New York Cares claims to be the largest non-profit organization in the city. I know it's one…read moreorganization that helps the youth and any one else that needs assistance for whatever reason. When I worked in social services I referred many people and youth to their offices. NY Cares is a great place to volunteer or work off community service requirements! You can do anything from serving food to tutoring children. I'm highly recommending you contact them when you are in need or if you want to volunteer.

While NYCares is known for giving coats to the homeless, there are many ways to volunteer with…read morethem. I love being outdoors and I was fortunate enough to assist replanting in Riverside Park. It was hard work planting on a hill but it gave me a new found respect for landscapers and plant life. I have a tendency to complain about being couped up inside all day so why not get outdoors and make my time meaningful. The New York Cares host Jared was very welcoming. He was also informative about their other initiatives and he frequently checked on my planting skills. I have volunteered with a few agencies around the city and new york cares and I rate them high with the awesome works they are providing to different areas of need. Thanks to them I am a horticulture expert. Ok maybe not! But it was a rewarding experience.

I was a member of Little Village Playhouse (LVP) from the time of its founding in 2000 until I…read moregraduated from high school in 2004. I have also participated in three of the five summer alumni reviews, and my family members and friends continue to be part of the LVP community to this day. In short, my family and I are lifetime customers of LVP's product: a fun and high-quality musical and theatrical outlet in Northern Westchester. But in long, I have gained so much more from the LVP community. LVP is unique in Northern Westchester in its unparalleled programming, propelled by innovative and thought-provoking material and inspiring, fun, and caring personnel. Adam, Steph, Galit, Amy, Marcus, Jocelyn, and all members of the LVP faculty helped me to understand the difficult material we were working with, as well as helped me to loosen the chains of my timidness and to express myself in ways I never thought possible. Without question, LVP is one of the pivotal organizations in my life that helped me to define who I am. My wonderful experiences helped me to realize that I forever want to be part of the performing arts, and my returning to shows in the seven years since my graduation from LVP and seeing young students grow helped me to identify my passion for music education. I use much of what I learned from LVP faculty in my elementary music lessons in my career today. Overall, the artistic education I received at LVP is priceless, and in my returning to participate in alumni shows and in attending performances, I have seen that LVP in its growth and expansion has not lost sight of its goals of eleven years. I HIGHLY recommend LVP to any families in Central and Northern Westchester who want to participate in a meaningful and unique theatrical experience. I recommend it for those children that are shy and timid and looking for a safe environment to express themselves. Everyone I know who I have recruited to join LVP has been hooked for life, and I know you will too.

We saw a pretty amazing performance of Robert Fulghum's "All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in…read moreKindergarten" put on by this troupe. The amazing thing was that it was performed by the LVP "Tweens". Age range seemed to be from 6 to 12. The subject matter was way beyond their years, but was executed and delivered well. It speaks well of the theater that they pulled this off. The incongruity between what was said and who delivered it really worked. Cudos for this adaptation, and cudos for the actors for making it a memorable performance.

Great place for coffee with family or friends. Prompt service with a smile and delicious lite…read morebites. It's one of my favorite community spots !

From the interior of this shop to the beautiful historic building it's housed in, I love everything…read moreabout Coffee for Good! The best part though is their mission and purpose behind it. Coffee for Good is a nonprofit coffee shop that trains young adults with developmental disabilities and then helps them find jobs out in the community. They have many volunteers who are professionally trained chefs to help make in-house items and they partner with high quality roasters. Not only will you walk away with a great cup of coffee, but you'll have made a difference in someone's life. The building is beautiful, it is always clean, lots of dining space to work or meet at. Plus the service was wonderful! Key Features: LOVE the ambiance. Lots of space to sit inside at high top tables, small work space tables or larger gathering tables. Variety of cold and hot drinks and light bites (pastry, sandwich, salad/soups). Has milk alternatives for coffee too. Easy to park and get to in the town.

