|
A message from Vision Long Island and
the
Long Island Main Street Alliance... |
|
Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown
Day 43 of shutdown – Monday April 27, 2020
The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 43.
This weekend had a lot of people out in the nice weather Saturday at parks, walking and biking in their local communities. On the Federal level SBA loans were open again. In NYS the Governor started to outline the phased approach to reopening the local economy. There is persistent anger at politicians and celebrities telling everyone “We are all in this together” without recognizing the very different health and economic situations people are facing. Today’s community profiled is Franklin Square. Our Communities Helping Communities segment brought us to the Village of Port Jefferson.
Here are some updates:
• The Small Business Administration resumed accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) today from approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower. For more information, visit the SBA’s website here.
A message from the SBA:
The Small Business Administration will resume accepting PPP loan applications on Monday, April 27 at 10:30AM EDT from approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower. This will ensure that SBA has properly coded the system to account for changes made by the legislation.
We encourage all approved lenders to process loan applications previously submitted by eligible borrowers and disburse funds expeditiously. All eligible borrowers who need these funds should work with an approved lender to apply. Borrowers should carefully review PPP regulations and guidance and the certifications required to obtain a loan.
For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, visit: sba.gov/paycheckprotection
Folks have been scrambling to see where there bank is regarding the SBA’s Payroll Protection Program – here is a list of the most SBA lenders for LI and the region.
• Resentment is growing on Main Street over bailout winners and losers
• Big businesses and institutions were the first to access SBA programs with little to nothing left for small businesses.
• The IRS has an Employee Retention Tax Credit. Check it out here.
• Governor Cuomo held his daily briefing on his plans and criteria to end the shutdown and open up the economy.
• Most June elections are cancelled.
• NYS Unemployment the highest since the great depression.
• Local pharmacies will play a role in Coronavirus testing.
• County Executive Curran announced that Nassau is expanding testing in Hempstead and Freeport, and next week will open a testing site in Elmont. Testing will be provided by appointment only, and for more information or to make an appointment, call 516-396-7500
• There is a massive demand for food as Island Harvest has distributed over 1 million pounds of food in the last 6 weeks.
• For folks complaining about brick and mortar stores charging an extra dollar or two for hand sanitizer note that Amazon has been sued for price gouging with essential items spiking as high as 1,000%.
•The stories of community level philanthropy are heartwarming and we will profile at least one each day. Today's profile is in the Village of Port Jefferson
• Pink Tie has set up a Pink Tie Delivers system to bring food to local pantries across Long Island. The launch started last week bringing food to the Salvation Army in Hempstead. This week we head to a Mastic Beach pantry supported by the William Floyd Community Summit. Check out how you can help.
• The LI Main Street Alliance’s “We’re Open” Facebook page is live sharing all of the local businesses still operating in 40 local communities. Like it and share it and most importantly support your Main Street.
• LISTnet is hosted a webinar with Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance on adapting to the technology of working at home. Stay tuned for the video link.
• NYS Assemblywoman Judy Griffin hosted an event with local chambers and the LI Main Street Alliance on programs that can help small business. You can check out the call here. (Access password: 1j@44H@5)
• NY Blood Center and Mt. Sinai are looking for plasma donations from patients who have successfully recovered for COVID-19 for convalescent plasma treatments, here is the information:
NY Blood Center
While COVID has no proven treatment, it is possible that plasma taken from those who have recovered (convalescent plasma), which has antibodies against the virus, could help. If you had a positive test, AND your symptoms have been gone for 14 days, AND you are willing to DONATE, please complete and submit this form.
All information provided will be kept confidential and will only be used to qualify you as a donor.
Mount Sinai COVID-19 Plasma Donation
If you had COVID-19 and have recovered you can help save a life. Your blood may contain antibodies that fight the virus and can help critically ill people. Mount Sinai is looking to screen you as a volunteer. Please fill out this form to see if you are eligible.
• Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you. Give them a call at 631-873-4775 for assistance.
• The USDA has grants for organizations that can move food to local communities.
• Check on the status of your IRS Economic Impact Payment.
• Walking is important during this shutdown and is a form of self care.
