My Urban Sherpa

The Pond at Bryant Park

It’s a gorgeous day to skate. Enjoy The Pond at Bryant Park.

41st ~ 42nd Streets West of 5th Avenue.

Christmas Carols at Rockefeller Center

This afternoon at 3:00, Rockefeller Center will alight with the buzz of brass – Tuba and Bass players will play Christmas Carols.

Tis the season

for Handel’s Messiah.

National Chorale performs this great work Friday, December 12 at 8PM at Avery Fisher Hall.

The St. Cecilia Chorus and Orchestra perform the Messiah Saturday, December 13 at 8PM at Carnegie Hall.

Westminster Symphonic Choir perform the Messiah on Wednesday, December 17 through Saturday, December 20 at NY Philharmonic.

Hunger and Poverty in NYC

1.3 Million New Yorkers live in a home without enough food to eat. (1)

1 in 5 New York City children live in homes without enough food. (2)

“New York City children are particularly vulnerable to food poverty.
In the midst of an economic downturn or recession, low-income households with children are often the hardest hit. Even in the best of circumstances, children and the households in which they live are particularly susceptible to poverty. Census data shows that while 19 percent of the New York City population lives below the poverty level, more than one-quarter (27 percent) of children live in poverty. “(3)

The Food Bank of New York City reported that, in 2007, more than one out of every five children (397,000) in New York City is relying on soup kitchens and food pantries, 48% more children than relied on emergency food in 2004. (5)

Volunteer !

Donate !

1. New York City Coalition Against Hunger
2. New York City Coalition Against Hunger
3. New York City Coalition Against Hunger
4. The Food Bank for New York City Policy Report Series
5. New York City Coalition Against Hunger: end child hunger.

Shopping Solution for a Rainy Day

If you’d planned to enjoy today’s spring temperature by strolling up and down 5th Avenue – think again.  Though there is a mall in town – even with the rain – we can’t recommend it. (Though the Time Warner Center’s 3rd floor offers the best views of the Macy’s Day Parade – we reserve recommending it for that event only.)  For a dry day of shopping,  dining or touring, head to Grand Central.

Grand Central offers a great selection of holiday shops, gourmet stores, The Oyster Bar — great lunch, even better martini, and the building itself is quite a gem.

The weather outside…

was fritghtful yesterday, but we are moving in the right direction

In fact tomorrow should be delightful. In the meantime, if spending time indoors is more comfortable, enjoy the winter wonderland at Saks – where its a sunny 70 ~ with a matching 70% off.

Saks is located at Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets opposite Rockefeller Center.

Back to work,…

If your work this week entails finding holiday gifts for clients and associates, may we suggest Manhattan Fruitier?

Beautifully presented fruits, nuts, chocolates and cheeses in a variety of sizes and prices, make excellent gifts.

Christmastide at The Cloisters

This week-end enjoy The Cloisters in holiday finery, and a delightful calendar of concerts.

Hanukkah

One-stop Hannukkah shopping is possible and delightful at The Jewish Museum, before or after two excellent exhibitions; Chagall and the Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater 1919 – 1949, and The Dead Sea Scrolls: Mysteries of the Ancient World.

The Jewish Museum is located at 1109 Fifth Avenue, at 92nd Street, and is open today from 11:00 to 5:45.

Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center

The tree at Rockefeller Center will alight Wednesday, December 3, with performances from 7:00 to 9:00 PM