Email from New York City Council- District 18 3 Kings Day Event Tomorrow,Free Benefits and Services, Community Wins, and more!     Dear Neighbor, A new year is a good moment to take stock of what we’ve accomplished in District 18 and the work that still lies ahead. As I enter my second and final term, my priorities remain clear: continuing to advance legislation that addresses affordability and equity, securing capital funding for long-overdue improvements, and ensuring District 18 residents see real, tangible results from their government. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on recent capital infrastructure improvements across the district, available community resources, upcoming events, and opportunities to stay engaged with our office throughout the year. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership. In Community, Hon. Amanda Farías Majority Leader Council Member, District 18   🌟 FEATURED 🌟   Serving District 18, Year After Year  Each year, as part of my responsibility to District 18, I coordinate annual community distributions to combat food insecurity and support families’ basic needs. This past year, that work provided 2,497 bookbags, 3,019 turkeys, chickens, hams, and pernils, 1,330 toys, and $10,000 in Health Bucks to residents across the district. This work is ongoing and remains a core part of my service. Want to know more about my first term accomplishments? Check out my "First Term Wrapped Up" on Instagram  Check it Out   HAPPENING TOMORROW! Holy Family Church Three Kings Day Celebration: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 1pm to 4pm  Join us for the 8th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration at Holy Family Church – Mechler Hall (2158 Watson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472) This family-friendly event honors culture, tradition, and community. Neighbors of all ages are invited to come together for an afternoon of celebration, connection, and joy. We hope to see you there as we continue this cherished District 18 tradition. (No RSVP needed.)  📍 ON THE GROUND Participatory Budgeting Update  We did it! District 18 met our goal of submitting 50 projects—the first phase of Participatory Budgeting Cycle 15 is complete.   Now it’s time to organize!  I am looking for 50 Budget Delegates to help move these ideas forward. Participatory Budgeting is propelled entirely by community involvement, and our district deserves every possible chance to secure $1 million to fund capital infrastructure projects here in District 18. If you are passionate about what gets built in our neighborhood, I want you to work with us to help get the submitted ideas across the finish line. Sign up below as a PB Interest to receive emails about upcoming dates and deadlines. For more information, visit our website. PB Interest Learn More 🏛️ YOUR CITY, YOUR VOICE Attention Non-Profit Business Owners  The FY2027 CapGrants Portal is officially open for nonprofits seeking capital funding. For organizations seeking capital funding from both the City Council and the Bronx Borough President's Office, applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 19 at 5:00 PM. For organizations seeking capital funding from the City Council only, applications are due by Thursday, March 19 at 5:00 PM. CapGrants Portal The Discretionary Funding application is also open and available through the New York City Council website. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Organizations that do not apply by the deadline will not be considered for discretionary expense funding during this funding cycle. Apply Now 🤝 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT ADA Compliant Elevators Now Open and Operational at the Parkchester 6 Train Station! While the MetroCard may have been left behind in 2025, our responsibility to riders has not. The completion of ADA upgrades at the Parkchester–6 station delivers long-overdue accessibility for a community that has waited years for this investment. With the installation of new elevators and comprehensive station improvements, seniors, people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and commuters in the nearby NORC community can now navigate the station with dignity, independence, and confidence. Castle Hill Library Renovation Work is officially underway on a $17 million renovation of the Castle Hill Library, bringing long-overdue improvements to a space so many families rely on. When completed, the library will feature new reading areas, better technology, more natural light, and fully ADA-accessible entrances and restrooms, making it easier for residents of all ages and abilities to use and enjoy. There will also be dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults, along with rooms for programs and community gatherings. This investment is about making sure our public spaces work for the people who use them. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027. 🔎 PUBLIC PROGRAMS & BENEFITS Free Lincoln Center Tickets for District 18 Residents  Through a partnership I secured with Lincoln Center, District 18 residents can access free tickets to select Mainstage performances as part of Lincoln Center’s Choose-What-You-Pay programming. Residents are eligible for up to three FREE tickets per performance, while supplies last. Use the code LCPCD18 at checkout. January performances include: globalFEST — Sunday, January 11, 2026 Pastoral — January 11, 12, and 13, 2026  For details and tickets visit LincolnCenter.org/Presents →  Mobile Food Distribution Every Thursday 10am - 2pm  For anyone age 65+ and has active Medicaid coverage. Pre Registration is Required. Located at 604 Castle Hill Avenue. Call 347-315-4898 for more info. → Free Museum Memberships for SNAP Recipients SNAP recipients in New York can now enjoy free membership to the American Museum of Natural History — including FREE admission for up to four guests. This new benefit opens the door to one of NYC’s most iconic cultural institutions. Get membership details → Food Distribution Friday, January 9th 12pm - 2pm  Located at 1000 Rosedale Avenue Bronx, NY 10472 Rain or Shine! Bring your bag and shopping cart 📅 COMING UP Holy Family Church Three Kings Day Celebration Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 1pm to 4pm  Join us for the 8th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration at Holy Family Church – Mechler Hall (2158 Watson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472) This family-friendly event honors culture, tradition, and community. Neighbors of all ages are invited to come together for an afternoon of celebration, connection, and joy. We hope to see you there as we continue this cherished District 18 tradition. (No RSVP needed.) Bronx Zoo Family Nature Club Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 10am to 12pm Join us for a free, family-friendly outdoor program that helps kids and caregivers explore nature right here in District 18. Pre-registration is required. This event is offered in partnership with the Bronx Zoo. RSVP 🔗 STAY CONNECTED My office is here to help you navigate city services and access resources. We are accepting appointments for the services below. Call our office to schedule a day and time that works for you. Call Today For questions please call my office at 718-792-1140 New York City Council- District 18 | 778 Castle Hill Avenue | Bronx, NY 10473 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice