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k psep HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- The busiest shopping season of the year is almost here, but before you head to the mall or open up that computer, you may want to consider shopping small. From local chocolate shops and bakeries to one-of-a-kind toy stores, you can find countless unique gifts while giving back to your community. One of those small businesses is Grandma's Place in Harlem, where a former teacher is working to ensure all children develop a love for reading and learning. Joelle Garguilo sat down with the owner of the shop, Grandma Dawn, to talk about her unique business. Joelle: I look around this shop Grandma Dawn and it is so special and it makes me think about what you were like as a kid. What did you play with as a kid? Grandma Dawn: I didn't have toys as a child my mother gave me clothing and pajamas and tangerines and nuts and stockings. Joelle: So who raised you? Or should I say what raised you? Grandma Dawn: The block. The people on my block raised me. The tailor and his wife and two sons were my family. And I ran errands for the hairdresser and the barber and anyone on the block. I wasn't allowed off the block. But my enterprise at 6 years old was running errands on the block for people. Joelle: Your love of books where did that come from? Grandma Dawn: My mom cleaned offices in the evening and she bought back books that were discarded I would pick up the books and I would read the books. I would read my sisters. And I would read the books my mom bought home from work. But I loved books because they told me about places I never saw about before. Joelle: I also know the library in so many ways raised you. Grandma Dawn: Yes Joelle: Your sister would drop you off at the library? Grandma Dawn: They call it the Harry Belafonte Library now. Before they called it the 15th Library and I read all the books in the children's book and the lady told me I could go into the adult section and read those books. Joelle: You have become the unofficial grandma to the neighborhood and that must be a title you wear with so much pride. Grandma Dawn: Yes, because that's why the store is Grandma Dawn because my children call me Grandma and so the kids on the block thought that my name was Grandma, so everyone called me Grandma Dawn. "She's like everybody's grandma, so I think anybody who had that kind of grandma that they could go to speak to about anything you know if they had any kind of issue or even if it's just something they just want to cuddle with somebody you know just have a nice body to hold onto that's grandma," a customer said. Joelle: If there were to be a book about Grandma's Place what would be the story you'd be telling in those pages? Grandma Dawn: The resiliency of some of these parents and these children. I mean some of them have very difficult lives. But the fact that a parent who is barely making it will come in a toy store and take a recommendation about a particular book or toy, so it was my duty to have the right book and right toy. If this woman was going to spend this money on her child I wanted to make sure it was uplifting and it was important for the child and it would be something that would make the child feel that they were worth something. Grandma Dawn has been the grandmother to her neighborhood for decades. She tells us what has kept her going all these years and how she's working to ensure no child gets left behind, this Friday on storefront stories hosted by Joelle Garguilo. She'll introduce you to some of the faces behind New York City's small businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday. That's Friday at 10:30 a.m. on ABC 7. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More Manhattan news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

PARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. People are also reading... Bill Haisten: There still is no resolution, but a Gundy-OSU divorce seems imminent Bill Haisten: As OSU regents meet, Mike Gundy’s contract should be a hot topic How did Oklahoma flip Cowboys QB commit less than 48 hours before signing day? Court 'bulldozes' tribal law in Tulsa case over jurisdiction, attorney says In a flash, OU loses a receiver to the portal and another from its 2025 recruiting class Berry Tramel: Jackson Arnold shows OU should save its high-end shopping for the portal Ben Arbuckle is the new OU offensive coordinator. Have Sooners found the next Lincoln Riley? Deep into Week 2, new names emerge in Tulsa football coaching search These 11 new restaurants are coming to the Tulsa area soon — and 8 that just opened 10 potential candidates to replace Kasey Dunn as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State Meet Oklahoma's complete 2025 class. 5-star OT commits to Oklahoma Bill Haisten: Cooper Parker and the Bixby Spartans are at home in a new, $12M facility Stitt fires Cabinet secretary at odds with governor's stance on poultry lawsuit Cooper Parker secures Bixby's seventh consecutive state title in OT thriller versus Owasso Jenks football coach Keith Riggs resigns; DC Adam Gaylor named Trojans head coach The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail followed Trump. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.The Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) wrapped up its 6th edition Saturday, with a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Organised by MAPS International WLL and hosted in collaboration with Katara – the Cultural Village, the British Council Qatar, ICOM, and Qatar Sports and Olympic Museum 3-2-1, this year’s festival showcased the diversity of global artistry with the participation of more than 360 artists from 73 countries. The festival ran from November 25-30, captivating thousands of art enthusiasts and visitors who flocked to witness an exhibition featuring over 1,000 paintings and sculptures. The week-long event was marked by 14 activities, ranging from interactive art workshops to engaging panel discussions, inviting both seasoned art connoisseurs and casual visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of art. The opening ceremony on November 25 featured a red carpet event attended by Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti as the chief guest, alongside ambassadors and representatives from over 70 nations. Dignitaries and art lovers were treated to a showcase that set the tone for the week ahead. This year’s festival was distinguished by its diversity, with 16 art galleries and 22 exclusive art pavilions from every continent contributing to an inclusive dialogue that transcended geographical and cultural boundaries. Each exhibition and event harboured unique artistic expressions and perspectives, including street art, contemporary installations, and traditional crafts, fostering meaningful connections among creators and audiences alike. One of the highlights of the QIAF 2024 was the cultural evening, where attendees indulged in the rich tapestry of global traditions. The special performance by DJ Mo Ayoub from the UK, was mesmerising. This year’s festival also emphasised cultural appreciation through curated city and museum tours, allowing participants to experience Doha’s vibrant art scene and historical narratives first-hand. Additionally, guests were given the opportunity to partake in thrilling desert safari tours that offered a glimpse into Qatar’s breathtaking landscapes. For aspiring artists, the QIAF 2024 hosted 12 art workshops and 10 dedicated masterclasses, where participants learned directly from experts in their respective fields. This hands-on approach created a nurturing environment for creativity and passion to flourish, ensuring that both seasoned practitioners and emerging talents left the festival inspired and equipped with new skills. The Artistic Fashion Show, a unique feature this year, blended art with haute couture. Designers presented visionary works that transformed the runway into a living canvas, celebrating the intersection of fashion and creative expression. As the festival drew to a close yesterday, the award and felicitation ceremony recognised the outstanding contributions of participants and valued partners. Awards were presented to individuals and groups who demonstrated exceptional skills and creativity throughout the week. Their works, reflecting the essence of cultural diversity and artistic innovation, served as a testament to the festival’s mission of fostering dialogue and collaboration among artists from all backgrounds. Related Story QIAF 2024 to conclude at Katara with awards ceremony Qatar Armed Forces join OCC for Nato partner countriesBiden pledges £472m for rail project to improve access to Africa’s minerals

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Kosovo arrested several suspects Saturday after an explosion at a key canal feeding two of its main power plants, while neighbouring Serbia rejected accusations of staging the blast. The explosion Friday near the town of Zubin Potok, which sits in an ethnic Serb-dominated area in Kosovo's troubled north, damaged a canal that supplies water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. As security forces swarmed the area around the canal, whose concrete walls were left with a gaping hole gushing water, Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the site and announced authorities had arrested several people. Law enforcement "carried out searches" and "collected testimony and evidence, and the criminals and terrorists will have to face justice and the law," he said. The arrests follow a security meeting late Friday, when Kurti pointed the finger at Serbia. "The attack was carried out by professionals. We believe it comes from gangs directed by Serbia," he told a press conference, without providing evidence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hit back Saturday, denying the "irresponsible" and "baseless accusations". "Such unfounded claims are aimed to tarnish Serbia's reputation, as well as to undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," he said in a statement to AFP. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had earlier suggested on X that the Kosovar "regime" could itself be behind the blast, calling for an international investigation. The main political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, Serb List, also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". AFP journalists at the scene saw water leaking heavily from one side of the reinforced canal, which runs from the Serb-majority north of Kosovo to the capital, Pristina. However, electricity supplies to consumers were running smoothly on Saturday morning, with authorities having found an alternative method to cool the plants, said Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Repair work was ongoing, authorities said, while Kurti confirmed workers had managed to restore water flows to 25 percent capacity. The United States strongly condemned the "attack on critical infrastructure in Kosovo", the US embassy in Pristina said in a statement on Facebook. "We are monitoring the situation closely... and have offered our full support to the government of Kosovo to ensure that those responsible for this criminal attack are identified and held accountable." Turkey's foreign ministry also condemned the attack, adding: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation in the region." The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission for Kosovo joined the calls for restraint. "It is important that facts are established and that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice," it said in a statement. The force is providing security in the surrounding area and has offered logistical, explosives removal and engineering support to the Kosovo authorities, it added. The European Union's ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, joined the international condemnation, saying on X: "The incident needs to be investigated and those responsible brought to justice." Animosity between ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the end of the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge. Kurti's government has for months sought to dismantle a parallel system of social services and political offices backed by Belgrade to serve Kosovo's Serbs. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday denounced "the act of sabotage on the critical water supply infrastructure in the Iber-Lepenc Canal" in comments on X, calling it "a serious crime that endangers the lives of Kosovo's citizens and undermines the process of normalizing relations in our region." Friday's attack came after a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including the hurling of hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station earlier this week. ih/ach/giv/jhb/sbk

