Ten Steps to Reducing Common Toxins in Your House

1. 

By Debra Lynn Dadd

1. Nix ammonia. Ammonia can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation and burn your skin. Instead, mix one part white or apple cider vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle for a nontoxic glass cleaner.

1. 2. Formaldehyde free. Polyester/cotton blend sheets and no-iron cotton sheets are typically treated with formaldehyde, which can cause insomnia and respiratory problems. Opt for cotton flannel or untreated cotton percale sheets.

3. Install carbon-monoxide detectors. Homes with gas appliances or heaters should have carbon-monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide starves the body and brain of oxygen and can be fatal. Symptoms include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, flushed skin and disorientation.

4. Replace mothballs with sweet sachets. Mothballs are made of paradichlorobenzene, a chemical that can cause headaches and irritation to nose, throat and lungs. Prolonged exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. Protect woolens by making sachets from dried lavender and equal parts dried rosemary and mint. Cedar products are also effective.

5. Use soap-based cleaning products instead of detergents. Soap is made from natural oils and minerals. Detergents are petrochemical-based products responsible for more household poisonings than any other substance.

6. Remove chloroform from your shower water. Hot water containing chlorine (which covers all municipal tap water) releases chloroform, which has been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a dangerous indoor air pollutant. Chlorine can be removed from shower water by using a water filter specifically designed for this purpose.

7. Use organically grown produce. Most food sold in supermarkets is sprayed heavily with pesticides, many of which can cause cancer. Buy pesticide-free, organically grown food. Purchase what looks good and is in season.

8. Take a botanical bath. Many bath products contain detergents and artificial fragrances that can be irritating to sensitive areas. Instead, use natural substances such as fragrant dried or fresh herbs (lavender, rosemary, peppermint), a quart of buttermilk, or 1 cup of Epsom salts.

9. Use water-based pens and markers. Dispose of permanent ink pens and markers, which contain toxic volatile solvents. Office and art supply stores carry water-based pens and markers in every size and color.

10. Get houseplants. They freshen the air by absorbing carbon dioxide we exhale and release the oxygen that ‘s vital for us to breathe. Some plants, like the spider plant, also remove some air pollutants.

PS 373R 2008 FILM FESTIVAL!

We are very pleased to report that we had a very successful 2008 Film Festival. Orchestrated by our brilliant Information and Technology Teacher, Ms. Meredith Broderick, the Festival represented what is best about our school. Starting on Friday, June 13th, we were treated to the following movies by our students and teachers:

• “MATH MANIPULATIVE BOY” Produced by Ms. Gunderson, Ms. Brassfield, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Stapleton, Class V44 Students: Rajsean Anderson, Armani Beatty, Shaquella Cooper, Nicholas Russo, Jose Soto, Andrew Tveter, Joseph Arellano, Isaiah Booker, Daquan Ortiz, Xavier Smith, Eric Torres, Inahji Walters
• ‘CHARLOTTE’S WEB” Produced by Ms. Rugiero, Ms. Cogliano, Ms. Carraque, Class X02 Students: Tyrell Campbell, Tony Olivo, Angelo Saez, Oche Itodo, Edward Owens, Zion Wade
• “LEADING LADIES” Produced by Mr. Knudsen, Ms. Navarette, Class X05, Students: Janson Antoine, Axel Garcia, Alex Molina, Manuel Rivera, Blair Fayah, Barry Lovelace, Jose Morales, Tyreik Willaims
• “THE BASEBALL GAME” Produced by Ms. Gerard, Class Y21 Students: Michael Ruiz, Nickolina Izzo, Nicholas Lavanco, Nicholas D’Amora, Conrad Mysliwiec, Nicholas Burriesci
• “GLOBAL WARMING” Produced by Ms. Aponte, Ms. Gargiulo, Mr. Rich, Class V45 Students: Jacob Carillo, romello Colon, Marc Flores, Chanelle Johnson, Nelson Pantoja, Dashay Scott, Casseem Collis, Prince Edmonds, Jonathan Hurt, Daniel Korenski, Andrew Plasencia, Rasheena Still
• “FREDERICK DOUGLAS” Produced by Ms. Devito, Mr. Sparacino, Class V44 Students: Jose Antoine, Sincere Davis, Annor Frank, Lasou Kuyateh, Hasaan McGhie, Chris Williams, Alex Baumann, Joseph Fasano, Charles Griffin, Vincent Mancino, Elyjia Travis, Alex Wilson
• “SACAGAWEA” Produced by Ms. Aponte, Ms. Gargiullo, Class V45 Students: Jacob Carrillo, Romello Colon, Marc Flores, Chanelle Johnson, Nelson Pantoja, Dashay Scott, Casseem Collis, Prince Edmonds, Jonathan Hurt, Daniel Korenski, Andrew Plasencia, Rasheena Still
• “GAS PRICES” Produced by Mr. Mac., Ms. Collazo, Class V48 Students: henry Smith, Antonio Boudreau, Immanuel Gonseh, Jacky Lao, Vincent Martino, Henry Smith, Alvin Bestman, Kevin Flores, Malakhi Horne, Andrew Lawrence, Henry McCoy, Joseph Stamer

