Free Tax Prep at MPC
The Mosholu Preservation Corporation is offering Federal and New York State Tax Returns preparation by IRS certified volunteers. It will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3400 Reservoir Oval East. You are eligible for this service if you earned less than $50,000. Space is limited, so call for reservations at (718) 324-4461.

Free Tax Prep at UNHP
University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP) and Ariva will offer FREE income tax preparation services to low and moderate income residents at the Refuge House, 2751 Bainbridge Ave. Returns are e-filed, which means clients who opt for direct deposit will receive returns in as little as 10 days, without having to pay unnecessary Rapid Anticipation Loans (RAL), Pay Stub Loans, and/or costly tax preparation fees. Service is available for individuals and families whose gross income in 2009 was $56,000 or less, and are provided on 10 dates from January through April by professionally trained Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers as follows: Wednesdays, Feb. 3 and 17, March 3 and 24, and April 7 (from 1 to 7 p.m.) and Saturdays, Jan. 23, Feb. 6 and 27, March 27, and April 10 (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Appointments are required. Call UNHP at (718) 933-2539 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

After-School Youth Program
Youngsters ages 11 to 16 are invited to participate in the newly re-opened free after-school program at The COVE, located in the basement of 3418 Gates Pl. The program will have recreation, dance/talent shows, trips, homework help, and it will teach participants how to create, film and edit their own videos. The program runs with open enrollment through May and takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. For more information or to enroll, call Doug Knepper at (347) 374-7928.

Give Art to the Park
The Mosholu Preservation Corporation is looking to bring an assortment of art to Bronx parks. Local artists who would like to donate art pieces for display in a park should contact Christin Cato at (718) 324-4461 or e-mail intern2@mpcbronx.org. If an art piece is chosen, the artist will be recognized by their name next to their art.

Gun Buyback Program
Various locations throughout the Bronx are holding a “Cash for Guns” program on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For each operable gun surrendered, you can earn a $200 bank card. Up to three guns can be traded in for credit (up to $600), but you can surrender as many guns as you wish at the following locations: St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 623 E. 138th St.; Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 763 Prospect Ave.; St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 1183 Franklin Ave.; Our Lady of Grace, 3985 Bronxwood Ave. For more information, call 311.

Free Small Business Classes
The NYS Small Business Development Center offers free classes on small business skills such as writing business plans (Jan. 20), and marketing (Jan. 27), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CUNY on the Concourse, 2051 Grand Concourse, 3rd floor. Seating is limited. Call (718) 960-8806 to register.

Adopt a Pet
The ASPCA is bringing a Mobile Adoption Center to the Bronx on Jan. 16 at Petland Discounts at the Bay Plaza Shopping Center, 2100 Bartow Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. All dogs and cats at the adoption center are available for same-day adoption, are spayed or neutered and are up to date on vaccinations. Adoption fees are between $75 and $200. Adopters must bring a photo ID and another form of identification with their current address, such as a bill. For more information, visit www.aspca.org.

Honoring Dr. King
The Trinity Baptist Church, in conjunction with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., invites you to an interfaith service in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., celebrating the National Theme “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On… Not a Day Off.” The service will be held on Monday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church, 808 E. 224th St. (between Barnes and Bronxwood avenues). Please RSPV to (718) 590-3989.

Free Workshop for Ex-cons
“Work and a Criminal Record: What You Should Know” is a free workshop for the prevention of recidivism through employment, presented by the director of the Legal Action Center’s National H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals with criminal records Reenter through Employment) Network Project. It will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Gethsemane Baptist Church, 771 Fairmount Place (at Prospect Ave). For more information, call Sister Dolores Steele at (718) 506-6533.

Participate in Medical Research Studies
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University is inviting all interested parties to sign up for ResearchMatch.org, a new online medical research volunteer registry. Once registered, research institutions across the country can contact you to participate in various research studies based on your qualifications.

Scholarship Opportunity
The Albert Shanker College Scholarship Fund is looking for high school recipients for a $5,000 scholarship. Students interested in the opportunity should speak to their college advisors. The deadline is Jan. 31.

Job Fair
Promoting Specialized Care and Health (PSCH) is hosting a job fair with on-the-spot job interviews every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. Those interested working in health and human services who have relevant requirements should attend one of the fairs, which are held at 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Flushing, NY. For more information, call (718) 559-0576. Resumes can be e-mailed to Recruiter2@psch.org or faxed to (718) 358-6790.

Free ESL and GED Classes
MS 80 at 149 E. Mosholu Pkwy. N. offers free ESL and GED classes. Applicants must be 21 years or older. For more information or to register, call (718) 405-6300.

Free GED Classes
Bronx Community College at 2155 University Ave. (at West 181st Street) offers free GED classes from Jan. 7 through March. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call (718) 289-5834.

Apply for a Bronx Artist Award
The Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Awards, hosted through the Bronx Council on the Arts, awards local artists for their work each year in dozens of fields. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 29. Applications can be found online or at any Bronx public library, the BCA Writers Center, or BCA’s Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College. Applicants are urged to attend one of several free workshops offered before the deadline. For submission guidelines and application assistance, please visit www.bronxarts.org or call (718) 931-9500. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older.

NMCIR Immigration Assistance
The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights is offering immigration assistance to Bronxites. There is assistance with U.S. citizenship, family petitions, and travel permits. It is offered at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (718) 484-8294 or email info@NMCIR.org.

