At PS 226: 'Yes, We Can!'

President Obama’s poll numbers may be slipping, but the man – and his words – still resonate strongly at PS 226, an elementary school on Sedgwick Avenue.

Students and teachers there recently unveiled a mural of America’s 44th President, whose face is set against a backdrop of the national flag and the text from his famous “Yes We Can” speech.

The mural, which is 4 foot by 8 foot and made of ceramic tiles, took two months to create. It was painted by nine students enrolled in the school’s Art Enrichment program.

Read more here.

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EVENTS & ANNOUCEMENTS

Free Zumba Classes

Davidson Community Center, in conjuction with the Parks Department and Equinox Fitness Clubs, is offering local residents free Zumba classes this summer on Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Fridays at 8 a.m. Zumba is a fusion of Latin, international and popular music dance themes. The classes involve fast and slow dance steps that help tone and sculpt the body. The center is located at 2038 Davidson Ave. (at the corner of West Burnside Avenue). For more information, call (718) 731-6360.

Fun and Fitness on Burnside Avenue

This summer, on three consecutive Saturdays (July 24, July 31, and Aug. 7), East Burnside Avenue, between Jerome and Morris avenues will be closed to traffic, for a city program called “Bronx Summer Walks.” Hosted by Burnside Avenue Commercial District and Davidson Community Center, there will be live entertainment, face painting, salsa, roller-skating and more. The focus is on healthy living. For more information, call (718) 732-6360.

Walk for Sarcoma

The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore is holding a walk on Saturday, July 17 in Van Cortlandt Park (meet at the 240th Street entrance at Broadway near the fox statue), whose proceeds will fund sarcoma (a form of cancer) research. Bring a folding chair or blanket. Registration begins at 10 a.m., the walk is at 10:30 a.m., and lunch is at 11:30 a.m. In case of rain, the walk will be held at the Children’s Hospital. To RSVP or make a donation, call May Thompson at (718) 741-2342.

Block Party on Walton

Women in Progress, a local organization which helps formerly incarcerated women rebuild lives, hosts its 6th annual block party on Walton Avenue between 183rd and 182nd streets on July 17 from noon to 6 p.m. Included will be music, raffles, food and drinks. For more information, call (646) 623-8044.

Summer Art Classes

The Bronx River Art Center offers summer visual arts classes for ages 7 to 18 from July 6 through Aug. 5, ending with a celebratory student exhibition and reception in the BRAC gallery at 1087 E. Tremont Ave. Students may select from drawing and painting, cartooning, ceramics, and portfolio prep. For more information, call (718) 589-5819.

Fun on the Bronx River

The Bronx River Alliance offers Arts in the Park, featuring performances and activities for children, July 8, 15, and 22; and on July 10, Bronx River Ramble, a walk along the river to learn about its history and ecology; and Bronx River Upper River Run, to canoe through the Bronx River Forest, the Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo, also July 10. Call (718) 430-4665 or visit www.bronxriver.org for details, fees, and times.

University Woods

Friends of University Woods, an organization that works to enhance University Woods, three acres of woodland near Bronx Community College, is hosting several programs for children, adults, and families this summer, including one on community gardening. For more information, call (718) 228-9309 or e-mail info@uniwoods.com.

Family Day/Harlem River Festival

The West Bronx Neighborhood Association, River Park Towers Tenants Association, and the Harlem River Ecology Center, are holding a "family day" on the waterfront by River Park Towers on Saturday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be food, children's entertainment, and music. All are welcome.

National Night Out

This year's National Night Out, a nationwide crime prevention program whereby local residents and police officers “take back” their neighborhoods from gangs and drug dealers, will be held on Aug. 3. Also, parties will be held in Echo Park (Valentine Avenue at East Burnside Avenue) and on East 182nd Street at Ryer Avenue. Both events run from 4 to 9 p.m. For more information, call the 46th Precinct's community affairs division at (718) 220-5234.

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