Category Archives: education

Spanish Harlem museums participate in Museum Mile Festival

Jun 2, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
If you have never visited some of the wonderful museums in Spanish Harlem, such as El Museo del Barrio, Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) and its newest member-the Museum of African Art, well now is your opportunity…and for FREE! On June 14, El Museo del Barrio, MCNY, and the Museum of African Art will participate in the annual Museum Mile Festival.

One day a year, nine of New York City’s museums, all ones that call Fifth Avenue home, collectively open their doors from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. for free to New Yorkers and visitors for a mile-long block party and visual art celebration. This traffic-free, celebration fills the street and sidewalks of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th street, the mile designated as Museum Mile.

The Museum for African Art is the newest member to Museum Mile and is slated to open in September 2011. However, they will have a table out front. So be sure to stop by at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street.

Morningside Park Farmers Market returns May 28

May 27, 2011 @ 10:00
By HarlemGal
It seems just like yesterday I was buying organic honey, nuts, and bread outdoors from Morningside Park Farmers Market. Where did the year go? Now I have to get my grocery list ready because shopping at Morningside Park begins this Saturday, May 28th. I’m so ready! How about you?

Morningside Park Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM
110th and Manhattan Avenue

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First East Harlem International Film Festival starts June 1

May 27, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
There are several international film festivals that take place throughout New York City. However, how many actually take place uptown in Harlem? Not that many that I am aware of. Now Harlemites do not have to look or go far to see films from all over the world. We have an opportunity to see intelligent films for one week right in our own barrio-thanks to the East Harlem International Film Festival (EHIFF)!

The East Harlem International Film Festival will feature more than 40 films from June 1-5 in Spanish Harlem. The films that have been selected for this year’s festival come from as far away as China, India, Russia, Brazil and more! In addition, EHIFF will pay tribute to the late great Tito Puente, feature educational panels on the business of casting films, film distribution, and the process of filmmaking.

Based on their program, it appears they are offering an insightful agenda as well as recognizing the community. This is the first year for the East Harlem International Film Festival. So let’s get out there and support them! Click here to purchase tickets!

Part 5: NYLean25 fitness challenge in Harlem turning out results

May 25, 2011 @ 7:30

For the month of April, we have been hearing about the NYLean 25 fitness challenge from our HarlemCondoLife reader.  That month came and went. So what’s next? Our HCL reader tells us she has decided to extend the program into May. Let’s hear why!

Dear HarlemGal,
Since everything is going so well on the NYLean25 plan working out in Harlem, I decided to extend the program. For the last week in April, NYLean 25 founder and instructor Robert Brace wanted me to try the Turbo Diet plan. This is a fat burning diet meant for quick results.  It is designed to strip down your fat, sugar and carbohydrate intake while relying on protein to provide you with energy.

I want to tell you what the meal plan consists of and what I had to eat :

Breakfast- Egg whites or an egg white omelette for breakfast

Snack-  Tuna (no mayo) or 2% cottage cheese or turkey slices

Lunch- A salad with chicken, tofu, tuna or halibut w/ red wine vinegar as the dressing

Snack- Same as above

Dinner-   6 oz of chicken, tofu, tuna or halibut, romaine lettuce, cauliflower, cucumber and red wine vinegar

You can eat as many green vegetables as you want. Stay off the alcohol. Water is the only drink recommended, but zero sugar, zero calorie beverages are also an option.

This was no easy task. I had friends in from London and Dallas and lots of social activities planned. I even had another work event BACK at Dylan’s Candy Bar!

The only thing that has kept me going on the NYLEAN25 plan is that I have actually been seeing RESULTS!  Other people have noticed it too. So, I decided it was time to take out that box of clothes I had stashed away in the bottom of my closet with stuff that no longer fit. It felt incredible when I was able to fit into a pair of denim capris that I couldn’t come close to even buttoning last year! Some things are still tight, so I still have a way to go, but I am feeling really great about my progress!

Here is NYLean25 Weight Loss tip #4 for all you HarlemCondoLife readers:

Eat Slowly and Stop When Hunger Ceases

Eat slowly and stop when you are no longer hungry before you feel full. Savor each bite and you’ll probably feel more satisfied than if you “wolf” it down in just a few minutes. Don’t eat in front of TV or while on the computer. You should be focused on your food and listening to your body tell you its full

I will share with you my final days on NYLean 25 soon. So far, I am so glad and happy that I joined the NYLean25. Working out in Harlem has been challenge, but very rewarding.

Spanish Harlem girls school in Vanity Fair

May 23, 2011 @ 11:00
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By HarlemGal
A big congrats to The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) and its founder Ann Tisch for getting a nice mention in the June issue of Vanity Fair. The article mentions how Tisch started the all girls school 18 years ago in Spanish Harlem, located at 106th and Park Avenue, and will soon be reaching a major milestone, 11 graduations. One hundred percent of the schools graduates are accepted at colleges.

To read more about TYWLS and its founder, purchase the June issue of Vanity Fair.

