June 2009

Farmers Market Coming to Echo Park

By REBECCA CHAO

Echo Park will be a little greener than usual this summer.

Harvest Home Farmers Market (HHFM) is opening up shop in the park’s southwest corner along East Tremont Avenue. Three vendors will sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods every Wednesday from July 11 through Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Echo Park was selected because of its ability to accommodate large trucks transporting produce and to bring positive activity to the park, said Annie Moss, a community health organizer for Montefiore Medical Center, who’s been helping HHFM get the market up and running.

More here.

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EVENTS & ANNOUCEMENTS

Work at the Gateway Mall

Mount Hope Housing Company is hosting a job fair on June 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for local residents interested in working at the new Gateway Mall. Representatives from Staples, Best Buy, Game Stop, Bed Bath & Beyond, and other retailers will be present. The two-day fair is being held at Mount Hope’s community center at 55 E. 175th St. (between Townsend and Walton avenues). For information, call (718) 590-2636/7159.

Health and Multicultural Fair

MS 206 is holding its third annual Health and Multicultural fair on June 20. The will be vendors (immigration, wellness, etc.), music, games, giveaways, a food court, and displays of students’ work and school achievement. The fair aims to connect the community with much needed resources, as well as celebrate the culture of the school and its students. For information, call the school at (718) 584-1570. The school is located at 2280 Aqueduct Ave.

Mount Hope’s New Community Center

Mount Hope Housing Company will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25 at 3 p.m. to celebrate the completion of their new community center at 55 Townsend Ave. (entrance on 176th Street). Earlier in the day, free tours will be given to those interested. The center is expected to open later this summer. Phase 2 project will see a gymnasium built along side it. For information, call (718) 299-2051.

Community and Business Expo

Davidson Community Center is holding a Community and Business Expo on Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event gives area residents the opportunity to learn more about local businesses and city agencies. To learn more, call Angel Caballero at (718) 731-6360. The expo will be on Davidson Avenue between West Burnside and West Tremont avenues. If it rains, the expo will be held on June 27 instead.

MetroCard Van

A MetroCard van will be stopping in front of 1880 Valentine Ave. (corner of 179th Street) on June 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. Staff will be on hand to help those eligible - senior citizens and people with disabilities - obtain reduced fare MetroCards. For more information about the Reduced Fare Program, call (212) 638-7622.

Free Tennis for Kids

The New York Junior Tennis League is offering free tennis lessons to youngsters ages 6 to 18 at Crotona Park on weekdays between 3 and 6 p.m., through June 26. Beginners are welcome. For more information, call the Tennis League at (718) 786-7110 ext. 8126, or the Crotona Park at (718) 294-2516. The lessons are held at East 173rd Street, by Crotona Avenue.

Start Your Own Business

A free business summit will be held on Thursday, June 18 at the Monroe College School of Business for those interested in learning how to start and run a viable business. The 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. summit will include workshops, panel discussions, an introduction to micro loans and lending, and more. A free breakfast will be served. For information, call Mosholu Preservation Corporation at (718) 324-4461. The School of Business is located at 2375 Jerome Ave., just south of Fordham Road.

HIV/AIDS Conference

The Citizens Advice Bureau’s annual HIV/AIDS conference will be held on June 12, from noon to 5 p.m. at the McKinley Center at Fordham University. The conference provides an opportunity for experts in the field, including physicians and educators, to exchange information on trends, developments, and research. A number of workshops are planned. Subjects include: anti-retroviral medications and alternate therapies, and mental disorders triggered by HIV/AIDS. To register, call Gina Mattivi at (718) 933-1723, ext. 208, or email GMattivi@cabny.org.

Morris Avenue Street Party

A street party will be held on June 20 on Morris Avenue between 183rd and 184th streets. Organized by Bronx African-American Carribbean Inc., the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect live music, games for the kids, and food. For information, call Annette Philips-Hakeem at (718) 329 6869.

CB5’s Youth Day

An entire day will be devoted to local youth at Community Board 5’s fifth annual Youth Day, which will be held Wednesday, June 10 in Roberto Clemente State Park. The theme will be “Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future,” and will include workshops on nutrition and exercise, peer pressure and violence, teen pregnancy, and higher education. There will also be a job and career fair. For information, call CB 5 at (718) 364-2030.

Police Meeting

The 46th Precinct’s next Community Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at the precinct station house, 2120 Ryer Ave., at 7 p.m. These monthly meetings, which fall on the third Tuesday of every month, give residents the chance to air their concerns and meet local police officers. All are welcome. For information, call (718) 220-5234.

Community Board 5 Meeting

Community Board 5’s next general board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at South Bronx Job Corps, 1771 Andrews Ave. in the auditorium (corner of West Tremont Avenue). All are welcome. For more information, call (718) 364-2030, or e-mail brxcb5@optonline.net.

Help Restore University Woods

Friends of the Woods, a group of local residents working to restore University Woods, a 3-acre park near Bronx Community College, is looking for new members. Help plan events (including this summer’s block party), write grants, build relationships, teach classes, and more. For information, visit www.uniwoods.com, or call (718) 228-9309.

Immigrant Services

The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights has opened an office in the Bronx, to provide services to immigrants seeking United States citizenship. The office, at 2715 Bainbridge Ave., is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals may walk in during those hours or schedule an appointment by calling (718) 484-8294. Services offered include help with filing citizenship applications and petitions for family members. The group also supports those who are in deportation proceedings.

Note: If you would like your event or announcement listed, e-mail mounthopenews@gmail.com.

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