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. Today, Monday, January 2, is a federal holiday. Alternate side of the street parking is suspended.

2. Mavis “Swan” Poole and her Trio are performing this Monday at For My Sweet, 1103 Fulton Street, between Classon Avenue and Claver Place: Two performances at 7:15pm and 9:15pm. Plus a Capricorn Birthday Bash for Makini, Kojo, Uncle Job, Rodney Deas and all other Capricorns! Cover is $10. RSVP at JazzyMondays@gmail.com.

3. Is your New Year’s resolution to lose weight? Then head over to the next Weight Watchers meeting at the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, Monday, January 2, 6:00pm, 1121 Bedford Avenue. This group meets weekly, and the meetings are free. At the Weight Watchers meetings, participants receive all the information they need on eating healthy, plus get the guidance they need to stay healthy.

4. It’s official: – soon to be Brooklyn’s largest beer garden – will be celebrating its grand opening this Friday, January 6. They did not give BSP a time for its grand opening. But we promise, we will come find out and update those of you who are interested in attending. Look out for our “Get Out” column, where we’ll provide all of the final details.

5. Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Al Vann invite you to attend a FREE Self-Defense Training by The Center for Anti-Violence Education on Friday, January 6, 6:30pm at the Bedford YMCA, 1121 Bedford Avenue. There have been a number of sexual attacks over the past several months in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area, and throughout Brooklyn and New York City. Learn techniques to defend yourself and get information from the NYPD on the attacks. For ages 13 and up; wear comfortable clothes; bring a bottle of water and a towel. For more information, or to sign up, please visit www.council.nyc.gov. Please RSVP by email to events@council.nyc.gov or call Danielle Castaldi-Micca at (212) 788-7276.