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For a Wonderful Winter Celebration


Let's Say Thanks....


....to those who serve our country everyday

Let's Say Thanks  was created as a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas.

  

By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women. The postcards were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.

 

All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed for ...


Our Feature Holiday Gift Guide Sponsor!


Welcome to Straight Shopping.com

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your husband, son, daughter, next door neighbor and a teacher or two?  Are you like me...and just really do not have the time to head out there and shop til you drop, yet you still want to support a local business?  Join me then in welcoming fellow MacKid Mom Viktoria Gazivoda as our Featured Holiday Gift Guide Sponsor.  Her website, www.straightshopping.com, has popular gifts for the whole family.  There are hundreds of toys and games, household items, gadgets, electronics ...

Macaroni Laughs


Holiday Jokes

Who Sings The Christmas Blues?  “ELFIS!” 

 

What kind of music to Elves like best?  WRAP music! 

 

 

Why did Santa’s Helper see the doctor?  Because he had a low  “elf” esteem!

 

What do you call an Elf who tells silly jokes?  A real CHRISTMAS CARD! 

  

What do Elves learn in school?  The Elf-abet!

  

What is the difference between the regular alphabet and the Christmas alphabet? 
The Christmas alphabet has no L.  (noel)

  

How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?  Fleece Navidad.

 

What do you call people who are scared ...


Gingerbread Adventures, Holiday Trains and Thomas!


this season at the New York Botanical Garden

It's time for a Holiday Road Trip!  Ok, so it is really only to the Bronx to see the Holiday wonders of the New York Botanical Garden, but what wonders they are! 

On January 2nd 2012 my family and I are heading to see the Annual Holiday Train Show.  I can't believe that I have plans already for 2012!  This is the start of the first day of the Thomas the Train and Friends visit.  We are also hoping to catch the hands-on Gingerbread Adventure that day as ...


This Week's Picks:


December 13th through December 18th

Tuesday, December 13 - WINTER LIGHT Festival

4:00 pm: Gather at Every Thing Goes Book Cafe for Live music, performances and light show. There will be FREE hot chocolate and star cookies! 5:00 pm: Join the Candlelight procession across the street to Tompkinsville Park for the Tree Lighting, Raising the Star of Wonder and Participatory Dance Celebration led by Elena Salazar
Where: 208 Bay Street
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Everything Goes Book Cafe
How: Performers include: Phyllis Alden, Sara Valentine, Stvnjns, John Sarantos and More!
Cost: Free

Saturday, December 17 - Elf Enchantment

The forest is an enchanted place filled with magical creatures and wondrous plants. Explore the wonders of the Nature Center trail, looking for elves, hearing stories and creating a magical craft. This is a magical journey for children ages 4 to 8 years old.
Where: 700 Rockland Avenue at Brielle Avenue
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Greenbelt Nature Center
How: Registration and pre-payment required.
Cost: $6 non-members/$4 Greenbelt Conservancy members.
For more info: (718) 351-3450

Saturday, December 17 - Westerleigh Park Winter Festival and Tree Lighting

Please come out for our Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, December 17th at 6pm. Music will be provided by the Port Richmond High School Marching Band. Come join us in singing Christmas carols. Santa Claus will be there to see the children. Refreshments will also be available.
Where: Maine, Neal Dow, Springfield and Willard Avenues
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Westerleigh Park
How: Come on down! Dress weather appropriate!
Cost: Free

Saturday, December 17 - The Night Sky

The wonders of the universe are ready to be discovered and New York City parks are the perfect place to stargaze and explore the night sky. Our Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history and folklore of the universe. Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events. Many programs feature astronomy experts and all equipment is provided. Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system, using the naked eye to locate stars and planets. Programs are best enjoyed on clear nights, so please call ahead if weather conditions are not clear.
Where: Cornelia Avenue, Staten Island
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Wolfe's Pond Park Comfort Station
How: Bring a blanket...all equipment is provided!
Cost: Free
For more info: (718) 967-3542

Sunday, December 18 - Brunch with Santa

Have brunch with Santa and his elf and create holiday ornaments for your tree. For children ages 2 - 5. Please bring your camera for photo with Santa.
Where: 501 Brielle Avenue, Staten Island
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (***There are two seatings 10-11:30 and 12-1:30)
Who: Greenbelt Recreation Center
How: Registration is required.
Cost: Free (can you believe it???)
For more info: (718) 667-3545

Sunday, December 18 - Holiday Time with Music w/Patrick and Friends

It's holiday time again, and that means good cheer and great seasonal songs at one of our favorite venues.
Where: Staten Island Children's MUseum, 1000 Richmond Terrace (Snug Harbor)
When: 1:00 PM
Who: Music with Patrick and Friends
How: Celebrate this holiday season with them!
Cost: FREE with museum admission.

