Here’s What’s Happening (in order of appearance):

Policy Prerspectives: An Online Forum / Democratic Candidate Forums / Events at Verdi Cannabis / 

Policy Prerspectives: An Online Forum at 5pm on Monday, February 3 | NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher–whose District 3 area of coverage includes Chelsea–presents the latest installment of his online “Policy Perspectives” series, this time featuring the Council Member in conversation with New York Public Library Chief Executive Officer Tony Marx. Click here to register for the event and submit your questions about New York City’s criminal court system, public safety, mental health, and more. Notes  promo material releaed by Bottcher’s District 3 Office prior to the event: “Founded in 1895, the New York Public Library is the nation’s largest public library system, featuring 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. With millions of visitors passing through their doors annually, and millions more virtually around the globe, their Library holds over 54 million items, from books to renowned research collections used by scholars worldwide. Our local libraries are vital resources for building community, offering access to knowledge, community programs, learning and connection.”

Democratic Candidate Forums | A series of Candidate Forums is taking place that function to familiarize voters with those who’ve tossed their hats (or caps or lids or bonnets or whatnot) into the ring. This is your chance to see how the skills and experiences of candidates compares to the duties of the elected position they have in mind. To view a recording of the Jan. 29 forum, CLICK HERE. (It featured candidates for Comptroller and Manhattan Borough President.) The 6:30pm Feb. 4 Forum hears from candidates foe Council District 3, Manhattan District Attorney, and Public Advocate; online via Zoom or in-person at the NY Seminar & Conference Center (114 W. 26th St.). In the Primary race for NYC City Council District 3, the Democratic candidate is the incumbant, Erik Bottcher . In the race for Manhattan District Attorney,  Alvin I , who currently holds that position, is running unopposed. In the race for Public Advocate, the incumbant Jumaane Williams faces Martin Dolan and.Jenifer Rajkumar, This Forum is co-sponsored by the CRDC (Chelsea Reform Democratic Club) and the HK Dems (Hell’s Kitchen Democrats). It is moderated by Layla Law-Gisiko of the CRDC and Paul Devlin of the HK Dems. To attend via Zoom, click here. To RSVP for in-person attendance, click here. The Tuesday, Feb. 11 6:30pn Candidate Forum is for NYC Mayor. Attend via Zoom or at the Manny Cantor Community Center & Educational Alliance (197 East Broadway). This NYC Mayoral Candidate Forum is co-sponsored by the Downtown Democratic Club Coalition. Space is Limited. Priority seating will be given to members of the host clubs, so RSVP now to secure your spot, or register to attend virtually.

Events at Verdi Cannabis (158 W. 23rd St. btw. 6th & 7th Aves.) | Having recently celebrated its first full year since setting up shop on West 23rd Street, legal cannabis distributor Verdi Cannabis offers free arts programming via the for-sale work of artists hanging on their walls, and a Thursday night music series. The February schedule for that series is as follows: Feb. 6, it’s Winter Strum. Feb. 13, Chill Billies is on board. Feb. 20, Roberos are the musical guests–and Feb. 27,  The Constituency wraps up the Feb. schedule.

As for special events happeninng in-store: Feb. 7, MFNY’s  “Treat Yourself This Valentine’s Day” event includes DJ Roty and a hot chocolate fountain. Feb. 12, it’s Gron’s Valentine’s Day “Chocolate Fountain” event. On Feb. 14 and 15,  respectively, Soft Power Sweets and Toke Folks sponsor Valentine’s Day event. On Feb. 16, Verdi celebrates its recent first anniversary with a 4pm-8pm celebration offering free food (BBQ!) and live music. Feb. 23, Lobo Swag has a giveaway event–and Feb. 28, Kiki Kramer takes over. As for the featured artists whose work can be found on Verdi’s walls: Photographer Scott Harris presents a series of images from Phish concerts, available for purchase at $55 each. Also on view and available for purchase is the work of painter Pat Gallagher (aka G Funk). To keep up with what else is up with Verdi, click here to visit their website. To visit the EVENTS page of their website, click here.

—Listings compiled by Scott Stiffler

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