presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance


May 6th, 2020


Quotes of Day


The following area a collection of quotes in opposition to a proposal to remove local zoning in the middle of a pandemic

"Local zoning is central to the role of town government. It ensures the protection of residents and small businesses, and protects the character of our neighborhoods from outside agencies with “one size fits all” approaches to development. A move by the state and large developers to usurp local zoning would be a threat to the property value of every local taxpayer.” Hon. Jane Bonner, Councilwoman, Town of Brookhaven

“New York State has consistently increased the mandates of public hearings, resident participation and public input for a very good reason.  To deny residents their constitutional right to affect the future of their own community is undeniable and we must not allow the public to lose their voice.  Smart development is part of an economic recovery, and we will work tirelessly to rebuild businesses and prosperity in a way that betters our community. There is no path out of this public health crisis that begins with denying the public a right to decide the future of their community, and the Town of Oyster Bay will vigorously defend and protect the rights of its people.”  Hon. Joseph Saladino, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor

"Yes, certainly construction jobs would be welcome. As would affordable housing. We also should encourage infrastructure projects to update our nation’s infrastructure. However, I’m not in favor of giving up local oversight over these projects and thereby rendering the duly elected Town Board unable to consider their size or impact, such as the impact that commercial developments can have on local downtowns that are already suffering. Nor do I support ceding local oversight over the myriad impacts that residential projects can have on local communities. I wasn’t elected to give up local control over development" .- Hon. Veronica Lurvey, Town of North Hempstead Councilmember
 
The following are quotes of the day:
 

“During this time, we want to use any and all resources we have to help your business. We have compiled a list of locally-owned shops and businesses, members and non-members, offering adaptive services, whether it's e-commerce, shipping, virtual services, or other methods of continuing their operations while maintaining social distancing. Our hope is that getting this information out will make your customers aware, the community feel more at ease, and ultimately drive traffic to your business.” - The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce

A message from Vision Long Island and
the Long Island Main Street Alliance...

Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown

Day 52 of shutdown – Wednesday May 6th, 2020

The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 52.   Folks are talking about  the radical changes proposed for schooling, and a proposal to phase out the Post Office.  More details have emerged on the proposal to remove local zoning from LI’s Town’s Villages, chambers and community organizations.  Read about the recent power grab below. Long Islanders without jobs continue to have problems accessing their unemployment benefits.  Today’s community profiled is downtown Rocky Point.  Our Communities Helping Communities segment brought us over to Manhasset.

Here are some updates:

• After pressure from downtown Mayors, local chambers, small business advocates and really just about everyone the SBA is starting to fund truly small businesses.   Many of the banks in charge of the applications gave loans to their biggest customers with very little going to small companies. Kudos to Congressmembers Lee Zeldin, Peter King, and Kathleen Rice who we have heard were very active in making this happen in concert with Senator Schumer and Gillibrand.  Newsday did a cover story on this infuriating topic.

Re-opening has been a major topic for everyone.  The LI Main Street Alliance was out in downtown Farmingdale this week hearing from shop owners and the Mayor.

When businesses reopen, they must implement new safety precautions to help lower the risk of spreading the virus. These measures include strict cleaning and sanitation standards, restricting nonessential travel, adapting the workplace to allow for social distancing, and requiring masks to be worn if employees are in frequent contact with the public. To read the full list of guidelines, check out Governor Cuomo’s full release on the topic: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-outlines-additional-guidelines-when-regions-can

A proposal to remove local zoning and hand it over to Albany has been floated in Newsday and LI Business News and now has been formally sent to the Governor’s 100 member advisory committee which contains roughly 5 Long Islanders and guided by the McKinsey company.   Sadly this effort is presented in the middle of a pandemic with real people focused on human needs.   Builders groups are quoted on the record opposed to this measure along with countless municipal leaders, chambers and community organizationsLI Business News has an initial story on this power grab in the middle of a pandemic when most regular folks are at their most anxious and stressed.

