Staten Island Parent Magazine June 2021

June 2021

siparent.com

Congrats Class of 2021

Family Fun!

• Zoos & Aquariums • Amusement Parks • Fruit Picking

WINrty

a Pa ur for Yo !

Grad

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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

2 June 2021 • siparent.com

THE CLASS OF 2021

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

College Acceptances

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June 2021 • siparent.com

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Advertiser Index page 47

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

Editor Jeannine Cintron

Inside

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

June 2021

traffic director Heather Gambaro

Angelina Conigliaro

28

Publisher & editor-in-chief Roselle Farina Hecht

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

Graduation Time!

Gift ideas, local celebrations and special messages for the Class of 2021!

keep in touch

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

20

Incredible Kids

Meet our latest Incredible Kids Awards recipient, Brooklynn Gonzalez!

Nominate an amazing kid!

Member of the Parenting Media Association (PMA)

family activities

12 18 22 25 26

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.

Things to Do in June Amusement Parks Near Staten Island Where to Go Fruit Picking Near Staten Island Aquariums Near Staten Island Zoos Near Staten Island

fun stuff

10 Community News 16 Birthday Club 36 The Importance of Summer Camp Friendships 42 Make His Father’s Day Special 44 Pandemic Travel Trends Likely to Stick Around 4 June 2021 • siparent.com

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June 2021 • siparent.com

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Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY

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June 2021 • siparent.com

7

editor’s note

Did someone say…SUMMER??

Comments? Questions?

Suggestions? Don’t be shy!

Email me at jcintron@siparent.com

get news, tips, and humor all month long

siparent.com/signup @siparent @siparent

I don’t know about you, but after last year’s sorry excuse for a summer I’m ready for some fun in the sun! The weirdest school year ever is winding down, quarantine is officially a memory, the weather is heating up and it’s almost impossible not to be psyched for the season.

I had such a blast putting together this issue! I did my usual digging around for stuff to do with kids, and for the first time in ages, I actually found some! Go to pages 12 and 14 for some of the highlights for June, but be sure to keep checking our family calendar at siparent. com because we’ll be sharing more events and things to do every day. It’s a great time to sign up for our newsletters, if you haven’t already, because you’ll be the first to know about the best activities for your family. Just go to siparent.com/signup — it’s takes 2 seconds and it’s totally worth it, promise!

This issue is jam-packed with ways to keep busy all summer long! Starting on page 18, you’ll find amusement parks, zoos, aquariums and fruit picking farms to kick off your summer fun. I’ve already started my own summer bucket list — every time my kids walked by the computer while I was working on this issue, they pointed out another place they wanted to go. They’re so excited! I strongly suggest you start your own list. In the coming summer months, we’ll have lots more ideas for your family trips. July’s issue will feature waterparks, beaches, road trip destinations and more. So stay tuned for that and be sure to sign up for newsletters to see it all first!

Before we can start the summer fun, however, we must take a moment to congratulate the Class of 2021! It hasn’t been the easiest or most traditional senior year, but these kids persevered through a pandemic and made the most of it anyway. They deserve an extra special send-off, and that’s exactly what we are giving them. Starting on page 28, you’ll find graduation gift ideas, celebrations, and special messages just for the class of 2021. You can even enter your graduate to win a party!

Congrats to the grads! And to everyone — happy summer!

Editor, Staten Island Parent

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community news

What’s Happening Staten Island?

Local News, Major Events, Community Updates and Hot Topics

By Barbara Russo

June is Health Month on New Dorp Lane With summer arriving just as New York City is set to reopen, now is the perfect time for Staten Islanders to make health and wellness their top priority, according to local fitness experts.

To raise awareness about good health, gyms, yoga studios and martial arts schools from the New Dorp Lane District are coming together to kick off the first-ever New Dorp Health Month. Throughout June, these fitnessfocused establishments will offer special promotions and events.

The New Dorp Lane District is part of the New Dorp Merchants Program, founded by City Council Member Steven Matteo and the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) in 2014. As part of the program, the businesses along the historic lane work together to better serve the Staten Island community and support the local economy.

“As summer begins and New York begins to open up, this is a great time for individuals to get fit. If the pandemic has shown us anything, exercise and clean living is an important part of being healthy,” said Niles French, executive director of the New Dorp Lane District and SIEDC Vice President of Projects.

Other fitness venues participating include New Dorp Fitness, Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts, New Dorp Health Month include Some Like it Hot Yoga & Wellness, 5-Boro Power Yoga, Solo Fitness, MRG Fitness and Dragon Kim’s Karate USA. 10 June 2021 • siparent.com

Transformation of Conference House Pavilion NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver and representatives from Staten Island unveiled last month the new Almer G. Russell Pavilion in Conference House Park.

Located in Conference House Park, the storm-battered pavilion was completely turned into a new 3,000-square-foot, water- and wind-resistant structure. The $6.5 million project constructed a new open-air pavilion utilizing existing piles of the original structure, landscaping enhancements and green infrastructure to better manage stormwater runoff.

A pedestrian path was constructed to connect the pavilion to nearby Hylan Boulevard.

“Thanks to the efforts of Commissioner Silver, the Conference House Park Pavilion is just one more reason to enjoy the natural assets we have as the Borough of Parks,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. “It’s an excuse to not only get outside, but engage in a landscape surrounded by so much culture and history.”

Funding for the project was provided by a $5.6 million allocation from Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, $850,000 from New York City Council Member Joe Borelli and former New York City Council Member Vincent Ignizio, and $150,000 from Staten Island Borough President Oddo and former Borough President James P. Molinaro.

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Almer G. Russell Pavilion in Conference House Park

Petrides Award Presented to Outstanding Graduating Senior Staten Island resident and Petrides student, Amy Mohamed, has received this year’s Michael J. Petrides Student Award for Excellence in

Mathematics and Science.

The annual award is given to a graduating high school senior who excels in math and science. As part of the selection process, all Staten Island high schools are asked to submit a nomination.

Amy is positioned to be the valedictorian of her senior class. With a 102% GPA, she is a member of the National Honor Society, has taken three CUNY college courses and will have completed nine AP classes, the most that the high school offers.

Amy has served as a representative on student government throughout high school, and raises money for UNICEF and the Petrides Against Cancer Society. For the last two years, Amy has been on the school’s math team competing with students from other high schools in the district math tournaments.

She will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with the intended major of Mechanical Engineering.

“We are pleased to continue the tradition of awarding an exceptional college-bound

student with the Petrides Award,” said BP Oddo. “All of the nominees are deserving and I am always impressed and encouraged by these young people. I look forward to them returning to Staten Island as young professionals and continuing their commitment to service in our community.”

Lacey DeLucia, Staten Island Technical High School, was named first runner-up, and Thea Akhrass, St. Joseph Hill Academy High School, was named second runner-up for the award.

recreational facilities, we will continue to be the Borough of Parks.”

Schmul Park includes brightly colored playground equipment with a spray shower, swings and a sandbox. Other amenities include two handball courts, basketball courts, an open lawn for lounging and sunning, native plantings, a comfort station and a lighted pathway that leads to the softball field and entrance to the future North Park section of Freshkills Park.

Major Upgrades to Schmul Park Borough President James Oddo, along with Borough Parks Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone, recently announced that $2.4 million of taxpayer money will be used to refurbish Schmul Park in Travis.

Schmul is a popular location for local families. But a safety surface that was installed during a renovation in 2012 has deteriorated, causing many community members to express concern to both the Parks Department and Borough Hall, according to Oddo.

“We may be on our way out the door, but there’s no way I would kick the can down the road to the next BP on this project,” Oddo said, referencing the end of his term as borough president. “We were going to help out before we left.

Given the events of the past year, now, more than ever, do we appreciate the importance of the myriad open spaces with which Staten Island is graced.

As long as Borough Hall is capable of contributing, with our world-class

Schmul Park

June 2021 • siparent.com

11

family activities

Things to Do in June

I

t’s been a loooooong year without many in-person events. Sure, the virtual stuff was fun for a while but there is nothing like the real thing. With the warm weather upon us and quarantine in the rearview mirror, we finally have some real, live family events to share!

Be sure to call ahead or visit event websites to confirm details and Covid precautions. Go to siparent.com/events for details on the events listed here and even more fun ideas for your family, every single day!

S.I. Mall Carnival

Staten Island Zoolympics

Mon-Fri 5-11pm Sat & Sun 12pm-11pm Staten Island Mall • 2655 Richmond Ave. Amusements of America are bringing back the annual carnival outside of the Staten Island Mall featuring games, rides, food and fun!

10am-4:45pm Staten Island Zoo • 614 Broadway Can you jump as far as a frog? Or balance like a mountain goat? Maybe you can forage as well as a racoon. Find out and compete at the Staten Island Zoo’s Zoolympics, free with zoo admission. Tickets must be reserved in advance on the website.

May 27 to June 13

Thrive on Thursdays

June 3, 10, 17 & 24

3:30pm-7pm Snug Harbor 1000 Richmond Terrace Invigorate and restore your mind, body, and spirit this summer at Snug Harbor with Thrive on Thursdays, featuring healthy, delicious produce sold fresh from the Heritage Farm, free movement workshops from Be Yoga & Dance to encourage mind-body connection, music from MakerPark Radio DJs and pop-up performances by local musicians, food for sale by a different local restaurant each week, food scrap and organics dropoff and lawn games on the South Meadow.

National Trails Day

June 5

10am-3:30pm Willowbrook Park • 1 Eton Place National Trails Day is designated “a day of service and advocacy for hometown trails” by the American Hiking Society.

Join a full day of activities including cleaning up, hiking, information and invasive species removal with the Urban Park Rangers. Go to sigreenbelt.org for more info.

12 June 2021 • siparent.com

June 5

Uncorked

June 5

Noon-5pm Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave. Historic Richmond Town opens its grounds to more than 40 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries for a food and wine festival like no other. What once was a community gathering place more than 300 years ago once again hosts an annual gathering where community staples join forces and showcase the best eats on Staten Island.

