Lanza's Special Needs Fair on Friday, April 4th. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with all the S.I. Parent magazine readers who stopped by our booth.

We received some fantastic input.

We'd also like to congratulate Maria Maley, the winner of the $50 gift card giveaway!

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER May is a great month to enjoy all the activities going on in our community. Our Family Calendar offers a plethora of options for children of all ages. Additionally, we consistently update our online calendar (www.siparent.com/events) to give you the latest on what to do with your family. Here’s my suggestion for a fun experience for anyone young at heart: take a ride on The Carousel for All Children. Opening day is Sunday, May 4th. Make us smile by sharing your photos on our Facebook page.

Do you and your children plant a flower and/or vegetable garden? If you are planning a garden this year, you’ll want to read our article The Family Garden: Seven Simple Steps to Success for some helpful tips before you begin. We often hear from parents that as a result of involving children in growing vegetables, they are enjoying eating them more. Have you found the same success?

Whether running errands, going to work, or getting a well-deserved date night, parents are always in need of a goodbabysitter. In our article How to Select a Babysitter, an important part of the process includes observing the interaction of the potential sitter with your children during the interview.

You can find information about what is going on in Staten Island in our Community and School News section.

Did you know that Staten Island ShopRite store associates are featured on a special edition Cheerios box?

There's more, but I will let you read about it beginning on page 26 (or on www.siparent.com, of course)!

This month, we recognize and honor the women who have chosen to become mothers. It is a challenging and rewarding job for many women.

Gayla Grace expresses how grateful she is to be a mom in her article, The Privilege of Motherhood. We love the interaction with our Facebook community— see some of the comments on motherhood they shared with us.

On behalf of the S.I. Parent team, I want to wish all of our readers who are moms a very happy and special Mother's Day. This year our graphic designer, Michelle Yannaco, is celebrating her first Mother's Day. We at the office are excited to wish her a very special and amazing day.

Happy Mother's Day, Michelle!

Win A To the Moon & Back Name Ring by Nelle & Izzy

I hope you enjoy this month. The days are longer and the weather is warmer. Live in the moment and embrace all the good life has to offer. This time of year really lifts my spirits — especially when I can go out for a walk in one of Staten Island’s many beautiful parks. Will I see you there? Join the current “selfie” craze and post one of yourself on our Facebook page. We’d love to see you!

This double ring features one ring with the script "I love you to the moon & back."

The other ring can be customized with up to 22 characters/spaces.

A $73.00 value!!

See you on Facebook!

Enter online at siparent.com Click the “Contests & Clubs” Tab

STAFF

Two lucky winners will be chosen, but all of our readers can enjoy free shipping on orders at nellandlizzy.com by entering the code siparent14.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht

DESIGNER Michelle Yannaco

PUBLISHERS Roselle Farina Hecht Luciano Rammairone

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCES Linda Bellesi

SENIOR EDITOR/ DESIGNER Gerri Friscia

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Elizabeth Thompson OFFICE ASSISTANT Carole Stillman

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ilene Cohen Janine Mulé Cecilia Saccomagno Jodi Fatto Jeannine Cintron INTERNS Craig P. Cannizzaro Misseannna Dixon Alexis Pennington

You can use a QR Code scanner on a smartphone to visit our website. Download one of the following free apps: QR Reader for iPhone, Barcode Scanner for Android and ScanLife for Blackberry S.I. Parent magazine is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publishers of this magazine do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

1200 South Avenue, Suite 202 • Staten Island, New York 10314 Advertising: 718.761.4800 x7139 | Email: info@siparent.com

www.siparent.com

Regi Now ster Sum for m & Sa er ve!

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Sports Center

Newly Expanded 14,000 Sq. Ft Air-Conditioned Facility

2014

Photo by Sal-Mar Studios

At Athletic Edge Sports Center Summer Camp, children ages 4-12 will receive professional instruction in Gymnastics, Dance and Cheer Technique. Other activities will include: arts & crafts, basketball, soccer, football, baseball, hockey & martial arts. Our full time campers will also enjoy special days which include pizza, ice cream, water games and movies. Our camp will be indoors and outdoors (weather permitting). Our staff is full of trained professionals with the goal of teaching your child the sport of their expertise in a safe and fun environment. All employees are safety certified and trained in CPR.

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SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE 9:00-9:35am Morning Stretch • 9:35-10:15am Tumble Track & Vault • 10:15-10:50am Sports 10:50-11:25am Art & Snack • 11:25am-12:00pm Beam & Bars • 12:00-12:35pm Trampoline & Cheer 12:35-1:15pm LUNCH • 1:15-1:50pm Tumbling & Free Plays • 1:50-2:25pm Dance, Boys-Rings & PBars • 2:25-3:00pm Sports Conditioning • 3:00pm Pick-Up

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MAY 2014

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SPARKLE THIS SPRING WITH SOME BRACES BLING Want a Beautiful, Healthy Smile?

Here's what we can offer you: • Outstanding orthodontic care for all ages • Friendly, courteous, organized staff • Beautiful, clean, comfortable environment • Sterilized instruments & equipment • State of the art self-ligating brackets (Metal or Clear) • Invisalign (Preferred Provider for Invisalign) • Interest fee affordable payment plans

nds mme c o c e AAO r thodonti an Or ation by evalu of 7 age

MICHAEL D’ANNA, DDS

Special 25% FULL INVISALIGN OFF TREATMENT MOTHER’S DAY APPREICATION

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Not valid with other offers. Cannot be combined with reduced fee insurance, must bring coupon. Expires 5/31/14.

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Call to schedule your complimentary evaluation & allow us to help you keep those smiles happy & healthy!

718.948.4384

www.moveatooth.com 115 Seguine Ave SI, NY 10309 "LIKE" us on Facebook! facebook.com/Michael D’Anna DDS

MAY 2014

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K

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Helping Kids One Smile at a Time! nd's n Isladiatric e t a t e S ier P ce Prem ntal Offi De viding e, Pro hensiv d pre Com rsonalize Pe Care

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General Anesthesia and Sedation available: In-Office or at Staten Island University Hospital

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Helping infants, toddlers, children of all ages and those with special needs

FROM THE MOMENT YOU WALK INTO OUR OFFICE, OUR FOCUS IS ON YOUR CHILD

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Major Insurances Accepted. Visa/Mastercard Accepted. Financing Available.

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Dr. Lauren Cox

Like us on Facebook Kids Dental of Staten Island

C OPE AMP N M HOU

ay 1 th SE 0

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Private, Air-Conditioned Facility ALL SPORTS AND SWIMMING ART & DANCE, FENCING & MARTIAL ARTS, DAILY TRIPS & SPECIAL EVENTS MOVIES, SKATING & BOWLING, BASEBALL GAMES, AMUSEMENT PARKS & MUCH MORE!

Adult supervision, F/T medical staff, CIT programs Sibling Discounts, Free Payment Plans No Registration Fees or Hidden Costs

Larry Marantz & Kathy McBride, Directors

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MAY 2014

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cin g

Z D I K A Z Z I P In t rod u

a r t ies P g n i k a z Pi z za M 12 Kidy Onl $169

e Kids Makt and Ea n Their Owt Desser

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Make and Eat Your Own Dessert!

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718.370.0100

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Attention Teachers: Pizza Making Field Trips Available (only $7.00 per child)

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Carnival games (skee ball, baseball toss, crazy cans, ring toss, darts, tip the troll, gone fishing, etc.), juggling, magic shows, hula hooping, fortune-telling, spin art, sand art, clowns, costume characters, face painting, balloon making, temporary tattoos, karaoke, corn dogs, lemonade, jellyapples, cotton candy, snow cones & more!!!

No Open Play On Your Special Day!

CLOWN PACKAGE: 2 HOURS, 12 KIDS + FREE B-DAY CHILD = 13 KIDS UNLIMITED CARNIVAL GAMES, TEMPORARY TATTOOS, PIZZA, REFRESHMENTS, PRETZELS, INVITATIONS, PAPER GOODS, 3 PARTY HOSTS–$349.99 (add'l kids $19.99)

718-356-4FUN (4386) • www.carnivalkidssi.com 971 Rossville Ave • Corner of Gunton Place

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Birthday Child & Make Up

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Boys Welcome

te Priva dates Play ore a p S or m n.

5 ldre chi

Staten Island 4108 Hylan Blvd • 718.356.PARTY (7278)

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Brooklyn 8216 13th Ave • 718.238.PARTY (7278) MAY 2014

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our Invite Y C l a s s!

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$25 OFF ANY PACKAGE

MAY SPECIAL

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with 15 paid children

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Party must take place in May.

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with 25 paid children

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Not valid on VIP Packages and specials and on school holidays. Ad must be presented at time of booking (no exceptions). Offers cannot be combined.

3555 Victory Blvd • 718.370.0077 • VISIT US AT FUNSTATIONSI.COM

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3555 Victory Boulevard 718.370.0077 窶｢ www.FunstationDayCamp.com MAY 2014

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S.I. LIVING

y t i n u m Com & l o o h C s

Bakery Bakery

! ere h t s mo and l a e d s i i s r out e with r me t m e g in Su t ou not sunsh u o y k Wh the hec ENTS y C o V y? r enj mil R OF E 70 fo a f r e s you ENDA n pag event CAL and o endly fri ine onl amily- ning in arks. f pe dP free hap Islan ten Children’s s Boutique Sta

important may school news April 30-May 2: NYS Mathematics Exams; Grade 3-8 May 5-May 7: Make-up dates for NYS Mathematics Exams Monday, May 26: Memorial Day (public & Catholic schools closed)

Carousel for All Children Few things on the Island unofficially kick off the warmer weather more than the opening of the Carousel for All Children in Willowbrook Park. This year, the carousel opens up on Sunday, May 4 at noon. It will be a full day of activities including puppet shows by Puppets in Parks at 1 and 3 p.m. The opening is free to attend but there will be a fee to ride the carousel. While the carousel opens at 12, you’ll want to get to the park earlier. MillionTreesNYC will be there from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. handing out free trees. Those who registered will be provided with trees first.

teens Volunteering for a healthier Community Are you or do you know a teen who is looking to volunteer and give back to his community? Richmond University Medical Center has several volunteer opportunities in their radiology, interventional radiology, pediatrics, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery and recovery, labor and delivery, maternity, and pharmacy departments.

Volunteers will be able to participate in simulated hands-on care, assist with fundraisers, drives, and health fairs, and explore the behind the scenes work involved in running a hospital. For information on how to volunteer, contact Richmond University Medical Center at 718-8182212 or mmcmurray@rumcsi.org.

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Pet Shop

the Fire and Emergency services Exploring Program Is your teen constantly bemoaning that there’s nothing to do on the Island? Are you the one fretting that there aren’t more programs for your teen on the Island? Why not sign them up for The Fire and Emergency Services Exploring Program? The program is open to high school and G.E.D. students between the ages of 14 and 20. The Explorers program offers volunteer work and career training. It allows teens to gain insight and firsthand experience into fire and emergency services and directly interact with local firefighters and emergency medical technicians. If you’d like to sign your teen up for this exciting program, contact info@fdnyexplorers@gmail.com. Visit siparent.com for a full article about the program.

tD Five Boro Bike tour Get ready to cheer on fellow bicyclists! Since 1977, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour has been a staple in New York City for participants and those sitting on the sidelines. The tour kicks off on Sunday, May 4 in lower Manhattan with the Finish Festival awaiting riders in Fort Wadsworth.

With giveaways, musical entertainment, a food concession, and so much more at the finish line, a good time awaits everyone involved.

Won’t be joining in on the Bike Tour festivities but want to make plans for the day? Be careful if you plan on heading over the bridg.

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge will be closed for a duration of the tour.

Readers Are leaders The fourth-grade reading challenge, Readers Are Leaders, kicked off

Creating beautiful, healthy smiles in Staten Island

DR. SALVATORE ESPOSITO DR. RICHARD SACCARO

TM

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF CARING FOR YOUR CHILDREN NORTH SHORE

SOUTH SHORE

718.698.4300

718.984.4545

81 Wyona Ave (near CSI)

Your Start ay. s Tod Brace ONEY NO M & DOWN 0% cing. a Fin n

3 Margaret St (across from Great Kills library)

FREE BLEACHING for mom when your child starts a new braces treatment.

Dr. Esposito is the #1 Invisalign provider in Staten Island

Restrictions apply. New patients only. One coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers and cannot be combined with reduced fee, insurance. Must bring coupon.

Expires 6/10/14.

INVISALIGN TEEN • • • • CES RAN L OR U S N UL TI MOS TED AS F ENT. YM EP ACC RTIAL PA NCE? PA INSURA OUR OUT NO S AB ICE U K AS IN-OFF LAN. TP OUN DISC

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FREE iPAD FOR ANYONE STARTING COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT WITH BRACES OR INVISALIGN. Restrictions apply. New patients only. One coupon per customer.

Not valid with other offers and cannot be combined with reduced fee, insurance.Must bring coupon. Expires 6/10/14.

www.StatenIslandBraces.com AFTER SCHOOL, EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

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S.I. LIVING Community & School News in April with students at P.S. 30. Readers Are Leaders encourages fourth-graders to read at least six books at grade level or above and submit a report on their favorite book that they read during the period. Borough President James Oddo was on hand at P.S. 30 to continue the tradition. “This is an opportunity for our borough’s students to learn how fun and important reading can be,” said Oddo. Since its inception, fourth-graders have read more than 500,000 books for the Readers Are Leaders challenge. At the end of the challenge each school will pick one “Exceptional Reader” to receive an award.

Early Childhood Workshop The Early Childhood Direction Center will be hosting a free workshop for parents of young children and early childhood professionals. The workshop, which will cover the topic of “Discipline, Behavior, and Learning,” will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at Zion Lutheran Preschool (505 Watchogue Road) from 7 to 9 p.m. Some of the many topics that will be addressed during the workshop are specific ways and activities to help shape a child’s behavior, tips on recognizing literacy, and ways to help develop self-control and self-discipline. The presenter for the event will be Dolores Reig, M.S. Ed., Resource & Referral Coordinator at ECDC. Seating is limited, so those who wish to attend are encouraged to register by calling 718-226-6670 or sending an email to ecdc@siuh.edu.

Screen-Free Week Are your children addicted to technology?

What child isn’t these days? That is the main reason Screen-Free Week came about. From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 11, children are encouraged to go without entertainment screen media. Instead they should read, play, think, create, get physically active, and spend more time with family and friends. You can find local events or information on how you can start your own event on siparent.com.

Nutrition and Health Fair

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In association with the NYC Department of Education, P.S. 37R, P.S. 373R, P.S./I.S. 25R, and the Hungerford School will be holding a Nutrition and Health Fair on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair will be held at P.S. 37 (15 Fairfield Street). The mission of the fair is to provide students, parents, and guardians the opportunity to meet and learn about the local businesses in our community.

MAY 2014

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2 Newly Renovated & Beautifully Decorated Party Rooms with a Large Dance Floor

Have your child's them birthday pa ed with us, call rty for details.

We offer a 4 1/2 ho ur Sweet 16 Party!

FINE CATERING 137 Barnard Ave • 718.948.5333 www.ejmichaelsfinecatering.com Communions • Confirmations • Christenings • Sweet 16’s Baby Showers • Bridal Showers • Weddings • Anniversary Parties Holiday Parties • Community Board Meetings • Conferences Repast Luncheons • On & Off Premise Catering

NOW REGISTERING FOR SUMMER SESSIONS Session 1: July 7 - 16 Session 2: August 18 - 27

HUGE FOCUS ON OUR RECREATIONAL DANCERS

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A Taste of Honeyy 3465 Victory Blvd • Staten Island, NY 10314

718-983-0464 www.tasteofhoney.com

TE N T Fi t s u p t o 25 0 Avail ab le f o r We dd i ngs i n A p r i l - N o v em b e r

P I CN I C AR EA P e r f ec t f o r c om p a n y p i c n i c s , f a m i l y re u n i o n s a n d g ra d u a t i on p a r ti e s

S.I. LIVING Community & School News Touch-A-Truck The 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck will be Sunday, May 18 from 12 to 5 p.m at Richmond County Bank Ballpark. It’s a fun time for children of all ages. There will be inflatables, music, crafts, clowns, and games. Some of the trucks at this year’s event include a fire truck, ambulance, school bus, tow truck, and steam roller. No-honk quiet hours will be at 1 and 3 p.m. in the truck lot.

Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the gate.

Tickets will gain you access to a ballpark full of activities. Visit our site for a link for more information and to purchase tickets.

Vision Zero How would you like to personally sit down and speak with the DOT on issues concerning the safety of pedestrians on our city streets? The DOT is launching Vision Zero – a pedestrian safety plan. The plan hopes to improve the road conditions in neighborhoods and prioritize street safety initiatives. There will be a Town Hall meeting for Staten Island on Wednesday, May 7th. The location of the workshop has not been determined yet. Be sure to check our web site for up-to-the-minute news on the meeting.

The Vision Zero plan and ideas from the town meeting will come together at a public workshop on Thursday, June 26. The workshop will be held at Curtis High School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Baseball Battle of the Five Boroughs Calling all baseball fans! The Baseball Battle of the Five Boroughs will start in July. The Borough Cup is a citywide baseball tourney. Teams from five different divisions are guaranteed a minimum of four games. Each borough will crown an individual champion from each age group. Then there will be a round robin championship round between each borough champion. The top two teams will play for the title of “Best of the Boroughs.“ Visit siparent.com for a link to register for the Borough Cup.

