The Streets Where We Live

December Photo Challenge #15, 16 and 17, This is Where We Catch Up, The Windows of Washington Heights and Inwood

Tinsel.

 

Simple.

 
 Sparkling.

SPONSOR A CHILD PROGRAM at Inwood's Bread and Yoga

I love this idea. From Marcela Xavier, owner of Bread and Yoga in Inwood:

Dear Friends and Family,

We are working towards eventually getting funding that will allow all kids in our neighborhood to benefit from our programs for free. But while we keep working on that, we decided to start small and use the help of everyone in sponsoring low-income kids in our area through one of our programs this winter season. Please ready on to learn more.

We hope you can join us in making a difference in a child's life.

Much love and Peace to you this holiday season.
Marcela Xavier

****************************

SPONSOR A CHILD PROGRAM at Bread and Yoga

Commit to making a difference right here in your community. Sponsor a child through Yoga, Art or Music this winter. Bread and Yoga is partnering with Zena Group, a NYC not-for-profit arts organization, to sponsor low-income kids in our neighborhood. Our after school classes include:

- Drama & Yoga with Michelle Bernard for kids 4 to 7 years old. - Kids Yoga with Stacey Linden for kids 7 to 10 years old. - Scribble Art Workshop with Sasha Schwartz for grades K-5 - Little Songwriters’ Club with Christopher Wilson and Eric Nolan for grades 2-5. Donations are tax-deductible and will go towards fully funding a low-income child through one of our programs. We are working with guidance counselors from local schools to identify kids that would benefit the most from what we offer. Our classes focus on building strength, self-esteem, focus, concentration, independence and responsibility. Children are introduced to ideas they wouldn’t normally be exposed to in their daily lives. This is an opportunity to change a child’s life. Are you looking for a socially mindful holiday gift? This year, sponsor a child! Donations in any amount are welcome. Checks can be made out to Zena Group Theater, Inc. and mailed to: Bread and Yoga 4951 Broadway, Suite 6 New York, NY 10034 For more information please contact Marcela Xavier at director@breadandyoga.com or call 646 645 4112.

Marcela Xavier

Founder/Director - Bread and Yoga

www.breadandyoga.com

646 - 645 4112

Mayor's Rodent Task Patrol-- Hold the jokes please.

From Martin Collins, deputy chief of staff for Assembly Member Adriano Espaillat: 

The Mayor's Rodent Task Force seeks the help of Washington Heights - Inwood residents to index rodents in the neighborhood. Tenants groups and block associations - this is a chance to help reduce vermin in the community. 

Please email collinsm@assembly.state.ny.us for more information

December Photo Challenge #14, Christmas Hibiscus

I had no idea these could grow in the winter, in the middle of Washington Heights. Love it. Ho. Ho. Ho. 

December Photo Challenge #13, Park Terrace Garden Holiday.

Inwood today. Inwood yesterday. 

Tonight: Inwood Hill Park Viewing of Geminid Meteor Shower

The Inwood Astronomy Project is at it again, hosting a Geminid Meteor Shower viewing tonight in Inwood Hill Park. Tomorrow night's viewing most likely won't happen because of the cloudy forecast, so bundle up and get your meteor viewing on.

Meet at the entrance of Inwood Hill Park at Payson and Beak Streets at 9:00 pm, tonight, Saturday, Dec. 12.

December Photo Challenge #12, ChocoSanta is Coming to Town

At the store.

At home.

In our bellies.

New Inwood Lamppost on Broadway and 211th Street

I know this isn't groundbreaking news, but I was really fascinated by the installation of this lamppost. Those things are HEAVY!

  

December Photo Challenge #11, Merry Christmas Doorway

Broadway in the 190s, Washington Heights 

December Photo Challenge #10, Crafty Christmas in Washington Heights

You might remember this corner from Halloween. This time, our inventive resident, this building's super's wife's uncle, has craftily built a tree out of wood and decorated the entire alleyway. One photo cannot suffice. 

I absolutely adore the care this man has taken to create a small holiday living room in his building's alleyway. 

 

His niece explained that there is no real tree under there. He took planks of wood and fashioned a tree shape and then decorated each "branch" with tinsel and garland. 

 He decorated a bookshelf (check out how he leveled the feet) and wrapped presents for under the tree.
 
 
Imagine sitting here watching your favorite holiday shows with the family. 

In order to make it bright at night, he created a flood light lampshade out of a plastic bin. 

 

And added a warm glow from a lamp. 

The care and inventiveness he took in this somewhat grim alleyway reminded me of my grandmother, Lala. These two would have been good friends if they had met. Unfortunately, my grandmother today has Alzheimer's disease.

Lala never had a great deal of money once we came to the States from Argentina. But she had grace and style and craftiness. She was a movie star and Martha Stewart all in one. 

She would see something she liked in a store or on television and whip up something better for the house, us or herself. The costumes I wore at Halloween were amazing and won awards. The dolls she made were unique and special. The Barbie dresses she made me were haute couture. 

The riches we enjoyed from her inventiveness and fearlessness are treasures to me. I can only hope that one day I will be able to carry on her spirit somewhere and somehow in my life. Here's to you this Christmas, Lala. Te adoro.