Monday, November 30, 2009

Best of Times; Worst of Times

The best of times… the worst of times. How else can I describe the past few days here in New Dorp?

The worst of times. Peter and Lillian Sabados killed on New Dorp Lane as they crossed the street on their way to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on the eve of Thanksgiving. With so much to be thankful for, we are deprived of that joy as we mourn this tragic event.

Much less tragic but troubling nonetheless is the threat to Pouch Camp and its integral part of our Island’s Greenbelt. But how do we protect that land in these difficult financial times?

But wait. All is not lost.

It is also the best of times. The holiday season is upon us. New Dorp Lane is decked out with new holiday lights – brighter and more numerous than ever! What a magnificent scene at night! Make sure you journey on the Lane at night during this holiday season.

And new street toppings for some of our roads. First Street. Rose Avenue. Eighth Street. We can all do without extra bumps and potholes.

Our meeting in December will be on the 17th. We will review these and other issues of the neighborhood and celebrate the arrival of the holidays with a little party and good cheer. Instead of the usual holiday grab bag I am asking everyone to bring some items for our troops overseas. But more on that in the next blog entry.

Have news to share? Concerns? Comments? Email us at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or call 718-979-6011.

> Joe Markowski

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The History of Staten Island

Thinking about catching up on your knowledge of Staten Island? Then you want to look into these programs being offered by the SI Institute of Arts & Sciences:

The Staten Island Museum invites you to attend:

The History of Staten Island Part II

(Participation in The History of Staten Island Part I – NOT necessary!)

Sign up for the series or sign up for individual programs!

Tuesdays, January 5th – Transportation Staten Island Style: The Staten Island Ferry

Tuesday, January 12th – Institutionalization on Staten Island

Tuesday, January 19th – Our Environmental Past: The Museum, Parks, & Preserves

Tuesday, January 26th – Cultural Institutions and Historic Preservation on Staten Island

Tuesday, February 2nd – Historic Movie Houses/Movies Made on Staten Island

Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. at the History Archives & Library of the
Staten Island Museum,
Building H, Snug Harbor Cultural Center Campus,
1000 Richmond Terrace

Led by Staten Island Museum Curator of History, Patricia M. Salmon. Advance registration is required. Series cost: $12/$8 Museum members per program or $50/$30 Museum members for the series of five. Advance payments can be mailed to: Staten Island Museum , 75 Stuyvesant Place , Staten Island , NY , 10301 . Credit card payments accepted at 718/727-1135.

The Staten Island Museum has been fostering and sustaining the scientific and cultural heritage of Staten Island since 1881.

So mark your calendars and catch up on some of these programs.

> Joe Markowski

Monday, November 16, 2009

Meeting Notice, Streets, Cafe's and Laughs

Our monthly membership meeting will be this Thursday at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Hall at 2750 Amboy Road. Our guest speaker will be from the 122 Precinct Community Affairs Department and will be speaking about holiday safety. Plan on attending and bring a neighbor.

We’ve seen a few of our streets milled in preparation for re-surfacing. Let’s hope the re-surfacing gets done before the cold and nasty weather gets here.

By the way, any deer sightings lately?

Have you had a chance to visit any of the new cafes on the Plaza? Dominick’s Bakery & Cafe and Alan & Andrews Café now provide a light dining option for us. Try them.

Speaking of dining, we dined at Restaurant on the Plaza on Thursday the 12th. It was part of our Dining Through New Dorp program. Wow… it was a wonderful night filled with good company and plenty of food. Thanks to Chris and his staff for making it such a joy.

And speaking of joy, Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club opened in the Lane Theatre on Friday the 13th. They also had two shows on Saturday. Did you get a chance to go? What did you think of the way the theatre looks? What did you think of the experience? Speak out. Let us know.

Have information you want to share with the community? Send us a email at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or a voicemail at 718-979-6011 and we will help you spread the word!

> Joe Markowski



Sunday, November 8, 2009

Preservation League Pasta Night

The Preservation League of Staten Island invites you to attend and enjoy:

Preservation Pasta Night, Saturday, November 14, 2009, 6 p.m.
Eltingville Lutheran Church , 300 Genesee Avenue , Staten Island.

Cost: $19.77 for adults/$4.95 for children 10 and under.
Adults will receive a complimentary glass of wine or beer.

Featuring the old world recipe of Grandma Angelina Fiorelli! Delicious pasta and meatballs, insalada mista, Italian bread, soft drinks, demitasse, coffee, tea, and desserts are included. Additional beer and wine will be available for sale.

The festivities will include a lively talk with the one and only Maria Fiorelli on The Italians of Staten Island !

Make checks out to the Preservation League of Staten Island and mail to Patricia Salmon, 45 Sawyer Avenue, Staten Island , New York , 10314 .

For information write to: SalmonF@aol.com or call Bonnie Nalwasky at 917/335-9917.

Seats are going fast!

Join us for this special fundraiser that enables the Preservation League of Staten Island to promote and advocate for Staten Island's historic built environment!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Elections Over? What do we do now?

With the elections behind us, what is there to look forward to - you ask? Well plenty if you happen to live in New Dorp. We have new places to eat and new sources of entertainment.

First. Let’s talk about food.

There are two new places on New Dorp Plaza that you can visit for a meal or late night snack. There is Dominick’s Bakery & Café at 31 New Dorp Plaza. It offers fresh bakery goods and an extensive lunch menu. Have questions? Call them at 718-351-0040.

Then there is Andrew and Alan’s Café located at 61-63 New Dorp Plaza. They also have a wide selection of pastries and a nice lunch menu Have questions? Call them at 718-667-9696.

My wife and I have eaten in both places and enjoyed them.

Then there is entertainment.

There is the opening of Uncle Vinnies Comedy Club located at 168 New Dorp Lane. The premiere show stars Gilbert Gottfried and has its auspicious beginning on Friday the 13th of November. On Saturday there will be two shows at 8 and 10 pm featuring Joey Kola. You can find out all you want to know about the venue at www.unclevinniescomedyclub.com or you can call for info at 1-877-UNCLE-VIN.

And did you catch the Advance tonight (Thursday, Nov 5) ? There is mention of our last blog entry concerning deer in the neighborhood. And you heard it here first!!!

Share your news about the neighborhood and I will share it will all in this blog. Write to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or call 718-979-6011.

So enjoy New Dorp… it’s a wonderful place to live!

> Joe Markowski