• Coronavirus: What Long Islanders Need to Know- Part Two
Newsday - Tuesday, April 28, 2020 10:00 AM
Join Newsday for their latest free webinar to gain more insight on health during the coronavirus pandemic and get expert answers to your questions. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown will moderate an informative discussion with Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children's Hospital and Dr. Adam J. Singer, Vice Chairman for Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3690402333441147148
• It is very important to practice democracy while decisions are being made rapidly on the Federal, State and County levels that impact local communities. The Suffolk Legislature will meet on April 28th and here is how you can impact the process.
Recording Testimony Over the Phone: A new initiative, parties can now call (631) 853-3685 and leave a three-minute message about topics of concern and specific resolutions being considered by lawmakers. Residents should include their name as well as whether they are speaking about a specific resolution. Recorded voice testimony will be accepted through the close of business on April 28th.
Sending Testimony By Email: Comments may be submitted in writing by emailing Clerk.Legislature@suffolkcountyny.gov.
Sending Testimony by Regular Mail: Comments may be mailed to the attention of the Clerk’s Office at the Suffolk County Legislature, William H. Rogers Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11787.
Testifying at a Public Hearing via Zoom: You can testify at a public hearing scheduled for the April 28th General Meeting through Zoom. Sign up to receive the meeting invitation by filling out the online form at www.scnylegislature.us/publichearing. Those wishing to speak must sign up before hearings are set to begin at 2 PM on April 28.
Questions about how to participate or submit testimony should be directed to the Suffolk County Legislature Clerk’s office at 631-853-6351.
• A proposal to remove local zoning and hand it over to Albany has been floated in Newsday and LI Business News. It is unclear to date who is behind this effort presented in the middle of a pandemic with real people focused on human needs. LI Builders Institute is quoted on the record opposed to this measure along with countless municipal leaders, chambers and community organizations. Stay tuned for more on this.
• It goes without saying that the front line providers in health care, police, ambulance, food services and many others are working round the clock and are the true heroes through this crisis.
• Support food for front line providers during the night shifts – There are many efforts during the day for food but night shift folks are not getting the meals as readily. Some Main Street restaurants are stepping up to feed folks after hours – here is one Go Fund Me page from a Main Street business in Patchogue assisting 11 hospitals!. https://www.gofundme.com/f/feed-the-nurses-pm-shift
Participate in the "Letters to Our Heroes" initiative! Families can send emails (or scan letters or artwork) to show their support for our first responders, doctors, nurses and healthcare workers who are helping to control the COVID-19 outbreak and keep our communities healthy. You can email them to: LSchaefer@NassauCountyNY.gov
The SBA sites and webinars and NYS DOL unemployment websites continue to be overloaded with requests. SBA webinars have been filled to capacity. The 311 call center in Suffolk, the call lines in Nassau as well and every Town, Village and community organizations are taking enormous amount of calls to answer questions and guide residents to resources where they are available.
For the small businesses that are still open there is a movement to continue to support them and keep them operating. To their credit that is largely happening in most downtowns across Long Island.
As we wrap up this through this fourth week of shutdown please think about supporting your local businesses at least once if not multiple times. We have spoken to over 575 local businesses in nearly 50 downtown communities and they need your help.
RECENT NEWS FROM GOVERNMENT
• NYS Department of Labor Launches New Streamlined Application for New Yorkers to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Without Having to First Apply for Unemployment Insurance
• US Senator Schumer announces New York hospitals and providers to receive an additional $4 billion+ in ‘hot spot’ money to keep the fight against COVID-19 going.
• US Senator Kirstin Gillibrand sent out a memo outlining some cases of fraud concerning SBA applications – please review and report and suspicious activity:
1) Emails impersonating SBA to a borrower regarding PPP loan applications. SBA DOES NOT communicate with borrowers regarding specific PPP loan applications. All PPP loan correspondence should be between the lender and the borrower.
2) Emails impersonating SBA asking for borrowers to complete and sign attached documents to “complete” their disaster “Grant Application.” SBA does not process grants. All EIDL loan processing now occurs through the EIDL portal, and legitimate loan approval emails clearly reference the original confirmation #. If additional documentation is required (95% of loans do not require more documentation), it is electronically handled in the portal. EIDL Advances process with NO action required on the part of the applicant.