Continuing on Monday, June 16th, we had the second half to our festival with the following classes:

• “GOOD TIMES” Produced by Ms. Puglisi, Ms. Loiacono, Ms. Petras Students: Brendan Kuhl, Keanu Acosta, Lukas Sembrano, Sahnyah Bryant, Brooke Chauhan, Isaiah Alexander
• “IMAGINE THE FUN” Produced by Ms. Hansen, Ms. Patrella, Mr. Lunde, Students: Alexa Hernandez, Maynard Gallipeau, Jose Soto, Michael Olotu, Joshua Jean-Jacques 
• “WATCH US GROW” Produced by Ms. Sleap, Ms. Palmeri, Ms. DeGeorge – Class Y09 Students: Krenar Veliu, Taj Dougall, Jaysheen Whitlow, Skylar Cerami, Robert Rosiello, David Kuhn
• “THINK GREEN” Produced by Mrs. Corvino, Ms. Ferrara, Ms. Brown – Class Y11 Students: Elijah Fernandez, Angel Morales, Lance Morales, Diante Perry, Anthony Sciddurlo, Davonte Wooldridge
• “MEVILLE TO WEVILLE” Produced by Ms. Glennerster, Mrs. Fontana, Ms. Sheernan, Mr. McInerney – Class Y14 Students: Drew Reese, Rasheed Kujenya, Fiona Chiu, Kryillos Elsayed, Rachel Spicer, Venuri Gamaethige
• “THE CASE OF MISSING BRIANNE” Produced by Ms. Caputo, Ms. Muniz Junior Dectectives: Michael Moreno, Ricardo Nenadich, Veronica Nekrewich, Paul Townsley, Luis Zeferino, Thomas Cherian
• “REACHING FOR THE STARS” Produced by Ms. McCadney, Ms. Guadalupe, Ms. Murphy Students: Alex Lewis, Byron Hardy, Morris Ture, Noel Yordan, Samuel Weah
• “RAINFOREST” Produced by Ms. Fusco, Ms. Seminara, Ms. Diaz, Ms. Sweeney Students: Alberto Fonseca, Tyheem Harris, Kevin Haywood, Raymond Hightower, Lee Miles, Keson Hudon, Emanuel Jackson, Courtland Lovelace, Kincie Martin, Davon Moffat
• “DREAMS” Produced by Ms. Cordero, Ms. Seminara and Ms. Judith Students: Michael LaRocco, Julian Cubas, Michael Yarbrough, Isaiah King Brown, Christopher Ford, Ana Martinez

 

 

 

Health Care Forum, Thursday, June 19th, 7-9 p.m.

Community Board 3 presents: Health Care Forum –What healthcare do you and your family need that you are not getting on Staten Island?

Thursday, June 19, 2008  7-9p.m. at Our Lady of the Sea School Auditorium, 5371 Amboy Road (Corner of Huguenot Ave.) To speak please call (718) 442-3137. Refreshments will be served! Metrocards available!

 

Daily Candy for Kids in NYC

HEAR
The Deedle Deedle Dees
What: Educational band plays Madison Square Kids, the park’s annual summer concert series.
Why: Schoolhouse Rock redux.
When: Tues., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Madison Square Park, b/t Fifth & Madison Aves., b/t 23rd & 26th Sts. Info at 212-538-4071.

PLAY
Miracles on 104th Street Festival
What: El Museo del Barrio and the Parks Department present a festive day of art, music, and dancing.
Why: Muy bien hecho.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., at 104th St. (212-831-7272).

ACT
Cymbeline
What: New York Classical Theatre leads the public (of all ages) in an interactive version of Shakespeare’s classic.
Why: It’s moving theater.
When: Thru June 22. Thurs.-Sun., 7 p.m. Rain or shine; call to confirm (212-252-4531).
Where: Central Park, at W. 103rd St. & Central Park West.

