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, 2715 Bainbridge Ave. Returns are e-filed, which means clients who opt for direct deposit will receive refunds 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 on Wednesdays, March 24 and April 7 (from 1 to 7 p.m.) and Saturdays, 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.

Free Tax Prep at Ridgewood Savings Bank
Ridgewood Savings Bank, located at 1626 Bruckner Blvd., will host Ariva’s FREE tax prep on Saturday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bronx residents who are single with no dependants and earn less than $18,000 or those with dependants who earn less than $50,000 are eligible for free tax filing. Space is limited; advance appointment is required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 589-1323.

Help Restore the Harlem River
The public is invited to a free meeting held by the Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ), focused on the restoration of the Harlem River, of the 9th Water Conference and the 39th Annual Membership Meeting, “Examining Harlem River Water Quality: Inputs, Effects and Solutions” on Wednesday, March 17 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Manhattan College, Leo Engineering Building, 3825 Corlear Ave. (West 238th Street), followed by the Harlem River Working Group Monthly meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Breakout groups will organize and refreshments will be served. To RSVP or set up a table, call (646) 462-4132 or email harlemriver@bceq.org.

Female Health Carnival
In recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Bronx AIDS Services is sponsoring a “Wellness Carnival for Women and Girls” on March 13, from noon to 5 p.m. at Hostos Community College, 500 Grand Concourse, for ages 12 and up. There will be free HIV/AIDS testing, sexual health information, workshops, games, food, raffles and theater performances. For more information, call (718) 295-5605 ext. 293.

College Fair
The United Coalition Association and the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club will hold a New York State College Fair on Friday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Club at 625 Castle Hill Ave. For more information, call (718) 842-3751 or visit www.nyscollegefairday.com.

Free Classes at BCC
Bronx Community College’s Displaced Homemaker Program is offering a free Beginner’s Computer Class in Microsoft Office along with Job Readiness Workshops and Job Placement Assistance to all those eligible. Classes will be held Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through March 25 at BCC, 2155 University Ave. Students must be fluent in English and provide photo ID, proof of citizenship, social security card, and proof of income. Registration is required. For more information or to set up an appointment, call (718) 289-5828.

Free Workshops on Marketing Your Business
Learn how to promote your small business and gain more customers by attending the free “Marketing for Smarties Challenge, 14 Steps to Sustained Growth” workshops, held by the NYC Small Business Development Center. Workshops will be held Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 11 and 25, and April 8, at CUNY on the Concourse, 2501 Grand Concourse, 3rd floor. To register, call (718) 960-8806 or visit clarence.stanley@lehman.cuny.edu.

MetroCard Vans Coming
MTA MetroCard buses and vans will make the following stops: On March 12 and 26: at Van Cortlandt Village, 3880 Sedgwick Ave. from 9:30 to11 a.m.; at Fordham Road and the Grand Concourse from noon to 2 p.m.; and at Fordham Plaza (Fordham Road at Third and Webster avenues) from 2:30 to 4 p.m. On March 22, the van will be at Scott Tower, 3400 Paul Ave. (corner of 205th Street). Seniors and the disabled can apply for the Reduced Fare MetroCard on the van. All qualified applicants will receive their cards in the mail. You can also purchase or add value to your MetroCard. For more information, call (212) METROCARD or visit www.mta.info.

Flea Market
The Church of The Mediator, located at 260 W. 231st St., will host a flea market on March 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors can rent one table for $20 or two for $35. All proceeds will benefit the church. There will also be a health fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. where blood pressure screenings will be available. For more information, call (347) 992-4361 or (718) 549-8660.

Become a Better Parent
Continuing and Professional Studies at Bronx Community College, located at 2155 University Ave., at West 181st Street, is offering parenting courses that can help you become a more effective parent and decrease parenting stress. Courses will be offered Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m., March 15 through June 14. For more information, call (718) 289-5170 or visit www.bcc.cuny.edu/cps.

Youth Leadership Club
The 4-H Club youth organization, whose goal is to develop citizenship and leadership skills for ages 9 to 19, will hold meetings the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m., through June 7 at the Riverdale-Yonkers Society of Ethical Culture’s Meeting House, 4450 Fieldston Rd. For more information, call (718) 548-4445.

MMCC Little League
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center Little League, at 3450 DeKalb Ave., is registering for the spring baseball season for boys and girls ages 5 to 15. All children receive full uniform and trophy for participating. The fee is $100 plus $20 for accident insurance. To register, bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate and payment to the Center. For more information or to volunteer as a coach, call Chris Pinto at (718) 882-4000, ext. 256 or 280.

