fri., dec. 19
COMEDY: Come and see actor / comic Bob Greenberg (“Old Jews Telling Jokes”) comedian/author/ pundit Leighann Lord (“DICT Jokes”) and comedians Dave Lester (TV One’s “Who’s Got Jokes with Bill Bellamy”) & Joe Rocha (Galavisions !”Que Loco !”). Both shows will feature “No Name” house band The Summer Replacements” including Carl (BabyFreak) Fortunato) and Fernando (Dr. Sandman) Morales Gonzalez. At the standard NN@ Ottos start time of 7:00 p.m. No cover, no minimum. Otto’s is located at 538 E 14th St. (Cross streets: Between avenues A and B) “L” subway train to First Avenue. For more information, call (212) 228-2240 or go to: www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/.
toy drive: Join District Leader Olanike Alabi and Kings County Democratic Chairman Frank Seddio, 57th A.D. Democratic Organization, A. Phillip Randolph Institue (APRI), elected officials and labor unions for a holiday party and toy drive in support of the children of the Lafayette Gardens Public Housing Development from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 240 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn. Please bring unwrapped toys.
Fri., dec. 19 – sun., Dec. 21
performance: Soul Nativity tells the story of the nativity in an innovative and musically charged way, employing a score heavily influenced by classic R&B and Soul acts. As part of HSA’s season dedicated to Harlem, all of the musical arrangements are inspired by famous acts that have played The Apollo. The show features no fewer than 26 HSA theatre and dance students, musical direction from Jeffrey Bolding (of the Abyssinian Baptist Church), guest appearances from The Daughter’s of the Flame, the incredible music of Tomas Doncker and Global Soul, and the Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir. Tickets: $20 in advance at www.hsanyc.org/soul-nativity. $25 at the door/$15 students and seniors. Showtime: Friday, Dec 19, 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 • 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21 • 3:00 p.m. 645 St. Nicholas Ave., New York, NY 10030.
mon., dec.22
Toy drive: Jumaane Williams invites the community to participate in District 45’s holiday toy drive. All toys must be in by Dec. 22. Unwarapped toys will be collected and given to local disadvantage children. Please drop off donations at Councilman William’s office located at 4517 Ave. D, Brooklyn, NY 11203. RSVP by contacting Farah Louis at (718) 629-2900 or email flouis@council.nyc.gov.
rhythm & Flow yoga: Join EmblemHealth for Vinyasa yoga class which teaches us to create a union between our mind and our body from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. This practice promotes mental clarity and help to create balance in our lives. Yoga can help increase flexibility, lower blood pressure and improve circulation and respiration, plus reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Please wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing and plan to arrive 10 minutes early to settle in. Be sure to let your doctor know that you will be participating in a yoga class. 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights, NY 11411.
wed., dec.24
children: Merry Christmas! Explore the traditions behind this holiday and create a wintry garland to take home at 11:30 a.m. Recommended for ages two to five years of age. 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11213.
fri., dec. 26
children: Happy Kwanzaa! Explore this popular cultural holiday by learning about its importance to many African heritage families around the world. Make a zawadi or gift to share with a friend or family member at 11:30 a.m. Recommended for ages two to five years old. 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11213.
on-going
Canned food drive: Councilman Jumaane D. Williams and students seek help assisting needy families this holiday season. Donations will be given to local food pantries and charitable organizations. Donations will be collected at district office at 4517 Ave., D in Brooklyn until Dec. 22, 2014.
flood relief: Donations are being accepted at the Friends of Crown Heights Center located at 671 Prospect Pl., Brooklyn. Donations will also be accepted by Mirtha Colon, a Garifuna from Honduras, who operates Hondurans Against Aids out of Casa Yurumein in the Bronx. Casa Yurumein is located at 874 Prospect Ave. in the South Bronx, corner of Westchester Avenue. Anyone in the Long Island area who wishes to make a donation but cannot drive to Brooklyn, please call (347) 488–4395 to arrange a drop off or to arrange for Colon to pick up the donation. Items needed include medical supplies, non-perishable food, clothes, shoes, candles. Monetary donations can be made in the form of checks or money orders addressed to “SVG Community Inc.”
Insurance policy review: Are you covered adequately by your homeowner’s insurance? Are you paying too much? Nieghborhood Housing Services will review your policy free of cost. We also speak to community groups about how the changing flood maps will impact your policy and flood insurance. For more information, call (718) 469–4679. Sponsored by Neighborhood Housing Services of East Flatbush is a not-for-profit housing organization. www.nhsnyc.orgSponsored by Neighbor Works of America, Neighborhood Housing Services and Freddie Mac.
passport application center: Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) has launched a second Passport Application Center at the Kings Highway Library providing a convenient facility for Brooklyn residents and new immigrants to apply for passports. Hours are temporarily set for 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday and Sunday by appointment. The center is closed on Saturdays. The library is located at 2115 Ocean Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229. To make an appointment, call (718) 230–2292 or (718) 375–3037 ext. 128.
Home REpair: Is your boiler, water main, or roof need fixing? Do you need major repairs done but lack the finances? Now is the best time to fix it. Neighborhood Housing Services of East Flatbush, a not-for-profit housing organization can assist you. For more information on the Home Improvement Programs, call (718) 469–4679 or visit www.nhsofeastflatbush.org.
Foreclosure: Are you behind in your mortgage or seeking a modification? Come in for free services and assistance. We will help you as much as possible to keep your home. Referrals for free legal assistance are also available. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (718) 469–4679. Sponsored by Neighborhood Housing Services of East Flatbush and the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, not-for-profit organizations. www.nhsnyc.org.
If you have an event that you would like to post in Sun Kulcha, please email your submission to Caribbeanlife@cnglocal.com. All submissions are subject to review by the editor.
— compiled by Natalie Y. Henry