3) These phishing emails are sophisticated, with SBA logos and styling consistent with legitimate SBA communications. If in doubt, the borrower may contact our office.
Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online here.
• Senator Schumer’s release on $2 trillion Federal rescue package with $112 billion headed to NYS
• US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand urge the Trump administration to protect frontline transit workers and update safety guidelines.
• Senator Schumer proposed a “Heroes Fund” of $25,000 for all first line responders as part of the newest Federal Stimulus package.
• Governor Cuomo’s April 24th message
• Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s April 24th message
• Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s April 24th message
• NYS Senator Todd Kaminsky introduced a bill supported by US Congresswoman Kathleen Rice for mortgage relief for homeowners.
• The NYS Department of Labor has addressed their massive backlog to move over $2 billion of benefits to New Yorkers.
• NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has developed a Covid-19 Financial Survival Toolkit for New Yorkers with links and resources for residents, government entities, nonprofits and businesses. Check it out here.
• 10 Town Supervisors are urging NYS to push back the property tax deadline
• NYS Senator Anna Kaplan hosted a webinar on Facebook Live to help small business owners to make sense of the different relief programs that now exist to help during this difficult time. If you missed it live, you can watch it here.
• Here is the executive order from the Governor on compliance for face coverings.
• NYS is coordinating over 300 private labs to prioritize virology testing.
• Updated NYS guidance document on essential vs nonessential businesses.
• Nassau County Executive Laura Curran hosted a Coronavirus State of the County on News 12 Long Island you can watch it here.
• Long Island Towns are calling on the Governor to provide a delay in property tax payments.
• An agreement has been reached on replenishing SBA lending programs
This includes $320 billion for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, including $60 billion which would be set aside for small lenders and community financial institutions and $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand led a webinar on the components of the agreement along with future and took many folks questions including those from Long Islanders.
• Nassau County will delay collection of licensing fees from some contractors whose licenses have expired past June.
• Huntington Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals [ZBA] Meetings to Continue to be Held Remotely and Live-Stream
• Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin Announces Re-Opening of Town Marinas and Unveils New Safety Guidelines for Boating Season During COVID-19 Pandemic
• Town of Hempstead Board Announce Economic Stimulus Plan to Help Workers Recover After COVID-19 Crisis – Pledge
$40 Million Investment for Town Road Improvements
• North Hempstead provides an update on their efforts against COVID-19
• Farmingdale has released its latest list of open businesses
• A message from Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro
• The Village of Valley Stream is Supporting Small Business
• PSEG Long Island is warning you to look out for scams and fraud feeding on the pandemic
• AT&T is providing updates to their COVID-19 response along with resources.
RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS
• US Senator Kristin Gillibrand has provided this thorough Q&A on the CARES Act.
• The US Chamber of Commerce has produced a guide to the SBA’s Payroll Protection Program which is very useful.
• The US Senate has provided this resource guide for small businesses and the CARES act.
• A Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act.
• The Federal Reserve unveiled the details of its Main Street lending program.
Here is a direct link to the Federal Reserve and initial documents.
• The NYS Department of Labor has instituted a new system to spread out applications. Check out the PSA that explains their new guidelines to get folks their benefits.
• The SBA Paycheck Protection Program is an important program and details are coming forward.
• With the passage last Friday of the CARES Act, small business owners and nonprofits can get up to a $10,000 advance on an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
• Also check the Suffolk Chambers and Nassau Chambers website for important news and links.
Newsday and the LIA hosted a webinar with NYS SBDC and you can check it out here
• The LI Main Street Alliances “We Are Open” Facebook page is now live sharing all of the local businesses still operating in 40 local communities. Like it and share it and most importantly support your Main Street.
• Our friends at LISTnet have a Coronavirus support page.
• National Federation of Independent Businesses is holding webinars on small business loans and has videos of past ones on their site.
• If you are in the construction industry here is a very thoughtful webinar from the KOW consulting group on changes underway.
• Updated information regarding REVISED SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan application can be found here.