Teens and Texting and Driving B A N QU E T HA LL P e rf e ct f o r We d dings , E n g a g e m e n t s a n d S w e e t 16

BOOK YOUR GRADUATION PARTY TODAY!

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This year’s state budget agreement includes harsher laws for teens and new drivers who text while driving, and Assemblyman Cusick is backing up the initiative. The budget increases penalties for holders of probationary licenses.

MAY 2014

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Pouch Day Camp

Owned and operated by Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America

A fun-filled outdoor experience consisting of 120 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of Staten Island’s Green Belt. William H. Pouch Scout Camp has miles of hiking trails and a gorgeous 17-acre lake.

Pouch Day Camp is accredited by the Boy Scouts of America and regularly inspected by the NYC Dept. of Health. Children are supervised by well-trained counselors and accredited program staff.

William H. Pouch Scout Camp 1465 Manor Road 212.651.3073 • Marcelle Grant www.PouchCamp.org PROGRAM ACTIVITIES: • Theater Arts • Trains, Planes, Boats & Maps • Swimming • Crafts • Scavenger Hunts • Water Bottle Rockets • Fishing • Nature and Ecology • Field Sports/Olympics Day Trip • Archery to Alpine’s • Hiking Cub • Climbing Wall World • Knot Tying • Camp Olympics • Weekly Themed Activities • Friday BBQ WEEKLY TRIPS: • BounceU • S.I. Yankees • Aquarium FOR SCOUTERS: • Artist • Citizenship • Emergency Preparedness • Scientist

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S.I. LIVING Community & School News Drivers who take a road test to get a license or to restore a revoked license are placed on a sixmonth probationary period. If these drivers are caught texting and driving, their license will be suspended for 60 days. While the new budget is targeting new and young drivers specifically, Assemblyman Cusick stresses that all drivers should be holding their calls and texts while behind the wheel. “It is important to point out that no one should be driving while texting on their cell phones. Our children learn by example and if their parents or adult guardians are doing it, they will simply think it is OK,” concluded Cusick.

ShopRite Partners In Caring Cheerios Contest Last September, ShopRite and General Mills teamed up to help the hungry in local communities. By collecting donations at checkout and holding various events, associates from all over the nation were able to raise $1.24 million to support regional food banks. Store associates of the ShopRite of Forest and Richmond Avenue were featured on a special-edition Cheerios box sold exclusively at ShopRite stores. Congratulations to all those who participated!

That’s What Friends Are For Awesome giveaways, fun family-friendly events, delicious kid recipes! These are just of few of the exclusive goodies our Family of Friends members get every week! Don’t want to keep missing out? All you have to do is sign up to receive S.I. Parent’s weekly newsletter. To sign up, simply go to siparent.com and fill out the form in the upper right box of our home page. You can also sign up directly from our Facebook page by clicking on the “Sign Up” app button. We promise we won’t spam you; we’ll only send the good stuff!

Visit www.siparent.com’s Home Page for School & Community News Updates

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OUTDOOR FUN

>>>GARDENING

SUCCESS

7 Simple Steps

or many families, getting the yearly garden underway is the surest sign that spring has sprung.

Whether you have a green thumb or have preferred to stick with the farmer’s market in the past, growing your own food in a garden can be a great experience for your family. Include your little ones in the fun with these seven simple steps to gardening with kids.

F

Step One: Measure Your Space Before your garden dreams come to fruition, you must measure and evaluate your space.

This will become the foundation of your garden plan. Get out a sheet of paper and measure the available area that you are willing to devote to a garden. Monitor the amount of sunlight that the space SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GET OUTSIDE gets throughout the day and note WITH YOUR KIDS AND PLANT YOUR OWN GARDEN. that information on your garden fruits and vegetables and maybe even try a few new ones from the plan. Most fruit and vegetable plants need 6-8 hours of direct grocery store before you start your garden. sunlight in order to produce the best results. If you have some shady spaces, make sure to identify them on your plan so that you can Some items you will want to start inside or purchase as plants; select appropriate plants for those areas. make a note of these on your garden plan. When the time comes to buy seeds, take your kids to the store or invite them to help you Keep the size of the garden, or at least the children’s portion of it, place your order online. manageable so as to not overwhelm them. They will be much more apt to help if their plot is sized just for them rather than feeling like Step Four: Gather Your Tools they are expected to weed an acre of various crops.

With kids, it is always best to have the materials on hand before beginning a big project. Younger kids may lose interest quickly and Step Two: won’t want to spend precious time pulling together the gardening Decide if Containers Belong in Your Garden tools, finding the fertilizer, and digging out the gardening gloves Containers can extend your garden space and, particularly in before you start. If you do, they will be gone before you dig the first urban areas, will transform some previously unusable space into hole. Collect all of the supplies before you start and you can hit the productive parts of your garden. If you elect to use containers, ground running. identify their dedicated space on your garden plan. There are many plant varieties bred specifically for container gardening. Be sure to Get your kids their own small tools and gardening gloves to work seek them out if you decide to use containers for best results. with. Having their own tools along with their own small space in the garden will give them ownership over the tasks associated with Step Three: Choose Your Plants gardening in that area.

Take your children along when choosing fruits and vegetables for the garden. They will be more likely to get excited about being Step Five: Plant involved if they are part of the selection process. Getting a few extra You have your plan, you have your tools, and spring is springing fresh veggies into their meals will become a reality if they are everywhere you look. Now is the time to get those seeds and plants growing and harvesting a crop that they are excited about. Pore into the ground. Once the last threat of frost passes, pick a weekend over the seed catalogs and descriptions, talk about their favorite day and get cracking. Turn over the soil, get the sticks and leaves MAY 2014

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from the winter out of the way and show your kids where everything belongs in the garden.

Then turn them loose.

Let them get dirty; it’s part of the process.

Keep your kids’ attention span by having lots of options for them. Digging holes is something they never seem to tire of.

Step Six: Maintain Planning and planting takes up the bulk of the time required for successful gardening, but setting up systems for maintenance will keep things tidy and prolific throughout the growing season. Talk to your kids about weeding and why it is important and set up a schedule. If everyone is responsible for a certain area, the chore becomes more manageable.

Be sure to protect your new plants from bugs and other wildlife. Nothing is as discouraging as growing a beautiful garden and having it be eaten before you can harvest it. Fences and repellents can be employed to keep your garden free of pests. One natural repellant that works well is a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Make sure to inject some fun into your gardening adventures.Take a time to be silly and encourage your child’s imagination. Have your toddler take a daily look for Jack on the beanstalk as your climbing green beans grow.

Step Seven: Harvest When your plants start producing, monitor them daily. For many varieties of fruits and vegetables, the more you pick, the more the plant will produce. If you need to, look up what the finished product of the seeds you planted should look like when ripe (that way you will know what to look for).

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Whether it becomes an acre of bountiful harvest or just some cucumbers and tomatoes for your summertime salads, gardens offer you an opportunity to teach your children valuable life skills. So get out there and make some great family memories.

By Beth N. Davis, a freelance writer who enjoys spending summer days gardening with her husband and their four children.

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Seven Easy Foods Kids Can Grow 1. Green Beans 2. Sugar snap peas 3. Cherry tomatoes 4. Cucumbers 5. Pumpkins 6. Herbs (rosemary, basil, etc) 7. Lettuce or other leafy greens

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GOOD SPORTS

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PARENTS SHOULD BE SEEN AND Your child plays on an organized sports team and isn’t getting as much playing NOT HEARD time as you hoped or think she should. Or maybe he’d rather be playing a different position. Should you approach the coach about the situation?

As someone who has dealt with the issue from both angles, my answer would be an unequivocal and resounding no.

One of the best assistant coaches I’ve every worked with had both of his son’s on one of my teams. One brother was one of the best players; he hit at the top of the lineup and played the key positions.

The other, while a good athlete, struggled in games and, thus, hit toward the bottom of the order and I couldn’t always play him in the positions he desired.

So after a game, my coach complained to me that one of his boys was feeling unappreciated. Did I change how I coached? Of course — I had no choice. Once that parent came to me, I could no longer strategize without having that in the back of my mind.

And while that’s one reason a parent should hold his or her tongue, it’s not the most important one. What’s most important is the lesson you’re teaching your child — namely, that mommy or daddy will fight his battles for him.

I’m the first one to say kids should play sports for fun, but the lessons learned from playing sports should not be overlooked.

When I think back to my own youth sports experience, I know I learned the value of being committed to something and of striving together toward a shared goal. I learned about how working hard will lead to improvement and how to settle disagreements. And that’s to name a few.

Truth is, your child is going to grow up one day, and it’s much more important to teach your children how to stand on their own two feet.

I’m not the perfect parent. And I’ve made my mistakes, both on and off the field. But occasionally I do something really smart.

One of my children was selected to his Little League all-star team.

As we were leaving the field after his first practice, he complained to me that he wasn’t getting a chance at his usual position on the field.

So I took him by the hand, turned him around and started walking him back toward the coach.

“Where are we going?” he asked.

“We need to tell the coach you’re quitting,” I said.

He stopped and told me he didn’t want to quit. So I then explained to him that it was an honor to be on the team, that a lot of boys who were left off would have given anything to trade places with him, and that he needed to work as hard as he could at every practice to prove himself.

Several years later, at his high school baseball dinner, my son’s coach described him as the hardest-working player in the program. I was never more proud, and I’d like to think there was a connection to that first all-star practice.

So how should you handle it when your child isn’t happy with his playing time or position?

First off, you should encourage her to keep working hard at practice, try to make the most of her game opportunities, and to be a good teammate. No worthy coach can ignore these traits.

And if your child is still not happy? You should advise him or her to speak to the coach and ask what he or she could do to improve or play their favorite position or get more playing time.

Most likely, that coach will respect the player and be more willing to try to help the child improve his situation. The child will feel good about standing up for herself. And any change for the better will happen because the player made it happen — not because a parent bullied a coach to give their child something he or she didn’t earn.

Joe LoVerde has been coaching youth sports on Staten Island for nearly 40 years. He’s also a longtime newspaper editor and sportswriter.

Read more Good Sports online anytime!

Go to siparent.com Click the link under SI Living.

SMALL WORLD DENTAL OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. Our child-friendly office is equipped with the latest and modern technology including digital radiography as well as TVs and toys for children to enjoy in our themed treatment rooms.

Sedation is available in our office as well as in the hospital.

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HEALTH

>>>

WHY NEWLY PROPOSED NUTRITION LABELS ARE GOOD* (WITH EMPHASIS ON THE ASTERISK)

t’s nothing new to the American consumer that food packaging emphasizes only part of a product’s health story, and the fact that the nutritional labeling hasn’t been overhauled in 20 years hasn’t helped, says cardiologist and professional chef Michael S. Fenster, MD.

I

A proposed update, which could take a year or more to appear on store shelves, is being driven by first lady Michelle Obama, as part of her “Let’s Move” campaign.

“Our current nutrition labeling is the same as that implemented in the 1990s, except with the 2006 addition of trans fats information. It’s based on nutrition data and eating habits from the 1970s and 1980s,” says “Dr. Mike,” author of “Eating Well, Living Better: The Grassroots Gourmet Guide to Good Health and Great Food” (www.whatscookingwithdoc.com).

NEW NUTRITION LABELS AND HOW TO READ THEM.

From the perspective of physician and foodie, here is his bullet-point analysis of what’s good about the first lady’s proposed new label, while the asterisks denote what could be improved.

Good: Calorie counts would be displayed in a bigger, bolder font.

Emphasizing calories allows consumers to think with a helpful “energy in / energy out” baseline. Do I really need the calories in this product when I could stand to lose a few pounds? That’s a reasonably good question to promote. *Basing the value of food primarily on calories over-simplifies the evaluation process. An energy drink may have zero calories, but it’s not better for you than an apple, which may have 100 calories. We cannot overlook nutrition!

Good: Serving sizes would be determined from real data reflecting the portions real people typically eat. A serving of ice cream is expected to increase from a half cup to a full cup, and a one-serving muffin would be 4 ounces instead of 2 ounces, reflecting the obvious fact that people generally consume the whole scoop of ice cream and the whole muffin. *Food producers may simply change the size of pre-packaged

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portions to skirt the rules. Industry experts suggest some food manufacturers may just reduce the package size to make their labeling more seductive. When food is parceled into smaller packages, the price per unit usually increases – it becomes more expensive for consumers.

Good: New labeling would have listed separately “added sugar.”

The grams of sugar added, irrespective of whether it’s pure cane sugar, corn syrup, honey, sucrose or any other source, would be shown as one listed value. This is good because it starts to get into the quality and composition of the food product, at least indirectly.

Many public health experts say “sweet creep” has been a major contributor to obesity, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. *This will likely be wildly controversial, prompting aggressive lobbying efforts that may have already begun. The Grocery Manufacturers Association and other industry groups note that the current label already includes the total amount of sugar in the product. The food industry argues that natural sugar and added sugar are chemically identical and that the body doesn’t differentiate between the two. However, a significant amount of research shows this is not completely true.

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PARENTING 411

>>>

HIRING THE RIGHT BABYSITTER

iring a babysitter can be a difficult decision for many families. For the first several years of their children's lives, many parents only trust themselves or direct family members to take care of their kids.

But most parents must eventually rely on babysitters to look after their children.

H

Selecting a babysitter is not something to take lightly. Putting your child into the care of another person requires trust and careful vetting of that person.

The best place to begin looking for a babysitter is within your own community. Churches, preschools and a network of friends can usually yield suggestions for potential babysitters. An older child of a close friend is often a person to consider. Otherwise, ask HIRING A BABYSITTER INVOLVES FINDING AN INDIVIDUAL WHO YOU TRUST AND ONE WHO around at your child's day care YOUR KIDS ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH. center or preschool. Some have. Leave emergency phone numbers as well as details on how teachers watch children as a side job, while others may offer you can be reached and where you are going. You may want to recommendations. A school that conducts background checks on inform a close neighbor that you are having a sitter watch the kids their employees as well as screens them for drug use and illnesses and find out if he or she can be available in case of an emergency. can take much of the work out of the vetting process for you. As a parent, you may simply need to call up some of the sitter's You will probably be anxious the first time you leave your references to validate his or her claims of responsibility. children with a sitter. Call home several times to check on things and reassure yourself that all is well.

The next step is to interview a sitter and see how he or she interacts with your child or children. Ask questions at this point, When you return home, ask the sitter how things went. Talk finding out if the sitter is trained in CPR and first aid and if the sitter about situations you know may have been a problem, such as a completed any courses in handling medical emergencies or other reluctance for the kids to go to sleep. Reassuring the sitter that potentially sticky medical situations. Be sure to ask about these behaviors are not a reflection on his or her skills as a sitter will experience watching particular age groups as well. make the babysitter feel more comfortable and secure.

Discuss your rules with the sitter, including bed times, food Some parents feel better by using a nanny cam to keep a close restrictions, policy on visitors, use of certain appliances and use of watch on the situation at home. This is a personal preference and social media or digital devices while babysitting. The babysitter may not be necessary unless you suspect something is awry. In such should understand all of your requirements and agree to them instances, it is better to look for a new sitter instead. Your children readily before being offered the job. can tell you if they liked the sitter and if they felt comfortable with him or her. Kids who appear reluctant to be around the sitter or who Once a babysitter has been selected, have the sitter come to the exhibit a strong desire for their parents to stay home should raise house roughly 30 minutes before you decide to leave. This time some red flags. However, if you've done your research and have gives your children time to grow acclimated to the sitter's presence, found someone you believe to be a reliable and safe sitter, there and it gives you the chance to answer any questions the sitter may should be no problems.

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GROWING UP ONLINE

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Has your child been nominated? Not for class president or team captain. The new way to nominate is to post something outrageous online and then “tag” friends who are expected to top the performance.

Some of these so-called “nek nominations” are silly, harmless fun, but many involve alcohol, drugs or sex. And kids who don’t want to participate may find that they are teased or even bullied.

THE NEW PEER PRESSURE

Peer pressure is nothing new, of course, but new research indicates that social media can exacerbate the problem, making young people more likely to engage in risky behaviors in the hope of winning attention and approval from other teens. One study, by researchers in Belgium, confirmed that peer pressure often plays a role in sexting. Even kids who know it isn’t a good idea to exchange explicit photos may get involved because the short-term boost in popularity seems more important to adolescents than the long-term damage to reputation and self-esteem. Decisions about drugs and alcohol are also heavily influenced by what happens in online friendship networks according to research done recently at the University of Southern California.

Even parents who have Facebook accounts aren’t likely to see much of what goes on in social media, partly because teens are migrating to other sites such as Vine, Snapchat, Instagram, and What’s App. Rather than trying to monitor everything a child does on and offline, parents need to be proactive, equipping teens with information and skills that will help them set appropriate boundaries and live up to their own ideals regardless of what their friends do. Here are some suggestions: Assume your child is under pressure. In its annual survey of substance use, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that 45% of teens have seen social media pictures showing other teens getting drunk, passed out or using drugs. Teens don’t necessarily talk about these photos because they don’t want to get friends in trouble, but the images have an influence.

The same report found that 47% of teens who viewed such photos were convinced the participants were having a terrific time.