Scouting for Girl Scouts
Girls from 5 to 17 years old looking to serve the Bronx community, make friends and learn life skills are encouraged to join the Girl Scouts of the Bronx. For more information about joining a Girl Scout troop, visit www.girlscoutsnyc.org or email webbx@girlscoutsnyc.org.

Free Classes at State University
The North Bronx Career Center of The State University of New York, located at 2901 White Plains Rd., offers free basic to advanced daytime and evening classes, including computer courses, college prep courses, and more. Some restrictions may apply. For more information and to register, please call (718) 547-1001.

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.

Networking and Career-Building Travel Experience in Turkey
The Atlantic Council of the United States, in partnership with the Istanbul Policy Center at Sabanci University, is seeking participants for a one-month exchange program in mid-2010. They are seeking Turkish and American young professionals, aged 22-30 who have started careers in the fields of public policy, business and journalism. All expenses for the program will be paid. For more information, and to be considered for the program, contact David Kirk at dkirk@acus.org.

Youth Internship Program
Attend an information session, given in half hour intervals, Tuesdays (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), Wednesdays (3:30 to 7 p.m.) or Thursdays (4 to 6 p.m.) between now and Jan. 15 to learn about the “This Way Ahead in School Youth Program” – a paid internship program for work at the Gap and Old Navy stores, paying $8.75 an hour. Applicants are required to become members of The Door, and should be ages 16 to 21. Apply at The Door, 555 Broome St. in Manhattan daily 2 to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays till 7 p.m. For more information, contact Chevon Sherrod at (212) 941-9090 ext. 3372.

Winter Programs at MMCC
Sign-ups for winter programs at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center have begun. The center, located at 3450 DeKalb Ave., is offering a range of programs catering to all age groups, from break dancing classes for children to GED classes for adults. Saturday classes meet for eight weeks from Jan. 16 to March 6. A free baseball/softball clinic will take place on Feb. 28. A Driver’s Safety Program will be held from Jan. 25 to Feb. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information or a schedule, visit www.mmcc.org or call (718) 882-4000.

School Salon Reopened
The School for Professional Beauty Care at Grace Dodge Career and Technical High School, located at 2474 Crotona Ave., has reopened its after-school beauty parlor, The New Image Salon, for the fall semester. The salon, whose services are reasonably priced, is open every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is staffed by graduating seniors of the school’s cosmetology program. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 584-2700.

PS/MS 20 School Shirts on Sale
PS/MS 20 requires that all students wear the appropriate uniform shirt. If parents wish, they may buy the shirts directly from PS/MS 20. Parents can call Rosa Rosado at (718) 515-9370 ext. 2154, to request an order form. Shirts for Pre-K to 5th graders are $10, and $12 for 6th to 8th graders.

Register for MMCC Classes
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., offers a variety of classes for all ages from infants to seniors, including daycare, after school programs and senior center activities. Fees vary. For more information, call (718) 882-4000 or visit www.mmcc.org. Most class registrations are open until January 16, 2010.

Fall Into Fitness at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. has begun its fitness schedule. Classes range from step aerobics and zumba classes to belly dancing. For details and/or to register, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 256 or 280.

Volunteer at North Bronx Healthcare
The North Bronx Healthcare Network is seeking volunteers for the Sexual Assault Treatment Program run at North Central Bronx Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, and Lincoln Medical Center. Those interested should be willing to volunteer twice a month and commit to serving the program for one year. For more information, call (718) 519-4788.

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.

Foster Parents Needed
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.

Workshops: Children With Disabilities
The Jewish Child Care Association at 555 Bergen Ave. will host monthly workshops through June of 2010 for families and professionals requiring services for children with disabilities. For detailed information and to register, call (212) 677-4650 ext. 20 or visit jccany.org.

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.

Donate Backpacks to Homeless Kids
Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. is encouraging Bronx residents to donate backpacks and school supplies to “Operation Backpack.” “Operation Backpack” provides homeless children and students in New York City with backpacks and school supplies to help them succeed in school. To contribute, drop off a new backpack at the Bronx BP office at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 209. To find out more information about Operation Backpack or to make a donation, visit www.OperationBackpackNYC.org.

Self-Defense and Boxing at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. is offering self-defense classes on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 5:30 p.m. Its boxing program meets on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for ages 7 and up. For more information, visit www.mmcc.org or call (718) 882-4000 ext. 0 or ext. 256.

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.

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.

Healthy Women Needed for Two Research Studies
Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, are looking for healthy women between the ages of 18-40 to test a vaginal gel for 12 weeks that could help prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In addition, Doctors are looking for healthy women to test a vaginal gel for 14 days that could help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). In this research study, doctors want to learn about the cells that protect women from infection when using the gel. Participants will be compensated for time and travel in both studies. For information call Anna at: 718-430-3253.

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.

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.

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. 1131.

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 (718) 733-4260.

Programs for Teens, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., is offering various activities for children and teens. On Mondays at 4 p.m., teens can enjoy playing free Wii video games, and can meet on Wednesdays and 4 p.m. for “Teen Tech Time.” Toddler Storytime for children 1-3 years of age is held on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. For children from 3 ½ – 5 years, Preschool Films is held on the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

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.

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.

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.

Adult ESL Level 1and 2 Classes
Through June 2010, P.S. 94x will be offering Level 1 and 2 ESL classes on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. For more information, contact Ms. Seminario, at (347) 563-4772 or (718) 405- 6345. You can also come to room 201 for more information and for sign up.