Become Civically Engaged
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. encourages New Yorkers to become more civically engaged as part of the “Hour New York Challenge.” Those interested take a pledge to dedicate at least one hour each month throughout 2018. Activities include attending community board meetings, volunteering with a nonprofit, and generally being a more informed and active citizen to improve neighborhoods. For more information, call (718) 590-3543.

Catholic Schools Open Houses
Bronx Catholic elementary schools are holding “Touring Tuesdays” open houses: Jan. 30, Feb. 13, March 13 and April 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. or by appointment. Local schools are: St. Brendan School, 268 E. 207th St.; Our Lady of Refuge School, 2708 Briggs Ave.; and St. Philip Neri School, 3031 Grand Concourse. Grades are pre-K through 8th. Tour the school, learn about the admissions process, and meet with the principal, faculty and students. For more information, to RSVP, or schedule an appointment, call (646) 794-2885. 

Apply to Local Community Board
Applications for placement into a local community board are available. City residents who qualify must either reside, work or have a professional or other significant interest in the Bronx. Applications are open to anyone as young as 16 years old. Deadline for application submission is Feb. 9. For more information and to apply, call (718) 590-3913 or visit bronxboropres.nyc.gov/community-boards/.

Paid Time Off
The Paid Family Leave policy is now in effect in New York State and is eligible for parents after a baby’s birth and for caretakers of a family member. In 2018, full-time employees who work 20 or more hours a week and have been at their present job for at least 26 weeks or more qualifies to take up to eight weeks paid time off at 50 percent of their average weekly wage. Part-time employees with a regular schedule of less than 20 hours a week can apply for Paid Family Leave after working 175 days for their employer. The program will be fully phased in in four years. For more information, call (844) 337-6303.

Heating Assistance
Sign up to receive free heating assistance through the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Eligible households can receive assistance of up to $725. A family of four with a yearly income of $53,482 can still qualify for help. For more information about eligibility, and to sign up, call (212) 331-3126.

Bronx Photo Club
The Bronx Photographic Society (formerly the New York Botanical/Zoological Photographic Society) meets bimonthly at Fordham University Prep School on the Fordham University Campus, 441 E. Fordham Rd., room 327 or 329 starting at 9:45 a.m. as follows: Jan. 20, Feb. 3 and 17, March 3 and 17, April 14 and 21, and May 5 and 12. For more information, call (718) 543-3115.

Snow Laborers Sought
NYC seeks emergency snow laborers to help remove snow and ice from bus stops, step streets, and other locations throughout the city this winter. Interested applicants must be at least 18, eligible to work in the USA and capable of performing heavy physical labor. Registration is at the DOT garage, Bronx Yard, Mosholu Avenue and 258th Street (Van Cortlandt Park), weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring two small photos (1 1/2” square), original and copy of two forms of ID, and SS card or Tax ID number. Hourly salary is $15; and $22.50 after 40 hours are worked in a week. For more information and locations, call 311.