New York on the Clock

Zhang Libin, Noodle Maker

Bijan Rezvani — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 06:01:03 +0000

Zhang Libin and Lucy Wang run Lao Bei Fang Dumpling House in Elmhurst. A trained chef, Zhang specializes in hand-pulled noodles, molding and whirling dough all day at the front of the kitchen.

Kiebpoli Calnek, Aerialist

Daniel Ross — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:16:07 +0000

Kiebpoli Calnek is an aerial performer, instructor, and entrepreneur who teaches aerial rope and silks classes from a Williamsburg studio. She has performed in various venues throughout New York City, and hopes to perform all over the country with her company, blacK*acrobat.

Ali El Sayed, Chef

Bijan Rezvani — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:40:19 +0000

Ali El Sayed is the owner and chef of Kabab Cafe in Astoria. Ali specializes in northern Egyptian cuisine, while his brother’s restaurant up the street represents the South.

Matthew Winkler, Dog Walker and Boarder

Daniel Ross — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:00:14 +0000

After Matthew Winkler lost his job as a suit in the music business, he and his wife launched Dog’s Best Friend dog walking and pet care.

Ellen Sirot, Hand Model

Bijan Rezvani — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 06:07:34 +0000

Ellen Sirot, the “It of Digits,” is a former dancer who has appeared in countless print and television advertisements over the past 20 years. Her Lloyds-insured hands are her livelihood, and she plans her life around keeping them safe. Over the years she’s learned how to keep her hands looking half their age, and she now focuses much of her knowledge and attention on her own product line.

Jose Manuel, Fashion Designer

Bijan Rezvani — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:16:18 +0000

Jose Manuel runs a small shop in Astoria where he hand-crafts evening gowns, accessories, and party decorations. He works closely with his customers to ensure their satisfaction while maintaining the integrity of his own aesthetic.

Samara, Dancer

Bijan Rezvani — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:56:22 +0000

Samara specializes in “Raks Sharki” (Oriental Dance) of the Middle East and North Africa. She is Choreographer and Artistic Director of Dance for the not-for-profit Mosaic Dance Theater Company, which presents theatrical programs of traditional and contemporary dances of the Middle East and Mediterranean cultures. Samara travels throughout the US and abroad teaching workshops in Middle Eastern Folklore and Classical Oriental Dance. She also teaches weekly classes in NYC and does an annual five day master workshop at the Ailey Extension.

Judy Fresco, Distance Adult Educator

Bijan Rezvani — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:38:39 +0000

Judy Fresco just finished her last year as an educator with WNET’s Adult Education program. Changes in Department of Education funding have brought the program to an end, but Judy remembers the many students she’s helped online, over the phone, and by mail.

Donna Siafakas, Peter Pan Bakery

Bijan Rezvani — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Donna and her husband run Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop in Greenpoint. A favorite stop for both neighborhood regulars and out-of-town visitors, Peter Pan features hand-cut donuts and a few seasonal and special items, such as their donut ice cream sandwich.

Russ Makofsky, Chess Instructor

Daniel Ross — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:13:24 +0000

Russ Makofsky, a life-long chess player, teaches children and adults the basics and finer points of The Royal Game for Chess NYC in the heart of New York’s chess community, Greenwich Village. Although the name Makofsky won’t share the renown of Kasparov, Fischer, or Spassky, Russ says you don’t have to be a Grandmaster to make your mark as a great teacher.