HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS | December 24, 2015

The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx

HARLEM NEWS COMMUNITY

“Good News You Can Use”

Vol. 15 No. 52

December 24 - December 30, 2015

FREE

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception see page 12

Opportunities and Transparency for MWBE’s see page 11

NEW YORK HILLBILLIES ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION BP Brewer Spreads Holiday Cheer at School in Harlem See page 13

SEE PAGE 13

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.harlemcommunitynews.com

/harlemnewsinc @harlemnewsinc

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

“Good news you can use” , Brookly Queens Harlem,

Bronx e South n and Th uNITy Comm

News m e l r Ha

rlem The Ha

Group, News

g nnec tin Inc. Co

New “Good

s You C

Vol. 14

” an Use

uly 30,

Free copies distributed in your community weekly

FREE

page 16

INSIDE THIS IS SUE:

d and Soul Foo meet Cuisine African Restaurant at Jacob e 12 pag

The Ha rlem

Vol. 14

News Group,

“Good

No. 28

Harlem, Queens , Brookly

News Yo u Can Use” - Ju

July 17

n and Th e South Bronx Comm unity

ly 23, 20 14

Denny Moe’s “Cuttin g For A Cure” page 14 3

EK 201

page 8 VENTS R oF E lENDA inc A ws C ne m y /harle newsinc uNIT m @harle Comm : Photos

LEM WE

from HAR

Capital Studen One t Banker

gram site Pro pag m e 18 ur web visit o mnewsgroup.co

: gnosed misdia rch for The Sea use Dr. Ho page 27

ww w.ha

rle

Afro-C uba Kilmer n Film Show na Park in the Br t Joyce COMM onx page UNITy 5 CA

, Brookly Queens Harlem, ec ting 1000 Sch . Conn ola

Bronx e South n and Th unity Comm

News n y l k Broo

rlem The Ha

Group, News

Inc

rsh for HB CU Stu ips den to Stu dy in Chi ts page 19 na

News “Good Ju

You Can

Use”

, 2014 July 23 ly 17 -

vi

sit ww w.ha our webEE rlemnew FR site: sgroup .com

lENDA R OF E VENTS

/harlem @harle newsinc mnews inc

No. 28 The Ha rlem

INSIDE E: SU THIS IS

INSIDE THIS IS SUE:

Moe’s Denny For A g “Cuttin Cure” page 14

One Capital t Banker Studen m Progra page 18

Queen s New s

Vol. 14

Harlem, Queens , Brookly

“Good

News Yo u Can Use” July 17 - Ju

No. 28

n and Th e South Comm un

ity

Bronx

ly 23, 20 14

ll wn Ha first To akfast page 5 h lt a e H Bre ge 8 g and ENTS pa Meetin OF EV Denny Moe’s “Cuttin g For A Cure” page 14

c newsin /harlem newsinc m @harle

Capital Studen One t Ban

ips olarsh 1000 Sch Students CU na for HB dy in Chi to Stu e 19 pag

News Group, Inc. Co nnec tin g

page 8

FREE

DAR CAlEN UNITy COMM : ker gram site Pro pag me ur web visit o ewsgroup.co 18

ww w.ha

rlemn

1000 Sch olarsh for HB CU Stu ips den to Stu dy in Chi ts page 19 na

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Inc. Co nnec tin g

Bronx News

FREE

– & Juliet Romeo ank Riverb Free at Park page 10

2

IN THIS ISSUE:

No. 29

INSIDE E: Su THIS IS

Vol. 14

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWS BROOKLYN COMMUNITY NEWS BRONX COMMUNITY NEWS QUEENS COMMUNITY NEWS

2014

EEk W m E l ts n e R v E A H Calendar of –J July 24

CONTENTS

Home Ow Two Sis nership Drea m ters in Southe Comes True ast Qu F COMM eens pa or UNITy ge 5 vi

CAlEN DAR O F EVEN TS

sit ww w.ha our websi te rlemnew sgroup : .com

/harlem @harle newsinc mnews inc

page 8

To reserve advertising space call (212) 996-6006 To subscribe go to our website at www.harlemnewsgroup.com OUR MISSION STATEMENT The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. will publish positive news and information. Our mission is to deliver “good” and informative news to our readers focusing on health, education, housing, business and employment opportunities. We look for and publish results, not problems. We promote businesses, opportunities and events happening in the communities we serve. We are dedicated to providing our readers with valuable information they can use to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and our communities.

Personal Finance 4 Op Ed Editorial 6 Real Estate 7 Calendar 8 Holidays 9 MWBE 11 Holiday Events 12 Focus 14

Food 15 Urbanology 16 Lifestyle 17 Church 18 Literary Corner 19 Games 20 Wellness 21 Classified 22

Publisher/Editor Pat Stevenson A&E Editor Linda Armstrong AE/Writer Derrel Johnson Art & Cultural Stacey Ann Ellis Adams Report Audrey Adams Travel Editor Audrey Bernard Society/Travel Editor Maria Cavenaghi Real Estate Rev. Charles Butler Columnist Bro Bill Defosset Columnist William A. Rogers Columnist Zakiyyah Columnist Hazel Smith Columnist Peter Cooper Book Reviewer Terri Schlichenmeyer Brooklyn Writer Keith Forrest Bronx Writer Howard Giske Queens Photojourn.

Juliet Kaye Photographer (Intern) Nadezda Tavodova Technology Editor Ron Stephenson Photographer Michelle James Photojournalist Gideon Manasseh Videographer Peter Cooper Office/Dist. Assistant Dominic Jones Distribution Russell Simmons Computer Dir. David Sinclair

Jose Ferrer Hispanic Mkt. Mgr.

Hispanic Community Consultant William A. Rogers MWBE Consultant

Marketing & Strategy Consultant

Urbanology Systems,

A Publication of: Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Mailing: P.O. Box # 1775, New York, New York 10027 Phone: (212) 996-6006 • Email: harlemnewsinc@aol.com Website: www.harlemcommunitynews.com Twitter: @harlemnewsinc • Facebook: /harlemnewsinc

PAT STEVENSON

GOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE

Last week Bertha Lewis of the Black Institue, along with members of the City Council, Public Advocate Leticia James and others met on the steps of City Hall before a hearing regarding the lack of New York City contracts being awarded to MWBE’s. (see page 11)

“It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas” - that was the feeling I got when I attended the New York Hillbillies annual holiday celebration.

The holiday party tradition was started by some harlemites who lived in the Sugar Hill area back in the 1930’s and continues today with the esteem committee. (see page 13) The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce celebrated the holidays with members, sponsors and friends at Dinosaur in Harlem. (see page 12) Happy Holidays.!!

Pat Stevenson Celebrating 20 Years

Publishing in 2015.

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

AFTER CHRISTMAS

ONE DAY SALE

SHOP SAT, DEC. 26 FROM 7AM-11PM ALSO SHOP SUN, DEC. 27 FROM 9AM-11PM HOURS MAY VARY BY STORE. SEE MACYS.COM AND CLICK ON STORES FOR DETAILS

SHOP ALL DAY ON CHRISTMAS AT MACYS.COM

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE AT $25

VALID 12/25-12/27/2015. PLUS, FREE RETURNS. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

5O%-8O% OFF STOREWIDE

DOORBUSTERS! DEALS OF THE DAY 7AM-2PM SAT & 9AM-2PM SUN

AVAILABLE ALL DAY, BOTH DAYS!

OR, EXTRA SAVINGS SATURDAY & SUNDAY UNTIL 2PM EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL & HOME ITEMS

1O OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.

VALID 12/26 ’TIL 2PM OR 12/27/15 ’TIL 2PM.

$

2O OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $5O OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.

VALID 12/26 ’TIL 2PM OR 12/27/15 ’TIL 2PM.

CANNOT BE USED ON DOORBUSTERS OR DEALS OF THE DAY Excludes: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, cosmetics/fragrances, electrics/electronics, floor coverings, furniture, mattresses, rugs.

Also excludes: athletic apparel, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, Jack Spade, jewelry trunk shows, Kate Spade, Macy’s Backstage merchandise/ locations, New Era, Nike on Field, The North Face, previous purchases, Samsung watches, selected licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, Tumi. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value & may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $25 or $50 or more, exclusive of tax & delivery fees.

ONE DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 12/26 & 12/27/2015, EXCEPT AS NOTED. MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE AT THESE & OTHER SALE PRICES THROUGH 1/2/16, EXCEPT AS NOTED. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

50745_N5110058I.indd 1

12/14/15 4:09 PM

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

$

EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL & HOME ITEMS

3

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

PERSONAL FINANCE

5 Things to Put on Your Year-End Financial Checklist

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

(StatePoint) The end of the year is a good time to wrap up financial loose ends and set priorities for the year ahead.

Here’s a checklist of timely financial to-dos.

Get Budget Savvy Over three-fifths of Americans identify staying within budget as a “take charge priority” in a recent Lincoln Financial Group Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction (M.O.O.D.) of America study. (Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates, which are separately responsible for their own contractual obligations.)

An online tracking tool tied to your bank account is an easy way to monitor spending habits and identify

4

where to make necessary tweaks to redirect money toward important financial goals. Many financial institutions offer these for free.

Boost Retirement Savings For 59 percent of Americans, saving for retirement is a financial priority, according to the same Lincoln study. Take their cue. You can lower your tax burden by increasing your retirement plan contribution, since deposits are made pre-tax.

Unfortunately, you can’t just write a check to your 401(k) if you want to contribute more. The money must come out of your paycheck, and you must ask your human resources department at work to increase your withholding. Some companies even allow you to allocate a portion of your year-end bonus to your 401(k) pre-

tax.

Empty Flexible Spending A flexible spending account (FSA) is a great tool for saving on healthcare.

You decide during open enrollment how much you’d like to have taken out for healthcare-related expenses throughout the year, and the money is deposited in the account pre-tax.

But there’s a catch: You must spend it all before year-end or lose it, although some companies allow you to carry over up to $500 into the next year. If there’s still money in your FSA, push up scheduled healthcare purchases, like new eyeglasses or planned dental work, into the current year.

Portfolio Rebalancing Rebalancing is a necessary but often overlooked portfolio task. Financial advisors recommend reviewing your portfolio at least once annually to decide whether rebalancing is warranted, typically if your positions have strayed five to 10 percent from where you originally set them.

For example, if you allocated 60 percent of your portfolio to stocks, but it has now moved to a 70 percent allocation due to strong market performance, it might be time to rebalance.

Rebalancing helps you restore your allocation back to your intended risk profile.

Charitable Contributions The holidays are a good time to remember the causes you care about.

In fact, you’ll be in good company, as December is the most popular month for charitable giving, with 18 percent of annual donations happening this month alone. If you itemize your deductions, you can take a deduction against donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. Your donations can take many forms: cash, appreciated stocks, or even the cost of ingredients for a big pot of chili for a homeless shelter.

More financial tips can be found at www.lincolnfinancial.com/holidays.

