It’s My Park Day! Events

The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park will be cleaning and beautifying the Croton Extension Trail on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. To volunteer, call (718) 601-1553 or email info@vancortlandt.org.

Volunteer to help on Saturday, May 16. 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.

Target Now Hiring
Become part of the Target Team in the new Gateway Mall by applying online by visiting www.target.com/careers. Use 10451 as the zip code on your store location choice, or apply in person on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or May 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bronx County Building, Veterans Memorial Hall, 851 Grand Concourse. For more information, call (718) 590-2636/7159.

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, call Steven Bussell at (718) 364-0462, or call the precinct’s Community Affairs at (718) 220-5824 and leave a message.

Foreclosures and Tenant Rights
Community members are invited to attend the training “Educational Program on Tenants and Foreclosures” on Tuesday May 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bronx Supreme Court, 851 Grand Concourse, in room 600. The program will provide an overview of foreclosures and the impact on tenants in New York City. To RSVP, call (212) 636-7671.

Dinner Seminars for Small Biz Owners
The Bronx Business Alliance Inc. will be holding a free four-part series of seminars called “You’re in Business…Now What?” The seminars will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. starting May 19 and ending July 2 at Pelham Bay Diner, 1920 E. Gun Hill Rd. Registration is required. Please call the BBA at (718) 231-2847.

The First Step to Citizenship
The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Bronx Project, will hold a free citizenship drive, on May 14, from 3 to 8 p.m., at the Family Welcome Center — PS 9, 230 E. 183rd St., corner of Ryer Avenue. Individuals who are interested in filling out a citizenship application must bring: a valid passport, alien card, social security card, two passport size photos, and a check or money order for $675 to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. For more information, call (718) 484-8294.

Spring Bazaar
The Amalgamated Nursery School’s Annual Spring Bazaar will be held Sunday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Train Park on Orloff Avenue and Gale Place. There will be food, shopping, live entertainment, children’s games and activities, including a jumping castle, raffle prizes and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the nursery school. For more information, call (718) 543-8688.

Celebrating Parents
MS 80 and Community Board 7 are sponsoring a “Celebrating Parents Recognition Month” event on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Indian Park in Van Cortlandt Park to honor strong parental involvement in schools, There will be food, games and raffles. For more information, call Ms. Alejandro at (718) 405-6300 ext. 1131.  

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.

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.

Aid for Veterans and Their Families
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.

Free Career Information Seminars
Lehman College Office of Continuing Education is holding free career information seminars for its non-credit certificate programs. For dates, times and locations of seminars, please call (718) 960-8512 or visit www.lehman.edu.ce.

Computer Classes at Williamsbridge Oval
The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, is holding computer classes on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn how to use the internet and MS Office software. Fore more information, contact Albert Davis or Tuwanda Ruffin at (718) 654-1851.

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. 

Teen Trailways Summer Camp
Teens entering 7th to 10th grade can enroll in the Teen Trailways program at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, which takes campers on day trips to sporting events, Broadway shows, comedy clubs, lakes, beaches, state parks, and amusement parks. Teens can also go on longer trips to Virginia Beach, Toronto and Disney World in Florida. For more information, call (718) 882-4000.

MetroCard Vans Coming
All MTA riders may purchase or add fares to their MetroCards and senior citizens and persons with disabilities with a valid photo ID may apply for a Reduced Fare MetroCard at the following locations: Fordham Plaza, intersection of Fordham Rd. and Third and Webster avenues, on May 22 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.; Fordham Road and the Grand Concourse, on May 22 from noon to 2 p.m.; Scott Towers, 3400 Paul Ave., corner of 205th Street, on May 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.; and Van Cortlandt Village, 3880 Sedgewick Ave., on May 22, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.mta.info or call (212) METROCARD.

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 will run through June 26.  For more information, call (718) 760-6999 or visit www.cityparksfoundation.org.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.