• SBA's Coronavirus landing page has been updated as well, and has important information including on the SBA Bridge Loan Program
• Property and casualty insurance premiums were waived for small business
• The Small Business Association announced an automatic deferment for loans from previous disasters
• All nonessential construction is shutdown
• Updated NYS guidance document on essential vs nonessential businesses
• NYS has developed a Shared Work program for folks to apply for partial unemployment to supplement a reduced work schedule
• Dining Bonds created to help local small businesses
• The free New York State business advisement services of the Small Business Centers at Stony Brook University and Farmingdale are also available to assist
• Facebook has grants for small businesses
• Kiva has grants for small business
• Amazon has a grant fund for small business
• Verizon has set up a small business recovery fund
• The US Chamber of Commerce has a small grant program for small businesses employing between 3-20 people is already oversubscribed after a few hours open. Check it out.
• The State established a new partnership with the New York State Court System to create a pro bono network of volunteer lawyers to provide New Yorkers in need with free legal assistance. Volunteers will begin to receive training and start offering assistance next week. Lawyers interested in volunteering can sign up at www.nysba.org/covidvolunteer
• If you are at home do you dream about going back to your office or workplace? If you are a boss or a manager here is what you should know from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration about making your workplace safe upon return.
• National Grid has created a targeted grants to help manufacturers who need assistance to develop new products or implement lean manufacturing, to produce critical items to support the pandemic response.
• Grants for Artists impacted by Coronavirus.
• Grants for Restaurant workers.
• The LI Herald has created a grant program that counts towards 50% discounts on advertising your business.
• SCORE Long Island is available to assist businesses with their SBA applications
• Read the Editorial from Stuart Richner of the Herald calling for a Small Business Stimulus to lead us into the recovery.
• Here is a video with Leg. William Doc Spencer on safely supporting Main Street businesses
• Rose Walker visited local downtowns to remind residents to patronize businesses that are struggling right now.
• Legislator Laura Schaefer has a series of videos on her Facebook page promoting takeout and delivery to independent small businesses. Here is one for West Hempstead.
• Nassau County Minority Affairs Director Lionel Chitty provides an update on small business disaster loans.
• If you are searching for hand sanitizer for your organization, community or business you can order a batch here at reasonable prices.
• Nassau County and Suffolk County are surveying small businesses: The Nassau County survey is here. The Suffolk County survey is here.
• RXR has set up a series of volunteer resources to help your business during the shutdown. Check it out.
• LI Business News and Newsday have done a great job reporting on the need to support local businesses. Here are a couple of recent stories spotlighting downtown businesses and the LI Main Street Alliance members:
Eating on the Run at LIBN
Survey of Downtown Businesses Shows Potential Closurees at Newsday
How to keep the money from the federal small business bailout at Crane's New York (Subscription required)
RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT / SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
• Senator Schumer, Gillibrand and Congressional delegation deliver $18 million for housing and community development for Long Island’s Counties and local municipalities.
• The NYS Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has weblinks for assistance here.
• Newsday has set up a page on their website for free messages for community organizations.
• New grant resource for folks who provide meals to children from No Kid Hungry
• If you are a school providing meals during the Coronavirus crisis grants are available.
• The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has grants for to nonprofit organizations serving low-income individuals, families and communities in New York State.
• The American Heart Association has grants for efforts to access healthy food and active living.
BILLS BILLS BILLS
• Some tips on bills you need to pay and some that you don’t as this crisis gets prolonged
• The IRS has created a Q&A page with information on what you need to do with your taxes
• Up to date information in accessing unemployment from NYS DOL
• If you filed for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, you do not need to prove you are searching for employment to make a claim. Department of Labor Commissioner Reardon has signed a new order that limits all work search activities for all unemployment claimants. No activities are required during the pandemic to receive unemployment benefits.
• Life Insurance payments deferred - For a 90-day period, New Yorkers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may defer paying life insurance premiums. Late payments will be payable over a one-year period. Additionally, consumers and small businesses experiencing Coronavirus-related financial hardship may defer paying premiums for property and casualty insurance for a 60-day period. This includes auto, homeowners, renters and other kinds of insurance. (No late fees will be assessed and there will be no negative impact to your credit.)
• Pharmacies will now offer free home delivery to New Yorkers. All NYS major pharmacy chains, pharmacies have agreed to offer free home delivery to help reduce long lines for prescriptions at their facilities
• Student loan borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can obtain relief for loans not covered by the CARES Act. Available relief includes 90 days of deferred monthly payments, waived late fees, no negative reporting to credit agencies and enrolling eligible borrowers in available long-term assistance programs. New York student loan borrowers should visit the Department of Financial Services' website at dfs.ny.gov for more information about available student loan relief.