• The Federal Reserve Board announced last Thursday that it is expanding the scope and eligibility for its Main Street Lending Program. The changes are designed to offer more options to a wider set of eligible small and medium-size businesses. The Fed said that the starting date for the program will be announced soon.
A webinar was held on this program with information below: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/mainstreetlending.htm

The Small Business Administration resumed accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) yesterday 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
They SBA also announced that:
The EIDL application will not reopen
The applications already received, in the queue are being processed on a first come first serve basis.

• BUT The Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance/Loan portal is temporarily open for agricultural businesses that were previously ineligible for the program. New non-agricultural business applications will not be accepted. The portal will be opened for a limited period, and it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.  The link to the portal will be:   http://www.sba.gov/Disaster

• 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.

• The IRS has an Employee Retention Tax CreditCheck it out here.

• Check on the status of your IRS Economic Impact Payment.

La Fuerza Community Development Corp has a microloan program for minority owned small businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County.

The White House plans to “wind down” the Coronavirus Task Force,with Vice President Mike Pence,who has led the task force for two months, saying it would probably wrap up its work around the end of May. According to the Vice President, the management of the public health response will be returned to the federal agencies whose work the Task Force was created to coordinate. White House officials said that medical experts like Dr. Birx would still be advising the President and will continue to be available to answer reporter’s questions. 

Governor Cuomo held his daily briefing on his plans and criteria to end the shutdown and open up the economy in multiple phases.

The Gates Foundation will work to “reimagine” our schools.

A former partner from McKinsey & Company is looking to phase out the Post Office.

• There are nearly 2 million folks currently out of work but the good news for some is that NYS is hiring 17,000 tracers at $57,000 a year. Check it out in Patch.

• The stories of community level philanthropy are heartwarming and we will profile at least one each day.  Today's profile is in from Manhasset

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.  Last week we headed to a Mastic Beach pantry supported by the William Floyd Community Summit and a Freeport food pantry.  This week we are headed to Central Islip and will be in Westbury.   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.

• Really thorough cover story in LI Business News of the Coronavirus shutdown's economic impact on Main Streets across Long Island.  Many members of the LI Main Street Alliance were involved in the feature which covered the communities of Hempstead, Farmingdale, Patchogue, East Meadow, Bethpage and Babylon. Vision and the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce were interviewed as well. Check it out.

• Pounding your head into the wall with your new job description as a home school teacher?  Check out Nassau Boces and their PreK initiative for all sorts of resources to help figure it out…. https://www.nassauboces.org/Page/8514

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.

• It goes without saying that the front line providers in health care, police, ambulance, food services, pharmacy, child care, 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 eighth week of shutdown please think about supporting your local businesses at least once if not multiple times.    We have spoken to over 600 local businesses in nearly 50 downtown communities and they need your help.

RECENT NEWS FROM GOVERNMENT

Schumer, Gillibrand, Delgado, Zeldin Announce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation that will deliver direct federal funding for all New York Counties, Cities, Towns & Villages, Responding to and Recovering from Pandemic

Schumer, Gillibrand announce over $8 million in Federal Funds for 33 Long Island Organizations Working to End Homelessness

Governor Cuomo’s May 6th message

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s May 6th message

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s May 6th message

Painful news is that NYS has ordered the Schools to be shut down through the end of the year.

So it looks like another 200,000 joined the ranks of the official unemployment count which doesn't factor in the large amount who have not been able to access benefits from NYS DOL.  The total receiving unemployment in NYS is over 1.6 million and 30 million nationally.

Looks like without small business aid half of NYS’s breweries will close within months.

With no school to drive to a LI bus company closes and lays off 900.

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin suggests that big companies should apologize for taking small business loans that were meant for small businesses.

Problems continue as small businesses seek to access the Payroll Protection Program

Folks are digesting the varying guidelines and timelines associated with the reopening of the economy

The Mckinsey Company will be assisting with planning the recovery.

