Jul 4, 2011

We Lost a Friend Today

This Fourth of July, our family lost a friend, teammate and schoolmate.  My son's friend was killed in a car accident early Monday morning.  

Eric left a lasting impression on the people he met. He was all smiles, a great sense of humor and just a cool kid to be around.  For the past couple of years, I had the pleasure of sitting at my son's sporting events with Eric's grandparents, Dorris and George, his mom Colleen and his little sister Michaela.  Although I knew Eric's family more than him, I felt like I knew Eric really well.  

He was the kind of kid who did things and told jokes and left such an impression on his teammates, that my son frequently came home from practice or games with "guess what Colligan did today" stories.  I knew Eric through his jokes although I heard them all second hand. 

Eric was a year younger than my son and attended McKee with him.  There are many McKee athletes who had to travel from St. George to Staten Island Tech everyday for practice for Baseball,  Football and every other sport.  It was a trek for these kids and they did it everyday just to be on their sports teams.  Eric was in Baseball with Jack and a year behind him in Football.  Last year the football team went to the championship game and a few junior varsity players were moved up to varsity for the game.  Eric was moved up.  This year, although still a sophomore, he was moved up to varsity in baseball as well.  This kid could pitch.  

I saw Eric and his family last week at the Old Bermuda Inn for the year end baseball diner.  The coach made a short speech about each player and when he got to Eric, we all had  a laugh when the coach asked why everyone thought Eric was cute.  Eric was cute.  His birthday would have been in a few weeks, he would have been 16.  His mom was telling us how he wanted a sour 17 next year instead of a sweet sixteen. 

At the end of the night, Eric walked around giving out hugs to him teammates.  When he hugged my son Jack, I said, "see you are cute."  He just smiled and we left.  We walked out with his family and said goodnight.

The crash took more than one life. I only knew Eric personally, but we send our condolences to the other  members of the Iliopoulos family. They lost Elias and Chrystoph, who were also too young to leave this earth. 

This will be the first funeral my son has to attend for someone he knew so well.  Tonight was also the first time he had to tell someone else about a death. He ran into another teammate who didn't know while watching fireworks at the Staten Island Yankees. Kids shouldn't have to go through this, ever.

RIP Eric, we will miss you.
Love the Rozak Family



Eric Pitching at Curtis 2011 
MSIT baseball awards dinner June 29, 2011 Old Bermuda Inn

All photos copyright of The VNPs and Nick Rozak


From SILive.com:


Eric R. Colligan, 15, of Grant City, died from injuries he sustained in apre-dawn car accident Monday on the Garden State Parkway in Holmdel, N.J. 


Born in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, Eric was raised in Grant City. 

He was a student at McKee High School, St. George, where he played on the baseball team and the varsity football team. 

An athletic teenager, family said Eric enjoyed playing football, baseball and handball. He also enjoyed biking and playing video games. 

He also enjoyed spending quality time with his friends and family. 

“He was known as a good kid with a great personality and sense of humor,” said his stepfather, Nicholas Colella. 

Eric was a lifelong parishioner of St. Christopher’s R.C. Church, Grant City. 

Surviving are his mother, Coleen Colella; his stepfather, Nicholas Colella; his father, Luis Sanchez; three sisters, Michaela, Destiny and Angelica; and his grandparents, George and Dorris Eisler, and Giovanni and Christine Colella. 

The funeral will be Saturday from the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Christopher’s R.C. Church, Grant City. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.


EXCITING NEWS - COMING SOON!

This week we are getting ready behind the scenes for a huge announcement.   Stayed tuned

Young Writers OutLOUD: Free creative writing workshops in July for ages 10-16!

