Staten Island Parent - October 2022

I have a confession. I used to be a Halloween grinch. I know, I know. But I never liked dressing up in costumes, got bored pumpkin picking, didn’t understand how people could like being scared. I just always wondered what all the Halloween hoopla was about.

Then I had kids. If you have kids, you partake in Halloween. It’s as simple as that. You buy the costumes and pick the pumpkins and watch alllllll the scary movies. And I have to say, after years of seeing how excited my kids get when October 31st rolls around, how their little faces light up like jack-o-lanterns at the mere mention of Halloween, the holiday has started growing on me. I finally get what the fuss is about! I’m still not going to wear a costume, but I’ll take 250 pictures of my kids in theirs!

What I am trying to say is Halloween is finally here! Yay! We’ve got everything you need to prepare: awesome fall events and activities (pp. 24 and 44), fall road trips (p. 26), the 2022 Fall Bucket List (p. 34), and of course, pumpkin picking (p. 38). Use this issue as your one-stop guide to the best fall ever.

Fall also marks the start of high school admissions season, when families of eighth graders decide where their next years will be spent. With the growing number of charter schools and private schools, there are more options than ever. Go to p. 14 to

learn everything you need to know about the admissions process in our High School Guide. And be sure to flip to p. 20 for the Tutoring Guide to find the resources you need if your child’s grades are falling.

Go to siparent.com/signup to make sure you’re getting our weekly newsletters, packed with the weekend’s best events, activities and more, by signing up (takes a few seconds, we swear).

Happy October!

Jeannine Cintron

n ewYorkFamily.com

p ub Lis H er: Clifford Luster

Deputy eD itO r: Jeannine Cintron

r ep O rter: Barbara Russo

cO mmunity cO ntent creatO r: Shara Levine

e xecutive DirectO r: Donna Duarte-Ladd

a ssO ciate p ub Lis H er: Erin Brof

aDvertising DirectO r: Stacie Goldberg

s eni O r aDviser: Susan Weiss

partners H ip managers: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, Annene Guertin, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli

marketing & s trategy DirectO r: Rosalia Bobé

saLes & marketing

cOO r D inatO r: Mykael Fields

marketing a ssistant: Tilejah Gilead

art DirectO r: Leah Mitch

Web Deve LO per: Sylvan Migdal

g rap H ic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti

conTAc T inForm ATion

aDvertising : (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com

circu L ati O n: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

aDD ress: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

p resi D ent: Victoria Schneps-Yunis

ceO: Joshua Schneps

cOO: Clifford Luster

2021

New York Family has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for Excellence in Website Design and the Silver Award for Excellence overall.

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved.

©2022 Queens Family Media, LLC

csi Opens memOriaL WaLk Way

On tHe grOunDs OF tHe FOrmer WiLLOWbrOOk state scHOOL

The College of Staten Island (CSI) opened the Willowbrook Mile last month as part of its Year of Willowbrook programming that raises awareness about its campus’ history as the former site of the infamous Willowbrook State School.

The Willowbrook Mile is a 2.2-mile memorial trail on the campuses of CSI, the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and the Elizabeth Connelly Center.

It features 12 informational stations where people can learn about the Willowbrook State School, which closed in 1987 due to deplorable conditions. It is open to the public.

“Cementing this project into the history of our campus is an important milestone for the College of Staten Island, and has special significance to me,” Nora Santiago, co-chair of the Willowbrook Legacy Committee, said. “The mile commemorates the decades of struggle that took place at Willowbrook and other institutions and celebrates how far we’ve come from the tragic institutionalization of people with disabilities. As a mother of a young man with

autism, I strive to be a fervent advocate to ensure that my son Nathaniel and others will avoid a similar outcome.”

Willowbrook State School opened in 1947 and was intended to serve as a model of treatment for persons with intellectual and other disabilities. But the scope and size of the more-than-380-acre institution impaired its ability to provide normal, personalized comfort and care.

As conditions worsened, residents’ families and staff urged change. By the 1970s, they invited reporters to share the story more widely. Media coverage—including a televised expose by Geraldo Rivera— and this activism led to a lawsuit resulting in a 1975 Consent Judgment ordering that Willowbrook residents receive humane treatment and adequate clinical and educational services. It also set in motion the school’s eventual closure.

Years later in 1993, CSI moved onto the site, offering many programs from precollege through the doctoral level. These programs include training for professionals in the fields that address the needs of persons with disabilities.

By BaRBaR a RussO

What’s Happening on S TAT en iS l A nd

cHiLD - care

FunDing increase FOr

ny parents

Here’s some good news out of Albany for New York parents: Eligibility for child-care assistance in New York State expanded recently to include more families in need of financial help.

A family of four earning up to $83,250 is now eligible for child-care assistance when previously the threshold was $55,500 or less. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a state-wide campaign to promote the program, which is being funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

“As New York’s first Governor who is a mom, I know firsthand how important affordable child care can be for your future and your family,”Hochul said. “By increasing the income threshold for childcare assistance, we can relieve a crushing burden for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and, especially, working mothers.”

Parents can learn more by visiting OCFS.ny.gov/ccap.

staten is L an D baLLFie LDs name D aF ter si veterans

The ballfields in Gen. Douglas MacArthur Park, Dongan Hills, have been officially named SSGT James Cooney and PFC John Tamburri, Jr. Ballfields.

Both men were Staten Island residents who lost their lives in 1970 while serving in the Vietnam War. They were each posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. The ballfields at the park were named in honor of their ultimate sacrifice.

“Parks are places for fun and recreation, but also reflection and remembrance. We are very proud that Staff Sergeant James Cooney

and Private First Class John Tamburri will be forever memorialized here at General Douglas MacArthur Park,” Sue Donoghue, NYC parks commissioner, said at an event to announce the naming last month. “With overwhelming support from the community and our elected officials, I’m proud to name the ballfields for these two Purple Heart recipients, and hope that their ultimate sacrifice is honored here for decades to come.”

Cooney and Tamburri both resided at the Berry Houses near Gen. Douglas MacArthur

Park, where they spent their time as youth with friends and loved ones.

“The sacrifices these young men have made for our country are tragic but dignified in every respect,” said Borough President Vito Fosella. “In a spiritual and emotional way, they also bring us here together with their families and friends who miss them and love them dearly. While we are often known as the borough of parks, today and everyday we are known as the borough of heroes reflective of the willingness to sacrifice from all our veterans.”

WHat WiLL becOme OF tHe

st. JOHn’s university campus?

With the St. John’s University Staten Island campus set to close in 2024, many are left wondering what will happen to the Grymes Hill school once it’s vacant but there are no answers yet. Local politicians are working on it, though.

“We stand united—every elected official across Staten Island—to ensure that the future of the St. John’s University site will remain in the best interests of not only

the Grymes Hill community, but also all of Staten Island,” Staten Island borough president Vito Fossella said during a press conference at Borough Hall in August.

The press conference followed a meeting with the president of Wagner College who expressed interest in acquiring the neighboring St. John’s University. But, Fossella said the conversations with Wagner are still in their infancy.

impOrtant pubLic scHOOL Dates

Wednesday, Oct. 5: Schools are closed for Yom Kippur monday, Oct. 10: Schools are closed for Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Keeping Kids Healthy this School Year

BY DONNA DUARTE�LADD

Kids are back at school, and while we always worry about them picking up a cold or getting the flu, there are currently a few viruses to contend with. What sort of tips and good hygiene habits can we have kids implement to keep these viruses at bay?

We chatted with Dr. Sandra Bonat, Pediatric Physician Advisor at VIP StarNetwork, who shared her expert tips and shared why it’s essential parents should encourage their children to practice good health habits now that we are Back to School.

First, is this normal to have this many viruses circulating in the world? It feels like we are going backward health-wise versus forward.

Currently, we have a number of respiratory viruses circulating, including influenza and RSV, that we do not normally see a lot of activity from at this time of year.

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, because of changes in people’s behaviors, including social distancing, mask-wearing, frequent hand washing and isolation, influenza, RSV, and many of the other respiratory viruses virtually disappeared.

The steps we took to limit our exposure to Covid-19 also limited our exposure to other viruses. Our immune systems need exposure to pathogens to keep up our memory response, and this did not occur during the first year of the pandemic. When we started taking off our masks and discontinued social distancing, viruses began circulating again, even though it was out of season, because the overall population immunity was low.

In addition, some of the changes in seasonality of respiratory viruses may also be due to the presence of the Covid-19 virus and how it interacts and possibly interferes with the replication of other respiratory viruses, causing a change in the seasonal transmission patterns of other viruses.