Big businesses and institutions were the first to access SBA programs with little to nothing left for small businesses.

Local pharmacies will play a role in Coronavirus testing.

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

Sen. Schumer calls on FDA to crack down on unregulated home coronavirus test kits

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.

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

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.

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. 

Lupinacci, Suffolk Town Supervisors Call for Residential Construction to Resume

North Hempstead provides an update on their efforts against COVID-19

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

Resentment is growing on Main Street over bailout winners and losers

• 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%.

US Senator Kristin Gillibrand has provided this thorough Q&A on the CARES Act.

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.

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)

• LISTnet hosted a webinar with Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance on adapting to the technology of working at home.  Here is the video link of the session.

• 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)

Suffolk Legislator Dr. William Spencer and NYS Senator James Gaughran held a Virtual Town Hall to address the ongoing NYS response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recently adopted 2020-21 NYS budget, and answer your questions.  You can view the tape here.

• Nassau County Executive Laura Curran  and Executive Director of Minority affairs Lionel Chitty were on Radio Zindagi 540 AM with Harry Molhatra from the South Asian Chamber of Commerce.   They answering questions and concerns, informed the community and small business owners about important information
Radio zindagi on 540 AM  You can view the tape here.

Last week, NYS Senator Anna Kaplan held her second Small Business Support webinar with experts from the SBA and ESD giving an update about programs available to small businesses, and answering questions from business owners on Facebook Live. If you weren’t able to catch it the first time, you can watch it anytime at https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMKaplan/videos/931428823960667/

RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT / SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Senator Schumer also called on the Federal Reserve to open up Main Street lending programs to Cities and Counties.

The Governor has announced a new testing protocol.

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

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.

A new testing site is opening in Elmont.

Umbrella is coordinating grocery delivery for adults 60+ across Long Island. Individuals can place an order online at askumbrella.com or call 516-882-4498 to get matched with a local volunteer to shop on their behalf. There is a $10 suggested contribution per order to help offset some of our overhead costs - but it is up to the individual to pay what they wish. No one is turned away. With questions about the service, please contact emma@askumbrella.com

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

• There are nearly 2 million folks currently out of work but the good news for some is that NYS is hiring 17,000 tracers at $57,000 a year. Check it out in Patch.

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

Walking is important during this shutdown and is a form of self care.

• 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 yogaGirls 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 uphere 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

AARP has announced a Livable Communities Challenge Grant for local community efforts.

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.
- 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.
- Sterling Bank provided $5,000 to Central Islip Food Bank
- National Grid provides support to local food pantries

• 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.  

You can read previous editions of Long Island Main Street News here.

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

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At this time of uncertainty, we are beginning to see a number of downtowns being shuttered as bars, restaurants, and any place where multiple people congregate are running up against fears of and caution at spreading the Coronavirus. While this is a socially responsible action that will help to save lives, in the short term these actions are having a number of adverse effects on our local communities.

Vision Long Island and Long Island Main Street Alliance members have collected a number of experiences from local restaurants and service businesses, but before we go into that we would like to encourage everyone reading this to find a way to responsibly patronize local establishments. Many stores are offering curbside pickup or online shopping to help them get through this difficult time. And your favorite restaurants are also currently open for business with takeout available.

We also urge you to consider gift cards in order to purchase something at a later date for yourself, or perhaps to give as a present.

Local shops are in a capable position to provide you with what you need in the short-term. Many will also be willing to accommodate you if you contact them ahead of time with requests that will minimize contact and help to lower the spread of this virus.

Vision has connected to over 600 small businesses in nearly 50 downtowns as they weather the economic storm through the Coronavirus. We encourage people to responsibly patronize these and other open establishments who need your help in this time of crisis.

Many of these businesses have been there for local organizations and philanthropy - they now need our support.

In the meantime, here is the featured downtown for today.

For a complete list of downtowns profiles, please check out our website here.