• Resources for displaced bartenders.
• Resources for displaced hospitality workers.
• If you are an artist the NYS Foundation for the Arts has Emergency Grants.
• If you are a photographer there are small grants available.
• PSEG has a Coronavirus page that is updated regularly
• There is now a 90 day waiver on mortgage payments which is a relief to the thousands of Long Islanders that had those bills hanging over their head during an extended forced shutdown.
• Freddie Mac is prohibiting evictions on properties where their loans are in place
• All NYS Department of Motor Vehicles licenses, ID’s and registrations are extended. All offices closed and transactions are shifted to online service.
• AT&T suspends collection activities during the Coronavirus crisis
• PSEG Long Island Halts Service Shut Offs
• National Grid Halts Service Shut Offs
• Verizon Suspends Collection Activities
• Geico postponed collectons during Coronavirus shutdown
• Folks can check out this stimulus calculator that tells you what you might receive in the form of a direct payment from the Federal government.
• You may be able to temporarily stop making your student loan payments.
• If you are struggling with various bills to pay and worry about automatic payments from your bank account here is guidance on how to stop them.
• Got credit card debt? Here is an updated list of banks that are providing relief to customers affected by the Coronavirus.
• Got wireless bills? AT&T and Verizon have given guidance on how to handle them – here is Sprint’s
• Auto insurance bills? Many car insurance companies are providing discounts and credits to customers as a result of the dramatic reduction in driving that’s been taking place during the pandemic. Check with your provider to see if they’re offering one, and if there are any steps you need to take in order to receive the discount.
• National Grid has updated information about their billing.
• Curious about the process for Federal Coronavirus Recovery Checks? The first round of federal relief payments began going out today, so if the federal government had your direct deposit information from a recent income tax filing, you should check your bank account!
• NYS has updated its essential list of businesses again. Check out the latest.
• NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has developed a Covid-19 Financial Survival Toolkit for New Yorkers with links and resources for residents, government entities, nonprofits and businesses. Check it out.
HUMAN NEEDS
• New York State will provide child care scholarships to essential workers. Child care costs will be covered for essential staff whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level — or $78,600 for a family of four. Essential workers (including health care providers, law enforcement, food delivery workers, grocery store employees and others) can use these scholarships to pay for their existing care arrangement.
If an essential worker needs child care, they can use the below link to begin the application process (select by language spoken)
• Folks need Food: If you are in need of food Island Harvest has their food locater and is working round the clock to continue supplies to those in need
• Domestic Violence is up 10%: Many experts in the area of domestic violence prevention have pointed out lately that Isolation and unemployment are a recipe for disaster in a household with a history of intimate partner violence. If you need help, contact the Safe Center 24/7 at 516-542-0404 or the NY Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 800-942-6906. If you are in any personal crisis, you can also call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline at 516-679-1111.
• How is your mental health? A mental health hotline is available to New Yorkers who need it. We can't underestimate the impact this pandemic is having on mental health. Over 6,000 mental health professionals have volunteered their time to help with New York's Coronavirus response. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314
• If you are pregnant? Many pregnant women and their families are facing uncertainty about what the COVID-19 outbreak means for their ability to have a safe, supported delivery in Nassau County hospitals. In response to these concerns, Nassau County has launched a hotline: 516-4UR-CARE. Pregnant patients can call this line and get answers and advice about how to have a safe childbirth under COVID-19 conditions.
• Salvation Army has a Coronavirus hotline for their services of food, counseling and other emergency services
• Stay Clean - NYS is supplying their hand sanitizer to front line providers on an as need basis. Here is the request form.
• New York State has a Coronavirus hotline and website for information or to schedule a test. Please call 888-364-3065 or navigate here.
• If you lost your health care, NYS has reopened its health exchange.
• If you are a Senior check out the AARP Thursday conference call with info on social security, tax deadlines and other services.
