THE NEW YORK MARATHON IN HARLEM 2021

Harlem Bespoke: After being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the New York Marathon celebrated its 50th Anniversary this past sunday and the energy was definitely in the air this year.  We always advised folks to show up just before 10:40 AM to see the leader of the pack and were able to photograph this year's winner Albert Korir of Kenya making his way through the Harlem midpoint of the race.

COMIDAS GRATIS REFRIGERATORS ON WORLD FOOD DAY

Solidarity to fight local food insecurity, Week of October 11th, to commemorate World Food Day on October 16th at community refrigerators throughout the NYC.   Comida Gratis is a first-of-its-kind, consolidated effort to fill all 80+ community refrigerators across New York City’s five boroughs with fresh food. The initiative aims to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire community support.  New Yorkers now have a grassroots opportunity to rally around their neighbors to address the city’s hunger crisis and the goal is to have all refrigerators full for World Food Day later this week on Saturday.  

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☞ CONTACT: GOT A HARLEM BESPOKE TIP?

Harlem Bespoke:  Send any tips and especially photos over our way if you have stories on your section of Harlem: harlembespoke@gmail.com


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READ: PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED IN NYC

Harlem Bespoke:  Those still on the fence about getting vaccinated in NYC might want to go ahead and make that appointment now because some major restrictions are coming about by next month.  Proof of vaccination such as vaccination cards or passes will be required to enter all restaurants, indoor entertainment space, movies and gyms by mid September but some local restaurants have already started implementing the mandate.  Corporate policy for larger companies are also starting to implement vaccination policies so it is pretty much inevitable.  Right now the city stands about at 55 percent vaccinated which is better than the national average but the goal to get that higher now will have to be encouraged in a more direct way: LINK

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READ: $100 FOR FIRST VACCINATION IN NYC

Harlem Bespoke: Those who have waited this long to get vaccinated will get $100 for the first shot at any city-run site starting today.  You just need proof of NYC residency or employment and the a debit card will be emailed or sent via regular mail to complete the transaction. Apparently 40 percent of the city population is unvaccinated so having another rewards incentive might be the way to go to get more on board.  More on the full schedule can be found on the government site with no appointment necessary: LINK

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HARLEM BESPOKE SUBSCRIPTION EMAIL UPDATE!

Harlem Bespoke:  Google will be cancelling the current email subscription format in July so we have switched to follow.it for the newsletter.  All current subscribers will be getting an updated feed confirmation link via email this week but if you want to switch right away to follow.it then just type in your email address below and press the subscribe button.  

LGBT: HARLEM PRIDE 2021 WILL BE VIRTUAL

Harlem Bespoke:  Uptown has had a Harlem Pride celebration for over a decade but this year will still be virtual as a cautious approach to the waining pandemic.  This is actually the second year in a row that things are remote and will definitely be the last since things are turning around in a big way recently. Celebrations start the last Saturday of June which will be the 26th this year and those interested can go to the official Harlem Pride site for the local LGBT events throughout the month: LINK

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EXERCISE: CITI BIKE IN MANHATTAN

Harlem Bespoke:  Citi Bike arriving uptown was a big deal about 5 years ago but now the entire length of Manhattan has the bike share locations everywhere.  We especially like that this is an eco-friendly alternative for transportation and is also a way to get much needed exercise in the neighborhood.  Those who are not so confident in maneuvering the streets also have the alternative of cycling along Riverside Park which has a continuous bike path with waterfront views closed off from any automobile traffic: LINK

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FREE WEDNESDAYS AT NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

Harlem Bespoke:  Did you know Wednesdays are free to city residents when visiting the New York Botanical Garden in the  Bronx?  We went recently since a friend booked tickets in advance for us and saw the outdoor portion of the new Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit on the beautiful grounds.  This is also great for kids and the garden is a big space to walk around for some exercise but make sure to wear comfortable shoes.  Note that there are indoor parts of the exhibits which are not included like the big Victorian greenhouse and also require advance ticket purchase.  More details and online tickets can be found the NYBG site: LINK

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INTRODUCING: 24 HOUR SUBWAY SERVICE RETURNS

Harlem Bespoke: Another sign that the city is getting back to normal is that the subway stations have now resumed full 24 hour service for the first time in over a year.  Late night hours have been restored as of today but social distancing protocols such as wearing masks are still required.  Read more about the news on the official New York state site: LINK

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CONTACT: GOT A HARLEM BESPOKE TIP?

Harlem Bespoke:  Send any tips and especially photos over our way if you have stories on your section of Harlem: harlembespoke@gmail.com


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VACCINATION: FREE SUBWAY PASS AND VACCINATIONS

Harlem Bespoke:  Still not vaccninated?  The city just made things a lot easier by now providing free one-shot  J&J vaccinations at subway hubs like Penn Station without appointment.  Just show up between 3:00PM to 8:00PM from Wednesdays through Sundays and you will also get a 7-Day subway pass as a parting gift.   More details and other locations can be found in the New York Post: LINK

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CONTACT: GOT A HARLEM BESPOKE TIP?

