Posts categorized as Community

Last week in Newark, I had an amazing experience with my consulting group, The Strategic Planning Pros – while working with one of our clients. We specialize in the nonprofit world and have recently been involved with organizations in farming and food insecurity—think RISE and Edgemere Farm. Strategic planning is essentially setting an organization’s North Star goal—a bold vision for the future. We help clients craft a 3–5-year plan that outlines clear objectives and also provides a detailed roadmap to achieve them. It’s about balancing resource allocation with the needs, wants and aspirations […]

We’re in the icy heart of Rockaway Winter. And it’s a good thing. Every year – 10 years now – I enjoy the winter more and more here. It’s a time to rest and recharge and be kind to our bodies. It’s time to plan our goals. It’s a time to connect with friends in a more intimate way. It’s a time to catch up on the things you set aside during the active summer that were postponed because the holidays popped up so fast. It’s a time to visit […]

I procrastinated ordering the now-required, rat-resistant NYC Sanitation bins because, frankly, I was bothered by having to pay $177.90 when I already had bins. The garbage cans I had, though, didn’t meet the requirement—55 gallons or smaller, with a lid.As of November 12, 2024, New Yorkers with 1–9 residential units are required to place all trash in 55-gallon bins or smaller for pickup. No more trash bags on the sidewalk! Recycling and cardboard remain optional. As of January 2, 2025 — last week — homeowners and building owners can be ticketed for […]

Last week in my class at Rockaplay Social Club, we had a blast building snowpeople! The idea sparked when Emily Arikian’s son Harrison saw packaging peanuts at his home, he said, “Let’s make a snowman!” Recycled materials are always first thought for me (and Harrison!) when creating art. Keep costs down and our eco footprint low.  As I was planning and gathering the rest of the materials for the sensory craft project, I wondered, “How long have humans had the urge to build snowmen?” The answer? A very long time. The […]

The unexpected outcome of helping to organize the Food Drive for the Beach 91st St.Community Garden was how much I learned about the food and hygiene needs of people in Rockaway – our community members. When the project started, I called the rectory to confirm that St. Rose of Lima was accepting food pantry donations. Father Rodriguez said, “Absolutely, yes.” I began naively listing items I thought we should collect. I can’t believe I said cat food, soooo embarrassing. The Father politely thanked me but added, “We need on-the-go foods.” I paused, taken aback thinking in my […]

The Rockaplay Social Club opened last week—congratulations to co-owners Emily Arikian and Corinne Sommer! As moms, career professionals, Arverne residents, and founders of this women-owned and operated space, they’ve created something truly special with a much-needed children’s play center on the peninsula. Like many of us, I’ve been following their build-out journey on Instagram (@rockaplaysocialclub). The design and branding are spot-on, and the play space is absolutely adorable, featuring a bodega, an ocean-themed cubby, a construction play zone, and more! Here’s a great idea, support Rockaplay and give an awesome gift to […]

As the off-season settles in, Others on Beach 97th and the boardwalk invites us back for a second year of community dining, whale-gazing, hot coffees in cold wetsuits, a place to walk to when you feel weird inside, a spot to fall in love, a place to cry, and a space for creative gatherings and music listening. Others is a collaboration between the culinary talents of Washed Up Cafe (@washedup.nyc) and Brothers (@brothersrockaway), bringing Rockaway folks bold coffees, breakfast burritos loaded with tater tots, creamy ricotta toast with sweet carrot toppings, warm pesto […]

The Beach 91st Street Community Garden is organizing a Thanksgiving food drive to support families and individuals in need. Food insecurity affects many and often it goes unseen. During the upcoming holiday season, it’s more important than ever to come together and help our neighbors. And with this, the members of the garden hope to build solidarity and care within Rockaway. A wide range of donations will be accepted, including non-perishable food, (canned and boxed, etc.) baby food, prenatal vitamins, senior vitamins, essential toiletries, women’s care products, diapers, and pet […]

I recently visited the newly opened Far Rockaway Library, and it was such a wonderful experience that I have to share it with you. The modern, pyramid-shaped building sits at the corner of Central and Mott Ave., standing out against the hodgepodge of storefronts that line the street. It’s especially striking if you’re familiar with the area—you can really sense its impact. The building features vibrant yellow and gold ombre tones with graphic, organic line drawings from top to bottom. Combined with reflections of the surrounding buildings and passersby on […]

Suspended Banana and Other Fruit Over the summer, I’ve made many jello sculptures and performed unmoldings! My most successful thus far was a clear vegan fruit jello for a 70’s themed event. What made it stand out? It held together! I’ve been doubling my recipe, which strengthens the carrageenan—the thickening agent derived from red seaweed I often use. It tasted decent! I’ll take “ok,” considering my past attempts were… well, kind of gross. On the aesthetic side, this sculpture was set in a bundt pan for a very retro 70’s […]