Things To Do In The Neighborhood This Week

Regina Opera soloist Elana Gleason performs “Italian Street Song.”

Bensonhurst is so beautiful this time of year. Birds are tweeting, cherry blossoms are blooming, and allergies are in full swing. To help you slow down and smell the roses, we’ve rounded up some low-key activities in the area this week — from a memoir writing workshop, to kite making, to an opera performance.

Details on those and more below.

Free ‘Carmen’ Performance by Regina Opera
When: Tuesday, May 12, 7:30pm
Where: Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Auditorium, 5902 6th Avenue
What: In anticipation of their upcoming ticketed performances Bizet’s “Carmen,” Regina Opera Company will present a free, fully-staged “sneak peek” of the opera with piano accompaniment and English super-titles — featuring their understudies.
How much: Free!

Community Board 11 Monthly Meeting
When: Wednesday, May 13, 7:30pm
Where : Bensonhurst Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare, 1740 84th Street
What: Make your voice heard by attending CB 11’s monthly meeting. Residents will have a chance to raise concerns, learn about various committee reports. and hear from elected officials.
How much: Free!

Creative Aging: Chinese Brush Painting
When: Tuesday, March 12, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street
What: Learn the techniques of Chinese brush painting over twelve weekly sessions with a Chinese teaching artist.
How much: Free! Please call 718-236-4086 to register.

Explore Calvert Vaux Park
When: Anytime
Where: Calvert Vaux Park, Bay 44 St. to Bay 49 St., Shore Pkwy.
What: It gets a bad rap for all the dead bodies that have been found there, but apparently there is also a whole lot of cool wildlife at Calvert Vaux. What better way to enjoy the warm weather that in this slightly spooky, overgrown, and often forgotten wonderland of nature?
How much: Free!

Kite Making at New Utrecht Library
When: Wednesday, May 13 4pm – 5pm
Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street
What: Kids and grown ups alike will have fun building kites out of recycled materials. Then take them for a spin in Bensonhurst Park!
How much: Free!

Creative Aging: Our Stories Told
When: Thursday, May 14, 11am – 1pm
Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street
What: Join Annie Montgomery in a nine session memoir and oral history workshop series that will culminate in a final sharing event. Each participant will discover the story they most want to tell from their life. Participants will learn to structure a detailed story, as well as develop skills in editing, revising, constructive critical feedback, and public speaking. No experience necessary.
How much: Free! Please call 718.236.1760 to register.