Celebrating Parents Event
MS 80 and Community Board 7 are sponsoring a “Celebrating Parents Recognition Month” on Saturday, May 2. The rain date will be Saturday, May 16. This is to honor strong parent involvement in schools. It will take place from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Indian Park in Van Cortlandt Park. There will be fun, food, games and raffles. For more information, call Ms. Alejandro at (718) 405-6300 ext. 1131. 

Fitness, Fun at Oval
On Saturday, May 2, the Williamsbridge Oval will host the Family Physical Fitness and Sports Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be games, music and refreshments. Entrances are at Reservoir Oval East and Bainbridge Avenue, and also Van Cortlandt Avenue East and 208th Street. For more information, call Tina Inman (718) 430-1847 or Thelma Mayo (718) 430-1824.

Plants for Mother’s Day
The Bainbridge Avenue Garden, on Bainbridge Avenue, between Bedford Park Boulevard and 201st Street, is having a Mother’s Day Plant Sale on May 2, 3, 9 and 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free Bags for Fordham Shoppers
The Fordham Road Business Improvement District is offering free tote bags, while supplies last, to anyone who makes a purchase of $20 or more through the end of May. Proof of purchase is required. Shoppers should contact the BID office, 2488 Grand Concourse, Room 411, at (718) 562-2104.

Free Job Search Expo
Learn resume writing and interview tips at a free job search expo at the Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., on Friday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Job seekers will be able to meet with recruiters from the NYC Department of Corrections, the Census Bureau, Police Cadet Corps, Workforce1 Career Center, South Bronx Career Corps, and other companies. To register, call (718) 579-4257.

Bronx Youth Health Forum
The Community Advisory Board of Montefiore Medical Center is holding its yearly forum on Thursday, May 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. The topic this year is “Bronx Youth Health Forum: Recreation—Jobs—Health Information.” The symposium is open to the public and will be held in the Cherkasky Auditorium, located at MMC’s Gun Hill Road entrance at Rochambeau Avenue. Light refreshments will be available.

It’s My Parks Day!
Help take care of your park by volunteering on Saturday, May 16, It’s My Park Day! Meet outside of Williamsbridge Oval Park Rec Center, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you have any questions, call Jenn Beaugrand (718) 324-4461 or Tina Inman (646) 258-1716.

Readers Theatre in Norwood
If you love to read aloud, or are verbally expressive, the Readers Theatre in Norwood is available. There is no experience required, and all are welcome, ages 18 to 108. Participants must be able to read English proficiently, and all accents are welcome. The first meeting will be on May 7 at 7 p.m. at the American Diner, 291 E. 204th St. For more information, call Nara at (917) 692-9340 or email narani_o@yahoo.com.

March for Babies
The March of Dimes will hold its first-ever March for Babies in the Bronx. With the main sponsor being Montefiore Medical Center, the Bronx will join the other boroughs in the fund-raising event, which will support research advocacy, community programs and education. The event will take place on Sunday, May 3 at Orchard Beach-Stage Pavilion. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. To register, or for more information, visit www.marchforbabies.org/ny.

‘Run and Walk for Cancer’
Bronx Community College will hold its 31st Annual Hall of Fame 10K/5K Run and 2-Mile Fitness Walk, on Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m. The races will begin and end at the college. Runners from ages 7 to 80 can participate. Check-in will be at BCC, 2155 University Ave. (at West 181st Street), from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Races start at 10 a.m. Free parking and baggage check-in is available. Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Cancer Society and BCC’s Steuerman Scholarship Fund. The entry fee is $15. Day-of-race entry fee is $20. All races are followed by a barbecue, raffle, and awards ceremony for race winners. For more information, call (718) 289-5989/5145 or visit www.bcc.cuny.edu/10krace.
 
Summer Youth Employment
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is offering a Summer Youth Employment Program. Pick up applications at the center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6 p.m. You can also apply online at www.application.NYCSYEP.com. Be sure to pick “MMCC” as your Project Sponsor. For more information, call (718) 882-4000.

52nd Precinct Council Fund-raiser: Trip to A.C.
The 52nd Precinct Council is sponsoring a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on May 30. The cost is $35 per person, and the casino will give each person $18 back in chips. Participants will meet in front of the 52nd Precinct, located at 3014 Webster Ave., at 8 a.m. and return in the evening. Refreshments and games will be on the bus. If interested, contact Steven Bussell at (718) 364-0462, or call the precinct’s Community Affairs at (718) 220-5824 and leave a message.

Aid for Veterans and Their Families [corrected from previous issue]
The Warriors Family Assistance Program, launched by the American Legion Auxiliary, comes to the direct aid of veterans and their families in New York State. Veterans and their families can apply for up to $1,500 in aid in maintenance grants, medical grants and employment opportunities. Any veteran who has served honorably within the last four years, or is currently serving in one of the Armed Forces, and is a NYS resident, is eligible to apply. All grants are non-repayable. For an application or more information, call (800) 421-6348.

