[Updated: 8/26/13]

Neighborhood Notes is a listing of Bronx programs, services, opportunities, public meetings elections or hearings and community events. We update this information on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. If you’re a community group, organization, agency or business that wants its program or event included in Neighborhood Notes, e-mail us at smoloney@norwoodnews.org and provide all the relevant details, including dates, times and contact information. All free programs and events will be included. Those with low-cost options will be given preference.

 

Financial Ed Course

University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP) offers a financial education course Thursdays, Aug. 22 and 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Concourse House, 2751 Grand Concourse (entrance on East 196th Street). Individual sessions are currently available Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, call (718) 933-2539 or visit www.unhp.org.

 

U.S. Census Bureau Hiring

The U.S. Census Bureau seeks field representatives from four to six months to conduct a housing and vacancy survey for $16.92 per hour. Applicants must be over 18 and reside in New York City. For more information, call (800) 991-2520 (select option 2 for recruiting) or send email with your address and phone number to new.york.recruit@census.gov.

 

Free Pre-K Classes

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is offering three free all day Pre-K classes (8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.) for 4-year-olds, at 3800 Sedgwick Ave. in Van Courtlandt Village. Additional coverage is offered for working parents from 2:50 to 6 or 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 0.

 

Breast Cancer Support Group

Jacobi Medical Center, 1400 Pelham Pkwy., So., and SHARE (self-help group for women with breast or ovarian cancer) are hosting a support group for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, are undergoing treatment, and those who have completed treatment. Meetings are from 1 to 2 p.m., on Fridays, Aug. 23, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 29, and Dec. 20. For more information, call (718) 918-4318 or (866) 891-2392.

 

Free Job & Career Services

SUNY North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center offers daily tuition free services including career counseling, college, financial aid and resume and cover letter assistance, as well as job readiness training at 2901 White Plains Rd. Computer literacy and GED programs are available during the day and evening. Seats are limited. For more information, call (718) 547-1001.

 

Buy a Poe Paver

The Bronx County Historical Society is offering the public the chance to purchase a tax-deductible Poe paver, a fundraising project based on the sale of inscribed commemorative pavers that are to be laid near the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in Poe Park. Each paver costs $250, and will have your name and/or the date etched on it (two lines, 16 letters including spaces, per line). For more information, call (718) 881-8900.

 

Free Fitness Classes

North Bronx Healthcare Network offers free weekly fitness classes via its “Shape Up NYC” program at Jacobi Medical Center, 1400 Pelham Pkwy., So.; and at North Central Bronx Hospital, 3424 Kossuth Ave., including Cardio-Sculpting at NCB, and cross training and aerobics at Jacobi. Participants should bring a water bottle and workout mat. For more information or a detailed schedule, call (718) 918-3827.

 

Free Technology Training

Per Scholas, 804 E. 138th St., offers free 15-week technology training, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (high school diploma or GED is required), and includes free tuition, books and exam materials, and free career counseling and job placement assistance. Earn up to 10 college credits. For more information or to register, stop by the office Monday through Thursday, at 9 a.m. or call (718) 991-8400.

 

LGBTQ Coming Out Group

This group offers youth ages 13 to 18 years of age a safe place to talk about gender and sexuality. The meetings take place every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave. For more information, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 204.

 

Literacy Connection
Improve your reading, writing and math skills and work toward your GED with the Literacy Connection, a free education and employment program for young adults ages 16 to 24. The program is offered at the Mott Haven, West Farms, and Bronx Library Center branches of the NYPL. For more information or to RSVP, call (718) 401-7453.

 

Help for Troubled Adolescents

Berkshire Farm Center’s “Power Project,” 3464 Webster Ave. (off Gun Hill Road), is a free MICA support program that helps emotionally disturbed Bronx adolescents between the ages of 12 to 18 who use and abuse substances. The program runs group and individual sessions Mondays through Thursdays from 4 to 6:15 p.m. For more information, call (718) 5515-7970 ext. 3010.