Victory Blvd Street Festival

June 5

11am-1pm Victory Blvd. & Wescott Ave. The Victiry Blvd. Merchants Association bringing the fun back with a street festival featuringe ntertainment, refreshments, raffles, giveaways and merchant tables.

Richmond Road Block Party

June 6

10am-1pm Liberty Ave. between Jefferson St. & Richmond Rd. Join the Richmond Road Merchants Association with fun for the entire family, carnival games, a bouncy house, Music with Patrick, Steve The Magician, pony rides and more! Entertainment and attractions are free.

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Now open for 2021!

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

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

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family activities

Things to Do in June Cont’d Tots Time at the Museum

June 9, 16, 23 & 30

10am-12pm Staten Island Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace Tot’s Time is the museum’s interactive toddler/pre-school prep experience.

Activities include art and sensory play, story time, early math and literacy activities, and opportunities for children to confidently gain independence in a safe and loving environment.

Food Truck Festival at The Mount

June 11, June 12 & June 13

Mount Loretto • 6581 Hylan Blvd.

The Island’s biggest food truck event is back featuring live music onstage, a beer and sangria garden and of course the best food trucks around. Tickets, band lineup, parking passes and more are available online at cc-si. org/staten-island-food-truck-festival-4.

Cottage Row Curiosities

June 12

Noon-6pm Snug Harbor • 1000 Richmond Terrace Shop the Row at Cottage Row Curiosities, a new series of community artisan market featuring hand-crafted items by Staten Island artists for sale, plus music, entertainment, food, and more.

Great Neighbor Family Day

June 12

Noon-4pm Biddle House • 70 Satterlee St. Join the Friends of Olmsted-Beil House for a free afternoon of nature-inspired arts and crafts activities. Snacks will be available.

SIEDC International Flag Ceremony

June 14

10-11am At intersection of Father Capodanno Blvd. & Sand Ln.

14 June 2021 • siparent.com

The Staten Island Economic Development Corp. will hold a public ceremony to shine a spotlight on Staten Island’s diverse community. The organization will unveil a series of banners that represent the cultural heritages of Staten Island residents. The banners will remain on display along Father Capodanno for all to enjoy.

Juneteenth at SI Children’s Museum

June 19

1-4pm Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A The Staten Island African American Heritage Tour brings Staten Island’s Black History right to your fingertips.

The L’Unicorns Performance and Family Day

June 20

1-4pm Alice Austin House • 2 Hylan Boulevard Enjoy an outdoor performance of music and dance by L’unicorns, the first Latinx LGBTQ group on Staten Island.

Father’s Day 5K

June 20

9am-Noon Mount Loretto • 20 Kenny Rd. Complete Race Solutions is keeping a great tradition alive celebrating dads with a great Staten Island road race, the Father’s Day 5K run/walk — now in its 17th year! Register at completerace.com.

Super-Silly Summer Solstice Celebration

June 21

7pm Westerleigh Park • Springfield Ave. & Neal Dow Ave. Catch a free concert in Westerleigh Park with Patrick and the Rock-A-Silly Band in celebration of the summer solstice.

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fun stuff

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JUNE 6 Jarrett Lonczynski Sabrina Anise Nunez Martina Saad Jiael Williams Faith Archibald Arianna Trapani Jacqueline Bartel Emma Grace DePeppo Kailyn Jade Cabello Juliana Rosa JUNE 7 Paul Paoli Brian Green Jessica Wise Giavanna Palencia Leah Alvarez Aaliyah Yancey Christopher Lospenuso Christopher Coote Sophie Reinstein Hannah Beigi Serenity Rodriguez JUNE 8 Kimberly Gaugh Danielle Pikowski Kristiana Celine Seetahal Amber Ayudtud Dylan Neglia Devin Neglia Gabriella Cimmino Catalina Avila Kaitlin Lord Rose Gorman JUNE 9 Alyssa Ann Giuffreida Peter Joshua Diaz Daniel Hunter Karp Alyssa Seetahal Derek Hirsch Patrick Bianco Sabrina Ricupero Anthony Robbins Gregory Apoe Mylo Lin Patrick Bianco JUNE 10 Meleena Troia Jason Benjamin Ocasio Azhan Ahmed Georgie Bellos Daniel Cardona DavRendy Tyler Cole Nicholas Chirieleison Angelique Vigo Domenico Fontana Olivia Bazil Samantha Hecht

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JUNE 16 Jayson Kiell Katherine Corso Gibson Ambrisio Emma Ferrer Gianna Warner Mark Krasnopolski Cora Perezic Devon Hand Jake Nigido Elissa Thomas Jake Nigido Talia Iserovich Devina Iserovich

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JUNE 12 Michael DiRago Theresa Marie Longobardi Gianna Tolento Daria Cruz Marquez Olvina Avery Ludgate Vito Jack Kayla Uccello Mila Roth Eden Aburabia DeNara Hendy

JUNE 17 Christopher Armstrong Matthew Ricciardi Joseph Cacace Casey Monahan Rylee Delamasa Amanda Tortora Isabella McGurk Suna Rivera Colin McCulloch

JUNE 22 Stefani Anne Fatta Brendan J. Mackey Amanda Rose Kaplan Kaitlin Rapa Marc Joseph Dolce Katelyn Wittek Emma Villiarola Athena Esposito Nicholas Burns Jon Lent Maria Genidy Charlotte Lopardo Sonia Ledan Derek Molinarr

JUNE 13 Jenna Cunningham Cecilia S. Alva Ashley Elizabeth Endall Christopher Vasquez Joseph Mann John Cavallo Daniel Ferlisi Carol Longobardi Nicholas Gaglione Hayden Yuen Michael Pellizzi Jr. JUNE 14 Sunique McKenzie John Tagliaferro, Jr. Lilli Tagliaferro Nicolas Marotte Christopher Baione Frank Tagliaferro Jayden Mcdermott Joseph Annunziato David Ramos Aliana Ramos JUNE 15 Steven Michael Watson Rudi Moss Ben Moss Jasmine Pons Nicholas Ferretti Hailey Faith Weber Marcello Scalzo Brielle Louise Savarese Saxon Shawval Allen Jr. Michael Troianiello Joshua Ciraco Thomad Cocozza

JUNE 18 Andrew Sorrentino Jonatan He Olivia Akemo Christopher Sills Olivia Akemo Joanna Therency Brianna Young Logan Wohlstetter Christopher Herman Joanna Therency JUNE 19 Khamari Jahtell Thomas Kristine Montalvo Alyssa Ryan Victoria Ryan Faith Lotito Michelle Takvorian Miguel Cruz Michelle Takvorian Victor Serrano Antonina Murtada JUNE 20 Timothy McAlpin Shannon Boller Shannon Gerard Chanel Crawford Steven McCabe Yasmine Hamdallah Nathan Flynn

JUNE 23 Kevin Brian Cascone Rashad Omar Sienna Marino Samantha Scalzo Aiyah Williams Vincent Angelico Michael Granucci Ella Forman Ari John Knafo Shane Pregent Daniel Tichie JUNE 24 Theodora Tharwat Veronika Ann Rees Laura Maglio Page Nash Julianna Nash Jonathan Rice Mia Mangin Kameran Mends Dillon James Russo JUNE 25 Marie Larke Santino Fruscione Joey Sala Dmitriy Zolotareva Valentina Padin Peyton Ann Schwartz Yusef Jubran Aidan Widmayer Connor Widmayer Matthew Martinez Jade Ogunjimi Elijah DeFrancesco

JUNE 26 Katelyn Mauer Nia Meyers Jada Renee Thompson Julissa Byrnes Giana Francis Daniel Cruz Josephine O’Sullivan Johnny DePaolo Hannah Mui Vienna Wiseman JUNE 27 Lindsey Odessa Gregory J. Patti Alexander Horace Birch Sarah N. Keddy Michael Tuccillo Yvonne Pagan Jose L. Acevedo Victoria Zeh Kyrolos Napiluon Salvatore Sereno Austyn Reagan Antoinette Gentner Emma Light JUNE 28 MIchael Cardinale Joal Booker Derek Sanchez Sameer Auluck Danielle Russello Avery Carberry Olivia Igneri John Yuret Olivia Paulos Argentina Alaimo Ariela Fuentes Philomina Sedarous Parthina Sedarous JUNE 29 Gregory Pagliarulo Juliet Masica Andrew Shostak Madison Nicole Torretta Pasquale Russo Joseph Barbieri Lucianna Plantamura Matthew Russo Rebekah Boktor Jacob Wilson Ethan Eskenazi Jacey Lawandy JUNE 30 John McClenin Mikelle Boone Michael A. Hoffman Michael Barone Brandon Nudelman Katie Thomas Diego Vazquez-Valle Owen Thomas Jordan Savarese Brian Palma Peter Caccses, Jr.

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EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE FROM 6:30AM-6:30PM

SUMMER CAMP Serving Staten Island Since 1991 While Providing Children With a Safe, Fun-filled Summer

Licensed Teachers & Staff • Lunch Included Camp Hours 9am-4pm • Extended Hours 6:30am-6:30pm Register UFT, 1199, HRA & ACD Vouchers Accepted now for As low as $60/day • 9 Week Program FREE Full Day Register Bus service for traveling campers Pre-K For All now for pick up & drop off to homes FREE FULL DAY for September Sports & Trips Daily 2021 for Children PRE-K 3 FOR ALL Staten Island Yankees for September Born in 2017.

Swimming Pool With Slide 2021 for Children Call for Arts & Crafts • Museums Born in 2018 a Tour.

