presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance
June 5th, 2020
Quotes of Day
The following are an ongoing collection of quotes in opposition to a proposal to remove local zoning in the middle of this pandemic. |
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“Long Island is made up of a patchwork of villages and towns each with its own unique character and individuality which is supported by local zoning and is approved according to the needs and strengths of each locale. A blanket override of these zoning requirements at the state level would undermine local authority, take away the voice of residents and compromise the basic structure that gives each area its identity.” - Holly Byrne, Executive Director, Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District |
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A message from Vision Long Island and |
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Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown
Day 80 of Coronavirus Economic Shutdown –
Monday June 3st, 2020
The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 80. Thankfully peaceful protests continue in multiple local communities on Long Island with the support of local community, business and government leaders. Big victory today for local small businesses in the approval of outdoor dining in NYS’s Phase 2 of the reopening. Kudos to the efforts of local officials and chamber leaders who rallied for this cause. Crowds continue to cram into Big Box stores while local Main Street shops remain shuttered or under minimal operation. Local municipalities, chambers and residents are collaborating in numerous communities across Long Island on plans for reopening.
Here are some updates:
• So a little lifeline to local Main Street businesses was given today from NYS.
Looks like after pretty thorough advocacy from just about every local County, Town and Village elected official and most chambers outdoor dining will be permitted in Phase 2 of the reopening. The regulations clearly allow it and hopefully Phase 2 starts next Wednesday (or sooner)
• The Town of Babylon sets aside a $2.5 million fund for its local small businesses.
• The $1.5 billion budget deficit created by the Coronavirus economic shutdown was alarming to Suffolk County officials. The push to maintain services will include the call for bailout from the Federal government.
• The Town of Huntington is looking to its small business community to assist in reopening plans.
• At least a third of society are identified as clinically depressed, which is not a surprise
• Franklin Square and Elmont begin the process of reopening.
• Summer day camps can open statewide on June 29th, and folks are expecting that specific rules and guidance will be released soon, potentially as early as this Wednesday. A decision on sleep-away camps has not yet been made, but will be announced in the coming weeks.
• The Nassau Inter-County Express, or NICE Bus, announced that, starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday, it was suspending all service to Queens each day while the New York City curfew remains in effect. The agency had announced Monday the temporary closure of its busiest hub, the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center.
• The MTA is planning to ramp up service as New York City enters its first phase of reopening on Monday, with subways and buses returning to full, regular service after operating on a reduced plan since late March.There was no word Tuesday on when the LIRR, which has been running at about 70% of its usual weekday schedule, would return to full service.
• Please see the below update from the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles about the department's reopening plan. DMV will resume limited remote services starting June 1st. The release also includes additional opening information, such as: "As regions enter phase 3 of reopening, DMV will offer limited in-person transactions in state-run DMV offices by reservation only, prioritizing critical services, and will resume road tests for all drivers at that time."
If you cannot see the release below, you can access it at this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/press-release/press-release-05-30-2020.
• Please find attached the flyer that can be shared on the New York Forward Loan Fund. The NYFLF is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE.
The application for NYFLF is available at this link: nyloanfund.com
Additional resources, such as PowerPoint presentation and FAQ can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans-info
• Phase 2 guidance has been posted on the NY Forward website here. Phase 2 includes all office-based jobs, real-estate services, retail in-store shopping, vehicle sales, and limited barbershop and hair salon services.
• In a surprise to no one LI’s unemployment has soared in April to 16% with 16.4% in Suffolk and 15.6% in Nassau. This is higher than NYC, Westchester and higher than any time during the 1989-92 recession which were the highest in recent decades. For those saying this shutdown is an inconvenience maybe speak with someone out of work.
• Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.32 which extends the period for paying property taxes 21 days, without interest or penalty, for the certain municipalities. This EO includes Suffolk County. The order is attached and can also be found here.
• The Governor signed an Executive Order allowing businesses to deny entry to customers without masks.
• The state has launched the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF), a $100 million fund to provide flexible and affordable loans to help our small businesses, especially MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) that did not receive federal Covid-19 assistance. The program will take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on truly small businesses, with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. If you’re a small business who didn’t get federal assistance, check out esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans for more information and to pre-apply
• The Nassau County BAR Association is accepting emails for COVID-19 related legal inquiries. Emails should be sent to Covidhelp@nassaubar.org. Member volunteers are helping residents with a variety of issues, especially landlord/tenant and employment. They can also help answer questions about Federal Small Business Administration loans.
• There is an enormous amount of confusion out there. There is no comprehensive reopening as there are first steps taken to reopen. NYS will allow Long Island communities to have select categories of businesses reopen in addition to the industries already allowed to work if they are an "essential" businesses.
Industries that are eligible for Phase 1 reopening include:
- Construction
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
- Retail - (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
All businesses eligible to operate in Phase 1 should read the guidelines for their industry and submit an affirmation. In addition, they should print and complete the safety plan and display in their business.