 

Stop Smoking Program

North Central Bronx Hospital, 3424 Kossuth Ave., offers free group counseling and nicotine replacement therapy for smokers looking to quit. No appointments are needed or required, walk-ins are welcome. The smoking cessation program runs weekdays at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. in room 13A12. For more information, call (718) 519-2425/2490.

 

Martial Arts Classes

The Cove & CTM Dreams offer martial arts classes for people ages 5 to adult at The Cove, 3418 Gates Place (in the basement, through the gate on the side of the building), at $5/week. For more information, call Starr at (718) 405-1312 or e-mail anorris@ctmdreams.org.

 

Free Summer Sports Programs

City Parks Foundation offers its 2013 Summer Sports Program in Bronx Parks for youngsters ages 5 to 16. Local area parks include Williamsbridge Oval, St. James Park, and Van Cortlandt Park. Activities offered are tennis, golf, and track and field instruction. For more information and a full schedule of programs, call (212) 360-8205 or visit www.CityParksFoundation.org.

 

Free Boat Rowing

The Bronx-based Rocking the Boat community rowing program offers visitors the opportunity to row on the Bronx River or enjoy a guided tour of the plants and wildlife of the park every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. through Aug. 31, until Labor Day, at Hunts Point Riverside Park (Edgewater Road at Lafayette Avenue). For more information, call (914) 669-9067 or visit rockingtheboat.org.

 

Free Pre-K

The Catherine Corry Early Childhood Academy, 4321 Barnes Ave., offers free universal pre-kindergarten for 2013-2014. Seats are limited. For more information, call (718) 231-0858 or visit www.sfabx.com.

 

Free Head Start at MMCC

The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., offers free Head Start classes for income eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in its newly expanded Childhood Development Center all year from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at its main building as well as at its Northside Annex at 3512 Dekalb Ave., and its new site at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. at the Van Cortlandt Jewish Community Center. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are included. For more information and to register, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 0 or visit the main center.

 

Bronx Mentors Sought

The Abbot House, a multi-faceted agency that serves families and youth in the Bronx and NYC, is looking for mentors in the Bronx area. If you are looking to make a positive impact on a child’s life, call mentoring coordinator at (718) 329-4968 ext. 3454.

 

English Convo Skills

Speakers of any language (all levels) are invited to join English conversation classes at LIFT-the Bronx, 2381 Belmont Ave., between 187th and 186th streets, Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will range from current events to sports. For more information, call (718) 733-4061 or email liftenglishconversation@gmail.com.

 

Opportunities for Young Adults

F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services System is hosting a Project Rise program at the Bronx Youth Center, 412-424 E. 147th St., 4th floor, that will offer free GED classes, paid internships and career advisement to young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who are out of school and work. For more information, call Jordana Kerschner at (718) 742-3576.

 

Host an International Student

Homestay and study abroad advocacy agency, Americana Homestay Host Service, seeks Norwood singles or families to host an international student while they complete educational courses. The home must include a spare, furnished, clean private room, internet usage, towels, linens, and meals. A stipend for living costs will be offered. For more information or to apply, call (347) 371-3085.

 

Job and Computer Training

Mercy Center, 377 E. 145th St., offers computer and job training classes, many of them specifically aimed at women. For more information, call (718) 993-2789 or visit www.mercycenter.org.

 

Veterans History Project

The New York Public Library in conjunction with The Library of Congress presents the Veterans History Project. This multimedia project records the personal accounts of war veterans so future generations may hear their accounts and understand the realities of war. For more information. contact the New York Public Library at (718) 579-4250 or email evelynmurielcooper@nypl.org.

 

New After-School Program

Tender Tots, a childcare center located at 3322 Decatur Ave., has launched a new after-school program for children ages 5 to12. The center offers a quiet environment where kids can work on homework or other projects and have supervised access to computers and tutoring help. Nutritional snacks as well as crafts, games and other physical activities will be provided. For more information, email info@tendertotsny.com or call (646) 481-3067.