Staten Island OutLOUD's free creative writing workshop for ages 10-16 continue this summer!!! Young Writers OutLOUD is FREE!!!
Young Writers OutLOUD continues on Wednesday afternoons, July 6, 13, 20 & 27, at 2pmRichmondtown branch library, 200 Clarke Ave, SINY 10306.
Our Young Writers OutLOUD Monday series takes place on Mondays July 11 & 18, 3pm at Faber Park Recreation Center, 2189 Richmond Terrace, SINY 10302
FREE!!!
Young Islanders who are already doing some creative writing, are invited to bring your original work to share.
But if you’re just getting started, that’s great - come join us & have fun!
We've been offering these Young Writers OutLOUD workshops for several years, and they're very popular! Here's your chance to learn something new, explore a variety of writing styles, and to share your original work with other young Islanders!
To RSVP, please email us at sioutloud@yahoo.com, or call 718-907-0709.
Visit our website: www.statenislandoutloud.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SIOutLOUD
This event made possible in part by a 2011 Encore Award from COAHSI, with public funding by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Jul 3, 2011

WHATEVER GOES TV Pilot Episode

Location:  Vola Kitchen and Bar
                  1816 Hylan Blvd.
                  Staten Island, NY 10305
Time:  6:30PM on Monday, July 18th (Screening starts precisely at 7:15PM)


*WHATEVER GOES TV pilot episode was written & directed by TOM BRAGG & Actor STEVE DIGENNARO. 

Come out to see the screening and meet the creators, writers and cast of "Whatever Goes TV" The show was created by brother & sister team; Actor Steve DiGennaro and Lisa DiGennaro and this episode was written & directed by Tom Bragg & Steve DiGennaro. 
This initial episode has a cast of over 20 actors & models and is sure to entertain you as it quickly develops the back story and explains the shows very unique premise with one laugh after another. The entire evening has been planned to entertain you. We hope you can join us !
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM Guests will arrive
7:00 PM to 7:15 PM Meet & Greet the Cast Upon Arrival
7:15 PM to 8:15 PM Show screening (with short intermission)
8:15 PM to Closing Reception

Great Entertainment and Appetizer are Free with a Cash Bar ! 
For more information call John Marino at Sagacious Marketing at 718-753-5614. This show has not yet been picked-up by the networks and welcomes investors to the screening.
*Please R.S.V.P. to this event by Replying to this email 

*VOLA KITCHEN & BAR is just 10 minutes from the Verrazano Bridge and only a bus ride from the Ferry Terminal

Bison and more are in store at the Staten Island Zoo for August...

BREAKFAST WITH THE BEASTS ..Come Feed the Bison
August 14, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
enjoy a breakfast snake for yourself and help prepare food the Zoo’s visiting Bison. Join us for a tour of our animal kitchen, help prepare some food for critters and watch them eat.   
The cost is Members: $10 / Non-members: $13
 Children ages 5 and up. Please no younger siblings. A paying adult must accompany a paying child. Pre-registration is required and can be made by calling 718-442-3174.

SERPENT DAY- Sat., Aug. 20 (1:00 – 4:00pm)

Become aware of one of the most misunderstood animals…SNAKES.  Learn why they are a necessary part of our ecosystem, meet some scaly critters up close and participate in a HERPTASTIC craft and activity.

Free with regular zoo admission
Registration not required

The Staten Island Zoo is located at 614 Broadway Staten Island, New York.  Call 718-442-3100 for more information or visitstatenislandzoo.org

 
The Staten Island Zoo is the place to learn to love living things. In addition to the ever changing and growing collection of animals there are educational programs summer camp and much more available to the public. Cant get to the Zoo, the Zoo can come to you with the traveling zoo which is good  for school classroom programs.

Jul 2, 2011

Calling All Artists: 61st Annual Fence Show is here

new logo and tag
61st Annual Fence Show
Artist Applications Now Available!
fence show
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Rain Date: Sunday, September 18

Staten Island Museum presents the longest running outdoor art show in New York City! The 61st Annual Fence Show will be held on the front lawn of the beautiful & historic Snug Harbor Cultural Center, adjacent to Building A, theStaten Island Museum's future home.

Come view, shop, and canoodle with artists, designers, and craftspeople of all stripes PLUS music, art demonstrations and museum activities for all ages; a celebration of creativity and community. FREE TO THE PUBLIC.
Artists/presenters can apply and rent spaces (ranging from $30-$65) by filling the application form HERE and returning it by mail, or e-mail to:    
Donna Pagano, Manager of Exhibitions
Staten Island Museum
75 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
 718-483-7106
 
*Don't forget about the Junior Division for young artists*

Special thanks to the general contractor of CL Logo
the Staten Island Museum's Building A
Capital Expansion. 
 
