The Streets Where We Live

Holiday Offerings of Svaroopa® Style and Embodyment® Yoga Therapy

Scott Holtzman of Subtle Spirit, which features Svaroopa® Style and Embodyment® Yoga Therapy, and Inwood's Bread and Yoga studio, sent over som eof his new offerings for this holiday season. Have a peaceful and relaxing holiday season by incorporating some yoga practice in your life.

Holiday Season Embodyment® Specials

Receive a first time Embodyment® yoga therapy session for half-price (just $25) between now and New Year's Eve. Already received an Embodyment® session, yet still want one for $25? Refer a friend and once they complete their session, you will get one for $25.

New Spinal Release for a Cause Donation Classes

October's Spinal Release For A Cause was a great success! Eight people participated, raising $66 that went to Habitat for Humanity. Let's make the next one an even bigger success!!! Details for the next event are below.

When: Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 / 3:00p - 5:00p

Where: Bread and Yoga (4951 Broadway, 2nd Floor (entrance next to Citibank))

What: A yoga class in the Svaroopa® style will be offered, focusing on lower spinal release. The cost of the class is donation (no minimum required). As a neat twist on the donation element, all participants will submit the name of a local or national charity or non-profit organization (or something of that nature) and we will draw one name from a hat during a short tea and cookie social. All the proceeds from the class will go to the chosen place in Bread and Yoga's name.

Cost: Donation only (no minimum required).

Scheduling Change

New class schedule.

Om Shanti

Nov. 7: Free Flu Shots Available to Senior Citizens in Inwood and Washington Heights

Image from Canada.com.

From Martin Collins, community liaison for Assembly Member Adriano Espaillat:

Flu shots for senior citizens are available from the NY Presbyterian Ambulatory Care Network, Visiting Nurse Services of NY, co-sponsored by Senator Eric Schneiderman, Assemblymembers Adriano Espaillat & Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Borough President Scott Stringer & Councilmember Robert Jackson:

Saturday, November 7 from 10:00am-1:00pm at Good Shepherd School, 620 Isham St. (bet. Cooper St. & Seaman Ave.)

Please call 212-544-2278 to make an appointment, which is required as only 150 shots will be available November 7.

MeetUp Event this Sunday: Inwood Hill Park Walk and Yoga in the Woods

Looking for an unusual outdoor yoga experience? Join this MeetUp group for some fun and fitness and say Om to Inwood Hill Park. 

Inwood Park Walk and Yoga in the Woods

• Export to a calendar

Oct18

Sun 12:00 PM

Location

Inwood Park

Corner of Dyckman St. and Payson Ave
NY, NY 10034

How to find us
"I'll be wearing an orange US Open hat"

Who’s coming?

5 Yes / 0 Maybe

15 spots left

Who's organizing? 
Peter

Price

$4.00 per person 
refund policy

A walk through Inwood Park with a 1/2 hour beginning yoga class.

A short (two hours, at the most) nature hike through the woods - actually Manhattan's last, and only, second growth forest (some trees over 3 feet wide!). Learn a little about the ecology and geology of the area and what birds and mammals are in the park.

Half way through the walk we will stop at the top meadow for a 1/2 hour beginning yoga class in the woods. NoMO member Rebecca will lead us in basic yoga moves, standing meditation, relaxation and breathing techniques that will invigorate.

No mats are needed, for this beginner class we will be standing the entire time. All experience levels are welcome for the beginning yoga class. Even if you've never tried yoga before, you will find this to be enjoyable.

About our instructor - Rebecca has been practicing yoga for 18 years, Buddhist meditation for 8, and received her 200-hour teaching certification in Kripalu-inspired Prana Yoga from The New York Open Center.

Recently Rebecca gave a quick yoga class on a GWB/Long Path walk and it was very relaxing and fun.

The walk itself is fairly short, two miles up and down hills on old paved trails. At most you might want to bring a hat, dress loosely for the yoga class and bring a bottle of water.

Meet at the corner of Dyckman St. and Payson Ave - right by the playground(we'll enter the park on Payson Ave.). Payson Ave is a few blocks west of Broadway. 1 or A train to Dyckman St. stop.

We will begin at 12:00 noon. The A train Shuttle bus is scheduled to run that day - please leave extra travel time. And to think I actually believed the MTA when they said they were done with the shuttle bus... :)

We'll end the hike by the soccer fields pretty close to Indian Road Cafe where you can grab a coffee or iced mocha chai latte for the walk home.

*The walk ends at the north end of the park - you can walk east on 218th St. to catch a bus on Broadway or the 1 at 215th St., or pass by the ballfields and head east on Isham to catch the A at 207th.*

$4 fee

Rabid Raccoon Found in Inwood Hill Park

According to Patrick O'Keefe, Inwoodite and Vice President of Bergh Memorial Animal (housed at the ASPCA on the Upper East Side), a raccoon in Inwood tested positive for rabies. The raccoon in Inwood was found outside of Inwood Hill Park on West 207th Street and Payson Avenue on July 6. Although rabid raccoons are extremely rare in New York City (a rabid raccoon has not been identified in the area since 2001, yet four other raccoons tested positive in the Bronx), park-goers should be extremely cautious near wild animals, especially with small children or pets. In an email by a source, O'Keefe suggests that pet owners make certain that their animals are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. "If an unvaccinated dog or cat is exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal they are required to enter a six month quarantine in an approved facility or be humanely euthanized," he writes.