A little attention paid to year-end financial tasks can go a long way toward making 2016 -- and many years to come -- more financially secure.

COMMUNITY

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

East 125th Street Thanks Inez Dickens

w w w.nh em a.com

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Great things are happening along East 125th Street! The New Harlem East Merchants Association (NHEMA) extends its thanks to New York City Council Member Inez Dickens for her support of NHEMA’s street cleaning and beautification efforts along East 125th Street in 2015. More than 35,000 bags of trash were collected, 2,000 flowers planted, and four formerly homeless men found a clear path off the streets to employment. Here’s to more good work ahead at “Uptown Grand Central” in the coming year!

5

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

RushCard Empowers People to Manage Their Money

OP ED EDITORIAL

By NNPA President Dr. Benjamin F Chavis Jr

T

he financial services in-

color and others to be owners and

manding Officer Captain Gilbert

viding products and services that

dustry is a vast matrix of

entrepreneurs in the growing finan-

Morales, 26 Pct. Honoree P.O.

enable them to achieve control and

banks, credit and debit

cial services industry.

Jason Harper, HARLEM WEEK

realize their personal hopes and financial goals.”

cards products, venture capital and

Russell Simmons is a global

Board member Jackie Rowe Ad-

mortgage companies, investment

entrepreneur. I have personally

ams, 28 Pct Community Affairs

Thirdly, the RushCard has been

firms, and other financial institu-

known Russell for more than three

Honoree P.O. Kenya Hooks, NYC

around longer than most prepaid

tions that compete to provide ser-

decades. He continue to have the

Councilmember

Inez

Dickens,

cards and has achieved over the

vices to 326,346,200 people in the

highest possible integrity and com-

NYPD

Chief

Vincent

past decade a number of innovative

United States and millions more

mitment to help people improve

Coogan, GHCC Vice President of

first in the industry to better serve

around the world. There is a very

their quality of life. His entrance

Programs, Patricia Ricketts, 28 Pct

its card users including but not lim-

old saying that posits: “How you

into the financial services industry

NYPD Commanding Officer , In-

ited to the following:

manage your money will determine

was timely and providential. For

spector Olufunmilo Obe, NYPD’s

how well your heart will beat.”

over the past ten years the Rush-

Deputy Inspector, Kevin Williams,

Card has steadily emerged as an

32 Pct Det. Osvaldo Collado, 32

For 100.4 million African

One of the first prepaid

•

One of the first prepaid

Americans and Latino Americans

invaluable

management

Pct Honoree Community Affairs

combined that spend in access of

prepaid debit card for hundreds of

Det. Byron Pena , HARLEM

bilities to its members.

$2.4 trillion annually as consumers

thousands of card users across the

WEEK Executive Director Winston

in the U.S. marketplace, the daily

nation.

Majette

and hourly financial management

Simmons’ company, UniRush, LL

of our money is an important is-

1.

sue. The RushCard developed by

Janice Robinson & Friends

and efficient money management

money

RushCard is owned by Live Entertainment by

2.

Jackson and guest

One of the first prepaid

C.

than 35,000 MoneyGram® loca-

Notwithstanding recent com-

tions, nationwide.

puter software glitches that have

Radio Personality Debi

•

cards to offer cash loading at more

•

cards to offer comprehensive mon-

use of the RushCard, it is my opin-

ey management tools that make

GHCC Board Member

ion that the RushCard today will

it easier to track balances, create

John Patane, HARLEM WEEK

be a productive and very useful

monthly budgets, and analyze

ple throughout the United States.

Executive Director Winston Ma-

prepaid debit card to use for each

spending.

According to a 2014 FDIC report,

jette, Isabel Gomez of Healthfirst,

member of your family.

Why?

There are a wide variety of pre-

22% of unbanked households used

and one of the Harlem host from

First, because the RushCard meets

paid debit cards available for peo-

a prepaid card, compared with 13%

AirBnB

the Visa Clear Prepaid standards

ple to have an opportunity to select

for clearly communicated fees and

for their personal and family use.

consumer protections.

My family members use the Rush-

of underbanked households.

I have always emphasized and

3.

4. munity

Honoree NYPD ComAffairs

Officer

Kenya

promoted greater diversity and in-

Hooks in red, HARLEM WEEK

Secondly, if you go to www.

Card because it is user friendly, but

clusion in the financial services in-

Executive Director Winston Ma-

RushCard.com you will see a very

importantly we use the RushCard

dustry. But inclusivity also means

jette, Isabel Gomez of Healthfirst,

user friendly online process that

because of Russell Simmons trust-

more than limiting involvement

28 Pct NYPD Commanding Officer

explains how you can apply for the

worthy leadership in the financial

primarily to be only customers or

Inspector Olufunmilo Obe, flanked

prepaid debit card. The mission of

services industry. The Consumer

users of financial products and ser-

by members of the NYPD

the RushCard is publicly affirmed

Report recently named the Rush-

to “Empower our members by pro-

Card the 4th highest rated prepaid

vices. We also need more people of

5.

NYPD 26 Pct Com-

Vol. 15, No 52 December 24, 2015

One of the first prepaid

now been resolved concerning the

banked” and “underbanked” peo-

tool potentially for millions of “un-

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

•

cards to offer Direct Deposit. cards to offer check-writing capa-

Russell Simmons is an effective

6

Deputy

subscription information page 23 Advertise in Harlem Community Newspapers email today: harlemnewsinc@aol.com

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

REAL ESTATE

Home Buying In Harlem

Be Prepared to Buy Now

C

by Rev. Charles Butler

an anyone afford to buy a home in Harlem? For those of you who have been trying to purchase a home this year but could not complete the process, now you realize just how difficult it can be to buy a home in Harlem. The home buying process is nerve racking. It can be emotionally draining and very time consuming. But I encourage you not to give up, do not throw in the towel and quit. Make it your New Year’s resolution that in 2016 you shall achieve your dream of homeownership.

Now that you have a better understanding of the amount of money required to successfully complete the home buying process, your primary goal is

to increase your income and your monthly savings. Start now by making changes in your spending habit. Create a monthly household budget in order to identify any wasteful spending. Each month you want to aggressively save as much money as possible. Save your change at the end of each day. Push yourself to increase your savings goal.

At the same time you must maintain a healthy credit history. Keep your account balances at or below 30% of the credit limit. Pay your bills on time to avoid any late fees. Open new accounts only as needed. Never close any existing accounts because that will have an adverse impact on your credit history. Most mortgage lend-

1524 Amsterdam Ave

New York, NY 10031 T 212.368.4902

F 212.368.4903 www.foxworthrealtyonline.com

Heat & Eat: with SNAP, you don’t have to choose. When temperatures go down, heating bills go up. SNAP can help you stay warm and nourished this winter.

Your local Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) Coordinator can help you find out if you or someone you love may be eligible for SNAP. It’s free and confidential. Contact your NOEP Coordinator today:

Manhattan Legal Services 917‐661‐4500

Prepared by a project of Hunger Solutions New York, USDA/FNS,

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Eugenia C. Foxworth NYS Licensed Realtor CIPS, NYRS, MWBE Certified NAR, REBNY, MANAR

ers will want to see 3-4 active credit accounts with at least 24 months clean credit history.

However a State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) loan will only require 12 months of clean history.

The important thing is to stay focused on completing the home buying process. Buying a home in Harlem can be accomplished, but it will take a great deal of hard work. However if you have the desire, discipline, determination, and dedication; you can do it.

If you are interested in attending the workshop or have questions regarding the home buying process contact Rev. Dr. Charles Butler at (212) 281 4887 ext. 231 or email at cbutler@hcci.org.

7

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

CALENDAR

HARLEM CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS

Through Dec 31 The First Noel. The Classical Theatre of Harlem, in its debut at the Apollo Theater, brings a new Harlem-based holiday musical that crosses genres - from disco to rock to gospel that promises to be a classic for years to come.

At the World Famous Apollo Theater (253 West 125th Street) (212) 531-5305

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Through Jan 11 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition: Mario Moore Opening Reception at HSA’s G Space Gallery. Visual Arts Artist-in-Residence Mario Moore curates his own artwork in an exhibition that mark’s the official launch HSA’s newly renovated G Space Art Gallery. (645 St. Nicholas Avenue near 141st street.) (212) 926-4100

8

Dec 27 2pm and 7:30pm Ninth Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night Featuring Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Raul Midón and Foday

Musa Suso Hosted by Imhotep Gary Byrd.

At the World Famous Apollo Theater (253 West 125th Street) (212) 531-5305

Douglass Boulevard) Enjoy today’s top hits spun by DJ Jon Quick at one of Harlem’s hottest new venues (212) 316-0350

Dec 27, 2015 Dr. Maulana Karenga’s 49th Kwanzaa Presentation at JHS 258 (141 Macon Street & Marcy Ave.) The National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO) and the International African Arts Festival will present a 49th anniversary celebration of Kwanzaa. The creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, will deliver his yearly founder’s statement, entitled: “Embracing Kwanzaa’s Principles & Practice: Creating & Celebrating the Good.”

For information and directions call (718) 7893264 or email–nakoinfogroup@yahoo.com.

People interested in vending opportunities should call (646) 4105723. Vendor space is limited.

Jan 7 10pm Apollo Comedy Club featuring John Moses, Shatara Curry and Eddie Bryant. Hosted by Smokey Suarez Featuring music by DJ Qool Marv at the World Famous Apollo Theater (253 West 125th Street) (212) 531-5305

Dec 31 10pm-4am Angel of Harlem New Year’s Eve Celebration (2272 Frederick

Jan 8 10pm Apollo Music Café: Featuring Mad Satta Mad Satta is a future-soul band based in New York comprised of eight members who strive to bring original, positive, eclectic, thoughtful music to a wide array of listeners.

This ultra-tight, eightpiece outfit is held down by edgy bass lines and a sophisticated mix of guitar, organ, drums and horns that surround and support the powerful, smoky vocals of front woman Joanna Teters.

Featuring DJ Hard Hittin’ Harry at the World Famous Apollo Theater

(253 West 125th Street) (212) 531-5305

Jan 16, 2016 UAM/Freedom Party Fundraiser for 2016. The buffet dinner/dance featuring live musical entertainment will be held at the Cotton Club (656 West 125th Street) 9pm-1am. For more information call (917) 947-8994 or (212) 663-7980 Jan 21-23 Fri 7:30pm Sat 7pm Sun 2:30pm HSA Winter Music Festival is a celebration of the HSA Music Department’s brightest rising stars showcasing our advanced students, faculty and special guests like the Harlem Chamber Players. (645 St. Nicholas Avenue near 141st street.) (212) 926-4100 All listings on this calendar are free of charge. To add your listing, please send copy 50 words or less in the format above to harlemnewsinc@aol. com

Kwanzaa 2015 at the American Museum of Natural History Sunday, December 7

K

wanzaa 2015 will be held Sunday, December 27 in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life and Kaufmann Theater at the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street.