For the most part, many kids are vaccinated; how can parents be proactive in keeping their kids safe?

The best way to reduce the risk of both Covid-19 and Influenza is to get vaccinated. Both parents and children should complete their Covid-19 vaccination primary series and get their booster dose/s if eligible. In addition, parents and children should get the seasonal influenza vaccine. Good hand hygiene is essential to reducing the spread of infections.

Masks can also be worn for protection, especially during times of high community activity of Covid 19 and other respiratory viruses. In addition, if your child is sick, it is important to keep them home while they are ill, and parents should stay home from work when they are ill.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, especially when someone in the house is ill, is also an effective way to reduce the risk of getting sick. Parents should encourage their children to practice good health habits such as eating a healthy

diet, getting a good amount of sleep, and being physically active.

When the kids are in school, what should they do? (for example: wipe off their books? Still, use hand sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer use and/or frequent hand washing are both excellent ways to prevent infection. Sanitizing frequently used surfaces is helpful in reducing infection transmission but can be more difficult in the school setting.

Parents should also encourage kids to try and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Children should not share food or drinks at school. Parents can teach children to cover their mouth and nose with their el bows or a tissue when they sneeze. Masks can be used during periods of increased Covid-19 activity at the school and in the community.

Parents should keep their children at home when they are sick and get them tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19.

Monkey Pox looks and sounds pretty scary. Are kids able to get vaccinated for Monkey

Pox yet? Like the Covid vaccine, will kids be able to access being vaccinated for Monkey Pox quickly? Is it necessary?

Children have been mostly spared from the current outbreak of Monkeypox. To date, there have been only two children in New York that have contracted Monkeypox. Currently, there is a limited supply of Monkeypox vaccine, and it is only being offered to people that have had close contact with a person with a confirmed case of monkeypox and also to people from higher risk categories, including men who have sex with men and those who have multiple unknown sexual partners.

If a child has a family member or close

contact who has Monkeypox then it would be recommended for that child to be vaccinated. Otherwise, currently, the Monkeypox vaccine is not necessary for most children. The Federal Government and the state of New York are working to increase supply and improve access to the vaccine to ensure availability to anyone that may need it.

Dr. Sandra Bonat is a Pediatric Physician Advisor at VIP StarNetwork, a leading provider of mobile and onsite health services, including COVID testing and vaccinations. Dr. Bonat has almost 30 years of experience in the medical field and is leading her company’s efforts to safely vaccinate young children.

“The steps we took to limit our exposure to Covid-19 also limited our exposure to other viruses. Our immune systems need exposure to pathogens to keep up our memory response, and this did not occur during the first year of the pandemic.”

Bridging the Gap to Help Students Excel

Our Certified tutors are here to help students and parents meet the challenges of a new school year with in person and online tutoring, test prep, Lego robotics and homework help programs for all ages and subjects.

Navigating High School Admissions in NYC

By Vered Ornstein and dOnna duarte-Ladd

Parents in New York know that there are a few periods in their child’s education when they have to make big decisions. Childcare is usually the first education challenge we have. Then comes pre-k, perhaps a mid-season school change, Kindergarten, and if lucky, we will have a bit of a break during the elementary school years until Middle School has to be tackled.

When it comes to high school, our kids’ choices are pretty vast. Your child may have had an education primarily in public school, but now that you know more of your child’s strengths or what type of school you are looking for, you may decide to go private, charter, or stay the public school route. Here is the best part. Yes, we are looking at the bright side of this intense process. There are many options. Yes, picking the right high

school is a huge decision- and frankly, it is up there with college admission stress which is why we have broken down how the High School Admission process works, in hopes it helps you when applying for High Schools.

Breaking it Down

Last month, more than one million students returned to the New York City public schools, the country’s most extensive public school sys tem. Though the year is just beginning, middle school students are already considering the ap plication process for attending a New York City high school. In most school districts, students attend whichever public high school they are zoned to, with the opportunity to apply for a private or charter school if they choose. Be cause of the massive size of the New York City public school system, all students are required to apply for a high school while in eighth grade (current ninth graders who are not repeating the ninth grade can apply to a new school as

well). If a student does not submit an ap plication for high school, they will be offered admission to the closest program with available room. While the process can feel daunting, this guide to all things New York City high schools can be a tool to navigating this system.

Types of High Schools

There are four main types of high schools in New York City: public schools, private schools, religious/parochial schools, and nine Special ized High Schools. Any student who resides in New York City can apply to attend any charter, private, or Specialized School, or to a public school in their district zone, using a ranking system that lists up 12 schools or programs of interest in order of preference. Public, private, and charter schools admit students based on criteria that vary from school to school. These criteria can include middle school grades, income level, learning English as a second language, geographical proximity to a school, and position within a priority group. Who qualifies for which priority groups also varies between schools. Likewise, every program has a set number of seats available for students with disabilities (abbreviated as SWD) and for general education students (GE), and this number is noted when checking a school’s

eligibility criteria.

There are nine specialized high schools in the city that cater to different strengths and needs. They are The Bronx High School of Science; The Brooklyn Latin School; Brooklyn Technical High School; High School for Math, Science, and Engineering at City College; High School for American Studies at Lehman College; Queens High School for the Sciences at York College; Staten Island Technical High School; Stuyvesant High School; and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.

To be considered for the one of the first eight schools, students must take the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT).

For admittance to LaGuardia, students are considered based on an audition for one of the school’s six programs.

Timeline

Regardless of what type of school a student is ap plying to, there is a timeline of necessary steps to take to achieve an offer letter from a school.

If a student wants to apply to a Specialized High School, they must register

and sit for the Specialized High School Admission Test, or prepare and submit an audition. Historically, the SHSAT has been administered in October. Still, due to ongoing complications from the COVID-19 pandemic, dates are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay up to date with news from the Department of Education.’

By wintertime, students can begin sub mitting applications through MySchools, a school counselor, or a NYC DOE-sponsored Family Welcome Center. For the school year beginning in fall of 2022, high school applica tions were due by the 1st of March. In April or May, before the end of the school year, schools make offers of admissions to accepted students and place some students on their waitlists. (The Specialized High Schools do not have waitlists.) Once waitlists are open, any student can add their name to the list, but admission priority is given to waitlisted stu dents who placed the school on their original application ranking. If a student is unhappy with the placement they are given, they can appeal the decision or wait to see if they are offered a seat off of any waitlists. Once a

student accepts a spot at a program, they are ready to begin their high school journey and prepare for the school year ahead.

Private Schools

For Private Schools, most deadlines are in mid-January, but each school is unique; most Catholic Schools open Admissions on De cember 1st. Luckily New York offers excellent private schools, many of which provide finan cial aid, and we strongly recommend looking into this route. If you are interested in going the private route, once you have an idea of the school you’re interested in, contact this school immediately or go to their website for school tours or any informational opportunities that will help you make your decisions.

Take a deep breath. Since picking a high school in New York City can be just as complicated as applying to college, the process can be stressful and overwhelming for students and parents. Beginning research early, staying in contact with eighth-grade counselors, and utilizing MySchools(if going the public school route) are all steps to clarify the path to high school.

THE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY lifetime

GRADES 6 & 9

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, Oct 13

9:30am – 11am

Students entering Grades 6 and 9 and their families

GRADE 6

OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, Oct 11

7pm – 9pm

Students entering Grade 6 and their families

OOF A

GRADE 9

OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, Oct 18 7pm – 9pm

Students entering Grade 9 and their families

Independent schools provide students the opportunity of a lifetime. At the Academy, the William Winter Scholarships help make the experience possible for students entering Grade 6 and Grade 9. Join us for an open house event to learn more.

STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY

STATEN ISLAND’S ONLY Independent School

October 2022 | Staten Island Parent 17 O USE Oct 18 pm ntering nd lies

Learn more online at statenislandacademy.org or call (718) 303-7803.

curtis High school

105 Hamilton Avenue 718-390-1800 x1340 curtishs.org jfarley5@schools.nyc.gov

With Staten Island’s only accredited International Baccalaureate and Nursing CTE programs, state of the art building, athletic facilities, and Community Schools partnerships, Curtis is nationally and internationally recognized for both excellence and diversity. Come and find out how to make your family a part of the Curtis community.

st. Joseph by-the-s ea High school

5150 Hylan Blvd 718-984-6500 josephsea.org St Joseph by-the-Sea High School invites you to join their Open House on October 16 for boys or October 23rd for girls between the hours of 1pm and 4pm. Appointments

can be made online by visiting JosephSea.org today.

st. Joseph Hill academy High school 850 Hylan Blvd 718-447-1374 stjosephhillacademy.com/ admissionsevents/ admissions@stjhill.org

Visit St. Joseph Hill Academy’s Fall Open House on Sunday, October 23, 2022 to meet students, faculty, and staff. You will tour the school and learn about the school’s highly individualized academic programming, athletics, and enriching spiritual and social opportunities. Discover Your Highest Good (SUMMUM BONUM)!

staten i sland academy 715 Todt Hill Road 718-303-7803 statenislandacademy.org ccrane65@ statenislandacademy.org

Programs include coed college prep school for pre-K3 to grade12. Free extended day 7am- 7pm. Full-day 3 or 5-days-a week program offered for pre-K3 students. Summer programs. College guidance program. Academic Resource Center staffed with Orton-Gillingham trained specialists. Needbased financial aid available beginning in kindergarten.

staten i sland technical High school

485 Clawson Street 718-667-3222 siths.org BMalenfant@schools.nyc.gov SI Tech HS prioritizes rigorous academics balanced with physical and mental wellness. The goal is to develop social skills, exemplary character, scholarship, service, leadership, and citizenship for all members

of the school community. Innovation is cultivated through the development of 21st Century Learning Skills: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking.

the Lois & r ichard n icotra e arly college charter school 1441 South Ave 5TH Floor 929-419-9003 nicotracharter.org jodi@ integrationcharterschools.org

The Lois & Richard Nicotra Early College Charter school allows students to earn both a high school diploma and, for those that maintain a “B” average, college credits. Students study two pathways at Nicotra: Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, or Business and Entrepreneurship. Internship opportunities are also available.

education

The Benefits of tutoring

By VeRed ORns Tein

As the school year begins again, the question of the effectiveness of tutoring comes to the forefront for many caregivers. As the education system begins to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents are looking to tutoring to help fill in the gaps caused by lapses in in-person learning.

Research shows that tutoring can lead to significant increases in school performance and grades, but these improvements vary depending on the tutoring method, grade level of the student, and subject area being taught.

Let’s take a deeper look at these factors to help you determine the most effective way to help your student succeed through extra learning opportunities.

Does tutoring work?

A meta-analysis published recently by the Poverty Action Lab titled “The Transformative Potential of Tutoring for PreK-12 Learning Outcomes: Lessons from Randomized Evaluations” looked at hundreds of studies examining the impact of tutoring across grade levels and topics. It found that overall, students who engaged in tutoring programs advanced nearly 16 percentage points when compared to students who did not use tutors, which is considered huge growth by specialists in the field.

T

Fast track k ids

141 Evergreen Avenue 718-351-7333 info@ftkny.com ftkny.com

FTKNY is where kids can join programs that combine fun & learning. They have classes for all ages from STEAM-based preschool to chess classes and academic help/tutoring. FTKNY can provide a place for your child to receive extra help while learning new things and making friends. Call today for a free trial or placement evaluation.

The key factors that make tutoring so effective, as outlined in the meta-analysis are: additional instructional time simply gives students who have fallen behind the opportunity to catch up with their peers; customization of learning and teaching strategies are theorized to work because they adjusts to a student’s individual needs rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all model of learning often present in a traditional classroom setting; and mentorship bonds between tutors and students encourage a positive learning environment, broadly speaking.

What type of tutoring is best?

Every student is individual in the way they learn and retain information, and there is no one-size-fits-all tutoring method guaranteed to work. However, the research suggests several factors that are generally produce the best results. For one, it’s understood that professional or paraprofessional tutors, such as teachers or college students studying education, yield better outcomes than nonprofessional tutors like volunteers or parents.

the takeaways

the resource room

534 Forest Avenue resourceroomsi.com

The Resource Room Learning Center offers private tutoring services by some of the best and most experienced tutors in their subject areas. Programs are tailored to the individual needs of each student. The Resource Room also offers a high-quality SAT / ACT Prep Program for students taking either or both College Entrance Exams.

When properly utilized, tutoring can be incredibly successful and beneficial for students of all ages. For literacy programs, tutoring is most effective when implemented at a young age. Math tutoring for older students can likewise be very impactful, and high schoolers who prepared for and retook standardized exams, with or without a tutor, generally scored better than students who did not prepare. For most students above grade 2, tutoring is most beneficial when conducted three times a week.

Providing children with the support they need sets them up for success in school and beyond, and tutoring is an important step in ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive academically.

Prince’s Bay Resident Tackles Food Insecurity

By BaRBaR a RussO

Joe Preach runs a food pantry on Staten Island. He does it to help people in need—and because he knows what it’s like to struggle. Preach, a Prince’s Bay resident, is the founder of the South Shore Community Food Pantry, located in Huguenot. The pantry isn’t housed inside a building or church like many others of its kind. Preach’s pantry is outside, set up on a sidewalk at Chisholm Street and Amboy Road near Tottenville High School in a sort-of “pop-up” style. The location allows for more space, not just for food, but to hold special events that introduce the community to other available resources.

“Every first Tuesday of every month is what we call our community days,” Preach, 60, said. “We bring services to the South Shore that normally don’t come here.”

Many people are under the assumption that the island’s South Shore doesn’t really suffer from food insecurity. But the hundreds of people Preach and his volunteers serve on many days prove otherwise.

In fact, as of September 2022, more than 100,000 people stopped by the pantry. That’s a big number for a mission that started less than three years ago. Many of these people in clude families with small children, and senior citizens. The pantry offers a variety of foods, including fresh produce from City Harvest and lots of items with a long shelf life.

From Homeless to Helping For Preach, a U.S. Military veteran who served from 1979-1985, helping others is something that is close to home for him. He explained how hard times plagued him during last decade’s housing crisis. In 2012, he found himself homeless, often having to seek refuge in the city’s shelter system.

Wanting to change things, Preach stayed focused on improving his life. It took a while, but eventually he was able to get out of the shelter system and find an apartment that was affordable and manageable.

“You have to be able to make a choice. Are you comfortable like this? Do you want to accept it? Or do you want it to change? I wanted it to change,” Preach explained. “I actually feel that me being homeless was

God’s plan. He had to strip me of who I was to become who I am. And I’m good with it.”

That’s when Preach knew he wanted to give back. In 2019, he started volunteering at a local church, organizing clothing and toiletry drives for people in need. He also drove a van around Staten Island to provide free showers for the homeless. When the pandemic struck in March 2020, all of these operations were ending, but the South Shore Community Food Pantry was just beginning.

starting the south s hore community Food pantry Not happy with soup kitchens and pantries closing in 2020, Preach got together with a few others who wanted to help the many people who were furloughed from their jobs or in need of food for any reason. They quickly organized a makeshift drive-through food pantry that was completely outdoors.

What started out as a small grassroots effort has blossomed today into an official nonprofit with lots of community partners. Companies including Northwell Health, ShopRite and many local businesses support the South Shore Community Food Pantry, whether through donations, services and even sometimes grants.

Northwell Health has stopped by the pantry to give flu shots and blood-pressure screenings. In September, the pantry gave out dozens of backpacks filled with school supplies for children at the pantry.

On Oct. 15 at 10am, Preach plans to have a special Halloween event, complete with volunteers in costume and lots of candy. More surprises are planned throughout the holiday season, too.

Volunteers at the pantry range in age. Many students come from nearby Tottenville High School, as well as the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program and receive community service credit.

The South Shore Community Food Pantry is located at Chisholm Street and Amboy Road. It is open on the first Tuesday and third Saturday of the month, 10am until supplies last, which is usually about 12:30pm.

Join Scouting on Staten Island

Halloween Experiences

Spooky fun on Staten Island

By BaRBaR a RussO

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling and Halloween is around the corner! Get in the spirit of the season by heading to one (or more!) of the many Halloween events on Staten Island throughout the season, from pump kin picking to fall festivals and everything in between. Check out our list of spooky season events, and have a hauntingly good time!

Go online to siparent.com for even more Halloween fun. We will be updating this list throughout the season so keep checking back!

Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm

Historic Richmond Town’s Decker Farm • 435 Richmond Hill Rd.

Weekends in October, and Monday, Oct. 10; 11am-5pm

Search the patch for your favorite pumpkin, learn about 19th century farm life and enjoy delicious fall foods.

Pumpkin Patch Fun at Greenside Up Garden Center

Greenside Up Garden Center • 2777 Arthur Kill Rd.