The Creative Arts Workshop is the place to learn art, pick up a new technique, and meet other…read moreartists. My friend, who is an artist, introduced me to this place, and she says that CAW has a strong reputation in the art community. I have zero art background, but I have taken drawing and photography classes here. All the teachers were friendly, enthusiastic, and well-prepared. I felt like I learned a lot and that the teachers were encouraging of beginners. They have a huge variety of classes here including cool stuff I'd like to try like metal sculpture. There are both short workshops (good for artists who are already well-versed in a topic but want to pick up a new technique) and longer classes. The cost is a little pricey, but well-worth it in my opinion. They also have an exhibition space and show really nice artwork there. This past summer, my friend and I went to see a juried show there and it was very good. The Creative Arts Workshop is a fantastic place to learn art and join an artistic community. I can't recommend it highly enough.

My family has had excellent experiences with learning to make pottery and life drawing at the…read moreCreative Arts Workshop. Most recently my husband and I took a drawing workshop. In the Perspective Drawing of Buildings and Architecture workshop, Eric March introduced strategies, gave students a chance to experiment, and consulted individually to discuss what works for each person and how to expand skills. His presentation was clear, and his comments were gentle and specific. For me, as a non-professional with some drawing experience, the class was engaging and informative - a delightful way to spend two afternoons. Being able to see and draw things from different perspectives makes drawing more fun and satisfying. As someone who ordinarily is more interested in life than buildings, I also realized the advantage of starting with boxier shapes, knowing that I can apply the same techniques to the animate world now that I have seen how they work. I highly recommend the workshop and other opportunities to work with Eric March.

This is a lovely place to spend the day…read more We came around 10:30am on a Saturday. You have to check in at the front entrance and there is sometimes a charge for parking. At the cafeteria, breakfast is first come, first served from 10-11am. They have a very limited menu featuring granola bowls with yogurt, fruit puree, granola, and dried fruits. They also have soft boiled eggs, scones, muffins, coffee, and tea. Everything was fresh, hearty, and delicious. They also serve lunch in the cafeteria, but that requires a reservation. There is a Michelin starred restaurant on the property as well. The spacious grounds are a treat to walk. They rotate the location of the animals so it's a pleasant surprise to happen upon them. We saw goats, pigs, and cows. The pathways have gravel, but they were not super rough. We had two strollers with us and no issues pushing them along. We walked the short loop, but there are longer trails for those who want more. Very family friendly and peaceful for a stroll.

I came here for the tour and tray lunch on a Friday. I booked the 12pm tour with the tray lunch…read moreafter at 1pm. The tour was interesting but rather short and you don't fully see the whole farm. The bakery was probably the best part of the tour since you learn about their whole wheat baking and get to see the mill. The tour was a bit expensive so probably would skip the tour. The tray lunch was good though, the ingredients taste really fresh and you can tell nothing is processed. The farm was large and it was nice to walk around. The greenhouse, the livestock area, apiary, and vegetable field were all really nice to walk around. The staff were all very friendly and helpful.

I have been conducting business with Daniel James Consulting for over 5 years now, and I am always…read moresatisfied with the results. They have designed several websites for me and finished them in a timely manner. Daniel provides consulting appointments and always follows up with tasks. It is my opinion that their pricing is conducive of the service and products that I received. Thank you Daniel James Consulting for helping me expand my business!

I tried contacting 8-12 different wix recommended consultants to help me with some SEO errors I was…read morehaving getting my new domain found on Google and other sites. Daniel James was the only one that took the time to listen to what I truly needed (and didn't try to sell me outrageous packages of services I wasn't asking for). My consultant actually stayed online with me through a video chat and worked through the issue with me. All was fixed by the time we were off the phone. The consultant (Daniel) was extremely knowledgeable, understanding, patient and thorough. Once the problem was fixed, we discussed ways to make the user experience even better on my website. Don't bother going anywhere else!

