Category Archives: kids

See ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ in Harlem this weekend


Beasts of the Southern Wild ,” the fantasy drama film that Oprah Winfrey has praised and learned about from President Barack Obama, will be showing for the first time in Harlem this weekend. The film has been out for sometime showing in limited locations in New York City. However, no need to go downtown ’cause it starts playing uptown starting tomorrow, Friday, August 31.

Magic Johnson Theater, located at 124th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., will be showing the award-winning film over the Labor Day weekend holiday. The film received the top prize at Cannes Films Festival and Sundance Film Festival. And online reviews give the film four out of five stars.

If you’re having a stay-cation in Harlem this weekend, like I am, put seeing this PG-13 film on your to-do-list! I know I am! Click here to buy tickets.

Harlem YMCA tennis classes begin September 4

The US Open Tennis starts today in Queens and runs until September 9. The opportunity for your Harlem child to be the next Venus Williams, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, or Rafael Nadal starts now. Harlem YMCA is offering tennis instructions for children ages 4-5 years old and 6-8 years old. Classes run in 8-week sessions and costs start at $60 for members and $105 for non members. To sign up your Harlem child for classes, go to the YMCA website or contact Latoya Jackson at 212-912-2162.

The Harlem YMCA is located at 180 West 135th Street between Lenox Avenue and ACP Blvd.

Harlem Happenings: Studio Museum Harlem, Corner Social and Sundae Sermon

It’s the weekend in Harlem! A lot is happening starting tonight with Uptown Fridays at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Read here for more information.

Then on Saturday (Aug 25), Corner Social on Lenox Ave and 126th is hosting a special pre-fix brunch from noon to 6 pm with live music and free cocktails from noon to 1 pm.

And on Sunday (Aug 26), its time to let loose by dancing the afternoon away at Sundae Sermon in Morningside Park.

Have a great weekend Harlem!

Johnny Rockets in East Harlem expected to open soon

A little pajarito tells HarlemGal Inc that the Johnny Rockets we blogged about back in October is aiming to open in the next week or so. That’s if they pass inspection and can get their gas turned on. Whether its next week or not, they’re prepared to open in the immediate future in the East River Plaza, which is located at the end of East 116th Street. Stay tuned!

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One day flea market and street fair scheduled August 25 in Central Harlem


Another Harlem flea market is being developed (the other is on FDB & 117th Street). However, it’s for one day at Mt. Morris Park/Marcus Garvey Park and its being organized by a local Harlem church. Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church tells HarlemGal Inc that it is hosting its first flea market and street fair on Saturday, August 25, from 12 pm to 7 pm, and all the five boroughs are invited to participate whether by attending or setting up a booth.

The one day market plans to offer everything from food to face painting, a live DJ, and some raffle prizes. The flea market will be at 122nd Street between Mt. Morris Park West and Lenox Avenue.

Vendor spaces are still available for non food vendors.  If interested, contact Elder William McKenzie at 212.658.1541 for vendor fees and policy. General inquiries are being directed to the same phone number. 

Proceeds for this event will benefit The Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church .

Harlem mommy creates Cabbages & Kings

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After being gone from Harlem a few days and returning to all the depressing reports about several businesses closing, I had to seek out new and inspiring information to blog about. I didn’t have to go far thanks to Harlem readers filling my inbox. I came across information sent in-and oh so cute-about Cabbages & Kings. You’re probably asking, what is that? Hint: Harlem mom’s may want to listen up!

Cabbages & Kings is an online kids clothing store that was recently started by Alexandra Gizela, a Harlem resident, mom, and a native New Yorker. Cabbages & Kings offers “multi-functional, design-conscious accessory line for kids, with their current collection comprised of scarves and leg warmers.” When I checked out their website, I immediately fell in love with the turquoise leg warmers for infants and then I had to learn more about this Harlem mommy/entrepreneur. So I presented a few questions to fellow Harlem Gal Alex Gizela and here is what she had to say.