City Parks Foundation Helping Bronx Seniors
The City Parks Foundation is welcoming all New York City seniors, ages 60 and over, to sign up for the Spring 2009 program of “CityParks Seniors Fitness.” This free program offers tennis lessons, yoga instructions, and fitness walking in nine parks across the city. In the Bronx, it is being offered at Pelham Bay and Van Cortlandt parks. All equipment and instructions will be provided free of charge. The program starts May 4 and will run through June 26.  For more information, call (718) 760-6999 or visit www.cityparksfoundation.org.

Lehman College Summer Program
Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., will hold an open house for its More Than a Camp Program on Saturdays, May 9 and 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Carman Hall room 129. The program offers academic, creative arts, and physical fitness classes for children aged 4 to 15. For more information, call (718) 960-8512 or visit www.lehman.edu/ce.

Teen Trailways Day Camp
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is now accepting registration for its Teen Trailways Day Camp. The camp takes participating teens on exciting day trips to places such as sporting events, Broadway shows, and comedy clubs. The teens also go on three-day away trips to various places. For more information, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 0, or visit online at www.mmcc.org.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center
JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave., is offering the following classes, trips, and cultural events: For more information, call (718) 549-4700.

– Fitness exercises will be on May 4, 11, and 18 at 10:30 a.m.; Movement on May 5 and 19 at 10 a.m.; Gentle Yoga on May 7, 14, and 21 at 10 a.m.; and Tone and Stretch on May 1, 8 and 15 at 10 a.m.

-Tai Chi will be on Thursdays, May 14 and 28 at 4:30 p.m., followed by a light supper at 5:30 p.m.
 
-There will be a Mother’s Day lunch at noon on Friday, May 8, followed by entertainment by Igor Sherbakov.

-The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Community Choir will present a program of Hebrew and Yiddish music on Sunday, May 17 from 1 to 2 p.m., preceded by lunch at noon. Suggested contribution is $3.
 
-Janet Weinstein, of Light House International, will present a talk on Friday, May 22 at 1 p.m. on vision health and the wide varieties of services available.

-Trips are planned to South Street Seaport on May 14, and the Bronx Museum on May 29. Call to register in advance.

MMC’s Annual PRIDE Health Fair
Montefiore Medical Center’s AIDS Center, with The Bronx HIV CARE Network, are holding their 7th Annual PRIDE Health Fair on Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, to promote Health Awareness in our communities. It will take place on Gun Hill Road, between Bainbridge and DeKalb avenues. There will be educational materials on HIV available, as well as free HIV testing/counseling and musical performances. For more information, call Shari German at (718) 231-3296 ext. 21.

Shoelace Park Master Plan
Help shape the future of Shoelace Park and Fort Knox, parklands along the Bronx River between Gun Hill Road and 233rd Street. There will be a community design workshop on Tuesday, June 9. For more information, call (718) 430-4665 or visit bronxriver.org.

Mt. St. Ursula Speech Center Summer Registration
The Mount Saint Ursula Speech Center is now accepting applications for its summer program. Children, from the ages of 2 to 16, in need of speech, language and literacy services may be eligible. The five-week program will run five days a week from June 26 to July 31. They accept Medicaid, and some insurance. There is also a sliding scale for private pay clients. For more information, call (718) 584-7679.

Introduction to E-Mail
The Mosholu Library, located at 285 E. 205th St., will hold a session to help create a free e-mail account, and teach how to send and receive e-mail on Wednesday, May 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

Free Prescription $aver Card
The NY State Health Department is accepting applications for the free New York Prescription $aver Card. The program offers discounts on thousands of prescription medications. It will serve low-income New Yorkers who are disabled or between the ages of 50 and 64. To be eligible, income for single individuals must be $35,000 or less, and $50,000 or less for married individuals. Medicaid and EPIC recipients are not eligible for the Prescription $aver Card. To learn more or apply, visit www.nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com or call (800) 788-6917. (TTY users should call (800) 290-9138.) Applications are also available at pharmacies.

Summer and School Programs
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., is now accepting registration for its pre-school summer camps and child care programs. There is also registration for Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Day Care for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. The Rochambeau Early Childhood Center is also accepting registration for these programs.  For more information, call (718) 654-0563 and ask to speak with Patty.

School Salon Reopens
The School of Professional Beauty Care at Grace Dodge Career and Technical High School, 2474 Crotona Ave., has reopened The New Image Salon to the public. It’s open every Thursday afternoon from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m., offering a wide variety of salon services at reasonable prices. Prices range from $5 to $25. Graduating seniors in the school’s cosmetology program staff the salon, with a licensed cosmetologist on duty. For more information, call (718) 584-2700 ext. 5084.

Foster Care Network
The Foster Care Network is reaching out to potential foster parents in the Bronx. Hundreds of foster children in the area need loving and caring families to make a difference in their lives. Foster parents receive tax-free financial assistance for the expenses of each child, free training, and Foster Parent certification. For more information, call (800) 454-3727 or visit www.fostercarenetwork.org.

Job Training for Women
Grace Institute, 1233 Second Ave., has started a new season of Open Houses for their day and evening program, which begins this September. The open house will be on May 13 at noon and 4 p.m. The evening program is exclusively for women who are already working, but need to upgrade their office and computer skills. For more information, visit www.graceinstitute.org or call (212) 832-7605.

