5 Things You Should Know This Week

"5 Things You Should Know" will jump-start you into a productive week. Be the first to know about parking changes, important meetings, free events and the hottest get-togethers in and around Bed-Stuy:

1.  Community Board 3, representing the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, will hold its monthly meeting today, Monday, December 5, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the basement of Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY.

2.  Tuesday, December 6, at 5:30pm is the Holiday 2011 Christmas Tree lighting at Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, NY. Bring the kids, family and out-of-town guests for this spectacular Christmas event. The event is free.

3.  On Wednesday, December 7, Bridge Street Development Corporation is holding a free Financial Literacy Workshop, 456d Nostrand Ave, 6:00pm. Begin the journey toward economic security, find out how to create a budget, learn about your credit score and set financial goals for the future!

4.  Get your tickets now for the Ebony Nutcracker Suite. On Sunday, December 11, at 3:00pm, The Teunis G. Bergen Elementary Public School, P.S 9 is hosting the holiday performance of The Nutcraker. After the dazzling show kids in the audience can take pictures with the cast and play characters, like the Rat King and The Sugar Plum Fairy. Buy tickets here.

5.  ‘Tis the season for Christmas shopping. With only 3 weeks left before the 25th, this weekend surely will be one of the busiest shopping days. But wait, before you head to Manhattan or even downtown to Fulton Street, support your local businesses at the Tompkins Avenue Holiday Night Out this Friday, December 9! From 6:00pm – 12:00am, the shops on Tompkins Avenue will celebrate the holidays by offering extended shopping hours, discounts at every store and holiday fun, including Christmas Carol karaoke and pictures with Santa. Come out and support the Tompkins Avenue Merchants Association, and buy local.