Mid-Week Neighborhood Dish: Fireworks in White Plains, Tasting for My Sister's Place, Parking Fees Rise and Fall

In these times, you just can't afford to be left in the dark when it comes to local happenings.

Don't worry, we'll make it super easy for you to get all the information you need in one place—so you can be an informed citizen to make the best decisions for your family, the community and the future.

Arm yourself with knowledge and check out the Mid-Week Neighborhood Dish:

1.) Annual Fireworks Fourth of July Celebration

White Plains’ 2011 Independence Day Celebration—co-sponsored by , Green Mountain Energy Company, Ben & Jerry’s, , ShopRite, and —will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00pm Thursday, June 3o (rain date Friday, July 1) at

Entertainment includes Billy Joel Tribute Group, Annie and the Natural Wonder Band, Lisa and Company, Animal Embassy, Dinosaurs Rock, Magical Memories, Miz Liz Variety Show and Macaroni the Clown. Bouncy inflatable rides will be offered for $2, while food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

 2.) Help Families Stay Safe by Attending the Savor & Support Tasting of Westchester

, , and will cook up a sampling of dishes, with wine beer and music on Tuesday, July 12 at the Savor & Support: A Tasting of Westchester benefit for , which offers domestic violence services.

The event—also sponsored by , Cappa Crucy & Co., Swiss Re and RBS—will be held at , 50 Bank St., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets. 

3.) Business Improvement District Applauds White Plains “Best of Westchester Winners”

The White Plains Business Improvement District congratulates the White Plains businesses who made the Westchester magazine’s “Best of Westchester,” 2011 list, including: "Secret Sundays" at for Gay Night; for Good Deal Wine Store; Nick Trombetta at for Hair Colorist;for New Tapas; for New Theatre Series; Hudson Grille for Outdoor Bar; and for Wings.

I literally lick the bowl every time I eat Lazy Boy’s lime tequila wings, they are insanely good.

The BID also acknowledged this year’s Reader’s Picks including: for Asian Restaurant; , Fabric Shop; , Happy Hour; , Lounge; Sam Ash, music store; and , Place to Meet Singles; , Sangria; , Sports Bar; and Efor Upholsterer.

4.) Parking and Other Fees Rise in White Plains

Starting Friday, July 1 the City will charge higher fees for parking, parking and construction permits, as well as sidewalk café —according to The Journal News.

Overtime parking fees in garages with offices—previously at around $2 and up—will rise to a flat $10 charge. However, according to The Journal News, those ticketed in garages without offices will pay the $10, instead of the previous $20 fee. Read The Journal News' story here.

5.)

’ Autism Family Center will hold a free therapeutic social skills group on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. through Aug. 3. Click for more information.

Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/WhitePlainsPatch) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/WhtPlainsPatch)