• Supervisor Bosworth and the Town of North Hempstead launched a new program to provide our seniors with remote companionship during these isolating times. The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program matches volunteers with seniors in the Project Independence program, and is designed to provide a sense of reassurance and comfort. To participate or to volunteer, call 311 or 516-869-6311
• If you are a Veteran and struggling through these difficult times you can have virtual Coffee with a Veteran each day at noon until Apr 30. Email Dave-rogers1969@live.com to sign up.
• If you are a senior every Thursday AARP has a live Q and A call to help you manage the Coronavirus crisis.
• If you live in the Huntington area a very thorough Coronavirus Resource Guide is available from the Office of Legislator William Doc Spencer.
• If you are a pet owner the CDC has some guidance. The USDA reported today that two pet cats in New York have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (they’re expected to recover.) There is no evidence that domestic animals can pass the virus on to humans, but it seems apparent that the cats did contract the virus from humans they came in contact with. As a result, the CDC has issued new guidance for pet owners: don’t let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household, keep cats indoors when possible, walk dogs on a leash, staying 6 feet away from other people and animals. Avoid dog parks or places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
HELP NEEDED
• Island Harvest is seeking food donations from commercial food establishments impacted by the coronavirus.
• Blood donations are needed: The New York Blood Center said it is in urgent need of donors, since coronavirus concerns have resulted in "critically low blood and platelet appointments" across Long Island. The NYBC has six centers in Nassau and Suffolk and said safety protocols are in place as they urge healthy individuals, who have not been exposed to coronavirus, to donate. The NYBC said if you are unsure if you can donate, you can ask their experts at 800-688-0900 or navigate to their webpage here.
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is calling for people to make appointments to donate blood.
• New York is calling for qualified health professionals and related professionals to supplement hospital capacity on a temporary basis to help treat seriously ill coronavirus patients.
HELP WANTED
• Tens of thousands of Long Islanders are out of work. There are many service industry positions seeking temporary or permanent employment. Here are some:
7-11 (looking to add 20,000 jobs)
Aldi (5,000 open positions)
Amazon (looking to add 100,000 employees)
CVS (looking to hire 50,000 employees)
Dollar Tree/Family Dollar (25,000 full- and part-time associates)
Domino’s (looking to hire up to 10,000 employees)
Pepsi (bring another 6,000 people on board)
Pizza Hut (over 30,000 open positions)
ShopRite
Stop & Shop
Walgreens (fill roughly 9,500 full- and part-time positions)
Walmart (adding 150,000 temporary positions)
General Listings:
Indeed
Long Island's Craigslist
New York Jobs
Simply Hired
• If someone is looking for a procurement opportunity through the state you can fill out this form here.
• If someone is looking for a procurement opportunity with the federal government check out this source
HOME & STIR CRAZY
• Folks are at home with their families and children for extended periods. It’s important to know how to talk to your kids about Coronavirus so they don’t think we are living in an episode of the Walking Dead. Here is also some guidance from PBS.
• If you are trying to figure out what to do at home with your kid while they have very limited hours with their teachers online. Western Suffolk BOCES has produced an online toolkit for learning.
An added bonus to the toolkit is an activity with Mo Willems, Author of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and many other cool stories
• If you are home and desperately trying to figure out what to do with your child that is remotely productive here are 16 simple things that count as learning.
• Turn off your Zoom call once you are done.
• Bored at home - Fifty libraries in Nassau County now offer digital cards, allowing residents to explore their hometown library's book, music and art collections online from the comfort of their couch.
• How to make your own face mask.
• If you need some info on how to make your own mask.
• Can’t find hand sanitizer and need to make your own? Here is one recipe.
• Need to boost your immune system? The Long Island Press has some ideas.
• If you like doing yoga: Girls Inc is hosting Family Virtual yoga on Friday April 17th at 5:30.
• How to make homemade disinfectant spray and wipes.
• Check out a virtual landscape art exhibit from the Westbury Arts Council
• Always wanted to learn to play guitar but never had time? Fender is giving free lessons from the next three months.
• Are you and your kids are glued to screens and losing your mind? Here are 100 non electronic things you can do to keep your kids occupied during the lockdown.
• If you are stir crazy with kids at home the Cradle of Aviation uses a video service to bring the museum to residents.
• Bored at home? East End Arts is providing virtual access to artists.