Talk often about values. Be sure your child has a clear sense of your expectations. Just as important, talk about the reasons behind the rules you make. “Because I said so” may be adequate for younger children, but your teenager deserves a deeper explanation of what kind of life you hope he or she will lead and why you think drinking, drug use, and casual sex might interfere with his or her prospects.

Clarify consequences. Researchers now know that the part of the brain that is able to anticipate long-term consequences doesn’t develop

until late in adolescence. Social media reinforces short-term thinking with photos that show the fun of partying without the aftermath, which can be unpleasant and even tragic. Parents have to compensate by making the dark side of teen sex and substance abuse equally vivid. Be sure your child understands that there can be lifelong consequences from driving drunk, being arrested while under the influence, distributing pornography, and having unprotected or underage sex.

Rehearse refusal. Teens are often convinced that if they don’t do what a friend wants, they’ll lose the friendship. They will be better prepared to resist pressure if they have thought ahead about things they might say or post when they want to turn down a request. Humor helps. So does changing the subject or suggesting an alternative activity. Remind your child that true friends don’t push each other into situations that are uncomfortable, much less, dangerous.

Be willing to argue. Even when you start with the best of intentions, conversations with teenagers are likely to become confrontational. That’s OK. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that kids who had the confidence to stand up to their parents and argue their point of view were also more likely to resist peer pressure. Even when it seems that your child isn’t listening, keep calm and stay focused on the issue of the moment rather than getting distracted by attitude.

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Use the tools to take control. Facebook’s untag feature is a highly effective way to eliminate posts from people who are pressuring a teen to do something stupid or dangerous. (Go to the activity log by clicking the downward arrow at the top of any FB page. Click Photos and select the problem photo. Select “Remove Tags.”) Even better, encourage your child to activate the ability to "Review posts friends tag you in before they appear on your timeline." (Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner and then choose “Settings.” Select “Timeline and Tagging” on the left side of that page and choose “Review posts.”)

Harness peer pressure for good. After analyzing over a billion status updates on Facebook, a research team from the University of California, San Diego, found that positive posts inspired positive responses. Encourage your kids to engage in good deeds and random acts of kindness. Then they can nominate friends to top those accomplishments.

The power of social media often seems overwhelming but parents have power too. Talking frankly about the kinds of online pressures kids may encounter gives them the opportunity to think ahead so that when the time comes they are better equipped to make decisions in the moment that they won’t regret in the future.

By Carolyn Jabs, M.A., who raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has written Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses conflict. Other columns are available at www.growing-up-online.com. @ Copyright, 2014. Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Re

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Please join us in our mission to continue Gianna’s legacy and to assist families directly whose children are battling cancer.

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We know first hand the pain & uncertainty of caring for a child with cancer.

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“Aren’t you glad it’s May, Philip?” Liam asked his cousin as they were walking to the store to get some ice cream.

“Sure,” Philip replied.

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“Well, that’s an answer but you didn’t tell me why,” Liam said.

A SUPERMARKET ADVENTURE

“Oh, I didn’t know you wanted to know why,” Philip laughed.

“So, I’ll tell you why since you asked. I’m happy it’s May because it is just that much closer to the end of June and summer vacation.”

“I’m glad for that, too – and because, as it gets warmer, I’ll be able to go in the pool,” Liam explained.

“Me, too. I like summer because of cooling off with a good swim in the pool,” Philip agreed.

“The real reason I asked you about May was for something entirely different from swimming in the pool,” Liam stated.

“What was your reason?”

“Well, the reason is that in June we’re going to Hershey. I like Hershey for the rides and the candy,” Liam explained.

“I like it, too. Do they put the chocolate on your pillow when you go to bed?” Philip asked.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that candy. I guess I forgot because my mom never lets me eat it just before I go to bed. I have to wait until after breakfast the next morning. I think this year, I’ll be tall enough to go on all the rides.”

The two cousins continued walking and then turned a corner and Liam said, “Here we are.”

“Good. A scoop of vanilla ice cream would go good about now.”

“Wait, Phil. I have an idea. Let’s go into the supermarket next door to the ice cream store. The supermarket should have more choices,” Liam advised.

“Okay. Let’s go. I may buy some cookies, too,” Philip said.

“Do you think you have enough money?” Liam wanted to know.

“I have a ten dollar bill,” Philip replied and asked, “How much do you have?”

Liam said, “I have the same amount as you, but I have to bring home change.”

The boys went into the supermarket and stood by the shopping carts.

“Do we need a shopping cart?” Liam asked.

“I don’t think so. But, maybe we should take one.”

“Okay. Let’s just take one. We can take turns pushing it around the store,” Liam suggested.

As they walked down the first aisle, they could see signs proclaiming ‘Mother’s Day.’ “You know what. Since we’re here, I’m buying my mom a Mother’s Day card.” Philip advised.

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Liam and Philip stopped in front of the Mother’s Day section and each started reading some of the cards.

i

Threat Thea e l tr p Formerly The Jr. Talisman Players

Presents . . .

e

Philip read the card and agreed it was funny but he said, “I’ve got one here that is really nice. I think my mother will like it. How can you tell how much the card costs?”

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Everything was quiet as the two boys were reading. Then suddenly Liam burst out laughing.

He said, “Hey, Phil, read this card it sure is funny.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure,” Liam responded, “But when my mom buys cards, she looks on the back of the card. Look on the back. It must say something.”

Philip turned the card over. “There isn’t anything except the small printing on the bottom.”

“Does it look like a money amount or something like that?”

“Wait. I do see something. I think this card is $4.99. That’s a lot of money.”

“It sure is, Phil. Are you going to have enough money for your cookies and ice cream?”

“I don’t know. Let me think…maybe I’ll forget the cookies because I really like this card. I wonder how much ice cream is going to cost?”

They walked down the aisle and turned into the next one. It was the cake/pie/spices aisle.

Liam stopped.

“What’s the matter?”

“Look what they have,” Liam said, pointing in the direction of cake flour and pancake mixes.

Philip looked in the direction Liam was pointing and said, “I see where you’re pointing. Are you planning to bake a cake. I see cake mixes.”

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“Look a little to your left,” Liam instructed. “What do you see?”

“I see the brownie mixes,” Philip answered.

“And, next to the brownie mixes?”

Hy

lan DayCa re

, In

”Oh, you mean the pancake mixes.”

c.

“Right. I’ll make pancakes for my mom on Mother’s Day. How much is the pancake mix?”

Philip looked at the tag on the edge of the shelf and said, “Boy they really put a lot of information on the tag. I think a box of pancake mix is $3.79.”

l choo New S ting p e c c A nts!

Stude

“Are all the pancake mixes the same price?” Liam wanted to know.

“Here’s one. I think it is $3.49. Oh, and here’s another. It’s $3.59.”

“Wait. Before I pick one, I’d better look and see the directions for making pancakes,” Liam said as he looked at the directions. “Okay, I’ll take the $3.49 pancake mix.”

When they got to the ice cream, both boys looked at each other and the freezer cases filled with big boxes of ice cream.

“Let’s pay for my card and your pancake mix and we’ll get ice cream in the ice cream store.”

QUIZ

“That’s a great idea, Phil. Let’s go.”

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Why is Liam glad it’s May? Who bought the Mother’s Day card?

How much money did Philip have?

Who would be tall enough for all the rides at Hershey?

Where were Liam and Philip shopping?

Ann Clinton is a Staten Island grandmother who enjoys creating stories for her grandchildren.

Arts & Crafts, Summer Magician, Sprinklers, Camp Music Together Program July 6th August 29th

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718-351-2705 MAY 2014

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Tips • Prod Fun uc t

ws • Birth Ann ou vie Re

Easy Car Seat Cleaning Tips

O.M.G. I’m a MOM!

s

ents • Giveaw ay em nc Shaidee Sun Cover

1. When it comes to your child’s car seat, safety is always first, so be sure not to use any harsh chemical cleaning products, soaps or scrubs.

Reviews

SRP $39.99 www.shaidee.com Keep your child cool this summer!

The Shaidee Sun Cover, available in black or white, is compatible with most carriers and slings, and also fits on car seats and most strollers.

Baby and KidZ BanZ Sunglasses SRP $17.00-$19.99 • usa.babybanz.com Made for ages 0-5, Baby and KidZ BanZ sunglasses have been clinically tested by one of the world’s leading authorities on sunglasses. The sunglasses include an embedded rubber nose and brow piece for added comfort.

SmartGlow TemporalScanner Thermometer SRP $49.99 www.exergensmartglowthermometer.com The SmartGlow TemporalScanner Themometer features four easy ways to take a temperature, including a softly illuminated display – perfect for checking the temperature of a sleeping infant in a darkened room.

ScratchMeNot SRP $24.95-$89.95 www.scratchmenot.com ScratchMeNot is a simple, yet effective mitten that prevents children from damaging their skin due to scratching. Available in several different style options, ScratchMeNot is practical and adorable.

2. Avoid disassembling the seat itself and do not wash any straps or detachable devices in the washing machine (this can cause deterioration, and potentially damage your car seat). A damp cloth may be used on the straps.

3. Mix two cups of warm water with one teaspoon of enzyme laundry detergent (e.g. Nature Clean or Tide Free) to form a mixture that works well on most stains.

4. Follow these simple steps to spot cleaning your messy seat: • Remove excess soil (can use a soft brush or a vacuum) • Apply the soap mixture to the stained area • Agitate stain with a soft brush • Allow solution to remain on stain for one minute • Blot up the stain with a dry, white towel • Thoroughly rinse any remaining soap (can use a spray bottle with water to do this) and blot the area again • Repeat if necessary 5. Go the extra mile with a do-it-yourself, organic, fabric refresher spray: • Fill a spray bottle with a diluted vinegar and water solution • Add half a teaspoon of essential oil (whichever your preference, can even mix them to create a custom scent) • Add half a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, to help emulsify the essential oil(s) • Move harness straps to the side so as not to spray them Car seat cleaning tips are provided by Clek, the award-winning car seat manufacturer.

Win

Radian RXT SRP $339.00 • us.diono.com

The Radian family of car seats are the only convertible + booster seats with a full steel frame, making them one of the safest car seats available today. The Radian RXT is a highly versatile car seat that comfortably seats rear-facing children from 5 to 45 lbs. and forward-facing children from 20 to 80 lbs., then converts to a booster for children up to 120 lbs. Built for superior comfort and practical convenience, the Radian RXT is the only car seat with SuperLATCH connectors, which are four times stronger than the industry standard. With a 10 year lifespan, the Radian RXT offers amazing value, safety, comfort, and convenience.

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Eden II Programs is Pleased to Announce New

SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Contact us for more information:

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FAMILY NEEDS It’s In The Cards

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FAMILY NEEDS It’s In The Cards

MAY 2014

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53

>>> READING

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Providing a premier Catholic education, Pre-K through Grade 8, to the Staten Island community for over 90 years.

A Blue Ribbon nominated school for Excellence in Education.

MOTHER FRANCISKA EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Featuring 3 & 4 year old programs.

Call for information.

718.981.1187 x9136 • 850 Hylan Blvd • SI, NY 10305

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Middle States Accredited Before & After Care Available

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SUMMER CAMP HALF DAY SESSION: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm Ages 7-17

FULL DAY SESSION: Mon-Fri 1:00pm-5:30pm Ages 9-17

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HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO READ eading can have a profound impact on a child's life in and out of the classroom.

Reading can help a young student develop a more extensive vocabulary, and a study from the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics found that reading to young children promotes language acquisition, making it easier for them to learn a foreign language. That's a significant advantage for children growing up in a world that's increasingly global.

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But reading has benefits outside the classroom as well. Reading can provide an escape from the daily grind, which is something even today's youngsters can appreciate. Reading also is a great way for kids to relax and unwind while simultaneously giving their brains a workout.

While many parents recognize the impact reading can have on their children, it's no secret that getting kids to embrace reading can be difficult. Distractions such as video games, social media and even the great outdoors are all there to draw kids away from reading. But parents who want to instill a love of reading in their children can still take steps to ensure their kids don't miss out on the benefits of a good book.

INSTILLING CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE, TECHNIQUE AND EXPRESSION WHILE HAVING FUN

Read to your children. Numerous studies have discovered various benefits of reading to children when they are young. The National Center for Education Statistics notes that children whose parents read to them typically become better readers and perform better in school.

Reading to children early on is the first step toward fostering a love of reading kids will develop and continue throughout their lives.

Many parents read to their children at night before bedtime, but any time of day will suffice.

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Don't be discouraged if kids are not interested in books. While reading fiction can help develop a youngster's imagination, parents should not be discouraged if kids don't want to read books.

Reading the newspaper, magazines and even comic books can help kids develop strong reading skills and an extensive vocabulary and, in the case of comic books, inspire their imaginations. Young sports fans might be more inclined to read the sports page than a novel, so let them do so. Kids are more likely to embrace reading if what they're reading interests them, so encourage kids to read up on those interests, even if that reading does not involve picking up a book.

Get your youngster his or her own library card.

Thanks to the popularity of e-readers, many adults would be hard pressed to locate their local library if asked to do so. But visiting the library is a great way to encourage kids to read, especially if kids have their own library cards. Kids with their own library cards tend to look at visits to the library as shopping trips where they get to make their own choices about what they're taking home with them. And once kids reach a certain age, they can visit the library on their own.

Share your own reading experiences with children. Kids look up to their parents and often want to mimic their behavior. So parents can set a good example by reading as well. On trips to the library, check out your own book. While you might not want to discuss every book you read with your children, discuss the books they're reading. Chances are you read many of those same books yourself when you were a child, and discussing books with your child is a great way to improve his or her reading comprehension.

Distractions abound for today's youngsters, who might not embrace reading as readily as they do video games or social networking. But parents can take many steps to instill a love of reading in their kids that will last a lifetime.

www.inspirationsindance.com 1652 Richmond Avenue – Minutes from the S.I. Mall Coral Island Shopping Center • Corner of Richmond and Victory

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DaVinci Summer Art Program

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Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Fashion & Sculpture Call for brochures for the Da Vinci Camp & our Back to School Art Camp Friday Night Pre-teen Art Classes call for more info.

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55

PETS & HEALTH

>>> PETS

CAN IMPROVE PERSONAL HEALTH

ather than heading to the pharmacy for solutions to common ailments, a majority of people may be able to stop at the nearest pet store or animal shelter and find a finned or furry remedy instead.

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Studies that link positive health benefits to pet ownership abound. According to WebMD, one study found that 48 stockbrokers who adopted a pet experienced lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people who did not own pets.

Another study found that individuals suffering from serious diseases, such as cancer or AIDS are far less likely to experience depression if they have a strong tie to a pet. Plus, pets have proven beneficial to seniors struggling with loneliness.

THE COMPANIONSHIP AND LOVE PETS PROVIDE COULD BE A KEY BENEFIT IN PROMOTING GOOD PERSONAL HEALTH.

of serotonin, a hormone associated with improved mood and well-being, is increased.

Any pet can try a person's patience at times, especially when a kitty has used a sofa as a scratching post or when a pooch needs to be let into the yard at 3 a.m. But for many pet owners, the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the negatives. Here are some of the many ways that pet ownership can be good for your health.

Lower cholesterol: Lifestyle factors associated with pet ownership, particularly a focus on increased physical health and activity, can help lower cholesterol levels. Also, having a pet works to reduce stress, which may keep individuals from looking to fatty foods as sources of alleviating anxiety.

Lower blood pressure: Petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure, as can watching a fish swim around a tank.

Those with hypertension may want to purchase or adopt a companion animal to help lower their blood pressure.

Fight depression: Many therapists have prescribed pet therapy as a method to alleviating and recovering from depression. A pet is an unconditional friend and can provide that listening ear a person needs to talk through problems.

Also, walking and taking care of a pet devotes attention away from problems and inward thinking.

Reduce stress: Stress is something people face on a daily basis. According to a National Health Interview Survey, 75 percent of the general population experiences at least "some stress" every two weeks, and many times that stress is moderate to severe. Research has indicated that when people spend time with a pet their levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered while their level

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Improve physical activity levels: Heading to the gym is one way to get a workout, but spending an hour walking the dog or tossing around a ball for a game of chase and fetch is another way to get the heart pumping. Many dog owners benefit from the "forced" exercise that goes with daily walks.

Some people choose to exercise with their pets, enjoying the

companionship and the physical activity.

Reduce stroke incidences: There has been evidence that cat owners are less likely to suffer strokes than people who do not have cats.

Researchers are not sure of the connection, but surmise that cats have a more calming nature than other types of pets.

Greater opportunities for socialization: Humans are social animals and need to interact with others. Pet owners have a tendency to want to share time and experiences with other pet owners. Pets can provide opportunities for people to get together.

ADHD therapy: Children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often benefit from working with a pet or having a pet as a family companion. Playing with a pet is a great way to release excess energy and focus on tasks. Also, a pet with his or her unconditional love can help someone with ADHD overcome self-esteem issues. Similar results are possible when pets are used as therapy animals for children with autism and other behavioral disabilities.

Reduce propensity for allergies: Children who grow up in homes with cats and dogs are less likely to develop common allergies and even asthma, research suggests. In fact, children who live around two or more dogs or cats before their first birthday are less likely to have allergies of any sort, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction found pet owners were the least likely to have to visit the doctor. The survey of more than 11,000 respondents from Australia, China and Germany found that over a five-year period pet owners made 15 to 20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than non-pet owners.

