December 2020
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht
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INSIDE DECEMBER 2020
Brandon Schinasi, Chris Borden, Ashley Schniasi, Josh Schinasi
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Winner Wonderland Giveaway
EDITOR Jeannine Cintron PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michelle Yannaco TRAFFIC DIRECTOR Heather Gambaro ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Janine Mulé, Jodi Fatto, Desiree Cannone INFORMATION Advertising: 718.494.1932 Questions: info@siparent.com KEEP IN TOUCH
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Incredible Kids
Meet Angelina Palmer, October’s Incredible Kids Awards recipient!
23-TIME AWARD WINNING MAGAZINE
Member of the Parenting Media Association (PMA)
NOMINATE AN AMAZING KID!
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Community News & Events
Staten Island Parent is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publisher of this magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.
Good Sports: College Recruiting During Coronavirus
7 Devices to Help You Connect to Loved Ones Dear Teacher: Real Questions Answered by Real Educators Getting Your Home Ready for Winter
fun stuff
18 Cut-Your-Own Tree Farms 20 Festive Holiday Recipes 30 Birthday Club
directories
28 Professional Services
A DAVLER MEDIA GROUP BUSINESS DAVID L. MILLER CEO DAVID FRIEDMAN CFO
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editor’s note
A VERY QUARANTINE CHRISTMAS
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hen the pandemic started back in March, I remember telling a friend “if this lasts until December, I can write an article called ‘A Very Quarantine Christmas.’” I was joking, of course. At the time, the thought of lockdown lasting for the rest of the year seemed completely ridiculous. Yet here we are. We shouldn’t expect the virus to suddenly disappear with the start of a new year. As we reflect on this rollercoaster of a year, try not to lament all the things you didn’t get to do. Instead, be grateful for your health, be there for friends who lost loved ones and jobs, and be hopeful for better things to come. You can check siparent.com all month long for plenty of ideas for celebrating the season -- even with Covid still hanging around. If you’re missing loved ones, flip to page 22 for the best devices for keeping in touch with them. Start planning your holiday menu with the recipes on page 26 and see page 20 for nearby farms that let you select and cut your own holiday tree. Everyone deserves a gift in December, so head over to siparent.com/winner-wonderland to enter our annual holiday giveaway. We’re giving away over $2,000 in prizes to 13 different winners. As soon as you finish reading this issue, go take a quick minute to enter. With 13 different prizes, you have a pretty good chance of winning! From all of us at Staten Island Parent to all of you; Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and have a very happy and VERY healthy New Year!
Editor, Staten Island Parent
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Don’t be shy! Email me at jcintron@siparent.com
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What’s Happening Staten Island? LOCAL NEWS, MAJOR EVENTS, COMMUNITY UPDATES AND HOT TOPICS BY JESSICA JONES-GORMAN
Jessica Jones-Gorman is a freelance writer who lives in Great Kills. She has three children who range in age from six to fourteen.
Scholarship Opportunities Available To Music Students
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he Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island is seeking highly motivated music students to apply for its scholarship programs. Open to students entering grades 5 through 12 who have some prior training on their instrument, the scholarship funds allow students to take private lessons with professional instructors, as well as participate in recitals, ensembles and music theory classes, at an affordable cost to their families. The Music Institute is also seeking musicians in grades 9 through 12 to audition for Harmony Club, a new music ensemble and scholarship program which is made possible through a grant from UJA-Federation of New York.
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Harmony Club students will participate in a free, comprehensive course of study, including private lessons, ensemble classes and masterclass workshops. Students will also have opportunities to showcase their talents in solo and group recitals and will represent the program at public performances. “In challenging times, music can be such a powerful force for good,” noted Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC. “The JCC is proud to offer these scholarship opportunities for deserving young musicians to continue their education at our Music Institute. We are grateful to our donors and to UJA-Federation for making these programs possible.” Music students interested in applying for either of these scholarship programs should email a one- to two-minute performance audition video to Ela Seeley, Music Institute director, at eseeley@SIJCC.com.
Curtis High School’s Emilee Jospey Competes in National Competition
After earning top honors and $1,200 in funding at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Investor Panel in July, Emilee Jospey advanced to the Saunders Scholars National College Scholarship Competition in October. The prestigious event, which was held virtually this year, gathers top young entrepreneurs from across the nation to compete for college scholarships and prizes. Jospey, a Curtis High School sophomore, pitched her business, M Tech ClearSmiles, at the scholarship competition, impressing judges with her clear-windowed facemasks, which allow the wearer’s expression to display through the mask. The product was developed prior to COVID-19 and was intended for customers with autism. While the relevance of this product was not lost on the scholarship committee, Jospey’s invention was not chosen to win. But the high schooler’s participation in this national program has made waves across the borough. “We are proud to be the lead sponsor of this important educational program that is designed to help students tap into their entrepreneurial spirit,” said Katia Gordon, director of Staten Island Regional & Community Affairs for Con Edison which sponsors YEA. “Each participant made a commitment to remain focused and worked hard through the pandemic.” For more information about the YEA program, visit sichamber.com/young-entrepreneur.
