Brrr. We’re certainly in the grip of Old Man Winter this month with blasts of arctic air, snow flurries and freezing rain. But hey, this is winter even if we did have that 60 degree Sunday three weeks ago! January always seems like the longest month on the calendar and is probably more exciting for skiers and football fans anticipating Super Bowl Sunday. For the rest of us, well, we can bundle up, seal up those drafty windows and doors and wait for spring (Friday, March 20)!
SPEAKING OF MARCH…The MPCA will hold its 35th Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 14, at Marina del Rey. This is the association’s only fundraiser and with your support, will continue serving the community and preserving the integrity of the neighborhood and a good quality of life for all residents. Tickets to the dance are $85 per person, which includes cocktail hour (7 to 8:30 p.m.), dinner, and for the second year live entertainment by The Project Ltd. Band. The MPCA will also hold a “50/50” raffle offering 400 tickets at $25 each. Winner gets $5,000.
Souvenir Journal space is still available to anyone interested in publishing an ad, memorial tribute, etc. Check it out. Prices start at just $35. For tickets or to reserve a spot in our journal, stop by Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. or call (718) 823-0596. Thank you for your support!
I WANT MY DTV…The country is readying for the digital television revolution. Question is: Are you ready?
Well, ready or not it will be here at midnight on February 17. This means all full-power television stations in the U.S. will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting, thus promising a clearer picture and more programming options as well as freeing up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
If you already have a TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV services, you will not need a converter box. If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition.
If the TV set in your household receives broadcasts using an antenna, such as “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna and you wish to keep your analog set after February 17, you will need to purchase a converter box.
If you fall into the latter category, Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, which allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40 that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. Only problem right now is the coupon program ran out of money! If you want the $40 freebie, apply anyway. According to the Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.gov, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled (first-come, first-served basis) as funds from expiring coupons (within 90 days of the date they are mailed) become available.
To request a coupon between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, call the Coupon Program toll-free 24-hour automated system 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). For deaf or hard of hearing callers dial 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday. For online applications and more options go to the website.
DUES ARE DUE…It’s time to renew your membership for 2009. Dues are $20 and include home delivery of the Bronx Times Reporter. New members always welcome! Tell your neighbors.
MPCA’s volunteer mobile patrol is out there doing a fine job for our community. If you’re interested in joining the patrol, let us know.
The MPCA is always ready to help residents with their concerns. Meetings every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Complimentary coffee and cake served. Have a great week!
