Excelsior Scholarship
Applications for the Excelsior Scholarship are now open for new applicants pursuing a college degree at city- or state-funded colleges/universities for the 2018-19 academic year. Eligible candidates must be New York State residents, take 30 credits per year (including summer and winter sessions), a family whose annual household income is below $110,000, and be on track to graduate on time with an associate’s degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years. Applications will be accepted through July 23. For more information, and to apply, go to https://www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior/. 

Bird Walks
Free bird walk tours with guides provided by the New York City Audubon Society and Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, are scheduled for every Saturday through July 21 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy. Meet at the VC Nature Center. For more information, contact Joseph McManus at mcmanus638@aol.com. 

Commercial Lease Help
Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition offers free legal help to small businesses in negotiating commercial leases with their landlords. Businesses have to be in New York City, must be non-franchise, have a household income below 500 percent of the federal poverty guideline, and have a new or renewal lease. For more information, contact Evy Viruet at (718) 584-0515 ext. 100. 

Rent Freeze Programs
University Neighborhood Housing Program offers assistance in applying for a rent freeze through the state SCRIE/DRIE programs. Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old, have someone in their house at least 62 years old, or disabled (receiving SSI/SSD benefits). Sessions are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave. (corner of East 196th Street). For more information and to RSVP, call (718) 933-2539.

Naloxone Availability
Individuals with prescription health insurance coverage, including Medicaid and Medicare, can receive up to $40 in co-payment coverage for naloxone. This medicine is used to reverse opioid overdoses. Uninsured New Yorkers and those with no prescription coverage can get naloxone for free through New York’s network of registered opioid overdose prevent programs. A listing of pharmacies accepting the new health insurance coverage can be found at https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/NYCHealthMap. 

BronxNet Workshops
Residents can sign up for hands-on training workshop in video production using professional equipment and studios. Certification provides producers with access to broadcast time on BronxNet channels. The summer 2018 training cycle begins on July 9. To register, go to www.bronxnet.org or email training@bronxnet.org for more information. 

Free Meals Application
Breakfast and lunch are now free for all students in NYC public schools.  The New York City Department of Education (DOE) asks all parents, regardless of income, to complete a School Meals Form at http://nyc.applyforlunch.com. A hard copy is available at your school’s main office.

Public Hearing on Construction Site Noise
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection is asking residents to comment on how to mitigate noise during construction projects.  The public is invited to the meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. on July 23 in the Department’s 8th floor hearing room at 59-17 Junction Blvd., Flushing, NY.  Anyone wishing to speak must sign up by calling (718) 595-6531.  Those unable to attend can make their views known by emailing nycrules@dep.nyc.gov. Find out more about the issues scheduled for discussion at https://rules.cityofnewyork.us.