SI Giving Circle Offers Literacy and S.T.E.A.M. Programs
Staten Island Giving Circle has collaborated with Literacy, Inc. to provide reading instruction to students during the entire school year and has recently launched a new S.T.E.A.M. program that is hosted by two retired educators. “Our Staten Island Giving Circle and Literacy Inc. virtual S.T.E.A.M. program provides opportunities for our students to learn through their explorations and applications of the arts and sciences,” noted Christine Hanna, who teaches the art portion of the program. “This program helps students to ‘rethink’ how they see the world around them.” By way of hands-on activities, students are taught to understand how artists such
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as Leonardo DaVinci, Alexander Calder and scientists and architects such as Archimedes and Buckminster Fuller relied on both the sciences and the arts to create their masterpieces. During ZOOM sessions the students make boats, geodesic domes, geocopters and parachutes all emphasizing scientific principles like the laws of buoyancy, strength of triangles and air resistance. “The S.T.E.A.M. program identifies students from a public school on Staten Island to participate in science and art activities,” noted MaryBeth McCarthy who teaches the science portion of the curriculum. “Scientific projects emphasize concepts of density, surface area, gravity, air resistance and stability. While making models, the students are encouraged to become engineers and learn how to redesign their models to make them better.” For more information about the program, visit statenislandgivingcircle.org
New Preparatory School Opens in Tottenville A small COVID compliant ribbon cutting ceremony marked
the opening of the James P. Murphy Staten Island Preparatory School in October. The school, which will serve preschool and school-age children throughout the borough, is funded by AHRC New York City, an organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Facilitated by Borough President James Oddo, Congressman Max Rose and Assemblyman Michael Reilly, the school is AHRC NYC’s seventh educational institute overall and the first for Staten Island. “I am so proud of this group effort to get the first AHRC New York City Foundation school opened on Staten Island to help address the unique challenges of some of our social needs children,” BP Oddo said. Named in honor of James P. Murphy, a longtime AHRC NYC Board Member who fought vigilantly for the rights of his late son Michael who was born in 1960 with Down Syndrome, the school, when fully enrolled, will house 96 students in two preschool and nine school age classes. “Pursuing an education for Michael was difficult, if not impossible,” noted Patricia Murphy, James’ daughter and current AHRC NYC Board Member. “Education was very important to dad. Dad and Mom encouraged all six of us to pursue education
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Toys4Autism Hopes to Collect 700 Toys for Staten Island’s Developmentally Disabled
The holiday spirit is alive and well in the heart of John Louis Sublett, who is once again spearheading an annual fundraiser for special needs children. Sublett, a South Beach resident and single father of a 35-year-old autistic son, has distributed over 1,000 gift bags over the past three years through his charity, Toys4Autism. Serving all the special needs schools and programs in the borough, Sublett’s goodwill organization purchases specialized toys each year that help with coping, anxiety and stress. This year, Sublett aims to give away over 700 gifts to the developmentally disabled. “This year we have purchased 600 handheld Gameboy systems, each loaded with 400 different popular games,” Sublett noted. “We also have 400 fidget spinners and assorted other toys.” Toys4Autism has an Amazon Wish List where donors can pick from specialized fidget toys. All those interested in donating from that Wish List or making a monetary donation should visit www.toys4autism.org.
BP Oddo Partners with CVS, Rite Aid for ‘Family Flu Shot’ Campaign
Emphasizing the importance of the flu shot in the midst of this global pandemic, Borough President James Oddo has partnered with CVS and Rite Aid for a “Family Flu Shot” Campaign to encourage Staten Islanders of all ages to get their annual vaccination. “This fall and winter, the flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may both be spreading,” the BP’s office said in a statement. “For that reason, getting a flu shot will be more important than ever to help people stay healthy and to ease the burden on our health care system. Although the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, it will help individuals stay healthy by decreasing the risk of getting sick and needing flu-related medical care.” Staten Islanders can visit www.statenislandusa.com/flu2020 to find a location near them to make an appointment for a flu shot. New Yorkers can also text “FLU” to 877877 for more information about where to find flu shots close to home. Many shots are free, while many providers also accept insurance.
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COLLEGE RECRUITING DURING CORONAVIRUS
Savannah Gomes
Sydney Gomes
Charles Gomes
BY JOE LOVERDE
A local sportswriter and coach for youth sports on Staten Island for nearly 40 years.