The first famed “human beatbox” in the rap world, Doug E. Fresh makes his debut at the Museum’s Kwanzaa festivities. As well as, Artistic Director of Yaffa Cultural Arts Linda Humes guides visitors through a joyous holiday that celebrates the African roots of the African-American community, drawing on seven universal principles of Kwanzaa. The program will begin with a performance of “Spirit of Resistance,” a new piece created by the Harlem School of the Arts Legacy Ensemble, specifically for the Museum’s Kwanzaa festival.

Wrapping up the festival, award-winning filmmaker MK Asante will introduce his landmark movie, The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration in Kaufmann Theater, followed by a musical tribute to the film’s narrator, Dr. Maya Angelou. Q&A to follow with Asante and Jamilah Lemieux, senior editor of EBONY magazine.

Kwanzaa 2015: Energize Recognize is co-presented by Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group. The Kwanzaa marketplace is organized by the Harlem Arts Alliance.

55 West 116th Street (Bet Lenox & 5th) NY, NY 10026 1872 Lexington Ave (Bet 116th & 117th) NY, NY10035 1838 2nd Ave @ 95th, NY, NY 10128 For more information call: 212-876-8800 email: store4163@theupsstore.com website: www.theupsstorelocal.com/1163

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HOLIDAYS

Holiday Entertaining Without the Hassle

R

ather than worry about the hassle of hosting this holiday season, prepare for visitors and entertaining with these tips and tricks.

Get a Fresh Start Trying to prepare everything at the last minute when guests are knocking at your door creates unwanted stress.

Instead, clean and prep the house a few days in advance.

Quickly turn chores to checks on your to-do list. For example, use a dab of glue to fix the pesky towel rod in the powder room that keeps coming loose, or to repair broken handles on drawers and cabinets.

While you’re making home improvements here and there, get organized for holiday guests by relocating your own coats from the hall closets, leaving room for your

Welcome guests with a modern winter wreath.

visitors’ winter gear. If your guests are bringing appetizers or cocktails, clean out the fridge in advance to have ample storage space.

Don’t Buy It, DIY It Tired of hanging the same wreath on your door year after year? Create a new, modern focal point that can be used for multiple occasions. Spray paint a wooden wreath form and mini clothespins silver and gold. Once dry, adhere the clothespins to the wreath form in varying layers. Use an adhesive that dries instantly and won’t leave you with messy glue gun strands, such as Krazy Glue’s Maximum Bond No-Run Gel, which will give you time to decorate the rest of your home, rather than cleaning up your crafting space.

By flipping a few of the clothespins around on the

outside, you can attach pictures of friends and family or holiday cards to create an eye-catching display.

Make a Game Plan Seemingly daunting tasks can be fun if you’re strategic and give yourself time to do them right. When it comes to shopping for your main course, avoid weekend crowds. The day of your event, set the table in the morning so that unforeseen events or last minute stops won’t throw you off course.

Deck the Dinner Table Rather than spending time and money shopping for expensive décor for each upcoming party, create your own one-of-a-kind centerpieces and place settings.

Add flair to your tablescape by affixing decorative gems or outdoor sprigs onto napkin

rings and handwritten name cards. A glue pen designed for delicate tasks, such as Krazy Glue’s Precision Control Pen, is easy to hold and dries instantly. Guests will appreciate the personal touches, which will be sure to spark some dinner conversation.

Wrap it Up Chances are you’ll need some last-minute gifts for unannounced guests. Stock up on a few items with universal appeal. Jars of locally made preserves, decorative candles, wrapped soaps or bottles of wine are good to have on hand to make everyone feel welcome this holiday season.

‘Tis the season to be festive, not frazzled. Keep guests -- and yourself -- happy with simple tips and tricks, and have time to relax and enjoy your get-together.

GET pre-HSE READY!

HSE - High School Equivalency formerly GED - General Equivalency Diploma

Robert Battle, Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya, Associate Artistic Director

Adult Basic Education - PreGED Preparedness

Take our FREE 12 week GED Readiness Course & prep yourself to pass it the 1st time!

Mon Through Thurs: Choose 9AM-12PM or 6PM-9PM Apply Online or Make a Registration Appointment for Tue10AM, Wed 10AM, or Thurs 3PM

Get Back On Track Quickly & Conveniently: ü Convenient Times ü Convenient Location ü Convenient Course Durations

“ Don’t miss this season.

It’s a WOW! ”

Microsoft Office Skills - Digital Literacy Training

– The Huffington Post

5 weeks for $99!

Master MS Office 2013 Basics (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Learn from our certified MS Office Specialist/MOS Instructors in our newly updated Windows7/Mac OS X Maverick Lab! Apply Online or Call To Register or Enroll In Person

Dec 2 – Jan 3 New York Winter Season Sponsor

AlvinAiley.org

or NYCityCenter.org

CITYTIX®

212-581-1212 Groups 10+ 212-405-9082

www.harlemcommonwealth.com (212)749-0900 ext 113 or 124 | 361 W125th St. NY, NY 10027 Trains A/C/B/D/1 | Buses M100/M101/M60/M15

Classes Start January 4th Act Now, Limited Seats!

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Make More Money, Shape & Strengthen Skills That Count In Any Economy!

9

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HOLIDAYS

A Champagne Guide for New Year’s Celebrations

N

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

ew Year’s Eve means gathering with close friends and family, making resolutions for next year, and of course, celebrating with bubbly!

However, when it comes to choosing the right bottle for the festivities, some might not know where to start.

Chantelle Pabros, fine wine consultant at Morrell & Company Wine in NYC, offers advice on how to choose the right bottle of bubbles for every type of New Year’s celebration.

“There are many different kinds of sparkling wine available, such as Cava, Prosecco, etc. Yet, I always advise customers to go with the bubbly

10

classic on New Year’s: Champagne. What better way to start the year on a good note than by treating yourself to something special and iconic?” says Pabros.

To be considered Champagne, a wine must hail from the Champagne region in France, using a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier varietals, and undergoing strict winemaking restrictions, such as minimal years of aging. There are many Champagnes on the market. Chantelle’s top pick?

“Champagne Taittinger; it’s one of the last remaining family owned and operated marque Champagne houses,” she says. “They are known

for the consistent quality of their Champagne and the deep care and experience put behind every bottle. Their signature style is Chardonnay driven, which offers an expressive, toasty style that is both elegant and delicious. Last but not least, you can find it in most wine stores.”

Looking for a Champagne to serve at a large New Year’s party with friends and family? Pabros recommends Champagne Taittinger’s flagship wine, Brut La Francais NV. “If you’re new to Champagne, start with this wine. It’s a dry, classic style, widely available, and pairs well with

every type of food. Your guests will thank you for making their night so memorable!”

Perhaps you find yourself invited to a midnight dessert party? Bring a bottle of Champagne Taittinger Nocturne NV. “This is a sec style Champagne, meaning it has just a touch of sweetness that begs to be paired with desserts. It will go perfectly with any type of dessert, from a raspberry tarte to chocolate cake pops. If you have a sweet tooth, this Champagne is for you,” says Chantelle.

Maybe this New Year’s you’re bowing out of the big party atmosphere for a more intimate night at home with a loved one? Toast with

something really special, such as Champagne Taittinger Comtes Rosé.

“If you really want a wow factor, you can’t go wrong with Champagne Taittinger’s tệte de cuvee. It has a cult following amongst sommeliers because over the last 50 years it is one of the most consistent in quality for this type of Champagne and it comes in a beautiful bottle. It will most certainly offer a most memorable Champagne experience,” adds Pabros.

For more Champagne information, visit www. taittinger.com.

Let’s not forget about New Year’s resolutions.

For Pabros it’s a simple one: “Drink more delicious Champagne!”

MWBE

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Opportunities and Transparency for MWBE's

O

pportunities, Accountability and Transparency were the focus for the Monday December 14 MWBE press conference held on the steps of City Hall. New York City Council members Laurie A. Cumbo (Women’s Issues

Chair), Helen Rosenthal (Contracts Chair) Robert E. Cornrgy, Jr. (Small Businesses Chair) and Elizabeth Crowley (Women’s Caucus Chair) were the main city council speakers and coordinators of the well-attended press conference.

The efforts over the past few years of Bertha Lewis and the Black Institue are responsible for the hearings being held after the press conference, In 2015 The Black Institute led by Bertha Lewis released a report “Not Good Enough” which illustrated

by William A. Rogers

many of the challenges MWBEs faced when trying to do business with the city. Accountability and Transparency were two of the major issues that keep showing up throughout the report and served as a foundation of the new bills aimed at addressing the city’s low MWBE procurement numbers.

New York State and City have struggled over the years to create a fair playing ground for

City’s accountability to MWBE commitments.

New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer was a speaker at the press conference. In 2014 the Comptroller’s office under the leadership of Carra Wallace, Chief Diversity Officer, published a report “Making the Grade” which graded the 32 mayoral agencies MWBE procurement record. According to the report the overall grade was a D, it improved a bit in 2015 to a D+.

Accountability to the City’s goals of increasing the participation of MWBE procurement numbers has been lacking, a fact proven by the “Making the Grade” reports issued by the Comptroller’s office. A MWBE oversite committee has been

proposed to address city agency accountability and compliance to legislation passed to increase MWBE procurement numbers.

Gregg Bishop, the newly appointed Commissioner for Small Business Services and Maya Wiley, Director of the City’s MWBE initiative will play a lead role in addressing compliance and accountability issues.

It has been proposed that Ms. Wiley, who is widely respected for her sincere efforts in dealing with the City’s MWBE issues, only focus on this issue by becoming the “full time” MWBE Director or Commissioner. Mrs. Wiley currently has a number of other responsibilities including Counsel.

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

minority and women business enterprises (MWBE’s). New York State has made tremendous strides in identifying and removing barriers to increase MWBE participation on state contracts.

There is now a 30% mandate for MWBE participation in all New York State agency contracts and an MWBE oversite team to monitor state agency compliance.

New York City still has many challenges, and that was made clear during the Monday press conference and the committee hearing that was held after the press conference ended. In 2015 only 4.6% of the City’s contracts were awarded to MWBEs. To address this issue City Council members Cornegy, Rosenthal and Cumbo unveiled a number of bills aimed at improving the

11

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HOLIDAY EVENTS

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and HARLEM WEEK North Community a donation for toys holiday performance End of Year Holiday Reception tan Affairs Officers of the to be purchased and by Janice Marie Rob-

T

he Greater Har- and HARLEM WEEK Wednesday, December New York Police Delem Chamber held an end of year re- 16 at Dinosaur Bar B partment. of Commerce ception last week on Que. The event was a Guests were asked salute to the Manhat- to bring a toy or make

distributed to needy children. Guests enjoyed Dinosaur foods and desserts, a special

inson and Friends and dance music by Harlem’s famous D.J. Tall Guy.