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COVER STORY

f o e g e l i v i r P

D O O H R E OTH ul For

The

M

f k n a h T e b o t t f i G A A

We asked our Facebook Community some questions about motherhood.

Here’s the scoop from your fellow Staten Island moms:

SIP: Do you view motherhood differently now that you're a mom? Is it harder or easier than you imagined?

Maria Uknowwho: There's an old saying that everyone is a prefect parent until they have children. It's definitely harder than I imagined but it is also the most wonderful thing you can experience.

Lori Del Percio: I thought having babies was the hard part. Boy, was I wrong! Raising a teenaged daughter is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. I have a whole new respect for my mom after all she put up with when I was a teenager!

Jodi Vitagliano-Fatto: It gets harder as they get older but enjoy every minute of it because it goes by too fast

t 38 weeks pregnant, Katie eagerly awaited the birth of her first child.

Her pregnancy had gone well and she looked forward to what lay ahead as she arrived for her routine doctor exam. With little warning, the doctor ushered her to a nearby hospital for a more extensive ultrasound. He said the baby appeared to have quit growing and needed to be examined further. Katie's heart began racing uncontrollably. Several tests later, she learned the baby girl she had carried for nine months would never be normal. Her baby's heart had two chambers instead of four and she likely had Down syndrome.

Katie's doctor gave her the option to abort, which she declined. Upon admittance to the hospital for delivery to begin, a final ultrasound was administered. Tragically, the heartbeat couldn't be found. Katie's baby girl, Bliss Nicole, had died in utero. Katie was to endure delivery of a stillborn baby and cope with the devastating loss of her first child.

We often take the privilege of motherhood for granted, instead of a role to be cherished. Women suffer through infertility, stillborn births, and miscarriages every day. Some women lose the opportunity to complete their mothering role because of illness and death. As mothers, we are blessed to bear and raise our children.

It's easy to overlook the important role we play as mothers, but the influence we have cannot be denied. We teach, we nurture, we counsel, we discipline, we taxi, we solve problems, we ease drama, we nurse wounds and so on. While the preschool years have days that never end, the teen-age years have days that take flight. Before we're ready, our babies begin to drive, graduate from high school, start college, and venture out on their own. Time runs out for those positive parenting moments we intended to have. The daily influences we take for granted to mold our children change to parenting snapshots via text messaging, late-night conversations, and crisis intervention.

SIP: What one thing about motherhood surprised you the most?

Motherhood provides meaning to life we wouldn't otherwise experience.

Although not always easy or enjoyable, life without children wouldn't be the same. The lessons we learn while raising children aren't taught in school: how to make it through a long day after enduring a colicky baby all night, how to rid your child of lice without setting her hair on fire, how to stay calm when the attendance office reports your teenager has skipped school, or how to pay for unexpected accidents with a new driver. As our kids grow older, we learn how to let go when our 18-year-old leaves for college and how to move on when our young adult announces wedding plans.

Mothers offer unending selflessness with little guarantee of what lies ahead.

We endure heartache and disappointment; we celebrate victories and accomplishments. We refuse to give up when our child goes astray, or turn our back when our child rebels. The well-known saying relays it best: "No one loves me like my mother."

Motherhood never truly ends. Whether your mom lives next door or out-ofstate, she's always a phone call away. When my job ended in my young adult years, Mom was the first to know. When my children were born, she celebrated with me. When I endured a difficult divorce, she walked with me. When I struggled as a single parent, she encouraged me. When I celebrated marriage again with a new family, she congratulated me.

Now, as my mom approaches her sunset years, I seek to be there for her. Our roles reverse as I watch the effects of Alzheimer's grip her failing mind. The caretaking role goes full circle: sacrificial love and devotion without end.

My friend Katie cherishes the joy of birthing four healthy babies following the heartache of her firstborn. Grieving her loss as a young mother evokes unending appreciation for a role she'll never take for granted. Guiding young lives blesses her days.

As a mother, celebrate your role this holiday season. Affirm your value and commit to be a positive influence as you guide and nurture your children. No one else can play the role only you have been granted.

Gayla Grace is a mom and stepmom to five children with only one left at home.

She considers it a privilege to be called Mom.

Marsha Jones-Ho: Motherhood is a series of surprises. I like to think of it as a game show where I'm the quirky host. Sometimes, it's like Fear Factor. Who knew I'd be willing to catch the projectile vomit of the sick child so I wouldn't have to scrub it all from the rug. Or forget to eat and get so hungry that I'd be willing to eat the half chewed chicken nugget and the hard parts of the fries. I'm surprised at simple and brilliant observations they make of the world around them. How they are empathetic and see beauty in places that we as adults no longer choose to see.

Motherhood surprises me with the depth and range of feelings I feel because of my growing little ones.

AndrĂŠana Marjorie Powell: How many people will criticize your choices you make for your baby and how you need to let go of what they say and do what YOU feel is best for your child. No one knows your child better than yourself.

Lourdes Golden: That it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

Christine McLaughlin Piecyk: Just one thing? As a mom of twins I realized that your relationship with each child is different. And you need to run your own race, and not compare yourself to everyone else. And yes, the GUILT!!

It never ends!

Lisa Galizia: That no matter how many hours there are in a day it's not enough, the anger you can feel when your child is hurt and disappointed, the love and joy you can feel when you see them, the feeling of loving something more than the universe!!! I love being a mom.

Patricia Galante Perez: So far, how different two children could be! Raised the same and only 3 yrs apart.

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DEAR TEACHER

by Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts

Checklist for Finding Quality Summer Learning Programs

Solid Advice on Improving Children’s Basic Skills and Addressing Parental Concerns

Question: I truly understand how important it is to have my children engaged in summer learning activities so they'll start the next school year successfully. I have them enrolled in a variety of programs in our community. How can I be sure that they are in good programs that will stop them from suffering a learning loss this summer? — For Summer Learning

Answer: All educators will applaud your efforts to keep your children involved in learning activities this summer. The Summer Matters campaign (www.summermatters2you.net) has highlighted the following 10 ways for you to know if your children are in a great summer learning program. If your children are in a quality program, you should see: • Kids who are happy and engaged.

• Kids who feel safe.

• Kids learning by doing.

• Kids being creative.

• Kids moving and playing.

• Kids showing off their learning.

• Kids engaged in a wide array of meaningful activities (the arts, sports, science, service, learning, etc.) that are purposeful about learning, complement (but don't repeat) school-day learning, and leverage community, city and school district resources (nonprofits, parks, libraries, museums, universities, etc.).

• Staff who are positive and involved.

• Staff welcoming parents.

• Summer camp spirit.

Don't think that enrolling your children in a quality summer learning program is enough to get them ready for next year in school. More is needed. You should definitely try to give them more summer learning opportunities through enriching experiences.

According to the Summer Matters campaign, this means: • Reading to your children or encouraging them to read books recommended by their teachers, your local library and online summer reading lists. And signing them up for your library's Summer Reading Program, which offers incentives for summer reading.

• Visiting free local resources that are both entertaining and educational, such as libraries, parks, museums, universities and community centers.

• Playing fun math and word games that turn everyday activities into learning opportunities.

• Asking your children's teachers, if possible, to recommend online educational worksheets and activities that can be downloaded for free.

• Turning off the TV (or at least limiting the amount of screen time). And keeping your children moving with activities that encourage learning as well as physical activity.

The checklists are reprinted with permission from the Summer Matters campaign.

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Encouraging Reading through Play Question: I'd like some suggestions about ways to encourage my young children to read through play. — For Fun Answer: Rachel Payne, coordinator of Children's and Family Services for the Brooklyn Public Library, has these great suggestions of activities and books to accompany each activity. According to her, playing with your child is not only fun, it's one of the most important ways you can encourage development. As your children's first teacher, you are helping them develop literacy skills.

You don't need expensive toys, just imagination and your children's favorite playmate -- YOU! A recent study of 1- to 2-year-olds found that those who played with blocks with their parents for 20 minutes a day scored 15 percent higher on language-development tests and were 80 percent less likely to watch television. Letters and words are made up of shapes. The more a child plays with the shapes found in blocks, play dough and other materials, the better able he or she will be to understand the shapes of letters and words. Below are some fun activities and books to help get you started: Cereal Box Blocks: Use empty cereal and food boxes by stuffing them with newspaper and taping the flaps closed.

Line them up like dominoes to knock down or build a tower. You also can talk about the pictures and letters on the boxes.

• Book pairing: "Not a Box" by Antoinette Portis

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Let's Go Shopping!: You also can use empty food boxes to set up a grocery with children who are ready for pretend play. Get shopping bags or baskets, play money and a shoebox for a cash register. Make a shopping list with your child. Take turns being the cashier or customer.

• Book pairing: "Feast for 10" by Cathryn Falwell Edible Play Dough: Mix one part flour, two parts oatmeal and one part water in a bowl. Give your child a small piece to explore. Add some utensils, measuring spoons, cups, bowls and jar lids. Label the shapes your child is making ("You made a circle”). You can encourage older children to make letters or shapes.

• Book pairing: "Clay Boy" by Mirra Ginsburg, Jos. A. Smith

Teaching Measurement without a Ruler Question: My first-grader just started learning how to measure recently in math class. The teacher said that the students will not be using rulers this year. I am definitely puzzled about how he can learn to measure without using a ruler. — For Rulers Answer: When people first measured objects, they used nonstandard units of measure, such as the length of a king's foot or the span of a person's hand. When children measure all sorts of different things using non-standard units, they learn what measurement means. It is a meaningful way for them to learn this important concept. For example, your child could learn about measurement by counting the steps across his bedroom or the number of paper clips long a pencil is.

Parents should send questions to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ website at www.dearteacher.com.

MAY 2014

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L

o c i S a l! t e G s ’ t e S.I. PARENT asked:

How old was your child when you made the transition from bath to shower?

COMMENTS:

Deirdre Sollecito-Silva: We started the shower when he was five to start getting him use to it.

But he still took baths because he liked it better. Only showers now since he turned seven.

Michelle Rijo: We started at 3. My oldest daughter loved it. We even bought the soap from Babies R Us with the slip free cover over it to help. Now it's my son's turn and he's having a ball!

Murni Simanjuntak-Rovinsky: I think I started giving my kids showers as soon as they could stand on their own.They still take a bath once in a while. Where I come from taking a bath is a luxury so I don't really like to waste water.

r e t t a h C

Last month on Facebook we chatted about bullies, standardized tests, parentteacher conferences, egg hunts, and much more! Aside from all Niki Tulier: Bath is easier for me with two, and my 1 & 3 year-olds love the bath. When the input you'll get from fellow Staten I'm in a rush I have the 3 year-old shower and she likes playing with the extra nozzle Islanders, it's where we post updates she can hold. I agree though if they like the bath, I would stick with it. on what's going on, as well as some funny cartoons – because, well, we all need Lisa Pressman Peghi: My older son is 6 and he likes showering a laugh from time to time! Join us. We'd like to better than a bath. It makes him feel more independent. hear what you think!

Like us on Facebook.com/siparent to see more on these and other topics.

Join us & over 7,000 of our closest friends to discuss today's issues.

S.I. PARENT asked: It's fun!

When you have plans and the kids will not be coming along, who babysits? A family member, friends, or do you hire a babysitter?

COMMENTS:

Kristi Mullins Casey: People actually get to go places without their kids?!?! I wish. Whenever we've had the need to both be gone at the same time, it has always been family or close friends of the family who stay with our four.

Marisol Gomez-Mena: Family, only for emergencies. Other than that we always take the kids with us.

Elise Murphy: I don't have a lot of family so when those options are exhausted I've recently been taking word of mouth and hiring a babysitter. Never for longer than 3hrs though. Most cases hubby and I are playing rock, paper, scissor for who gets to go out. I think he cheats. LOL! Janine Quitsch: I can't even remember the last time my husband and I have gotten to go out. The closest we've come is working on the same day and that day we hired a babysitter that a neighbor had used for many years.

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ASK THE DOCTOR Dr. Pankaj Patel, Clinical Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center

CAN I PASS MY ANXIETY ON TO MY CHILD? In recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4th-11th), I would like to address a question I am often asked by Staten Island parents. Can I pass on my anxiety to my child?

The simple answer is yes. Every day we strive to set a good example for our children. We tell them to speak politely to others, clean up after themselves, and treat teachers with respect. But it’s often the things we don’t say to them that leave a lasting impression. Our actions do speak louder than words.

Kids can tell when mom and dad are stressed -they can tell by your expression. They hear your cell phone conversation when you assume they aren’t listening. Children are attuned to emotions, and while they might not understand your cause of stress, they do know it affects you.

So what happens when your child begins picking up on your fears? A family trip to Florida must be driven because mom is afraid to fly, or dad despises visits to the doctor because of a fear of needles. Children pick up on things you avoid, and you must begin to consciously reverse the impact.

Think Big, Start Small.

Start with little things; don’t try to tackle your greatest fear.

If you feel claustrophobic and need to sit at the back of a theater or near the door in a restaurant, switch seats. Do things gradually but make the effort to address these fears. If just the thought of addressing anxiety brings more anxiety, consider seeing a therapist or psychiatrist to see you through a plan. In cases of severe anxiety in children, it’s best to enlist a therapist early on to address it. If you don’t feel you can handle it alone, help is always available.

You may not feel in control of your own emotions, but you have the ability to set the tone for your child. Be a role model, they are watching. If you don’t suffer from anxieties, try to understand your child and never belittle their emotions.

Anxiety is a real emotion; it can cause panic attacks, vomiting, and other physical symptoms. To make their fear sound absurd may further isolate them and heighten fears.

Teach Them How to Act. Teach them by example how to be anxiety free, but also teach them how to cope through their own self confidence.

Talk to your child when you know their anxiety is building, help redirect the thought process as they anticipate something they fear. If your child is young, role play with dolls. Address an emotion in the pretend play and let the doll face their fear. Act out the situation and the time building up to it, this will reinforce belief that it can be accomplished because the dolls believed in themselves.

Teach ways for them to address their fear and how to calm down. Teach breathing techniques, redirect them to drawing when nervous, or identify a stuffed animal that brings them comfort and have them cuddle when the fear builds.

Sometimes, helping others through an anxiety can help us address our own fears. It works in adults but it works in children too. Let them know you or a sibling really needs help when they seem consumed in their anxiety. Their desire to care for their loved one may bring them to focus on the situation in front of them.

Every Step of Success Deserves Praise.

Lastly, reward them. Verbal praise is just fine and really stays with a child throughout their life. Let them know how proud you are, even if they’ve made a baby step in their progress. Give yourself a little pat on the back when you address your own fear as well!

For more information or to have yourself or child evaluated, please call 718-818-6132.

Dr. Pankaj Patel is the Clinical Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center. Dr. Patel is currently overseeing the expansion of the hospital’s Child Psychiatric Unit, an inpatient acute care unit that is doubling the number of beds for children and adolescents to receive care close to home on Staten Island.

MAY 2014

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Staten Island Tennis Camp

GIGI’S WORLD

by Giavanna and Gina Schrecker

SI Community Tennis Center

At the College of Staten Island

MON-FRI • 9AM-4PM • AGES 6-17 6 INDOOR AIR CONDITIONED COURTS 6 OUTDOOR COURTS SWIMMING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

also le availab

• Leagues/Random Courts • Junior Tennis Program (ages 4 & up • beginner-advanced) • Day ~ Evening ~ Weekends Available • Private or Group Instruction

718

982-3355 for info.

Hi! My name’s Giavanna, but everyone calls me Gigi.

There’s so much going on in my life that I want to share with you. That’s why, with the help of my mom Gina LaGuardia-Schrecker, VP of Content Development and Social Media for The CollegeBound Network, I am writing a monthly kid’s-eye view of what it is like in my world.

Far, far away…

I just got back from my very first Girl Scout camping trip to Camp Kaufmann in upstate New York, and it was so much fun. We arrived around 8 p.m. on the Friday night that began spring break (perfect timing!) and made the trek up to our cabin, which was really big and rustic.

Once we settled in, organized our luggage, and set up our beds, we did “SWAPS,” which is short for “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere,” something I’d never heard of until Girl Scouts. Wow – I was really missing out all these years! They were so much fun to make – I had worked on little ice cube bags, life jackets, and snow cones the week before we left for camp so I was all ready to start trading. Other girls made mini flashlights, flowers, s’mores, etc. The hat I have all my SWAPS pinned on is something to see, believe me!

Home of the Staten Island Special Education Parent Center

Does Your Child Have A Disability or Special Health Care Needs?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! “WE CARE, WE’VE BEEN THERE”

Parent to Parent is a support network and is the Staten Island Parent Resource Center for children with Special Education Needs, Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Challenges and Special Health Care Needs.

Founded and directed by parents of children with special needs.

For More Information Call 718.494.4872 Fax: 718.494.4805 1050 Forest Hill Rd • SI, NY 10314 Email: siptp@aol.com

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After that, we went onto our next nighttime craft – bandana pillows. That was a lot of fun and was the perfect segue to get into our pajamas since it was getting late. Some of us got into our beds, but most of us sat together to tell and listen to some scary stories. I told my favorite spooky tale that I’d learned from my Uncle Joey about “Flip Flop Flappy Jack Give the Dog a Bone,” a ghost creature that visits my cousins’ backyard on damp, dreary nights. That one is always good for a little laugh and a tremble! My friends seemed to really enjoy it.