F
or young athletes looking to play sports beyond high school, college recruiting searches have always been difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more of a challenge. High school conferences are canceling seasons. So are travel leagues. Showcase events are limited because of coronavirus protocols. Colleges are cutting back on visits, and parents and their young athletes need to get more creative in making those college connections. No one knows this better than Charles Gomes. As a parent of twin girls who have played varsity basketball for two seasons at New Dorp High School and are holding out hope that there will be a season for them as juniors, he identifies with parents whose children are hoping to play college sports. And as the athletic director at the College of Staten Island, he has been working on the other side to help his coaches recruit high school athletes. “It’s a challenge on both ends,” Gomes said. “It’s forcing kids and their parents to become much more actively involved, uti-
lizing every tool they have as a resource. You can’t wait for a college coach to come and find you. You have to find the coaches and market yourself. We’re all navigating this for the first time, learning as we go.” His daughters, Sydney and Savannah, and their New Dorp teammates were still alive in the Public Schools Athletic League playoffs last spring when COVID-19 halted the playoffs. Then they were hoping to play travel basketball, and that season was canceled. “Going into junior year is where college coaches evaluate you,” Gomes said. “There are showcases and other events, and many of them were canceled.” With many colleges cutting their recruiting budgets, coaches often aren’t able to see recruits in person. And National Collegiate Athletic Association — or NCAA, the governing body for most of college athletics — keeps revising its COVID-19 testing and other protocols, making it more difficult for schools at the Division 2 (which roughly means partial athletic scholarships available) and Division 3 (no athletic scholarships) levels to meet. “When you recruit someone you want to be able to see them play a lot and, while video is great, there is nothing that replaces that feel of seeing someone live and in per-
son,” Gomes said. “Kids who do it the best are emailing coaches, sending video and getting on Zoom calls.” “We are meeting with recruits all the time virtually, trying to give them a window of what it’s like to be a student here at the College of Staten Island,” Gomes continued. “Staff members, coaches and I hold Zoom meetings with high school students and parents, allowing them to ask questions about recruiting, eligibility guidelines and other parts of the process.” Gomes said that with many schools opting for remote learning, students are having difficulty connecting with their guidance counselors to help secure transcripts and SAT scores to pass on to colleges. But one advantage, he added, is that virtual college visits save parents and students time and money. “You can get on your computer and check out the school from the comfort of your home,” Gomes said. “It’s not the same as being there, but it does allow you to visit a bunch of schools in one day if you plan properly.” None of this matters, of course, if there are no college sports to play. Gomes is anxious for sports programs at CSI can be up and running again. It’s an exciting time for CSI athletics, in the second year of transitioning from a Division 3 to a Division 2 program. But the fall season was canceled and the winter season is on hold. Gomes is keeping his fingers crossed that outdoor sports in the spring can run without delays. “I just wish COVID wasn’t happening and we could really get things going,” he said.
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Congratulations...
ANGELINA PALMER
Staten Island University Hospital’s Incredible Kids Awards Recipient
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ongratulations to four-year-old Angelina Palmer of Arden Heights, October’s Incredible Kid of the Month! Angelina’s mom, Lisa Palmer, told us: “During lockdown, Angelina came up with an idea of sending out pen pal (letters) to her cousins and friends as a way to stay connected. We called the pen pal initiative #ProjectFamily. Along with a poem, she sent items or crafts she knew would bring them some happiness during these dark times.” Learn more about Angelina at siparent.com/ incredible-kids-recipients-october-2020.
NOMINATE AN INCREDIBLE KID Staten Island’s Incredible Kids Awards recognizes and honors outstanding children in the community. Nominees have helped others in need, donated time or effort to an important cause, boast impressive achievements at a young age, or simply stand out for their kindness and compassion. The nominations for November’s Incredible Kids Awards are open December 2-15, 2020. To nominate a child, go to siparent.com/incrediblekids and upload a photo, then explain in detail why he or she deserves to be selected as the Incredible Kid of the Month. Each selected honoree will be featured in an issue of Staten Island Parent and receive a $150 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Staten Island University Hospital. Voting begins December 16. Previous nominees may reenter for any upcoming month.
MEET STATEN ISLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL’S FEATURED PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST Staten Island University Hospital’s board-certified Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Shahed Quraishi, specializes in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children, and when indicated, consults with pediatric heart surgeons to determine the best treatment and intervention.
Dr. Shahed Ahmed Quraishi
Pediatric Behavioral & Developmental, Neurodevelopmental 718.226.1470
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ENTER TO WIN AS MANY PRIZES AS YOU WANT! Enter at siparent.com/ winner-wonderland You may enter to win any prizes listed. Enter until December 15. Winners will be announced on or around December 16.
Amazing Lash Studio Gift Certificate
Sterling Optical Gift Certificate
A.F. Bennett Trinity Spa Package For Her
Dance Sensations Gift Certificate
$150 towards a full set of Volume Lash Extensions. amazinglashstudio.com
Herbal steam shower, massage, gel manicure, spa pedicure, haircut and blow-dry. $220 Prize Value. afbennett.com
iPlay America Ride Passes
4-Pack of Ride Passes to iPlay America in Freehold, NJ. $131.96 Prize Value iplayamerica.com
Art Lab Summer Gift Certificate
For Camp Picasso Special Week Summer 2021 $100 Prize Value. artlabsi.com
$100 towards a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses. sterlingoptical.com
Rab’s Country Lan Fun Pack $125 Prize Va
1 1/2 hours of bowling, sh pizza and soda, plus Ra for a family of fo bowlatrabs.nyc
$100 towards tuition. $100 Prize Value. dancesensationsstudio.com
Visage Hair Studio Gift Basket
Professional hair products and a manicure & pedicure gift certificate. visagenyc.com. $100 Prize Value.
Big Snow American Dream 3-Day Package
3 anytime-use ski or snowboard rental and slope access ticket. $150 Prize Value. bigsnowamericandream.com.
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LIPM L.O.L. Surprise! Mega-Package $240 Prize Value L.O.L. Surprise! Glamper, L.O.L. Surprise! Clubhouse and L.O.L. Surprise! Remix Plane lolsurprise.com
Rab’s untry Lanes Fun Pack 25 Prize Value
Mensch on a Bench Hanukkah Package $90 Prize Value
s of bowling, shoe rental, d soda, plus Rab’s Swag r a family of four. bowlatrabs.nyc
Mensch on a Bench, Dancing Bubbe, SnowMensch and Mitzvah Moose. themenschonabench.com
Four Tickets to Sesame Place $308 Prize Value
For the 2021 Season. sesameplace.com/philadelphia
Teepee in the City Overnight Package $375 Prize Value
3 teepees, decorations, lighting and everything needed for a themed kids’ sleepover. teepeeinthecity.com December 2020 • siparent.com
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fun stuff Be sure to check each farm for availability & COVID-19 policies before you go.