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

photos by Nadezda Tavodova

12

Photos above l-r top row 1. NYPD 26 Pct Commanding Officer Captain Gilbert Morales, 26 Pct. Honoree P.O. Jason Harper, HARLEM WEEK Board member Jackie Rowe Adams, 28 Pct Community Affairs Honoree P.O. Kenya Hooks, NYC Councilmember Inez Dickens, NYPD Deputy Chief Vincent Coogan, GHCC Vice President of Programs, Patricia Ricketts, 28 Pct NYPD Commanding Officer , Inspector Olufunmilo Obe, NYPD’s Deputy Inspector, Kevin Williams, 32 Pct Det. Osvaldo Collado, 32 Pct Honoree Community Affairs Det. Byron Pena , HARLEM WEEK Executive Director Winston Majette 2. D.J. Tall Guy 3. Live Entertainment by Janice Robinson & Friends 4. William A. Rogers and wife Laura Photos above second row l-r 1. Radio Personality Debi Jackson and guest 2. Janice Robinson 3. GHCC Board Member John Patane, HARLEM WEEK Executive Director Winston Majette, Isabel Gomez of Healthfirst, and one of the Harlem host from AirBnB 4. Honoree NYPD Community Affairs Officer Kenya Hooks in red, HARLEM WEEK Executive Director Winston Majette, Isabel Gomez of Healthfirst, 28 Pct NYPD Commanding Officer Inspector Olufunmilo Obe, flanked by members of the NYPD 5. Guests enjoying the entertainment. photos by Nadezda Travadova

Visit our website to learn more: www.harlemcommunitynews.com

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HOLIDAY EVENTS

New York Hillbillies Annual Holiday Celebration

T

he New York Hillbillies held their annual Christmas Party Luncheon this past Sunday at the Davenport Club in New Rochelle, New York. The New York Hillbillies is a social club founded in the 1930’s by people who lived on

Harlem’s famed ‘Sugar Hill.’ This is an annual invitation-only holiday celebration where members invite their friends.

The event was hosted by the current president Kyndell A. Reid and members; Renee Bluford, Gail Burroughs, Joy

Cooke, Lynelle Granady, Mercedes Granady, Jean Jordan , Dorothe Lewis, Edith Matthews, Marcella Maxwell, Dolores Poindexter, Sylvia Sandrige, Karen Selsey, Clotilde Stenson and Nola Whiteman.

BP Brewer Spreads Holiday Cheer at School in Harlem

L

ast week at P.S. 4 Duke Ellington Elementary School’s winter school assembly, Borough President Brewer visited and spread holiday cheer with Local 891 School Custodial Engineers Union President Robert Troeller. Santa Claus made an appearance at the assembly, and students received donations from Local 891.

photo above Borough President Brewer and Local 891 President Troeller at the school, photo left- Santa visiting P.S. 4 students.

Jrose Catering presents the

An elegant evening of Dinner and Entertainment

Thursday December 31st At the Historic Harlem Commonwealth th 361 W 125 st New York, NY 10027 Cocktails & Fashions Start at9:00pm

BY BEYOND STYLES BY MILES (l-r) Thomas Watkins, Gail Monroe Perry, Marcella Maxwell, Edgar Ramsey, Pat Stevenson, Kyndell A. Reid, Luther Summers, Hubert Collins, Samuel Young, Ruth “Cookie” Jean, Debra Young, Nelson John, Robert Perry

photos by Margot Jordan

Dinner served with wine at 10:00 Followed by Midnight toasts with a full dessert Bar To reserve contact: 646-355-4020 or 347-797-7370

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

(seated l-r) - Dolores Poindexter, Dorothe Lewis, Kyndell A. Reid, Mercedes Granady, Marcella Maxwell (standing l-r). Edith Matthews, Renee Bluford, Sylvia Sandrige, Gail Burroughs, Clotilde Stenson, Lynelle Granady , Joy Cooke (stairs third row l-r) Karen Selsey, and Nola Whiteman.

13

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

FOCUS

New President of Women in Need, Christine C. Quinn Offers “a Way Out, Not a Hand Out,” By: Erin Lewenauer

C

hristine C. Quinn, former Speaker of the New York City Council, has been named President of Women in Need (Win) a large, nonprofit organization that provides invaluable services to homeless women and children in New York City. Since November 2, Quinn’s position with Win has tasked her with offering aide to a homeless population of 57,000, half of which are children. Win has ten homeless family shelters, and one women’s shelter in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, providing over 1,200 units of shelter.

Quinn was completing a fellowship at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Uni-

versity when she discovered that the Win job was becoming available. Quinn states, “I’m inspired by anyone who dedicates his or her time and energy to relieving this city’s homelessness crisis and to lifting all disadvantaged communities.

My career began as a tenant organizer and housing activist. Continuing that path that also led through the

City Council and as the first woman and first openly gay speaker, made this position a natural fit.”

Founded in 1983, Win has grown exponentially and its shelters now house about 3,900 homeless women and children at 11 sites. “I’m excited to be in a position where I can help New York City’s most vulnerable with the hands-on,

care, health & wellness, life skills, self-motivation, employment, and acquiring a permanent home. The program fosters skills to encourage women to regain independence and hope for themselves and their children’s future.

Quinn says, “My role as Speaker of the City Council required a great deal of knowledge about the way our government effects change in our communities.

This role, which requires me to work in tandem with all the City agencies and programs designed to ease the burden on homeless families in our city, will call on that understanding every day. I was also fortunate to work throughout my career in public service directly

innovative programs we offer at Win,” Quinn says.

Win continues to encourage a holistic approach to escaping homelessness, recognizing that women often face domestic violence and eviction, among other issues. Win’s program includes a combination of safe housing, critical services, and education.

Women learn about child-

with local stakeholders in communities all over the city – some of the same communities where homelessness is a reality for far too many families.”

Quinn’s passion, energy, and experience are sure to create far-reaching and permanent positive change.

Quinn says, “My relationships with New Yorkers all over the city, especially Harlem, will be a huge asset as Win looks for innovative solutions to this crisis.”

To contact Win visit 115 West 31st Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001, call 212-695-4758, or email info@winnyc.org.

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Foot Pain? Diabetes?

FOOT CENTER of NEW YORK

14

55 East 124th St.

(between Madison & Park Aves.)

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8 am - 4 pm Medicare, most Medicaid HMOs, and other insurances accepted

Wednesday 8 am - 7:30 pm

Full-Service Physical Therapy Center Diabetic Wound Care

Expert staff diagnose and treat foot ailments including: Sports Injuries • Foot Pain • In-toeing • Out-toeing Flat Feet • Ingrown Toenails • Walking Problems Heel Spurs • Bunions • Hammertoes

Treating Adults & Children

55 East 124th St. btwn. Park and Madison Avenues, NYC Call 212-410-8158 for an appointment www.footcenterofny.org

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

FOOD

Turkey Carving Tips for Big Holiday Meals

C

ooking is only part of big

your hands, and gives the meat’s

midline. Slice down, gently pull-

electric knife sharpener is a great

holiday meal prep. For

juices crucial time to redistribute.

ing the breast away on the side

kitchen essential to have on hand

many hosts serving tur-

• If your turkey is tied, remove

you’ve chosen. Slice each breast

for everyday use, as well as for

key, carving the bird represents the

the string first. Start by removing

into quarter inch thick slices. Place

major holiday feasts, as it is ideal

most intimidating feast feat.

each leg and thigh from the body

on your platter. Alternatively, cut

for precise sharpening of straight

Don’t chicken out! There are

of the turkey, using your hands to

slices of breast directly off the tur-

edge knives. Those from Smith’s

some quick tips you can follow

separate, and your knife to slice

key, parallel to the rib cage. Just

Housewares feature a manual slot

to demystify the process, from the

through the meat.

ensure you keep the slices even on

for polishing a freshly ground edge

both sides.

or a quick touch-up of already

carving experts at Smith’s House-

• Next, separate the thighs

wares, a manufacturer of innova-

from the legs by pulling on a leg

• Be a sharp chef. To make the

tive knife sharpeners and kitchen

and using your knife to slice. Tar-

job smooth sailing, and avoid tear-

tools:

get the ‘V’ area with your knife,

ing the meat and making a mess,

• Add a garnish to the serving

• The first thing you will want

feeling around until you find the

use a sharp, straightedge knife and

platter to make your turkey a feast

to carve out is a proper amount

joint. Slice the meat away from the

a carving fork to steady your meat.

for the eyes. As the main course, it

of time to cook the turkey. When

thigh bone and place it directly on

You’ll save time and energy and

deserves a bit of extra flair. Fresh

coordinating your schedule that

your serving platter.

get better results.

in-season herbs, fruits and vegeta-

sharp knives. They can be found at walmart.com.

bles all work well to complete the

morning, keep in mind that be-

• The next step is to remove the

• In the days leading up to the

tween taking the turkey out of the

wings using a similar method. By

holiday, make sure your kitchen

oven and cooking it, you should al-

identifying where the joint is; you

is ready to go by sharpening all

Don’t let the final throes of

lot about 20 minutes. This waiting

can avoid slicing bone.

the knives you will need for food

preparation be the most difficult.

look.

period is not frivolous. It makes the

• Using an even stroke, slice

prep that day, particularly your

All you need are the right tools and

handling of the hot turkey easier on

each breast from slightly off the

turkey carving knife. A compact

technique.

A compact electric knife sharpener is an essential tool for efficient holiday cooks.

What to Know When Planning Your Holiday Menu

W

bitterness. White wines like Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Chardonnay will maintain their flavors when paired with sweeter dishes because of their naturally smoother profile.

• Acidity and salt in food softens Cabernet Sauvignon’s robust texture. The flavors of a well-balanced wine, such as Sequoia Grove’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, can be fully appreciated when paired with a savory dish.

For the perfect Cabernet Sauvignon pairing, try this recipe for Grilled Leg of Lamb over Zucchini Ribbons with Mustard Sauce, from the food and wine experts at Sequoia Grove.

Ingredients: • 2 pound boneless leg of lamb, butterflied • 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 2 cloves garlic, chopped

fine • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 3 large zucchini • 1 tablespoon butter • Pinch crushed red pepper • 1/4 cup white wine • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard • 2 tablespoons chopped flatleaf parsley Directions: • Preheat a gas grill to high heat.

• Arrange lamb on a flat surface.

• Combine rosemary, pepper, salt, and half the garlic in a small bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread over the non-fatty side of the lamb.

• Cut the tops and bottoms off the zucchini. Use a vegetable peeler to cut the zucchini into thin ribbon-like strips. Stop and reserve the cores for another use.

• Put the lamb on the grill, fatty-side up, cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook for seven minutes. Turn, reduce heat to low and cook for five min-

utes for medium rare or until the temperature of the thickest part reaches 130 degrees. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest five to 10 minutes.

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter in a large skillet.

Add remaining chopped garlic, crushed red pepper and the zucchini ribbons. Cook for about three minutes, then transfer to a bowl.

• Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the wine.