 C&L Contracting Corporation has generously sponsored the fencing for this year's event. 

Nature Events this Spring with the Staten Island Museum!


Teen Environmental Club Beach Clean-up
Teen Enviro
Sunday, June 5, 10:00am
Page Avenue Beach
For Teens 13-18 years old 

Gloves, bags and light refreshments will be provided. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Page Avenue to help clean up this neighborhood beach.

Earn community service hours, too!

For more information call Seth Wollney at (718) 483-7105 or visit the Teen Environmental Club website here:
 http://sim-teenenvironmentalclub.ning.com/ 
  
The Teen Environmental Club is supported in part by the Verizon Foundation and by Con Edison. 
Mid-Week Bird Walk: Buck's Hollow 
Woodpecker
Wednesday, June 8, 10:00am
Buck's Hollow  

Spring migration is over, and nesting has begun. Join us as we search for nesting chickadees, catbirds, and woodpeckers. Meet at the intersection of Manor Road and Rockland Avenue.

For more information contact Ed Johnson at (718) 483-7110. 

Supported by HSBC, USA, N.A. 

Jun 30, 2011

Declaration of Independence OutLOUD, Saturday-South Shore, Sunday-North Shore

When was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence?
Staten Island OutLOUD has an invitation for you, your friends & family...
This weekend, Staten Island OutLOUD gathers neighbors to read the Declaration, plus a few other historic texts. It's a chance to experience our nation's founding document.
We'll host two events: one on the South Shore on Saturday, another on the North Shore on Sunday. We'll share our thoughts about the Declaration, and what it means for us today. This annual event always draws a varied and interesting group of Islanders.
Free. Perfect for all ages. (Please note: These are community, nonpartisan events)
PLEASE BRING A LAWNCHAIR!!!

Saturday July 2 at 3pm, Staten Island OutLOUD meets at the Conference House Pavilion, 7455 Hylan Blvd, SINY 10307. Plenty of free parking in the Visitors Center (restrooms also in the Visitors Center)
Rain or shine; the Pavilion shelters us from rain, and shades us from the sun. Great for all ages. PLEASE BRING A LAWNCHAIR!!!

Sunday July 3 at 3pm, we'll host a second gathering on the North Shore, at Fort Wadsworth's Harbor Overlook. Enter through the Guard Station at Bay St & School Road, near the Verrazano Bridge. Plenty of free parking in the Visitors Center lot; restrooms also in the Visitors Center.

Rain or shine; if it rains, we have a comfortable indoor location for you. Great for all ages PLEASE BRING A LAWNCHAIR!

Visit our website: www.statenislandoutloud.org
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StatenIslandOutLOUD
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SIOutLOUD

These events made possible in part by a 2011 Encore Award from the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island, with public funding by theNew York State Council on the Arts.

Jun 26, 2011

Preview Photos of THE MUSIC MAN

logo

Preview Pictures 
of       
 
THE MUSIC MAN
Marching in to Town July 8-17! 
  
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Box Office:  866-811-4111
 
THE MUSIC MAN
Preview Pictures!
Rehearsals are well underway and this promises to be
our most thrilling production yet! 

 Marion, Mayor, Harold
Rebecca Baxter (Marion)  Larry Marshall (Mayor Shinn)  Jay Montgomery (Harold Hill)
 
winthrop and amaryllis 

Analise Scarpaci (Amaryllis)  Daniel Bruzesse (Winthrop)  

or
 Call the Box Office at: 866-811-4111 


 
Harold
RISK FREE!

IF YOU ARE NOT COMPLETELY SATISFIED WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY!
 