Bowling • Movies • Roller Skating Call for Liberty Science Center • Carnival Day an Open COVID Clean And All House NYS Mandates In Place In All Big Bird Locations BIG BIRD’S CLUB HOUSE AGES 4-12 YEAR OLDS

Meals & Snacks Included Daycare & Preschool 6 Wks-5 Yrs Before & Afterschool Drop Off / Pick Up at P.S. 54, P.S. 58, P.S. 60, P.S. 69 Trained in First Aid and CPR • Low Tuition (Breakfast and Lunch Included) UFT, 1199, ACD & HRA Vouchers Children in Diapers Accepted 9 Air-Conditioned Classrooms 4 Custom Built Play Grounds Licensed by NYC Bureau of Daycare Licensed Early Childhood Teachers & Staff

FREE REGISTRATION FOR PRE-SCHOOL & CAMP With Ad

STAFF ARE CPR & FIRST AID CERTIFIED

www.bigbirdsplayhouse.com • 1859 Richmond Ave • 718-982-0550

STATEN ISLAND LACROSSE

Staten Island’s Top Lacrosse Program Staten Island Lacrosse is solely dedicated to athletes interested in learning and playing lacrosse.

Our staff - with over 50 years of combined coaching experience - work with all levels from beginner to advanced.

Camps are broken down into groups where athletes train, practice and play with players of equal skill level.

Register now for our 6-week summer program 2 days a week All updates will be posted on our website as they become available.

START HERE...

...TO GET HERE!

Ages 8 & Up

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER OUTDOOR PROGRAMS

Beginner & Advanced Levels Fall, Winter and Summer Camps | Fall Leagues - Winter Leagues | College Showcase & Tournament Team | Clinics & Travel Teams

Registration is now OPEN for Summer Outdoor Leagues Register at statenislandlax.com

June 2021 • siparent.com

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family activities

Amusement Parks Near Staten Island

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ooking to plan some exciting day trips with the family this summer? Consider heading to one (or more!) of the many amusement parks located less than a two-hour drive from Staten Island. Take a look at our roundup below, and start working on your action-packed summer itinerary.

New York Luna Park at Coney Island 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY lunaparknyc.com • 718-373-5862 Mild to extreme thrill rides, games, and dining.

Adventurer’s Park (Formerly Nelly Bly) 1824 Shore Parkway, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NY adventurerspark.com • 718-975-2748 This amusement park features family rides, water boats, go karts, bumper cars and more.

Check the website for more attractions.

Adventureland 2245 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY adventureland.us • 631-694-6868

Open since 1962, Adventureland has roller coasters and thrill rides; family, kiddie, and water rides; and games.

18 June 2021 • siparent.com

Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel 111th Street and 55th Avenue, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, NY fantasyforestnyc.com • 718-788-2676 A roller coaster, family rides and games, and a carousel are right in the heart of Queens.

Don’t miss tons of great family-friendly performances throughout the summer as well, every weekend pretty much every Sunday at Flushing Meadows.

New Jersey Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ sixflags.com/greatadventure • 732-928-2000

Wild Safari animal park has merged with Six Flags to become the world’s largest theme park (more than 500 acres). The main park consists of a variety of rides, from thrilling coasters to rides for kids.

Storybook Land Egg Harbor Township, NJ storybookland.com • 609-641-7847

A nursery rhyme themed amusement park primarily for families with young children.

Jenkinsons Boardwalk 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ jenkinsons.com • 732-892-0600

Features several rides, and arcade and attractions for small children to teens. The park also hosts free weekly shows and special events; check the website for a schedule.

Field Station Dinosaurs Re-opening June 19, 2021 Overpeck County Park, Henry Hoebel Area, Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ fieldstationdinosaurs.com • 855-999-9010

Enter a natural oasis featuring more than 30 life-sized, realistic-looking animatronic dinosaurs (including the largest ever made).

Participate in more than 40 live shows, games, and workshops

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Pennsylvania Sesame Place

Keansburg Amusement Park 275 Beachway Ave., Keansburg, NJ keansburgamusementpark.com 732-495-1400 Features dozens of rides for kids and teens, and a water park with a lazy river and more than 19 slides with varying speeds, plus plenty of rides designed for smaller children, including a kids’ lagoon area.

Land of Make Believe & Pirate’s Cove 354 Great Meadows Road, Route 611, Hope, NJ lomb.com • 908-459-9000

Thrill rides and water rides rule at the 30-acre Land of Make Believe, with its free-fall ride, Pirate’s Cannonball, and rocking tugboat ride, along with Blackbeard’s Pirate Fort.

The park is designed specifically for parents to participate with their children. New this year: the spinning coaster, Twisted Timbers.

Morey’s Piers 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ moreyspiers.com • 609-729-3700 Morey’s Piers spans more than 18 acres along six beach blocks. It includes three piers and two beachfront water parks featuring coasters, thrill rides, and a raceway; plus kiddie and family rides an arcade and water rides for kids and adults.

Wild West City 50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ wildwestcity.com • 973-347-8900 Watch the best of the Wild West come to life in a real Western town. Enjoy live action shows all day long on outdoor Main Street. Get a bird’s eye view of the town on the Stage Coach, hop aboard the train,

deep into outlaw territory and for younger buckaroos ride a pony. Explore the town’s shops and museums which replicates the historic 1880’s town of Dodge City, Kansas.

The Funplex 3320-24 NJ-38, Mt. Laurel, NJ thefunplex.com • 856-273-9061 An indoor amusement park and oudoor water park with rides, arcade games, live entertainment and laser tag.

iPlay America 110 Schanck Rd., Freehold, NJ iplayamerica.com • 732-577-8200 Featuring indoor rides, attractions, boardwalk games and one of NJ’s largest arcades.

Diggerland

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA sesameplace.com/philadelphia 215-702-3566 Sesame Place is the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street. The park has partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to become the first theme park in the world designated as a Certified Autism Center.

Hersheypark 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA hersheypark.com • 717-534-3900

The park features more than 65 rides and attractions, from 20 kiddie rides to 12 breathtaking roller coasters (including the new family coaster the Coco Cruiser) and everything in between. Also features more than 10 water rides on the Boardwalk.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is located just outside the main gate.

100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ (right behind Sahara Sam’s water park) diggerlandusa.com • 856-768-1110 Families can drive, ride and operate specially engineered real machines, then head over to The Water Main construction theme water park. Over 40 attractions, several in park dining options, an arcade and a gift shop. New attractions include Mahindra ROXOR A/T Jeep and air cannons that launch lemons at construction-themed targets.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Fantasy Island Park

Dutch Wonderland

750 N. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, NJ fantasyislandlbi.com • 609-492-4000 Boasts 18 amusement rides, games of all types, an arcade, food, a classic carousel, private parties and more. Located in the heart of Beach Haven right on LBI, attractions include skee-ball, a spinning roller coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl, Ferris Wheel, and more.

3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA 610-395-3724 This park features roller coasters and water rides. This year, the park will debut Seaside Splashworks, a multi-level, beach-themed water play structure, this Memorial Day weekend. This new family attraction will be the largest structure in the water park and features more than 75 play elements to engage the entire family.

2249 Lincoln Highway E., Lancaster, PA dutchwonderland.com • 866-386-2839 Designed for families with young children, this park features 37 kiddie and family rides, including two kid-friendly coasters, bumper cars, a merry-go-round, and more. Duke’s Lagoon features water slides, splash zones, and lounge areas.

June 2021 • siparent.com

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fun stuff

Congratulations...

Brooklynn Gonzalez

Staten Island University Hospital’s Incredible Kids Awards Recipient

Nominate an incredible kid

C

ongratulations to April’s Incredible Kid of the Month, 10-year-old Brooklynn Gonzalez!

Brooklynn was nominated by her mom for her inspiring strength and positive attitude through the pandemic, especially during her senior year of elementary school!

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 June’s Incredible Kids Awards are open June 1-15, 2021. 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. It’s our last month honoring Incredible Kids, so get your nominations in ASAP! Voting begins June 16.

Featured Pediatric Specialist

June is our last month honoring Incredible Kids! nomination in before Ju Get your ne 15!

20 June 2021 • siparent.com

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 Quraishi, MD

Pediatric Cardiologist 718.226.5619

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Ed Perpetua Tennis Academy at Staten Island Academy

Summer Junior Tennis Camp Mon. thru Fri. 9-4pm, Weekly Daily and Half Days • Ages 7-17

Junior and Adult Programs

• 10 and under Tennis • Junior Match Plays • Beginner thru Advanced Classes • USA 123 Adult Beginner • Friday Nite Walk-in Clinic

Less Wait Time, More Face Time.

We can see you first!

Accepting new patients.

Conveniently located at: 1847 Richmond Ave., 2nd Floor

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER

For more info, go to EPTAtennis.com

Call 917.295.8122 or email: EPTAtennis@aol.com

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

June 2021 • siparent.com

21

family activities

The Best Local Fruit Picking Farms

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ee below for a list of nearby pick-your-own farms in New Jersey and parts of New York, all of which are less than an hour and a half’s drive from Staten Island.

**Always call ahead to confirm before you head out, as picking schedules often vary and may change due to weather and crop availability

Fruit Picking Seasons The dates below are approximate. Picking season varies depending on the locations of the farms and the weather conditions.

Apples

Mid-July through late October. The best times for picking Apples is from early September to mid-October.

Blackberries

Early July through Early August. The best time to pick blackberries is from mid to late July.

Blueberries

Mid-June through mid-August. The best blueberry picking is from early July to early August.

Cherries

June. Cherries have a short season. The best time to pick them is roughly from June 10–June 25.

Peaches

Early July through mid-September. The height of peach season is from the middle to the end of July.

Raspberries

Early July through late July. The summer raspberry season is short.

They’re best picked in the second and third weeks of July.

Strawberries

Mid-May through late June. The best time to pick strawberries in New Jersey is usually in early June.

Pumpkins

Mid-September through late October. The best time to pick pumpkins is just before Halloween, anytime from early to mid-October.

22 June 2021 • siparent.com

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LIPM Giamarese Farm & Orchard 155 Fresh Pond Rd., East Brunswick NJ giamaresefarm.com • 732-821-9494 Pick your own: strawberries, peas, peaches.

Alstede Farms

Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s

1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ alstedefarms.com • 908-879-7189 Pick your own strawberries, currants, red and black raspberries, blueberries, cut your own flowers and sunflowers, sweet corn, vegetables, peaches, cantaloupe, nectarines, honeydew, canary melon, Asian pears, blackberries, elderberries.

