The Anthropologists Perform in the Park!

Salon Sessions
Saturday, August 30, 2008

The Anthropologists is a company of artists dedicated to the creation of investigative, socially relevant, and engaging theatrical work. They train together on a regular basis using Viewpoints and other physical theater techniques to devise organic, ensemble-based work. They are committed to researching topics from an anthropological perspective in order to break down and unleash cultural discoveries.

Starting in August, The Anthropologists started doing a series of free one-day events in various neighborhoods around New York City/Five boroughs. Inspired by SMITH Magazine’s book, Not Quite What I Was Planning, a collection of 6-word memoirs, their goal is to create a unique performance in the middle of the city. In their first round of performances, they are planning on visiting Harlem, Washington Heights and the Lower East Side.

Using storytelling and character-building techniques, a team of actors & a director go to each neighborhood, engage with community and invite people to write their own six word stories. From this text they create a six-minute play which will be created in an open rehearsal or "salon session" where community members can see the show they wrote being formed before their eyes.

The event provides a way for a community to connect with and through theatre by bringing theatre to their doorstep and providing opportunities to co-create as writers and audience members.

Now, they will be visiting St. Nicholas Park! Please see the details below and visit their website if you would like to know more.

Who: Jean Goto, Jennifer Moses, Sonja Sweeney, Allison Whittinghill, Melissa Fendell (Director)

What: A 30-minute performance transforming 6-word stories into a 6-minute play

When: collecting stories from 12pm-3pm, performance at 5pm

Where: St. Nicholas Park - the plaza at 135th Street

Cost: Free!

HAMILTON GRANGE: Restoration Update August 2008

Hamilton Grange National Memorial was sited over its new foundation on June
27, 2008. Since that time, the contractor has repaired the timber support
sills, girts and floor joists. In addition, the exterior and interior
masonry block foundation walls have been constructed up to the underside of
the timber support framing in all locations except where steel I-beams and
support cribbing/blocking remain.

During the week of August 4, Wolfe House & Building Movers will return to
St. Nicholas Park to remove the last of the I-beams and cribbing. The
contractor will then be able to finish the masonry block foundation. This
is a major milestone for the Grange as work on site utilities and drainage
can be completed. With all these pieces in place, the exterior restoration
of the home can then begin.

The past four weeks have also seen the replacement of street lights on
Convent Avenue and 141st Street as well as the final cleanup of the Convent
Avenue site. Over the next two weeks the National Park Service hopes to
complete the interim treatment for the Convent Avenue site. The interim
treatment includes site grading and seeding in addition to the replacement
of the iron fence and gate in the front and rear of the property.

The masonry block foundation has been constructed up to the timber support
framing of Hamilton Grange.

The Convent Avenue site where Hamilton Grange once stood has been cleared
of debris and will be graded and seeded in the coming weeks.

HARLEM HOP MEETS DIGGER’S DELIGHT GREAT SUCCESS

HARLEM HOP MEETS DIGGER’S DELIGHT was a great success on Tuesday night. Great weather, awesome beats and a great crowd. Check out the pictures taken by Joe Conzo.

Harlem Day Activities

Sunday, August 17, 2008

10:00 a.m.

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Our biggest day, this event features multiple stages with live performances and entertainment. Events take place all day. Free to the general public.

Part I: Music festival
12 p.m.-7 p.m.

3 Main Stages:

1. St. Nicholas Stage – R & B/Hip Hop/Reggae
W. 135th Street (between Frederick Douglass Boulevard & St. Nicholas Avenue)

2. YMCA Stage – Various community-based performances of dance, fashion, poetry, and music
West 135th Street (between Malcolm X & A. C. Powell Jr. boulevards

3. 5th Avenue Stage – Gospel & Jazz
West 135th Street (between Malcolm X Boulevard & 5th Avenue)

Part II: N.Y. City Health Fair & Expo

Between West 135th Street & 5th Avenue and A. C. Powell Jr. Boulevard

Part III: The Upper Manhattan Auto Show
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
An East Coast Auto Showcase featuring over a hundred new, unique, antique, vintage, exotic, and collectable vehicles as well as other historic buses and motorcycles with awards for best in class categories.

Howard Bennett Park (West 135th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard & 5th Avenue)

Part IV: The N.Y. City Children’s Festival

Come see Our children’s fashion show! This is a free event but tickets are required.

West 135th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard & 5th Avenue

Part V: The Harlem Honeys & Bears: New York City youth swimming demonstrations
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

At the swimming demonstration, synchronized events will be featured. Our youth will also do speed races and relays as well as other aquatic activities and exercises.