After finally falling asleep around 2 a.m. (the latest I’ve ever stayed up!), we awoke to a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and fruit bowls made by the team that was assigned to morning kitchen duty. It was delicious; they did a great job. After we cleaned up and got dressed, we went outside and made homemade ice cream, something I’m definitely going to try to do again, since it came out so delicious. (See the recipe, at right.)

After that, we continued with our outdoors cooking and made chocolate chip cookies on a box oven... we were really roughing it. They even tasted liked bacon … must have been the last thing someone had cooked in that oven box! Of course, we didn't mind!

Later on in the day, we got to participate in the Girl Scout camp’s organic garden dedication. It was cool. We got fancy bottles of seltzer, planted flowers

in plastic cups to take home (mine is sprouting now!), and even fed some chickens.

Believe it or not, this was all before lunch! At that point, we went back to our cabin to make and pack some sandwiches in our backpacks and headed off to archery range. I hit most of my arrows on the targets, which was an accomplishment. Just call me “Merida”!

After lunch, we went though the physical fitness trail. Soon after, we did low ropes, which was all about trust. We went though a spider web of ropes, did a balance board, and walked on a tightrope – definitely something you don’t do every weekend!

That night, the group in charge of dinner set up a taco station, as well as macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets – yes, it was like we went to kidfood heaven! After dinner, we put together a campfire (of course) for s’mores and banana boats (another dessert that was “scrumdidliocious!”) and to sing some campfire songs. We capped off the evening with a DIY fashion show where we designed dresses using plastic tablecloths and ribbons. You’d be surprised how beautiful they turned out!

After such a fun-filled, nonstop few days, we all fell into bed, exhausted. When we awoke on Sunday morning, we had a quick breakfast of bagels, did a little shopping in the Girl Scout camp’s trading post, and then got ready to head back home.

The biggest thing I took away from this weekend was that the country is so quiet, beautiful, and peaceful; I really loved it! It was nice to get away from the beeping horns and traffic of Staten Island and enjoy nature, the stars in the sky, and my friends.

I can’t wait to do it again next year!

STATEN ISLAND’S PREMIER BASKETBALL CENTER ys, ield DaMore!

F l o o h r Sc ls & Great fohool Rehearsa c S Dance

RENTALS INDIVIDUAL & GROUP LESSONS

Attn: Coaches Team Discounts for Rentals

LEAGUES CLINICS CAMPS TOURNAMENTS

CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY AT FASTBREAK BASKETBALL CENTER We’ll entertain the kids with the best 2 hour basketball party ever!

Children will play on our new basketball court with instructors for fun & games; we provide pre-printed basketball invitations, party room with pizza, drinks, cake coffee and paper goods.

Birthday child receives a Fastbreak Basketball T-shirt.

FRIDAY NIGHT OPEN GYM (ALL YEAR ROUND) 7PM-10PM Co-Ed grades 3-8 $15 for three hours of fun & games Music, Basketball, Ping Pong, Knock Hockey, Karaoke, Wii

SATURDAY NIGHT H.S. OPEN GYM 8PM-11PM Co-Ed grades 8-11

BIRTHDAY CHILD FREE

ool Great for sch s ip tr ay d field

SUMMER CAMP 2014

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM RECIPE

July 7-11 • July 14-18 • July 21-25 • July 28-Aug 1 Aug 11-15 • Aug 18-22 • Aug 25-29 9am-3pm • Early Drop Off Available at 8:30am • Ages 7-14 $225 per week • Multi-week & group discounts

· 1 cup half and half · 2 tablespoons of sugar · 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla · 1 cup of rock salt · lots of ice

High School Camp • August 4th-8th

Straight from Girl Scout Camp

In a little zipper bag, combine the half & half, sugar, and vanilla. In a large zipper bag, mix in rock salt and ice. Then put the little zipper bag in the big one and close. Shake up violently (yes, violently!) until the ice cream becomes hard. Put in a bowl (the ice cream – not the salt and ice), and enjoy!

Staten Islanders Giavanna & Gina Schrecker invite you to write to them at editorial@siparent.com or post to www.facebook.com/siparent

Grades 9-12 • Limited Registration

$25 OFF IF PAID IN FULL BY JUNE 1 High School Boot Camp • May 6th-June 5th Tuesdays and Thursdays

SPRING PROGRAMS FUNdamental Clinic K-2nd Grade Children learn to dribble with both hands and shoot a lay-up, pass and catch. Play defense and the basics of team play-10 weeks

Small Group lessons • Grades 3-9 Ball handling, passing, shooting, defense, rebounding, screening & more.

236 Richmond Valley Rd 718-948-3710 • www.fastbreakhoops.com MAY 2014

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FAMILY CALENDAR THE LIBRARY IS A GREAT PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS. For local Library Hours and Locations, visit www.siparent.com/library-hours

MORE FUN FAMILY EVENTS ONLINE! Visit www.siparent.com’s home page and click on “Upcoming Events”

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MAY IS: Family Wellness Month Healthy Vision Month Jewish American Heritage Month National Barbecue Month

IMPORTANT DATES: Cinco de Mayo – May 5 National Teacher Day – May 6 Mother’s Day – May 11 Learn to Swim Day – May 17 New York Fleet Week – May 21-28 Memorial Day – May 26

718-351-3450 9:30 am • Free • All ages 718-351-2977 10:30 am • Free • Ages 1.5-2.5

PLEASE NOTE: Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. We strongly suggest calling to confirm times, prices, ages, etc. before you attend.

THURSDAY, MAY 1

Shape Up NYC: Stretch, Tone and Balance McDonald Park House 9:00 am • Free • All ages Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • 5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5 Baby & Me Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Dutch Art Revival After 20 Years Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 12:00 pm • 5/4 • All ages Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Read Aloud w/ Coloring Craft Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Homework Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Traveling Lantern Theater – Johnny Appleseed New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 4+ Shape Up NYC: Bootcamp McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:00 pm • Free • All ages

FRIDAY, MAY 2 Toddler Rhyme Time New Dorp Library

Toddler Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5 Toddler Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

I Love My Park Day The Interpretive Center 718-605-3970 10:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 13+ Staten Island Tree Giveaway Willowbrook Park 718-698-2186 10:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Carousel Opening Day Willowbrook Park 718-698-2186 10:00 am • Free • All ages

Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5

Freshkills Park Tour Fresh Kills 10:00 am • Free • All ages

Dutch Art Revival After 20 Years Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 12:00 pm • $5/4 • All ages

Zumba Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • All ages

Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages

Memoir Writing Workshop St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30 am • Free • Adults

Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2:00 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages

Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5+ Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Reading Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages

SATURDAY, MAY 3

Table Tennis Tournament Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 9:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House 9:30 am • Free • All ages Annual Spring Ten Greenbelt Nature Center

Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 11:00 am • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Making of the Civil War: A Free Discussion Series Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 11:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Arts, Culture & Fun: Jewelry Making & Design Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 11:00 am • Free • All ages Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 11:15 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Dutch Art Revival After 20 Years Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 12:00 pm • $5/4 • All ages Shape Up NYC: Dance and Fitness Infusion McDonald Park House 1:00 pm • Free • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages Up4Art SI Children's Museum

CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Expanded & Enhanced

718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • All ages Knitting Hour South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • Adults

SUNDAY, MAY 4

Table Tennis Tournament Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 9:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Archery Willowbrook Park 718-698-2186 11:00 am • Free • Ages 8+

6th Annual North Shore Rotary Bowl-aThon Rab's Country Lanes 718-979-1600 2:00 pm • $50 • All ages

Staten Island Tree Giveaway Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 11:00 am • Free • Register • All ages

Shape Up NYC: Aerobics McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:00 am • Free • All ages

Musical Chairs Chamber Ensemble Concert Staten Island Museum 718-727-1135 7:30 pm • $15/12 • All ages

Eric Carle – The Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime Barnes & Noble 718-982-6983 11:00 am • Free • Ages 4+

CAROUSEL OPENING DAY

Happy Hounds Hike Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 11:00 am • Free • Register • All ages

Saturday, May 3 Willowbrook Park 12-4pm All ages Free www.nycgovparks.org

The Carousel for all Children opens today with a full day of festivities, including a tree giveaway and a puppet show. The event is free to attend but there will be a fee to ride the carousel.

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Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10

Cherry Blooming Time Silver Lake Park 11:00 am • Free All ages Lizards and Frogs and Snakes – Oh My! Blue Heron Nature Center 718-967-3542 12:00 pm • Free All ages Kayak Freshkills Park Fresh Kills 12:00 pm • Free Register • All ages Arts, Culture & Fun: Tap Your Way Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 12:00 pm • Free • All ages Dutch Art Revival After 20 Years Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 12:00 pm • $5/4 • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages

MONDAY, MAY 5

All Join In! Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • Ages 2-4 Baby and Me Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Teen Cafe Remixed New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • All ages Film Program West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 0-12 Read Aloud Huguenot Library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Picture Book Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Global Scholars: My Meal Matters Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-13 Homework Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-12

J&J Academy 718-698-0280 55 Wyona Ave, S.I. NY 10314 Just bring your little prince or princess and WE will take care of the rest!!!

Saturday & Sunday care available.

Check website for details.

NO REGISTRATION FEE, OR DEPOSITS.

FREE A.M. UPK • ACD Voucher accepted • FREE Breakfast & Hot Lunch are served • FREE weekly Chinese class • New York State certified teacher, small class ratio, all CPR trained staff • Follow UPK curriculum for 4 years old • Open Mon to Fri 7:00am to 7:00pm • 4000sq. ft of playground

Please visit our website: www.jjacademy.org for more information

Register Now for

SUMMER CAMP and UPK 2014!

GAMES • LAMPS • MOBILES • PUZZLES • SWINGS • BOUNCERS • DRESSERS • WALL HANGINGS • GATES

WE’LL PAY YOU TO CLEAN OUT YOUR KIDS’ CLOSETS Kidsff’ Stu

Imagine a place where you can get paid for cleaning out your closets! That place is Once Upon A Child. We buy and sell new and gently used children’s clothing, accessories, toys, furniture and equipment. And we pay you immediately for all items accepted. Go through those closets and bring us your kids’ stuff today.

Voted #1 Children’s Store on Staten Island

Heartland Center 2305 Richmond Ave. 718-370-3006 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Sun 12pm-5pm We buy from 11-5 Except Sunday

DECOR ITEMS • BEDDING SETS • BLANKETS • HIGH CHAIRS • ACCESSORIES

BRAND NAME APPAREL • TOYS • CRIBS • STROLLERS • BOOKS • SHEETS

Get ready for Sept. in our Summer Camp

• 8 Week Program • Ages 2.0 & Up • Half & Full Days • Universal Pre-K Provider • Music, Arts & Crafts, Science • 1/2 Acre Outdoor Play Area Family • Air-Conditioned Owned & • State-of-the-Art Operated Since Playground/Playscape 1983

THE

TANGLEWOOD SCHOOL

Quality Education for Young Children

15 Tanglewood Drive Corner of Arthur Kill Road

718.967.2424 MAY 2014

www.siparent.com

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Expanded & Enhanced

Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 5:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-7 Shape Up NYC: Kettlebell, Core and Conditioning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:30 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Body Blast McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:30 pm • Free • All ages

TUESDAY, MAY 6

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:30 am • Free • All ages Baby Space St. George Library

TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR

718-442-8560 10:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 0-1.5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 718-982-6983 10:30 am • Free • All ages LLL of Staten Island Daytime Meeting Christ Church of New Brighton 10:30 am • Free • Adults Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5 Knit and Crochet Club Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • Adults Preschool Story Time Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 1:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 3-5

Sunday, May 4 www.bikenewyork.org

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free Ages 12-18 Preschool Program New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 3:30 pm • Free Ages 2.5-5

As part of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, 32,000 cyclists will have the chance to bike through all five of New York City’s boroughs. The tour kicks off in lower Manhattan and ends in Fort Wadsworth. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge will be closed for parts of the tour.

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Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 3:30 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Friendship Bracelets Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Teen/Tween Sewing Workshop Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Register • Ages 10-18

Preschool Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3-5 Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Kids’ Activities St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 4-7 E-Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 13-18 Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages Early Childhood Development Workshop Zion Lutheran Preschool 718-981-3623 7:00 pm • Free • Register • All ages

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 Baby Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-2

Dutch Art Revival After 20 Years Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 12:00 pm • $5/4 • All ages Clay Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10 Teen Club New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Mother’s Day Craft Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 3:00 pm • Free • All ages Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • All ages

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL

Start your child off on the right path!

Become a part of the Catholic school tradition.

• Advance ED Accredited/NCA • NYS Certified teaching staff • Common Core Curriculum PreK 4 to Grade 8 • High tech computer lab • Interactive Smartboard in all classrooms • Internet access throughout the school enabling students to research lessons utilizing laptops • Remediation program, school counselor & meeting room • NJHS Chapter; Student Government • Science, Engineering and Technology Club; • Mentoring program for Grade 8; Grade 8 Honors Math • Spanish Grades 3-8 Pre-K • State of the art athletic center with two new gymnasiums and an outdoor soccer field to 8th • Before and after care school program Grade • Full time school nurse

Pre K 3 Half Day: Tues & Thurs • 8:30-11:00 & 12:00-2:30 Pre K 4 Full Day: Mon, Wed & Fri • 8:30-2:30 Pre K 4 Emergent Literacy with Happily Ever After Reading Program, Formal Music and Computer Classes.

Rolling Registration.

Call for an Appointment.

To Register Call 718-984-5750 Irma Cummings, Principal or 718-984-0593 Debbie Emigholz, Parish Manager 5411 AMBOY ROAD • SI, NY 10312

MAY 2014

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Expanded & Enhanced

Teen Movie Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 13-18 Bookcraft Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 4-8 Tween Activities St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-12 Picture Book Time/Reading Aloud New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Kiddie Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 0-12

TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT Saturday, May 3Sunday, May 4

Family Story Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Read Aloud West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 NLM Friends Meeting Seamen's Society for Children & Families 855-NLM-SINY 6:00 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Yoga – Relax and Stretch McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:30 pm • Free • All ages

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Shape Up NYC: Stretch, Tone and Balance McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:00 am • Free • All ages Toddler Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30 am • Free • Register • Ages 1.5-3 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • 5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5

Greenbelt Nature Center 9am-3pm All ages Free www.sigreenbelt.org

The tournament is free and open to the public. Competition will include men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed tournament. Certificates will be awarded for ages 18 and over.

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Baby & Me Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free Ages 0-1.5

718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Read Aloud w/ Coloring Craft Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Sponge Painting Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Homework Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 5-12 Shape Up NYC: Bootcamp McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:00 pm • Free • All ages

FRIDAY, MAY 9

Toddler Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5 Toddler Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 PreSchool Fridays Huguenot Library 718-984-4636 10:30 am • Free • Ages 3-5

Dutch Art Revival After 20 Years Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 12:00 pm • 5/4 • All ages

Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5

Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

Preschool Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 10:30 am • Free • Ages 3-5

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Preschool Story Time Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 3-5

Teen Lounge Great Kills Library

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library

Michael De Simone Ph.D, LCSW

michaeldesimonetherapy.com

HELPING ADULTS, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH

Anxiety • Fears & Worries • Anger Depression • Grief & Sadness Insecurity & Shyness Self Esteem & Relationship Problems In a Private, Comfortable and Confidential Setting

For information or consultation call 718-650-9000 or e-mail michael.w.desimone@gmail.com 175 Burbank Ave (New Dorp) Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MichaelDeSimonePhD

Created By You PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY STUDIO

ArtKidsClasses: – Fri: 3-4:30pm Adults – Thur: 7-9pm Must Register!

ST. JOHN VILLA ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP June 30 thru August 15 • 9am-3:45pm • Ages 5-12

Paint Your OwnPottery or Ceramics

$30 OFF

• 5 & 3 Day Programs Available (Early drop off and late pick up) • Sibling Discounts • 2 Swimming Pools (Lessons available)

Gift tes ica Cer tifilable Ava

Ear l y by Bir d 3 May 2

• • • • •

Creative Arts and Crafts Mad Science 12 Carnival Rides 20 es Rat Talent Show Interactive Learning Programs

Information, application materials and rates on www.sjva.org or call Mary Ellen at 718.447.4150 x156 57 Cleveland Place • SI, NY10305

birthday parties booked in May 2014.

Free Studio

(5 or more painters. Call to reserve table.)

www.created-by-you.com 59 New Dorp Plaza North 718-979-1841 MAY 2014

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Expanded & Enhanced

212-621-0690 11:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Mother’s Day Arts and Craft Fair Alice Austen House Museum 718-816-4506 11:00 am • Free • All ages Dutch Art Revival After 20 Years Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 12:00 pm • $5/4 • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2:00 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

6TH ANNUAL NORTH SHORE ROTARY BOWL-A-THON Sunday, May 4 Rab's Country Lanes 2-4pm All ages $50 sinorthshorerotary.org

Tickets for the Bowl-a-Thon include 2 hours of bowling, lunch, and a participant gift and t-shirt.

There will also be raffles. All proceeds will benefit the Autistic Community of Staten Island.

Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5+ Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Reading Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Children’s Video Gaming West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages

SATURDAY, MAY 10

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House 9:30 am • Free All ages Mother’s Day Craft The Interpretive Center 718-605-3970 10:00 am • $3 donation • Ages 5+ Nutrition and Health Fair PS 37 718-984-9800 10:00 am • Free • All ages Zumba Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages

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La Leche League Weekend Meeting Huguenot Library

718-984-4636 11:00 am • Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 11:00 am • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Insect Exploration Bloomingdale Park 718-967-3542 11:00 am • Free • All ages Mother’s Day Arts and Craft Fair Alice Austen House Museum 718-816-4506 11:00 am • Free • All ages Spread the Love: Wildflower Seed Balls Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 11:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Learn to Ride: Midland Beach Midland Beach Parking Lot 11:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Kids Craft Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 11:15 am • Free • Ages 4-12 Shape Up NYC: Dance and Fitness Infusion McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 1:00 pm • Free • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • 4/3 • All ages Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10 Family Movies – The Little Mermaid New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • All ages Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Saturday Showtime: The Jungle Book Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 0-12

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM

Drs. Alecia Giovinazzo & Marie Vartolo Buona Festa Delle Madri!

Dr. Marie Vartolo with her grandson & Dr. Alecia Giovinazzo

Grandma Derenzo with pasta of course!

Dr. Alecia with her son James

I would like to personally extend my love and gratitude to my mother and grandmothers.

Mother’s Day truly is a celebration of generations who have empowered us all to become the women (& Mothers!) that we are today.

Dr. Giovinazzo with her mother Ann Marie Derenzo

Theresa Vergura with Joanne Derenzo-Liaconna (great grandmother and aunt of Dr. Giovinazzo)

Theresa Vergura with her daughter Anna Felicia Derenzo (great grandmother and grandmother of Dr. Giovinazzo)

723 Broadway • SI, NY 10310 718.494.2690 • www.aleciagiovinazzo.com MAY 2014

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Time Travel: Fact or Fiction?

The Interpretive Center 718-605-3970 2:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 5+ Cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • All ages Sensory Activity Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 3:30 pm • Free • Register • Ages 2-10 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • Adults

SUNDAY, MAY 11

212-639-9675 11:00 am • Free • All ages Mother’s Day Arts and Craft Fair Alice Austen House Museum 718-816-4506 11:00 am • Free • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • 4/3 • All ages Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10

MONDAY, MAY 12

Wildflower Exploration Clove Lakes Park

Shape Up NYC: Aerobics McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:00 am • Free • All ages

MOTHER'S DAY ARTS AND CRAFT FAIR

All Join In! Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • Ages 2-4

Friday, May 9Sunday, May 11

Baby and Me Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11:00 am Free • Ages 0-1.5

Alice Austen House 11am-5pm All ages Free www.aliceausten.org

Find unique handmade gifts for Mom. Vendors will offer finely crafted jewelry, ceramics, knitted wear, illustrations, home goods, garden décor, and more – all by local artists, artisans, and craftsmen.

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Teen Cafe Remixed New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm Free • Ages 12-18 Read Aloud Huguenot Library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free All ages Picture Book Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Global Scholars: My Meal Matters Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-13 Homework Club St. George Library

718-442-8560 4:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 5:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-7 Shape Up NYC: Kettlebell, Core and Conditioning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:30 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Body Blast McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:30 pm • Free • All ages

TUESDAY, MAY 13

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:30 am • Free • All ages Baby Space St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 0-1.5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 718-982-6983 10:30 am • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • 5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5 Preschool Fun Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • Ages 3-5 Knit and Crochet Club Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • Adults Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 3:30 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8

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Teen/Tween Craft Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Register • Ages 10-18 Loom Jewelry Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 8-12 Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Children’s Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 6-12 E-Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library

WILDFLOWER EXPLORATION Sunday, May 11

718-351-1444 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 13-18 Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages

Kiddie Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 0-12

CSI Young Artists College of Staten Island 718-982-2000 7:30 pm • $5.00 • All ages

Family Story Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 Midweek Bird Walk Mount Loretto State Park 718-482-4942 10:00 am • Free • All ages

Clay Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10 Teen Club New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Video Games Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm Free • Ages 5-12

Clove Lakes Park 11am All ages Free www.nycgovparks.org

Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free All ages Teen Tech Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm

Head out to Clove Lakes Park for some fun under the sun while you explore for wildflowers.

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718-351-2977 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+

Read Aloud West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Cut and Craft Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Yoga – Relax and Stretch McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:30 pm • Free • All ages

THURSDAY, MAY 15

Shape Up NYC: Stretch, Tone and Balance McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:00 am • Free • All ages Preschool Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30 am • Free • Register • Ages 3-4 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5

Free • Ages 13-18

Toddler Story Time Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 1.5-3

Bookcraft Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 4-8

Baby & Me Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Tween Activities St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-12

Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 11:00 am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Picture Book Time/Reading Aloud New Dorp Library

Paint Day SI Children's Museum

ELTINGVILLE LUTHERAN SCHOOL A Caring Christian Environment Pre-School 3 Year Old Thru Grade 8 FOR 50 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN: “Large enough to serve your child…

Small enough to know your child”

Most students are accepted to their first choice high school

ENRICHMENTS INCLUDE: Smartboards, iPads, Laptops, Spanish, Robotics, Band, CYO Sports, Drama Club Pre-School 3 & 4 year old Program 2-5 full or half days available Extended Day Available • Reasonable Rates

CALL FOR A TOUR 718-356-7811 300 Genesee Ave • SI, NY 10312 email: elselc@yahoo.com www.eltingvillelutheranschool.org

Eltingville Lutheran School admits students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

Emergency Children’s Help Organization Emergency Children's Help Organization "ECHO" is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizatoin dedicated to providing financial assistance to a child experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency. ECHO's goal is to help ease the burden financially, along with birghtening the child's life during a time of crisis.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or younger and have a serious health, medical or living emergency issue, living in Staten Island, NY or New Jersey.

For information about ECHO or to download an application, please visit www.EchoOrganization.org For further information or to make a donation contact: Denise M. Stallone Tel: 866-755-ECHO (3246) • Fax: 718-967-9087

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718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Read Aloud w/ Coloring Craft Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Wii Gaming Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 13-18

SHAPE UP NYC Throughout the Month McDonald House Park All ages www.nycgovparks.org

Mondays - Aerobics, Body Blast, and Kettlebell, Core & Conditioning Tuesdays - Cardio Sculpt and Zumba Wednesdays - Yoga Thursdays - Bootcamp and Stretch, Tone & Balance Fridays - Cardio Sculpt Satursdays - Dance & Fitness Infusion and Zumba

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Homework Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Adult Craft Faux Stained Glass South Beach Library 718-816-5834 5:30 pm • Free • Adults Shape Up NYC: Bootcamp McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:00 pm • Free • All ages

FRIDAY, MAY 16

Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Toddler Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5

Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5+ Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Reading Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:30 am • Free • All ages

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30 am Free • Ages 1.5-3 Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30 am Free • Ages 0-5 Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages Teen Advisory Group New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Crafternoon Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2:00 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

Forest Restoration Workshop Egbertville Ravine 718-768-9036 10:00 am • Free • All ages Jr. Science Club: Forensics Staten Island Museum 718-727-1135 10:00 am • 8/5 • Ages 8-13 Zumba Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • All ages Memoir Writing Workshop St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30 am • Free • Adults Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 11:00 am • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Freshwater Fishing Clove Lakes Park

Zion Lutheran

Preschool

30 Anniversary Celebration th

Saturday, May 3rd •11am-3pm ALL alumni and current students will join us for a day of fellowship, food and fun!

Baby GYM 6-14 month olds September ENROLLMENT: Limited seats in Terrific 2's Separation Class, Preschool for 3's and Pre-K 4's

Zion ZUMMER NightZ Camp Children ages 3-5 • $125 June 16-20th, 4pm - 7pm NO Zion affiliation is necessary to come have fun!

Parent/Toddler Interaction Program 13-30 month olds

AmaZION Expedition ZUMMER Camp Spots left for 2nd - 4th graders in our Call 718.981.3623 Traditional, Fine Arts or Sports Camp Text 917.853.ZION 7/7 - 8/1, M-F, 9am - 12:30pm 505 Watchogue Rd. c/s Willowbrook Rd. ONLY $425 Call for information

www.zionlutheranpreschoolsi.com

MAY 2014

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212-639-9675 11:00 am • Free • All ages Making of the Civil War: A Free Discussion Series Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 11:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Adult Art: Botanical Watercolors Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 11:00 am • 20/17 • Adults Learn to Ride: I.S. 2 George L. Egbert Playground I.S. 2 Playground 11:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 11:15 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

MAKING OF THE CIVIL WAR: A FREE DISCUSSION SERIES Saturday, May 17

Shape Up NYC: Dance and Fitness Infusion McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 1:00 pm • Free • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages Summer Volunteer Recruitment Day Staten Island Zoo 718-442-3100 1:00 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 15+ Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Family Movies – Pokemon Lucario & the Mystery Mew New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • All ages Film Program West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 2:00 pm Free • Ages 0-12

Snug Harbor Cultural Center 11am-12:30pm All ages Free • Register www.snug-harbor.org

Organized by the Staten Island Museum, this is a free reading and discussion series, led by DebbieAnn Paige. It will explore the Civil War with a focus on Staten Island.

Cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free All ages Tween Fan Fiction Writing Workshop St. George Library 718-442-8560 3:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-12 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • Adults

SUNDAY, MAY 18

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International Museum Day Staten Island Museum 718-727-1135 11:00 am • Free • All ages

Farm Day/Shear Madness Staten Island Zoo 718-442-3100 12:00 pm • Free w/Admission • All ages Puppet Show Blue Heron Nature Center 718-967-3542 1:00 pm • Free • All ages Walking Among Wildflowers High Rock Park 718-667-2165 1:00 pm • Free • Register • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10 Workshop: Histograms, The Photographer’s Secret Weapon Alice Austen House Museum 718-816-4506 2:00 pm • $10/8 • All ages

MONDAY, MAY 19

Shape Up NYC: Aerobics McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:00 am • Free • All ages All Join In! Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • Ages 2-4 Teen Cafe Remixed New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Family Movie Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Read Aloud Huguenot Library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Picture Book Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3-8

IS YOUR CHILD HAVING DIFFICULTY IN SCHOOL? Learning difficulties may be associated with hearing loss!

Specialized Care for YOUR Child

Phyllis G. Merlino, DDS Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Call

Today • Infants • Children • Adolescents • Special Needs • Sedation Dentistry

STATEN ISLAND AUDIOLOGICAL SERVICES

718-981-6020

Specializing in infant/child testing including hearing aid fittings and central auditory processing evaluations

1173 Forest Ave • SI, NY 10310 DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY:

Mary E. Goodacre AuD, CCC-A (NY Aud. Lic #603) Kate Spektor AuD, CCC-A (NY Aud. Lic #002007)

268 Todt Hill Road Corner of Westwood Ave Near Slosson Avenue

718.761.2090 www.DrMerlino.com

Time for a Spring Check-Up

Child Friendly, State-of-the-Art, Modern Office

MAY 2014

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Global Scholars: My Meal Matters Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-13 Homework Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 5:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-7 Shape Up NYC: Kettlebell, Core and Conditioning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:30 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Body Blast McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way

WILDLIFE PUPPET SHOW Sunday, May 18

7:30 pm • Free • All ages

718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 4-7

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:30 am • Free • All ages

E-Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 13-18

TUESDAY, MAY 20

Baby Space St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 0-1.5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 718-982-6983 10:30 am • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5 Knit and Crochet Club Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 11:00 am Free • Adults

Blue Heron Nature Ctr 1pm All ages Free www.nycgovparks.org

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm Free • Ages 12-18 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 3:30 pm • Free Register • Grades PreK-8

The Wildlife Puppet Show connects children with nature to encourage active exploration of the natural world. Bring the whole family to a fun-filled natural themed puppet show.

Friendship Bracelets Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Kids’ Activities St. George Library

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LiteracyINC: Bilingual Read Aloud Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 6:00 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

Garlic Mustard Pull The Conference House 718-984-6046 9:00 am • Free • Register • All ages Midweek Bird Walk Great Kills Park 718-987-6729 10:00 am • Free • All ages Clay Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10 Teen Club New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 House and Exhibition Tour Alice Austen House Museum 718-816-4506 2:00 pm • $5 donation • All ages Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Bookcraft Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 4-8 Tween Activities St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-12

MAY 2014

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Expanded & Enhanced

Picture Book Time/Reading Aloud New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+

7:30 pm • Free • All ages

4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 5-12

Kiddie Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 0-12

LLL of Staten Island Evening Meeting Bernikow JCC 718-475-5263 7:30 pm • Free • Adults

THURSDAY, MAY 22

Movies South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4:30 pm • Free • All ages

Family Story Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Read Aloud West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Shape Up NYC: Yoga – Relax and Stretch McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way

FAMILY OF FRIENDS

If you aren't a member of STATEN ISLAND PARENT'S FAMILY OF FRIENDS LIST, you're really missing out!

From exclusive giveaways to family-friendly events, our weekly and monthly newsletters are filled with fun for the whole family.

To join, go to siparent.com and fill out the form in the upper right box of our home page or click on the Sign Up app on our Facebook page (facebook.com/siparent).

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Shape Up NYC: Stretch, Tone and Balance McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:00 am • Free • All ages Toddler Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30 am • Free • Register • Ages 1.5-3

Shape Up NYC: Bootcamp McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:00 pm • Free • All ages

FRIDAY, MAY 23

Toddler Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • 5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Toddler Story Time Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 1.5-3

PreSchool Fridays Huguenot Library 718-984-4636 10:30 am • Free • Ages 3-5

Baby & Me Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5

Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

Preschool Story Time Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 3-5

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 11:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages

Read Aloud w/ Coloring Craft Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3-12

Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2:00 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

Homework Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5+

Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690

Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library

ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR: Summer Camp,Toddler, Nursery and Universal Pre-Kindergarten classes

Come tour our facility!

Meet the teacher's and see classes in session.

Quality l o PreScho at able Reason s Rate

Low Child to Teacher Ratio

Beautiful, Safety Surfaced Playground Easily Accessible • Plenty of Parking

Open 6:30am-7:00pm Accommodating Working Parents

FRANCIS SCHOOL YOU CAN AFFORD PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD!

• Private School • Small Classes • Individual Attention • Safe & Friendly Atmosphere • Fully Accredited • Regents Are Not Required • Affordable Tuition Limited Space Available!

CALL NOW FOR INTERVIEW

718-967-0400

Accepting Students Grades 9-12

4240 Amboy Road Great Kills

DRIVER July 7 to August 19 EDUCATION $500 Includes Textbook

Licensed Experienced Teachers • Family-Like Atmosphere Licensed by the NYC Dept of Health Bureau of Day Care Accepting Children Ages 2-5 for Our Toddler, Nursery & Pre-reading Skills Programs - P/T & F/T: 1-5 Days • Sibling Discount ENRICHMENT CLASSES: Tue, Wed & Thurs • 3:15 - 4:15

SUMMER CAMP

June 23-July 18 Nurturing Pre-Schoolers for Over 30 Years! July 28-Aug 22 Register for 7 ~Discount to City Workers~ weeks & get the 8th week FREE! 144 BLOOMINGDALE RD. With coupon only. (off Richmond Pkwy- Pleasant Plains)

718-356-7795

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Expires 6/1/14.

REGISTRATION: TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 9AM-6PM & SATURDAYS 9AM-1PM ONLI NE @ WWW.FRANCISSCHOOL .COM

michelle giumenta, dds Celebrating Over 10 Years Practicing

✬ Practice is limited to children, young adults and those with special needs. ✬ Child friendly atmosphere will make your child’s dental visit a pleasant experience. ✬ On staff with Staten Island University Hospital, with Operating room privileges for over 10 years. ✬ Digital radiography ✬ Laser Dentistry available

718-979-6462 ✬ In office sedation Like Us On Facebook

2530 AMBOY ROAD • NEW DORP at Richmond Road & First Street MAY 2014

www.siparent.com

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718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Reading Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Puzzle and Coloring Hour West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 0-12 Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages

MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 26 Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

Celebrated every year on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is considered the unofficial beginning of summer.

SATURDAY, MAY 24

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:30 am • Free • All ages Nature Walk The Interpretive Center 718-605-3970 10:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 5+ Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages

MAY 2014

www.siparent.com

Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10

MONDAY, MAY 26

Shape Up NYC: Aerobics McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:00 am • Free • All ages

Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 11:00 am • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8

Shape Up NYC: Kettlebell, Core and Conditioning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 6:30 pm • Free • All ages

Basic Canoeing Clove Lakes Park 212-639-9675 11:00 am • Free • Ages 8+

Shape Up NYC: Body Blast McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:30 pm • Free • All ages

Shape Up NYC: Dance and Fitness Infusion McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 1:00 pm • Free • All ages

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:30 am • Free • All ages

Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 All ages Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission Ages 2-10 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • Adults

SUNDAY, MAY 25

96

Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages

Birding: Hawk Watch High Rock Park 718-667-2165 9:00 am • Free • All ages

TUESDAY, MAY 27

Baby Space St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 0-1.5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 718-982-6983 10:30 am • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5 Knit and Crochet Club Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • Adults Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library

MAY 2014

www.siparent.com

97

CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Expanded & Enhanced

718-351-2977 3:30 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Loom Jewelry Club St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 8-12 Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Children’s Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 6-12 Science Experiment Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12

BIRDING: HAWK WATCH

E-Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 13-18 LiteracyINC: Pajama Night Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 6:00 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free • All ages

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

Clay Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10 Teen Club New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Video Games Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Sunday, May 25

Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free All ages

High Rock Park 9am All ages Free www.nycgovparks.org

Teen Tech Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm Free • Ages 13-18 Teen Movie Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30 pm

Join the Urban Park Rangers for a day of bird watching as you look for hawks. Be sure to bring binoculars.

