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. On Monday, February 6, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Central Library, located at 10 Grand Army Plz, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Dweck Center), come check out , a monthly open mic series for teen poets, spoken word artists, emcees, scholars and activists to share their powerful and important voices. These events are run by teens for teens, with youth DJs, youth hosts and a monthly featured poet. The event is free!

2. Did you know, every 9½ minutes someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV? On Wednesday, February 8, in observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center will offer free HIV/AIDS testing, an HIV/AIDS educational workshop, a group discussion on HIV/AIDS issues and concerns, as well as prevention counseling. The Mobile Testing Unit will be located on the corner of Quincy Street, near the Armstrong Senior Center 360 Nostrand Avenue from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. No appointment is needed for HIV testing.

3. The kickoff for the begins this week with artist Demetria Lucas. On Wednesday, February 8, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at the Skylight Gallery, Lucas will discuss her book, “A Belle in Brooklyn: Your Go-To Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life,” with style wit and panache. Lucas is a successful blogger and former Relationship Editor for Essence Magazine. “Her Words as Witness” features riveting, intimate portraits of 35 of some of the most talented and prolific writers of the African Diaspora. The exhibit – curated by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn – opened December 1, and will be on display until March 31, at the Skylight Gallery in Restoration Plaza, located at 1368 Fulton Street.

4. BED-VYNE WINE invites you to a Pre-Valentine Wine & Food Tasting, featuring dessert wines and other sweets for your sweets. The event is this Thursday, February 9th, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Bed-Vyne Wine Shop, 370 Tompkins Ave. Please RSVP at info@bed-vyne.com. Cost: $5 per Govino re-usable tasting cup (Portion of the proceeds to benefit Bedford YMCA Strong Kids Campaign)

5. Balance Dance Theatre's is holding its 1st Annual "Family and Friends" Fundraiser Event Friday, February 10th at 7:00 p.m.  – 10:00 p.m. at Nova—The Village, 886 Pacific Street, Bklyn, NY. $20 donation. Meet and greet the company members of Balance Dance Theatre and its Artistic Director Baba Obediah Wright.  Enjoy the casual atmosphere of The Village @ GUREJE - Renate Albertsen-Marton Gallery. There will be live entertainment, a light-buffet (come early), give-aways, and lots of positive energy to exchange.  Also, there will an exclusive sale of custom made "one-of-a-kind" fashions by Gureje "Jimi" reduced by more than 60-80%!All are welcomed. There will be alcoholic beverages served. Under age attendees must be accompanied by an adult/parent who will be responsible for their actions. The