Bring to a boil. Whisk in the mustard and remove from the heat. Add parsley and zucchini and toss to coat.

• Cut lamb against the grain into thin slices. Arrange over zucchini. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

More information on Sequoia Grove can be found at www.sequoiagrove.com.

With the right wine and food pairings, you can give guests a reason to cheer this holiday season.

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

hen holiday hosting, don’t forget that while the right wines complement dishes, the wrong wines can ruin your best efforts.

“The key is being mindful of your food’s sugar and acidity,” says Michael Trujillo, President and Director of Winemaking of Sequoia Grove Winery.

With a combined 80 years of experience in Napa Valley winemaking, Sequoia Grove has learned what it takes to make a great food and wine pairing.

Sweet or savory foods call for radically different wine pairings. Having the right Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon on hand should satisfy most holiday dining situations.

Trujillo is sharing some secrets for enjoying wine during the holidays: • Sugar and Cabernet Sauvignon, when mixed together on your tongue, create an explosion of acid, astringency and

15

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

URBANOLOGY

The Power of Forgiving

By William A. Rogers

T

he power of forgiving is in the freedom of letting go. Social programing can make letting go of the past very difficult.

Something happened and social programing influences your interpretation of the right or wrong, good or bad, happiness or sadness of what happened. People are programed differently and interpretations will be different. Some see the glass half full, and some see the glass half empty all due to social programing.

Some social pro-

grammed interpretations will allow for the feeling of being victimized. I learned from Jamillah Shabazz, a spiritual channeler though her spiritual guide that; “You must lose yourself to find yourself, only then can you understand the power and freedom of letting go”. Many carry the emotional pain and the story of an action long after the action has passed.

In his bestselling book “A New Earth” Eckhart Tolle wrote “Nothing ever happened in the past that can prevent you from being present now: and if the past cannot prevent you from being present

now, what power does it have?” Carrying the anger and pain of the past is not healthy. We are moving into the beginning of a new year; try not to put your past into your future in 2016.

The power of forgiving will allow you to let go of the past. Some may view forgiving as a sign of weakness, but the negative emotional pain they carry is self-destructive and a primary source of many illnesses. Being in accord with oneself is being in harmony. To be truly in harmony, you must be in the present, not in the pain of the past or the fear of the future.

DON’T MISS ANOTHER ISSUE

I would like to thank those who have taken the time to read my articles; I wish all that read this article a very healthy and productive New Year. Keep health, wealth and love in your thoughts throughout the New Year. We have the power to manifest reality from our thoughts, always think about what you want.

Don’t spend time on thinking about what you don’t have.

Most of all try not to let the pass keep you from realizing the power of letting go. Try to allow yourself the freedom of forgiving; perhaps to a loved one or a friend.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! GO TO PAGE 23 Visit our website to learn more: .www.harlemcommunitynews.com

Answers to Puzzle on page 20

Herbs Are Nature’s Medicine...

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

By Zakiyyah

16

L

ast week we spoke about tonics and herbs that restore balance to the liver. One of them was wild yam.

Culturally, wild yam is used in many formulas for a variety of ailments. The Aztecs are known to use wild yam for skin treatment of scabies and as a poultice for boils; Mexican yam is a source of the male sex hormone testosterone and is used for its rejuvenating effects; the Chinese use it to brighten the eyes and as an elixir; North American herbalist use it for bilious colic and spasms of the bowels.

To relieve the nauseous symptoms of pregnancy, wild yam is the very best and is prompt in action (given in small, frequent doses during pregnancy up until birth).

For chronic liver problems and chronic gas, combine two parts wild yam root, one part Oregon grape or barberry root and one-half part each of fennel seeds and ginger.

Take as a tea or powder after meals. For gallstones, combine equal parts wild yam root, fringe tree bark, Oregon grape or barberry root, tumeric root and marshmallow root. Take as a tea, simmering one ounce of the formula in a

pint of boiling water; take two capsules every hour or two, tapering off as symptoms subside.

MAKE NATURE’S MEDICINE YOUR OWN This information is to help you balance your natural healing energies and is not intended as diagnosis or cure, nor as a substitute for medical supervision.

Website: www.sacredhealing7.com, Blog: www.herbsarenaturesmedicine.blogspot. com. Contact info: phone: 347-407-4312, send an email to request my FREE “online” Newsletter: theherbalist1750@gmail. com.

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

LIFESTYLE

Eve of Tomorrow

C

hristmas Eve is quickly approaching and if you are reading this article, chances are that you have almost finished all of your holiday shopping and you’re taking a few moments to relax. Perhaps you decided not to buy into the holiday hoopla; maybe you were, because of circumstances unable to buy into anything at all. Are you sitting in the kitchen at home, riding the subway or maybe, just maybe you are homeless and in a shelter or on

By Audrey Adams

the street? No matter who you are or where you are Christmas Eve—the night before the birth of Jesus, also signals the beginning of the end of a year and the beginning of a new one!

Wow, more than a little bit of newness and change, which means that perhaps along with a bit of anxiety, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. It also means that there is a whole lot of thinking going on!

Naturally, you begin to think about the changes you want to make in your life at the dawn of a new year. While you reflect and review consider this; nothing happens overnight. You won’t just wake up to a new life; you must be willing to do the work necessary to change

your circumstances. Once you begin to do the work, it will still take time for your efforts to yield results and the results might not be what you expected! So where is the silver lining?

It doesn’t mean that you weren’t successful! Isn’t that wonderful? Yes, it is.

Why? Simple, you have the ability to make adjustments to your plans while continuing to move forward. You see, everyday is Tomorrow Eve. And that . . . is the cycle of living.

Think about it as you approach this New Year. See you next week.

CONNECT: TALK! with AUDREY is now on FACE BOOK and TWITTER. I invite you to say hello or share your thoughts with

me on my Face Book Fan Page and on Twitter.

VISIT: TALKWITHAUDREY.com and checkout my online radio show, TALK! with AUDREY for a weekly interviews that will inform, motivate and inspire you.

Audrey Adams is the host of TALK! with AUDREY a weekly, radio show about issues that empower women, featuring entertaining, inspiring and interviews with experts and authors from the health, fitness, financial, and travel industries.

TALK! with AUDREY provides insightful, intelligent, information to encourage women to improve the quality of their life and pay it forward. THE ADAMS REPORT©

DON’T MISS ANOTHER ISSUE SUBSCRIBE TODAY! GO TO PAGE 23 Visit our website to learn more: .www.harlemcommunitynews.com

We provide: CLEAR BRACES METAL BRACES INVISALIGN®

www.CPNbraces.com

1851 Seventh Ave. • New York, NY 10026 (212) 866-9800

With this ad "Free Consultatin" and $50 off "New Customers only" Offer Expires December 30, 2015

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Bradford Washington DMD, MS Licensed Orthodontist Harvard School of Dental Medicine Morehouse College

17

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

CHURCH

Spiritually Speaking

A

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

s the songwriter put it, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”

Be sure to greet everyone with, “Merry Christmas!” Don’t fall for the Happy Holidays watering down of Christmas.

Long live Dr. Jeremiah Wright. I pray to God that he would strike a fire in the hearts of preachers and Pastors today to speak truth to power.

Happy Birthday to one of the finest young ladies in the world! Tytianna Tyson celebrated her birthday last Thursday and a great time was had by all! The celebration began at the Van Nest Academy in the Bronx, then ended up at Red Lobster. Keep up the good work – we all love and support you! Tytianna has a recurring

18

Bro. Bill De Fossett – host of The 3G Experience radio program, WHCR-90.3 FM (www.whcr.org)

role in “The Evolution of Stan Lewis” a drama series written, produced and directed by Steven Lynn of the Fatherhood Initiative!

Sunday, December 20, was the day for an Appreciation Service for Rev. Joseph T. Brighty, Jr., Pastor of Tabernacle of Deliverance. The service was held Sunday morning at the church 2890 Frederick Douglass Blvd. Bishop Anthony Chisom was the preacher.

To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, WHCR-90.3FM is asking 30 friends of each program host to send in a donation of at least $30.00. The 3G Experience is counting on its listeners and friends! (hint – hint). You can visit the website at www.whcr.org and your do-

nation may also be sent directly to WHCR – 90.3 FM by mail, to 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031. You may also go to their secure website, www.whcr.org and follow the prompts and use your credit or debit card. When you do make your donations make sure that you click on The 3G Experience as your favorite gospel radio program. I would like to thank all of you who have sent in your donations in support of The 3G Experience.

Our worldwide reach has been extended via the internet.

We are in contact with folks from around the world. It is a blessing to share the love of God and The 3G Experience in far off places like Australia, Morocco, Cyprus and of

course across the country.

Rev. Reynold Batson was installed as the Pastor of Zion Baptist Church on Sunday, December 20, at 3:30pm. The service was held at Solomon Temple Baptist Church in the Bronx where Rev. D’Eugene Rodgers is the Pastor. Rev. Raymond L. Mickens delivered the message on this great day. Rev. Batson takes over as the Pastor following the untimely transition of Rev. Charles Harvin.

Follow Bro. Bill on Facebook or on the air at WHCR.90.3 FM or www.whcr.org. Thursday morning from 6am- 10am.Other communication may be sent to PO Box 446, New York, NY 10039.

JOIN THE HARLEM TOURISM BOARD

Businesses, Cultural Institutions, Restaurants, Retailers, Organizations, Tour Operators, Travel Agents Churches, etc. go to website:

www.harlemtourismboard.com

or call 212-996-6006

Are You A New Resident in Harlem?

Let us know and we will invite you to our next “Welcome to Harlem Reception”

email us today for your reservation: harlemnewsinc@aol.com

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

LITERARY CORNER

“Games Women Play” by Zaire Crown REVIEW by Terri Schlichenmeyer, Harlem News contributor

N

Yes, I found erotica in this book, nudity, and plenty of pro-

you,

were dancers and gunwomen, and

gang to take his millions before

fanity, but then author Zaire

nothing passes you by.

she could only hope to trust them.

the Feds could get it.

Crown totally astonished me

You’ve got eagle eyes

She certainly couldn’t trust

That would be easier said than

with an action-thriller that had

(probably in the back of your

the man who fed her informa-

done. Caine would be suspicious

my imagination racing as fast as

head), and you know what’s go-

tion on whom to rob. Lieutenant

of everything. Getting close to

my pulse. As the violence ramped

ing on at all times - except, as in

Kyle Dresden was as dirty as

him would take finesse – and

up, the bodies piled up, and the

the new book “Games Women

cops come, and he was freaky,

Tuesday had plenty of that.

blood was cleaned up, I couldn’t

Play” by Zaire Crown, when

too. Tuesday couldn’t stand the

But the mark Dresden showed

put this book down. I kept yelping

you don’t.

thought of his hands on her body,

her didn’t act like a murderous

with surprise again and again; just

Tuesday

but he held too much power over

madman. Marcus King was just a

when I thought I had things all fig-

Knight knew – it was definitely

her. She couldn’t avoid it, and she

normal guy with a child and a rich

ured out, Crown moved the plot to

who.

couldn’t wait to get away from

father. He was no crime boss, he

a whole new level and I love nov-

him.

was no player. He wasn’t exactly

els like that. I loved this one.

othing

It

wasn’t

escapes

what

As the controlling owner of Detroit ’s Bounce House strip club, she knew who had her back:

And then he handed her the biggest job ever.

honest, however – but then, nei-

Be aware that this isn’t a book for everyone, but if you can han-

ther was Tuesday…

her best friend, Tushie, for sure.