480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne, NY xroadsfarmliny.com • 516-881-7900 A small organic farm that is part of the Nassau Land Trust, a not-for-profit organization composed of a volunteer board of directors. The farm sells sweet corn, a variety of bedding and flowering plants, and vegetables.

Battleview Orchards

Demarest Farms

91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold, NJ battlevieworchards.com 732-462-0756 Pick your own strawberries, sour cherries, peaches, nectarines. Country store and a bakery on site with fresh local produce.

Homemade apple cider available for purchase.

244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ demarestfarms.com • 201-666-0472 Pick your own peaches, apples, pumpkins.

A local favorite, the farm has an on-site market that carries apple cider donuts, pies and other baked goods. Seasonal produce and flowers are also for sale.

Bonacorsi Family Farm

58 W. Colliers Mill Road, New Egypt, NJ 609-758-2424 dewolfsfarm@aol.com Pick-your-own strawberries. Kale, dill and cilantro, sugar snap peas, snow peas, peas and fava beans available April-November.

1137 Croton Rd., Flemington, NJ 662 Pittstown Rd. in Frenchtown, NJ bonacorsifamilyfarm.com info@bonacorsifamilyfarm.com Pick your own at 662 Pittstown Rd.: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and peas. Pick your own at 1137 Croton Rd.: apples and grapes on weekends in the fall.

There is also a farm stand stocked with seasonal fruits and vegetables grown on the farm.

Califon Farm Market & Orchards 472 County Road Rt. 513 Califon, NJ melickstownfarm.com • 908-439-2318 Pick your own yellow and white peaches through September. On-site store with fresh produce and baked goods. Visitors can go on a horse-drawn hayride on most weekends. There is also the Oldwick Farm Market located at 170 Oldwick Road.

DeWolf’s Farm

Donaldson Farms 358 Allen Rd., Hackettstown, NJ donaldsonfarms.net • 908-852-9122 Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries.

Strawberry Harvest Weekends on Saturdays and Sundays during the month of June.

Emery’s Organic Blueberry Farm 346 Long Swamp Road, New Egypt emerysfarm.com • 609-758-8514 Pick your own blueberries. Farmer’s market offers a variety of pastries, pies, and pre-picked blueberries.

Hillview Farms 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette Hillview-farms.com • 908-647-0957 Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; fields close at 5 p.m.

Pick your own blueberries, peaches, flowers.

Pick flowers through September.

Lee Turkey Farm 201 Hickory Corner Rd., East Windsor NJ leeturkeyfarm.com • 609-448-0629 Pick your own strawberries, cherries, sauce apples, peaches, melons, raspberries, nectarines, pears, blackberries, raspberries, vegetables and more. On-site market available.

Peterson Farm 438 Quakertown Rd., Flemington NJ petersonfarm.net • 908-782-1682 Pick your own strawberries. The farm also sells dahlias, sweet corn and a variety of hays including orchard grass and alfalfa. Chooseand-cut Christmas trees available in December.

Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY queensfarm.org • 718-347-3276 The farm museum has an on-site store that carries a unique selection of items for the home and garden, including Queens Farm products, locally made gifts, books and more. Farm-fresh eggs are also for sale Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or until they sell out.

Schaefer Farms 1051 Flemington/Whitehouse Road (County Road 523), Flemington, NJ schaeferfarms.com • 908-782-2705 Pick your own blackberries and raspberries.

Open Farm stand with homegrown sweet corn, a variety of vegetables, and Nutrena seeds.

Farm-grown eggs, flowers, candles, milk, butter, and cheese are also available.

June 2021 • siparent.com

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family activities

n o i t c u r t ns

AMERICA’S

ONLY

CoME & WATER PARK THE

Snyder’s Farm 586 South Middlebush Rd., Somerset NJ snyders-farm.com • 732-496-0441 Pick your own strawberries, blueberries

Specca Farms 870 Jacksonville Mt. Holly Rd., Bordentown, NJ speccafarms.com • 609-267-4445 Pick your own strawberries, broccoli rabe, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, cabbage, leeks, okra, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, a variety of beans, spinach and kale. Family owned, the farm features an on-site market called the Corn Stop that sells fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, peanuts and other items.

Stults Farm 146 Cranbury Neck Road, Plainsboro Township stultsfarm.com • 609-799-2523 Farm stand is outdoors. Sign up for email alerts on the website to be notified when different fruits become available for pick your own.

N I A M R E T THE WA NOW OPEN!

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330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton NJ terhuneorchards.com • 609-924-2310 Pick your own strawberries, asparagus, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins. Farm store open daily, farm winery open weekends.

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INE IP E L

Terhune Orchards

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HAMMER B

Von Thun’s Country Farm Market A Y

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ALL NEW

Summertime Funtime Flash Sale $ 4 OFF EACH TICKET

ONLINE CODE: ÌSIP4OFFYÎ ONLINE CODE: CLIP5

SIP4OFF

FOR ONLINE PURCHASE, ENTER ONLINE CODE For in-person purchase, present coupon at time of purchase. Coupon valid only for offer and amount next to barcode. Coupon cannot be applied to any previous purchase or combined with any other coupon, offer, discount, promotion or purchase. Coupon has no cash value. Offer only valid for admission during normal operating hours. Visit website for park rules and schedule and party time availability and scheduling. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

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

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

24 June 2021 • siparent.com

519 Ridge Rd., South Brunswick NJ VonThunFarms.com • 732-329-8656 Pick your own blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, apples, & pumpkins. On-site market with Jersey fresh homegrown produce and plants. Strawberry Harvest Festival: June 5 & 6 and June 12 & 13.

Von Thun Farms 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ (Warren County) VonThunFarms.com • 908-689-3761 Pick your own blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, sunflowers, summer flowers, peaches, apples, & pumpkins. Call for availability.

On-site market with homegrown Jersey fresh produce. Strawberry Harvest Festival: June 5 & 6 and June 12 & 13.

Wemrock Orchard 100 Wemrock Rd., Freehold, NJ wemrockorchard.com • 732-431-2668 Pick your own strawberries, pumpkins.

Aquariums Near Staten Island

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quariums throughout the New York area (and in Connecticut and New Jersey) are open! Check out this list of aquariums in the New York area where you’ll encounter the many wonders of the sea, including sharks, sting rays, moon jellies, clown fish, and even beluga whales.

New York Aquarium 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn nyaquarium.com • 718-265-3474 The New York Aquarium is home to 350 marine species and 18 sharks and ray species on 14 acres on Coney Island.

American Princess Cruise Whale Watching Departs from Pier 3, 2498 Emmons Ave, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn americanprincesscruises.com 718-474-0555 Spot whales and dolphins in the waters of Rockaway, Queens, New York. Kids can help crew members with official whale and dolphin count.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ jenkinsons.com • 732-892-0600 Exhibits like Atlantic sharks, Pacific sharks, coral reefs, penguins, and seals

give you the opportunity to get up close to animals from all over the world.

Adventure Aquarium 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ adventureaquarium.com 844-474-3474 Attractions include Caribbean Currents, Creature Feature, Hippo Haven, the KidZone, Little Blue Beach, Ocean Realm, Penguin Park, Piranha Falls, Sea Turtle Cove, Shark Realm, Stingray Beach Club, Gill’s Grotto, and Touch A Shark. You can even walk just inches above the 21-foot deep Shark Realm exhibit on a V-shaped rope suspension bridge.

New Jersey Sea Life Aquarium Opening Summer 2021 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ Exhibits will include jellies, the urban jungle, the seahorse mangroves, stingray

bay, sharks fish avenue, reef at night, ocean tunnel, ocean view hub, rush hour of the ocean, freshwater, and the tiny giants touch pool.

Seaquest Woodbridge Township, NJ Trumbull, CT 203-502-8337 visitseaquest.com • 732-283-2945 Enjoy a unique petting zoo aquarium experience, including snorkeling with stingrays, interacting with sloths, Asian otters, flying squirrels and more. Meet animals from across five continents.

Mystic Aquarium 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT mysticaquarium.org • 860-572-5955 Mystic Aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and reptiles. Exhibits include beluga whales, sea lions, seals, sharks, penguins, octopi, clownfish, seahorses, sting rays, and jellyfish.

June 2021 • siparent.com

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family activities

Zoos Near Staten Island

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pend a day with your kids at a zoo in New York or New Jersey where the whole family can visit a variety of exotic and local animals.

Some locations even have animal feedings, areas just for children, and touch tanks where kids can participate.

Central Park Zoo 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, Central Park centralparkzoo.com • 212-439-6500 Stop by the iconic Central Park Zoo to see its famous sea lions, visit the grizzly bears or the snow leopards, and be amazed by several types of penguins!

Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx bronxzoo.com • 718-367-1010 The Bronx Zoo is the Wildlife Conservation Society’s flagship zoo. Explore more than 265 acres and meet more than 8,000 animals, including gorillas in the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, lions and tigers, giraffes, the animals of North America, and so many more.

Staten Island Zoo statenislandzoo.org • 718-442-3100 The Staten Island Zoo has everything kids could want in a zoo, including a children’s center, horse barn, the Honey Bee Apiary, 26 June 2021 • siparent.com

an exhibit that showcases cuddly otters, a reptile wing, several dinosaur sculptures, the Bug Carousel, plus a variety of animals from sloths to lemurs to leopards and more!

giraffes and lions, Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure takes explorers on an interactive animal adventure. It covers over 350 acres and takes 1.5 to 3 hours to drive through.

Turtle Back Zoo

Prospect Park Zoo

560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ turtlebackzoo.com • 973-731-5800 The Turtle Back Zoo features over 30 different animal species, including giraffes, sea lions, penguins, red pandas,lions, llamas, jaguars, bears, cougars, grey wolf, alligators and more. Visitors can feed a giraffes, pet stingrays, step into the beautiful butterfly tent, watch hundreds of birds zip by in the free flight aviary, ride a pony and feed the farm animals, among other exciting exhibits.

