Newsbriefs for Jan. 21, 2016

Senior town halls scheduled

Northwest Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is hosting a series of town halls on matters that largely affect seniors like housing and consumer issues. At the end of each meeting, he will also hold an open-ended question-and-answer session for residents to ask any questions they may have.

The following town halls are scheduled:

• Friday, Jan. 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center

• Friday, Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center

• Friday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Riverdale YM-YWHA

• Friday. Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the R.A.I.N. Senior Center

• Friday, March 4 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Riverdale Senior Centers

“Seniors are disproportionately the victims of consumer fraud and also housing issues,” Mr. Dinowitz said in a statement. “Additionally, many of them are unaware of some of the programs and benefits they are entitled to, such as the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program. Over the last year many of my constituents have received calls from scammers who threatened to shut off their electricity if they didn’t receive payments for alleged debts or tax liabilities. These fraudulent calls are well-coordinated and widespread attempts to take advantage of seniors — and this is just one example of how seniors are victimized.

“I am excited to meet with and talk to these seniors, the sessions will be incredibly informative and I hope to see a large turn out, however, for those who can’t make it my office is always available at 718-796-5345 to answer any questions or provide any information we can.”

Calendar features kids’ art 

Artwork by six children from the Bronx is featured in the 2016 Police Athletic League Calendar. PAL summer day campers studied the world’s most famous landmarks and monuments while exploring the history and culture of the countries where they are located, worked together on song and dance routines and created the artwork. 

PAL’s Executive Director Frederick Watts, said in a statement, “I see first-hand the great work our staff does with inner-city kids in need. We offer a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow, play, learn, and be inspired to great success. The hard work and creativity of our staff was instrumental in producing our beautiful calendar.”

PAL provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 35,000 boys and girls annually. It said is also the city’s largest, independent, non-profit youth organization. 

For more information, visit www.palnyc.org.

Exhibit to focus on Africa

The Bronx Council on the Arts is opening an exhibit about Africa and the diaspora on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Hostos Community College’s Longwood Art Gallery.

“BRONX:AFRICA” exhibit will feature contemporary art across disciplines along with special events throughout the Bronx and beyond over the next four months. 

Organizers noted that the Bronx is home to major and still growing populations from across Africa. “BRONX:AFRICA” explores the art, expressions and influences of African cultures and their impact as nationals mix and infuse. The show also will explore and celebrate the influence of contemporary African cultures in the Bronx and aim to reinforce connections among the many peoples of African descent, mixed heritage and migration-dispersion that call the Bronx home.