Rocky Point

The beautiful hamlet of Rocky Point, nestled between Riverhead and Port Jefferson, is filled with history and a strong sense of community. The hamlet has the appearance of a real downtown, but offers some unique revitalization challenges, including the Route 25A bypass which allows traffic to bypass the business district, thereby serving as a detriment to the growth of a vibrant main street.

The idea of downtown revitalization has been bandied around in Rocky Point for many years, but the hamlet has recently taken steps squarely in that direction. From the opening of The Broadway Market, to the Rails to Trails project, allowing for access directly into the heart of the commercial district, business and residents are working together to embrace projects intended to stimulate the downtown.

The recent freeze of the economy has put a halt to any downtown revitalization plans. The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber is working hard to minimize the damage. “During this time, we want to use any and all resources we have to help your business,” the Chamber informs its members. “We have compiled a list of locally-owned shops and businesses, members and non-members, offering adaptive services, whether it's e-commerce, shipping, virtual services, or other methods of continuing their operations while maintaining social distancing. Our hope is that getting this information out will make your customers aware, the community feel more at ease, and ultimately drive traffic to your business.”

To the community, the Chamber implores, “There are many ways you can continue to support Rocky Point and Sound Beach small businesses in creative ways. If you cannot shop in person, maybe you can order online or make arrangements for pick up. You can order a gift card now, to shop with later once life returns to a new normal. You can invite your friends to like their Facebook page, follow their Instagram account, or subscribe to their email list. What about leaving them a glowing review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook? A little goes a long way in making a difference – especially in these unprecedented times of great uncertainty.”

The following is the list the Chamber compiled of locally-owned shops and businesses, members and non-members, offering adaptive services, whether it's e-commerce, shipping, or virtual services.

Broadway Market
631-849-1729

Brugmans Deli
631-744-9196

CaraMia Restaurant
631-849-8049

Island Empanada
631-849-6849

J & R's Steakhouse
631-744-2101

La Famiglia
631-849-6622

Maui Chop House
631-849-1620

Pompei Pizza & Restaurant
631-744-0140

Rocky Point Ale House
631-849-5800

Tilda's Bake Shop
631-744-3762

Tuscany Gourmet Market
631-476-6100

What's for Dinnah
631-849-6711

Bakewicz Farms
631-849-1120

Flowers On Broadway
631-744-9292

Handy Pantry
631-821-2535

Macked Boutique
631-849-5311

Stop & Shop
631-228-3089

Carlson Mechanical LLC
631-566-5045

Disk Data Destruction
855-747-7272

Heller & Consultants Tax Grievance
631-302-1940

LI Crafty Ones
631-766-1774

Matt's One Stop
631-744-2880

Mosquito Joe
631-229-9817

North Isle Wellness Center of Hope
631-476-4051

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes
631-744-1001

People's United Bank
631-642-3610

ServPro of Port Jefferson
631-476-5300

Shore Line Insurance Agency, Inc
631-744-1200

Studio E Art Classes
631-744-4001

Teachers Educators Federal Credit Union
631-698-7000

Manhasset Residents Feed Healthcare Workers and Support Local Restaurants

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” -  Charles Dickens

Maria and Mike Rizzuto, along with a band of helpers, have been busy supporting local restaurants in their hometown of Manhasset, while at the same time, feeding frontline workers in area hospitals, and beyond.

According to Maria Rizzuto, “Nurses and doctors in the emergency rooms are in need of good food while on the frontline fighting for us, one less thing for them to think about. We need to do our part to help them while they help our mothers, fathers, neighbors and friends.”

The Rizzutos purchase food and deliver it to frontline workers. The food is purchased from local Manhasset restaurants, such as Villa Milano, Publican, Rosa’s Pizza, Manhasset Bagels, Buttercooky Bakery and Herb & Olive. The restaurants not only provide delicious meals, they often donate in whole or part, and sometimes deliver too.

