Sonya Alexander was in her happy place when she was dancing. “Even when she was in my belly, when you play music, she would dance,” said her mother Rety Alexander. Sonya was born with Downs syndrome in the Bronx in 1994. Mischievous and independent, she loved stylish outfits and appreciated good food. On April 5, […]
Sonya Alexander, 25, was a dancer from the start Read More »
Wherever he went, Sal DiBenedetto had a good time. And having a good time for Sal meant making sure that everyone else was having a good time too. Stocky and bespectacled with a neat white beard, he was a powerhouse of energy. His gravelly voice was a familiar sound wherever he was, whether singing or
Thoughtful and gregarious, Sal DiBenedetto, 59, wanted everyone to have a good time Read More »
The late Teri Russo thought she knew all she needed to know about her gregarious, red-headed son Kris. She knew he was outgoing and mischievous, but she didn’t realize the expanse of his social circle until his death when people from all over his Pleasant Plains neighborhood expressed their condolences. They all knew Kris because
Kris Russo, 45, aspiring chef, put a smile on every face Read More »
Our local champion, Douglas Patterson, show his endurance and tenacity as he won gold and bronze medals at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games held last June in Orlando, FL. He took the gold medal for the triathlon and for good measure grabbed the bronze in the open swim as well. Doug, a lifelong Special
Doug Takes Gold and Bronze at Special Olympics USA Orlando Read More »
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It was a cold, dark, drizzly day — perfect for going to the park, right? It is if you go to Blue Heron Park in Annadale where the Nature Center is comfortable, warm and dry. Not only that, outside their large windows is a “cafe for birds.” About a dozen feeders
A warm ‘pop-up’ of winter nature activity at Blue Heron Park Read More »
…people without homes live all over Staten Island, but try to stay out of sight in parks, empty lots, and even cemeteries.
It’s cold outside, especially when you don’t have a home Read More »
“Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!” declared Lauren Lombardo, wishing the crew of Life-Wire News Service a merry Christmas and happy New Year. For the full story and photos, visit our SILive.com article by Joseph Padalino, Antonio Pabon, and Salvatore DiBenedetto: ‘Buon Natale’ — Merry Christmas, Italian style (Brought to you by Honda of Staten
‘Buon Natale’ — Merry Christmas, Italian style Read More »
“Here’s ‘America’s Least Wanted,’” joked Henry Geller when he arrived at Lifestyles for the Disabled Willowbrook campus, recalling his days as a resident of the former state school.
A Willowbrook Memoir Reveals Resilience with Humor Read More »
Bekah Samuel showcased several of her new songs, including “Angles in Los Angeles” and “Ego” at a recent screening of the film Destinova. Listen to Life-Wire reporter Meredith Arout interview Bekah, and hear a sample of her music. For the full story and photos, visit our SILive.com article by Steven Filoramo, Meredith Arout, Salvatore DiBenedetto,
Staten Island’s hometown singer Bekah steps into the light Read More »
Our latest article and photo feature in the Staten Island Advance focuses on what our New York City Fire Department first responders do for us. Visit the article here. And enjoy our video of their visit to Lifestyles.
First responders are not so scary; they are there to help Read More »