Help With College Applications
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center’s FREE College Bound Program, located at 3512 DeKalb Ave., is offering assistance to high school students who need help with the entire college application process. Students will receive professional, individual counseling and supportive services. For more information or to set up an appointment, call (718) 652- 0282.

Alcohol & Drug Use Council
The New York City Federation for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services invites consumers to attend meetings to help shape the future of substance abuse services. MetroCards will be available to consumer program participants. Meetings are held at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center Conference Room 4, 234 E. 149th St. (between Park and Morris avenues) on March 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Family Resource Day
The New York City Child Care Resource & Referral Consortium invites all families to come out to a free Family Resource Day in the Bronx on April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bronx Library Center, Pre-Function Lobby, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. Parents can obtain information on summer camps and programs, childcare, enrichment programs and other community resources. For more information, call (888) 469-5999.

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 Christian 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.

Cash Prize for Best Pro-Life Speech
The Bronx Right-to-Life Committee is holding its Annual Pro-Life Speech Contest on Saturday, March 20 at 10 a.m., at St. Margaret of Crotona Church Rectory, located at West 206th Street and Riverdale Avenue. The contest is open to high school juniors and seniors and is offering cash prizes to the top three finishers. Prizes are $500, $100, and $50. The speech must be five to seven minutes long. Topics up for discussion must all be from the pro-life viewpoint and include abortion, euthanasia, infanticide or stem cell research. For further information call Mrs. Meara at (718) 543-5091.

Kindergarten Registration
PS/MS 20, located at 3050 Webster Avenue, is accepting Kindergarten registration applications for the 2010-2011 school year. Children must be five years old on or before Dec. 31, 2010. Documents required: birth certificate; record of immunizations; two forms of proof of residence. For more information, call Rosemarie Ryan (718) 515-9370, ext. 1153.

Volunteers Needed at MS 80
MS 80 is calling on parents/guardians to volunteer as little as one hour per week. The school needs student mentors, math/reading tutors, cafeteria aides and part-time sports coaches. For more information, contact Mrs. Alejandro, Parent Coordinator, at (718) 405-6300, ext. 1131.

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.

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.

Paid Lifeguard Training Program
The Department of Parks and Recreation will be recruiting and training summer lifeguards for the city’s 54 outdoor pools and 14 miles of beaches. The paid training program consists of 40 hours of instruction in swimming and rescue techniques, First Aid and CPR, and includes a final swim test and written exam. First-year lifeguards will earn at least $13.57/hour, and work 48 hours a week. For more info, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/parks.

Quit Smoking Program
The Albert Einstein Cancer Center/Montefiore Medical Center will be hosting an 8-session Quit-Smoking program created by a licensed Health Psychologist. Groups are now forming at Montefiore’s North Division at 600 E. 233rd St. (between Bronx Boulevard and Carpenter Avenue). For more information or to register, call (718) 430-2697 or email besmartquitsmoking@gmail.com.

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. Registration takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting Nov. 7. For more information, call Mrs. Alejandro, Parent Coordinator, at (718) 405-6300, ext. 1131.

Children’s Baseball Sign-Up at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. is accepting baseball registration for ages 5 to 15 in divisions by age, and girls softball for ages 9 to 15. To register, stop by the Center with your child’s birth certificate weekdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to volunteer as a coach, call Chris Pinto (718) 882-4000, or visit www.mmcc.org.

Free Classes for Immigrants at NAWC
The Bronx YMCA New Americans Welcome Center (NAWC) is a “safe haven” committed to serving the immigrant population to achieve literacy, cultural competence, and self-sufficiency. It is currently offering four free classes: English as a Second Language (ESL) Beginners; ESL Intermediate; Citizenship Preparation; and Computer Literacy and Job Readiness. Classes will be held at Ellis Preparatory Academy, 99 Terrace View Ave. For more information, contact Irma Salvatierra Bajar at ibajar@ymcanyc.org or call the Bronx YMCA at (917) 673-8688.

Theodore Roosevelt H.S. Reunion
Theodore Roosevelt H.S. is celebrating its 30-year class reunion, and will be honoring the classes of 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981 on June 19. This event will take place at the Royal Regency Hotel at 165 Tuckahoe Rd., Yonkers, NY. Guests should call the hotel for discounted room rates. Tickets are on sale online at www.showclix.com/event/7922. For more information, call Diana Diffut at (917) 476-3458.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.