When: Monday-Friday, 12-6pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm

Pick a pumpkin, and enjoy jumpy inflatables, paint-a-pumpkin and corn maze. Face painting available. Also enjoy games, prizes and the Snack Shack.

Staten Island Zoo Spooktacular

Staten Island Zoo • 705 Clove Rd.

Friday, Oct. 14-Sunday, Oct. 16; 5:30-8:30pm

Enjoy scare zones, live music, games and theater shows at the Staten Island Zoo Spooktacular 2022. Light snacks and graband-go foods will be available for purchase. Costumes are welcomed, so come dressed in your Halloween best.

Masters of Illusion – Live! St. George Theatre • 35 Hyatt St.

Sunday, Oct. 16; 5pm

Get ready for a magical experience, filled with modern illusions and arts of deception, as Masters of Illusion performs live at the St. George Theatre.

JCC Fall Harvest Festival

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC • 1466 Manor Rd. Sunday, Oct. 9; 11am-2pm

Enjoy a live performance by Honey Child Band, fall crafts, photo ops, giveaways and more. There will also be kids sports and fitness samplers, as well as music and ballet demos. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Trick-or-Treat at Lo-Kel-Li

Staten Island Mall • 2655 Richmond Ave.

Saturday, Oct. 29; 10am-8pm

Trick or treat at Lo-Kel-Li Market Place at the Staten Island Mall and get candy from participating vendors. Costumes welcome. Located on Level 1 of the mall.

Haunted Halloween Cruise

National Lighthouse Museum • 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point Friday, Oct. 28; 6:30-10:30pm

Cruise the East River recalling haunted tales of lighthouses along the way to Execution Rocks. Enjoy a three-course dinner that includes salad, chicken or fish, potato and vegetable, wine, dessert, and tea or coffee. The tour departs from Pier 1 in St. George, adjacent to the National Lighthouse Museum.

2022 Ocean Breeze Halloween Festival

Ocean Breeze Park & Athletic Complex • 625 Father Capodanno Blvd.

Sunday, Oct. 30; 10am

Details to be announced. Check the website for updates (oceanbreezenyc.org).

Village Ghost Tours

Historic Richmond Town • 441 Clarke Ave. Oct. 1, 7, 8, 21, 22, 28, 29; 7pm and 8:30pm

Explore historic houses by candlelight and delve into folklore and mysteries from the past. Storytellers will share their own unexplained and unnerving tales. For ages 8 and older.

Trick-or-Treat at the Staten Island Children’s Museum

Staten Island Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terr.

Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 29-30; 10am-1pm and 2-5pm.

Come in costume and go trick or treating. Enjoy candy, crafts and a bounce house. $8; free for children younger than 1

Spooky Shop for a Cause

Z-Two Lounge • 2925 Veterans Rd. W. Thursday, Oct. 27; 6-10pm Shop from over 30 vendors at this Halloweenthemed event that helps support Victory 4 The Voiceless, a Staten Island-based animal rescue.

Richmond Rocket Halloween 5K

Silver Lake Park • Victory Boulevard and Silver Lake Park Road

Sunday, Oct. 30; 7:30am

A 5K race to benefit the Richmond Rocket Scholarship Fund and ALS Watchdawgs. Awards will be given out, including best child costume and best adult costume.

�al� RoadFamil� Trip�

BY MIA SALAS

Fall decor, pumpkin treats and farm festivals are finally here!

If you’re looking to make the most of the cozy season, have you considered planning a road trip with your family? Road trips are the perfect, quick escape from the city where you can dive into family friendly fall and winter festivities. Whether it’s apple picking or nature hikes, tractor rides or fudge tastings, your kiddos will have plenty of fun activities to do, all while exploring the history of unique towns. We’ve rounded up some of the best road trip destinations for your family this year. Get your train tickets or GPS ready, because these are fall vacays you do not want to miss!

Central Massachusetts

Antsy kiddos who could not last hours in a car? Not to worry– Central Massachusetts is a quick 30-minute flight away. In fact, there are 4 flights arriving daily from NYC, both from JFK and LGA, making it easier than ever to plan your getaway. Once you arrive we recommend you set up camp at a brand name or boutique hotel in Worcester, MA. You’ll be 30 minutes or less from a ton of family-friendly attractions, like the Southwick’s Zoo, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Old Sturbridge Village and the Ecotarium.

If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, we recommend you go on a family hike to Lookout Rock or the summit of Wachusett Mountain. But with 22 state parks in the region, you’ll have your pick of hiking trails. Central Massachusetts also has plenty of seasonal celebrations: you don’t want to miss KidsFest, AppleFest, BooFest, and Fall Food Truck Fest at Wachusett Mountain. The Annual Harvest Festival is also a family-favorite because of its well-loved scarecrow contest. And we can’t forget about Southwick Zoo’s Festival of Illumination, showcasing the stories of legendary creatures and fairytales through handmade Chinese lanterns. Add on all the usual fall classics–apple picking, cider donuts, and tractor rides– and Central Massachusetts is the place to be! Book your amazingly convenient flight today.

New Jersey

New Jersey is home to some of the most exciting family destinations in the Northeast - from the quaint shops of Cape May to High Point State Park in the Skylands. Families come back year after year for coolweather experiences and adventurous ways to enjoy every last one of those fall and winter days.

Enjoy the great outdoors, for New Jersey’s 130 miles of coastline deliv ers some of the most magnificent (and Instagrammable) views in the U.S. Visit mural-filled Asbury Park. Travel scenic byways for an impromptu leaf-peeping session. Hike serene nature trails. Go snow tubing in winter at Mountain Creek Resort and skiing at American Dream year-round. Enjoy the East Coast’s famed national and state parks like Liberty State Park, the Delaware Water Gap and Paterson Great Falls.

New Jersey is bountiful in the arts, history, culture and more. The New Jersey State Museum and The Newark Museum of Art are famous family go-tos. Princeton’s Tony Award-winning McCarter Theatre provides unforgettable live music, dance and theater performances including American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker November 25–27 and A Christmas Carol December 7 – 24. Dive in and discover over 15,000 aquatic animals and the Northeast’s largest collection of sharks at The New Jersey State Aquarium on the Camden waterfront. Also along the Delaware: Big Kahuna’s Indoor Water Park - always a huge splash with kids.

Looking for a quick 3-day family getaway? A road trip with stops at New Jersey’s top spots will do the trick. Choose the best journey for your crew including American Revolution, Scenic Byways, Anthony Bourdain

Food Trail and Black Heritage itineraries. Spend time together, learn something new, and see the best places to play, dine and stay.

Discover more at VisitNJ.org. Get your free Travel Guide and sign up for their informative e-newsletter.

Newport, RI

Only a few hours from NYC, Newport, Rhode Island brings fall festivities to the next level. Cider tasting and apple picking at Rocky Brook Orchard, named one of the best apple orchards in New England, offers eighty varieties of apples to choose from.

Next on your fall bucket list is The Pachet Brook Tree Farm for a family-friendly hayride that leads you to a pumpkin patch. Looking for more adventure, visit Escobar’s Highland Farm, and wind your way out of their 8-acre corn maze.

Experience more outdoor fun aboard a pedal-powered rail bike with Rail Explorers. The tour includes dif ferent experiences such as an evening lantern or fireside tours.

Newport isn’t short of sport or history; your family can visit the interactive Sailing Museum, Audrain Automobile Museum and Internation al Tennis Hall of Fame with just one ticket. Newport has family-friendly year-round events and activities, so be sure to check out the extensive cal endar of seasonal events at Discov erNewport.org.

Discover Newport

Fall in Love with Rockland County!

Explore our village shops and restaurants.

Experience the natural splendor of the Hudson Valley.

Enjoy fabulous fall golf, hiking, camping, and more!

For a Great Getaway that’s not far away, make your next... explorerocklandny.com

Frederick, Maryland

Location, location, location! This fall road trip includes the National Scenic Byways and historic downtowns. Once you arrive at Frederick, Maryland, you are a short drive from Baltimore, Washington, D.C, and Gettysburg, making this the perfect getaway. There are truly so many family adventures you can embark on here! And the best part? You can take your time by staying a few days at one of Frederick County’s 20 nationally-branded hotels.

There’s no shortage of fall festivals at the many farms and pumpkin patches in Frederick County, offering hayrides, apple cannons, corn mazes, arts & crafts, duck races, farm animals, and more. And if your kids are craving a sweet treat, Frederick has some of the best creameries with farm-fresh ice cream. For a blast to the past, check out Walkersville Southern Railroad and Monocacy National Battlefield. Little ones will also love saying hello to the many animals at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, while older kids may enjoy a hike to the cascading waterfall in Cunningham Falls State Park. Last but not least, the food scene in Frederick is top-notch and super kid-friendly: don’t miss Pretzel and Pizza Creations, a restaurant where everything is made out of delicious pretzel dough, including the pizza crust.