UPDATE: There seems to be some confusion over how animals who are sick with rabies act. Wild animals should always be avoided, but animals with rabies are especially dangerous because their typical behavior is altered. So, an animal that would typically run away and hide from a curious person, child or pet could potentially confront and become an aggressor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on rabies for kids to learn about the disease and the New York City Bureau of Communicable Diseases has detailed information as well.

Biking and Walking Hazard on Hudson River Greenway

These pretty startling photos of a pothole along the bike path on the Westside seem to highlight a disconnect in the City's plan to connect the greenways through Manhattan. Anyone who loops their bike along the perimeter of the island knows that there are gaps in the Mayor's master plan. The Upper East Side can be dangerous, the path along the Harlem River Drive near Highbridge Park can be dangerously dark and, as Brad Aaron of Inwoodite recently pointed out on Streetsblog, the Hudson River Greenway in Washington Heights can be downright dangerous and confusing to navigate. 

The addition of this pothole just south of Dyckman Street makes it even more dangerous. According to a poster by the name of Otto, this pothole has been in the area at least since June 2 when he took these photos (he writes that the pothole has now doubled in size) and called 311 to report the problem. More than one month later, the problem has not yet been recitfied. 

Otto asks that neighbors contact Community Board 12 to ask that this be repaired (212-568-8500). I just called and was put through a labrynth of voicemail trees, but finally left a voice mail in the general mailbox. I'll report back if I receive any call in response. I've responded on the thread as well to see if there is a 311 number for us to reference. That usually helps the process move along. 

Happy biking/ walking/ running/ not falling in a big ol' hole!

Massage in Wasington Heights

Neck tight and back out of alignment? No need to go downtown to get back in the game. Stefanie, a neighborhood masseuse and mother, is restarting her massage practice and is interested in hearing from you.

The following is a note from Stefanie. You can contact her directly through the information listed below:

After being a full time mom for a few years, I have decided it's time to resume
my massage therapy practice.

I am a licensed massage therapist, trained at the Swedish Institute with more
than 10 years experience treating a wide range of patients; film and theater
actors, dancers and athletes, busy professionals who spend too much time on the
computer, patients recovering from injuries and mom's looking for prenatal
relief. I'm a former modern dancer and personal trainer so I have always
approached my practice with that experience, from working on specific
therapeutic goals to general relaxation and stress relief.

Before I was a mom I was listed as one of Allure's top 10 massage therapists in
NYC. I had a very loyal and regular clientele on the UWS and the UES during
that time. Now I am looking to build my practice again, in this neighborhood.

Given the stress and anxiety in this economy, I think it's important that
people take care of themselves as they shoulder -literally- more anxiety and
tension in the workplace.

I wanted to make sure everything was in place before I began my practice again.
I have secured a dedicated workspace at Fort Washington and 187th St., my 6 year
old son is in school and camp full time, and I'm ready to begin focusing on my
profession again. Since I'm now establishing my practice again, here in
Washington Heights, I am offering an introductory rate. You can call me at
212-873-3720 or drop me an email- stefaniels@yahoo.com. We can discuss rates,
my approach to bodywork, and your therapeutic needs and goals.

Svaroopa® Series Classes in Inwood- Still Space Left

Image of Scott's Svaroopa® Studio

From Scott Holtzman: 

There is still space left in all three Svaroopa® yoga series classes
starting on May 23rd. These classes offer a thorough and easy-to-grasp
introduction to the principles and practice of Svaroopa® yoga as well
providing a platform upon which to build a home Svaroopa® yoga practice -
all at reduced rates!

Sign-up now to reserve your space. If space runs out, more series classes
will be offered.

Contact Scott Holtzman at 718-530-5442 or scottholtzman@mac.com

==============================
Series Classes
When: Saturday's 10-11:30a (5/23 - 8/8)
Cost: $40 for one series (4 classes); $110 for all three (12 classes)
Details:

Daily Practice (5/23 - 6/13) - By repeating simple, foundational poses based
on the primary principles of Svaroopa® yoga students will be able to take
the practice home with them, empowering them to open up more fully to the
bliss of their own being - the essence of what Svaroopa® yoga provides.

Lower Spinal Release (6/20 - 7/11) - Everything begins at the tailbone. The
release of the tailbone effects the entire physical body and the subtle
(energy) body. By focusing on the opening of the lower spine students will
experience this subtle and profound truth.

Upper Spinal Release - (7/18 - 8/8) - Every Svaroopa® yoga pose is for the
spine. The two primary places where the spine is tight is in the tailbone
and the vertebrae behind the heart. Lower Spinal Release concentrates on
opening the tailbone. Upper Spinal Release keeps that concentration, but
also moves up the spine to the ribcage to help open the vertebrae behind the
heart.

