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Celebrate Harlem Earth Day 2012

Community Involvement, Entertainment, Harlem, Holidays, Kids, Marcus Garvey Park, Morningside Park, Music, Parks No Responses »

Apr 162012

Spring has officially sprung in Harlem, and as the flowers bloom and grass gets greener, we are reminded of how important it is to take care of our environment. This coming Sunday, April 22 is Earth Day, a day in which events are held worldwide in order to increase awareness and appreciation of the global environment.

This year, Harlem Park to Park, a Central Harlem community improvement organization and merchants’ association, has organized their first-ever Earth Day initiative on April 22 to coincide with Global Earth Day! An all-day event, Harlem Earth Day will include a number of fun and educational family friendly activities to promote the Earth Day mission of increasing awareness of environmental issues, including: Green Energy Use, Recycling, Clean Air, etc.

Activities will be taking place at Morningside Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Central Park, Aloft Hotel, and many local Harlem businesses. Families can enjoy yoga classes with Land Yoga, gardening demonstrations with Harlem Flo, arts and crafts projects, live music and much more!

For more information, please visit Harlem Park to Park’s Facebook page here.

Places to Play Uptown – For the Kids!

Community Involvement, Entertainment, Kids, Music No Responses »

Dec 192011

Everyone knows that Harlem is a thriving playground for adults with its abundance of top-rated restaurants, great boutiques and exciting nightlife, but Harlem is also REAL playground for children and their families as well. Aside from the community and cultural activities hosted in Harlem nearly every day, there are a number of different places and programs for kids to learn, play and grow.

- Harlem4Kids was established in 2006 by a group of neighborhood parents as a way for young children to connect and interact with other kids in the community. Every Saturday, Harlem4Kids offers two 45-minute storytime sessions, the first for infants and toddlers and the later tailored to preschoolers. Storytime features lively reading sessions often combined with sing-a-longs, musical instruments and movement which are led by “Storytime Leaders” volunteers. Harlem4Kids also offers additional seasonal events that include children beyond the preschool age, that reflect the cultural diversity of the community. Harlem4Kids storytime is located at the Harlem Center PAL Building at 441 Manhattan Avenue and 119th Street. For more information and scheduling please visit their website or email: info@harlem4kids.com.

- Kidberry, which opened in 2010, is co-owned by two Harlem moms: Mekia Denby and Pamela Flood Morrison and features a range of activities for kids up to age 10. “Devoted to promoting physical, intellectual, emotional, and social skills,” Kidberry offers classes from music to art to ballet and “hippitee-hop” dance, as well as foreign language classes and more! Each class takes up to 10 kids and lasts for between 10 and 12 weeks. Kidberry also features drop-in classes for those who can’t participate in a full semester and even offers special birthday party packages. Kidberry is located at 2046 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard. For more information and scheduling please visit their website or call: 212-866-KIDS.

- The Little Gym, a franchise with over 300 locations worldwide, offers a variety of classes for children ages four months through 12 years. With parent/child classes as well as dance, gymnastics, karate and sports skill development, The Little Gym focuses on “Three-Dimensional Learning.” This structure is based on three principles: “Get Moving!” “Brain Boost!” and “Citizen Kid!” which are designed to help your child learn healthy physical, mental and social habits. The Little Gym also hosts camps, Parents’ Survival Nights and birthday bashes. The Little Gym is located at 258 St. Nicholas Avenue. For more information and scheduling please visit their website or call: 646-684-4262.

- Sol La Ti’s Music Together of Morningside Heights and Harlem was started in 1997 when Gabriele Tranchina, a world-renowned jazz vocalist, decided to share her love of music with the next generation by training to become a Music Together teacher. Music Together is recognized as an international leader in early childhood music education and offers music and movement classes for parents and children from newborn to five years. Since 1997, Sol La Ti’s branch has expanded to three different locations with three additional teachers. Classes are offered at Grace Congregational Church at 310 West 139^th Street, Morningside Gardens at 100 La Salle Street and Broadway Presbyterian Church at 601 West 114^th Street. For more information and scheduling please visit their website or call: 212-592-4627.

