Newsbriefs for Feb. 11, 2016

Parks forum coming

The Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces is hosting its 22nd annual Bronx Parks Speak Up event on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lehman College, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W.

Participants can learn about government and non-government resources and hold discussions with local politicians and appointed officials.

For more information, visit www.bronxspeakup.org.

City approves traffic signal

The city’s Department of Transportation recently completed a study about traffic controls at West 197th Street and Reservoir Avenue and concluded the area needs a signal, according to a newsletter from Community Board 8.

It says installation of the traffic signal is scheduled for completion by Tuesday, May 31.

Jazz students wanted

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy is seeking middle school students interested in instrumental jazz instruction. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 1. 

Sixty middle school musicians will be awarded full scholarships providing group classes and private lessons throughout the school year in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Students will be selected based on their interest in jazz, exceptional dedication to music, desire to work in an ensemble of their peers and an ability to commit to this rigorous and rewarding jazz immersion experience. Students learn from outstanding faculty and guest musicians, including members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and receive tickets to performances and educational events at Jazz at Lincoln Center. To apply visit www.jazz.org or call 212-258-9922.

Celebrate Seuss’ birthday

Students at Manhattan College are hosting a celebration in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Friday, Feb. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Children from the community are invited to come to Smith Auditorium, located at 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, for games and arts and crafts. Organizers said the atmosphere will be similar to a safe Halloween Party.

The event is free of charge. For more info, contact Erin Kelly at ekelly03.student@manhattan.edu.

Jewish Center holds celebration

Gary “Gotta Gotta” Lovett will provide the entertainment at the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center’s 11th annual winter event on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 12 p.m. at Vladeck Hall, located at 74 Van Cortlandt Park South. 

Mr. Lovett has been singing, dancing and playing music since he started in show business in 1961. He sings it all, from R&B and jazz to blues and rock and roll. Over the years, he has played in venues including the Apollo Theater, Baby Grand and Copacabana.

The price of admission includes a kosher Chinese buffet, wine, beverages, coffee, tea, dessert, entertainment by Gary Lovett, one door prize raffle and one pick-your-prize raffle. The raffle includes 50 prizes to choose from. 

The door prize is a Ridgewood Savings Bank Gift Basket with a $100 gift card and blanket. 

Admission costs $35 until Tuesday, Feb. 16 and $40 after that, if available. You can buy tickets at Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, located at 3880 Sedgwick Ave., either in person or by mail (cash or check only.) For more information or for reservations, call VCJC at 718-884-6105.

Get a taste of nature at Vannie

The Parks Department’s Urban Rangers are hosting a workshop about tastes formed by common plants at Van Cortlandt Park’s Nature Center, located at Broadway and West 242nd Street, on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The session will feature hands-on projects and let you learn about the

Playground perk to be discussed 

The Department of Parks and Recreation is holding a scoping meeting to consider the design of a new spray shower at Spuyten Duyvil Playground on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Spuyten Duyvil Library, located at 650 W. 250th St. The meeting is intended to elicit public comments about an initial concept.