{"id":34219,"date":"2025-11-09T22:29:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T22:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/34219\/"},"modified":"2025-11-09T22:29:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T22:29:27","slug":"hundreds-celebrate-their-heritage-at-inaugural-albanian-independence-day-childrens-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/34219\/","title":{"rendered":"Hundreds celebrate their heritage at inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"YRF5BAINH5AAZHPKAIMPOP5KWA\">STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 More than 300 parents, children, relatives and supporters gathered Sunday afternoon at Grand Oaks Country Club in Huguenot to celebrate the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"LPEHE6OP3ZA47EUNTFF7STFNMI\">The grand ballroom brimmed with song, dance and tradition with touches of red, white, and black, the colors of Albania, which are prominently featured on the national flag, against a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage and overcast skies outside. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"KFLM6PXTH5ESFJHXRYCH63TT2Y\">For those unfamiliar, red symbolizes bravery and the bloodshed during the fight for independence, while the black double-headed eagle represents sovereignty and national identity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"FGSJCCO5YNEMRDA5FEG3KSSP3M\">The highly-anticipated event, hosted by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dibra.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dibra.org\/\">Dibra Community Organization<\/a> \u2014 also known as Shoqata Atdhetare Dibra\u2014 filled the ballroom with laughter, the sounds of Albanian music and attendees donning stunning traditional dress as families celebrated their heritage together.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"7M2MEI7MZVFEDHLTVVGTW5MTQ4\">For many, it was more than just a party \u2014 it was a reminder of identity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"4L7UT2P5LZAVHNGTNBI7QTUPKI\">\u201cThis organization is here to preserve our identity,\u201d said Hakim Budzaku, the group\u2019s new president. \u201cYou have so many kids who are being assimilated into Staten Island culture, which is great, but they also forget their Albanian identity \u2014 where they come from, where their ancestors came from.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ZX37EXKS3FBNDAGE4Z7ZAAOMCU.jpeg\"\/>Elsa Karpuzi, left, her fiance, President Hakim Budzaku, Arbenesha Miftari.  (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"WDACQCPZNRE5RNCOEI3RB5VSI4\">\u201cIt\u2019s important to remind them of the sacrifices that our ancestors made to immigrate here and create better lives for our people,\u201d Budzaku added. \u201cOur organization aims to preserve our identity. Our events are fun but they are also an education for the children.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ZFRHHCV62VGUPMPH7ICTZNGQIE\">\u201cWe want to teach the next generation where they come from, and the hard work and sacrifices of their ancestors. to immigrate here to create a better lives. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"6T32RLSSTJCS7JXJG5ZEUEYYMM\">Founded in 1996, the Dibra Community Organization has long served as a cultural anchor for Staten Island\u2019s Albanian-American families. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"5RXHXXT6EFF5DPKLGQTIM47TKA\">Budzaku, who was born and raised in New Dorp, took the helm earlier this year and said Sunday\u2019s celebration was the first children-focused event organized under his leadership.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ERWTRXQ32BEDJBPEUKUQGAQCJM\">\u201cIt\u2019s been a great success,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have over 300 people here from all corners of Staten Island and New York, and everyone\u2019s been giving us great feedback.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BSH3T3AB5JGVRNS3DI3TLYQP3A.jpeg\"\/>Wearing traditional Albanian dress, Aurora iljazi and Eda Iljazi enjoy the event. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NY3T5ZN64BESBNHSOEGW5WI3SY\">The afternoon featured games, music and a sit-down brunch, while parents chatted and children waved small Albanian flags in honor of the nation\u2019s Nov. 28 Independence Day \u2014 the date Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NAPUSF7IEBB6PGWUFXHR2Z2LII\">Budzaku said the organization plans to continue that sense of pride and visibility later this month with another community favorite. \u201cWe are now planning our upcoming car parade for November 23, which we have done the last few years. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"I46OBCENENDJTGWQE6EDIL2DSQ\">\u201cSpectators will enjoy seeing Albanian and American flags flying along Hylan Boulevard as we drive through Staten Island. It will be great.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/B36HCH6BRJHR7B6GIYJVM6CHEA.jpeg\"\/>Nick Popinara and Elmedina Kolari enjoy the Albanian Independence Day event. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"TJPS3GCYURARFGS3V6WCEYAVBQ\">Although Budzaku\u2019s immediate family was not previously involved with the organization, he said community ties and mentorship inspired him to take on the leadership role.