Harlem Bespoke:  Send any tips and especially photos over our way if you have stories on your section of Harlem: harlembespoke@gmail.com


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BESPOKE DIARIES: MORE VACCINE BUSES NEED

Harlem Bespoke:  We noticed that there are dozens and dozens of pop-up street corner testing sites all over uptown and only 2 vaccine buses for the entire city.  At this point in time, shouldn't it be the opposite?  There are more than enough clinics to get tested for COVID but now herd immunity is more important so hitting the streets and making it convenient seems like a better game plan.  Most local pharmacy chains all administer shots these days but being on the streets is really making things more accessible to a lot of people who might not think about going to a brick-and-mortar address.  Cities are starting to open and people want to travel with a vaccine card or return to work and therefore these buses would be very popular in the coming months.

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BREAKING: NYC CAPACITY RESTRICTION LIFTED MID MAY

Harlem Bespoke: The big news at the start of the week is that Governor Cuomo just announced that the majority of NYC capacity restrictions will be lifted on Wednesday May 19th.  That will also include all theaters and Broadway shows which all account for a huge part of the entertainment business in the city.  Gyms, salons, restaurants, museums and even offices will no longer have to severely limited foot traffic so we expect a lot more venues uptown to finally open. 

Only large outdoor stadium events will be limited to 30 percent which does not affect the majority of businesses found uptown.  Positive corona virus results have plummeted by 50 percent in the past month and proves that the vaccination efforts come up with solid results.  With that said, social distancing will still be recommended so get used to staying six feet apart from someone in line: LINK

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VACCINATION: 16 AND OVER ELIGIBILITY THIS TUESDAY

Harlem Bespoke:  The state has approved those 16 and over to get vaccinated starting this week on Tuesday, April 6th.  With that said, getting an appointment online is not an easy task and we did go through a couple of online resources in the city before securing a date this month.  What worked for us was the city site Vax4nyc.nyc.gov which had locations in the Bronx and Manhattan available.  Harlem Hospital seems to be booked really quickly so we ended up in lower Manhattan which is not a big deal since the subway makes transportation convenient.   Clicking a few boxes and typing in your name is all it takes after securing a date so those looking should really check this official government site out: LINK

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VACCINATION: 30 AND OVER ELIGIBILITY THIS TUESDAY

Harlem Bespoke:  The state has now approved those 30 and over to get vaccinated starting this week on Tuesday, March 30th.  In addition to this momentous news, all adults 16 and older will be eligible starting next week on Tuesday, April 6th.  With that said, getting an appointment online is not an easy task and we did go through a couple of online resources in the city before securing a date this month.  What worked for us was the city site Vax4nyc.nyc.gov which had locations in the Bronx and Manhattan available.  Harlem Hospital seems to be booked really quickly so we ended up in lower Manhattan which is not a big deal since the subway makes transportation convenient.   Clicking a few boxes and typing in your name is all it takes after securing a date so those looking should really check this official government site out: LINK

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VACCINATION:50 AND OVER ELIGIBILITY THIS WEEK

Harlem Bespoke:  The state has now approved those 50 and over to get vaccinated starting this week on Tuesday, March 23rd.    With that said, getting an appointment online is not an easy task and we did go through a couple of online resources in the city before securing a date this month.  What worked for us was the city site Vax4nyc.nyc.gov which had locations in the Bronx and Manhattan available.  Harlem Hospital seems to be booked really quickly so we ended up in lower Manhattan which is not a big deal since the subway makes transportation convenient.   Clicking a few boxes and typing in your name is all it takes after securing a date so those looking should really check this official government site out: LINK

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BESPOKE: GETTING A VACCINE APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Harlem Bespoke: We waited for some time to get an vaccine appointment but now the window of qualifiers have really opened up to a good portion of the public. Those over 60 can get vaccinated in general along with those in multiple other categories including public facing essential professions and individuals with underlying health conditions.  With that said, getting an appointment online is not an easy task and we did go through a couple of online resources in the city before securing a date this month.  What worked for us was the city site Vax4nyc.nyc.gov which had locations in the Bronx and Manhattan available.  Harlem Hospital seems to be booked really quickly so we ended up in lower Manhattan which is not a big deal since the subway makes transportation convenient.   Clicking a few boxes and typing in your name is all it takes after securing a date so those looking should really check this official government site out: LINK

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BESPOKE: THE LERONE WILSON STUDIO

Harlem Bespoke:  We noticed that Harlem artist LeRone Wilson was featured in New York magazine recently as part of an artist collective that rents out studio space in the Bronx and decided to take a visit to actually see some of pieces in person.  The local artist uses bees wax to create unique wall paintings that are also sculptural at the same time and the organic pieces are evocative of earthly elements.  A new piece encased in a clear box was being worked on as we walked in and we were immediately impressed with the modernity of the concept.