This Week's Calendar:


December 12th through December 25th

Monday, December 12 - Read Aloud

A librarian will share favorite picture books,providing children with the wonder of books and the joy of reading
Where: 830 Huguenot Avenue (at Drumgoole Rd., East)
When: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Huguenot Park Library
How: For ages 5 to 12 years
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Tuesday, December 13 - Preschool Story Time

Preschoolers from 3 to 5 years and their parents/caregivers can enjoy new and classic picture books, action songs and related activities, and meet other preschoolers in the neighborhood.
Where: 7430 Amboy Road
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Tottenville Library
How: Pre-Registration required
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Tuesday, December 13 - Radical Reactions

Can an orange power a clock? We'll find out, and then build our own batteries. Then we will use electrolysis to break apart water molecules. We'll learn about the role of catalysts and make a colorful chemical reaction to take home. Presented by Mad Science of Staten Island. For ages 6 and older. Limited to 20 participants
Where: 75 Bennett Street at Heberton Avenue 10302
When: 3:30 PM
Who: Port Rihcmond Library
How: Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs for children at The New York Public Library are made possible through the generous support of Con Edison.
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Wednesday, December 14 - Tree Tots

Join us for our Fall session of the Greenbelt Tree Tots. Sit with your tot and enjoy stories and activities centered around nature and our animal friends in the cozy atmosphere of the Greenbelt Nature Center. Registration required. Space is limited. Ages 3-4
Where: 700 Rockland Avenue
When: 9:45 AM
Who: Greenbelt Nature Center
How: Please call to register
Cost: $4
For more info: 718-351-3450

Wednesday, December 14 - Greenbelt Peepers

Join us for our Fall session of the Greenbelt Peepers. Sit with your tot and enjoy stories and activities centered around nature and our animal friends in the cozy atmosphere of the Greenbelt Nature Center. Registration required. Space is limited.
Where: 700 Rockland Avenue
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Greenbelt Nature Center
How: Call to register
Cost: $4
For more info: www.sigreenbelt.org, 718-351-3450

Thursday, December 15 - Game on Huguenot Park

Family gaming at the library. Got the gaming moves? Show off your skills with the controller and challenge your friends to a game in the library. Play against mom or dad too!
Where: 830 Huguenot Avenue (at Drumgoole Rd., East)
When: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Huguenot Park Library
How: Come on in and prepare to win!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Thursday, December 15 - Flight of a Thousand Cranes: Origami Club

Come to the library on Thursdays and meet with our Origami Club, a group of kids and young adults who are interested in Origami. Origami is the art or process, originating in Japan, of folding paper into shapes which turn into decorative objects. Our goal is to fold 1000 paper cranes, which is a sign of good luck, and give them to a local hospital or charity.
Where: 1617 Richmond Road (between Seaview & Liberty Aves.)
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Dongan Hills Library
How: Come on down!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Friday, December 16 - Preschool Craft

Hands-on projects using a variety of skills for ages 3-5.
Where: 56 Giffords Lane (at Margaret St.)
When: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Great Kills Library
How: Pre-registration is required by calling the library
Cost: Free
For more info: (718) 984-6670

Saturday, December 17 - Hanukkah Storytime

It's that special time of year when we celebrate Hanukkah. At this week's Storytime we will share stories about Hanukkah and do a small craft to celebrate.
Where: 2245 Richmond Avenue
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Barnes and Noble
How: Come on in!
Cost: Free
For more info: 718-982-6983

Saturday, December 17 - Holiday Sing Along

Come in and join the fun of the Holidays with a musical sing along of favorite seasonal Songs
Where: 200 Clarke Avenue (at Amber St.)
When: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Richmondtown Library
How: Come On In!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Monday, December 19 - Read Aloud

A librarian will share favorite picture books,providing children with the wonder of books and the joy of reading
Where: 830 Huguenot Avenue (at Drumgoole Rd., East)
When: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Huguenot Park Library
How: For ages 5 to 12 years
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Tuesday, December 20 - A Christmas Carol

A play presented by the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company based on Charles Dickens' classic tale of the old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. Recommended for children ages 5 to 12 years old.
Where: 976 Castleton Avenue (at N. Burgher Ave.)
When: 4:00 PM
Who: West New Brighton Library
How: For ages 5 to 12 years.  First come, first served
Cost: Free
For more info: (718) 442-1416