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W O R U O Y T U C Ann Allen Tree Farm 114 Daum Road Manalapan, NJ 07726 anneellenfarms.com
Bear Swamp Farm 81 Otterhole Road Milford, NJ 07480 bearswampfarmnj.com
Barclay’s Christmas Tree Farm
MS R A F E E R T S CHRISTMA
Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm 231 Adamic Hill Road Milford, NJ 08848 charliebrownschristmastreefarm.com
Cherryville Farms 352 Quakertown Road Pittstown, NJ 08867 cherryvillefarmsnj.com
Giamarese Farm
35 Orchardside Drive Cranbury, NJ 08512 barclaystreefarm.com
155 Fresh Ponds Road East Brunswick, NJ 08816 giamaresefarm.com
Bullock Farms
Habiak Farms
83 Emleys Hill Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 bullockfarms.com
315 Deans Rhode Hall Rd. South Brunswick, NJ 08810 habiak-farms.business.site
Keris Tree Farm
Simonson Farms
848 Route 524 Allentown, NJ 08501 kerischristmastreefarm
118-260 Dey Road Cranbury, NJ 08560 simonsonfarms.com
Lazy Susan Tree Farm 184 Sharon Road Robbinsville, NJ 08691 lazysusantreefarm.com
Patterson Greenhouses 636 Adelphia Road Freehold, NJ 07728 pattersongreenhouses.com
Picea Acres 50 S New Prospect Road Jackson Township, NJ 08752 piceaacres.com
The Evergreen Farm 4 Bass Lane Lebanon, NJ 08833 theevergreenfarm.com
Westhaven Farm Inc. 725 Route 524 Allentown, NJ 08501 westhavenfarminc.com
Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm 249 County Road 519 Belvidere, NJ 07823 wyckoffs.com
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HOLIDAY RECIPES Serve up some holiday cheer with these festive dinner recipes!
main dish
bettycrocker.com
BRINED WHOLE TURKEY Ingredients: • 2 gallons cold water • 2 cups kosher salt or 1 cup table salt • 1 whole turkey, not pre-basted (12 to 14 pounds), thawed if frozen • 1 medium onion, cut into fourths • 1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped • 1 medium celery stalk, coarsely chopped • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Directions: 1. Mix cold water and salt in a large clean bucket or stockpot (noncorrosive); stir until salt is dissolved. Add turkey. Cover and refrigerate 8 to 12 hours. 2. Heat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from brine; discard brine. Thoroughly rinse turkey under cool running water, gently rubbing outside and inside of turkey to release salt. Pat skin and both interior cavities dry with paper towels.
3. Fasten neck skin to back of turkey with skewer. Fold wings across back of turkey so tips are touching. Toss onion, carrot, celery and thyme with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter; place in turkey cavity. 4. Place turkey, breast side down, on rack in large shallow roasting pan. Brush entire back side of turkey with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Turn turkey over. Brush entire breast side of turkey with remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of inside thigh and does not touch bone. (Do not add water or cover turkey.) 5. Roast uncovered 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, brushing twice with pan drippings during last 30 minutes of roasting. 6. Turkey is done when thermometer reads 165°F and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted. If a meat thermometer is not used, begin testing for doneness after about 3 hours. When turkey is done, place on warm platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Let stand about 15 minutes for easiest carving.
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appetizer
bettycrocker.com (wreath) • hiddenvalley.com (dip)
Spinach Dip Ingredients: • 1 container (16oz) sour cream • 1 packet (1oz) ranch dip mix • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, chopped, thawed and well-drained • 1 can (8oz) water chestnuts, drained & chopped (optional) • 1 round loaf French bread Spinach Dip Directions: 1. In a large bowl, mix the sour cream together with the dips mix until well-blended, then fold in spinach and water chestnuts. Chill covered for 1 hour before serving. 2. Cut top off the bread, remove center and cut into cubes. 3. Fill bread bowl with dip. Serve with cubed bread and vegetable sticks.
dessert
Wreath Ingredients: • 1 round uncut loaf (about 9 inches in diameter) Hawaiian or sourdough bread • 1 1/2 cups spinach dip • 1 rosemary sprig • 1 handful miniature cherry tomatoes
Easy Spinach Dip Wreath
• 1 handful cranberries • 1 red bell pepper Wreath Directions: 1. Cut and hollow out 3”wide ring on top of bread loaf to within 1/2” of bottom, leaving center of loaf intact. Reserve scooped-out bread. 2. Spoon spinach dip into hollowed-out ring. Arrange rosemary sprigs around outer edge of wreath. Decorate with cherry tomatoes and cranberries. Cut bow shape from bell pepper; place on wreath. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. 3. Tear remaining loaf of bread into bitesize pieces. Use torn bread and reserved scooped-out bread for dipping.
bettycrocker.com
Ingredients: • 1 box white cake mix (i.e. Betty Crocker Super Moist) • Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box • Red and green food color • 1 container whipped fluffy white frosting • red, green and white candy sprinkles Directions: 1. Heat oven to 325°F. Generously grease 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with shortening or cooking spray. Make cake mix as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Pour half of the batter into medium bowl; set aside. Divide the other half of batter equally between 2 small bowls. (You will be left with 3 bowls of batter.) Add red food color to 1 of the small bowls and mix well. Add green food color to the second small bowl and mix well. 2. Pour half of the white batter from medium bowl into cake pan. Carefully pour red batter over white batter in pan. Carefully
pour green batter over red batter. Pour remaining white batter from medium bowl over the top. Do not mix the colors.