For more info, call (646) 302-3487, or email www.harlemhoneysandbears.org.

Part VI: International vendors, exhibits, foods, art, fun, & games

West 135th Street (between Fifth and St. Nicholas avenues)

***
Rain Date: Sunday, August 24th

Location

Howard Bennett Plgd

Friends Monthly Meeting Wednesday, August 13th at 7pm

Meeting date change

The Friends of St. Nicholas Park are holding our monthly meeting this Wednesday, August 13th at 7pm at St. Mark's Church. St. Mark's Church is located at 55 Edgecombe Avenue at the intersection of 137th Street, Edgecombe and St. Nicholas Avenues. This month our meeting is on Wednesday because of the Diggers Delight event on Tuesday August 12th.

Please spread the word and bring a friend or two! Some of our new events this year include the possibility of hosting an art fair. We are still looking for volunteers to help with positions within the group.

Events Promoter: someone to volunteer to hang posters in local stores, recreation centers and our park’s bulletin boards to help us promote our events and meetings.

Flyer/Advertising Designer: The Friends have an opportunity to create ads and printed posters for our events. Unfortunately, we need a designer with some time to help us in this endeavor.

Event Volunteers: For our events, we need help in promoting the park to event attendees as well as gathering email addresses for our mailing lists.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please contact us at info@stnicholaspark.org

Former New York City Councilman Stanley Michels Has Passed

Dear Friends:

I have very sad news to report.

Former New York City Councilman Stanley Michels passed away this morning at the age of 75 after having quietly battled cancer for two years.

He served as Councilman for a very large section of Northern Manhattan, from Harlem to Inwood, for 24 years, until terms limits caused him to end his tenure in 2001. (I'm not alone in thinking that were it not for term limits he'd still be there!)

Because he had been out of the Council for about seven years now, many may not realize what a path he forged since the 1970s to protect and reinvigorate the city's Parks for all of our enjoyment. He was also a tireless advocate for affordable housing, and toward the end of his tenure in the Council began to become more involved in animal issues, including the "Pets In Housing" bill.

I was honored to have worked for him for several years toward the end of his distinguished career, and I can tell you, at least from my seat as the Appointment Scheduler, that he was truly the last of his breed, a hands-on Councilman who would answer his own phone (both in the office and at home) and who truly cared about every one of his constituents.

Here is an article just posted by The Observer on Stanley's passing.

http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/longtime-council-member-stan-michels-dead-75

Whatever your affiliation, I hope I can ask you to please keep Stanley as well as his family in your prayers, including Molly, whom he affectionately referred to as his "bride of 48 years", his three children, and grandchildren.


Diane West
Publisher
New York Tails Magazine
www.newyorktails.com

Harlem Week!

As you may or may not know, Harlem Week is coming up. There are tons of fun and fabulous things to do around the neighborhood. Here is a list of August events, but you can visit the Harlem Week website for more information. Hope to see you around!!

Thursday, 7^th

New York City

Economic Development

Awards Luncheon and Expo

“The Economic State of New York’s Health” Conference

Presentations on major development projects city-wide and recognition of outstanding business and governmental executives who contribute to the economic prosperity and revitalization of New York City.

10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Columbia University

By Invitation Only

Sunday, 10^th

HARLEM WEEK /DAILY NEWS

Golden Hoops

East Coast Basketball Classic

Featuring the best All-Star basketball Teams in the region.

1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Riverbank State Park

145^th St. & Riverside Dr.

Free to the general public

For info, call (212) 862-8477

Tuesday, 12^th

N. Y. C. Senior Citizens Day

“Elders Jubilee”

An annual celebration of our elders, featuring a live concert, a fashion show, exhibits, and a grand awards luncheon.

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

National Black Theater

Fifth Avenue & 125^th Street

By Invitation Only

Friday, 15^th – Sunday, 17^th

HARLEM WEEK

Tri-State Jr. Tennis Classic

Presented By

GHCC/Les Halles Cup

In concert with the U. S. Tennis Association and

The U.S. Open, this event showcases the best up & coming boys & girls tennis talents in age divisions from 12 thru to 18.

1:00 PM – 7:00 PM Fred Johnson Tennis Courts

150^th St. & Adam C. Powell, Jr. Blvd.

Free to the general public.

Saturday, 16^th

“UPTOWN SATURDAY NITE”

Music Theme: “Dancing in the Streets”

An Outdoor Cultural Arts &

Entertainment and Dance Festival honoring the

grand village of Harlem!

