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, traffic changes, important meetings and the hottest events in Bed-Stuy:

1.     Transportation: The A Train- Uptown A trains will run express from 59 St to 125 Street from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am, Monday to Friday, May 23 – 27; Downtown A trains will run express from 59 St to Canal St, beginning 12:01 am to 5:00 am, Tuesday to Friday, May 24 – 27. The G Train- Service is restored to Fort Hamilton Pkwy and 15 St-Prospect Park stations, beginning Monday, May 23.

2.     Weather: Temperatures are predicted to finally warm up again by Tuesday, but rain, drizzle and the outside chance of thunderstorm will continue through most of the week until Thursday, with periods of hazy sun in between.

3.     The ban on smoking in public places goes into effect today, Monday, May 23. In 2002, the mayor banned smoking in restaurants, bars and other public indoor spaces. This latest law extends the no-smoke zone to all public plazas, which includes city parks, beaches and boardwalks. If broken, the law, which will be enforced by the Parks Department, carries a $50 fine.

4.     Have a concern about the crime or policing on your block? Or would you like to know about the plans and general coordination of policing activity in your precinct? This Wednesday, May 25, is the monthly, 79th Precinct Community Council Meeting, at the Job Corps building on 585 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 7:00 pm.

5.     DanceAfrica Street Fair and Bazaar: This Memorial Day weekend, celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa and its diaspora at the DanceAfrica 2011 Bazaar. Over 200 vendors from around the world converge on Ashland Pl (between Hanson Pl and Fulton St, GGMC & Impark parking lots) rain or shine, transforming the neighborhood into a global marketplace offering African, Caribbean, and African-American food, crafts, and fashion. The Bazaar is free and will also feature entertainment for families with face painting and crafts at the Children's Village, and guest artists will be roaming through the marketplace throughout the day. Sat, May 28, 2011, 12noon—10pm; Sun, May 29, 2011, 12noon—8pm; Mon, May 30, 2011 12noon—8pm