With 7 regular courts and 1 court, the Open Squash FiDi location allows Open Squash to exemplify…read morethe word "open" further, and host more activities such as tournaments, camps, and special events. Cost: Open Squash FiDi has a special program for newcomers. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash FiDi has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Amr: Amr is known for his precision; he can direct the ball to any spot on the court he desires. His remarkable skills extend beyond the game, as he can shape any person into the squash player they aspire to be. He focuses on teaching you how to utilize your strengths while simultaneously transforming your weaknesses into strengths. As the former Egyptian National Coach from 2017 to 2023, Amr introduced Egyptian training methods to Open Squash. I have witnessed significant improvements in our juniors' squash skills under his guidance. More importantly, Amr also plays a vital role in helping juniors build their character. I recall an instance when a younger player, around 13 or 14 years old, was practicing with two older juniors, aged around 17 or 18. She appeared a bit frustrated during the drill. As soon as she stepped off the court, Amr praised her swing and noted some positive changes she had made. That encouragement brought a big smile to her face. She is not only learning how to play squash from Amr but also how to care for others, thanks to his example.  Amr is more than just a fantastic coach; he is an exceptional person, living up to his nickname, "Baby Legend." Adel: Adel is like "a good friend you can always count on," especially when it comes to women playing squash. She has a deep understanding of women's bodies and the changes they go through over time, such as during their menstrual cycle, childbirth, and aging. Adel is dedicated to helping women excel at squash by offering modified training and routines that strengthen their skills. Her coaching abilities extend beyond just women; I often see her interacting with junior players, adjusting their form, and creating an environment where they can genuinely enjoy the game. I also observe her training male players to help them achieve their goals in her clinics. Adel believes that everyone has their unique path, and she is committed to helping each individual become the best squash player they can be. Ciara: Ciara is the women's community manager who is dedicated to increasing access for women in squash. She often gathers ideas from members and designs various programs such as "Queen of the Courts" and "Women Only Camp." Her efforts make many women feel comfortable participating in Open Squash. Ciara is an energetic, fun, and compassionate coach, exceptionally skilled at working with young children. I often see kids gathering around her, hugging her, and treating her like a big Barbie doll. Despite the affection they show, the kids also respect her authority. On one occasion, I witnessed her discipline a child, calmly explaining the correct behavior. Her firm yet kind approach makes her the perfect coach for all young kids. Habiba: Habiba is known as the "Torture Queen." She pushes us to our limits during training sessions, leaving our bodies exhausted, yet we can't help but want to return for more. As our 3.0 team coach, she is dedicated to improving the squash skills of all team members. She frequently discusses the adjustments she plans to make and the areas she wants us to focus on, ensuring that we maximize our learning experience. One time, I received a text message from her at 10 PM asking for input on the proper training content for us. Yes, at 10 PM, she was still thinking about how to help her students. Talk about dedication! A former World Junior Champion, Habiba has brought her training methods from Egypt to our program. She trains multiple junior players and is especially recognized for teaching deceptive plays and advanced squash techniques. She closely monitors all her juniors and once told me that if they do not practice and follow the assignments, she will drop them from her program. She exemplifies "tough love." Despite the intensity of her training, both adults and juniors find her incredibly popular. I often see her joking with adult members while juniors eagerly gather around her. Everyone can feel her sincerity and genuine care for our improvement. We all appreciate her "torture" and "tough love". Open Squash FiDi has invited top college coaches and players, including Nouran Gohar, Gina Kennedy, Victor Crouin, and Hannah Craig, to host summer camps. In addition to the kids' camps, Open Squash FiDi also offers adult camps with top pros as well as an all-women's camp. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash FiDi is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash FiDi can be your new home.

I wanted to learn how to play Squash and had a great experience with my first class at Open Squash…read morein Fidi. The facilities were high quality and staff were very welcoming. I live closer to the Bryant Park location, but given the small class size, the classes book up fast. You can book your first class for free (usually $25) and they have a lot of clinics and classes available. I did an introductory clinic and there were only two other participants! Our instructor Habiba Mohamed was awesome - former professional and collegiate Squash player just casually teaching amateurs like us. She taught us the rules, how to hit forehand and backhand, did some drills, and provided feedback. I had such a fun experience, it was exciting and fast paced! I can't wait to play again!