450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn prospectparkzoo.com • 718-399-7339 Some of Prospect Park Zoo’s coolest animal inhabitants include sea lions, dingos, emus, and the fluffy Pallas Cat. Take a winding walk along the Discovery Trail to visit red pandas and tufted deer, or visit the zoo’s smallest species in the Hall of Animals.

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure 1 Six Flags Blvd., Cream Ridge, NJ sixflags.com • 732-928-2000 Featuring 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers,

Queens Zoo 53-51 111th St., Corona queenszoo.com • 718-271-1500 Besides being home to a wide variety of wildlife—from alligators, to mountain lions, to Andean bears—that visitors can view at their leisure, the zoo also offers a walk-through aviary, an animal trail, and several very cool domestic animals such as Flemish great rabbits and Texas longhorns!

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Bear Mountain Trailside Museums and Zoo

Bergen County Zoo 216 Forest Ave., Paramus,NJ friendsofbergencountyzoo.org 201-634-3100 Some of the animals you can visit at the Bergen County Zoo include spider monkeys, mountain lions, and alligators—and a red wolf exhibit is being built right now! The zoo is open 364 days a year and offers train and carousel attractions for kids in the spring, summer, and fall, as well as pony rides

Bear Mountain State Park, Palisades Interstate Parkway and Route 9W trailsidemuseumsandzoo.org 845-786-2701 x265 Bear Mountain’s self-guided nature trails are perfect for family hikes, with views of the Hudson and opportunities to spot wildlife.

The zoo features animals that are all native to New York state, and many of the zoos residents are rescues who are unable to live in the wild due to injuries, disabilities, or orphaned as babies.

The Wolf Conservation Center 7 Buck Run, South Salem, NY nywolf.org • 914-763-2373 The Wolf Conservation Center is committed to protecting, celebrating, and educating

people about wolves. Ambassador Wolves Alawa, Zephyr, and Nikai teach people not to fear wolves, and beyond the Ambassadors, guests can visit red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife And Children’s Zoo 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, NY longislandgamefarm.com 631-878-6644 The Long Island Game Farm is home to zebras, giraffes, alpacas, donkeys, wild mustangs, African serval cats, emus, wallabies, lemurs, alligators, foxes, and more! Private tours include animal encounters plus the opportunity to pet Zephyr and Thor the zebras, meet the mini donkey family, and feed the herd of donkeys, alpacas, and more.

SUMMER SPECIAL Helping Kids One Smile at a Time!

Your Child’s HAPPINESS & DENTAL HEALTH are our #1 prioity!

Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry

ier Exce Prem ption S.I.’s ic Dental al, KIDS & PARENTS: Dental visits can be FUN & STRESS FREE! State-o tr g ia in f-the d id v P Pe o e r -Art • General Anesthesia & Sedation available: d P , ia e e c iv t s r ffi ic D O rehen In-Office or at Staten Island University Hospital Offic ental Compsonalized e Per are C

$129 - Exam, cleaning, fluoride, and X-rays $99 - Exam, cleaning, fluoride $49 - Toddler Special New patients only.

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www.sikidsdental.com 4864 Arthur Kill Rd • 718-356-KIDS (5437) Like us on Facebook @ Kids Dental of Staten Island Follow us on Instagram @kidsdentalofsi Major Insurances Accepted. Financing Available.

June 2021 • siparent.com

27

raising kids

Pomp and Circumstance in a Pandemic

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By Christine Albano

rom small brunches and dinners with immediate family to backyard galas, Staten Island parents are hosting different types of celebrations for their Class of 2021 graduates complete with all the pomp and circumstance they deserve -despite the pandemic.

“The kids need to celebrate their accomplishments,” Kaitlynn Delmar Murante said of her son Andrew Frauenberg who is graduating from Curtis High School this month.

After all, his transition from high school to college is highly worthy of a party -- he received over $500,000 in scholarships, and was accepted into every school he applied to, according to his proud mom. “They have not been able to enjoy their senior year, and some of their junior year,” she explained.

Since high school graduation is one of life’s major milestones, Mrs. Murante didn’t want her son to miss out on any of the celebratory rituals this year -- since he already sacrificed a lot last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. “He’s missed out on so much his junior and senior year, including sports and social life,”

28 June 2021 • siparent.com

Mrs. Murante said. “He’s played baseball and football through his high school career and had to pick only one this year,” she added.

“He’s complained very little considering how horrible it’s been,” she added.

Several schools are having virtual ceremonies, or graduations in the parking lot of their school grounds, which removes the usual celebratory nature of the event -- so Staten Island parents want to give their children some special attention despite the lack of a typical graduation ceremony.

Across the Island, families are planning parties of varying size -- from smaller-scale shindigs at public places, like restaurants or party venues, to celebrate everything from their childrens’ stepping up ceremonies from pre-K and kindergarten all the way through college graduation. Others, meanwhile, are bringing the party home -- with private backyard celebrations, such as barbecues, pool parties, and themed-events.

For some, weighing the decision to have a party at home versus at a public venue is not entirely about COVID compliance -- and

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Congratulations to our JCC students who are stepping up this year!

We are so proud of you!

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road Nancy and Ronald Avis/South Shore JCC, 1297 Arthur Kill Road Aberlin/North Shore JCC, 485 Victory Boulevard JCC/Berman Early Childhood Education Center, 2221 Richmond Avenue

June 2021 • siparent.com

29

raising kids

Andrew Frauenberg, graduating from Curtis High School and off to SUNY Albany

right, mom family, left to right with her r fa , on Co y aduate Lil ther, Mike High school gr Amelia, and fa Audrey, sister,

more about financial struggles. Some families have chosen to hold their own parties at home to cut down costs and stay within an affordable budget versus hosting an onsite party at public venues that offer indoor seating, and outdoor patios, landscaped gardens, manicured grounds -- as well guaranteeing a minimum headcount to fill a particular party space -- yet operating within mandatory COVID guidelines.

When it comes to celebrating multiple graduates in the same family cost becomes even more of an issue, according to one Bulls Head dad. “Budgewise, it’s difficult when you have three graduations all in the same year,” he said as he prepares for his youngest son to graduate from 8th grade, his middle son to graduate from high school, and his daughter to graduate college.

“Financially, during these times it’s hard to distinguish the success of one graduate without recognizing the success of the other two,” he said.

While many restrictions are opening up, the proud dad said there are still some rules in place at public venues that don’t make it feasible to host a catered party at a restaurant or hall.

“I’ve chosen to do parties at different times, recognize their successes individually, while trying to be somewhat budget-

30 June 2021 • siparent.com

Austin Garcia, who is gradua ting from Susa High School an n Wagner d heading off to SUNY Alba ny

friendly by doing them at home in the yard,” the single father of three said.

Back in New Brighton, meanwhile, besides a backyard bash in the graduate’s honor, the Murante family is also planning a prom for Andrew and his friends. The party for family and friends will be themed with purple and gold colors -- a nod to his new home away from home for the next four years at the State University of New York at Albany.

Fellow parent, ToniAnn Santana shares similar feelings when it comes to her son, Austin Garcia who is graduating from Susan Wagner High School. The Travis family is also planning a backyard gala to mark Austin’s high school accomplishments and upcoming college career at Mount Aloysius College.

“We are having a party in our home over the holiday weekend this month -- just like we would have pre-COVID,” Ms. Santana said. While the family respects the choice of guests who don’t feel comfortable and choose not to attend, there will be a sanitation station for others guests that do attend.

Austin’s party will also have a theme that highlights his college -- where he will play baseball and study physical therapy -- as well as a sports theme.

“Our son deserves this celebration after losing his junior and

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June 2021 • siparent.com

31

raising kids

WIN a Party for Your Grad!

Your graduate deserves a top notch celebration this year, so we’re giving away a

$200 Party City gift card to a lucky winner for the best bash ever.

Simply tell us your graduate’s name for a chance to win. All graduates from preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school and college are eligible to win.

You may enter for your child, a niece, a nephew, a friend’s child or other other loved one.

Any proud member of the Class of 2021 is eligible to win!

One winner will be selected at random.

The winner will be announced June 16, 2021 in our email newsletter, The Staten Island

SCOOP. GO TO siparent.com/graduation-giveaway to enter.

32 June 2021 • siparent.com

senior year,” his mom explained, noting that he and his classmates missed out on the special events typically enjoyed during the two special years of high school. “There is no normal senior year -- just his commencement ceremony, thankfully,” Ms. Santana added.

To commemorate the end of his high school career, she is pulling out all the stops for her son’s party, including a lot of unique decor, such as a custom locker area that will showcase Austin’s uniforms; a hedge wall that will look like a baseball field; a balloon wall with custom artwork to match his college colors which will also be the photo backdrop.

Guests will play air hockey, ping pong, and other sports-related games, while the food will be stadium food with a twist -- a big nacho bar; a hot dog bar with unique hot dog flavors; different types of chicken wings and cheese steak sliders; lobster rolls; and a soda bar with all types of flavors. A custom cake and desserts, as well as chocolate-covered apples that resemble baseballs, and other sweet creations will round out the dessert presentation. Meanwhile, others are not having one, but two, celebrations in two different states to mark their child’s special graduation commencement.

Lily Coon -- a former and current Staten Island resident -- is having a small party for a handful of friends in June in Virginia where she moved after 8th grade and is graduating from Churchland High School. In July, family and friends will celebrate Lily’s graduation again with a backyard barbeque and pool party in their Westerleigh home.

“I am making a video compilation of messages from everyone special to Lily,” her mom and “party planner” Audrey Giambrone said. Like other fellow graduates on Staten Island, the party’s theme will focus on the colors of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., where Lily is headed in the fall. “What makes this special for us is Lily spent her high school years in Virginia, so most family members haven’t been able to see her much -- even before COVID,” her mom added.

No matter which option or what size party parents opt for, this year’s graduating Class of 2021 is able to have a memorable -- and safe -- celebration now that COVID restrictions are slowly being lifted as graduation day approaches.

Many venues and public facilities in New York City -restaurants, bars, stores, shops, small businesses, hair salons, barbershops, gyms, theaters, stadiums, music venues, and museums -- were expected to fully reopen July 1, Mayor Bill deBlasio reported at the end of April.