Phase Two
- Professional Services
- Retail
- Administrative Support
- Real Estate / Rental & Leasing
Phase Three
- Restaurants / Food Services
Phase Four
- Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
- Education
Read https://forward.ny.gov/ to review the regulations and affirm their industries safety guidelines.
Check out this initial article in Huntington Now. Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci is quoted along with the Huntington Chamber and Vision.
• A new bill led by Rep. Carolyn Maloney would create a federally backed business interruption insurance fund to cover losses from a pandemic.
• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, its important that no New Yorker feel unsafe at work or be put into harms way unnecessarily. If your employer doesn’t make appropriate accommodations for your safety, for the safety of the public, or fails to provide you with PPE to do your job safely, you’re urged to call the state coronavirus hotline at 888-364-3065
RECENT NEWS FROM GOVERNMENT
• Governor Cuomo’s June 3rd message
• Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s June 3rd message
• Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s June 3rd message
• New York State Senator Monica Martinez announces the passage of her property tax deferment bill in both Senate and Assembly.
• 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.
• 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.
• Updated NYS guidance document on essential vs nonessential businesses.
• Towns and local governments have individualized resource pages for coronavirus updates:
RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS
• 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 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 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.
• NYS Sen Anna Kaplan hosted “Preparing Your Small Business for a Reopened Community,” featuring practical steps you can take right now to prepare your business for the next phase of this crisis. If you weren’t able to participate live, you can watch the replay any time on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMKaplan/videos/2929655900462446/
• Updated information regarding REVISED SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan application can be found here.
• Dining Bonds created to help local small businesses
• Facebook has grants for small businesses
• Kiva has grants 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.
• 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.
• 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)
• 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
• 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.
• If you are a school providing meals during the Coronavirus crisis grants are available.
• The American Heart Association has grants for efforts to access healthy food and active living.
• VHB has put together a thoughtful resource guide on transportation, real estate and energy. Check it out.
BILLS BILLS BILLS
• 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.)
• 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.
• 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.
• PSEG has a Coronavirus page that is updated regularly
• 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.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 live in the Huntington area a very thorough Coronavirus Resource Guide is available from the Office of Legislator William Doc Spencer.
• The CDC has issued 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
• 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.
HELP WANTED
• Tens of thousands of Long Islanders are out of work. There are many service industry positions seeking temporary or permanent employment. Please check Here are some 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 with the federal government check out this source
• NYS is hiring 17,000 tracers at $57,000 a year. Apply online here.
HOME & STIR CRAZY
• Having trouble 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.
• 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. 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
• 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.
• 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.
• How to make homemade disinfectant spray and wipes.
• 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 their YouTube page for all the videos.
• Need Chocolate Activity Kits for kids? Chocolate Works provides decorating kits 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!
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
• 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.
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.
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$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
Occupational Safety and Health
AARP's Updates on the Coronavirus
Island Harvest's Food Pantry Tracker
Suffolk County Alliance of Chamber's Disaster Relief Information
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Long Islanders Return to Street for more Peaceful Protests
Thousands of Long Islanders again returned to the streets on Wednesday to lend their voices to the call for justice and healing in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, the unarmed black Minneapolis man who died on May 25th after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.
Peaceful protests were held in Shirley, Lindenhurst, Mineola, Huntington, Bethpage, Valley Stream, Peconic, Greenport, Mastic, Merrick, Bellmore, Garden City, and other communities.
The news of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin’s charges having been upgraded to second-degree murder and the three other former officers present during the killing being charged with aiding and abetting murder was met with long-awaited gratitude by
protestors.
Thousands turned out in Merrick and Bellmore to march on Wednesday. At the Merrick demonstration, the LI Herald reports a number of Merrick residents participated and disavowed the behavior of the 30 or so counter-protesters who showed up Tuesday evening attempting to interfere with the night’s peaceful protest. Royce Winnick, who has lived in Merrick for eight years, said she was horrified to see it on video. "I'm literally disgusted," she said, with her 13-year-old daughter, Emily, by her side at the LIRR station. "These are not my people," Winnick said, noting, "We welcome this," referring to the protest. "I was ashamed," she added.
In Mineola, about 50 protestors gathered in front of the Nassau County Court House on Old Country Road. Newsday reports among the protesters were two dental assistants from NYU Winthrop, who took part in scrubs. “We fought a virus for weeks in the hospital, only to wake up to see another virus plaguing our world with the murder of George Floyd,” Stacy Wright, 38, of Carle Place said. “Police are also there to save lives. Just like we save lives in the hospital, we should be saving lives on the street, not taking them.”
In Shirley, protesters shut down Montauk Highway on Wednesday night, kneeling for 9 minutes and holding photos of George Floyd. Their purpose, just like those in every town, was to peacefully demonstrate to inspire change. Again, the events were filled with young and old, and all colors and religions.