The Harbor Lights Theater Company
Featured Event
   
Children's Matinee  
Saturday's at 2pm.
Special talk-back after the show with the stars. 
One child free with two adult tickets purchased.
Mention code: 342SIPARENT

   
July 8 - 17th, 2011
Friday's at 8PM, Saturdays at 2 & 8PM, Sunday's at 2PM
The Music Hall at Snug Harbor
1000 Richmond Terrace.
Tickets $30, $25 (Seniors & Students)
About The Harbor Lights Theater Company
 
The Harbor Lights Theater Company is dedicated to illuminating the human experience
through the highest quality theatrical productions and educational outreach within the
underserved Borough of Staten Island, New York. Harbor Lights operates based on the
belief that the health and prosperity of the arts is fundamental to the health and prosperity
of our local community. We seek to establish a national presence and a reputation for
excellence and authenticity by means of a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) resident theater company
based in St. George, Staten Island, thereby contributing to the renaissance of our community
and enhancing its reputation. 
The Harbor Lights Theater Company
38 Westervelt Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10301
 

Jun 24, 2011

LUMEN 2011 >> Sat. June 25th

COAHSI
LUMEN 2011


ARE YOU COMING TO LUMEN 2011? 
LUMEN is a video & projection art festival  on Staten Island...
Come down and watch videos and projection art, hang out with your friends, see performance art on the pier curated by Grace Exhibition Space. Projections will be on the inside and outside of buildings, as well as trees, and anything else you can imagine!  See, hear, interact -- at LUMEN. We'll also have a small gallery of artist prints for sale! Enjoy a perfect Summer evening all for FREE.  

YES, you totally are coming!!   
LUMEN 2011 is on Saturday, June 25, 6pm-12am
at the National Lighthouse Museum on SI
a 5 minute walk from the SI Ferry Terminal
(volunteers will be on hand to help you find your way to LUMEN) 

See the work of over 100 participating artists  
from all over the world:

Adriana Varella, Aimee Norwich, Alex Villar, Alexey VS, Alina Rojas, Alison Ward, Allison Berkoy, Amanda Curtis, Amanda Morgan, Anarcho Art Lab, Ancient Ocean, Andrew Mount, Angela Freiberger, Angela Washko, Anya Liftig, Brenda Anne Kenneally,Brendan Coyle, Bruce Randall, Carolina Redondo, Caustic Castle, Charles Chace, Chaw Ei Thein, Claudia Pena Salinas, Daniel Pepice, Daniela Kostova, Daphane Park, Dena Al-Adeeb, Don Porcella, Elinor Evelyn, Erik Hokanson,  Erik Sanner, Fabio Marco Pirovino, Gabriel ComriePepín, Grady Gerbracht, Hassan Pitts, Heavy Hymns, Hiroshi Shafer, Hz Collective, Igor Baloste, Jaanika Peerna, Janaina Tschäpe, Jason Peters, Jeanne Verdoux, Jill McDermid, Jodie Lyn-Kee Chow,  Jo Q. Nelson, John Loggia, Joro De Boro, Kathryne Hall, Katie Berry, Katie Murray, Kazue Taguchi, Kelley Bell, Kelly Pinho, Kerry Downey, Kirk Peterson, Kyle Corea, Latoya Ruby Frazier, Laurel Jay Carpenter, Lauren Fleishman,  Lisa Dahl, Lopi Laroe, Lydia Watson-Lewis, Mandy Morrison, Margaret Salmon, Marina Temkina, Mark Clare, Marni Kotak,  Matthew Sleeth, Meghan Van Alstyne,  Melissa West, Mike Shane, Mikhael Antone, Miryana Todorova, Myk Henry, Nguyen Smith,  Nia Burks, Nick Fevelo, Nicole Baker, Nijah Cunningham,  Nilton Maltz, Noah Klersfeld, Özlem Günyol & Mustafa Kunt, Paul Moakley, Pedro Motta, Petra Lindholm, Phil Stearns, Pilottone, Quinn Dukes McDivitt, Rafael Sanchez, Rebecca Jampol, Rob Andrews,  Russell Chartier & Paul Botelho, Sama Alshaibi,  Sander Houtkruijer, Sean Metelerkamp, Sean Simpson, Sebastien Sanz de Santamaria, Staten Island OutLOUD, Steven Lapcevic, Syracuse Experimental, Tattfoo Tan, Tiffany Carbonneau, Tomaz Hipolito, Vela Phelan,  Video Gang, Yana Dimitrova, Yoon Young Park, Zhenesse Staniec Heinemann   

Need more info?: www.lumenfest.org


   
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