“People are feeling more safe and open to being back to a normal lifestyle,” Ms. Santana of Travis explained.

Staten Island based writer Christine Albano shares in this year’s pomp and circumstance as two of her children — John, 22, and Deanna, 17, are part of the Class of 2021! John is graduating from St. John’s University with a bachelor’s of science degree in sports management, while Deanna is graduating from Notre Dame Academy and heading to her mom and brother’s alma mater in the fall!

Ethan Blanc

Emily Petrosino

Roty Grais

Big Birds Playhouse - 3k

P.S. 13

HCCS

Through these challenging & uncertain times, you bravely & proudly put on your mask, finishing your first school year.

Our big boy, Congratulations!

We are so proud of our little princess.

You are a little star, shining so bright!

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Vincent

I’m so proud of you, you make everyday a special day with your smile. I wish you a very bright future and successful life.

I Love you so much

Kristen Gorman

Roman Paul Tacoronte

Eva Fatto

P.S. 4

P.S. 45

I.S. 34 Totten Intermediate School

The whole family is so proud and we love you very much. Wishing you all the best for JHS.Y

Our brave, smart and amazing son...you were brought into this world to change everything up. We love you and are so proud of you.

Love, Mom, Poppa Bear and Julie Violet

We are beyond proud of everything you have accomplished. Keep reaching for the stars. We love you!

Jessica Christine Klapak

Vicki Zougras

Demi Zougras

I. S. 24 Richard Hungerford School

Fontbonne Hall Academy

Fontbonne Hall Academy

Dear Vicki, We are very proud of you and your twin sister! We wish you much success!

Love, Mom and Dad

Dear Demi, We are very proud of you and your twin sister. We wish you much success!

Love, Mom & Dad”

Congratulations beautiful!!!! You made it!!!! Next stop, Tottenville High School!!!!

We love you very much!!!!

June 2021 • siparent.com

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raising kids

Graduation Gifts for Graduates of All Ages

By Zlata Faerman

G

raduation season is here and it’s pretty hard to believe we all made it through the school year. It certainly wasn’t easy for kids of any age, let alone their parents. Properly commemorating important milestones, such as the move into first grade, middle school, high school, and beyond—and celebrating the class of 2021—makes a great memory for the entire family.

Here are options for the ultimate preschool, middle school, and high school graduation gifts:

Gifts for Younger Grads

Don’t Limit Me On What I Can Be

dontlimitmebook.com • $9.99 - $16.99 This illustrated rhyming ABC book explores different careers that children may not know about. It makes a perfect graduation gift for that little one who is still thinking about what they want to be when they grow up, and fosters healthy conversation. Motivate and encourage your child to think big!

GeoSafari Jr. Kidscope educationalinsights.com • $36.99 What better way to reward your future first-grader than by promoting their STEM skills and exploring the world around them? Tiny grads can get up-close while learning more than 200 facts about various animals, plants, insects, and more. The GeoSafari Jr. Kidscope features a robust learning guide, double-eye viewer, focus knob, rotating dial stage, LED light, and slide storage drawer.

Little Passports Subscription

littlepassports.com • $25 and up This subscription features hands-on activities and games that inspire kids’ knowledge of the world without the use of technology. Gift the curiosity of exploration and travel, which are brought to life through each monthly shipment.

Just Bead It Jewelry

justbeaditbyrachel.com • $10 - $40 This beaded jewelry line is made for the fun at heart. With trendy patterns and custom designs, the bracelets, necklaces, and lanyards can be customized with your child’s favorite colors in mind. It makes a great statement and is the perfect keepsake.

Collegiate and Education Ornaments

oldworldchristmas.com • $6.99 - $21.99 The decorations from Old World Christmas are a classy gift that reminds students of their hard work and achievements from that year. The ornaments can be like keepsakes that are displayed year round on a stand, or taken out for the holiday season.

34 June 2021 • siparent.com

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LIPM Gifts for Older Grads

Cross Botanica Ballpoint

levenger.com • $80 - $92.80 Have your child stand out with a boldly original pen that is sure to capture the attention of others. If Mom or Dad have a favorite and very important pen, gifting one to your child will make them feel all that more special and older—and help them understand the responsibilities of starting their next chapter.

Best of Seven Essential Pouch

bestofseven.com • $45 The Essential Pouch is a zip-top leather pouch that is the right size for basics, walking to class, and keeping essentials neat and secure. With a new school and more a dedicated concentration on classes, it will definitely come in handy!

Planners, planners, planners!

The gift of organization is truly unmatched. Young men and women alike can benefit from knowing their schedules and being held accountable for practice, classes, homework, and other extracurriculars.

Send a Gift Card with a Special Message punchbowl.com Punchbowl now also offers a digital greeting card option that lets you add in a gift card!

Have your family far and wide create a special message for the new grad! Choose from a big variety of graduation-themed cards and take advantage of the new video functionality that allows users to upload a 2-minute video to any greeting. Gift cards can be selected from more than 20 national retailers including Target and Amazon.

Weatherman Umbrella

weathermanumbrella.com • $54-$89 College means walking (or bussing!) in between classes, dining, and other activities. The last thing your child needs is a subpar umbrella for when the weather is the same. These umbrellas are made from fabric woven with Teflon for superior water resistance, and industrial strength fiberglass to prevent inverting and breaking in winds as high as 55 miles per hour. The brand offers a college collection so they can sport their school pride!

Personalized Décor kicksbysammy.com etsy.com Celebrate the incredible accomplishments of your high school grad with a personalized motivational canvas wall decor piece they can pack for their college adventure. Etsy offers endless options. In the spirit of personalization, KicksBySammy founder Samantha Handler creates custom home and fashion products. The company’s College collection features more than 50 colleges and their affiliated colors, so freshmen can show off their school spirit in a creative way.

Zlata Faerman is a full-time publicist, part-time writer, and round-the-clock ambassador to wit and humor.

She writes about food, parenting, health, beauty, relationships, travel and home. When she’s not crafting kitchen concoctions for her food blog @lifeandthymez, Zlata can be found spending time with her family, having @zlatathoughts, and fantasizing about being a Real Housewife of New Jersey.

June 2021 • siparent.com

35

fun stuff

The Importance of Summer Camp Friendships

W

By Madeleine Burry

hen summer camp is over and campers return home, many kids experience “camp sickness,” a phenomenon that’s the reverse of homesickness. “There’s a definite yearning to see camp friends,” says Dan Weir, director of camping services at a YMCA upstate. And while camp facilities may be lovely and the atmosphere free from anxiety, it’s not the camp itself that kids miss most. It’s the friendships they formed that spark these feelings.

“When you hang out together with camp friends, it rejuvenates your soul,” says Andy Lustig, a fashion designer, who attended an all-girls camp in Maine growing up, and maintains close friendships with the friends she made there.

These relationships motivate kids to return to camp, year after year, building enduring, lifelong friendships. “My camp friendships are definitely my strongest and longest friendships,” says Erica Edelman, who went to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires for eight summers as a camper and three more as a counselor, now as a division head at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack.

If, like me, you never attended summer camp, you might not get it: What’s happening there to make friendships so powerful? After all, even for loyal campers who attend every summer, the time spent at camp is a relatively small fraction of childhood. And yet, during those brief weeks or months, whether at day camp or sleepaway, kids are able to open up in a way that leads to what Edelman describes as “friendships so deep that they become a part of who you are.”

Making Friends at Summer Camp

Camp, as it turns out, is uniquely suited to provide all the very best ingredients for forming friendships: an escape from routine, shared activities, and exposure to new things—all happening under the watchful eye of well-trained role models. Here are a few reasons 36 June 2021 • siparent.com

why those camp friendships form—and last—so powerfully.

Goodbye tech; hello connections.

In many camps, no electronics are permitted. There’s a certain stress that comes with being a kid, between exams, daily homework assignments, phones vibrating with alerts, and ample after-school activities to attend. At camp, “kids and staff really get to connect with each other in a way society doesn’t provide anymore,” Weir says, and the removal of stressors helps that process along.

With the pressures of the outside world removed, what remains is a common routine and activities. It’s an environment that encourages kids to let down their guard and open themselves up. The hope, Weir says, is that you’ll unplug from your phone, spend time with others practicing to be a good person, and return home a better participant in society.

A chance to define and reinvent yourself.

At school, a child may be popular, the class clown, sporty, a slow reader, or forever tagged by an embarrassing event that took place in fourth grade. Labels are removed at camp; it’s an opportunity for a fresh start with a new community. “That’s the beauty of camp: You get to define who you are and who you want to be,” Weir says.

When Lustig began camp, she seized the moment to jettison the personality traits she didn’t like about herself. “Andy, you’re going to go there and you’re not going to be shy—you’re going to be outgoing,” she resolved. For her, camp was a place where “you can recreate yourself.” Camp provides another reference point for kids; at camp, kids get a big reminder that their lives will be bigger

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LIPM than the communities (school, activities, etc.) they inhabit the rest of the year. For one of Lustig’s friends, a late bloomer who struggled at school and wasn’t well-liked, “camp was a parallel universe that kept her sane” throughout the tough time in middle and high schools. During summers, fellow campers were eager to be her friend and saw her positive qualities, and this self-esteem booster kept her going year-round, Lustig says.

Concentrated time.

“When you’re at camp, we really slow down time,” Weir says. This puts the focus on kids having safe and fun experiences, and above all, forming connections. The shared experience is a big factor. Weir points out that experts believe shared experiences are foundational to friendships. “By doing something together—even if the other person is a complete stranger from a different background, different socioeconomic status, different race, different religion, anything that you can divide people up by—we find that by having that common bond over something, and an experience, really forms a lifelong friendship.”

The time spent at camp becomes a touchstone moment, something that feels meaningful even years after attending. Many of Lustig’s friends returned to camp as counselors in their early 20s, because it felt like a secure place to pause and reassess career and life choices. Similarly, Edelman says, “I continue to find an unbelievable ability to connect with other ‘camp people.’ We speak the same language, have a shared past—even if we didn’t actually live it together.”