98

MAY 2014

www.siparent.com

718-351-2977 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Kiddie Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 0-12 Family Story Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Pajama Story Time West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 7:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Peter Lerangis – Seven Wonders Book 3: The Tomb of Shadows Barnes & Noble 718-982-6983 7:00 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Yoga – Relax and Stretch McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:30 pm • Free • All ages

THURSDAY, MAY 29

Shape Up NYC: Stretch, Tone and Balance McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:00 am • Free • All ages Preschool Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30 am • Free • Register • Ages 3-4 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 w/Admission • Ages 1-5

Free • Ages 13-18

Preschool Story Time Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 1:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 3-5

Bookcraft Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 4-8

Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

Tween Activities St. George Library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • Register • Ages 8-12

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Picture Book Time/Reading Aloud New Dorp Library

Platinum Award-Winning Company Dina Canepa, Director

July Musical Theatre Conservatory Juniors: ages 6-9 & Seniors: 10-15 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday • 3:00pm-8:00pm Receive 50% off Musical Theatre Conservatory when you register for our July Gymnastic Camp

July Gymnastic Camp Ages 5+ • Two Groups: Beginner & Advanced Monday- Friday • 9:30am-3:00pm

Adult Walk-in Classes Ages 18+ July Adult walk-in classes $10.00-15.00 a class Contemp/Lyrical, Housing/Hip Hop, Jazz & Ballet

Professional Award-Winning Instructors

August Sunday Break Dance Work Shop With Mr. Brandon Juniors: 5-7 • 10am-12pm | Seniors: 8+ • 11am-2pm

718.967.1797

3999 Hylan Blvd • Corner of Nelson Ave Email: dncesensations@aol.com

Convenient Great Kills Location

www.DanceSensationsStudio.com

HIGH HOPES 1298 Woodrow Rd • 718-317-8143

: OPEN M 6:30A TO M 6:30P

TENDER-LOVING CARE!

Flexible Flexible schedules schedules •• Age Age appropriate appropriate curriculum curriculum Half and Full Days available Half and Full Days available

INFANTS

6 Weeks - 2 Years

TODDLERS

2 Years - 3 Years

NURSERY SCHOOL 3 year old program Half days or Full days!

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CALL FOR A TOUR

FREE UPK For children born in 2010. Extended hours available.

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PEDIATRIC MULTI-DISCIPLINARY DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION SITE SEIT PROGRAM & TREATMENT CENTER • SEIT Services • CPSE Evaluations • Private Evaluations • Private Therapy– All Ages Welcome – Speech – Occupational Therapy – Physical Therapy – Vision Therapy – Counseling – Signing to Enhance Vocabulary

WE ARE HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE Please call to set up your appointment

718-984-5826 •Email: Therapy905@aol.com www.wordsnmotion.com 905 Annadale Rd (Annadale Town) • Programs are for children who have or are suspected of having a disability • Special education services are at no cost to parent • Services and their location are determined by the CPSE (local school district) MAY 2014

www.siparent.com

99

CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Expanded & Enhanced

FRIDAY, MAY 30

Toddler Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5 Toddler Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • Ages 0-5 Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 11:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

BACKYARD FRIENDS Saturday, May 31 Greenbelt Nature Center 11am Ages 3-7 Free • Register www.sigreenbelt.org

Enjoy what’s right outside your backyard by joining the Greenbelt staff for a magical adventure into the forest.

100www.siparent.com MAY 2014

Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • $4/3 • All ages

Freshwater Fishing Clove Lakes Park 212-639-9675 11:00 am • Free • All ages

Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2:00 pm • Free w/Admission • Ages 2-10

Backyard Friends Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 11:00 am • Free • Register • Ages 3-7

Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5+

Kids Craft Time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 11:15 am • Free • Ages 4-12

Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Volunteer with Kayak of Staten Island Kayak Staten Island 12:00 pm • Free • All ages

Reading Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 7:00 pm • Free All ages

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Shape Up NYC: Zumba McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 9:30 am • Free All ages Zumba Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • All ages Shape Up NYC: Zumba Toning McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 10:30 am • Free • All ages Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 11:00 am • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8

Shape Up NYC: Dance and Fitness Infusion McDonald Park House - Forest Ave/B’way 1:00 pm • Free • All ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • 4/3 • All ages Up4Art SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free w/ Admission • Ages 2-10 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Register • Grades PreK-8 Family Movies – Who Lives in the Sea? New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • All ages Saturday Showtime: A Bug’s Life Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 0-12 Cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • All ages Knitting Hour South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • Adults

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MAY 2014

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101

FAMILY NEEDS Party Services

PARTY TIME ENTERTAINMENT

Carmini The Magician Your Audience Will Laugh & Have a Great Time at a Fun Filled Show With Magic, Comedy, Balloons & Audience Participation Face Painting | Costume Characters Available

Call Today 917.754.5755

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• Disc Jockeys • Video Taping • Karaoke • M/F Dancers • Party Servers • Dancing Gorillas • Caricaturist • Magicians • Singing Telegrams • Celebrity Look-a-Likes

• Costume Characters • Clowns • Puppet Show • Petting Zoo • Theme Parties • Double Dare Mini Circus • Dress Up Tea Parties • Carnival Games • Cotton Candy

• Candy Carts • Ice-Cream Sundae Bar • Sno-Cone Machines • Hot Dog Wagon • Candy Sticks • Craft Parties • Sand Art • Spin Art, T-Shirts & Pictures

• Stuffed Bears • Airbrushed Tattoos • Wax Hands • Candle Art • Rides • Moon Walks • Ball Crawl • Super Slide • Dunk Tank • Gyro • Train • Carousel

• Jousts • Catapillar • Lazer Maze • Birthday Machine • Obstacle Course • Casino Parties • Photo Favors • Balloon Typhoons • Chair Rental • And More!

www.PartyTimeEntertainmentInc.com • 718.667.8998

Party Smarty 718-556-9475 Entertainment 718.556.9475

Affordable Party Packages Face Painting, Glitter Art Tattoos Sculpture Balloons, Temporary Tatoos, DJ’s, Entertainers, Karaoke, Rides, Spin Art, Sand Art, Candy Art, Arts & Crafts, Theme Parties, Stuff a Bear Parties, Candy Cart, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Snokones, Pretzels, Sundae Bar, Carnival Games, & More!

www.partysmartyentertainment.com

CHARACTER-A-CISE Boogie with your favorite costume character.

Children’s Party Craft Parties Entertainment for All Ages Call

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MOUSE-A-CISE WORK OUT WITH MR. OR MRS. MOUSE Childrens Party Entertainment Set to Music

718-984-5546

102www.siparent.com MAY 2014

DJs, MCs, Vocalists, Dancers, Videographers, Photographers, Pro Light Shows, Intelligent Lights, Photo Booth, Live Animal Shows, Candy Carts, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Plasma TVs, Rides, Magicians, Clowns, Limousines, Karaoke, Costume Characters, Casino Night Tables, Fully Insured

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YOUR ONE STOP DJ & ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

partywithf2k.com 718.554.4780

Carousel

Pirate Club

Birthday Cake

Monster Truck

Police Car

Modular Celebration

Jurassic Survivor

Bugs Life

Wild One

Amazon Extreme

ABC

Alcatraz

Titanic

Shuttle

Fire Truck

Kong

Sabre Tooth

Screamer

Crayon

Nick 5 in 1

Coliseum

Jurassic Adventure

Mutiny

Strawberry Modular 5 in 1

Skeeball

World Sport

Soccer Fever

First Down

Batter Up

Basketball Hoops

Defender Dome

Wrecking Ball

Alien Laser

Jacobs Ladder

Bungee Run

Gladiator Joust

Backyard Water Slide

Dunk Tank

Water Tag

Water Park

Surf and Slide

Single Lane Surf & Slide

SCREEN SIZES FOR ANY EVENT OR VENUE: 9x12 15x26 40x50

Starting at

Gauntlet

$

39900

Water Rapids

Premiere Indoor and Outdoor Movies With

Dalmation 5 in 1

Modular Slide Wet or Dry

Funhouse Moonwalk & Slide

King of the Mountain Rockwall

718.979.9110 718.979.2350

POPCORN MACHINE

VIEW OUR WEBSITE WITH OVER 500 PICTURES!

Monster Wave

Licensed in NY, NJ & PA 53 Years in the Industry

www.mickeysrides.com

FAMILY NEEDS Party Services Party People Promotions We love what we do and it shows. le Re l i a b bl e A ff o r d a e d nc Ex p e r i e r e d su F u ll y I n

Full Time DJ Service

From children’s parties to elegant affairs.

Serving Staten Island since 1994.

375

$

4 hour basic party

Excludes weddings, sweet 16’s, bar/bat mitzvah and communion parties.

With coupon. Staten Island only.

Not valid with other offers or prior purchases.

718-370-3962 • partypeoplepromo@gmail.com

www.partypeoplepromotions.com

Darling Little Faces

inting a p e c a f fun!

Art, Face Painting, Body Glam Girl Parties, Tattoos, Glitter & Temporarylishing Po il Na & t Ar il Na

646.641.3331 Visit us on Facebook at Darling Little Faces

CREATIVE PARTIES 4 KIDZ 347-562-4575 www.creativeparties4kidz.net PARTY THEMES: Includes personalized theme-based party favors • Music • Art • Storytelling • Jewelry (good for girl scouts) • Dinosaur • Princess and Pirate Parties

We come too you!

$50 ANY PARTY OFF PACKAGE

We also offer enrichment classes for schools and camps.

Established 1985

(Excluding Sweet Sixteens or Weddings)

c: 718-986-6510 • p: 718-698-2712

Interested in Advertising?

Call Today!

718.761.4800 x7139

25 years of PROVEN results!

104www.siparent.com MAY 2014

BIRTHDAY CLUB

Join S.I. Parent Magazine’s BIRTHDAY CLUB! Log on to www.siparent.com and click on the “Contests & Clubs” Tab

May MAY 1 Valerie Leanza Maya Naomi Reyes Hana Ahmed Kathy Varriano Eric John Aynes Tom Barnes Isabella Spaventa Daniel Sergio MAY 2 William Chundgren Connor McCann Nicholas J. Perillo Thomas Daniel Fisher Rae Lynne Delamasa Rida Ahmed Nahjela Harrell Sean Thielman Malia Elaine Torino MAY 3 Alyssa Nicole Cannon Serena Lechner Larry Greco Julia Guzman Jared Guzman Joseph Scandiffio Vanessa Maguire MAY 4 Alexandra P Westfall Christoper J. Foote Dana Lucchese Behar Kolari Edward Jorge, Jr. Albert J. Zipprich Chasity Soto John Stillman Lily Crisano MAY 5 Raymond Cioffi Francesca Butler Adriana Chinappi Skyler Korkowski Eric John Ayne Keoni Samoy Jensen Siarrah Jensen Jamie Misiti Mia Norato Thomas McKernan Jason Benedetto Destiny Nobles Loren Lemberg Francesca Butler Kenneth Maira Meagan Brady Tyler O’Neill Christopher Fiore, Jr. MAY 6 Krystiana Busacca Joseph O’Rourke Jordyn Castagliola Synthia Cioffi Thomas McKernan Rocco Palermo Justin Fazio Leyana Hatcher Daniel Previte Nicholas Previte Aiden Byrnes

Matthew Palencia Ella Rose D’Angelo MAY 7 Kelly Cameron Kevin Uriel Gonzalez Kacie McAlarney Bernadette Dimaano Nicholas Pagliarulo Christopher Carrasquillo Adam Said Victoria Devico Victoria Kiell MAY 8 Jonathan Ellis Tatiana Watler Christopher D. Fowler Peter Berens Victoria Melendez Lori Recevuto Justin St. Clair Emily Dugan Ryan Macwan Taheem Matthews William Anderson James Nichola Foye Jaiveer Auluck Nicholas LePore Kacper Okapa Anthony Relucio Austin Scott MAY 9 Jennifer Calabrese Anissa Torres Anjana Pawa Claire Sterin Danielle Townsley Lacy Klayman Peter Berens Victoria Gilbert Anthony Feliciano Joseph Pellicane MAY 10 Nicholas Biagini Isaac S. Snitkoff Rosa Maria Perez Keoni Samoy Jensen Andrew Rainbolt Joshua Ng Antonio Duran Ashley Sharkey Azhan Ahmed Lyla Campagna MAY 11 Alyssa Casaliggi Christina Diana Sebar Halley Vasquez Alessandro Mercado Victoria Melendez Jessica Fontana MAY 12 Kayla Watler Connor M. Stapleton Jessica Dantoni Laci Klayman Rachel DePinto Alexa Ray Guercia Julianna Grippo Michael Grippo

Michael Dirago Mya Padilla Cighanne Campbell Kennedy Kroski Jonathan Crockett Gabriella Dolce Laci Klayman MAY 13 John James Figueroa Jr. Naomi Vasquez Kristin Sforza Emily Babilonia Litzy Perez Alexa Appel Hafsa Vanees Lily Saada MAY 14 Steven Scibetta Nicholas Lorenzo Thomas James Gleavy Frank Scafuri, IV Amanda Melian Brigitte Black Caitlin Garcia Michael Dorso Gabriella Zingaropoli Hagen Gundacker Miranda Ladson Anthony Recca MAY 15 John Auffredou III Jonathan M. Greenlinger Noelle P. Greco Justin J. Fermaint Lauren Elizabeth Festa Justin St. Clai Adriana Chinappi Charles D’Alessandro Hannah Nudelman Jonathon M. Greenlinger Frank Billera Mason Christopher Torino MAY 16 Dana Caputo Katy Zilinski Allisyn Wise Jason Anthony Merlo Nicolette Palazzo Ashlee Hom Nicholas Joseph DeLuca Andrew Garcia Kayla Marsh Lucas DiCostanzo Fiona Walsh Sabina Kapkayeva Kayla Marsh MAY 17 Alexander Perez Danny Gurges Dia Marie Cascone Arianna Buccini Eugenio Buccini Terraine Tabron Anthoney J. Wolven Jr. Timothy Becker Andrew Rainbolt Domenick DeLuca Joseph O’Leary

MAY 18 Aaron Burgos Rosario Panarelli Aisha Siddiqi Lorraine Capasso John V. Bartocci Kaylee Johnson Lawrence Johnson Kevin Selby Peter Mena Arnaldo Barroso Alex Burgus Erika Grant Fischer Max Virginia MAY 19 Corey J. Rabinowitz Louis Gambardella Dylan M. Dannecker Anthony J. Grillo Eric Szepietowski Amber Marie Ortiz Siarrah Jensen Jamie Stretton Gianna Granucci MAY 20 Mary Janice Galanek Nikki Rubin Gabriel Wilson Kristen Cameron Juliana Marie Milano Liam James Maupin Chloe Sgroi Christian Sgroi Salvatore Sereno James Misiti Sabrina Sciabica Abigail Ippolito Justin Spallina Danielle Townsley Riley Cleary Joshua Cleary Alexandria Miccio Juliana Milano Devin Piecyk Sara Piecyk MAY 21 Steven C. Schulman Ericka Cuevas Jessica A. Doyle-Yearwood Mary Attardo Alena Castagliola Karen Aguilas Alexa Manno Lori Recevuto Seyer Reyes Tunaysia Mayo Paul Joseph Malayandy Noah Roccanova Marco Romero MAY 22 Renelle Wyke Patrick Connor Lynch Krystina N. Mandracchia Gabrielle Kilaras Patricia Riches Joseph Frances Riotta Francesca M. Gambale Jordyn Castagliola Justin Fazio Marc Joseph Dolce

Soraya Lily Piccolo Alexis Cline Katelyn Marants MAY 23 Giulia LaRosa Christopher Riccardi Katrina Miraglia James Paul Gardiner Ashley May Turitto Madison E. Sciarrino Regina Calderone Darius Robinson Sean Bowden Savannah Catalan Toriann Sullivan Venessa Popinara MAY 24 Dane Anthony DeVito Joseph McCarron Elwah King Alexa Sokhon Israel Tapia Anita Sureshkumar Katherine Varriano Nicole Rivera Clare Rose Higgins Joseph Mendoza Skylar Korkowski Jake Levine Darrien Neville Samantha Loffredo MAY 25 Joseph D. Bushman Raymond Mondello Senthil Anand Joseph M Gonzalez Anthony Ross Naya Che Fitzgerald Felicity Marie Cotto Megan Ewert Lynnmarie Cahill Monica ElDeeb Ashley Spurrell Angelina Esposito Gianna B. LaPeruta Madison Kravitz Luis Gonzalez Eddie Crespo, Jr. Kevin Garcia David Perez Andrew Spinosa Jayliene Mangum MAY 26 Stephen Pasquale Jessica Lewand Stephanie Weiner Justin Spallina Hailey Vasquez Jason Bassett Cassandra Mary Lugo Vienna Wiseman

Steven Ciaccio Salvatore Sereno Christopher Catanzaro Alyssa Nicole Bishop Joseph Yannantuono Kaylee Aurora Nicolette Piscitelli MAY 28 Raquel Fox Melanie Kathryn Tam Daniella Rose Certo Alexis Anna Ardolino Frank Michael Guercia Jessica Castellano Elena Barb Samantha A. Rodriguez Jessica Lewand Synthia Cioffi Steve Konivser Elisa Barbaria Elizabeth Eadicicco MAY 29 Brianna Marie Carroll Adele Buccigrossi Genevieve Buccigross Rebecca Gaudreau Mia Lynn Sgromo Megan Lin Aust Emily Dugan Sabrina Sciabica Mia Rose McCulloch Nicholas J. Russo Keith Monti Jordan Shapiro Ava Manneh MAY 30 Jaclyn Panepinto Alanna Riccardi Monica Huzinec Jenna Bartel Ava Rose Adinolfi Dale Carter Rocco Palermo Zoey Chui Yee Cheung Celine Sum Yee Cheung MAY 31 Kaitlin Marie O’Brien Trudy Wu Ricky Wells Matthew Russell Kevin Frances Brady, Jr. Jackelyn Diaz Dante Velasquez Madison Draheim Juliette Florio-Perez

MAY 27 Zachary Eisenberg Bianca Scarlett Baez Anthony Quinones Vincent Paul Mandracchia Michael Remini Nicholas Maldonado Erin O’Rourke

Birthday Club members are entitled to receive

10 FREE TOKENS AT FUNSTATION Funstation is located on 3555 Victory Boulevard • 718.370.0077 Good only for birthday club members on this list. Not to be combined with any other offers. Offer valid on child’s birthday only.