Dyslexia Workshop in NYC – June 19, 2008

How to help your child over the Summer – Thursday Night Bimonthly Workshops for Parents

NYB-IDA June 19, 2008 – Join Ellen Linsky, Ed.D. Private Practice and Learning Specialist, Aaron School, to learn tips to help students progress their learning over the Summer.

Please Note: Parent Workshops will break for the Summer and reconvene in September

Location: New York Branch – International Dyslexia Association, 71 West 23rd St., Suite 1527, New York, NY 10010

Time: 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Members Free/Non-members $5.00 Please RSVP to Diana Naples (212) 691-1930 x12

PS 373R Potluck Dinner, June PTA Meeting, SLT Elections on Thursday, June 19th at 6p.m.

Special Performance by Jennifer Richman and Jon Samson

Please come join us for FOOD and FUN and some wonderful music! We are also having our last PTA meeting of the year. Bring some fresh ideas for the coming school year. Parents: If  you are interested in running for next year’s SLT team, please come and vote for next school year’s empty seats!

91 Henderson Avenue, Thursday, June 19th at 6 p.m.

 

New, Unique Summer Art Opportunity for Tweens and Teens

New, Unique Summer Art Opportunity for Tweens and Teens
Earthcrafting Workshop for the Creative Kid

 The Earth provides is with many useful materials. With a little imagination we will use these gifts to create beautiful handmade pieces of art.

Join Greenbelt resident artist Kathy Trimarco for a unique summer workshop experience designed for those who enjoy nature crafting. Creative kids age 10 through 17 will learn good stewardship of the Earth and its resources while learning to view nature with the eyes of an artist. Each three day session will focus on a different Earth craft.

 

Who: teens and tweens ages 10-17

 

What: Learn good stewardship of the Earth and its resources while learning to view nature with the eyes of an artist. Each three day session will focus on a different Earth craft.

 

Where: Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue Staten Island NY 10314, (718)351-3450

 

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 1:30pm-3:30 pm

Cost:  Conservancy members $63 per-person/ non-members $70 per-person.

 

 Session 1: July 8, 9, 10

Native American Arts

1:30 pm-3:30 pm Learn about the importance of sustainability as we discuss the resourcefulness of the Native Americans and the deep respect they have for all living things. Create a coiled basket, leather craft, and a dream catcher.

 

Session 2: July 15, 16, 17

Nature Journaling

1:30 pm-3:30 pm Create beautifully embellished journals decorated with your own handmade recycled paper and learn the basics of journal keeping.

 

Session 3: July 22, 23, 24

Nature’s Jewels

1:30 pm-3:30 pm Using gifts from the Earth and jewelry crafting techniques, fashion several wearable works of art.

WALK NOW FOR AUTISM ON 6/22/08

June 12, 2008 Reminder about the autism walk on 6/22: Any body who wants to join a team, contact me at scarso63@hotmail.com or call 718-986-8856. A limited amount of hats will be available for $5 that day.
Thanks. John Scarso 718-442-1631

Date:
Sunday, June 22, 2008

Location:
South Street Seaport, pier 17
New York, NY

Time:
Registration opens:  9:00 am
Resource Fair opens: 9:00 am
Walk Start: 10:30 am

Walk Route: 
5K (3 miles) loop of lower manhattan starting and finishing at the South Street Seaport

 

If you would like to join one of our teams, you may enter your name at the link below. Our first team is Lianne’s Pacers, run by Jen Walsh, Lianne Walsh’s mom. The second team is PTA of PS 373-”The Fighting 373rd” run by John Scarso, Joan Scarso’s dad.

Enter either team’s name in the available space and you may join up. The PTA will be selling blue caps with PS 373R written in yellow to identify our teams. They will be sold at cost to all participating walkers. http://www.walknowforautism.org/c.lgLNIXODKnF

 

Make Music New York!

At the Everything Goes Bookstore and Cafe:

SATURDAY   JUNE 21 at ETG BOOK CAFE: Music all day!

