Free Tax Preparation
Mosholu Preservation Corp., West Bronx Housing and University Neighborhood Housing Program have teamed up, along with corporate sponsors, to provide northwest Bronx residents earning less than $45,000 with free tax preparation. From January to March, free tax preparation will be available at the Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave.; Mosholu Preservation Corp., 3400 Reservoir Oval East; and Ridgewood Savings Bank, 3445 Jerome Ave. Available by appointment only. For appointments at Mosholu Preservation Corp., call (718) 324-4461 and ask for Brenda Lucio. For appointments at the Refuge House and Ridgewood Savings Bank, contact Jumelia Abrahamson at (718) 933-2539, ext. 12 or e-mail jumelia@unhp.org.

Feb. 8 Traffic Advisory
Due to the NYRR Half Marathon Grand Prix: Bronx the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic from 7:15 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8:
•    Goulden Ave./Reservoir Ave. between Sedgwick Ave. and 195 St.
•    Mosholu Pkwy between Sedgwick Ave. and Marion Ave./Hull Ave.
•    Grand Concourse between Mosholu Pkwy and E 178 St.
•    Paul Ave. between Bedford Park Blvd and Mosholu Pkwy

MS 80 Needs Love
MS 80 is asking parents and community members to show some love and volunteer for just an hour each week. The school needs mentors, math and reading tutors, part-time coaches and volunteers to help with cafeteria duty. For more information, call Ms. Alejandro (718) 405-6300 x.111.

Blood Drive Feb. 8
St. Brendan’s School, 268 E. 207th St, is holding its annual blood drive on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Donors must be between 17 and 75 years old, or 16 with written parental consent. A picture ID is required. For more information, call (718) 547-6655.

Flea Market Needs Donations
The Bedford Mosholu Community Association needs donations for its Flea Market, to be held on Mar. 7. Please bring old and new items to the B.M.C.A. office at 400 E. Mosholu Parkway South, #B1 (Lobby Floor). Donations will be accepted Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., on Feb. 28 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and on Mar. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Learn Microsoft Word
The Mosholu Branch of the New York Public Library is offering a free introduction to Microsoft Word on Feb. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn to create, edit, print, and save documents. Register in person. The Mosholu Branch is at 285 E. 205 St. For more information, call (718) 882-8239. 

Free ESL and GED Classes
MS 80 is offering free ESL and GED classes. You must be 21 or older to register. Registration will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MS 80, 149 E Mosholu Parkway North. For more information, call Mrs. Alejandro at (718) 405-6300 x.111.

Charter School Accepting Applications
The Bronx Community Charter School, located at 2348 Webster Ave., is now accepting kindergarten applications for fall 2009 (spaces for 1st and 2nd graders may also be available). Meet the co-directors, see students and teachers in action and take a tour at 9 a.m. on the following dates: Feb. 12 and 24; March 5 and 19. For more information, call (718) 584-1400 or visit www.bronxcommunity.org.

Free Summer Vacations for Kids
The Fresh Air Fund is currently registering boys and girls, ages six through twelve, for free summer vacations in the homes of volunteer host families throughout the northeast or at one of five Fresh Air Fund summer camps in upstate New York. To find out how to register, call (800) 367-0003 or go to www.freshair.org.

Free Career Workshops
The State University of New York is offering free career workshops, including job readiness training, resume and cover letter preparation, help with job searches and computer skills, job placement assistance, an Office Skills Certificate Program, college prep and more. For more information, call (718) 547-1001 or visit www.NBX.SUNYEOC.org

Free After School Program and Evening Teen Center
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Cneter is accepting registration for their free after school program at Tracey Towers, 40 West Mosholu Parkway. The program meets Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and is open to children in the third through sixth grades. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. the free Teen Center is open for youth from twelve to eighteen. Programs at both times include homework help, computers, art, sports, acting, and quiet games. To register, stop by the Youth Community Room on the second floor of Tracey Tower and speak to Antonie Fields, or call him at (917) 482-5039.

Marketing Workshops for Business Owners
The Small Business Development Center is offering workshops on marketing to small business owners. The four workshops can be taken serially or individually. The series begins with “Strategic Planning, Creating the Right Message” on Feb. 10, and “Preparing Marketing Materials” on Feb 24. Workshops are held at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West. Please register at (718) 960-8806 or email clarence.stanley@lehman.cuny.edu.