==============================
Regular Class Schedule

Mon            3-4:30p
Tue             3-4:30p
Wed            3-4:30p
Thu             3-4:30p, 6-7:00p, 8-9:15p
Fri               3-4:30p, 6-7:00p
Sat             10-11:30a, 12-1:30p
Sun            10-11:30a, 12-1:30p

==============================
Pricing

Drop-in classes are $12 per class ($5 for the first class)
5 classes for $55, expires in 30 days

10 classes for $100 expires in 60 days

Champion Clothing Photo Shoot in Inwood Hill Park

Champion clothing is shooting an ad campaign in Inwood Hill Park today. According to Martin Collins, community liaison for Assembly Member Adriano Espaillat, the permit runs until 8 p.m.

Svaroopa ® Yoga in Inwood

Image from a Texas-based yoga studio

A parent at InwoodKids recently posted information about Svaroopa ® Yoga now being offered in Inwood. Svaroopa ® Yoga is taught with an emphasis on properly extending and stretching the spine in very prescriptive movement. 

Scott Holtzman teaches this type of yoga in group and private settings near the intersection of Seaman and Payson Avenues. I've listed the information for classes and testimonials listed on InwoodKids. Please contact Scott at the email listed below.

==========================
Pricing:
Drop in - $12 per class ($5 for 1st class)
Class Card: $55 for 5 classes (30 day expiry)
$100 for 10 classes (60 day expiry)
Privates - $30 ($10 for 1st class)
Series Classes - $40 each series; $110 for all three:

Daily Practice (5/23 - 6/13) - Repeating simple, foundational poses easily remembered allows students to take the practice home.

Lower Spinal Release (6/20 - 7/11) - By focusing on opening the lower spine students realize the subtle truth that releasing the tailbone effects the entire physical and energetic body.

Upper Spinal Release (7/18 - 8/8) - Adding to lower spinal release students work to open the tight heart center.

==========================
Schedule:
Mon 3:00 - 4:30p
Tue 3:00 - 4:30p
Wed 3:00 - 4:30p
Thu 3:00 - 4:30p 6:00 - 7:00p 8:00 - 9:15p
Fri 3:00 - 4:30p 6:00 - 7:00p
Sat *10 - 11:30a 10 - 11:30a
Sun 12 - 1:30p 12 - 1:30p

* Starting May 23rd, three 4-week series classes will be offered. Reserve space
in the classes. Each series is only $40. Reserve all three for $110.

==========================
Svaroopa ® Yoga incorporates traditional Hatha yoga poses with careful attention to alignment, allowing the layers of muscles wrapped around the spinal column to release. Because these are the core muscles in our bodies, releasing them offers a deep opening, a greater sense of self-awareness, and an incredible experience of bliss. The foundations of Svaroopa� yoga are not physically strenuous, but their subtle nature allows for the awareness of changes within the body, mind, and spirit throughout the practice.

==========================
Testimonials:

"Scott's yoga classes are the most restorative and powerful sessions to revive me from my stressed-out state. He is an extremely patient and detailed teacher. I always leave feeling like I got a massage!"
-Angela Jia Kim, Founder of OmAroma.com and SavortheSuccess.com

"Scott's yoga sessions have been ideal for me. Scott himself is a warm, personable and attentive teacher; his classes are calming - he talks you through each pose, demonstrating and instructing. Before my first class, he told me that it was good that I couldn't remember any of the yoga poses from the practice I'd done 25 years earlier because his sessions were different, gentler, more inward focused than what most people thought of when they thought of yoga. That statement has definitely proven true for me. His poses are unique to my experience, precise but subtle, with a focus on the spine that is ultimately very relaxing, strengthening and freeing. As an Inwood resident, it's great to find affordable professional yoga classes without having to travel downtown."
- Gary R.

"Scott is a calm and gentle teacher of calm and gentle techniques in
his calm and gentle environment"
-Stephen Bickford

==========================
Contact scottholtzman@mac.com or 718-530-5442 for more information

Diabetes and Hypertension Clinic to Open on Cooper

While taking a different way to the subway yesterday morning, I came across a new store that looks like it's getting ready to open on Cooper, between Isham and W. 207th. The new store is located between the fairly new hair salon and launderette operate, in the space that previously housed a sneaker and clothing shop. 

According to the New York State Health Department, more than 73,000 people living in New York City were newly diagnosed with diabetes during a two year study it conducted from 2002 to 2004. The total registered a 17 percent increase of diagnoses during that time frame. 

 

As reported in the April 2008 issue of Preventing Chronic Disease, despite seeing an increase in rates of wealthier segments of the population in New York City, low-income black and Hispanic adults who live in low-income neighborhoods were found to still be among the fastest growing population diagnosed with diabetes. 

As for hypertension, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, one in four New Yorkers have high blood pressure with the black community accounting for one-third of the city's diagnosed sufferers. Latinos aren't far behind, making up 26 percent of the city's high blood pressure population.