Putnam County, NY

This gem in New York is easy to travel to, making it an ideal road trip. A must-first stop is the Tilly Foster Farm. Only Putnam County, NY, would have a farm that regularly attracts families from all over to come and visit during the fall season. What makes Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster, NY, special? There’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy! From candle making to farm animals, sculptures to fishing, fresh veggies to concerts, this farm is the talk of the season every year.

But beyond Tilly Foster Farm, Putnam County offers a spooky, kid-friendly musical, Hearts of the Hollow, that runs weekends through October 31. With 20 original songs, your kiddos will definitely be singing them all night long. And if you want to sneak in some apple picking on your trip, look no further than the Boscobel Heritage Applefest in Hudson Valley. Packed with cider pressing, apple preserving, arts & crafts, and sweet cider sampling, it’s a must-visit.

Visit Frederick

Jamie Martorano

FALL FOR NEW JERSEY ADVENTURES

Team up with cool-weather favorites from the sands of the Jersey Shore straight up to the Skylands. Enjoy pumpkin patches, apple picking and hayrides. Parks dressed in gold and crimson leaves. Discover iconic eateries and sporting events—from the grid iron to the greens. Plus, journeys like our Scenic Byway and Black Heritage itineraries. You’ll find hundreds of destinations worth falling for.

Get your free official travel guide and discover more at VisitNJ.org

Rockland County, NY

Just 30 miles north of NYC, Rockland County makes the perfect family road trip. Nestled among 32,000 acres of untouched parkland, you can expect lots of outdoor fun: hiking trails, mountain vistas, and plenty of fall foliage. There’s also exquisite waterfront villages along the Hudson River that feature world-class restaurants, art galleries, shopping, champion golf courses, historic sites, and more.

If you’re looking to get your fall fix, visit one of the many farms and farmer’s markets for fresh produce, pumpkin picking, and apple picking. We recommend Orchards of Conklin, the oldest working farm in Rockland County. You can pick your own pumpkins and apples, escape the corn maze, and shop homemade pies, donuts, and cookies.

And with all the nature surrounding you, it can be tricky to choose just one hiking adventure. One family-favorite is Buttermilk Falls, which has several trails leading to the falls and steam with

overlooks and areas for picnicking.

Take your time planning this trip, because Rockland County has natural, hidden gems you’ll want to explore for a while!

New York FamilY partN er

Discover Newport for Fall Family Fun

p lanning family adventures this sea son? Look no further than Newport, RI for the best of fall festivities: apple pick ing, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and cider treats. Newport is activity-packed during any season, but there’s something special about fall and winter that brings families back year after year.

Between fairs, festivals, and fall foliage sunset tours, Newport has no shortage of seasonal family fun. An annual favorite is the Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair, October 1-2. Little ones and bigger kids alike enjoy sack races, hay rides, mud pits, tug-of-war, live music, scarecrow competitions, and plenty of prizes.

Newport also offers top-notch farms for fall festivities, such as Rocky Brook Or chard: a family-run orchard that’s become one of the best apple orchards in New Eng land. When it comes to pumpkin picking, families love Pachet Brook Tree Farm for its fun hayride leading up to the pumpkins.

And for an epic corn maze, Escobar’s High land Farm is adored by kids. This year’s corn maze theme is “Field of Dreams”, promoting health, happiness, and love.

Another way to experience Newport’s fall beauty is by hopping on a scenic pedalpowered rail bike ride along abandoned railroad tracks. Rail Explorers leads 90-minute, breathtaking tours around the Narragansett Bay. Head over to Thames

Street afterwards for a sweet treat at one of the ice cream shops.

And for chillier days spent indoors, Newport has stellar sports and history mu seums. Conveniently, the Sailing Museum, Audrain Automobile Museum, and the In ternational Tennis Hall of Fame teamed up to provide access to all three with one ticket.

Check out the full Newport experience at DiscoverNewport.org.

Heighten

SENSES

Make moments that matter in hip & historic Frederick County, Maryland. Wander quaint downtowns where historic buildings host locally-owned shops. Indulge in world-class restaurants and embrace our lively arts scene. Venture outdoors in National & State Parks and experience our storied past at Civil War battlefields. Unwind at dozens of wineries, breweries & distilleries. visitfrederick.org • 800–999–3613

Fall

Bucket list

26 amazing things to do this season

By Jeannine cinTROn and dOnna duaRTe-Ladd

Out of all the seasons, fall is easily the most fun for families to enjoy together. The house smells like a pumpkinspiced dream, the leaves are changing and kids are mapping out the best spots for trickor-treat candy. What a season!

One of the biggest reasons to love fall is the beautiful weather! The just-right temperatures make for the perfect family day out – indoors or outdoors. That means there is no excuse not to check off everything on your fall bucket list.

And we have plenty of ideas to get you started below!

. Leaf peep in one of Staten Island’s many parks and check out the changing leaves (it happens later in the city than Upstate)

1

2 . Pick the perfect pumpkin from a nearby farm and carve it into a jack-lantern to display on your front porch

3. Go to Six Flags Fright Fest, which is back with its signature ghoul parade, multiple haunted walks and more chilling thrills. Bring the younger ones during the day for not-soscary activities and entertainment

4 . Enjoy the changing leaves and crisp fall air at Historic Richmond Town’s Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm weekends, explore the haunted history of Staten Island with night time tours and special programs, and experi ence the time-honored festival of historical

trades on Old Home Day. Go to historicrich mondtown.org for more info.

5. See amazing NYC views from 300 feet up with special event opportunities at the Dream Wheel NJ! Tip: Park in lot C at the American Dream Mall and go to the 3rd floor.

6

. Head down to New Dorp Lane for the 7th Annual New Dorp Restaurant Crawl, a unique dining experience with delicious cuisine from 25+ top restaurants. Foodies pay one price and sample flavors from ALL the restaurants! Get your tickets at eventbrite. com.

. Catch a ball game without sweating through your clothes. Fall marks the start of football, basketball, and hockey season

7

Presented by New Dorp Lane District

8. Geek out at NY Comic Con, coming to the Javits Center Oct. 6-9, and meet your favorite stars up close. Don’t forget to snap a photo to impress your friends!

9. Check out the New Dorp Lane Car Show for classic, antique, custom and exotic cars, delivering automotive bliss to the tri-state area’s motorheads! This free family event is great for all ages and will feature vendors, activities and all of the best merchants on the Lane! Get your tickets at eventbrite.com.

10. The mother of all Halloween parades winds through Greenwich Village on October 31, where spectators will view every kind of costume imaginable. This year’s theme is freedom!

11. Take the older kids (or brave tweens) to one of NY’s many haunted houses for a scary good time. Some top-rated ones include Blood Manor, Long Island’s Bayville Scream Park, and Bane’s Haunted House in Midtown

12 . Head to the New York Botanical Garden for their Fall-O-Ween celebration, featuring pumpkins and gourds galore

13. Go for a whirl around one of New York City’s many carousels before they close

for the winter

14 . Dress your pooch in their Halloween finest and join the costumed canine convoy in Tompkins Square Park (Brooklyn) on Oct. 22 for their famous annual dog parade

15. Pedal your way past colorful foliage on a scenic bike tour

16 . Pack the family in the car or head out on foot to explore the over-the-top spooky decorations and local haunted houses. It’s not just us; they’re totally getting more elaborate (and terrifying) every year!

17. Book a whale watching cruise for a chance to spot these peaceful giants before the water gets too cold

18 . Leave the kids with a sitter and head to Long Island to tour its many beautiful wineries while you take in breathtaking autumnal views

19. Enjoy the fall air and see a movie outdoors or in the car. Pack some candy corn with your popcorn!

20. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at El Museo del Barrio

21. Stop by Snug Harbor for the a picturesque backdrop to your fall photos, then check out one of the many museums

onsite for more fall fun

22 . Take advantage of the Culture Pass and visit the amazing cultural institutions that participate

23. Corn mazes are now a fall staple and there’s plenty nearby to choose from. The cream of the crop include Von Thun’s, Hank’s Pumpkintown and Harbes, among others

24 . Take the kids to Central Park on Oct. 30 for a Halloween parade, kid’s activities and more. Be sure to head to the northeast corner at 6:30 for the annual Pumpkin Flotilla, when dozens of jack-o-lanterns are sent floating down the Harlem Meer in a stunning procession that is not to be missed

25. Go Brick-or-Treating at LEGOLAND New York and join their Monster Party for live shows, attractions, character meet-andgreets and more

26 . Head to East Rutherford, NJ to American Dream. Get your thrills in at Nickelodeon Universe, North America’s largest indoor theme park or enjoy the world’s largest indoor wave pool at DreamWorks Water Park. Shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, Zara, and more! End your day at Carpaccio, Bergen County’s #1 New Restaurant

history of Historic Richmond Town

Pumpkin Picking!