Help kickstart the ‘Changing Face of Harlem’

May 23, 2011 @ 7:30

By HarlemGal
A few years ago a good friend of mine, who is a documentary filmmaker in New York City, wanted me to meet fellow filmmaker Shawn Batey. My good friend knew I was interested in all things positive about Harlem so she said to me “come see a film rough cut about Harlem. There is this filmmaker I want you to meet, who is literally documenting the changes of Harlem. I think you should come.” And so I did. I’m excited to tell you about this documentary about Harlem!

Trailer- Changing Face of Harlem

The rough cut I saw was titled the Changing Face of Harlem. It’s been in the works for more than ten years. The Changing Face of Harlem is a film told from the voices of longtime residents, business owners, politicians, developers, and clergy about the dreams and struggles of a neighborhood. This film explains Harlem’s intricate history and how Harlem is undergoing a huge rebirth and revival just like many other urban communities of color. Changing Face of Harlem takes a critical look at how Harlem has undergone its present transformation.

When a filmmaker sets out to create a documentary especially about Harlem, it takes a lot of hard work-to say the least. That hard work leads to hundreds of hours of footage that needs to be edited. Shawn, the women behind the Changing Face of Harlem, is ready to go into the editing booth to complete her documentary on Harlem. You and I can help her get into the editing booth soon to complete her film. How? By going to Kickstarter.com. Go to Kickstarter to make a donation at various levels. It can be $15 or $1500. Shawn’s goal is to raise $5k this summer so that she can hire an editor.

I made a donation to help Shawn get into the editing booth. I hope you will join me in helping to kickstart and complete the documentary titled the Changing Face of Harlem.

To learn more about the film, go to www.changingfaceofharlem.com

You’re invited to Harlem’s Mount Morris Park Annual House Tour

May 21, 2011 @ 8:00
By HarlemGal
Did you receive the invitation from Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association regarding their 22nd Annual House Tour? I did and I am so psyched for the event! Now I am passing along for your consideration! It is Sunday, June 12th!

This is the time when one can see some of the most beautiful brownstones in New York City (for me the entire universe) that line and make up Central Harlem, also known as the Mt. Morris Park area. Remember how this area was recently praised by New York Magazine?

Here is the low down for those interested in attending:

  • 11 AM to 4 PM: Follow the Self-Guided Tour of Homes 
  • 1 PM and 3 PM: Join the Architectural Walking Tour
  • 12 Noon and 2 PM: Go Inside Historic Harlem
  • 1:30 PM: Join the Marcus Garvey Park Walking Tour

Mark your calendars and hope to see you there June 12!

Local artist introduced by Harlem Gal profiled by DNAInfo

May 20, 2011 @ 15:00

By HarlemGal
Scanning through this week’s news clips, we could not help but notice the DNAInfo profile on Harlem watercolorist Lynn Lieberman. A big congrats to Lynn on her recent press coverage! And kudos to us for being the first blog to introduce the talented watercolorist to our readers back in February 2010. We are flattered to be viewed as a credible source of information for art and culture!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Don’t miss Broadway at Harlem Meer

May 15, 2011 @ 11:06
By HarlemGal
Broadway comes to Harlem today! An array of Broadway’s Rising Stars singing music form the great oldies, to current smash hits will be at Harlem Meer this afternoon starting at 2 p.m. Broadway at Harlem Meer will benefit The Union Settlement Association, Manhattan HIV Network for children with HIV and AIDS.

Take the 2/3 subway train to 110th Street at Central Park North or jump on the 6 to 110th Street and walk west to Central Park!

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Harlem Yoga Studio makes 125th street hOMe

May 12, 2011 @ 7:15

By HarlemGal
The wonderful and dedicated teachers over at Harlem Yoga Studio gave us the heads up recently that they have a new hOMe on West 125th Street. If you recall, they use to be located at 119th and Lenox Ave in a nice size corner brownstone. Fast forward to today, Harlem Yoga Studio classes are now on the third floor of 20110511-111445.jpg
44 West 125 Street between Lenox and Fifth Ave. This new space offers plenty of room for yogis to practice their sun salutations, warrior pose or downward dog, etc. right in the heart of Harlem.

In addition to the move, Harlem Yoga Studio is updating their class schedule to include new adult classes, and many more Vinyasa, YogaTone, Prenatal, Full Figured Yoga, Donation Only Community Classes, Pilates, Kids and Family classes, and more! Check out their website for exact class details.

And in honor of the new location, Harlem Yoga Studio is offering FREE Yoga outside starting this coming Saturday, May 14. Every Saturday from May 14 through September at 11 AM Harlem Yoga Studio will offer a FREE one hour yoga class at the Target East Harlem Community Garden located at 415-417 East 117th Street, between First and Pleasant Aves.

That’s not all, starting at the end of this month, Harlem Yoga Studio will be offering FREE yoga in Central Park at Harlem Meer. This sounds cool and awesome way to practice yoga!

Overall, there are plenty of options in Harlem for us Harlemites to either continue or start yoga practice!