 

Get in Shape
Shape Up NYC offers free fitness classes for ages 50+ at the following locations: Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave. (Senior Fitness), Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; and St. James Recreation Center, 2530 Jerome Ave., (Zumba), Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. No registration is required. For more information, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/parks.

 

SNAP Benefits

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits. SNAP, the new name for the Food Stamps program, helps to put food on the table for over 2.4 million New Yorkers each month. SNAP is a federally funded entitlement program, similar to social security. There is no state or local contribution towards the costs of benefits. Every dollar spent in SNAP at your local grocery store generates $1.84 in economics revenue for your community. Recent changes in the program make it even easier for working families to apply, including the possibility of applying online. For more information or for a free confidential pre-screening to find out if you are eligible, contact Mosholu Montefiore Community Center’s Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) at vsantos@mmcc.org or call (718) 882-4000 ext. 304.

 

Become a NYC Lifeguard

The NYC Department of Parks seeks summer lifeguards, ages 16 and older who qualify for its lifeguard school. Those selected will receive free training.  For more information, visit www.nyc.gov and check out the “Qualifying Test” and “Lifeguard Training Program” to see if you qualify.

 

ESL and Citizenship Courses

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace, offers two free courses: English as a Second Language classes which run through June 8, Monday through Thursday, and Saturday mornings, as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings; and Pathway to Citizenship workshops which begin January 2013. For more information and a detailed schedule, contact Christina Ventura at cventura@khcc-nyc.org or (718) 884-0700.

 

Free Financial Counseling

Bronx LIFT, 2381 Belmont Ave. (between 186th and 187th streets), offers free workshops, one-on-one financial coaching, referrals to credit unions, and free one-on-one assistance with employment, housing, resume help, filling out applications, finding education/job training opportunities and enrolling in public benefits. LIFT also offers free assistance to veterans, including legal, financial, employment, health and education. For more information or to make an appointment, call (718) 733-3897, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

New Age Study

The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory (CNL) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University is looking to recruit participants in the age range of 60-75 to help a study on the aging process and its overall effects on brain activity and everyday functions. The study will involve participants making a brief visit for an EEG recording to read brain waves. Participants will then be asked to complete a series of computer-based tasks (approximately 4-6 hours).Those who participate in the study will be compensated for their time by receiving $12 per hour. If you wish to apply, call (718) 862-1828 or e-mail AgingResearchUnit@gmail.com. For more information about the study, visit www.cognitiveneurolab.com.

 

Youth Works Program

LaGuardia Community College, 29-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City, is offering a job training program for young adults, ages 18 to 24, who are not working or attending school. The program helps participants attain skills in literacy and numeracy, opportunities for career exploration, workforce readiness training and certification, an internship, and either permanent employment or further training or education. Those who complete the course will receive a $900 stipend. For more information, call Vanessa Jarvis at (718) 482-5171 or (718) 609-2132.

 

Literacy Connection
Improve your reading, writing and math skills and work toward your GED with the Literacy Connection, a free education and employment program for young adults ages 16 to 24. The program is offered at the Mott Haven, West Farms, and Bronx Library Center branches of the NYPL. For more information or to RSVP, call (718) 401-7453.

 

Free Weekly Immigration Services

Councilmember Fernando Cabrera along with CUNY Citizenship Now! will provide free confidential legal services to qualified immigrants to help them in their pursuit of U.S. citizenship, Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cabrera’s district office, 107 E. Burnside Ave. Personal consultations will be held with attorneys and paralegals. For more information, call (347) 590-2874.