Nassau and Suffolk police departments on Thursday reported there were no arrests.
Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder did release a statement Wednesday dispelling rumors about false claims on social media that yellow crosses that were being painted on items, which have been spotted around the county, are not markers for protesters to strategically place bricks or weapons to use to commit violent acts. He said the markings "have been observed for over a month and have nothing to do with the current protests occurring throughout Nassau County and the Country."
Suffolk County Police also released a statement on Wednesday informing residents that posts on social media stating bricks being dropped off of overpasses are not credible.
Cuomo Message
The following is an update from Governor Cuomo’s website:
You can watch the Governor’s full press conference here.
Calendar of Events
Salvation Army to host Virtual Benefit Concert
This pandemic has impacted us all, yet the Salvation Army continues to do what it has always done: serve those most in need.
The Salvation Army has served 2.5 million meals since March, but the need is truly staggering and growing, and so the Army’s cupboards are nearly depleted. Nearly thirty percent of all meals served by The Salvation Army in the Greater New York Region have been to our neighbors here on Long Island.
Now, they need your help again.
Please text ‘CHEERFUL’ to 91999 to make a donation that will allow them to continue their important work, and they’re having a virtual party and concert to celebrate!
Join the “Share Your Love: Virtual Benefit Concert to Support The Salvation Army’s COVID-19 Relief Efforts on Long Island.”
The event is Monday, June 22, 20, and can be viewed on https://www.facebook.com/salvationarmyny/ The Concert will be hosted by Emmy Award winning News 12 veteran anchor Carol Silva. By each of us doing something, we can create something big for Long Islanders facing the challenge of their lives.
You can send a donation right now to:
The Salvation Army on Long Island
c/o The Hempstead Citadel Corps
65 Atlantic Avenue
Hempstead, New York 11590
Attn: Captain Charles F. Roberts
charles.roberts@use.salvationarmy.org
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!
• LIBN invites you to join their team every Friday at 2PM on libnow, LIBN's live end-of-week recap, where they take the pulse of the Long Island business community and chat with experts on the state of their industry.
Participate in an interactive Q&A where YOU tell them what your business needs to know to stay ahead of the curve, as Long Island inches toward going back-to-business.
You can register for the event here.
• Please join the Queens Chamber of Commerce for a complimentary webinar to learn about:
- What is forgivable and what is not forgivable in the PPP loan and the EIDL grants
- Tax implications of the loans from an income and an expense perspective
- Documentation needed to get these loans forgiven
This webinar will take place on Tuesday, June 9th at 2 pm. You can register for the event here.
• Organizations and community leaders working to address inequities around the social determinants of health are invited to join the American Heart Association for COVID-19: The Impact on Latino Communities: Wednesday, June 10th from 3 – 4 p.m. ET.
The event will explore the implications of COVID-19 from the perspective of economics, education, physical and mental health; explain the connection between health disparities and inequities related to the COVID-19 crisis; and explore solutions to address the current COVID-19 crisis and its future implications.
You can register for the event here.
• Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Long Island Advancement of Small Business presents ZOOM Video Conference “Office 365 Unleashed for Small & Medium-sized Businesses” 8:00AM to 10:00AM RSVP at www.liasb.com or call 516-473-7202. Registration is Free, but you must register for this event.
New York State Launches NY Forward Loan Fund
Yesterday, New York State opened pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund. Loans from this fund are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords in New York State that did not receive a loan from either the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for COVID-19 in 2020. New York Forward loans must be fully repaid over a 5-year term with fixed annual interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and landlords.
Small businesses may apply for the lesser of $100,000 or up to 100% of the average monthly revenues in any 3-month period from 2019 or the first quarter of 2020.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as industries and regions reopen however, priority for New York Forward Loans will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Resources are available to assist in preparing applications for small businesses, landlords and nonprofits in industries and regions that have not yet reopened.
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.
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
Our Daily Sponsor
St. Joseph’s College
Since 1916, St. Joseph’s College has provided an affordable liberal arts education to a diverse group of students. Independent and coeducational, St. Joseph’s prepares students for lives of integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service; lives that are worthy of the College’s motto, Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem.”
St. Joseph’s Long Island Campus challenges its approximately 3,300 students to develop their full potential and a joy of learning. With more than 400 faculty members, the College enjoys a student-to-faculty ratio that provides individual attention in an open, supportive atmosphere.
St. Joseph’s remains dedicated to maintaining low costs while upholding a strict standard of excellence. While retention rates at most colleges are slipping, St. Joseph’s remains above the national average. Its academic strength hasn’t gone unnoticed. The College is consistently recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges” issue.
Smart Talk
Contributors:
Eric Alexander, Director; Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director;
Christopher Kyle, Communications
Director;
Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director; Linda Henninger, Outreach Coordinator
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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