Brrrrr. Old man winter definitely has us in his grip. Boots, hats, scarves, leg warmers, snow pants, coat, gloves—it takes an extra 15 minutes to get out of the house in the morning if we are to stay on schedule. That means getting up 15 minutes earlier—no easy feat when it is still dark and cold outside. This calls for going to bed 15 minutes earlier the night before. So much for the ripple effect.
Not at all bothered by the cold or the ripple effect are Jim and Ruby Malone, who have headed to Palm Beach, Fla., for the winter. Toni and Phil Brown are already in Cancun, Mexico … or is it Barbados? Snow birds everywhere have flown the coop, and while I forgot to ask if Walter Lowe and Cheryl Wills are off to Barbados this year, I am pretty sure they are packing their bags as we speak.
Braving the cold are the supporters, friends and associates attending the 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Luncheon, which was hosted by the nonprofit Black Agency Executives. The Honorable David N. Dinkins, former mayor of New York City, delivered the keynote message, titled, “We Can’t Breathe: Shifting the Paradigm on Inequality.” David Ushery of NBC 4 New York served as master of ceremonies. The comic set was performed by comedian Chuck Nice.
Black Agency Executives is a membership organization comprising executives of major human service agencies in New York City. Founded in 1976, the organization’s mission is to “support the growing needs of Black leaders in the human service profession.”
Through venues that provide management development, access to resources, advocacy and power networking, the organization continues to be at the forefront of providing ongoing training, resources and services in the area of professional development for Black executives.
While taking my New Year “perp walk” through Harlem, I came across several items of interest. It’s still comical to see the green medallion cabs lined up in front of the Red Rooster, transporting revelers to and fro. Cabbies love it, because on the corner of 126th Street and Lenox Avenue, they can make that turn and head straight back downtown.
Carvin Donuts, formally located on Lenox at 130th Street, has caved, as I imagined they would. Not that I am not supportive of small businesses, but to think you can make it on donuts when rents along upper Lenox Avenue are sky high is a little short sighted. Right next door, a Sliders STK Kitchen is about to open. This should be interesting.
A beautiful sight to behold is the newly restored Christ Temple House of Prayer. A very small structure by church standards, the exterior is a simple design that is as inspirational in the day as it at night, when it shines like a beacon of hope. If the service inside is anything close to the appeal of aesthetics on the outside, I would love to be in the pew. If only it were Roman Catholic.
Newly opened and drawing quite a Sunday brunch crowd is Ponty Bistros. Located on the corner of 139th Street and Seventh Avenue, the restaurant advertises itself as serving creative French-African cuisine. However, the eclectic menu, ranging in offerings from chicken and pasta to a variety of fish entrees, looked like standard fare. Alas, not to be misguided, the difference lies in the spices and method of cooking and serving. Entrees are about $20. Lunch and weekend brunch are a little more moderate.
Happy birthday, Harvey Young, Genie Street, Denise Miller and Bobby Shipp; rest in peace, Durinda Taylor, Isabell Dennis and Wilbur DeLaney.
Executive Director Joseph Patuleia of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club led the festivities as the organization celebrated 130 years of saving and enhancing the lives of New York City children. Patuleia took the podium at Cipriani 42nd Street to welcome guests, stating, “For more than a century, Madison has been a defining presence in the New York City community, establishing its expertise and excellence in youth development. And we could not do it without our amazing supporters,” he said.
Among the supporters were C.C. and Amber Sabathia; Ms. New York, Jillian Tapper; and Rebecca and Roy Weathers, just to name a few of the more than 600 people in attendance. Maria Negron and Joshua Lebrun did a wonderful job of displaying the leadership and public speaking skills taught by professionals at the club, as the two participants from the Madison’s Youth of the Year program, served as masters of ceremonies. Huchela De La Cruz, referred to as Madison’s “superstar,” provided entertainment, along with a dance performance from DiverCity, the Columbus Clubhouse Dance Team.
The fifth annual “Weddings & Travel” issue of Uptown magazine has hit the stands, and if the inside glossy is anything like its absolutely dreamy cover, then we are all in for a treat. You may be able to check out the online version. If it is online, I am sure you will become immersed for hours. Better prepare dinner first.
Congratulations to Jourdan Dunn, the “Global girl,” who landed on the cover of British Vogue, and it’s hot, hot, hot! Long and lanky Jourdan is a supermodel who now joins the ranks with Joan Small, Liya Kebede and Beverly Johnson. Go girl!
Until next week … kisses.