 

Mentoring Program for Students

The Young Scholars Immersion Program, a program coordinated by Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and Manhattan College, provides year-round mentoring and enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged students in the Bronx.  The program is currently seeking more high school applicants. Students get the chance to visit college campuses, participate in writing and study workshops and get constant support from tutors at the College’s Center for Academic Success. For more information, contact Neil Bogan at nbogan@khcc-nyc.org or call (718) 884-0700 ext. 116.

 

Teen Centers at MMCC

The Boys & Girls Club of the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center teen program offers supervised fun from 6:30 to 9 p.m.: Tuesdays and Thursdays for ages 12-1/2 to 14-1/2 (van service is available to bring participants home for $1),  and Wednesdays for ages 15 to 18. Both age groups may attend on Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Activities include sports, smart girls club, tutoring, dance, cooking, teen to teen news, computer skills and chorus. For more information, call (718) 882-4000.

 

Research Survey Participants Sought

The Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care seeks teens who have a parent or caregiver with cancer to participate in a research survey to help in its efforts to develop a program called BOLD Brothers and Sisters to support other teens in the future. For more information, call (718) 430-2380, or email cancersupport@einstein.yu.edu or BoldBrothersandSisters@gmail.com.

 

Women’s Support Group

The First Step Women’s Support Group will gather at the Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged, 100 W. Kingsbridge Rd. (small gallery), every third Thursday of the month, to discuss women’s issues and concerns, including housing, childcare, education, domestic violence, health and more. RSVP required. For more information, call (718) 877-5790.

 

Lehman Art Gallery Programs

The Lehman College Art Gallery, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., offers a variety of new programs for children, teachers and families. Students will analyze, interpret and share their reactions to the gallery’s works and participate in in-class art projects. For more information, call (718) 960-8731 or visit www.lehman.edu/gallery.

 

Cancer Prevention Study Enrollment

The American Cancer Society is working on its third Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3). The organization seeks men and women ages 30 to 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer to enroll in the study. Prospective participants must provide a waist size measurement, give a small blood sample and complete a basic survey. Throughout the course of the study, participants will be asked to give follow-up surveys every few years for the next 20 to 30 years about their health and lifestyle. In order to enroll, Bronxites must sign up online at www.cps3bronx.org or visit St. Barnabas Hospital, Study Room: Braker Room, 4422 Third Ave., Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

 

MMCC Discovery Club

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., seeks students from kindergarten to 6th grade to register for the After School Discovery Club. Activities include homework help, sports, arts and crafts, dance, and more. Children are picked up from area schools and the program lasts until 6 or 6:30 p.m., when parents pick up the students. For more information and to register, call Ruth Moore at (718) 944-3207 or visit www.mmcc.org.

 

After School Program for Middle School Students

Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) is offering free Out of School Time (OST) programming for middle school students in the IN-Tech Academy at 2975 Tibbett Ave. (off 230th Street). The program will feature academic support, sports, and leadership development. For more information contact ost@riverdaleonline.org, call (718) 549-8100, or visit www.riverdaleonline.org.

 

Text for Health Tips

Montefiore Medical Center has created a new text messaging program called “Bronx4Bronx” in an effort to help Bronx residents take better care of themselves. Bronx4Bronx delivers health tips and information via text message three times a week to its users. The program is available in English and Spanish, and users can opt in or out at any time. To receive health messages, text Bx4Bx to 32075 (for Spanish, text Bx4BxS to 32075). For more information, visit www.montefiore.org/bx4bx.

 

Opportunities for Young Adults

F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services System is hosting a Project Rise program at the Bronx Youth Center, 412-424 E. 147th St., 4th floor, that will offer free GED classes, paid internships and career advisement to young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who are out of school and work. For more information, call Jordana Kerschner at (718) 742-3576.

 

Bronx Mentors Sought

The Abbot House, a multi-faceted agency that serves families and youth in the Bronx and NYC, is looking for mentors in the Bronx area. If you are looking t o make a positive impact on a child’s life, call mentoring coordinator at (718) 329-4968 ext. 3454.