HG: How long have you lived in Harlem?
AG: I am from New York City originally. I grew up on the Upper Eastside, lived in Chelsea and am now I have made Harlem my home. I have been in Harlem for close to 5 years.

HG: What’s your favorite thing to do in Harlem with your child?
AG: I love going with Luella to Morningside Park! Luella’s favorite part of this Harlem park is the pond where the turtles sun bath.

HG: Do you have plans to sell your product locally at a store in Harlem?
AG: Yes, right now I am online only. However, I am definitely looking to sell in specialty boutiques come September. There are not many boutiques in Harlem, however I am thinking of targeting places such as Swing, Aysa Boutique, You Me N’ Dupri, maybe Grandma’s Place-even though they mostly offer toys. Who knows? Maybe they [Grandma’s Place] will introduce some accessories!

HG: Aside from the leggings and scarves, do you plan to expand beyond those products?
AG: For now, I am focusing on accessories, but there are some additional items that are brewing for Fall/Winter 2013.

HG: And why should Harlemites buy your product?
AG: Because Harlemites are cool and are ahead of the game…mirroring Cabbages & Kings.

To learn more about Alexandra and her Cabbages & Kings, check out her website!

Harlem School of the Arts Fall registration begins now

The good folks over at Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) sent in information yesterday notifying us that registration for Fall classes at the Harlem School of the Arts has started. It started yesterday, July 30! There is a five percent discount for students who register and pay in full by August 15.

From toddler to the inspired adult, HSA offers 5 disciplines-Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts & Musical Theatre. So if you are interested in registering for Fall classes at HSA, apply online.

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Attend panel discussion in Harlem on private school kindergarten admission process

Only in New York City do parents have to start thinking about the admission process for school while their child is still in utero. And it’s not even college admissions that they have to think about first. It is kindergarten and whether that primary step toward education should be public or private. This is the reality for NYC parents and if you’re approaching this part of parenting, to do private or public kindergarten for your kid, and live in Harlem, you may want to consider attending this event.

On August 13th at 6:30 pm, Let’s Talk Schools will be hosting a panel discussion in Harlem at Ephesus Church, located at 110 W 123rd Street (Corner of Lenox Avenue), on the NYC private school kindergarten admission process. The workshop will inform parents about applying to kindergarten at Hunter Elementary School on East 94th Street and private independent schools in September 2012 for the 2013-2014 school year. The workshop will discuss the different options available and provide an overview, directly from admission directors, about the process; including summary of the complete application process, screening tests (ERB & Stanford Binet), what to look for on tours and what to expect, financial aid and affording an independent school education and how admission decisions are made.

If you are interested in attending, the cost is $20 before August 9 and $25 from August 10-13. Registration is required to attend and space is limited. Click here to register.

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Let’s go canoeing at Harlem Meer

Not sure what to do today, Sunday (July 15) with your Harlem kid? How about taking them canoeing at Harlem Meer? It’s FREE and it is happening today in Central Park North! NYC Parks and Recreation is offering free canoeing from noon to 3 pm at Harlem Meer, which is located near the entrance of Central Park North, aka 110th Street, and Lenox Ave. If you’re coming from downtown, take the 2/3 subway line to the 110th Street subway stop.

I witnessed this a few years ago and blogged about it. It looked so much fun! Whatever you do today, have a wonderful Sunday, Harlem!

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Watch: Skateboarding in Harlem


While I am not a big fan of skateboarding, watching this video of young kids skateboarding through Harlem gave me a new-found appreciation. These skateboarders in this video are very good. Some of the moves they perform on their board are incredible. Just watch.

The only downside to this video, these youngsters are not wearing any protective gear and they are skateboarding on the seating stones at the Frederick Douglass Circle. Ouch, that monument is new and I thought that was prohibited? I guess kids will be kids.

Overall, watch this video It’s fun and the music is wonderful! Happy Fourth of July. Enjoy!

ONLY Times – Skate Days from ONLY NY on Vimeo.