Wednesday, December 21 - A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is a story that is both timeless and universal. It is the delightful tale of the miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and his clerk, Bob Cratchit. Through visits from the spirits of the season, Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas. Presented by Hampstead Stage Company.
Where: 200 Clarke Avenue (at Amber St.)
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Richmondtown Library
How: Recommended for children ages 4 and older. First Come, First Served.
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Wednesday, December 21 - A Christmas Carol

A play presented by the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company based on Charles Dickens' classic tale of the old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. 
Where: 56 Giffords Lane (at Margaret St.)
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Great Kills Library
How: Recommended for children ages 5 to 12 years old.
Cost: Free
For more info: ww.nypl.org

Thursday, December 22 - Story Museum

Step inside a world filled with the magic of stories, crafts, music, dancing and singing.
Preschool children up to age 5.
Where: 441 Clarke Avenue
When: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Who: Historic Richmondtown
How: Please call to make a reservation
Cost: Kids $3/Adults Free
For more info: (718) 351-1611 x 280

Thursday, December 22 - Toddler Story Time

Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old and their parents/caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, and fingerplays, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood.
Where: 56 Giffords Lane (at Margaret St.)
When: 11:45 AM
Who: Great Kills Library
How: Pre-registration is required by calling the library.
Cost: Free
For more info: (718) 984-6670

Thursday, December 22 - Youth Eco-Exploration

Want to have fun learning more about the earth and the environment? This series will have children actively exploring the seasons through nature observation and imaginative play. We’ll meet at the Nature Center, and then take a fun and invigorating walk on the trails to get a first-hand glimpse at local plant and animal species. In case of rain, we’ll do a nature craft, such as seashell and sea glass mandalas, rain sticks, etc.
Where: 222 Poillion Avenue
When: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Blue Heron Nature Center
How: Please Pre-Register
Cost: Free
For more info: Call John Paul Learn: 718-619-5051

Thursday, December 22 - Radical Reactions

Can an orange power a clock? We'll find out, and then build our own batteries. Then we will use electrolysis to break apart water molecules. We'll learn about the role of catalysts and make a colorful chemical reaction to take home. Presented by Mad Science of Staten Island.
Where: 21-25 Robin Road (at Ocean Ave. & Father Capodanno Blvd.)
When: 4:00 PM
Who: South Beach Library
How: For ages 6 and older. Limited to 20 participants
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Thursday, December 22 - The Tortoise and the Hare

An adaptation of the classic Aesop fable about a great race between a loveable tortoise and an arrogant hare. Presented by Puppets to Go for children ages 3 and older.
Where: 309 New Dorp Lane
When: 4:00 PM
Who: New Dorp Library
How: For ages 3 to 12 years.  First come, first served
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Friday, December 23 - Holiday Craft

Children make Holiday related arts and crafts. For ages 4 and up.
Where: 1617 Richmond Road (between Seaview & Liberty Aves.)
When: 3:30 PM
Who: Dongan Hills Library
How: Pre-registration is required
Cost: Free
For more info: (718) 351-1444

Friday, December 23 - Polar Express Storytime

Special Children's Storytime Event. A Reading of the Polar Express!
Where: 2245 Richmond Avenue
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Barnes and Noble
How: Come on in and wear your jammies!
Cost: Free
For more info: 718-982-6983

Saturday, December 24 - 8th Annual Holiday Craft Workshop

Join resident artist Kathy Trimarco as she leads a family craft workshop in which participants create pieces inspired from natural objects.
Where: 700 Rockland Avenue
When: 1:00 PM
Who: Greenbelt  Nature Center
How: Registration and pre-payment required.
Cost: $10 Greenbelt Conservancy members; $12 non-members.

Saturday, December 24 - Seasonal Favorites: A Concert by the Staten Island Acoustic Music Society

Join us for a performance of seasonal and holiday songs by various musicians from the Staten Island Acoustic Music Society (SIAMS). They will be sung with musical accompaniment on guitars and other acoustic instruments.
Where: 5 Central Avenue
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: St. George Library
How: Come on down!
Cost: Free
For more info: www.nypl.org