FAMILY NEEDS Classifieds

Believe + Succeed LLC

Executive Function Deficits & Time Management Skills

PAULINE SCANLON LEARNING COACH

917.364.1644 • LDCSINY@gmail.com

“Help Bring Your Child’s Education to the Next Level”

ADVANCED TUTORING All Grades & Subjects K-12 NYS CERTIFIED TEACHERS READY TO WORK WITH YOUR CHILD

C: 718-755-3025

Ms. H.’s Place Small Group Tutoring & Enrichment

Grades 2-5 1-3 Students Per Class

$25

Per Hour

917.923.9044

151 Woolley Ave • Entrance on Garrison Ave

www.mshsplace.com

Tots “R” Us Daycare, Inc.

Tutoring By Christine

6 WEEKS–12 YEARS • EARLY PRE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM OPEN 6AM-6PM (EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE) • Free Breakfast, Lunch & Supper • Over Nights & Weekends • Hablamos Espanol • Summer Camp & Recreational Activities • NYS Licensed, ACD & HRA Accepted

TACHS - 100% SUCCESS RATE High number of scholarships offered to students from our program SHSAT • SAT • ELA/MATH Tutoring

Accepting Admission at our Newest Location–Call for Info!

LOCATIONS LOCATED OFF AVE, NEAR PS 22 718-954-4108 5FOREST

Email: totsrusdaycare@hotmail.com

Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, writing or comprehension?

COMMON CORE STANDARDS WILSON READING PROGRAM MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH ORTON-GILLINGHAM METHODOLOGY

Carol 347-215-2417 crlvsky@msn.com

PSYCHOTHERAPIST & BEREAVEMENT SPECIALIST

By Appointment Only • 1076 Forest Ave 347-850-2322 karengoldmansitherapy.com kl.goldman@yahoo.com NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor Treating Adults, Teens, Children & Families for Over 20 Years Evening and Weekend Hours

718.761.4800 x7139

25 years of proven results!

MAY 2014

917.748.9089 christine@tutoringbychristine.com

www.tutoringbychristine.com

KAREN L. GOLDMAN, MA, LMHC-BC

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? CALL TODAY!

106www.siparent.com

Private and Small Group Tutoring

Staten Island Family Music

Certified Private Tutor Dyslexic and Non-Dyslexic

Affordable private & small group instruction offered by certified, experienced teachers.

The premier music enrichment program for babies, toddlers, 3, 4 & 5 year olds and their grown-ups!

3 convenient locations.

Morning, afternoon & weekend classes.

www.SIFamilyMusic.com 718.207.1128 Mary Lee Aloia, Director

ADVERTISER INDEX A Taste of Honey ..................................24

Gateway Daycare ..............................71

Richmond County Savings Bank ......2

Academic Advantage ......................70

Genesis Fertility ....................................44

Richmond Hill Children’s Center ......69

Adelphi Academy ..............................50

Gianna Nicole’s

Richmond University Med. Ctr. ..........23

American Karate ................................43

Heart for Hope Foundation ............44

S.I. Audiological Services ..................91

Athletic Edge ..........................................5

Gingerbread Learning Center ......111

S.I. Braces ..............................................21

Babes in Toyland ................................69

High Hopes............................................99

S.I. Children’s Museum ......................67

Bario’s Pizzeria ......................................12

Hugs and Kiddies ..............................66

S.I. Community Charter School ........57

Big Bird’s Playhouse ............................34

Hylan Daycare ....................................47

S.I. Community Tennis ........................72

Big Bird’s Summer Camp ..................40

Inspirations in Dance ..........................55

S.I. Day Camp ........................................8

Boy Scout Pouch Camp ....................26

J+J Academy ......................................77

S.I. Mental Health Society ............34, 41

Bricks 4 Kidz ..........................................63

JCC Day Camp ..................................29

S.I. Montessori School..........................64

Brienza’s Academic Advantage ......87

JCC Early Childhood Center ............63

S.I. Pediatric Dentistry ........................30

Building Blocks Montessori ..............43

JCC First Foot Forward ........................37

S.I. Pee Wee Football ..........................54

Carnival Kids ........................................13

JCC Toddler Day Care ......................68

S.I. University Hospital ..........................93

Casa Belvedere ................................110

JW Tumbles............................................27

Seido Karate ........................................69

Castleton Hill Moravian Preschool ..70

Kiddie Palooza ....................................42

Showplace Entertainment ................39

Center Stage Dance Co. ..................27

Kiddie Wonderland ............................61

Silhouette Dance Center....................61

Children at Play....................................70

Kids ‘N Shape........................................45

Small World Dental ..............................35

Children’s Harbor Montessori ..........46

Kids Dental ............................................10

Small World Preschool ........................95

CJ’s Boardwalk ....................................18

Kidz Lounge ..........................................31

South Shore Toddler Academy ........43

Created By You ....................................81

LA Dance ..............................................24

South Shore Wellness Center ............22

Curves ....................................................31

Land of Make Believe ........................95

Spa Di Da ..............................................13

Dance Sensations................................99

Latourette Golf Camp ........................54

St. George Theatre..............Back Cover

Dea Music ............................................85

Major League Screen Printing ........101

St. John Villa Academy Camp..........81

Dino’s Ride ............................................64

Master Curry Karate..............................7

St. Joseph Hill Academy ....................54

Dr. Giovinazzo ......................................83

Mathnasium..........................................22

St. Paul’s School of Nursing ................91

Dr. Michael D’Anna ..............................6

Mickey’s Rides ....................................103

St. Teresa ................................................44

Dr. Michael Di Simone ......................81

Mini World Preschool ........................70

Stomp ..................................................101

Dr. Michelle Giumenta ......................95

New Dorp Christian Academy ........60

The Max Challenge ............................15

Dr. Phyllis Merlino..................................91

New Dorp Moravian Church ..........57

The Tanglewood School ....................77

ECHO ......................................................87

Notre Dame Academy ....................33

The Village Preschool ........................55

Ed Hynes Hall of Fame

Once Upon A Child ............................77

Total Dental Care ..............................101

Soccer Camp....................................40

Our Lady Star of the Sea ..................79

Triple Threat Theatre ............................47

Ed Perpetua Tennis Academy ..........43

Paramount Oral Surgery ....................37

United Sports Youth League ..............64

Eden II ....................................................51

Parent to Parent ..................................72

Victory Gymnastics ............................66

EJ Michaels ..........................................24

Party Jam Party Centers ....................65

Volunteers of America ........................79

Eltingville Lutheran School ................87

Party Jungle ..........................................81

Wagner College ............................69, 77

Evolution Dance ..................................46

Pinot’s Palette ......................................25

Wizard of Art ..........................................55

Fastbreak ..............................................73

Plumkinville Party Center....................32

Words ‘N Motion ..................................99

FasTracKids............................................97

Pole Position ........................................60

Xtreme Dance......................................41

Francis School ......................................95

Rab’s Country Lanes ....................19, 79

YMCA Camp ........................................14

Fun Station ............................................16

Relax on Cloud 9 ................................44

Young People’s Day Camp ................9

Fun Station Camp................................17

Richmond County Day Camp ........11

Zion Lutheran ........................................89

MAY 2014

www.siparent.com

107

FAMILY NEEDS

DIVORCE

Professional Directory ATTORNEY

ATTORNEY

Adam B. Cohen, Esq.

Divorce Attorney

Family Court • Child Custody Spousal & Child Support Domestic Violence • Adoptions Name Changes • Annulments Separation Agreements Free Initial Consultation for Divorce Actions 24 Kurt T. Richards, P.C.

~Free Initial Consultation~

718.948.2102

Hour Phone Service

4060 Amboy Road in Great Kills ~Affordable Rates~

Attorney at Law

www.krichardspc.com 718.720.1000

1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY

“When family matters”

KAREN L. GOLDMAN

NYS Licensed Psychotherapist Bereavement Specialist

MA, LMHC-BC

For Individuals, Groups, Adults and Children • Play & Art Therapy • Anxiety • Grief & Loss Issues • Relationship Issues • School/Career Issues • Depression

Bea Fulciniti MSEd, MSSpecEd, PhD Retired School Psychologist Deborah White, RN MS HNC Board Certified Holistic Nurse

917-932-3083 • www.twoangelshealing.com ORTHODONTICS

ORTHODONTICS

NY/NJ CERTIFIED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

EVALUATIONS INDIVIDUAL THERAPY SESSIONS GROUP MOTOR CLASSES MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM Most Insurance Accepted Most Major Credit Cards Accepted

Children • Adults • Invisalign™

(718)987-7688 199 Clarke Avenue Richmondtown

www.straightteeth.net PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Kim Williams-Jenkins LCSW-R, MSEd, CRC, CASAC Culturally Competent Compassionate Counseling • Advanced Integrative Therapy • Indiv/Couples/Family • Special Needs/Identity/Self Esteem • Work & Educational Issues/ Abuse-Recovery • Autism/Aspergers SOME CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED

2504 Richmond Road • 10306

917-613-4009

NYS LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

Individual / Family Therapy Psychoeducational Evaluations School Consultation Autism Program Case-manager Tel: 917.783.5378 Fax: 718.494.2352 Email: Dr.lerman@gmail.com

www.starspediatrictherapy.com

27 Washington Avenue (Side Entrance) Staten Island, NY 10314

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

718.317.7030 3710 Richmond Ave

DIANE MILIO, L.C.S.W.

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST, P.C. Dr. Michael Donato, Jr. Let Dr. Donato and his staff treat you to a quality orthodontic experience in a warm, caring & attentive setting.

PSYCHOLOGIST

David Lerman Psy.D

Integrative Approach - 1 Family at a Time

WORKING WITH CHILDREN 5 YRS UP: Anxiety, Depression, Low Self Esteem, ADHD, Bullying, Oppositional Behavior, etc.

GO TO SIPARENT.COM

1076 Forest Ave • S.I. 347-850-2322

Retreats • 2 Day Programs • Sessions

Identify Core Issues • Gain Positive Communication Skills Create Harmonious Resolutions

READ S.I. PARENT ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET.

By Appointment • Day & Evening Hours

PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

COUNSELING / COACHING

Parent Support

COUNSELING SERVICES

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, adults, couples and families

Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D. Specialist in Orthodontics

GENTLE, PERSONAL, QUALITY CARE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

Over 25 Years Experience Most Insurance Accepted Evening & Saturday Appointments Available

444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312

(718) 967-5213

718.317.5782

Member American Association of Orthodontists

47 Lucy Loop • SI, NY 10312

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

DOE APPROVED TO PROVIDE MONO AND BILINGUAL SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN.

Speech and Language Pathology Practice Serving You and Your Children

Autistic Spectrum Disorders, PDD, Craniofacial Differences, Fluency Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, “Late Talkers,” Hearing Impairments & Phonological / Articulation Disorders 347.640.4SLP (4757) • 188 Hylan Blvd • 10305 www.bbslp.org • Email: info@bbslp.org

Most Insurances Accepted

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Sandra Mazzucco M.A., C.C.C.-SLP

NYS LICENSED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults

• ASHA Certified • New South Shore Location: 465 Belfield Ave • Annadale Town North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave

718-815-6024

SPEECH PATHOLOGY 718-967-0359 • 3767 Richmond Ave www.brightstartspeech.com brightstart@si.rr.com

SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER. EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAYS EVERY WEEK! GO TO SIPARENT.COM’S HOME PAGE AND SIGN UP TODAY

Speech & Language Pathology, P.C.

Offering Homecare

718-447-5501

718-608-1508

southshorespeechtherapy.com 520B Bloomingdale Rd SI, NY 10309 415 Route 34, Suite 218 Colts Neck, N.J. 07722

QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC.

Speech Language Pathology PC

1076 FOREST AVE. (corner of Manor Rd.)

EVALUATION & TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC SPEECH & LANGUAGE, FINE & GROSS MOTOR DELAYS & DISORDERS • Department of Education CPSE & CSE Tertiary Designation • Most Insurance Accepted • Homecare and School Services Offered

SPEECH, OT/PT

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

CLAIRE GUTTSMAN M.A., C.C.C. - SLP

ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Public Speaking Improvement, Accent Reduction, Corporate Speech Pathology & Lecturing

Accepting CPSE & RSA • Multi-Lingual Therapists

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS. FREE CONSULTATIONS.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Certified professional, providing quality evaluations and treatment of adults and children for over 35 years.

• Private practice with energetic & talented Speech Language Pathologists • Extensive experience • Full range of services (diagnostics & evaluations) • Occupational Therapy Now • NYS & ASHA Certified

SPEECH & OT

• Diagnosis & treatment of infants, toddlers, adults • Autism, learning and communication disabilities • Articulation, impaired language, stuttering or lisps • All major credit cards and insurances

NYS Licensed Speech Pathologists, Occupational & Physical Therapists Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Speech, Language, Feeding, Oral, Fine & Gross Motor Disorders, P.R.O.M.P.T., Russian Bilingual Services, State of the Art Sensory Gym Dept of Ed Provider (CPSE & RSA) Top of Tertiary Tier Designation

PreCare, SLP, PC • Radmila Gurevich, MA, CCC-SLP

718.605.4301

WWW.SLPMD.COM

3767 Hylan Blvd (Great Kills) Randi Pino M.A., CCC-SLP/TSHH, Director

718.259.4001 • 1829 Richmond Rd

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

www.qualitycarespeech.com

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

FIND THE FUN IN FEEDING is a twelve-week feeding program, utilizing the SOS Approach to Feeding. It utilizes a non-invasive developmental model, that teaches your child how to interact, tolerate and eat a variety of foods in a non-stressful, supportive environment. Parent/caregiver training is a key part of this program to foster success at home.

A multidisciplinary approach is also utilized, incorporating the expertise of a feeding therapist, an occupational therapist, a nutritionist, a pediatrician or any relevant professional working with your child.

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com LISA JIANNETTO, MA, CCC-SLP, DIRECTOR

718.356.6604 • 4056 Amboy Rd • 10308

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATES OF STATEN ISLAND, PLLC PROMPT TRAINED THERAPISTS SOS FEEDING APPROACH ORTON-GILLINGHAM & WILSON TRAINED THERAPISTS EAROBICS

Individualized and Customized: Language Enhancement Programs, Auditory Training Programs, Fluency Enhancement Programs, Oral-Sensory-Motor Plans, Voice Treatment Programs, Accent Reduction Programs, Feeding Treatment Plans, Pediatric & Adult Clients We welcome NYC DOE clients, and we are now an associate of The Perfect Playground for all CSE cases.

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com NEW LISA JIANNETTO, MA, CCC-SLP, DIRECTOR LOCATION 718.356.6604 • 4056 Amboy Rd • 10308

25 YEARS OF PROVEN RESULTS!

718-761-4800 x7139

110www.siparent.com MAY 2014

8 Week Program: $1500 Register Early Before June 1st.

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• Group or Individual Curriculums at Your Home, Preschool or our Center.

• Diagnostic Evaluations and Therapy by Licensed Certified Professionals. Placement determined by NYC CPSE. • NYS Approved Preschool Evaluation Site.

• FREE TUITION AND TRANSPORTATION* * For all eligibile children. Funding provided through state and local agencies. Parent may transport for reimbursement.

• Developmental Areas: Behavior and Socialization,

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• Three Convenient Staten Island Locations.

• Call or Visit our School & Pick Up a Free Brochure.

• For Information Concerning the Early Intervention Program Call 311.

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Ages 0-5 Programs Available 718 80 Woodrow Rd • 471 North Gannon Ave • 144 Bloomingdale Rd E-Mail: GingerbreadLearn@aol.com

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Not responsible for any typographical errors.

Extended Daycare Hours 7am-7pm Available MAY 2014

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SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY PARENTING

1200 South Avenue • Suite 202 Staten Island, New York 10314

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U.S. POSTAGE PAID STATEN ISLAND, NY PERMIT NO. 493