11am     FAMILY SING-ALONG w/ BOBALOO & TRACY

12pm    ROUND SINGING

1pm      CAROLINE CUTRONEO and friends

3pm      FOLK JAM SESSION

4pm      ALLERGIC TO B’s and friends

5pm      BLUES JAM SESSION

7pm      RUNAWAY TRAIN and friends

9pm      TUGATO de CHILE

208 Bay Street, between Victory Blvd and Hannah St
Tompkinsville, Staten Island NYC www.etgstores.com

 

… and at ETG CLOTHING:
140 Bay Street!	12pm	KIT & JARRED fiddle and banjo
	1pm	CAROLINA de BRAZIL Guitar and song
	2pm	BIRD & TRIKE guitar and voices
	3pm	BLISTER & SPOT Sax & Accordion
	5pm	NICK ROZAK Bagpipes

List of Resources for Staten Island and Brooklyn Families

 Resources for Special Needs Children 

 

 

JUNE UPDATES

Activities

·     Snacktivities – 220 E. 86th Street NYC, NY 212-439-9996 www.snacknyc.com

·     Brooklyn Play Spot –  399 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY  718-852-2494 or www.Brooklynplayspot.com

 Arts/Crafts

·     Bridge to Youth.- Sundays 1:30 – 5:00 St. Regina Pacis, 1258 65th Street (11th Avenue)  Brooklyn, NY Contact Rich at (917) 560-8503 or Susan at 718-836-6490  or visit their web-site at www.bridgetoyouth.org

·     Greenbelt Recreation Center 501 Brielle Ave. 718 667-3545 FREE You must call and register. Children (6-17) are Free

Basketball

·     Blessed Sacrament – Usually held in March. TBA.

·     Bridge to Youth.- Sundays 1:30-5:00 St. Regina Pacis 1258 65th Street (11th Avenue) Contact  Rich at (917) 560-8503 or Susan at 718-836-6490. Or visit their web-site at www.bridgetoyouth.org.

Bicycle Riding – FREE. Teach your child to ride a bike.  You have to provide the bike, they provide helmets and instruction.   You might want to go to all their sessions until your child gets the hang of it. Instruction is not really one on one, but it is helpful. Contact Rich Conroy at (212) 932-2453 ext 159 or e-mail at richc@bikenewyork.org
 
Bowling – Bridge to youth.  St. Regina Pacis  – 1258  65th Street (11th Avenue) in Brooklyn. Sundays from 1:30- 5:00 PM  $25 per family for a year.  They also have music therapy, basketball & arts & crafts. Contact  Rich (917) 560-8503 or Susan at 718-836-6490 or visit their website at www.bridgetoyouth.org.

Boy Scouts – Contact Robert Ciraola Cub Master at rciraola@si.rr.com, cell number (917) 805-7621.

Chiropractor – Dr. Robert LaRusso, DC 14 Belfield Avenue 718-966-5400
Neural Organization Technique Practitioner. Visit his web site at www.drrobertlarusso.com

Dance – Drews Step by step Party Dances.DVD to teach kids step by step dancing for parties.  Sold at Party City for about $12.95.

Day Camp for children (6-13) Camp Weissglass. Located at Henry Kaufmann campgrounds in partnership with Kings Bay YM-YWHA. Contact Jayne Smith at 718 475-5286. Also check www.resourcesnycdatabase.org for other Camps

Dentist

·     Dr. Michele Giumenta – 718 979-6462.  2530 Amboy Road.  Extremely patient & specializes in Special Needs Children.

·     Dr. Robert Deganno – 718 253-0888. Kimball Street, near Kings Plaza

·     Dr. Susan Roubick -718 317-8524 Special Needs Orthodontist.

Gluten-Free Restaurant – Tuttoriso Ristorante, 36 Richmond Terrace.  718 273-7644. Will also be offering a Celiac Support Group.

Great Adventure – Bring a Doctor’s note stating your child has Autism and go to guest relations. They will issue a pass so the children to don’t have to wait on lines for most of the rides.

Gymnastics – My Gym. 718 966-9654. 7001 Amboy Road

Haircuts – Cheri – (917) 478-8018.  Patient & loving.  Has a special buzzer that is silent.

Homework – Dial A Teacher (212) 777-3380

·     Live Homework Help at Library. Port Richmond Branch –718 442-0158

·     Richmond Town Branch 718 668-0413

·     St. George Branch  718 442-8560

Horseback Riding

·     Megan Delmar – Staten Island Rodeo 718 981-9251. 599 Father Capodano Blvd

·     Winslow Therapeutic Center 328 Rt. 17A. Warwick, NY (845) 986-6686. Geared to Children with autism & communicative disorders.  www.winslow.org.

·     Suzanne Grande-Baymar Farms  –  Just over the OuterBridge.  (347) 679-5706  

Karate

·     Fireflies.  Ask for Lisa Chin  521 18th Street #2 Brooklyn, NY 11215 Park  Slope.  718 355-9480. Will work with your child’s OT & PT.  Visit her web site at www.firefliesny.com

·     Calla Karate –  Eddie Calla – Located on Manor Road & Castelton.  Classes & individual. (917) 439-4969.
 