Thousands of protesters marched in the Georgian capital Tbilisi Saturday for the 10th day of rallies sparked by a disputed election and the government's decision to shelve EU accession talks. Demanding fresh elections and a return to European integration, the demonstrators headed towards parliament, undeterred by a police crackdown on pro-EU protesters and attacks on the opposition. The Caucasus nation has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared victory in a disputed October 26 election. The government last week said it would suspend talks to join the European Union, sparking a fresh wave of demonstrations. Its critics accuse it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Georgia's pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili -- at loggerheads with the ruling party -- said on social media she had had "in-dept discussion" with the US president-elect Donald Trump and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Paris. She said they had discussed the "stolen election and extremely alarming repression against the people of Georgia. "Underscored the need for a strong US," she added. "The Georgian people have a friend in Donald Trump." Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky -- whose country has been fighting a Russian invasion for almost three years -- said Saturday he fully backed Georgia's anti-government protesters. Zelensky urged Tbilisi to stop "surrendering" to Moscow in a meeting with Zurabishvili in Paris. He has warned of Russian influence in Georgia for months. Zurabishvili has denounced widespread fraud in October's parliamentary polls, branding the freshly elected legislature and government "illegitimate". Blowing horns and whistles, pro-European protesters marched Saturday from Tbilisi State University towards parliament, blocking one of the city's main traffic arteries, an AFP reporter saw. As on previous nights, some demonstrators banged on the metal barriers blocking the parliament's entrance. Others pointed laser beams at the building and the police blocking the adjacent streets. "They are trying to arrest us, punish us, but we won't back down, we are not afraid," said 19-year-old protester Giorgi Romanadze. "This is our last chance to be free, to be happy. We want Europe, and Europe only." Some demonstrators held signs reading "We demand free and fair elections" and "Free all unjustly arrested," as calls for stronger international backing grew louder among the protesters. "We are fighting for our freedom... and we want the international community to help us," said 32-year-old Teona Chakvetadze. "We need the international community to sanction our oligarchs and this illegitimate government.... We can't win this fight on our own." Independent television station Pirveli reported that dozens of masked men had severely beaten its journalists. Police officers stood by without intervening during the incident near the protest venue. The opposition alliance, For Change, released CCTV footage showing the masked men raiding its office and badly beating opposition figure Koba Khabazi. The Georgian Dream government's security forces had faced persistent accusations of deploying plainclothes security agents to target and attack political opponents. The crackdown has triggered outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. Officers have made hundreds of arrests, including 48 at a protest on Friday. The country's rights ombudsman has accused the police of "torture" against those detained, with scores reporting mistreatment or showing visible injuries. With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The United States, France and Germany are among the Western countries to have denounced the crackdown on protests, but the government has refused to back down. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has praised his security forces after several opposition party offices were raided and their leaders arrested. "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told journalists, using language reminiscent of Kremlin rhetoric against its political opponents. Demonstrators have rejected Kobakhidze's characterisation of the protest movement. Thousands have also staged daily protests in other parts of Georgia, including the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Zugdidi, and Telavi, local media reported. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of the country's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels has warned that such policies are incompatible with EU membership, while domestic detractors accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. ub-im/jjThe Washington Commanders put kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve Tuesday, just over 48 hours since he missed an extra point that would have tied the score with 21 seconds left against Dallas. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The Washington Commanders put kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve Tuesday, just over 48 hours since he missed an extra point that would have tied the score with 21 seconds left against Dallas. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The Washington Commanders put kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve Tuesday, just over 48 hours since he missed an extra point that would have tied the score with 21 seconds left against Dallas. Seibert also missed a field-goal attempt and another extra point in the loss to the Cowboys. He missed the previous two games with a right hip injury but said afterward he was fine and made the decision to play. The Commanders filled that roster spot by signing running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. off their practice squad. Austin Ekeler had a concussion and Brian Robinson Jr. sprained an ankle Sunday. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement Advertisement

Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of ‘Love Connection’ and ‘Scrabble,’ dies at 83

Blame it on the food and drink?