A new vantage point.

Not only does camp allow kids the possibility of reinvention, but it also gives them the opportunity to see the world from a different angle. Weir grew up in a small town—defined by his home by default and unable to easily explore new things. Going back to camp every nine months gave him the opportunity to start fresh each time, with new interests, and to look for friends who had the same hobbies.

Whatever magical mix of elements makes camp friendships develop—from engaging in shared experiences to spending gadget-free time away from home—the power of summer-camp connections cannot be denied. Campers have unstoppable enthusiasm and nostalgia for their camp experiences, and with good reason: The bonds created each summer endure well beyond the summer all the way to adulthood, to weddings, shared vacations, camp reunions, brunches, and all the everyday get-togethers that make up a lifelong friendship.

Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

June 2021 • siparent.com

37

2021 CAMP & SUMMER Guide

Find More CAMPS Online: siparent.com/directory/summer-camps

Art Lab

1000 Richmond Terrace • Bldg H • 10301 718-447-8667 info@artlabsi.org • artlabsi.com facebook.com/artlabsi • instagram.com/artlabsi Children will enjoy hands-on activities in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Various techniques of fine and applied arts are explored as children create exciting, take-home art projects! Half days available all summer long.

Big Bird’s Playhouse

1859 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314 718-982-0550 bigbirdsplay@aol.com bigbirdsplayhouse.com​ facebook.com/bigbirdsplayhouse Children will enjoy trips to parks, roller skating, aquarium, Liberty Science Center, Turtleback Zoo, swimming, bowling, movies & sports. Choice between on site or traveling.

July 6-August 27. Established 1991. Give your child the best summer ever!

Camp Half-Blood Staten Island

55 Washington Street Brooklyn, New York • 11201 929-397-9393 info@plato-learning.com • camphalfbloodbklyn.com facebook.com/chbbklyn • instagram.com/camphalfbloodbk pinterest.com/platolearning Calling all heroes! Based on Percy Jackson and Olympians, our fully-outdoor mythology-based day camp needs YOU to defend Clove Lakes Park from monster attacks this summer. Are you brave enough?

Fun Station Day Camp

3555 Victory Boulevard • 10314 718-569-5426 funstationdaycamp@yahoo.com funstationdaycamp.com • facebook.com/FunStationDayCamp FSDC offers both local and travel camp packages starting at as low as $30 per day. Free lunch, free door-to-door transportation, free extended hours. Come join Staten Island’s fastest growing camp! We offer friend/sibling & NYC employee discounts.

38 June May 2021 2021••siparent.com siparent.com

Richmond County Day Camp

6581 Hylan Boulevard • 10309 718-761-1492 rcdaycamp@gmail.com • rcdaycamp.com facebook.com/richmondcountydaycamp • instagram.com/rcdaycamp/ Richmond County has been the Island’s most popular camp since 1995. Located at Mt. Loretto, we provide a combination of traditional activities with trips and special events.

We opened in 2020. Enroll now.

Staten Island Academy Day Camp

715 Todt Hill Road • 10304 718-303-7845 cbruno@statenislandacademy.org statenislandacademy.org/summer facebook.com/StatenIslandAcademyDayCamp twitter.com/SIA_Summer_Camp Staten Island Academy Summer Day Camp is for kids ages 3-14, Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm. We offer flexible schedules, extended hours, academic enrichment, trips, events, and hot lunch! Join us for 5 day weeks or choose a schedule that fits your busy life. We are here to provide the safe, secure campus you expect for your family.

Staten Island Jewish Community Center Day Camp

1301 Manor Road • 10314 Sept-Jun 718.475.5231 July-Aug 718.983.9000 gwechsler@sijcc.com camp.sijcc.org facebook.com/StatenIslandJCCDayCamp instagram.com/sijcc_camp Explore nature at a picturesque 100-acre campsite! Camp programs include sports, aquatics, performing arts, music, coding, woodworking, STEM, archery, boating, and more. Proven safety track record, all CDC protocols followed. Accredited by the American Camping Association. Register for the same rates as 2020! Marvin’s Camp for Children with Special Needs and inclusion opportunities also available.

Wagner College Department for Lifelong Learning

One Campus Road • 10301 718-390-3221 lifelong-learning@wagner.edu wagner.edu/lifelong-learning facebook.com/wagnerlifelong instagram.com/wagnerlifelong twitter.com/wagnerlifelong With a wide variety of programs for children and teens, we are committed to providing an enriching, diverse, and nurturing environment that promotes personal, academic and social growth.

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LIPM All Camps are Run by Sea’s Varsity Coaching Staff

INSTRUCTIONAL SPORTS CAMPS at St. Joseph by the Sea High Shool Registration Forms on www.JosephSea.org (Click on Sports tab at top of Home Page)

Richard Bruno, Director of Camps at 718.984.6500 x5316

JULY 12-JULY 15

Viking Players (Grades 6-12) 9am-1pm Baseball (Grades 5-10) 9am-12pm Co-ed Lacrosse (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm

JULY 26-JULY 29

Girls Basketball (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm

JUNE28-JULY 1

JULY 16-JULY 19

Football (Grades 6-9) 9am-11am

JULY 19-JULY 22

AUGUST 16-AUGUST 21

Co-ed Tennis (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm

Wrestling (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm Girls Flag Football (Grades 5-10) 9am-12pm Boys Basketball (Grades 5-10) 9am-12pm

AUGUST 2-AUGUST 6

Science Camp (Grades 5-8) 10am-1pm

Softball (Grades 5-9) 12pm-3pm Co-ed Soccer (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm Co-ed Volleyball (Grades 5-10) 9am-12pm

June 2021 • siparent.com

39

JCC of Staten island

2021 Preschool & Daycare Guide Find More Schools Online: siparent.com/directory/pre-school-daycare

Big Bird’s Playhouse Corp.

1859 Richmond Avenue • 10314 718.982.0550 • BigBirdsPlay@aol.com BigBirdsPlayhouse.com

Programs: Mon-Fri. 6:30am-6:30pm. 6wks-12 yrs. Summer Hours From 7am- 6pm. Meals included. Low tuition. Spanish speaking teacher. Free Pre-K 3 (born 2018), Free Pre-K For All (born 2017). Afterschool program drop off and pick up PS 54, PS 58, PS 60, & PS 69.

Objective: Children learn through arts & crafts, stories, songs & hands-on projects. Music, indoor and outdoor playgrounds.

CASTLETON HILL MORAVIAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL

1657 Victory Boulevard • 10314 Betty Jane Bullen 718.442.5350 • mtobia@castletonhillpreschool.com castletonhillmoravianpreschool.com

Programs: Baby Buzz 4-12 months, Baby Book Worms, Tot-Time-Together 12-20 months old, 2 year old toddler classes, 3 year old half day classes, 3K For All, Pre-K For All.

Objective: A creative early childhood program where the

developmentally appropriate curriculum encourages children to enjoy being young while they look forward to growing older.

Holy Child Preschool

4747 Amboy Road • 10312 718.356.5159 • JoAnn Gaal holychildprek@gmail.com • holychildsi.com

Programs:Toddling Around for 2 year olds; Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds.

Objective: We believe that each child is a unique person

who will develop according to their own individual abilities.

Emphasis is on developing socialization, language, literacy, & math skills laying the groundwork for elementary school.

Children learn through structured lessons, hands-on activities and play in learning centers.

40 June May 2021 2021••siparent.com siparent.com

1466 Manor Road • 10314 2221 Richmond Avenue • 10314 1297 Arthur Kill Road • 10312 485 Victory Boulevard • 10301 718.475.5230 • Jayne Smith jsmith@sijcc.com • sijcc.org

Programs: Day care starts at 3 mos, 3-K For All & Pre-K For All, extended hours available.

Objective: We offer a stimulating, individualized

age-appropriate curriculum. A developmental approach fosters social & emotional growth.

LITTLE MIRACLES PRESCHOOL & EARLY CHILDHOOD Center

309 St. Paul’s Avenue • 10304 718.727.8202 • lrinaldi@eden2.org • eden2.org • FB/TW/ YouTube

Programs: Center-based full-day program, SEIT & SETSS

services to children with autism or PDD. Preschool & SEIT services for children ages 3-5 who are classified by their school district’s Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) as a preschooler with a disability. SETSS services are provided in school and at home.

Objective: The goal is to provide children with autism

a highly structured, intensive learning environment which includes individualized programming using Applied Behavior Analysis.

Most Terrific Child Center

555 Tompkins Avenue • 10305 718-273-0334 • mtcdaycare@yahoo.com • mtcdaycrae.com facebook.com/Most-Terrific-Child-Center-105004707711431

Programs: We are an early education center that provides free Full-day 3K and Pre-K programs.

Objective: Children engage in critical and fun environments through art, music and movement, learning technology, & science.

St. Joseph Hill Academy

850 Hylan Boulevard • 10305 718.981.1187 • Eileen Gregor egregor@stjhill.org • stjosephhillacademy.com facebook.com/SJHA1919 • instagram.com/sjhaes

Programs:PreK 3–8 grade. PreK 3 & PreK 4; full or half days. SJHA is a Project Lead The Way School.

Objective: SJHA has been providing a premier Catholic education to the Staten Island community for over 100 years.

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LIPM Staten Island Academy

715 Todt Hill Road • 10304 718.303.7803 Caroline S. Crane ccrane65@statenislandacademy.org www.statenislandacademy.org

Programs: Children explore, create and investigate in SI’s only independent Pre-K3 to Grade 12 school. Extended day included.

Objective: PreK fosters independence,

encourages children to pursue individual interests and nurtures developing language and social skills.

THE CHILDREN’S CENTER at the College of Staten Island

NAEYC ACCREDITED EARLY EDUCATION & CHILDCARE PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN OF CSI STUDENTS Let your child enjoy learning while you pursue your education and participate in college life!