The idea grew out of a Facebook post Ms. Rizzuto saw in late March from a nurse who expressed gratitude after receiving a donation of twenty pies from a local Manhasset family. She thought to herself, “I could do this.” On March 22nd, Maria, her husband Michael and Athena Zarkadas created a GoFundMe page titled ‘Help feed front line of COVID19.’ To date, they have raised over $46,000 through the generosity of the community.

Meals have been purchased and donated to hospitals including Glen Cove Hospital, Northwell Manhasset, North Shore Hospital, LIJ, NYU Winthrop, NY Presbyterian, and many more. Deliveries have also been made to the Manhasset Post Office, police stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and local EMS and Fire Departments.

Good deeds like these are clearly a win-win, with local restaurants receiving business and frontline workers getting fed delicious meals. Respect and admiration to all who donate to this generous cause and the organizers and restaurants who get it done.

If you would like to donate, please visit this site.

Long Island Small Businesses Struggle with SBA Loans and some Banks while Main Streets Seek Re-Open Date

Anger and frustration continues to mount on Main street as Long Island businesses continue to struggle with a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that seems to be helping big business more than local owners.

The program seemed aimed at giving cash help small businesses survive the catastrophic economic shutdown currently going on.  However, it seems that private lenders have been more interested in helping longtime customers and public companies more than small business owners who are most in need.  Owners of mom-and-pop shops on Long Island Main Streets continue to run up against obstacles and conflicting information as they seek funds to keep themselves afloat.

“There is a massive amount of anger, frustration and disgust,” said Vision Long Island Director Eric Alexander.  “Upstanding businesses that never asked for a loan, never were behind on any payments to their bank, were frozen out of the PPP.  SBA-approved lenders have largely failed to process applications to the smallest businesses.”

This was the issue that the owners of Merokee Day School and Camp in Merrick ran across as they went to multiple banks trying to secure funds so they could afford to pay local employees for a few more months.  Director Tracey Ferguson said that she was looking to secure a loan through PPP 2.0 after the first part of the program was exhausted in just two weeks.

“I knew about this early, and I kept calling my bank and they knew nothing about it,” she said. “I went on their website multiple times a day but could never submit a loan application. I must have called the branch ... a dozen times, and nobody could help me. It was horrendous!”

Unfortunately, she was met with a labyrinth of confusing and contradictory information.  One bank claimed to know nothing about the program while another told her that she could apply without having an account only to reverse course a week later.  Ms. Ferguson’s frustrations mounted as she failed to draw assistance from four different banks before finally being able to submit an application to BNB, where she is still awaiting confirmation.

Meanwhile, as confusion and frustration reigns for Long Island businesses, Main Street businesses continue to struggle to scrape together enough to survive.  Downtowns continue to resemble ghost towns as people practice social distancing under the Governor’s stay-at-home order.

Some businesses have temporarily shuttered while others have seen their businesses drop by up to 90%.  Restaurants are trying everything from virtual wine tastings to “To go” date nights, to online cooking classes.  But as the economic shutdown continues to drag on, more and more are facing the possibility of permanent closure.

There is a sense that downtowns can come back strong once stay-at-home orders are lifted. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to support their local businesses any way that they can.  While national chain stores will be around after we come through the pandemic, it’s Main Street that needs the most immediate help.  People are encouraged to patronize their local businesses that need them during this time.  Without local business they may not be there later.

You can read more at Newsday and CBS News.

Governor Cuomo Announces Collaboration with Gates Foundation to Reimagine Education

The following is an update from Governor Cuomo’s website:

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State is collaborating with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a blueprint to reimagine education in the new normal. As New York begins to develop plans to reopen K-12 schools and colleges, the state and the Gates Foundation will consider what education should look like in the future, including:

  • How can we use technology to provide more opportunities to students no matter where they are;
  • How can we provide shared education among schools and colleges using technology;
    How can technology reduce educational inequality, including English as a new language students;
  • How can we use technology to meet educational needs of students with disabilities;
    How can we provide educators more tools to use technology;
  • How can technology break down barriers to K-12 and Colleges and Universities to provide greater access to high quality education no matter where the student lives; and
  • Given ongoing socially distancing rules, how can we deploy classroom technology, like immersive cloud virtual classrooms learning, to recreate larger class or lecture hall environments in different locations?