Nobody had seen Sebastian

Without a doubt, “Games

dle guns, blood, and gangs in a

Her bouncer, DelRay, for sure,

Caine in years. Rumor was that

Women Play” is nothing like I

novel, you’ll like “Games Women

and probably her bartender, Ebo-

he was in prison, that he’d made

expected.

Play” just fine. For you, it’s just

ny. But as for her team – Brianna,

a deal with the Devil, went un-

Judging by the first few pages,

Baby Doll, and Jaye – well, that

derground, or that he was dead.

I assumed it was another tiresome

was to be determined: Tuesday

Nobody knew what was true and

semi-erotic street lit novel that

was the Boss Lady of the Bounce,

what wasn’t – except the Feds,

never goes anywhere but a bed-

c.2015, Kensington Dafina

and she was the ringleader of a tal-

who swore they were onto Caine.

room. Ho-hum.

$9.95 / $10.95 Canada

ented little group of thieves. They

Dresden wanted Tuesday and her

Ho, wrong!

another thing you shouldn’t miss.

“Games Women Play” by Zaire Crown

Getting Married?

352 pages

also available for anniversaries, birthday parties, reunions, retirement parties, etc.. for info

JRose Catering 212.996.1514

jrosecatering.com jrosecatering@gmail.com

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Looking to have your Wedding in New York without the expensive prices. JRose Catering and Event Productions has everything from table setting to bridal veils. Have your wedding in the heart of Historic Harlem's own 125th Street.

We offer tier packages that include a glamorous event space, fine international cuisine, and entertainment.

19

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FINISH THE LYRICS ACROSS 1. Southern cuisine pie 6. French lake 9. H or O in H2O, e.g.

13. *”Tell ____ I love her” 14. *”A long, long time ____ I can still remember how that music...”

15. Cast somebody there 16. Misbehave 17. St. Louis player 18. First American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann ____ 19. *”Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for ____ ____” 21. *”On a dark desert highway, cool wind in ____ ____” 23. Draft pick 24. $10,000, to a judge, e.g.

25. *”You ___ again” 28. *”You ____ me what I am today” 30. Inventor’s right 35. Burden 37. Color of a bruise 39. *”____ is a sound salvation... cleaning up

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Looking for a Fundraiser?

Inspirational, Informational and Entertaining

20

~ We Have TWO Gospel Musicals for YOU! ~ Written & Directed by Hazel Rosetta Smith “TELL-IT, SING-IT, SHOUT-IT” Sisters Speak Or “THE FLIP SIDE OF THE COIN” Brothers Speak Both plays feature outstanding artists/musicians.

Whether you choose the all-male or all-female play, the messages are phenomenal, the cost is fair.

The voices are spectacular!

~ PICK A PLAY ~ MAKE THE CALL TODAY ~ (212) 362-3681- E-mail: misshazel@earthlink.net Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries

GAMES the nation” 40. Bumpkin 41. “Get ____” (19651970) 43. *”Isn’t it a ____. Isn’t it a shame” 44. What a taster does 46. 41st or 43rd president 47. 1970s hairdo 48. Fireplace 50. One-pot meal 52. *”I wanna be loved by you, just ____” 53. *”May the road ____ with you” 55. Use a Singer 57. *”Get this party started on a Saturday night, everybody’s waiting for me to ____” 60. *”Just a city boy born and raised in South ____” 64. Killed, as in dragon 65. Go a-courting 67. Dome-shaped dessert 68. *”I’m sitting here, doing nothing but _____” 69. Another word for Tokyo 70. Did not go out to eat 71. Radio genre 72. “Losing My Religion” band

73. Tears violently DOWN 1. Surveyor’s creation 2. Apiece 3. Pleasingly pretty 4. Dutch island in the Caribbean 5. “I love the smell of ____ in the morning” 6. Porcine fat 7. American Gas Association 8. Found in written series 9. Between ports 10. South American monkey 11. Carbon monoxide doesn’t have this 12. *”It’s raining ____, Hallelujah” 15. Finely cut masonry block 20. Certain tides 22. Chihuahua’s cry 24. *”Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth, ____ I’m happy” 25. *”’Cause, baby, you’re a firework, come on, show’em what you’re ____” 26. Accustom 27. Historic region in

northeastern Africa 29. *”Your lips are movin’, tell me do you think I’m ____” 31. Spanish snack 32. Enlighten 33. TV’s “____ Circus” 34. *”’Cause uptown funk gon’ give it ____ ____” 36. Tiresias in “Oedipus Rex”, e.g.

38. Formerly, formerly 42. *”So take ____ broken wings” 45. *”I’ve got the world on a ____” 49. Charlie Sheen’s diagnosis 51. Man cave’s necessity 54. Waste water pipe 56. What did Jessica Fletcher do?

57. Aquarium organism 58. “Iron horse” track 59. Yamaguchi’s court 60. Accompanied by “gloom”?

61. Bad sign 62. Used when citing a reference 63. Two equal a twenty 64. Scholastic aptitude test 66. “____ to Joy”

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

WELLNESS

52 CAN DO’S: Healthy Lifestyle Solutions for each week of the year

By Monifa Maat “The Healthy Motivator”

CAN DO TIP Week#8: Ask and You Shall Receive! “…don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” Michelle Obama It is important not to underestimate the power of a request. I experienced this first hand with my local supermarket. I was frustrated when I

first moved to a small community in the Bronx, it appeared a local supermarket did not carry many of the healthier versions of products I could find at specialty markets in other local neighborhoods downtown.

Over a year or so of polite, but persistent requests to the supermarket manager --whom by the way, was very supportive; a gradual shift occurred, with the market carrying items that I never thought in a million years they would ever offer!

Now, my average local supermarket is not so average; carrying a fairly large selection of products one might expect would be available at a health food store or large chain supermarket specializing in organic and whole foods. At my supermarket you will find organic

produce, meat, eggs, a wide variety of gluten free products; a very large selection of nondairy and organic dairy products and even specialty items like kimchi (traditional Korean fermented cabbage) that goes quite well with rice, pasta or meat and like sauerkraut or pickles, considered excellent for digestion.

True story, the store manager at the time communicated to me that if there was any particular product that I was looking for that the store did not carry, to take a photo of the product and price at another

store where it’s offered; he’d do his best to order it or at least make the request. He was true to his word. Here’s a tip: ask a couple of your friends and family to do the same especially if they frequent the same market.

A good supermarket manager that respects his or her customers will take action - especially if you are pleasant and unfailingly persistent in your request. If the thought of initiating this action gives you the heebie jeebies, keep in mind, James 4:2, “We have not, because we ask not”. My atti-

tude is; supermarkets, grocery stores and restaurants exist to serve the community as well as to make a profit. I firmly believe that serving the community is the ultimate generator of profit for the long term and not the other way around.

I recommend my friends, family and fitness clients to shop at grocery stores/markets that offer healthier varieties of foods; I’ve conducted community grocery shopping tours to assist individuals and groups to shop healthy and deliciously on a budget –special thanks to the sup-

port of Foodtown (Foodtown of Parkchester) and Pioneer supermarket in Harlem, located on Lenox Avenue and West 129th Street (sponsored

by Emblem Health Neighborhood Care).

This coming New Year, let’s resolve to never underestimate the power of a request to move mountains. If they ask “Why?” you ask “Why not? If they say “No!” you just say, “Not yet, but soon.”

Monifa Maat is a certified fitness expert, nutrition activist and author of Bed Aerobics Fitness Flow™. Her mission is to inspire individuals to adopt healthy habits that reduce health disparities associated with chronic lifestyle diseases.

Contact: 347-903-0637 Or Email: Monifa@TheHealthyMotivator.com.

The Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links Support St Marys Center

T

restaurant in Harlem.

During the Christmas Holiday season, The Metro – Manhattan Chapter of The Links, Inc. traditionally provide gift bags filled with goodies for our women. This year was no exception. They brought their traditional gift bags filled with potions and lotions to soothe and pamper. They also brought snacks and Music. The women danced together and took photos to commemorate the spirit of sisterhood.

Finally, the Links surprised St. Mary’s Center with a check for $1000.00 to be used for our women

stipend workers and for emergency clothing for women. .This generous donation enables St. Mary’s to continue providing stipend work for our women seeking to gain work skills and to have funds for emergency clothing for women who due to unforeseen circumstances need new clothing.

Holly Argent-Tariq stated, “We cherish this relationship and hope to see it continue to flourish during the coming years. Blessings and thanks to all the Sisters in the Links for remembering St. Mary’s Center”.

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Links Kimberley LaMarque Ormon, Inez Richardson (President of the Metro-Manhattan Chapter) and Kimberley Copeland, with Holly Argent-Tariq, CEO of St Marys

he Metro-Manhattan Chapter of The Links, Inc. have provided mentorship and sisterhood to the women of St. Mary’s Center Inc., for over six years.

The Links, as they are referred to by the St. Mary’s women, provide weekly sessions on topics such as Etiquette, Self-Esteem,Woman’s Wellness,Legal Assistance, Stress Management, Meditation, Spirituality and a wealth of other learning opportunities.

Each year the sessions break with a special speaker and an evening gathering of all the women at a

21

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-AWish. We offer free towing and your donations 100% tax deductible.

Call (855) 376-9474

panding in the NYC area seeking person with sales and/ or marketing background. Call 1-516759-5926.

Leave message for call back.

HELP WANTED

$8,000 COMPENSATION. EGG DOHELP WANTED NORS NEEDED. ATTEND AVIATION Women 21-31. Help COLLEGE– Couples Become Get FAA approved Families using PhyAviation Mainte- sicians from the nance training. Fi- BEST DOCTOR’S nancial aid for qual- LIST. Personalized ified students. Job Care. 100% Confiplacement assis- dential.

DONATE; tance. Call AIM for 1 - 8 7 7 - 9 3 6 - 6 2 8 3 ; free information 866- www.longislandivf.

296-7093 com HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

MAKE HOLIDAY AIRLINE CAREERS $$ -Billion dollar Start Here –Get manufacturer ex- trained as FAA cer-

22

tified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students.

Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093

CLASSIFIED Ozone Park, NY 11417 718-835-9300 LovellLawnewyork@ gmail.com

DONATE YOUR CAR

LAND FOR

Make-A-Wish® Tax 0% le 0 1 Metro New York and ib duct Western New York De

SALE

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE C O O P E R S TO W N *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible LAND LIQUIDAHUNTING Call: (917) 336-1254 WheelsForWishes.org TION! * Wheels For Wishes is a DBA of Car Donation Foundation.