After School Programs
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is now accepting enrollment at its after school programs at the Bronx New School, P.S. 16, and P.S. 24. The programs serve children in kindergarten through 6th grade and offers a variety of activities. For more information, call Ruth Moore at (718) 944-3207 on weekdays.

Schizophrenia Study Seeking Participants
A research study seeking new treatments for schizophrenia is looking for patients in the Bronx. Candidates must be 18 to 65 years old, diagnosed with schizophrenia at or before age 35 and currently on certain medications for schizophrenia. Patients can enroll through the first half of 2009. For more information, call (888) 988-6736 or go to www.cognitivestudy.com.

Free Workshops for Children with Special Needs
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. is offering a series of free community workshops for families of children, youth and young adults with disabilities. The next workshop is “Transition from School to Adult Life” on Mar. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshops are held at the Jewish Child Care Association, 555 Bergen Ave. For more information, call Gary Shulman at (212) 677-4650 or email gshulman@resourcesnyc.org.

Join Local Community Board – Apply by Feb. 6
The Bronx Borough President’s Office is accepting applications for all 12 Community Boards. Applicants should live or have professional or other significant interests in the Bronx. Applications are due Feb. 6, and are available at your local Community Board office or online at bronxboropres.nyc.gov. Applicants can also call the Borough President’s Community Board office at (718) 590-3914.

Free 2009 Parking Calendars
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is offering free New York City Parking Calendars to community residents. To receive one, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to his office at 3107 Kingsbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, or stop by the office in person.

Join Local Education Council
The Bronx Borough President’s Office is interviewing candidates to fill its vacancy on Community Education Council District 10. Members are unpaid volunteers and serve for two years. The right candidates will have experience in business, trade or education. E-mail resume and cover letter to the Borough President’s Director of Education Policy, Mr. Jesse Mojica, at jmojica@bronxbp.nyc.gov or fax documents to (718) 590-4690.

Job Opportunities
On Dec. 1, Mayor Bloomberg announced the expansion of free job placement services through New York City’s Workforce1 Career Centers. The centers provide personalized career counseling, interview training, resume/cover letter assistance, workshops and ESL classes. For more information, call the Bronx Workforce1 Center, 358 East 149th Street, (718) 960-7099.

After School Care
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., provides after school care for children in elementary school. Children are transported from their schools in Norwood, Bedford Park, Williamsbridge and Van Cortlandt Village. The center provides a snack, help with homework, and an array of activities to keep children busy. Financial aid is available. For more information, call Ruth Moore, Program Registrar, at (718) 882-4000.

Capoeira Dance Classes
The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, 841 Barretto St., is offering capoeira classes every Saturday in January, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Cost is $7 per class. For more information, call (718) 842-5223 or visit www.bronxacademyofartsanddance.org.

Computer and English Classes
Fordham University, 557 E. Fordham Rd., is currently holding free computer and English Language classes for parents on Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays. Classes can either stand alone or as an 8- to12-week series. For more information or to register, call (718) 817-3503.

Wii Games for Adults and Seniors
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m., adults and seniors can enjoy free Wii video games at the Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St. To sign up, go to the Adult Information Desk. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

Place for Teens With Issues
The Power Project is a free program for teens ages 12 to 18 who are dealing with substance abuse and other problems. Located at 3464 Webster Ave., Power Project provides case management, individual and group counseling, trips, and is just a place to get away from it all. For more information, call (718) 515-7971.

Learn the Internet
St. James Recreation Center at 2530 Jerome Ave. offers free classes in Microsoft Office, Resume/Cover Letter Writing, Computer Basics, and much more. For more information, call Justin Young at (718) 367-3659.

Adult ESL and Computer Classes
PS 94 on Kings College Place will offer ESL levels 1 and 2 and Computer Skills classes through summer 2009. Both classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Computer classes will be taught in English and will include lessons on keyboarding, Microsoft Word and other programs. Registration is first-come, first-served. For more information, call Ms. Seminario, the parent coordinator, at (347) 563-4772 or (718) 405-6345.

Seeking Artists for Aging Project
The Bronx Council on the Arts is seeking artists who are interested in exploring the link between creative expression and the quality of life of older people. BCA is offering unique opportunities in the field of Creative Aging. Send resume and letter of interest to Ed Friedman, Bronx Council on the Arts, 1738 Hone Ave., Bronx, NY 10461 or email: info@bronxarts.org.

