The Streets Where We Live

Inwood 99 Cent Store Reopens After Fire, Now Dollar Tower

After more than five months of repairs stemming from a massive fire, Inwood's newly named Dollar Tower discount store reopened  on West 207th Street, between Broadway and Vermilyea.  The store's grand reopening took place on Friday, November 20, and the store was busy through the weekend.

Although the store front has a new awning and name (the store was previously called The 99 Cent Zone)...

...and the cashiers are now on the left of the store instead of the right, the inside of the store is nearly identical to its pre-incendiary space.

They even kept the leaky piping toward the rear of the store.

But I've jumped ahead, the store now carries a wider array of foods...

...spices...

 

...my favorite hot sauce, Frank's Red Hot...

 

...perfect tiny holders for cupcake party treats...

...and toys to play with at that party. 

They are even now carrying my personal favorite, the "I Love New Yelk" mugs.

Bread and Yoga Studio Opening on Saturday, September 19

Next week Inwood will have a new space to practice downward dog and say Om..

I ran into longtime Inwood resident and owner of Bread and Yoga Marcela Xavier and was delighted to hear that the studio will open its doors to a reduced schedule this Saturday, September 19. A few weeks later, the studio will be offering its full schedule.

As most Inwood residents know, Inwood has had a rocky past with yoga studios, but judging by the enthusiasm of the residents I've spoken to over hte past few months, this studio will receive a warm welcome. Take a look at the site and give a call or stop by if you're interested in classes. The studio is located at 4951 Broadway, 2nd floor, with the entrance on the northwest side (thanks to Rose for catching error) of West 207th Street, between Broadway and Cooper.

UPDATE: Inwood Post Office on the Chopping Block? (Apparently Not)

Vermilyea Post Office this March.

The Inwood Post Office may close if the United States Postal Service (USPS) doesn't find a way to make up for its massive financial losses this year. Yesterday the USPS announced that it may close close to 700 branches in the country to remedy its financial woes, which just this year have resulted in a loss of nearly $7 billion. Of the 700 branches nationwide, 53 are located in New York City.

Although this is sure to bring on a mixed emotional response for many Inwoodites who have complained about the local post office's service on Vermilyea Avenue, a closure of that location would leave area residents with two options nearby, the office on Broadway in Kingsbridge and in Fort Washington on Broadway and Nagle. Further south, the future of the imperiled Sergeant Ryan Tejeda Post Office on West 180th Street remains uncertain.

No word yet on a local political response.

UPDATE: The New York Times and Inwoodite on Twitter reports that the Inwood Post Office is not at risk of closing at the end of this year. Inwood is not on the list of five Manhattan post offices that are now being singled out for closure. Originally, 53 New York City post offices were slated for closire, with 25 located in Manhattan. 

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.