Our Hunters will Pay 10 acres- $29,900 Top $$$ To hunt your Priced 70% BELOW LAND FOR MISCELLA land. Call for a Free MARKET! Woods, Base Camp Leasing NEOUS utils, twn rd, private SALE info packet & Quote. setting just 7 miles 1?866?309?1507 Mohawk Valley Hob- IF YOU HAD HIP OR from w w w. B a s e C a m KNEE REPLACEVillage! Terms avail! by Farm –22 acres pLeasing.com 888-479-3394 -$149,900, 4 BR, MENT SURGERY LAND FOR SALE AN SUFFERED AN LAND FOR 2 BA farmhouse, INFECTION beREAL ESTATE horse barn, nice SALE CLOSINGS Buy/ tween 2010 and the views, Beautiful setSell/Mortgage Prob- SO. ADIRONDACK present time, you lems. Expd Attorney FORESTLAND. 40 ting just off the NY may be entitled to & R.E. Broker,PRO- acres- $69,900 Lake State Thruway, 40 compensation. Call BATE/CRIM INAL/ rights, stream, only Min West of Albany! Attorney Charles H. BUSINESS- Rich- 3 hrs NY City! Twn ard H. Lovell, P.C., rd, utils! Terms avail! Call 888-905-8847 Johnson 1-800-5355727 for more info 10748 Cross Bay, Call 888-701-7509

Advertise in 300 community newspapers

in New York for less than $500 call today 212-996-6006

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

CLASSIFIED

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

CASH FOR

Your Homeownership Partner

HCN

STRIPS Up to $35/Box! Sealed & Unexpired. Payment Made SAME DAY. Highest Prices Paid!! Call Jenni Today! 800413-3479 www.CashForYourTestStrips.com

DON’T MISS ANOTHER ISSUE.... Get Your Next Issue In The Mail

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS, INC.

Harlem Community Newspapers

Size 5” de

high

DIABETIC TEST

WANTED TO BUY CASH for Coins! Buying Gold • Competitive, fixed-rate mortgages for first-time homebuyers & Silver. Also Stamps, Paper • Downpayment assistance available up to $15,000 Money, Co-mics, Entire Col• Special program for veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reservists Where students learn from course work, internships and more lections, Estates. Travel to • Funds available for renovation your home. Call Marc in NY: GRADUATING WORKFORCE READY | PlazaCollege.edu 718.502.6248 1-800-959-3419 1-800-382-HOME(4663) *** www.sonyma.org S WE BUY ANYTHING OLD. W B R O E O KLYN NEWS N QUEENS NEWS M| PlazaCollege.edu 718.502.6248 E L R Costume Jewelry, fountain A 118-33 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills BRO 118-33HQueens Boulevard, Forest Hills pens, NoldX Nwatches, world fair Eitems. and military WS Zippo Cigarette lighters, anything gold.

Wanted to Buy Call Mike 718-204-1402. *** WE BUY ANYTHING $WANTrlem m HaObama ro ED$ CASH PAID for Pre-1980 f nts nt Studey Preside NTS F EVE red B AR O COMIC BOOKS & Star Wars COMMUNITY CAL Hono LEND ENDAR OF EVENTS COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS A C ITY MUN COM COM Action Figures. Original ComMUN ITY CALic Art-Sports Cards & AutoEND AR O F EV ENT Memorabilia- 1990’s graphed S MagictheGathering Call WILL: 800-242-6130 buying@getcashforcomics.com

The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers:

Published Weekly

Register Now For January rlem

The Ha

pers,

pa News

ity mmun

Co

rlem,

ting Ha

nnec

Inc. Co

oklyn

ns, Bro

Quee

and

uth The So

Bronx

IT MUN

COM

se” Can U s You , 2015 d New ril 15 “Goo 9, - Ap

nity Newspapers,

The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx

Inc. Connec ting Harlem,

Queens, Brooklyn and The

“Good News You Can Use”

Vol. 15 No. 22

The

February 19, - Februa

FREE

ry 24, 2015

No. 15

Macy’s Celebrat es Black History Month - “The Style of the Soul Era” page 11

page 7

lem

Com

mun

ity N

ewsp

aper

FREE

Vol. 15

In Memory of B.B. King - “Why I Sing The Blues”

Har

“Good News You Can Use”

Vol. 15 No. 8

May 28, - June 3, 2015

South Bronx

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

FREE

April

Vol. 15

The Harlem Commu

Y

No.

10

500 $600 Guests Raise ,000 d at Blac k M the 10 en page Gala 0 11

s, In

c. C onne ctin g Har lem, Que ens, Broo klyn

“Go od N ews You Mar ch 5, Can - Mar Use” ch 11 , 20

and The Sout h Br onx MU

COM

NIT

Y

15

FRE

E

ay Holid Billie ted Into Induc ollo Ap me of Fa Walk 12

WE BUY RECORDS TOP $$$ PAID Men Who Mentor: Dr. Bob Lee’s “Making The Grade” Foundation

page

mber d cil Me Coun kens an er Inez Dicly Memb mb Asse ith Wright Ke rating CelebSHEROES ng 15 su Un page

16 page

10 page

Former Model B. Smith Seeks Greater Awareness of Alzheimer’s

Rang “Ran el Kick ge s 30 -D l Reso Off ay Ch lutio allen n, to Heal Promot ge e thy page Habits” 17

NBA All Star Weekend Invades New York City page 12

page 14

BP Adams Thanks Volunteers for Part icipating in Hope 2015 Survey of City’s Homeles s page 5

New Mid Block Signal Crosswalk, and Markings to Improve Safety for Children and Families

JAZZ, SOUL, LATIN, ROCK, SALSA SITE: R WEB up.com

NY Greater, Links ter Chap rated Celeb en of “Wom on Spirit cti Distin ards” Aw 6

sinc mnew /harle mnewsinc @harle

see page 5

The Network Journal Honors Karen Witherspoon page 14

page 10

page 16

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.harlemnewsgroup.com

OU VISIT mnewsgro

/harlemnewsinc @harlemnewsinc

page 8

VISIT OUR WEBS ITE:

www.harlemnewsgro

/harlemnewsinc @harlemnewsinc

up.com

harle

www.

Se Blac nator J k His eff K le tory Mon in Host s th B reak Bronx VISIT ww O fast w.har UR W lem E B page S ne

Blac k Mon Histor y th Cont Essay es Cele t and br page ation 13

page

wsg

IT

roup E: .com

5

pag e8

SUBSCRIBE TODAY /ha @ha rlemne rlem wsin new c sinc

Our Mission Statement 33’s 45’s 78’s Call AL 201 281 5604 The Harlem News Group Inc. will publish “only” positive news and information. Our mission is to deliver

“good” and informative news to our readers focusing on health, education, housing, business and employment opportunities. We look for and publish results, not problems. We promote businesses, opportunites and events DON’T MISS ANOTHER ISSUE happening in the communities we serve. We are dedicated to providing our readers with valuable information they can use to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and our communities.

.... Get Your Next Issue In The Mail

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS, INC.

Harlem Community Newspapers SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Tell us which edition you’d like(please check one) Harlem____ Bronx____ Brooklyn____ Queens____

To ensure prompt delivery, please print the following information

Name:

and get

Address:

“Good News You Published City: Zip: WeeklyState: Make check or money order payable to: HARLEM NEWS GROUP, INC.. Thank You Can Use” South

Bronx

IT MUN

pa News unity

COM

The Harlem Commu

Y

EWS N M E HARL pers,

The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx

24 issues $29.95 Mastercard “Good News You Can Use” COMMUNITY

QUEENS NEWS

mm

m Co

rle The Ha

d The

lyn an

, Brook

eens

m, Qu

g Harle

ectin

nn Inc. Co

” an Use

C s You 15 d New 15, 20 “Goo - April

FREE

Vol. 15 No. 22

April 9,

May 28, - June 3, 2015

FREE

nity Newspapers,

Inc. Connec ting Harlem,

Queens, Brooklyn and The

44 issues $49.95 BVisa ROOKLYAcct N N#EW S South Bronx

COMMUNITY

Vol. 15 No. 8

The

“Good News You Can Use”

In Memory of B.B. King - “Why I Sing The Blues” page 7

lem

Com

mun

ity N

BR

ewsp

aper

(for postage & handling) Exp Date

s, In

c. C onne ctin g Har lem, Que ens, Broo klyn

ONXNew York 10027 MAIL to : Harlem News Group, Inc. , P.O. Box 1775, New York, February 19, - Februa

ry 24, 2015

FREE

NEW Mail To: Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc.. P.O. Box #1775, SNY NY 10027 Vol. 15

. 15

No Vol. 15

Har

Macy’s Celebrat es Black History Month - “The Style of the Soul Era” page 11

500 $600 Guests Raise ,000 d at Blac k M the 10 en page Gala 0 11

No.

10

“Go od N ews You Mar ch 5, Can - Mar Use” ch 11 , 20

and The Sout h Br onx MU

COM

NIT

Y

15

FRE

E

ay Holid Billie ted Into Induc ollo Ap me of Fa Walk 12

Men Who Mentor: Dr. Bob Lee’s “Making The Grade” Foundation

page

page 14

mber d cil Me Coun kens an er Inez Dicly Memb mb Asse ith Wright Ke rating CelebSHEROES ng Unsu age 15

16 rlem m Ha ama page nts fro nt Ob ge 10 Stude reside NTS pa

Rang “Ran el Kick ge s 30 -D l Reso Off ay Ch lutio allen n, to Heal Promot ge e thy page Habits” 17

NBA All Star Weekend Invades New York City page 12

New Mid Block Signal Crosswalk, and Markings to Improve Safety for Children and Families

BP Adams Thanks Volunteers for Part icipating in Hope 2015 Survey of City

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

HCN

23

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Celebrating our culture, traditions, and the seven principles

50745_N5110939E.indd 1

12/7/15 2:05 PM

The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx

HARLEM NEWS COMMUNITY

“Good News You Can Use”

Vol. 15 No. 52

December 24 - December 30, 2015

NYC $1.00

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception see page 12

Opportunities and Transparency for MWBE’s see page 11

NEW YORK HILLBILLIES ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION BP Brewer Spreads Holiday Cheer at School in Harlem See page 13

SEE PAGE 13

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.harlemcommunitynews.com

/harlemnewsinc @harlemnewsinc

The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx

BRONX NEWS COMMUNITY

“Good News You Can Use”

Vol. 15 No. 52

December 24 - December 30, 2015

FREE

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception see page 12

Opportunities and Transparency for MWBE’s see page 11

NEW YORK HILLBILLIES ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Klein and Gjonaj Ligt Up the Bronx for the Holidays See page 5

SEE PAGE 13

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.harlemcommunitynews.com

/harlemnewsinc @harlemnewsinc

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

BRONX

Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Community Members Light Up the Bronx for the Holidays

I

n celebration of the Christmas holiday, State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester), and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj (D-Bronx), hosted their annual tree lighting Thursday, December 10.