Quality of Life Screening
The Psychosocial Oncology Program of the Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center is conducting a survey study in order to learn about the physical and emotional stresses faced by cancer survivors. Participants will have to fill out questionnaires and have the opportunity to participate in free/low-cost programs and support services within the program. For more information, call (718) 430-2380.

Breast Oncology Program
The Breast Oncology Living Daily Program also known as BOLD living offers a variety of free educational, support, and mind-body workshops. They are designed to empower and nurture breast cancer patients, survivors, and loved ones, but are open to all. For more information or to register, call (718) 430-3613 or visit outreach@aecom.yu.edu.

After School Child Care
Registration is now taking place for the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center’s after-school childcare programs at 3450 DeKalb Ave., for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. The Discovery Club is offering staff escort from PS 94, PS 280, St. Ann’s, MS 80 and van service from PS 8, PS 94 Annex, PS 56 and 56 Annex, St. Brendan’s, St. Philip Neri, PS 41, Visitation, and PS 95. For complete information or to register, call Ruth Moore weekdays at (718) 944-3207.

Preschool New Enrollment
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center now has more space available for childcare. There are new classrooms for 2- to 4-year-olds at the center, located at 3450 DeKalb Ave. For more information, call (718) 882-4000.

Alzheimer’s Support Group
The Alzheimer’s Association’s New York City chapter provides a support group in Norwood for Spanish and English speaking caregivers who have relatives with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. The support group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5 to 6:15 p.m. For the location or more information, call Mark Goodwin at (718) 920-7377.

Free Respite Program
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) is offering free after-school services to families with mentally retarded or developmentally disabled children ages 5 to 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. KHCC is also offering a Saturday Respite Program for ages 15 to 25, and on Sundays another Respite Program is provided for ages 18 to 65. Weekend Respite Program hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are held at the KHCC, 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace (near Sedgwick Avenue) at West 230th Street. To register or for more information, call Hanna Gabris at (718) 884-0700 ext. 202.

Teen Center
The Boys and Girls Club of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at the Fort Independence Houses announced that memberships are being accepted for the fall Teen Center program for boys and girls ages 12 to 16. The center is open Monday through Friday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and offers a variety of teen activities. For more information and/or registration, call Israel Rosario at (646) 358-6096.

Free After-School Program
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is accepting applications for its free Fort Independence after-school program, which serves kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. The program offers a variety of activities. For more information, call Israel Rosario, (646) 358-6096.  

Foster Parents Needed
The Foster Care Network is asking families to open their hearts and homes to foster children. For more information, call (800) 454-3727.

Speech Program at Ursula 
The Mt. St. Ursula Speech Center, 2885 Marion Ave., is now accepting applications for its fall program. The center has openings for children ages 2 to 5 who are in need of speech and language services. Medicaid and other insurances accepted. For more information, call (718) 584-7679.

Karate Classes at MMCC
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, located on Gun Hill Road and DeKalb Avenue, will be offering a wide selection of Karate classes for elementary school students, teens, and adults starting in the next few weeks. The classes are offered for all levels on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Classes are affordable and discounts are available. To register or for more information, call Luis Morales weekdays at (718) 944-3290 or MMCC at (718) 882-4000 ext. 0.

Free GED and Business Courses
The State University of New York’s North Bronx Career Center located at 3950 Laconia Ave., at East 224th Street, is now accepting applications for the fall semester. Classes offered are GED Prep and basic to advanced MOS Certification Computer classes, free training in Business Office Technology (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Job Readiness (Resume, Cover Letter, Interview Skills) and Pre-Certification Training in various careers (Child Care, Security and more). All students wishing to apply must meet state income and academic guidelines. This is an HRA-approved program. Classes began in September. To begin the application process or for more information, call (718) 547-1001.

Aphasia Clinic Accepting Clients
The Lehman College Speech and Hearing Center, which provides therapy on a sliding scale payment schedule, is now accepting new clients in its recently expanded aphasia clinic. The clinic will provide individual and group therapy sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.; group therapy sessions also take place on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Diagnostic and therapeutic sessions will be supervised by faculty members who are licensed by the NYS Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and certified by ASHA (American Speech Language Hearing Association). For more information, call Wanda Adams at (718) 960-8138.