English, Citizenship and Computer Classes
-MS 80 at 149 E. Mosholu Pkwy N., is offering English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes. For those interested, or if you have any questions, call Mrs. Alejandro at (718) 405-6300 ext. 1131.

-Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Classes.  Ongoing classes run through June 30. For more information, call (718) 882-4000.

-Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace, is enrolling students for free English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship classes. Ongoing classes run through June 30. For more information, call Aisha Abdul-Wahhab, program director, at (718) 884-0700 ext. 191 or 132.

-PS 94 at 3530 Kings College Pl,. offers 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.

-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.

-Fordham University, 557 E. Fordham Rd., is currently holding free computer and English Language classes for parents, Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays. Classes can either stand alone or as an 8- to 12-week series. For more information or to register, call (718) 817-3503.

Senior Employment
The American Association of Retired Person (AARP) and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) are assisting low-income Bronx residents, 55 and older, to receive employment through their outreach, training, and internship programs. For more information, call AARP located at 384 E. 149th St., Ste. 608 at (718) 585-2500.

Free Breathing Workshops at Montefiore
The Care Management Company of Montefiore Medical Center is sponsoring free breathing workshops at Montefiore Medical Group East at 2300 Westchester Ave. on May 7, from 3 to 4 p.m., and on June 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. Workshops will also take place at Montefiore Medical Group Grand Concourse, 2532 Grand Concourse, on May 12, from 3 to 4 p.m., and on June 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. To register call (800) 636-6683.

Help Transform Bronx Parks
The Bronx River Alliance and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation are holding public workshops to develop a master plan for Shoelace Park and Fort Knox, which stretches from Magenta Street to 233rd Street along the Bronx River. Workshops will take place on June 9 at Community Board 12, 4101 White Plains Road, near 229th Street, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call (718) 430-4635.

Local Craft Club Needs Location
Little Debbie’s Craft Club is looking for a free space to host its knitting club. The group is looking for a space near the Fordham and Jerome area to meet twice a month. Please contact Debbie at (646) 670-9518.

Couples Needed for Research Study
Doctors at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center are looking for healthy couples between the ages of 22 and 50, and in a monogamous relationship for at least six months, to participate in a research study. The study will test a vaginal gel and the couple will be screened for sexually transmitted infections. Females will have a gynecologic exam and vaginal fluid collected and males will have a genital exam. Female volunteers will have four visits and be reimbursed $60 per visit, and males volunteers will have three visits and will be reimbursed $40 per visit.  Females must be using hormonal contraception. All visits will take place at the Albert Einstein General Clinical Research Center. For more information, call Julie at (718) 430-3253 or email microbicide@aecom.yu.edu.

Financial Literacy Classes
Credit Inc. and the Financial Empowerment Center are teaming up to provide Bronx residents with four free sessions on financial literacy. These classes will help teach residents how to empower themselves with key financial skills to manage money wisely and gain financial independence. Classes will be held on May 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. To register, call Miriam Johnson at (718) 732-7540 or Rebecca Stich at (347) 329-3929. Seating is limited.

Free Medicine Programs for Cancer Patients
The Complimentary Medicine Program at Albert Einstein Cancer Center is offering two free research programs for patients with cancer. The Yoga-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Program includes 12 weeks of yoga to see if yoga can help patients with breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. A certified yoga instructor teaches classes in both English and Spanish. The Mind-Body Cancer Program includes 8 weeks of Mind-Body groups (The Stress Management Education Group and the Spiritual Support Group) for patients with most types of cancer. Some restrictions apply to these groups, which have been specifically designed by a psychologist and an oncologist. For more information and to find out eligibility, call (718) 430-2380.

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 ext. 111.

Free Kids’ Summer Vacations
The Fresh Air Fund is currently registering boys and girls, ages six through 12, 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.

MMCC Grade School & Teen Programs at Tracey Towers
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is accepting registration for their free after school program at Tracey Towers, 40 W. Mosholu Pkwy. 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 ages 12 to 18. Programs include homework help, computers, arts and crafts, sports, acting, and quiet games. To register, stop by the Youth Community Room on the second floor of Tracey Towers and speak to Antoine Fields, or call him at (917) 482-5039.

Self Defense Classes
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center still has space in its boxing, karate, and self-defense classes for children, teens, and adults. To register or find out class times, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 0, or stop by the center at 3450 DeKalb Ave.

Free Meditation for Breast Cancer Survivors
The Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center is offering a free 20-week course on meditation and stress management for breast cancer survivors. The course is part of a research study. To register or learn more, call Kimala Harris at (718) 430-2380 or e-mail kah2019@med.cornell.edu.

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.

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.

Free 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.

Free Career Workshops
The State University of New York, located at 3950 Laconia Ave., 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.

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.
      
Schizophrenia Study Seeks 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.

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 E. 149th St., (718) 960-7099.

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 email outreach@aecom.yu.edu.

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.

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.

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.