Rainbow Christmas Wreath
3. Bake as directed on box until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Turn pan upside down onto cooling rack placed over a cookie sheet; remove pan. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Place cake on serving plate. 4. Divide frosting between 2 small microwavable bowls. Microwave 1 bowl on
high about 5-10 seconds; mix with spoon until smooth enough to drizzle. With the spoon, drizzle white frosting back and forth around the cake in a striping pattern until you use all of the frosting (allow frosting to drip down onto plate in middle of cake, if desired). 5. Microwave second bowl of frosting; stir in a few drops of green food color. Drizzle over cake, scattering back and forth in the same type of striping pattern. Decorate with sprinkles. Let stand until frosting is set before serving.
MORE RECIPES
can be found on siparent.com/ yummyrecipes
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These easy-to-use video devices make it simple to connect with loved ones from afar and make it feel like you’re really together.
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he holiday season will undoubtedly be difficult for many families. Due to the pandemic, some won’t be able to see their grandparents or parents, and some may even be spending the holidays alone. We’ve compiled a list of gifts that make connecting with loved ones from afar a little easier. You can also consider buying one of I these gifts for the people in your life you won’t be able to spend time with this holiday season to let them know you care about them and wish you could be together.
7 BEST DEVICES FOR CONNECTING WITH LOVED ONES BY MELISSA WICKES
Melissa Wickes, a graduate of Binghamton University and the NYU Summer Publishing Institute, is the production editor for NYMetroParents. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing the guitar or eating pasta.
Lovebox Messenger Send notes to your loved ones via smartphone app with this WiFi enabled wood box. Whenever a new message comes in, the heart on the box begins to spin and your loved one will know you’re thinking of them! Urban Outfitters.com, $100.
Amazon Echo Show Also an Alexa device with voice capabilities, this rectangular screen allows you to make video calls to anyone with Skype, the Alexa app, an Echo Spot, or an Echo Show. You can call someone by saying “Alexa, call [name]” and you can even “Drop In” on someone—a feature that allows you to video call a loved one without the need to pick up. Don’t worry, both users have to enable this feature for it to work. Amazon.com, $149.99.
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LIPM Google Nest Hub + Duo
Facebook Portal The Facebook Portal also has Alexa built in, but the exciting part is it allows for “smart video” calling. What’s that, you ask? The Smart Camera pans and zooms automatically to keep up with where you are, so it’s like you’re really in the same room! It also comes in a variety of sizes. For example, the Portal TV allows you to do smart video calling on your TV and the Portal+ allows for smart video calling on a 15.6” HD display. Portal.facebook.com, $129-$149.
Skylight Frame You’ve seen a digital photo frame before, but this one allows you to add photos automatically via email. So, you can surprise your family with pictures of you from an event they weren’t able to attend on their digital photo frame in a matter of seconds. Skylightframe.com, $159.
The Google Nest Hub, which also comes in multiple screen sizes, allows you to make video calls and leave video messages. The camera keeps you in view as you move around the room, too. Photos can be displayed on the screen, similarly to a digital picture frame, via Google Photos. Best Buy. com, $229.
Lenovo Smart Display with Google Assistant For a similar but cheaper option of the Google Nest Hub, consider the Lenovo Smart Display with Google Assistant (available at BestBuy.com), which is $79.99 for a 7” screen.
GrandPad GrandPad is a smart and simple way for seniors to connect with loved ones. All you need is the GrandPad app, portal, or device and you can connect to GrandPad’s private family network via iPhone, Android, iPad, or desktop. Family members can adjust settings and upload photos for the GrandPad user. Grandpad.net, plan including tablet, apps, multi-party calling, data, music, damage and theft insurance, customer support, case, and stylus is $49/ year or $66/month.