Movies – Staten Island Stadium 16. 2474 Forest Avenue 718-273-4200. Tuesday & Wednesdays 10:00.   May only be in Summer.

Music Lessons – Snug Harbor Cultural Center.  1000 Richmond Terrace.  
718 720-5354 or visit their website at  www.Siconservatoryofmusic.org.

Music Therapy  – Bridge to Youth Program @ St. Regina Pacis. Sunday 1:30-5 PM See above.

PeeWee Soccer –Ages 6-9 Saturdays 11:00 -1:00 Elizabeth Connelly Ctr.  Includes 11-12 games, basic sport skills, running, soccer, cooperative play – taking turns, staying with the group, following directions.  12- 12:30 snack and walking to the pool.  12:30 – 1:00 Pool.  No fee.  Special Olympics medicals required. For more information e-mail at Jcerto180@aol.com.

Shoes –  Tirone’s Shoe Store – 718 442-3694.  164 Port Richmond Avenue. Will order shoes, no pressure, patient people who work there.  Ask for Sal, Peter or Anthony.

Soccer – Blessed Sacrament. FREE.  Program runs from April – June & again on September 29th at 2:30 PM at Miller Field #12. Any questions contact Chris Rooney at crooneycmr@aol.com.

Speech Therapy – Sandra Mazzucco – 1076 Forest Avenue  718-815-6024.

Swimming – provided through JCC of Staten Island.  Offered in sessions. Contact Jayne Smith, Special Need Director at 718 475-5286. 

Tennis – FREE.  You must register. Classes are free but get booked fast. Contact Dave @ Greenbelt Recreation Center.  They also have Wheel Chair Tennis.

Did you know?

If you have an EZ-pass, when going into/or out of New Jersey from any of the Bridges in NJ (Goethals, Bayonne, Outbridge, etc) and there are 3 people in the car anytime,  it will only cost $2 to go over the bridge if you call EZ Pass & ask them to put CAR POOL on your EZ-Pass(they will do it over the phone). When you go to toll both, go to Manned Booth, just say “Car Pool” & that is it and you saved $6!

Special Needs Resource Places

·     Autism Society of America – (800) 3-AUTISM

·     Board of Education – 718 390 -1662

·     Center for Special Children– For students entering College thru CUNY@CSU. They help children with support and advocate for their needs in the College.  They have 2 & 4 year programs.  For information, call Margaret VanDitti 718 982-2000.

·     City Access New York – www.cityaccessny.org

·     Committee on Preschool Special Education – 718 420-5788

·     Elizabeth W. Pouch Center for Special People – 718 448-9775

·     Feingold Resource Center for Attention Deficit Disorder – (631) 369-9340

·     Grace Foundation of NY – 718 605-7500

·     International Dyslexia Assoc. – (800) 530-2234

·     Check this out! Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders web site www.icdl.com. On this web site you will find out information regarding DIR – Development, Individual difference, Relationship Based Approach by Dr. Stanley Greenspan which has become a highly affective approach for Autism. At this web site you will have access to his web broadcasts (i.e., Social Skills Groups, Regulatory Sensory Processing Disorders), (art, poetry, stories, etc. of individuals with ASD).

·     Learning Disabilities Assoc. of NY – (212) 645- 6730

·     Lighthouse International – (212) 821-9200

·     Muscular Dystrophy – (732) 750-2333

·     NYC Dept. Of Education School Based Support Team (Special Ed.) 718 935-2000

·     National Deaf Education Center – (202) 651-5031

·     Parent to Parent NY, Inc. – 718 494-4872

·     Resources for Children with Special Needs  – (212) 677-4650

·     Stuttering Foundation of America – (800) 992-9392

·     United Cerebral Palsy  – 718 442-6006

·     Wrights Law – Information about special education law & advocacy for children with disabilities.  www.wrightslaw.com

·     S.I. Developmental Disability Service Office (S.I.D.D.S.O) Barbara Schubert, Information Exchange 718 982-1904

·     NYS Institute for Basic Research (IBR) Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations Contact: Karen Amble 718 494-5126

·     Staten Island Mental Health Society Pouch Center for Special People Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations 718 448-9775

·     Staten Island Mental Health Society Children’s Community Mental Health Center North Shore –718 442-2225 South Shore – 718 984-5050