The Children’s Center at CSI offers infant/toddler, preschool, and school age programs, all featuring hands-on learning experiences in a caring, well-supervised environment

• FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING • EXTENDED HOURS • AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE FEES • 3K AND PRE-K FOR ALL CSI students have priority for 3K / PKA

Tender care preschool

6581 Hylan Boulevard • 10309 718.317.2849 or 718.317.2858 catalla@cc-si.org • mountloretto.org mountloretto.org/tender-care-preschool Facebook: Tender Care

(Funded by the NYC Department of Education) For info or to schedule a tour:

718.982.3190 The Children’s Center Building 2R, Room 104 2800 Victory Boulevard • SI, NY 10314 www.csi.cuny.edu/childcare

Programs: Half or full day 2 year old class. FREE full day 3-K and Pre-K. Extended hours 7am-6pm.

Objective:We offer a developmentally

appropriate and nurturing environment for children ages 2 to 5.

OUR PROGRAM IS PROUD TO HAVE EARNED A NAEYC ACCREDITATION— THE MARK OF QUALITY FOR EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS.

The Children’s Center–College of Staten Island 2800 Victory Boulevard • 10314 Bldg. 2R / Rm 104 718.982.3190 csi.cuny.edu/childcare

Programs: Infant/toddler programs, Preschool program, 3K and Pre-K for All full day, School age program (pending enrollment.)

Objective:Early education & child care.

Flexible scheduling. Subsidized fees for children of CSI students. NAEYC Accredited.

Tiny Treasures Academy

360 Van Duzer Street • 10304 646-946-6585 • anevradakis@gmail.com TinyTreasuresDaycare.com facebook.com/TinyTreasuresAcademy

Programs: A daycare and wellness center with a twist on traditional ways of enhancing our children’s development and supporting the modern-day parent.

June 2021 • siparent.com

41

fun stuff

4 Ways to Make Dad Feel Extra-Special on

Father’s Day

By Susan Bartell

E

very year mothers struggle to find the perfect gift for their child’s dad. Not another tie…maybe some tools, a cool gadget, or some cutting-edge electronics? Maybe this year you can recruit the kids to create a homemade present for their father. There are so many good ideas!

However, in addition to anything you might purchase or create, I’d like to suggest another meaningful and longer-lasting gift idea. Many dads underestimate the important role that they play in their child’s life.

It is rare that men are raised to appreciate the importance of a close relationship between father and child—this type of intimacy

42 June 2021 • siparent.com

is often still reserved for mothers. This is because despite small changes, our society, unfortunately, still encourages men to focus primarily on their role as financial provider rather than valuing the other, equally meaningful ways that a dad can bring value to his child’s life.

Therefore, this Father’s Day I strongly encourage you to help your child’s dad to see that his relationship with his child is so much more than he might imagine. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a work-out-of-the home mom, I would like to offer a few ways to make this Father’s Day just a little more special for dads and kids.

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LIPM Embrace difference.

Moms and dad offer a child different, but equally important, life skills. Therefore, don’t get angry when dad roughs around a bit more, or is just a tad less patient than you might be. While your instinct is to protect your child, dad’s way of connecting will help your child develop resilience and flexibility, both important life skills.

Shake up the routine.

Is bath-time your domain? What about books before bed or homework help? Many moms worry that they do everything, but are reluctant to give up control.

It’s a good time to relinquish one or two of your routines and hand it over to dad. You may be uncomfortable doing so (will he do a good job?), and at first, your child (or even dad) might resist the change. But, stick with it—because for both your child and dad, having the chance to bond over daily routines is invaluable. And remember, it’s good for your child to learn how to adapt to dad doing things in a different way.

Talk it out.

Do your best to share big and small decision making with dad as often as possible. Dads want to be a part of their child’s day-to-day life—some of them just don’t realize it because it’s not how they were raised. When dad sees that you want and respect his opinion about his child, it will give him the confidence and encouragement to break free from the stereotypes with which he was raised.

Make new friends.

Seek out friendships with other moms who encourage dads to attend parent/teacher conferences, coach little league, and take charge of teeth brushing. Dads who see other dads that are involved will feel good about this role themselves.

The efforts that you make to support this important relationship will pay off, not just now, but for many years to come. Happy Father’s Day!

Susan Bartell, Psy.D., is a Long Island-based, nationally recognized child psychologist, speaker, and award-winning author. Dr. Bartell is a media expert, frequently seen on CBS, ABC, FOX, and CNN. She is the author of seven books, including the highly-acclaimed The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask. You can learn more about her at drsusanbartell.com or follow her on Twitter @drsusanbartell.

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OFFERING IN-PERSON AND LIVE REMOTE LEARNING OPTIONS! Replicated after The Hellenic Classical Charter School Park Slope, a National Blue Ribbon School

For inquiries call 718.499.0957, press 2 hccs-nys.org | email: officesi@hccs-nys.org

Now offering UPK!

June 2021 • siparent.com

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fun stuff

Three Pandemic Travel Trends That Might Stick Around

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By Vrbo via Family Features

OVID-19 has challenged families in different ways, and many had to cancel or reschedule trips during the pandemic due to travel restrictions, which meant missing out on quality time with loved ones and the mental health and self-care benefits of going on vacation.

Although 61% of families had a trip canceled due to the pandemic in 2020, travel is still top of mind as 82% of families have travel plans in mind for 2021, according to the 2021 Vrbo Trend Report.

The report, which includes vacation rental marketplace data as well as survey data from family travelers, also revealed some travel habits that arose during the pandemic are likely to remain popular this year.

“Let’s face it, the pandemic makes it tough to predict what travel will look like in 2021,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert.

“That’s why we combined search and demand trends with a first-ofits-kind traveler survey of U.S. families. The combination gives us the most accurate picture possible of the plans families are making.”

Consider these pandemic-era trends as you make your vacation plans moving forward:

Staying in the Driver’s Seat

With travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines in place throughout much of 2020, many families opted to avoid flying and visiting crowded places by instead jumping in the car to hit the open road. This trend is continuing in 2021 with 59% of families saying they are more likely to drive instead of fly on their next trip. A change of scenery can be refreshing and motivating after staring at the same four walls in your home, so consider taking a road trip and exploring a new destination, even if it’s just down the road from home.

Mixing Work and Play

Many people were forced to adapt to working from home or facilitating e-learning for their children due to COVID-19. While turning homes into makeshift offices or classrooms wasn’t an easy task for many families, the schedule flexibility provided by the remote setup allowed for the rise of the “flexcation” – mixing vacation time with virtual work and school. In fact, 1 in 3 families surveyed said they were able to travel because they were working from home, and 52% of those who took a flexcation during the pandemic found the experience refreshing with 67% saying they would do it again.

Another benefit of flexcations is experiencing amenities you may not have access to at home. Consider some of Vrbo’s most sought-after amenities and vacation spots when planning your next getaway: Splash in the sun in Cape Coral, Florida where 92% of vacation rentals have pools. Cook over an open fire in Sevierville, Tennessee, where barbecue grills are included at 87% of vacation homes. Cozy up by the fire with a book and some hot chocolate in Steamboat Springs, Colorado where fireplaces are an amenity offered in 87% of vacation rentals.

Seeking Wide Open Spaces

Many travelers gravitate toward vacationing in peaceful and picturesque destinations, and the open sky, fresh air and scenic views may be even more appealing amid the pandemic. According to the report, 61% of U.S. families said they are more likely to visit an outdoorsy destination than an urban one and 54% are more likely to head to a national park than an amusement park.

Find more ideas for planning your next vacation – or flexcation – along with the full Trend Report at vrbo.com.

44 June 2021 • siparent.com

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June 2021 • siparent.com

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Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Summer Schedule available on website!

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

Make your registration appointment today by email or through our website.

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

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46 June 2021 • siparent.com

Professional Services Directory

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LIPM

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

These local professionals can help.

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

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

Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Art Lab.............................................................. 38 Big Bird’s Playhouse......................................... 38 Camp Half Blood.............................................. 38 Fun Station Day Camp................................. 5, 38 JCC of Staten Island................... 38, Back Cover Richmond County Day Camp.......................... 38 St. Joseph By the Sea-Camps......................... 39 Staten Island Academy Camp..................... 7, 38 Wagner............................................................. 38

Developmental/Special Needs Dr. Michael Desimone...................................... 47 JCC.................................................... Back Cover Mastermind Behavior....................................... 15 Sandra Mazzucco ............................................ 47 Sensorielle ....................................................... 15 Sunny Days ...................................................... 41 YMCA .............................................................. 39

Family Fun Diggerland........................................................ 24 Rab’s Country Lanes........................................... 9

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

ADVERTISER INDEX Storybook Land................................................ 13 Wheel Fun Rentals........................................... 13

Health Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental)........................... 27 Salvatore R Indelicato DMD............................ 47 Vanguard Dermatology .................................. 21

Preschools/Daycare Big Bird’s Playhouse................................... 17, 40 Castleton Hill Moravian Preschool.................. 40 CSI Children’s Center....................................... 41 Holy Child Preschool........................................ 40 JCC of Staten Island................... 40, Back Cover Little Miracles................................................... 40 Most Terrific Child Daycare............................. 40 Prodigy Preschool.............................................. 6 S. Joseph Hill Academy................................... 40 Staten Island Academy................................ 2, 41 Tender Care Preschool............................... 21, 41 Tiny Treasures Academy.............................. 8, 41

Services Kurt T Richards Pc............................................ 47 Sharkey’s Cuts.................................................. 15

Schools & Tutoring Hellenic Classical Charter School.................... 43 Huntington Learning Center........................... 45 St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School................................ 31, 40 Staten Island Academy................................ 2, 41 Tiny to Tall Tutoring and Test Prep.................................................... 40

Sports, Music & Art CenterStage Dance.......................................... 46 Ed Perpatua Tennis Academy......................... 21 Holy Child Soccer............................................. 46 JCC of Staten Island......................... Back Cover Master Curry Karate........................................... 3 S.I. Community Tennis..................................... 15 S.I. Family Music............................................... 37 S.I. Lacrosse...................................................... 17 S.I. Skating Pavilion............................................ 6 June 2021 • siparent.com

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