ViewClix ViewClix is a digital photo frame with video chat capabilities that makes it easy to connect with seniors. There is no Amazon, Facebook, or Google account needed for seniors and they won’t need to learn new technology. Viewclix.com, $199-$299. If spending the extra money this holiday season is out of the question for your family, don’t worry! There are plenty of free video chat apps and services you can use to connect with your loved ones easily, including Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Google Duo, Discord, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
December 2020 • siparent.com
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EDUCATORS WEIGH IN ON CURRENT TOPICS
raising kids
Dear Teacher Addition and Subtraction Concepts
Experienced educators and authors Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts give solid advice about everything school and education-related. Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com
QUESTION: My third grader was still having problems with basic addition and subtraction at the end of second grade even though he had extra assistance at school. Is there any way I can help him now? – Math Problem ANSWER: Children need to be able to recall basic facts quickly and automatically. Usually by the end of second grade, most students have automatic recall of not only the addition facts but also the subtraction facts that they are expected to know. Mastery of a fact means giving the response in less than 3 seconds or 30 correct per minute. However, this is for an oral response, and more-time may be needed by young children. Being able to complete 50 problems in 3 minutes is definitely a reasonable goal. Fortunately, you can help your child adopt strategies to help him learn the basic facts fairly easily. Work on this now whether he is in regular or online school. Before you begin teaching number strategies, observe which
numbers your child cannot add automatically. These are the ones you want to help him learn. Don’t confine teaching a strategy to just flash cards; use dice, spinners, coins, markers and simple games. Move slowly. Begin by working with the “one-more-than” (3+1). Then go on to (2 +2) and (3+3). For example, for the problem (3+1), he can lay out three items and then add a fourth. Having him use a strategy like this ensures that he is solving the problem. Doing this repeatedly will help him learn each fact rather than telling him or showing him an answer. Here’s another way for you to help your child learn the basic facts, it is enjoyable because it involves playing games. Since ten is the basis of our number system, it is very important for children to become familiar with all the number combinations that make ten when added together (5+5, 8+2, and so on). Our “Bean Game” will help them do this. Color one side of ten beans (coins or counters) with marking pens, nail polish, or
24 December 2020 • siparent.com
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LIPM paint. Place the beans in a container that can be used as a shaker. Two or more players can enjoy this game. The first player shakes the container and dumps out the beans, He or she then counts the number of painted and unpainted beans, states the combination: four painted plus six unpainted equals ten, and writes down the number of painted and unpainted beans on a chart. The player continues until he or she hits a previously rolled combination. Then it’s the other player’s turn. The winner is the player who shakes the largest number of different combinations in his or her turn. In “Take Away Game,” items are being removed from a group. You’ll want to use flash cards with simple facts like 2-1, 4-2, 5-3, and 5-4. Have your child draw a card at random, then you need to make up a story. For example, for 3-1 you could say, “I have three nickels; if I take away one, how many would I have left? Your child should lay out three counters and take away one to show how many are left. Then he or she should make up stories for the remaining flash cards and use counters to illustrate how “take away” works. Finally, go on our website dearteacher.com and look at the Math Skill Builders and the Math Learning Activities for more ideas on teaching the basic facts.
Free Books to Assist Learning Disabled PARENTS: Here is a good source for children and adults as well who cannot read traditional print books because they have a visual impairment, physical disability or severe learning disability. The source is Bookshare.org, an ebook library of more than 800,000 books, that makes reading easier. Individuals with reading barriers can customize their experience and read in ways that work for them. With Bookshare books become accessible because they can be read by: • Listening to books with high quality text-to-speech voices. • Hearing and seeing highlighted words on screen. • Reading with digital braille or enlarged fonts. • Reading directly from your Internet browser. This great program is totally FREE; however, individuals must qualify to participate in it. Children who struggle with reading and have an IEP or a 504 plan can be signed up for Bookshare providing a competent authority confirms that the learning disability significantly interferes with reading. Children and adults with low vision blindness and some physical disabilities can also participate providing a competent authority confirms that their disability interferes with reading. On the bookshare.org website, you can access a number of brochures and flyers to learn more about the many ways to read Bookshare books. There are also helpful video tutorials as well as additional resources for parents and students.
ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Providing a premier Catholic education, Pre-K to Grade 8, to the Staten Island community for 100 years.
Middle States Accredited
Mother Franciska Early Childhood Center Featuring 3 & 4 year old programs. Call for information.
Before & After Care Available
850 Hylan Blvd • SI, NY 10305 718.981.1187 x9136 • stjosephhillacademy.com
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raising kids
Get Your Home Ready for Work and School this Winter
screens with storm windows and installing a storm door on your house isn’t realistic, increase energy efficiency by sealing gaps around window and door moldings with caulk to help keep heat from escaping. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall of your home, you can also use caulking and weather-stripping to help block potential entry points for cold air. CHECK YOUR GUTTERS
A
lthough preparing your home for winter is a fairly consistent process year-to-year, many homes have seen significantly more use this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. If your home will serve as your office or school throughout the winter months, it’s important to address issues that may have been noticed but tolerable during winters past. Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to help ensure your home is ready before winter weather strikes. IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Beyond proper physical and structural considerations of winter preparations, the increased daily usage of your home naturally increases the importance of indoor air quality. Since windows and doors will likely be closed more often, moisture levels within your home can be significantly affected. Use a humidifier, if necessary, to maintain a relative humidity between 45-50%, which is healthier and can feel more comfortable. It can also keep
wooden doors and windows functioning properly and wood furniture and floors looking good. GET YOUR FURNACE CHECKED
To keep your furnace from failing when you need it most, get it inspected by a professional before you need to rely on it to heat your home in the dead of winter. If you’re not leaving the house and turning down the thermostat each day, this will be especially important this year. Regular tune-ups can prolong your furnace’s life, help prevent carbon monoxide leaks and ensure your unit is working at maximum efficiency. If a whole-house humidifier is included as part of the heating system, also inspect the humidifier and replace the element, if necessary. SEAL LEAKS AROUND WINDOWS AND DOORS
Air infiltration is one of the largest culprits of reductions in a home’s efficiency. Small air leaks can add up to significant heat loss and a corresponding increase in energy consumption. If replacing window
Improper drainage away from the home is one of the biggest causes of water leaking into basements and crawlspaces. Gutters and downspouts have the single purpose of routing water away from your home to help prevent damage to your foundation. Once leaves have fallen and before the first snow, ensure your gutters are properly secured and clear of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to improper drainage and potential overflow, ice damming or other water-related issues. Also adjust downspouts so they direct water at least 5 feet from the house to help minimize the possibility of water run-off back toward the foundation. PREP THE PLUMBING
When water freezes, it expands. Any residual water in pipes that is exposed to freezing temperatures, including interior lines located in exterior walls or unheated areas, can burst. Start by disconnecting hoses and shutting off exterior faucets, draining any water that remains in them and storing hoses indoors to prevent cracks. Drain any other pipes, valves or in-ground sprinklers that may be exposed to the elements and, for an extra layer of protection, wrap water spigots with covers to prevent damage. Sometimes a simple trick like keeping a cabinet door cracked open to allow warm air into the space can prevent frozen pipes. Find more expert tips to get your home ready for winter at RemodelingDoneRight. com. Provided by The National Association of the Remodeling Industry via Family Features
26 December 2020 • siparent.com
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Planning a Home Improvement Project? Get Great Ideas, Resources and Savings
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ARE YOU A CONTRACTOR OR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROFESSIONAL?