• The Staller Center for the Arts has a virtual tour of many instruments and their outreach activities
• Pet ownership is up – here is a piece on how pet ownership helps address isolation particularly for older adults.
• Do you miss Dinner and a movie? The Cinema Arts Center offers free cooking videos to pair with your favorite independent films they can virtually screen. Check out the story.
Here is the direct link.
• Need Chocolate Activity Kits for kids? Chocolate Works provides decorating kits, easter oreos and other home kits to make with you kids. For every one you buy Pink Tie donates one to local food pantries in Hempstead and Medford!
INNOVATION UNDERWAY
• Folks are answering Governor Cuomo’s call for ventilators, masks:
The Business Incubator Association has created an invitation to ventilate.
The LI Racing Association folks have a go fund me page to increase production of their reusable n95 masks.
A Long Island Distillery is making hand sanitizer.
D’Addario, a Long Island musical instrument maker, pivots from making drumheads to face shields
ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORTATION & SUSTAINABILITY
• SUEZ – who manages Nassau’s major sewage treatment plants in Cedar Creek and Bay Park is urging residents to NOT flush wipes down the toilet but instead place in garbage.
• One benefit of Coronavirus: traffic is down and more folks walking, biking
• Environmental regulation impacted as EPA Suspended all Environmental Rules
• PSEG Long Island Continues to Storm-Harden the Grid
• The MTA has announced partnership with Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgents Care to provide COVID-19 Testing for Heroic MTA workers.
• MTA Board Unanimously Ratifies Family Benefits Agreement Recognizing Heroic Sacrifice by Frontline Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• MTA Announces Virtual Board Meeting to Be Held on April 22
• LIPA provides update on coordination plan and current projects and initiative
• NICE buses in Nassau County will switch to a reduced schedule. The service will operate on a Saturday schedule from Monday-Saturday, and Sunday service will be unchanged. This does not apply to the Elmont Flexi Shuttle, the Mercy Medical Community Shuttle, the Port Washington Shuttle, and the n19, n57, and n80 routes, which will all continue to run normally
• Good news – in a throwback that was really just 45 days ago – here is a profile on the hamlet of Bay Shore and the benefits of their two decades work of revitalization.
• More Good news - Consensus emerging on the superblock project in the City of Long Beach due to collaboration with a local developer and community organizations.
• A Video session that speaks to Multifamily development weathering the storm better than other forms of development.
• Alfonso Castillo, Newsday’s transportation reporter did a nice profile on the challenges facing LI’s bus system that has been bringing essential workers to work and residents to health services.
• VHB has put together a thoughtful resource guide on transportation, real estate and energy. Check it out.
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
• Nassau County Map of updates from Across the County
• Suffolk County Map of confirmed Coronavirus cases
• NYS has an established COVID tracker web site that provides data regarding the virus outbreak in the state, including a breakdown of fatalities by age, ethnicity, risk factors, etc.
• Thinking Globally? Here is a website documenting the world impact of Coronavirus.
• Thomas Friedman wrote a thoughtful opinion piece on how to get the economy back on track without sacrificing public health.
• Inspirational op-ed from LIBN editor Joe Dowd
• Gary Labarbara from the NYS Building Trades Council speaks about safety for construction workers.
• Celebrities have time on their hands and are letting us know how they feel including Ben Stiller, Danny Devito, Cardi B, Robert Deniro and Madonna encouraging folks to stay home. Sean Penn was looking to send in the military. Arnold Schwartzeneger was telling folks to stay home while smoking a cigar in his hot tub, Neil Diamond even wrote a song called “Hands Washing Hands” sung to the tune of Sweet Caroline.
• Lots of social media chatter and online bullying regarding social distancing. According to Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, NCPD received 700 calls with only 12 unfounded or easily resolved with a warning. In Huntington Inspector William Scrima, commander of the Suffolk County Police Second Precinct said “We have gotten a number of calls about people and businesses who are not following social distancing guidelines. Many of the calls are unfounded, others are at businesses that people mistakenly believe are not designated essential. We have encountered a few non-essential businesses that are open and a few gatherings of people in public areas. All have complied with the guidelines, when notified by our officers.”
• The Tourism industry has been severely impacted. Here is a video with Kevin Wood from the Village of Port Jeff interviewing a representative from Danfords hotel.