What are your kids’ favorite places to play, learn and grow?

YOUTH RESOURCES EXPO SET AT RIVERBANK STATE PARK

Community Involvement, Harlem, Kids, Parks No Responses »

Apr 222011

Manhattan Community Board 9 will present its Youth Resources Expo at the Riverbank State Park on 145^th Street and Riverside Drive on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Youth Resources Expo Image1 YOUTH RESOURCES EXPO SET AT RIVERBANK STATE PARK The expo is an opportunity to bring a variety of organizations together to provide information on youth-related programs and services for families in Harlem and Northern Manhattan.

Among the participants is Columbia University’s Double Discovery Center, which serves more than 1,000 low-income and first-generation, college-bound students in New York City grades 7 through 12, and provides model educational programs and services to young people historically underrepresented in higher education. Also on hand: The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, a Harlem-based non-profit organization that empowers young men and women through programs and services including mentoring, leadership development, international study, academic tutoring, internships, job training and more; and the NYPD’s Explorers program from the 26^th Precinct, which is designed to educate young men and women about law enforcement.

Riverbank State Park from the air YOUTH RESOURCES EXPO SET AT RIVERBANK STATE PARK Even if you can’t make the expo, the park is worth a visit.

Did you know that Riverbank State Park is the third most-visited park in New York State?

One of the reasons Riverbank attracts so much attention and so many visitors is its unique design Inspired by the urban rooftop designs of Japan, the 28-acre multi-level landscaped recreational facility is also state-of-the-art. Situated some 69 feet over the Hudson River, Riverbank is the ideal setting for a wide variety of recreational, athletic and art experiences for all ages, interests and abilities.

Housed in five major buildings, there’s an Olympic-size pool, a covered skating rink (roller skating in the summer, ice skating in the winter) an 800-seat cultural theater, a 2,500-seat athletic complex with fitness rooms and a 150-seat restaurant. Among the outdoor sports amenities, there’s a 25-yard lap pool, a wading pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, a softball field and a 400-meter, eight-lane running track in addition to picnic areas, spectacular views of the Hudson River, the Palisades and the George Washington Bridge and much more.

athleticfield at Riverbank State Park YOUTH RESOURCES EXPO SET AT RIVERBANK STATE PARK All of these sports amenities make the Youth Resources Expo and Riverbank State Park a great fit. (Except for pets, which are prohibited throughout the park.)

Community Board 9 represents one of the most diverse communities in Manhattan, including the neighborhoods of Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, Hamilton Heights and the historic Sugar Hill District – an area that includes Columbia University, The City College of New York and the aforementioned Riverbank State Park.

For more information on the Youth Expo at Riverbank State Park or to participate, drop them a line at: cb9youthcomm@googlegroups.com or call 212-864-6200.

Celebrate Purim in Morningside Heights on March 7

Community Involvement, Harlem, Kids No Responses »

Mar 022011

Harlem’s Jewish history dates back to the Harlem Renaissance when large numbers of Eastern European Jews immigrated to the neighborhood. Today, Harlem continues to honor its past, by celebrating its cultural diversity.

As part of this celebration, the Bloomingdale Branch of the New York Library (150 West 100^th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues) will be hosting a fun-filled day of mask decorating and celebrations to teach kids about the customs and culture behind the Jewish holiday, Purim. The “Celebrate Purim!” event will take place on Monday, March 7 at 4pm.

The traditional Jewish holiday – officially on March 14this year – commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from their enemies in ancient Persia, as recorded in the biblical Book of Esther. As is customary with most Jewish holidays, Purim begins the evening before, on March 13, and continues throughout the following day. The holiday is celebrated by reading scriptures from the Book of Esther, sending out gifts of food to family and friends, and holding carnival-like celebrations.

Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, “Celebrate Purim!” will give kids a chance to explore the history behind Purim as well as engage in festive arts and crafts. “Celebrate Purim!” welcomes children between the ages of six and 12, as well as parents, teachers, educators, library supporters, and families. This event requires pre-registration. Register either in person or call the library at 212-222-8030.

Best,
Bea

Q&A with Marva Allen, founder of Hue-Man Bookstore

Culture, Harlem, Holidays, Insider Interviews, Kids, Morningside Heights, Retail 4 Responses »

Nov 102010

In a new series, Morningsider will bring you exclusive interviews with neighborhood VIPs. Our first interview is with Marva Allen, founder of Hue-Man Bookstore & Café, located at 2319 Frederick Douglass Boulevard (between 124th and 125th Streets).

Since opening its doors in 2002, Hue-Man has pursued a mission to inspire, educate and inform through the medium of book sales and café delights. The bookstore quickly established itself as a cornerstone in the revival of Harlem and flourishes today.

In this Q&A, Marva tells Morningsider about the Hue-Man Bookstore, and gives us her insight into the digital age, her favorite authors and more!

1. Tell us about the Hue-Man Bookstore.

A privately held company, Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe LLC is one of the largest and best known African-American bookstores in the country, and enjoys the reputation of a top-flight organization nationwide. With a stream of events and appearances by well-known guests and everyday authors, Hue-Man has hosted such literary figures as Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Alicia Keys, Walter Mosley, LeRoy Neiman, George Wein, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee – just to name of few.

Since its infancy, Hue-Man quickly emerged as a major player in the cultural life of Harlem, becoming a community hub for local New Yorkers as well as a national mecca for intellectual pursuits. Informative, enlightening, and enriching, the bookstore boasts 23 to 25 calendar events per month. Hue-Man offers the traditional atmosphere of a bookstore, which is warm and inviting, yet modern in its design and aesthetically pleasing. The store features the work of the Diaspora, a variety of non-ethnic titles, and an extensive children’s collection.

2. We heard you were partnering with Busboys & Poets from Washington, DC. Can you tell us about that?

Busboys and Poets, a D.C. based company is a great concept with a wonderful business model. A collaboration between us would enhance both our brands and extend our missions which are very similar…to serve and strengthen community. We’ll be happy to share more information as it becomes available.

3. In the age of Kindles and iPads, why is a great independent bookstore like yours still so critical to the community? Clearly the Kindle and iPad provide another delivery system….optimized for some but nothing in my opinion should replace a book. Authors can’t sign Kindles and iPads. Sometimes progress is not progress at all, and I’d rather turn the page with my kid than read from a Kindle. Plus they run out of batteries! People will make the choice that best suits their lifestyle, but nothing should every replace Sunday Dinner with the family, books with pages, and dog ears.

4. There are so many great events taking place at Hue-Man in November. Is there anything specific you’d like to draw attention to? On December 7 from 6-8pm, we will be hosting Thought Leader John Hope Bryant of Operation Hope. The message of economic empowerment he brings is one every Harlemite should hear. We should indeed be moving rapidly from Civil rights to Silver Rights.

5. Who is your favorite author and why? I have so many. I read authors of every nationality, every race, every creed… that’s really the only way to get a panoramic view of the world and its cultures. So, I go from Milton to McMillan. If I had to choose one writer, I’d probably say Paulo Coelho.

6. What books have you read lately that you would recommend? The Sisterhood by Nichol Bradford, 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter…and The Guardians of Time, which is not yet published but should be if only real authors could get publishing contracts.

7. Any good new Harlem related books you can recommend? Yes, a wonderful new coffee table book by Deborah Willis: Harlem: A Century in Images… just beautiful!