Reach thousands of Staten Island families by promoting your business in the Fix Up My Home Staten Island Parent’s Digital magazine! Contact us at siparent.com/advertise-with-us for more information on this opportunity. December 2020 • siparent.com 27
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Professional Services DIRECTORY
Seeking out nearby resources in legal services, speech development, therapy or other specific need? These local professionals can help.
ATTORNEYS KURT T. RICHARDS, P.C. Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY 718.720.1000 • www.krichardspc.com
Divorce, Family Court, Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements. Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.
PSYCHOTHERAPISTS STATEN ISLAND YMCA COUNSELING SERVICE Offering hope to individuals & families whose lives have been turned upside-down SOUTH SHORE CENTER 3911 Richmond Avenue • 718.948.3232 ymcanyc.org/counseling NORTH SHORE CENTER 285 Vanderbilt Avenue • 718.981.4382
by addiction. We treat families, not just individuals. Services: Individual, Group & Family Counseling, a Little Steps program for children coping with a loved one’s addiction, Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment, Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders including on-site psychiatric services, Crisis Intervention, Assessment & Referral Services, Anger Management for youth/adults, Parenting Skills classes, FREE Narcan training/kits. Financial assistance is available.
SPEECH PATHOLOGY
SANDRA MAZZUCCO M.A., C.C.C.-SLP Annadale Town: 465 Belfield Ave North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave 718.815.6024
NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults, PROMPT Trained, Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy, Specializing in Fluency. ASHA Certified. Following COVID-19 Guidelines. Telehealth available.
TUTOR MR. ABDO TUTORING
• Algebra 1, 2 and Geometry • SAT, Regents Test Prep • GED/TASC Prep
646 624 0073 Tutor_4_math@yahoo.com
• Middle School Math and SHSAT Prep • Tutoring in-person or Online
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LIPM
October’s Winner
Angelina Palmer
Nominate the Most Amazing Kid In Your Life Do you know a child who is truly remarkable? We’re asking Staten Islanders to nominate children who’ve made a difference in their communities or in the lives of others. The honorees and their impressive achievements will be recognized in Staten Island Parent and on siparent.com, and will receive a $150 Amazon gift card courtesy of Staten Island University Hospital.
Nomination Period: December 2-15 Voting Period: December 16-31 Winner Announced and New Contest begins on or around January 2
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1761 Forest Avenue • SI, NY 10303 1661 Hylan Boulevard • SI, NY 10305 26 Richmond Hill Road • SI, NY 10314 6420 Amboy Road • SI, NY 10309 25 Putnam Street • SI, NY 10312 300 Bay Street • SI, NY 10301 DECEMBER 1 Sean Giovanniello Jennie Cavallo Anthony Russo Kevin John Bucchieri Aubree Jude Purcell Samantha Diaz Kyle Olivia Norman Ali Gonzalez DECEMBER 2 Stephanie Keane Nikki DePetro Kira Rasmussen Christian Rasmussen Alyssa Ann Stetter Eva Stefanski Aiden Attal DECEMBER 3 Imani J. Stevenson Joseph Piacenti James Tonrey Ryan Kvetny Nethuli Wickramanayake Kaitlyn CianFrone Sara Attarian DECEMBER 4 Donae Graham Anna Sereno Megan Nagengast Dominick DePaolis Jordyn Savannah Hill Nia Mccadney Victoria Rzeszutko Anthony Rufano DECEMBER 5 Ranell King Tyler McAnuff Scott Hightower Jillian Katz Lucas Canada Alivia D. D’Ascanio Deandra Cruz Montral Tillman DECEMBER 6 Danielle Horton Angela Bunay Joseph Menoni Vincent Gigante Justin Lopez Mason Salhany Vincent Gigante
DECEMBER 7 Alyssa Hidalgo Timmy Keane Briana Lane Jayden Kranzke Toby Yuen Gianna Buenaventura Beckett Wells DECEMBER 8 Raquan Jenkins Seyid Hakan Sagdic Lisa Foreman Jack Kushner Gabriel Reuben Jillian Katz Michael Russo Emmanuel Lago DECEMBER 9 Kaydence Kennedy Thomas Graber Paige Distefano Chase Bertone Kaydence Lennon Gia Tallegra Olivia Parco Demi Picca Liam Esquivel Moncion DECEMBER 10 Peter Nicholas Gambino Dante Pascale Michael Migliorisi Christina Daquara Adam Cohen Sabrina Todaro Anaya Passi DECEMBER 11 Gabriella La Greca Elizabeth McDonough Isabella Stein James Spaulding Mando Ramos Samantha Devito Thomas Byrnes Jr Nicole Falanga Benjamin Alfimov Delilah Rodriguez Alyssa Powierski DECEMBER 12 Maria Rose Martorano Olivia Andruszkow Faith Chambers Samantha Walfish Jaden-Ramen Watson Gabriel Prather Jocelyn Gioe-Porto Jocelyn Gioe Novaa Noelle Garzone