Discover family-friendly farms in and around Staten Island

By BaRBaR a RussO

If there’s one thing we love about the fall, it’s pumpkin everything! Your family can spend a day out in the fresh fall air, picking perfect pumpkin and enjoying various fall activities. And with Halloween right around the corner, you’ll need to stock up for carving jack-o’-lanterns! Here’s a list of our favorite pumpkin patches and farms for pumpkin picking in Staten Island, as well as locations for pumpkin picking in NJ.

Decker Farm

435 Richmond Hill Road

718-351-1611

Hours: Oct. 1-30, Saturday-Sunday (plus Monday, Oct. 10), 11am-5pm

This pumpkin patch features pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Complete with photoops and fall decorations, you’re sure to experience a picture-perfect moment as you decide which pumpkin to take home. Plus, there are lots of delicious fall food favorites to enjoy!

Greenside Up Garden Center

2777 Arthur Kill Rd.

718-967-5039

Hours: Oct. 1-31; Monday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm

Head to this local garden center to pick your perfect pumpkin throughout the entire month of October. The patch has pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Enjoy a variety of kids’ activities, including a corn maze, pumpkin painting, games and lots more. After pick

ing your pumpkins, browse the shop for fall decorations, including fresh flowers and plants for your garden.

Alstede Farms

1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester Township 908-879-7189

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour

Hours: daily, 9am-6pm (last admission to pickyour-own is 4:30pm). Pumpkins anticipated to be available in October. Check website for updates.

Alstede Farms offers orange and white pumpkins, munchkins, gourds, and assorted winter squash—all available in u-pick!

Wagon train and pony rides are also part of the fun (for an extra fee). Plus, you can visit with and feed some of the farm’s animals. Corn maze, hay pyramid, evergreen and sunflower mazes are on-site and included with pick-your-own admission.

Battleview Orchards

91 Wemrock Road, Freehold 732-462-0756

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour

Hours: Picking hours vary with the season and availability. Call or check the Facebook page for updates.

Battleview Orchards offers a variety of pickyour-own fall favorites, including pumpkins and apples. Hayrides are available in the fall, weekends only, starting Sept. 24.

Giamarese Farm

155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick 732-821-9494

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour

Hours: Pumpkins are expected to be available in September and October. Check the website or call for updates.

Go on a hayride tour, pick pumpkins and browse the farm market for more pumpkins, gourds, decorations and more. Pony rides available for an extra fee on weekends in October. Other crops available through December include mustard and turnip, plus apple picking is available through early October.

Happy Day Farm

106 Iron Ore Rd., Manalapan 732-977-3607

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour Hours: Sept. 10-Oct. 30; 10am-5pm. Not open on weekdays in September. The farm is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in October. Weekend admission includes a variety of family activities, including an animal feeding zoo, an impressive corn maze, tractor rides, and a variety of games.

Norz Hill Farm & Market

120 S. Branch Road, Hillsborough 908-371-2697

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour

Hours: Sept. 10-Oct. 31; Call for hours. Enjoy a corn maze, hayride to visit the resi dent animals and find your perfect pumpkin. Plus, there’s a kid’s corner featuring a Bale Maze, Corn Boxes to play in, and more.

Ort Farms

25 Bartley Road, Long Valley 908-876-3351

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour

Hours: Pumpkins available Sept. 18-Nov. 6.

Call for hours.

Choose from a variety of pumpkins. A hayride brings you to the patch, or you can walk. Week end activities include an apple cannon, pony rides and more, available for additional fees.

Stony Hill Farm Market

15 North Rd., Chester 908-879-2908

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour

Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm. Pumpkins anticipated to be available late September. Pumpkins are available in all sizes. Other activities to enjoy include hayrides on week ends, a giant corn maze (and a mini one for the little ones), a playground and more. Plus, the farm’s delicious homemade ice cream is available by the scoop or pint to take home.

Terhune Orchards

330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton 609-924-2310

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour

Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm. Pumpkins will be available September 17.

Pumpkin picking is available during the week, and also during the farm’s fall family weekends, which run Sept. 17-Oct. 30, 10am-5pm. Meet barnyard animals, go through corn mazes, en joy pony rides, children’s games and activities, live music and pumpkin painting.

Von Thun’s Country Farm Market

438 Route 57 West, Washington 505 Ridge Rd., Dayton, NJ 732-329-8656

Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes

Hours: Sept. 17-Oct. 30; 10am-5pm. Fall Festival Weekend admission includes access to the corn maze, unlimited hayrides to the pumpkin patch and many other familyfriendly activities. During the week, there’s an easy “walk-to” patch that is decorated with jack-o’-lanterns and fun, whimsical wooden cartoon characters, while the “main patch” is available on weekends and offers lots of family activities with the price of admission.

By Serena norr

One of New York’s beloved Halloween events is here. This popular event is now illuminating in Westchester and lasts until November 20th.

The Deets: You and your family can admire over 7,000 illuminated and hand-carved pumpkins and original music at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor. The walk-through experience is around 45-minutes, where you can see bright and creative displays, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium.

New creations this year include an animated “Jack” Smith working in his shop with a hive of glowing bees.

Stay for the Treats!

After your fun walking tour, you can enjoy fall-themed treats, snacks, and drinks at their nearby cafe. There is also an on-site store with Halloween-related and Blaze items for sale.

Blaze: Hudson Valley Details

Van Cortlandt Manor

525 South Riverside Avenue Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Times for the Blaze-Hudson Valley range from 7:30 pm-10:30pm. Tickets start at $40 for adults and $32 for children 3-17. Children 2 and under are free. All events are held rain or shine. Visitors should visit hudsonvalley.org/ covid for their current policies.

SJHA Elementary School provides a premier, co-ed Catholic education from Early Childhood (beginning with Pre-K 3) through 8th Grade. We offer after school care, student clubs & athletic teams, and summer camps.

Diplomate in School Neuropsychology with extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and providing behavioral interventions for over 30 years.

Dr. Vetere has advanced training and is certi ed in the administration and scoring of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2.

Dr. Vetere is also well versed and lectures on topics including “The Psychology of the Exceptional Child" and "Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)".

Robert

By: J. Giachetti

The Many Sides of Alexa

Alexa Wilding is a Daughter, Wife, Singer/Songwriter, Twin Mom, Cancer Mom, Cancer Survivor and now, Writer. Read on to hear how she’s learning to accept them all.

By Cris Pearlstein

As I sit here and write this story, it’s been a week since my conversation with Alexa Wilding, the twin mom of Lou and West, ages 9 and cancer mom you probably know from the raw and honest writing she shares on her Instagram feed. It may have been a week, but I have not stopped thinking about our conversation for one second since.

We spoke for over an hour and a half, almost double the amount of time my interviews usually take, and we could have easily gone another hour. Alexa’s story is wild (no pun intended), painful, magical, horrible, and, at times, hard to believe. And although her story is riveting—after seeing her son Lou through choroid plexus carcinoma (twice!) a rare pediatric brain cancer for which West is not at risk, she herself gets diagnosed with breast cancer—it’s her take on the events and how she got through it all that really mesmerized me. She spoke about nature as medicine, about being present through the good and the bad, and about the many identities we as moms have that we maybe don’t allow ourselves to explore. Even if you don’t have a sick child, and even if you are not sick yourself, this interview will push your mind to see life through a fresh pair of eyes. Or at the very least, will help you see yourself anew—Alexa says we are all prisms, shifting and growing, our many chards of glass catching rays of light as we turn. I couldn’t think of a better metaphor.