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NHITOYP3VBHSFMPZL4XQCTFHE4\">\u201cOne of my best friends and mentors, Dashi Miftari, was a former president who helped shape me into becoming the next president,\u201d Budzaku said. \u201cHe gives it to me straight \u2014 the way it should be heard.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"SAGTFWJO3JC5PP3FP5TCKWQ7PM\">As the event wound down and families took photos in front of red-and-black Albanian banners, Budzaku reflected on what the celebration meant to him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NJLCJLOBMFAFTGIL7ZDPYB4OIQ\">\u201cIt\u2019s about keeping our traditions alive,\u201d he said. \u201cFor the kids especially, it\u2019s a reminder of who we are.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BFTY6GRDRRHLNKKQRH545OPDBE.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RUY3IVRNVRCXLCHJ3IGUSMUIME\">ABOUT THE DIBRA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"IEAMOGODT5GVTOGG4W6IGAVUUM\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dibra.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dibra.org\/\">Dibra Community Organization<\/a> is a nonprofit dedicated to helping and uniting the Dibran Albanian community in America. Its mission is rooted in three core principles: opportunity, tradition and progression.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"3GVB6NN4WJE3FEFUJCKWRD2D5Y\">The organization strives to create an environment where every individual has the chance to grow, succeed and contribute, unlocking their full potential while strengthening community bonds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"EIH3I7HEJRB7PME4PBD2AWMVI4\">Dibra.org also works to honor and preserve the values, culture and wisdom that have shaped the Dibran Albanian identity, ensuring that this rich legacy remains a guiding force for future generations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"4WMVEWUIENHHRITLPMYJDBERDQ\">The organization embraces innovation and new ideas, seeking continuous improvement to drive positive change and build a dynamic, evolving future for all members of the community.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/PJCAK5HKBNH3VK4RUAIWPBYDE4.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CRNQLAZKZFEDVJTKLHKTP7JLTM.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/YIZK33KAHNBADCRALN76RKOHSQ.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day, some children in traditional dress. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WDKEFW4OZVFI5AZGKR2LAYNU5M.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/7OHWXONXI5FSNL54J77DFCHJAI.jpeg\"\/>A young attendee enjoys the event. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/R3ZSDRPHEJFUTJ5FXBYX34N2CE.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NB3P55JM3FGLRIK2D5XGNYV7MI.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SSISIDT4BNFPZD5JBDFJJ3YXYQ.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/HSSQJOGWVRHWDPHYYNXNN7DDZQ.jpeg\"\/>(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/VYPF2XOZWFDE3NYBDM5K5VBZA4.jpeg\"\/>Children enjoy the bouncy house. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/O4FOTFNIZRFMRMTKJJ5TW5AKNU.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DZ42Z4NA6BFMXNUUDNT4KUWPAI.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/J23GXT3NJNCCXPPIK2EZNPSAK4.jpeg\"\/>A poster of the sponsors welcome guests at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, at the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3T6YVL3OEBBMFMWTMVUY3M3OXI.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4SEMWZIOQ5G2LDEDGOPG7B7GOI.jpeg\"\/>More than 300 parents, children and supporters gathered Nov. 9, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club, Huguenot, to celebrate the 2025 Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DULC5MTVYBFINBGVJ4X4ZLMZPU.jpeg\"\/>Youngsters enjoy the event in traditional Albanian dress. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BRLQJ5UVSJHATM4DAXO672VSUM.jpeg\"\/>Youngsters enjoy the event in traditional Albanian dress. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/K6RQDBVMJRC35INOUZNTIW64JQ.jpeg\"\/>Youngsters and their parents enjoy the event in traditional Albanian dress. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3JWWCMGSDNE2BHBKLW2WTM4MQU.jpeg\"\/>Youngster enjoys the event (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/7EX2NLKF6NDB3LOSNTE6KHP7G4.jpeg\"\/>(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ZWTRNKCOVFFGPCDADH7XNOTCW4.jpeg\"\/>(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"hero-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/QHA7MLISZJA27DO65WAZCQFHF4.jpeg\"\/>(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p>If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancelocal.com\/advancelocalUserAgreement\/user-agreement.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancelocal.com\/advancelocalUserAgreement\/privacy-policy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 More than 300 parents, children, relatives and supporters gathered Sunday afternoon at Grand Oaks&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":34220,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":["post-34219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-staten-island","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-staten-island","tag-staten-island-headlines","tag-staten-island-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34219"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34219\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}