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DECEMBER 13 Tony Williams Erin O’Keefe Salvatore F. Festa, Jr. Lauren Zaluk Amanda Seery Ronnington Watson, Jr. Aubrey Vautrinot Serena O’Donnell Michael Russello DECEMBER 14 Ebonyrose Bellamy Queyla Brann Chynna Lake Madison Burkhart Jason Mora Avyana Murray Taseer Rasheed Jason Mora Melina Marovic DECEMBER 15 Gabrielle Pennachio Walter Broncano Matthew Recca Aniyah Meredith Kayleigh Clark Lauren Guzman Nadia Aburabia Adrian Wojtach DECEMBER 16 Ashley Kelly Elizabeth Liliav Deborah Arianna Morales Deborah Morales Jack Gottlieb Lia Giovanniello Barnell Rogers Kyle Saryian DECEMBER 17 Saniyah Salman Sabrina Frascona Sofia Aziz Chassidy Rodriguez Joseph Falanga Sariyah Jenkins Kamirah Jenkins Jahnique White DECEMBER 18 Angela Dama Jason Cunningham Joseph Busacca Kane Peter Emerich Nicole Romano Demarra Spicer Paulie Rivera Jane Clairmont Michael Medina Adrianna Medina
DECEMBER 19 Chelsea Goldberg Santina Peghi Nicholas Ravaglia Jonathan Dinkle Arianna Duran Justin Portalatin Ryan Mottola Nicolette Nigido Divine Roman Zahir Moore DECEMBER 20 Steven McCabe Rosalia Santamaria Johny Perez Addison Baerga Liam Waters William Landy Gabriella Hamptin Steven McCabe Liam Waters Steven McCabe DECEMBER 21 Sykla Degratto TJ Chow Abraham Fenton Matthew Gibb TJ Chow Hailie Velez Danielle Harrell Julian Arapi Jennifer Squarciafico Alia LaPorta April Servider DECEMBER 22 Vanessa Kraker Bryanna Braithwaite Avery Parchment Karissa Noelle Bove Michael Yarbrough Jo-Anna Stabile Ibrahim Hamdallah DECEMBER 23 David Fetik Kevin Kushner James Kushner Alysea Parchment Nicholas Ahlborn Myra Young Brandon Maisonet Kayva Sethna DECEMBER 24 Chris Mendozza Stephanie Rivera Kyle Mackey Ariana Canessa Matthew Attardo Desirey Madden Giulianna Mary Dolce
DECEMBER 25 Randall Gip Lee Eric Towse Confesora Pacheco Jackson Harrison II Evianna Reale Giuseppe Carucci Christian George DECEMBER 26 Carly Ann Boller Zachary Bellantoni John Thaten Daniel Soto Jadin Edmonds Ava Rose Sheehan Aiden Buricea Gabriella Signoriello DECEMBER 27 Fjay Noel Pagtakhan Schuyler Lynch Portocarrero Elisabeth Tonrey Tyler Moor Maria Vazquez Jackson Costa Troy Tappin DECEMBER 28 Nicole Africano Tyler Moore Olivia Millone Tyler Samuel Haneef Madyun Sarah Sollog Zoey Jeffers DECEMBER 29 Serena Tesler Zachary Becker Jcologero Messina Nikki Damante Cristina DiMaria Tara Leonard-Lentz Julia Deluca DECEMBER 30 Sofia Russo Danielle Dono Thomas Dono Andre Jeremiah Cooper Vincent Francis Homan Vincent Homan DECEMBER 31 Darrius Ingram Eden Sage Ramos Paul Teplitskiy Efraim Agarunov Connor Burke Aiden Tanenbauum
30 December 2020 • siparent.com
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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
Developmental/ Special Needs
Events & Family Fun
Los Ninos Services................................ 15
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Storybook Land.................................... 15
YMCA Counseling................................ 28
Education, Preschool/ Day Care Archdiocese of New York.................... 13
Mr. Abdo Tutoring................................. 28 Suzanne’s Fashion Corner.................... 6 Vik’s Fine Jewelry................................... 6
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Health
Art Lab Inc............................................. 19
Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental).............. 19
JCC........................................Back Cover
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Master Curry Karate.............................. 3
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St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary...25
Services
Staten Island Academy......................... 2
Kurt T. Richards PC................................ 28
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