Hue-Man Bookstore & Café

2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd

(Between 124th and 125th Streets)

New York, NY 10027

Tel: 212-665-7400

Fax: 212-665-1071

Store Hours:

Mondays – Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

http://www.huemanbookstore.com/

A Special Holiday Time in Harlem

Holidays, Kids, Marcus Garvey Park No Responses »

Oct 292010

Nothing shows the vibrancy of a community as how it celebrates a holiday. Last Halloween I must admit that I missed plans to go to a roof party at my friend’s place on the West Village parade route as I was struck and inspired by the emerging Halloween tradition in Central Harlem. Kudos to the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association, the neighborhood had organized the first ever kiddie Halloween costume competition and neighborhood crawl. Blessed with good weather, the neighborhood was abuzz as beautifully clad children travelled the streets, smiling parents in tow, as ghoulish neighbors sat waiting on brownstone porches with decadent treats. Who needed the West Village when the Village of West Harlem was full in bloom!

So this year, unfortunately again, I will be missing my friend’s party in the West Village. Please do check out the calendar of events for Halloween on MMPCIA’s website at http://mmpcia.org. Highlights include the following:

Saturday October 30:

1 PM:
The Halloween Parade in Marcus Garvey Park neighborhood

2-5 PM:
Dance & Costume Contest! Categories include Children, Teenagers, Adults—and Dogs!

4-7 PM:
Spooky Haunted House will open at The Jericho Project, 2013 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd and W121 Street.

Sunday, October 31

4-6 PM:
Trick-or-Treating Around the Mount Morris Park Neighborhood

6 PM:
Best Dressed House Contest

So enjoy the Hood and the Fun!

Best,

Bea

Enjoy Columbus Day Weekend Uptown!

Art, Culture, Kids, Restaurants No Responses »

Oct 092010

If having the most perfect fall weather was not enough to celebrate, this Columbus Day Weekend we have a wonderful confluence of food, culture, community and entertainment events to be enjoyed Uptown. The first annual Harlem Harvest Festival & Fresh Food Summit is happening on Saturday, October 9th, from 9 am to 5pm at A. Phillip Randolph Square, 116th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. Hosted by Harlem Park to Park and H4, the day offers a unique blend of farmers market, Taste of Harlem’s top restaurants, children activities, fresh food summit and more! Live entertainment includes a performance from the Dance Theater of Harlem. See harlemharvestfestival.org for a full list of times and performances. Also go to harlemparktopark.org for details on Oktoberfest celebrations that the Harlem Harvest Festival is a central part of.

Continuing the cultural experience Uptown on Columbus Day Weekend is the Harlem Art Walking Tour 2010, which occurs Saturday & Sunday, October 9th-10th. The tour features the work of 90 artists represented in various Harlem galleries, mainly below 125^th Street. Look out for the Artwalk foot poster at participating shops to get a map of all the sites or download it from Casa Frela. And if that is not enough, talk those walking legs a little more Uptown to the Strivers Art Circuit 2010, which also occurs Saturday & Sunday, October 9th-10th. It is presented in tandem with the Harlem Art Walking Tour and features a self guided tour of galleries north of 125^th Street. For details see the website of the event sponsor, the Harlem Arts Alliance.

After loading up with some caffeine you may also want to check out Open House New York 2010, also occurring on Saturday & Sunday, October 9th-10th. OHNY is in its 7th year and going strong! Check out all of New York City’s great architectural sites this weekend, including Uptown locations, and take advantage of this free event. Full list of locations see the organizations website at ohny.org.

Or if taking a seat on your stoop, and enjoying the beautiful day is more up your alley, absolutely enjoy!

Best,

Bea

Playtime for Kids

Harlem, Kids No Responses »

May 122010

The Little Gym of Harlem (St. Nicholas Ave. & 123rd Street) is a great place for children to kick off their shoes and have fun, and for mommies and daddies to get a little time off too! On Sunday, May 16, you can check out some little people programs during their pre-summer Open House. The younger set (4 months – 3 years) can participate in “It’s all about our Bugs-Super Beast” from 3pm to 4:30pm. For older kids (3 1/2 – 12 years), there will be “Calling All Preschool and Grade School Students” from 4:30pm to 6pm. The open house is free to all members and $15 for non-members, and local restaurant fave Chez Lucienne will provide refreshments. Even though part of an international franchise, our local The Little Gym does feel very homey!

- Bea

MORNINGSIDER