11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Free to the general public

Rain Date: Saturday, August 23^rd

Part I:

Music Theme: “Dancing in the Streets”

“Dancing in the Streets” Dance Performances

Featuring Swing Jazz, Latin, the Electric Slide, College Step Show, and the Chicago Step dance demonstrations. Also will include a Quiet Storm segment.

St. Nicholas Ave. Stage

W. 135^th St. & St. Nicholas Ave.

Local, Regional and National Entertainment on our Main Stage

W. 135th St. (Btwn. Frederick Douglass Blvd. & St. Nicholas Ave.)

Part II:

The National Historic

Black College Fair & Expo

Showcasing over 60 historical Black colleges &

other regional, national, global educational Institutions. Featuring exhibits, financial aid info, networking and information on career opportunities. Meet and greet alumni celebrities.

W. 135^th St. (Btwn. Malcolm X & A.C. Powell Jr. Blvds.)

Noon – 7:00 PM

Free to the general public

Part III:

N.Y. City Health Fair & Expo (Part I)

Theme: Harlem’s Healthy Eating/Healthy Living

Offering the latest health-testing, information, services, exhibits, promotional material on family health services.

11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.

W. 135th St. (Btwn. Malcolm X & A.C. Powell, Jr. Blvds.)

Free to the general public

Part IV:

“The N.Y. City Children’s Festival” (Part I)

Celebrating our youth with music, games, rides, fashions shows, entertainment, sports clinics, chess, gymnastics, petting zoo and pony rides.

12 Noon – 6:00 PM

W. 135^th Street (Bet. Malcolm X and A.C.P. Jr. Blvds.)

A Free event (Tickets required)

Part V:

The Harlem Honeys & Bears

N.Y. City Senior Citizens Swimming Demonstrations

At the swimming demonstration, synchronized events will be featured. Senior Citizens will also do speed races, relays, as well as other aquatic activities and exercises.

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hansborough Swimming Pool

W. 134^th St. (Btwn. 5^th Ave. & Malcolm X Blvd.)

For more info, call 646-302-3487

www.harlemhoneysandbears.org

Part VI:

International Vendors, Exhibits, Foods, Art, Fun & Games

W. 135th St. from Malcolm X to Frederick Douglass Blvds.

Free to the general public

Sunday, 17^th

HARLEM DAY

Music Theme:

Our biggest Day!

Multiple Stages with live performance and entertainment.

“A Celebration of Gospel and Jazz” Our Musical Roots.

Part I:

3 Main Stages:

12 Noon – 7:00 PM

1. St. Nicholas Stage – R & B/Hip Hop/Reggae

W. 135^th St. (Btwn. Frederick Douglass Blvd. &

St. Nicholas Ave.)

2. YMCA Stage – Various Community Based performances of dance/fashion/poetry/music

W. 135^th St. (Btwn Malcolm X & A. C. Powell Jr. Blvds.)

3. 5^th Ave. Stage – Gospel & Jazz

W. 135^th St. (Btwn. 5^th Ave. & Malcolm X Blvd.)

Events take place all day. Free to the general public.

Rain Date: Sunday, August 24^th

Part II:

N.Y. City Health Fair & Expo (Part II)

(See Sat. Aug. 18^th)

2 Blocks Btwn:

W. 135th St. & 5^th Ave. - A. C. Powell Jr. Blvds.

Part III:

The Upper Manhattan Auto Show

An East Coast Auto Showcase featuring over a hundred new, unique, antique, vintage, exotic and collectable vehicles as well as other historic buses and motorcycles with awards for best in class categories.

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Howard Bennett Park

W. 135th St. (Btwn. 5^th Ave. & Malcolm X Blvd.)

Part IV:

The N.Y. City Children’s Festival (Part II)

(See Saturday, August 18^th)

Come see Our Children’s Fashion Show

W. 135th St. (Btwn. Malcolm X & A. C. Powell Jr. Blvds.)

A Free event (Tickets required)

Part V:

The Harlem Honeys & Bears

New York City Youth Swimming Demonstrations

At the swimming demonstration, synchronized events will be featured. Our youth will also do speed races, relays, as well as other aquatic activities and exercises. (see Aug. 16^th)

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For more info, call 646-302-3487

www.harlemhoneysandbears.org

Part VI:

International Vendors, Exhibits, Foods, Art, Fun & Games

W. 135th St. (Btwn. Fifth and St. Nicholas Aves.)

Free to the general public

Saturday, 23^rd

HARLEM WEEK

Harlem’s Healthy Living Walk-a-Thon

Grab your family, join your neighbors and friends as we take a nature and historic walk through 3 of Harlem’s Historic Parks: Morningside Park, St. Nicholas Park and Jackie Robinson Park.

