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. Black History Month kicks off this week, beginning Wednesday, February 1, lasting throughout the month of February (this year, 29 days). In celebration of this month, every day on Bed-Stuy Patch, we will feature a “,” an African-American either born or raised or currently living in Bedford-Stuyvesant that has made a significant impact on the lives of others. You will read about some familiar names of people you perhaps never knew hailed from the neighborhood, such as Stephanie Mills, Jackie Robinson, Max Roach, Richie Havens, while also learn about other unsung figures that have made enormous contributions as well! Stay tuned to Bed-Stuy Patch, beginning February 1^st!

2. If you marveled at the beauty and grace of the Broadway production, The Lion King, then you will also be impressed by The Shadow Box Theatre’s presentation of “.” This play, located at Walt Whitman Theater at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Campus Road, has been a truly magical "shadow puppet-and-people" show beloved by children for almost three decades. Come listen to the wit, wisdom and humor of three wondrous African folktales told by a drummer, a storyteller, and a talented cast of performers puppets. Listen to the beat of the African rhythms, as they reveal the exciting musical adventure of the little girl Kijana, her animal friends, and the Zimwe (bad man) who tricks her. Learn How The Turtle Got Its Shell, and How The Animals Got Their Colors, all woven together within Kijana's Tale. Where the Lion King is $125, this magical show is only $7. The show opens today, Monday, January 30, for Black History Month. Age Range: Pre-K to 5th grade. Length: 55 minutes. School groups welcomed!

3. Le Chateau de French Spa and Private Tea Room is hosting this Tuesday, January 21, and every Tuesday night. This class will be held at 441 Tompkins Avenue at 6:30pm.

4. On Wednesday, February 1, at the Job Corps building (located at 585 Dekalb Ave) 7:00pm, is the , the police community council responsible for the patrol of the housing projects in much of Brooklyn North.  PSA 3 Commanding Officer Captain Lola Obe is inviting all public housing residents in Bed-Stuy, as well as interested community members, to attend this meeting to hear updates and express any concerns you may have regarding crime in public housing.

5. Thursday, February 2, is Groundhog Day. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter-like weather will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.