• Do you care about your grocery store worker? Check out RWDSU President Stuart Applebaum interviewed at the AFLCIO podcast on conditions for workers.
• If you are into civic freedoms and civil liberties the International Center on Not for Profit Law has a global civic freedoms tracker tied to the Coronavirus crisis
Vision Long Island Director wrote an op-ed in LIBN about the importance of supporting Main Street businesses and each other.
HOW CAN I HELP?
There are hundreds of thousands unemployed in NY but there are many more as folks can't or haven’t navigated the system for benefits to date.
That is not simply an eye catching statistic but real people with lives upended.
For the folks that are still working I hope you are:
1) humble, sober and aware of the fact that right now millions of americans are in pain,
2) if you have resources to help local folks - patronize open small businesses to limit further job loss,
3) donate to local food pantries,
4) donate other resources directly to real people you may know in need and
5) if you have resources to give to groups make it very local groups who are on the ground and getting them needed help in this time.
CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY
• We are starting to see some Corporate Philanthropy develop that has been missing through this crisis. Stay tuned for a more thorough report.
Locally
- The Long Island Community Foundation has set up a Coronavirus fund for community services and organizations.
- Pink Tie and the LI Nets have developed a Pink Tie delivers program – more on that in the coming days.
- Trader Joe’s has been making donations to local food pantries
- The Long Island East End Group purchased 15,000 masks for distribution to front line providers.
- The Estée Lauder Companies provided 10,000 hand sanitizer bottles (8 ounces each) per week for 4-5 weeks
- Owners of Shinn Estate Vineyards donate $100,000 to Eastern Long Island Hospitals
- LI Jobs with Justice Solidarity Fund
- Long Island Ambulatory Surgery Center donated a Ventilator
- In addition the United Way, The Townwide Fund of Huntington and the 1763 Foundation are all raising money to distribute to folks that meet their guidelines.
- The Long Island Chinese American Association volunteers, donated 10,000 masks and delivered lunch to first responders.
- Jim Hagedorn from Scotts Miracle-Gro donated $110,000 worth of protective equipment for first responders.
-
$250,000 New York Jets for direct worker assistance
- $250,000 Bank of America for direct worker assistance
- The Knapp Swezey Foundation has donated $500,000 to Patchogue charities.
• The United Way has a fund to assist low income wage earners who were either (1) laid off or (2) furloughed from their jobs due to COVID-19. People can search for assistance here.
Nationally
- JP Morgan Chase has committed $50 million
- Lowes has announced $25 million in grants and in-kind donations
- Citi Foundation has announced a $15 million fund
- Google has announced $15 million in cash grants
- Citizens Bank has announced $5 million
- Anna Wintour has set up a fund for folks in the fashion industry who are displaced.
- A number of grants for displaced local artists are starting to emerge
- Bank of America has dedicated a $100 million fund nationwide.
- Verizon has set up a small business recovery fund.
• While we have not seen much in the corporate philanthropy department one fantastic exception has been the LI Community Foundation. They have distributed $450,000 to a number of local organizations helping real people. Check it out.
There is still a dearth of real community level information and tons of questions from folks stay tuned daily for updates on the range of actions taken to get us through this public health and economic crisis.
We need you out there to tell is what is happening and what resources are available. No matter what please join the LI Main Street Alliance by emailing us at ea@visionlongisland.org or call 631-804-9128.
IMPORTANT WEBSITES TO TRACK:
Northwell Health Digital Resource Center
The US Small Business Administration
New York State Department of Labor
NYS Department of Health
CDC Website
Occupational Safety and Health
New York City
Nassau County
Suffolk County
Town of Hempstead
Town of North Hempstead
Town of Oyster Bay
Town of Babylon
Town of Brookhaven
Town of East Hampton
Town of Huntington
Town of Islip
Town of Riverhead
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Smithtown
Town of Southampton
Town of Southold
City of Glen Cove
City of Long Beach
MTA Information
School Closings
AARP's Updates on the Coronavirus
Island Harvest's Food Pantry Tracker
Suffolk County Alliance of Chamber's Disaster Relief Information
Global Dashboard of Infection Data
Worldometers Coronavirus totals in the US |