The first public squash facility in NYC. Don't need to be a member of any elitist social clubs to…read moreget access to squash courts now. The courts are well maintained with a locker room and showers. The height is a bit low and two of the courts have support beams that will interfere with a match, but besides that, it's a terrific community. Hope they open up that cafe/bar area soon. It's a pity that that has been unused for the past four years.

Open Squash is the place exemplifies the word "open." The club is a community that is open to…read moreeveryone. Cost: Open Squash tries to make playing squash more affordable by providing a membership-reduction program. The club also has free programs for children from disadvantaged families. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Peter: Peter is intelligent and kindhearted. I call Peter a "Duracell bunny" because he is always moving - I often see him on a treadmill or yoga mat. The way he himself trains inspires me to think of my physical preparation for games. Peter's teaching is suitable anyone with 2.5 rating or above. Peter is especially good at answering questions. He listens, diagnoses the issues, and explains everything in detail. He also suggests routines or exercises to help you better understand the issues and master the necessary skills to overcome problems. David: David is a very wise man. David often says, "Your swing should be effortless," and he helps you to achieve swings that are indeed effortless. Last year, I had tennis elbow but after David corrected my swing, I could hit more powerfully and play for longer. More importantly, I am injury-free. David has taught me how to move on the court, reduce my steps, and reduce unnecessary turns. David is also very good at answering questions, although he asks many more questions to push you to think for yourself. This is a great learning process, as all the questions help me think about my shots, positions on the court, and strategies. David's lessons are great for anyone who wants to improve their form and care about the fundamentals. Josh: Josh is a very energetic teacher with a big heart. He is good at working with all types but he is especially helpful with children and women. Josh's way of explaining forms is by paying attention to body position. This is great for people who do not have much experience of exercise and know little about how the body functions. Josh is concerned about the community and wants to introduce more people to playing squash. As Josh oversees the junior program, he encourages the mothers of the juniors to play as well and make playing squash a family event. Josh also teaches women-only classes where he creates a comfortable and less intimidating learning environment for women. A great coach for everyone especially pure beginners. Thaisa: Thaisa is our squash and fitness guru. She is a professional squash player and personal trainer and focuses on how to build a body for squash and prevent injuries. Before, I could barely do sit-ups but Thaisa has helped me to become stronger, to the point where I can now finish three sets of 12 sit-ups. Thaisa is known for creating various dynamic squash drills to train the students: Her drills are demanding but one learns so much from them. Even though Thaisa wants us to finish all the drills, she does keep an eye on us. Thaisa cares deeply for her students and is excellent with small children. She wants to build their physical health awareness and knowledge about nutrition. She especially has a great heart for disadvantaged kids: When she has an extra pair of shoes or T-shirts, she gives these to underprivileged kids and inspires them to continue playing squash. Asghar: Asghar is a compassionate and patient coach who is great with anyone. Before I knew him as a coach, Asghar had already coached me: During my first month at the club, Asghar came to me while I was trying to practice. In a caring voice, he told me: "If you can face the side wall when you hit, you will hit much better." Before I could say, "thank you," he had left Now, whenever I see him at the club, he addresses me in the same caring voice: "Keep up the good work." His positive energy makes the club a greater place. In his group lessons, he is good at quickly pointing out something you need to improve. He also creates drills to help students improve their shots and movements. Juan: Juan is a young, upbeat and accommodating coach. Juan first observes his students, understands their level, and then tries to give a lesson that everyone can benefit from. He has combined different coaches' approaches. Juan often plays with us and tells us what we should focus on. Even when we cheer for our classmates when we play against him, Juan is not offended. He often laughs with us and has fun, too. I believe Juan's lessons are for everyone but are especially great for kids. Once when I was early, I saw him teaching a kid. He was very patient and explained everything in detail. I can sense that kids love and respect him and that he cares for his young students. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash can be your new home.