Sunday, December 25 - Colonial Christmas at the Conference House

Candlelight Christmas Market featuring the Conference House Collection.  Fine crafts, Steve Nutt redware, wooden toys. Free hot apple cider and cookies. Home-baked goods made from 18th century recipes by the Conference House Auxiliary. Visit with Father Christmas & receive a free gift for children. Staten Island Herb Society’s herbs, crafts, and baked goods and Sweetie Pie Preserves unique blends of jellies and jams.Enjoy seasonal music. Raffle drawings at 4 p.m.
Where: 298 Satterlee Street
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Conference House Museum
How: Come on Down
Cost: $3 Donation

Sunday, December 25 - Natural Science Club

Programs for curious nature-oriented students ages 8-12. This Club will meet with Clay Wollney on the days listed with different topics relating to natural science. Signs of Life: Winter Survival - Some animals hibernate, some migrate and some rough it out. The ways in which our local wildlife survive through the winter will be explored through observations of evidence the animals that are still active.
Where: 222 Poillion Avenue
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Blue Heron Nature Center
How: Ages 8+
Cost: Free
For more info: 718-967-3542

Teen Scene:


Friday, December 16 - Leaf Clean-Up

This event repeats every week on Saturday between 11/5/2011 and 12/17/2011. Please volunteer some time on Saturday mornings if you can. There are lots of leaves to pick up. We supply the gloves, tools and coffee and donuts! Should you know of any individuals, schools or other organizations looking to involve themselves in community service, please provide us with their contact information.
Where: Maine, Neal Dow, Springfield and Willard Avenues
When: 9:00 AM
Who: Westerleigh Park
How: (718) 442-1383
Cost: Free

Plan Ahead:


December 24th through December 31st

Saturday, December 24 - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Storytime

Everyone's favorite Christmas story, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, is this week's special Storytime. Come in pajamas and listen to this great Christmas story and others.
Where: 2245 Richmond Avenue
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Barnes and Noble
How: Come on in!
Cost: Free
For more info: 718-982-6983

Saturday, December 31 - New Year' Eve Celebration with Music w/Patrick and Friends!

Part concert, part New Year's Eve party, we are starting the celebrations early with an interactive musical event guaranteed to get you in a party mood!
Where: Staten Island Children's Museum, 100 Richmond Terrace
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Music with Patrick and Friends
How: Being your NYE festivities with Music w/Patrick and Friends!!!!
Cost: Free with Museum Admission

Calling all Staten Island Small Businesses


There is still plenty of time to advertise in our Holiday Gift Guide!

One of the things I know many people on Staten Island want to do is support their local Small Businesses this year.  What better way to help them do that by bringing you to them, fast and easy. 

I started the Holiday Gift Guide on November 28th, but there is still plenty of time to get involved!  If you or someone you know wants to be a part of this fantastic way to reach out to over 1000 local families and help them shop local this Holiday Season, then contact ...


Chocolate-dipped Holiday Pretzels


YUMMMMMMMMm

These holiday pretzels as so easy and so much fun for kids to create! 

Your kids will love to make, share and eat them!


You will need:


2 lb of chocolate

2 bars of white chocolate
1 bag of pretzels rods
waxed paper

Green and Red food coloring

 

1. Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave, or melt it in a double boiler on the stove.  (Have an adult help you with this.)
2. One at a time, dip the pretzels so that they are covered ...


Crane Humidifiers Name That Toon Facebook Contest


Get your kids in on the act!

Crane, makers of the line of Adorable humidifiers, is giving Moms and Dads a chance for their kids to be a cartoon character. That’s right! Winners will have an original animated likeness of themselves created to star in a cartoon with the Adorables they named. In addition, all winners will receive an Adorable humidifier sent to them with a personalized certificate with the winning name.

With 11 Adorables, there are 11 chances to win! A new contest starts every week until January. So get together with your child and ...


Saving Daniel.....


Check out their Facebook page--Daniel is still in need

There was no way I couldn't share this one....

 

Daniel is a three year old boy from Oregon. He needs a kidney. Right now his mother gives him kidney dialysis every night from their home. Daniel's bones are getting so weak and brittle from the kidney disease that he will have to be moved into a nursing home.

 

The only way to save Daniel's life is to find him a living kidney donor.  His blood type is B, but anyone with O or B blood type can ...


Topics, Topics, Topics


Do you have something you would like me to write about?

In an effort to make Staten Island North Macaroni Kid a more personalized experience for you, my loyal and cherished subscribers, I ask that you let me know the topics that are near and dear to your heart and would like to see an article about. 

During the Pregnancy through Preschool Expo last weekend, I was speaking with a few mothers who were very interested in finding out more about Gluten Free Diets and where to get a good (yes it exists) piece of Gluten Free bread (it is a ...


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