CP: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

AW: I am a writer, a singer/songwriter, a twin mother, a cancer mom and now, a cancer survivor. It’s a very long byline, but they all are starting to inform each other. I was mostly born and raised in New York City, downtown to two very art-y parents so I had a really fun upbringing. I left the city about 4 years ago to move upstate. I had gone to Bard

College so I knew it was beautiful here, but leaving the city was such a big deal. Now that we’re here I can’t imagine being anywhere else. When you’re someone who doesn’t really have a connection to nature as a city kid it can really win you over and provide a lot of medicine, which I’ve needed these last few years. My husband works at Bard College’s contempo rary art museum, and it’s been fun visiting him where I went to school, and really fun for my kids when shows are going up to run wild in the galleries. We’ve made a really lovely life for ourselves up here. The Hudson Valley com pletely exploded during the pandemic which was interesting, but I think there’s a lot of posi tives in that we saw a lot of families looking for the same thing. To feel more connected. And when you wake up and see the mountains you can’t help but just be turned into a Buddhist, a crazy New Age lady. I wake up, I have my coffee, I stand on my porch and say, “Thank you mountains, thank you for watching over me and my family, thank you for always being there.” It’s amazing what the move from city to country can do.

CP: Ok so let’s talk about Lou. You barely have a chance to grapple with the new identity of Mother, and Lou is disgnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma. Now you’re being forced into this identity of Cancer Mom. Can you talk to me about the push and pull between regular mom and Cancer Mom? Because you actually do have two children—you’re Regular Mom to one kid, and you’re Cancer Mom to another kid.

AW: Lou had to do 6 months of high dose chemo, and you basically live in the hospi tal when they’re that young because it’s too dangerous. I went to a girls’ boarding school and there were echoes of that because it was mostly moms and we were all living on the hall together. We’d have cocktail hour at 6pm, with hummus and pretzels and Cokes. It’s funny that I get nostalgic for that time because it was awful, but it was wonderful to have mirrors like that of all these mothers. We were all

struggling to take care of our children through every mother’s absolute worst nightmare, try ing to take care of ourselves. I will never forget those first mothers I met because we were all trying to survive and when you become a cancer mom you are immediately martyred. You’re immediately martyred because you are seen as the selfless caregiver who always has her fight face forward, who gracefully accepts the GoFundMe contributions, who grace fully accepts the visits from the social workers and all the different people who come in. You become this hostess with the mostess of your hospital room. It was so funny because here I was in the hospital room decorating it with sheepskins and baskets, trying to make it look like a Domino spread. All of us had a secret life. We had things we were doing to stay alive. For me it was writing. My dear friend Molly is a big part of my story. She was a guardian angel and said, “You need to write and send me what you write.” So that was my secret life and I was writing about some really private things, things that I was doing to survive. There were moms who were shoplifting, there were moms with addiction issues, there was the dad I always talk about, the only dad on the hall, whose wife “couldn’t handle it” and we were fascinated by her. Like, who is this mom who doesn’t get to be here? I say all that just to paint a picture. But the push and pull can really be seen in two ways. I still have dreams about taking breaks from the hospital room and wandering those streets to get a coffee or being really bad and getting in a cab to go down to Strand.

CP: So you went from Singer/Songwriter to Mom to Cancer Mom and now you’re morphing into this Writer identity it sounds like.

AW: Yeah and survivor. People start look ing to you for wisdom. I was happy to share our story but I wasn’t really there yet. I think it was Cheryl Strayed who had that famous quote, “You can’t write from the wound, you have to write from the scar.” And I was very

much in the wound, but I was trying. It took me a while to understand that if you’ve been through something extraordinary you can actually be of service, but you also have to be ready to be of service.

CP: Tell me when Cancer Patient, your new

identity, appeared. Were you ready to accept that?

AW: No. One day I didn’t feel like writing and I decided to go get that mammogram I was supposed to get. When they told me it was like someone saying something in a new language.

CP: Are you in remission?

AW: Yeah, so I was diagnosed in Novem ber, it was supposed to just be early breast can cer, a lumpectomy, some radiation and we’ll be done. Days before my January lumpectomy they discovered a third lump and it was too far away. So I had 48 hours to prepare for losing my breast. And everyone was so worried about me and rightfully so because to be retrauma tized in the hospital now as the patient it was so far out.

CP: You can’t make this stuff up.

AW: No, it was ridiculous! There I was standing on the corner of 98th and Madison about to lose my breast, like what? What is this? When you Google “how to prepare for a mastectomy?” all these things come up, all these things you can buy, I didn’t have any of that stuff. It was very profound to be back on that corner. I left Ian and the boys up here in Hudson because I knew this was about me. I had my parents take care of me. My dad and his wife, my stepmom, still live in the city and I went in so I could be a daughter, and I could just be Alexa. Here’s another example of the prism turning. I have two wonderful parents, my mom is really special to me, but my dad is one of the most positive people in the world. You want him around when shit hits the fan. I’m proud that I think I’m carrying that lineage along. I was headed into the OR, I had this spiritual moment, and I just laid down. I felt this power that I’ve yet to feel since, but it was this wonderful reminder that despite it all I am a person, I am a body, I have needs and we’re going to take care of them.

CP: The second theme that I wanted to touch on is resilience. What does resilience mean to you? And to what do you owe your resilience?

AW: Resilience is one of those words that we take for granted, we hear it so much. For me it’s not so much how we snap back but how we show up. There’s so much emphasis on snapping back and you don’t snap back. You are changed. There should be more focus on how you show up and the thing about resilience is it’s like a rubber band. To be truly resilient you have to give yourself the grace to not always show up the way you like to. There were times I showed up on that corner of 98th and Madison not my best, and there were times I showed up like let’s do this. Resilience is accepting all those different parts of ourselves.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. To read the story in its entirety visit newyorkfamily.com

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

T H ings TO d O in Oc TOB e R

By BaRBaR a RussO

October is here and fall is in full swing! Here are some of this month’s most exciting events in Staten Island and nearby. Be sure to call ahead or visit event websites to confirm details. Go to siparent.com/ events for info on the events listed here and even more stuff to do with your family throughout the month and all season long!

Italian Festival at the Mount

Friday, Oct. 7, 6-11pm; Saturday, Oct. 8, 12-11pm; Sunday, Oct. 9, 12-9pm; Monday, Oct. 10, 12-6pm Mount Loretto 6581 Hylan Blvd. Join Borough President Vito Fossella and Catholic Charities of Staten Island for this excit ing family event featuring live entertainment, beer and sangria gardens, a car show, lots of food and more.

Tot Time Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, 10-11:30am Clay Pit Ponds State Park 2351 Veterans Rd. W. Explore a different nature theme each week during this indoor play group. Kids will enjoy a guided story time, followed by a short hike.

Children’s Nature Arts Program

Saturday, Oct. 1; 1-3pm

Olmsted-Beil House Park 4515 Hylan Blvd.

Children ages 5-13 will learn about the trees of the park and then write an impression of nature and express it artistically. Space is limited. Registration required. info@

olmstedbeilhouse.org.

Performance: Lions in Illyria

Oct. 1; 11am Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terr. (sensoryfriendly)

Oct. 1; 2pm Stapleton Library 132 Canal St. Oct. 8; 2pm

Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd.

IlluminArt Productions will host a presentation of “Lions in Illyria,” directed by J. Giachetti (written by Robert Kauzlaric).

Art in the Park: Bird Feeders

Saturday, Oct. 1; 1-3pm

Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve Nature Interpretive Center 2351 Veterans Rd. W.

Help provide birds with extra food during their fall migration by decorating and putting together your own bird feeder. Bonus: You’ll be using recycled materials!

Sunday Fun Day Garden Event

Sunday, Oct. 2; 2-6:30pm Hill Street Community Garden 50 Hill St.

Head to this community event that celebrates nature, fun, gardening, art and so much more. Registration is required.

Lighthouse Point Fest

Sunday, Oct. 2, 12-6pm

National Lighthouse Museum 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point

Enjoy entertainment, arts and crafts and admission to the Na tional Lighthouse Museum. Kids

activities include face painting and Charlie the Balloon Man.

NYPL Bookmobile

Saturday, Oct. 8; 12-2pm

Alice Austen House Front Lawn 2 Hylan Blvd.

Enjoy a reading from a chapter of Alice Austen Lived Here by Alex Gino and picnic on the lawn of this historic home.

Old Home Weekend

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 and 16; 10am-4pm

Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave.

Step back in time at this annual festival that features historic trades, skills, home crafts and a celebration of Staten Island cultural heritage.

National Coming Out Day

Saturday, Oct. 15; 12-4pm

Alice Austen House Front Lawn 2 Hylan Blvd.

Enjoy food and festivities on the lawn, hosted by the Pride Center of Staten Island and the Alice Austen House. Register at pridecentersi.org.

Urban Ecology Tour

Sunday, Oct. 16; 10:30-12:30pm

Brooklyn Navy Yard 141 Flushing Ave.