Community leaders, business owners, and families enjoyed hot cocoa, holiday treats, music, gifts, and an appearance

by Santa Claus. The tree lighting celebration began at Rudy Macina Peace Plaza, where a dazzling twenty-foot Christmas tree lit up the entire plaza.

Attendees then joined Senator Klein and Assemblyman Gjonaj in a horse drawn carriage procession to the second tree lighting at Pelham Parkway and White Plains Road. Students from P.S. 83 and PS 105 entertained the crowd with Christmas carols “I am thrilled to host this annual tree lighting, which has become a tradition for our

(L-R): NYS Assemblyman Benedetto, NYS Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and NYS Senator Jeff Klein celebrate the season with local students

Bronx families. At this joyous time, we create holiday lasting memories as we enjoy these festivities,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “As 2015 draws to a close, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and a new year filled with good health and prosperity,” “This year’s Christmas tree lighting is a very special event, as we light a new permanently planted tree in recognition of a holiday that celebrates not only the birth of Christ, but also celebrates the giving of gifts. Our new tree is a gift to our community that we can enjoy all year long. I am greatly looking forward to celebrating this very special holiday with my friend Senator Jeff Klein and the wonderful members of our community as we light this beautiful new tree in celebration of Christmas,” said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

T

he School of American Ballet will present a free, family-friendly program at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture in the Bronx in late February. The Beauty of Ballet will illustrate how students develop into accomplished classical ballet dancers and reveal the secrets behind dancing on your toes, turning

like a top without getting dizzy, and jumping high in the air. The program will be performed on Saturday, February 20, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street in the Bronx, box office: (718) 518-4455; web: www.hostos.cuny. edu/culturearts/ School of Amer-

ican Ballet faculty member Katrina Killian (a former New York City Ballet soloist) and advanced students from SAB will showcase examples of advanced classroom training exercises and perform excerpts from notable ballets including The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake, performed to live mu-

sic. The Beauty of Ballet is a 45-minute presentation and is recommended for ages 4 through adult.

Admission to The Beauty of Ballet is free with a ticket that may be picked up at the theater box office beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the performance. No reservations are required and seating is first-come, firstserved.

Audience

seating will begin at 1:30 p.m.

The School of American Ballet, founded 82 years ago by legendary choreographer George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, is the premier ballet academy in the United States and trains more students who become professional ballet dancers than any other American school. SAB’s for-

mer students fill the ranks of the New York City Ballet and other leading U.S. and international ballet companies.

The School, which is headquartered at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, has been presenting annual free family programs in the Bronx for the past three years.

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

School of American Ballet to Present Free Program Introducing Children and Families in th Bronx to the Beauty and Magic of Ballet

5

The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx

BROOKLYNNEWS COMMUNITY

“Good News You Can Use”

Vol. 15 No. 52

December 24 - December 30, 2015

FREE

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception see page 12

Opportunities and Transparency for MWBE’s see page 11

NEW YORK HILLBILLIES ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Medgar Evers College Global Lecture Series Presents Carla Harris See page 5

SEE PAGE 13

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.harlemcommunitynews.com

/harlemnewsinc @harlemnewsinc

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

BROOKLYN

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents

B

Step Afrika!

Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 2pm

rooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 201516 season on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 2pm with Step Afrika! The dancers of Step Afrika! use their bodies as instruments, combining traditional step choreography with other styles including tap, modern, and hip hop to create an enthralling, high-energy performance. Opening

for the company will be the award-winning, Brooklyn-based step group Regime. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at BrooklynCenter.org or by calling the box office at 718-9514500 (Tue-Sat, 1pm-6pm).

As an art form, stepping is an important part of America’s artistic and cultural heritage.

In stepping, the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms

and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and the spoken word. It is based on a long and rich tradition in African-based communities that uses movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group. It draws movements from African foot dances, such as Gumboot, originally conceived by miners in South Africa as an al-

ternative to drumming, which was banned by authorities.

The stepping tradition in the United States grew out of song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the early 1900s. Today, stepping is not only practiced on college campuses; it can also be found in schools, churches, and communi-

ty organizations around the country. The form is also spreading its wings to new venues and par-

ticipants, such as Latino and Asian American Greek-letter organizations.

Medgar Evers College Global Lecture Series Presents Carla Harris

(l-r) Dr. Rudolph F. Crew, President of Medgar Evers presents “Certificate of Appreciation” to Carla Harris

C

arla Harris was the guest speaker at Medgar Evers College Global Lecture Series on December 7th. Carla presented her “Pearls of Wisdom” to the students. She stressed to the students that ‘Fear has no place

in your success equation.’ After her presentation students asked questions and she signed her books for the students. Several students won a copy of her book via a drawing held at the event.

Carla Harris is a Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor of Morgan Stanley. She is responsible for increasing client connectivity and penetration to enhance revenue generation across the firm.

For more than a decade, Ms. Harris was a senior member of the equity syndicate desk and executed such transactions as

initial public offerings for UPS, Martha Stewart Living, Omni media, Ariba, Redback, the General Motors sb-IPO of Delphi Automotive and the $3.2 Billion common stock transaction for Immunex Corporation, one of the largest biotechnology common stock transaction in U.S. history. Ms Harris was recently named Fortune Magazine’s list of The Most Powerful Black Executives in Corpo-

rate America. U.S. Bankers Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance and Black Enterprise’s Top 75 Most Powerful Women in Business, among others.

Carla is the author of the newly released book “Strategize to Win” and “Expect to Win.”

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

above photos (l-r) : Panel of students who presented some questions to Carla Harris’ Carla signing books for students photo below: Medgar staff, Dr. Jo-Ann Rolle, Dr. Rudolph F. Crew, Professor Wallace Ford, Dr. Augustine Okereke photos by Nadezda Travadova

5

The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx

QUEENS NEWS COMMUNITY

“Good News You Can Use”

Vol. 15 No. 52

December 24 - December 30, 2015

FREE

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception see page 12

Opportunities and Transparency for MWBE’s see page 11

NEW YORK HILLBILLIES ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION BP Brewer Spreads Holiday Cheer at School in Harlem See page 13

SEE PAGE 13

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.harlemcommunitynews.com

/harlemnewsinc @harlemnewsinc

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

QUEENS

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at ACQC for New AHF Healthcare Center & Pharmacy in Queens

A

IDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) along with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) hosted a grand opening ribbon ceremony for its new AHF Healthcare Center and AHF Pharmacy, located on the 7th Floor of ACQC’s headquarters at 161-21 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432 on December 1st. ACQC joined forces with AHF in February to expand its capacity to provide critical lifesaving services to those affected by HIV/ AIDS throughout the borough of Queens—where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is extreme-

ly high in New York City. The AHF Healthcare Center will operate Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday’s from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and the Pharmacy will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:30 pm.

ACQC’s World AIDS Day reception also took on the building’s 6th floor after the ribbon cutting.

As the only AIDS Community Service Provider in the borough of Queens, ACQC provides critical services and advocacy for HIV-positive individuals for almost 30 years.

ACQC has served over 9,000

HIV-positive clients, and 30,000 community residents in five locations throughout the borough. AHF is a global organization that provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 500,000 people in 36 countries. It is also the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the United States. The AHF Healthcare Center in ACQC is AHF’s second clinic location in New York, in addition to its healthcare center in Brooklyn.

Queens County is currently home to over 17,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, and the borough, compared with other

boroughs in the city, has fewer HIV/AIDS services available.

Of the 3,141 people diagnosed with HIV in 2012 in New York City, 501—or 16%—were from Queens. Of these, 403 were male, of whom 286 were identified as men who have sex with men (MSM) as their most likely transmission risk factor.

102 of the overall 403 males in Queens were Black while 179 were Hispanic.

According to the 2012 HIV Surveillance Annual Report compiled by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, “NYC continues to have one of the

largest HIV epidemics in the United States...As of the end of 2012, 114,926 persons had been diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS, reported in NYC, and were presumed to be living.”

In addition, “Important disparities in HIV—by sex, race/ ethnicity, HIV transmission risk, geography within NYC, and poverty level, among other factors—persisted in NYC in 2012. Persons newly diagnosed with HIV were largely male, black or Hispanic, young, men reporting sex with men, or persons living in impoverished NYC ZIP codes.

HIV diagnosis rates were strikingly high among black and Hispanic males and females relative to other racial/ethnic groups. HIV continued to be unevenly distributed across NYC, with most high burden areas also having a high proportion of impoverished reside nts.”

The AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) is the largest provider of HIV/ AIDS services in the borough

of Queens, serving over 9,000 HIV+ clients, and 30,000 community residents in five sites throughout the borough. Our services include case management, harm reduction and syringe exchange program, health education and prevention services, housing services, legal services, a licensed mental health clinic, and a food pantry program. Our services are provided at no charge to our clients.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider in the USA. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 500,000 individuals in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Additional information is available at www.aidshealth. org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @AIDSHealthcare

B

orough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to a report by StreetEasy released today on 2015-2016 New York City housing market trends, which projects a “surge of new demand” in Queens.

Five of New York City’s top 10 hottest neighborhoods projected to see the greatest increase in housing demand in 2016 are in Queens, in-

cluding Jamaica, Jamaica Estates, Woodside, Elmhurst and Kew Gardens Hills. The ranking is based on StreetEasy’s Hot Markets Index, which ranks neighborhoods based on changes in asking rent, asking sales price and population.

“Demand and value continue to rise in Queens,” said Borough President KATZ. “It is of no surprise that Queens’ neighborhoods will

lead among the City’s hottest markets. The strong growth is a testament to the borough’s appeal, especially for families. While the growth is necessary and encouraged, the challenge for government will be to aggressively expand affordable housing stock to meet the ever-growing demand. When we do, however, it must be done right.”

For Jamaica, StreetEasy attributed its rise to a number of favorable factors, including “a healthy growth in population since 2011, strong growth in interest among buyers and renters, comparatively low prices and convenient access to the New York City subway and Long Island Rail Road systems. What is true in Jamaica is also true in greater Queens. Strong competi-

tion in Manhattan and the Prospect Park submarket of Brooklyn may push more buyers to Queens, but there is a pull factor as well. Relatively lower prices, easy access to large job centers in Midtown Manhattan and Long Island City, and more living space for families will pull more New York buyers and renters towards Queens in 2016.”

In Q2 of 2015, Borough President Katz and Mayor de Blasio’s administration launched the “Jamaica Now Action Plan”, a blueprint for economic growth and development in Jamaica, including a holistic 21-point plan for the revitalization and growth of Jamaica, Queens into a thriving residential and commercial neighborhood.

Harlem Community Newspapers | December 24, 2015

Queens Leads Among Streeteasy's Top 10 List of NYC's Hottest Neighborhoods

5