The state will bring together a group of leaders to answer these questions in collaborationwith the Gates Foundation, who will support New York State by helping bring together national and international experts, as well as provide expert advice as needed.

Governor Cuomo also announced a new contest asking New Yorkers to create and share a video explaining why people should wear a mask in public. The winning video will be used as a Public Service Announcement. Videos should be less than 30 seconds long, should show a mask properly worn over the mouth and nose and must be submitted by May 30th. Interested New Yorkers can learn more at WearAMask.ny.gov.

"The last few months have been an incredibly stressful time full of change, but we have to learn and grow from this situation and make sure we build our systems back better than they were before," Governor Cuomo said. "One of the areas we can really learn from is education because the old model of our education system where everyone sits in a classroom is not going to work in the new normal. When we do reopen our schools let's reimagine them for the future, and to do that we are collaborating with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and exploring smart, innovative education alternatives using all the new technology we have at our disposal."

Finally, the Governor confirmed 2,239 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 321,192 confirmed cases in New York State.

You can watch the full press conference announcing the new guidelines here.

SBA PPP Program now Accepting New Applications

The SBA Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan program that had previously run out of money is now accepting new applications.

The loan program is aimed at providing an incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll as the economic shutdown from the coronavirus continues.  Small businesses are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible through an approved lender so as to ensure protaction monies for their business.

The SBA has released a 36-page FAQ for businesses if they’re interested in applying.  You can also access further information about the loan program here directly from the SBA’s website.

LIBNOW to Debut this Friday

LIBN has announced that it will debut its new weekly recap show, known as LIBNOW, this Friday, May 8th.  The show will take the pulse of the Long Island business community and feature an interactive Q&A that will allow users to interact with special guests.

The goal will be to keep participants ahead of the curve as the region begins to prepare with returning to business as the region begins the re-opening process.

The inaugural show will feature Vision Director Eric Alexander and Discover Long Island’s President and CEO Kristen Jarnagin as special guests.  LIBN hosts will include Ali Jabbour, Joe Dowd, and Jenna Natale.

You register for the event here and submit questions to be posed to the guests here.

Calendar of Events

The following is a list of upcoming and ongoing calendar events. Check back on each publication for updates:

• Virtual Walks: The Health Education Council will be holding Virtual Walks every Monday at 12:30 pm EST and Wednesday at 3 pm EST, with a Spanish language virtual walk each Friday at 3 pm EST.

If you're interested in taking a walk with friends while still practicing social distancing you can head to the the website here to sign up for a virtual walk. A Spanish speaking version is available here. You will then receive a zoom link and all you'll need is a smart phone and a good pair of shoes and you'll be in business!

CDC Guidelines on Coronavirus Prevention

As concern about the ever-expanding impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) grows, we can minimize or prevent the spread of coronavirus by taking these steps:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.  Wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or antiseptic wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

For more information see the CDC website or call the NY State Coronavirus hotline to speak with a representative 888-364-3065

Our Daily Sponsor


Walter Imperatore

Smart Talk

Contributors:
Eric Alexander, Director; Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director;
Christopher Kyle, Communications Director; Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director; Jon Siebert, Administrative Director

We strive to provide continued quality publications like this every week. If you have any news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter, submit them to info@visionlongisland.org for consideration.

If you are interested in becoming a newsletter or news blast sponsor, please call the office at 631-261-0242 for rates and opportunities.

Vision Long Island
24 Woodbine Ave., Suite Two
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-261-0242. Fax: 631-754-4452.
Email: info@visionlongisland.org

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