Enjoy this family-friendly bike tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s 300-acre site. Explore sustainability, resiliency and ecology at the yard.

Poetry in the Park

Saturday, Oct. 22; 3-5pm

Alice Austen House Front Lawn 2 Hylan Blvd.

Show off your latest poems at this fun event on the lawn of the Alice Austen House.

step back in time at old home weekend in historic richmond town on oct. 15 to 16.

Lions Kids Club held @ Farrell HS is a USA Wrestling Chartered youth wrestling program for boys and girls k-8th grade. Instruction focuses on folkstyle wrestling, sportsmanship and physical fitness.

Our goal is to build our wrestlers up to reach their full potential on and off the mat.

Free trial October 3rd thru October 7th. Registration on October 13th.

Private lessons are also available.

Email:

917-748-6717

Follow

oc ToBer 1

Salvatore ozone giada ozone

Scott Sherman Justin Volkes

Alexandra coughlin Jonathan Marchione Maggie hill John Mattera

oc ToBer 2

gianna Liatonio Dominick carti Aneeq Rasheed Angelina Ruffino Ianthe collins

Jacob Mayo

oc ToBer 3

Salvatore Donato Angela Ruffino Daniel g orbai giovanni Villalobos

Mason James g ore Anthony garzone Sofia cipriano octavius Pasag

oc ToBer 4

Akshay Rangaswami erin g eraghty Mitchell Ducalo Ariana hastaba christian Lofters

Paul Foye

oc ToBer 5

Jordan Scitt nicole Avitto

Alfredo Jimenez

Adam Fici Alexandra gorini gIada olivieri henry Ruiz

oc ToBer 6

Jack Badalamenti gianna Jobe Bradan Mcglyn Jack Badalamenti Alexa Ripalda Sanny Alfimov Justin Morra Milania Rose tejeda

oc ToBer 7

Issac t irado Matthew t irado Leah grayce g oldstein Jaclyn crockett Isaac Donsky

Aiden Jiang Ariana Mongo

oc ToBer 8

ella Savinon Jaslene A. uccello Addison testaverdi caroline Shevaha chelsea Dobson LeAnn chooi Jaslene uccello ella Savinon

Ayansh Passi

oc ToBer 9

Jessica Lamberti Shane Kaminski Scott Zipprich nicholas Monteleone gregory Ross Lemberg Jacob Polakowski Jaelyn cappucci

oc ToBer 10

christian Kranzke christopher Monteleone Ava therese DeMuro Liberty thomas

110 Schanck

Janie owens Ava therese DeMuro Joseph Saryian Liberty thomas Joseph Saryian

oc ToBer 11 chloe Katelin Williams Fantasaia nikia McKenzie Ashlee Basich Alexis Ranieri Dean Bonici Benjamin Jimenez Lucas Wong Zachary Mendez Matthew Kreyman Asiya Modica

oc ToBer 12 nicholas Diaz Magdalena Martinez Ashley Dannie Davis Adriana Somma Brooke nicole Mccloskey David christopher Martin Liam Wong Julianna Stoppini

oc ToBer 13

Kalique Mitchell Jennifer Alyssa Levy Adrianna catanzaro Alexandra napoli Francesco Vasquez Veronica Wankowicz Vincent Mercurio Adam Fici

oc ToBer 14

callie Quinn Azaria Astwood Victoria Van Drost Ryan Mauer

Freehold,

07728-2938 732-577-8200

Dylan Volkin Davidson Saint Juste

oc ToBer 15 Rihana Lika Kayla Krasnopolski Jesse James Verner Sienna Bryson Rocco Wiener Blaze Diaz Antonia Karakis

oc ToBer 16 tyler nanetti Logan Merrill Zyaire Johnson Franceso Domenico Lanni Lilah Mae Wilkerson Jonathan Fennell

oc ToBer 17 Molly haberstroh Dominique Yancey Steven grey Wolt nirmeen Khass evann Duran Joseph Seri Siena Krasner noah Armstrong Mario chesner

oc ToBer 18

Anna Liantonio noel Ann cataldo Sebastian Bonilla Jackson nicholas Akko tolbert-Francis, Jr. toby Klein Bryanna SantiagoJack

oc ToBer 19 christopher contino Jasiah cole

nadia Roseboro Adrianna Rentas Marta Barabash grace Massie Michael Molinini chloe Breen

oc ToBer 20

Robert Murphy Mercedez green taylor craven Ryan Rodriguez gabriella Florio Dorianna griffin toniAnn Pena Selah noel

oc ToBer 21

Ian Roa Justin Piccirillo nicholas Del Re Justina cole Delilah Lopez chloe Malone Dominic Rocco ozone Angelina Rose ozone Daniella clement gianluca Maggiore

oc ToBer 22

Mariah Metzger giavanna Parrelli Victoria Solodovnikov Abraham AbrilJimenez chenoa ebanks noah McDermott christian Maniscalco Anna Rodgers christian Maniscalco

oc ToBer 23

Sara elizabeth Walker Allison Perchman Raquel Shaul Robert Shaul

Maya Burke Michael Werring

ocToBer 24 thomas Powierski Samantha todaro Lundyn Lombardo Joel Washington nathaniel Pichardo Rileigh Spangler

oc ToBer 25 Daniel orotolano Douglas Donnelly oliver Vendemio Sophia garzetta Peter Buenaventura oliver Vendemio Lianna canfield David tobio Jr.

oc ToBer 26

Richard Saccomagno Kyrah McFarlane Joshua Benedetto edward Medina Kayla Wepy Peter Buenaventura

Morgan Pina Vincenzo Rosa Benny Sariah

oc ToBer 27

Lauren elena Pacheco Frank John Martucci William Silva gianna Bova g eorge cusick elijah Roman Ian Smith Isabella Soto Yasien Moore

oc ToBer 28 erin haupert

please present this page. g ood only for birthday club members on this list. Offer valid for the month. c all before to check availabilty.

Joseph cashin carlo Milito Lisa Foreman Francis Baranello Lisa Foreman Leah ostrov Suzannah coogan

oc ToBer 29 nIcholas curzio Melissa Aldorasi olivia Page henriquez Brody Lucci thomas Weisberg Quindale herrera II

oc ToBer 30

haithem Abdelhamid Joel Rivera Aurelie henriquez

Jeremy Williams Matthew Buricea Lucas carnabuci Jasper chan

oc ToBer 31

Michael Putney Jenna Sannino

Devin Rodriguez Jordan Vatter Skylar Swain Diego Bonilla

Presents ParentEd Talks

Top tips and tricks to level up your parenting game

Join us online to hear from experts on timely issues affecting families, educators and caregivers, and get top tips and tricks to level up your parenting game. Sign up for the entire 2022–2023 ParentEd Talks series for free, and then join any live talk you are interested in throughout the year.

Co-authors Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., and Robert B. Brooks, Ph.D. | Oct. 12, 2022

The Extraordinary Power of a Resilient Mindset

Author Lisa Miller, Ph.D. | Nov. 1, 2022

What the Neuroscience of Spirituality Reveals About Our Capacity for Health, Happiness and Resilience

Alison Gopnik, Ph.D. | Nov. 17, 2022

Curious Children, Wise Elders: How Childhood and Elderhood Shape Intelligence and Learning*

Author Julie Bogart | Dec. 6, 2022

Raising Critical Thinkers: Media Literacy for the Digital Age

Jeffery Robinson and Khalil Gibran Muhammad | Jan. 19, 2023

How to Talk to Kids About Race at Home and in the Classroom

Author and researcher Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D. | Feb. 7, 2023 Modeling a Loving, Equal Partnership for Your Kids

New York Times-bestselling author Edward Hallowell, M.D. | March 2, 2023

The Shifting ADHD/ADD Lens: Moving From Disability to Ability

Cultural researcher, parenting expert and columnist Jessica Joelle Alexander | March 22, 2023

The Danish Way: Insights Into International Parenting*

Sociologist and author Christine Carter, Ph.D. | April 18, 2023 The Habits of Highly Effective Adolescents

Trauma specialist and author Laura van Dernoot Lipsky | May 4, 2023 Transforming Trauma and Navigating Overwhelm

Behavioral scientist and author Elizabeth Jordan | June 6, 2023 The Perils of Permissive Parenting

*Attendees will be eligible to win prizes, courtesy of Happiest Baby.

Register for FREE at NewYorkFamily.com/NYParentEd Attendees will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card at each ParentEd talk.

Attendees of the Nov. 17 and March 22 events will also be eligible to win a SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet (valued at $1,695) or a $500 Happiest Baby gift card, courtesy of Happiest Baby.