Time: TBD

“Stomping at the Savoy” Swing Jazz Dance

The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation in conjunction with HARLEM WEEK will put on outdoor Swing Jazz Dance for all New Yorkers with a major Jazz Orchestra.

Time: 6:00 PM

Jackie Robinson Park

145^th St. & Bradhurst Ave.

Wednesday, 27^th

“The Joints Are Jumpin’”

A musical salute to Harlem’s Fabled Legacy highlighting the multiple flava and diversity of Harlem’s famous Nite Spots, featuring unique, multicultural artist, foods and beverages, at ten specially selected locations.

5:30 PM & 7:30 PM

By Invitation Only

At various Uptown Locations

Image Nation Film Festival in St. Nick Park

2008 IMAGENATION
OUTDOOR FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Mondays Screenings! - July 28, August 4, 11, 18
* Harlem Week Screenings! - Saturday August 16, Sunday August 17

ImageNation has a fantastic line-up of films for this summer's outdoor series. Be sure to join us for a summer of blazin-hot schedule of summer films and music from the cutting-edge dj's. More details to come!

All screenings will be held at St. Nicholas Park
135th Street & St. Nicholas Park on the Great Lawn
Music at 6pm / Screenings at Sundown

Monday, August 4, 2008 ** Double Feature **

Presented in collaboration with the Roural Route Film Festival, this program features South Africans and African-Americans who recconnect with their rural heritage. Click here to see clips of the following films! Spirits of the Uhadi Directed by Lauren Groenwald Directed Directed by Lauren Groenwald 48 minutes, 2004, 48 minutes, 48 minutes, 2004, documentary Dubbed the South African Lauryn Hill, Thandiswa Mazwai is a major pop star in South Africa, was a member of the leading kwaito group Bongo Maffin, and a product of urban life in modern Johannesburg. In Spirits of the Uhadi, Thandiswa's exploration of her Xhosa roots leads her to the rural Eastern Cape, where she is initiated into the traditions and rituals of her culture’s music. Homecoming Directed by Charlene GilbertDirected by Directed Directed by Charlene Gilbert 48 minutes, 2004, 48 minutes, 56 minutes, 1999, documentary by Charlene GilbertDDirect Part expose, part biography, Homecoming draws on the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, which is intertwined with the history of black farmers. Inspired by Malcolm X's contention that "Land is the basis of all independence. Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality," this personal journey documents the tradition and decline of Black farming, and explores the bittersweet legacy of the land, a symbol of both struggle and survival. Preceded by performances by Yolanda Zama and SAGA (South African Girls Abroad); Music spun by DJ Eddie Ed - NYC's premiere kwaito DJ!

Film Festival Success and Diggers Delight August 12th!

We had a wonderful time at our St. Nicholas Park Film Festival last week. Kimistry, an original jazz combo with vocals, keyboard, drums and upright bass performed before the screening of New York Non-fiction shorts. The skies were kind enough to stay friendly until just after the event ended. On Thursday we had Tantra-zawadi, a performance poet with musical accompaniment by King Tut on sax and flute followed by two short films by City Life is Moving Bodies (CLIMB), promoting a walking trail from 110th Street at Central Park through Morningside Park, St. Nicholas Park, Jackie Robinson Park, and Highbridge Park. The director and representatives from the group were on hand to introduce the films and talk about what they do. The feature film was Hip Hop Revolution. A documentary about the South African Hip Hop scene.

Coming up, we've got one of my favorites, Digger's Delight.
Details below:

AUGUST 12TH
MISS SHING-A-LING
ROCKIN' ROB
DJ STEVE DEE
@ HARLEM HOP MEETS DIGGER'S DELIGHT
ST. NICHOLAS PARK, HARLEM
Free! All Ages! Tuesday from 4:30pm - 8pm. DJs who dance, dancers who DJ, A list producers, turntablists and more unearth their rarest and funkiest grooves especially for bgirls, bboys, poppers, lockers and uprockers.
St. Nicholas Park West 135th & St. Nicholas Ave.

August Coffee Bark This Saturday, August 2nd from 9-11am

The St. Nick's Dog Run Coffee Bark happens this Saturday, August 2nd from 9am-11am. Come enjoy the "dog days" of summer at the Dog Run with some coffee, donuts and fun while socializing with fellow dog owners and discussing issues concerning St. Nicholas Park and St. Nick's Dog Run. The St. Nick's Dog Run is located in the middle of St. Nicholas Park between 136th and 137th streets. If you are interested in volunteering for the Coffee Bark, contact us at dogpark@stnicholaspark.org Hope to see you there!