5 Things You Should Know This Week

Here are five reasons to take the edge off of your Monday: "5 Things You Should Know" gives you information to jump-start you into a productive week. Be the first to know about parking changes, traffic changes important meetings and the hottest events in Bed-Stuy:

1.     The reunion concert for the legendary Doug and Jean Carn is this Thursday, December 30th. If you're a 50's, 60's or 70's baby, you'll know why this pairing means so much to so many, producing two solid decades of jazzy revolutionary music, a little disco, and then soul. Their concert is featured as a part of the Kwanzaa celebration at Boys and Girls High, 1700 Fulton Street, 7:00 pm – midnight. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The concert also will feature Mamadou Dahoue and the Ancestral Messengers. For ticket information, contact IAFF, 718-638-6700 or Maliki, 609-410-3315

2.     The New York City Department of Transportation has announced that alternate side of the street parking is suspended today, Monday, but all meters to facilitate snow removal. However, parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.

3.     Well, it's happening again: MTA is raising its fares on us, and it happens… this Thursday, December 30th at midnight.  Single-ride ticket will jump from $2.25 to $2.50; seven-day unlimited MetroCard jump from $27 to $29; and thirty-day unlimited MetroCard will go from $89 to $104. Express bus fares will remain the same at $5.50 with an off-peak of $2.75. And seniors and disabled fares will remain unchanged at $1.10. For the best ways to beat the fare hike, click here.

4.     The New York City Department of Transportation is reminding people that snow plows are angled to the right when they travel the streets to remove snow. So, it is best to park your car on the left-hand side of the street, if you are able.

5.     New Year's Eve Fireworks at Prospect Park: Ring in the New Year at Brooklyn's biggest party! Fireworks, entertainment, and more on Friday, December 31, Midnight. Start the celebrations off around 11:00 pm, with entertainment and hot refreshments at Grand Army Plaza. Best locations for viewing the fireworks include anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. By train: 2 or 3 to Grand Army Plaza station; Q to 7th Ave. Station (Flatbush Ave.). By bus: B-41, B-71, B-69. Grand Army Plaza. New Year's fireworks and festivities are sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.