New life for an ancient idea

Want to swap your stuff? The next Stop ‘N’ Swap  will be held at the I.S. 52 cafeteria (650   Academy St. at Broadway),  Sat., Jan. 22, from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

For as long as history has been recorded, trade has been a part of human culture. The form has changed, but the idea has remained much the same: people trade what they can make themselves or what they have for what they can’t make themselves or for what they don’t have.

Select Buses may be too selective in parking restrictions

The Select Bus stop located on Broadway between 207th and Isham Streets has become a nuisance to tenants of the block who complain they cannot get picked up by cabs and access-a-rides. 

The city’s pilot Select Bus Service program that started running in 2008 may be alleviating the commuting woes of some by giving the blue flashing buses priority at stop lights, but it’s adding to the transportation troubles of others.

JFK high school to close according to leaked DOE document

In an internal planning document leaked late on Thurs., Jan. 13, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) outlines which schools are planned to replace the 26 city schools the City has recommended for closing due to poor performance, and also delineates sites that have been chosen for approximately 24 additional charter and traditional schools.

Increase in reported rapes and robberies in 2010; new crime reporting review committee created

The three-year trend in local crime complaints in the two local precincts compared to 1990 when only one precinct covered all of Northern Manhattan. SOURCE: CompStat

While the total number of crime complaints last year in Northern Manhattan’s two police precincts were similar to what was tallied in 2009, both saw significant increases in rapes and robberies.

Good Shepherd School to remain open in Inwood

Of the 32 schools the New York City Archdiocese had targeted for closure, Good Shepherd was one of only four that will remain open, and the only school to be saved in Manhattan.

Good Shepherd School in Inwood was removed from the list of schools slated to be closed by the Archdiocese of New York thanks to the efforts of concerned parents, students, teachers, and administrators.

A “House” for all, with burgers – and beer – to go

The Bronx Ale House’s namesake hamburger, the popular Ale House burger, served with pulled pork, homemade spicy slaw and topped with onion rings, and served with French fries.

Photos and Text by Debralee Santos

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

So uttered Benjamin Franklin in defense of the world’s most widely consumed and perhaps oldest alcoholic beverage.

Assembly member Guillermo Linares is sworn in

Assembly member Guillermo Linares took his oath of office this Sunday Jan 16th, accompanied by his wife Evelyn Linares, daughter Mayra Linares and his son Guillermo Linares Jr. 

Guillermo Linares was sworn in as the Assembly member for the 72nd District representing the eastern side of Washington Heights and Inwood and Marble Hill in the Bronx during an inauguration ceremony Sun., Jan. 16 at Isabella Geriatric Center.

Linares, who became the first Dominican born elected to office in the United States when he joined the City Council in 1991, replaces Adriano Espaillat, who was elected to the state Senate in November.

Real estate sales hold steady in Washington Heights and Inwood

The Northern Manhattan real estate market seems to have settled into the new normal.

After a couple of years of wide swings, both for better and worse, sales are holding steady.

The fashion hostess

Ivette Urbaez has turned her Thayer Street apartment into a studio where she hosts fashion parties of her work.

text and photos by Gloria Pazmiño

In an apartment-turned fashion workshop and studio on Thayer Street, Ivette Urbaez, a local designer, holds “fashion parties” in what appears to be a creative, private space that welcomes the imagination and color of anyone with an idea to share.

Council restores $4 million in proposed cuts to CUNY

City Council responded to the mayor’s proposed $6.3 million in cuts to the City University of New York by restoring over $4 million for instructional and departmental research, student services, and library hours.

New medical supply store opens in Washington Heights

Erra Surgical supplies located at 4228 Broadway between 179^th and 180^th Streets opened its doors on Jan 13. The new store will be offering doctors and patients with durable medical equipment.

A snow man, but not a snow day for kids

The nearly 10 inches of snow that fell overnight from Jan. 11 to 12 was not enough to keep students out of school but it did provide enough material for several kids to build a snow man in Isham Park after school let out.

Start Walking

Two groups will soon be offering guided fitness walks for those seeking to enjoy the outdoors in the mornings.

Nancy Brunning, certified fitness instructor, and director of Fort Tryon park trust fitness programs, will be leading the walks on Tues. and Thur. from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30, and on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.. Walkers will meet at the Margaret Corbin Circle in Fort Tryon Park at the entrance to the Heather Garden. There is no cost to participate, for more information call 212-795-1388 ext. 304

UC Recap - January 10-15

January 10 – January 15

We began the week with another Postcards from Paradise post from M. Tony Peralta, who is vacationing in the picturesque Dominican Republic. The beautiful image was taken in Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic’s second capital. By the way, Washington Heights is the unofficial third capital of the island nation.