 

Research Survey Participants Sought

The Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care seeks teens who have a parent or caregiver with cancer to participate in a research survey to help in its efforts to develop a program called BOLD Brothers and Sisters to support other teens in the future. For more information, call (718) 430-2380, or email cancersupport@einstein.yu.edu or BoldBrothersandSisters@gmail.com.

 

Exchange Student Hosts Sought

Academic Year in America (AYA) seeks Bronx area families to host a high school exchange student from 4 to 6 weeks up to five or 10 months. To help facilitate the exchange experience, host families receive full support from an AYA local coordinator for a perfect fit. For more information, call Stella at (800) 322-4678 ext. 5164.

 

Adoption Information

Family Focus Adoption Services, a not-for-profit adoption agency is offering free adoption information meetings, monthly or by appointment, as well as parent training meetings several times a year to Bronx families. The goal of this program is to educate the public about the realities of adoption and foster care.  For more information, visit their website familyfocusadoption.org or contact Richard Buley-Neumar at (718) 224-1919 or email him at Rich@familyfocusadoption.org.

 

Free Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program is sponsoring free meals to eligible children at no separate charge at the Tender Tots Child Care Center, 3322 Decatur Ave., from July 1 to June 30, 2013. For more information on eligibility, call (718) 324-1052.

 

Art Classes

Artist-in-residence, Michael Ferris, will instruct narrative portrait classes Monday afternoons from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. through the SPARC initiative at the JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave. For more information, call (718) 549-4700.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

New York Cares, the city’s leading volunteer organization, seeks Bronx residents to get involved in their community. Volunteers must attend a one-time orientation. There are over 1,200 projects to choose from citywide each month. To view the list of upcoming project highlights, visit www.newyorkcares.org. To register for an orientation in your area, call (212) 228-5000.

 

Activities for Senior Citizens

The Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, located at 3450 DeKalb Ave., hosts events for adults over the age of 60.  The Center serves a complete nutritious lunch, weekdays at 11:30 a.m. and holds a variety of activities including Bingo, handcrafts, computer classes, exercise, walking club, and more, for a suggested contribution of $1.50. For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 798-6601.

 

MMCC Seeks Volunteers

The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center offers those ages 50+ a volunteer opportunity in a program called CATCH healthy habits. Volunteers will work with kids from grade K to 5 and will be coached to give kids the power to make healthy choices. For more information, contact Dara Matthews at dara@bronxhouse.org or (718) 792-1800 ext. 239.

 

Walking Group

Join the new walking group Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:45 at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 177 Dreiser Loop. For more information, call (718)549-4700.

 

Free Consumer Debt Legal Clinic

The Start Small Think Big organization invites all to participate in the free consumer debt legal clinic. The Clinic helps all facing cases in consumer debt court, identity theft, frozen bank accounts and more. To register, visit www.startsmallthinkbig.org and click on get help or call (718) 665-5250 ext. 263 for more information.

 

Energy Savings Program

The New York State Small Business Development Center is helping people save energy and money to make green solutions and practices easier when running a small business. All clients can schedule a review of their energy usage by filling out an application on www.nyssbdc.org. Reviews will focus on lighting, controls, renewable energy systems and more.

 

Get Fit at Energy Fitness Center

The Energy Fitness Center located on the lower level of the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., has one of the best deals within the Bronx. The fall is the season which gives people the opportunity to work out under the guidance of the fitness center’s trainers. They will assist on fitness routine plans, instruct how to properly use equipment and teach exercise techniques. Lockers and showers are available to use daily.

The Energy Fitness Center is open Mon-Thu from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sat from 10 a.m.. to 4 p.m. The yearly fees are very affordable and can be paid monthly. Adults (ages 19-60) pay $200/year ($16.67/month); youth (15-18) and seniors (61+) pay $175/year ($14.58/month); and Montefiore employees, with I.D., pay $132/year ($11/month). For more information, call (718) 882-4000.