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

July 8th, 2020

Quotes of Day

“There are wonderful memories and friendships that will continue. We know our time here was not for naught. There is so much good that was created in our time at Sip This: new love, countless hours of fun, business deals, random connections, shared art, and community coming together through events we helped facilitate.” - Stephanie Pontillo and David Sabatino on the closing of their business Sip This in downtown Valley Stream

We spend across the nation well over a trillion dollars. One way to get change is to utilize or leverage that spending power." - Hempstead Village Trustee Jeffery Daniels on the spending power of Black Americans

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

Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown

Day 115 of Coronavirus Economic Shutdown –
Wednesday July 8th, 2020

The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 115.  Thankfully the SBA’s PPP program was extended to August 8th with over $100 billion still available.  In a surprise to no one surveys show that New Yorkers want school to begin this fall and continued take out service for alcohol from local restaurants.  Long Island entered Phase 4 today that will loosen some restrictions on gatherings and important destinations like museums, arts and entertainment.

Folks are urged to be safe and wear masks and socially distance wherever possible in our communities with our families and friends.  No one wants this virus to spread and deal with economic and socially crippling shutdowns. 

Here are some updates:

• So Main Street leaders were happy to see a Phase 4 opening today which included museums, historical sites and aquariums among other related uses. Gyms and movie theatres that were originally part of Phase 4 opening are on hold with no guidance or timeline yet issued.

Eleven Town Supervisors have sent letters and/or held press conferences requesting NYS to allow gyms, movie theatres put back into Phase 4 openings. The gyms and movie theatres can be managed regarding occupancy restrictions and hopefully can open soon.

Phase 4 guidance has been posted in the NY Forward website: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries. Phase 4 includes:

Higher education: including but not limited to community and junior colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, medical schools, and technical schools. ​

Low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment​: outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agritourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions; and other similar institutions/activities. ​

Low-risk indoor arts and entertainment: indoor museums, historical sites, aquariums, and other related institutions or activities​.

Media production: “media production activities” encompass all activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site. ​

Check out the story in the LI Times.

• The July 4th weekend had a benefit to the small business community.

Thanks to the Senate and the House working in a bipartisan manner and the President signing the extension the SBA's Payroll Protection Program is back up and running until August 8th.

There is still over $130 billion in the program so rumors that this round is out of money are unfounded.

There are new rules which changed and are more flexible to accommodate local businesses regarding the expenditures of the funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks.

The other rumor is if your bank didn't process you earlier (like many banks and you were not alone) is that you are not eligible or can't apply. That is also unfounded and there are banks and other services that are processing now.

There are now materials in spanish which was another barrier for many local businesses.

As we know outreach and clear information on this program has been an ongoing problem.

Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance have had a number of webinars on this program and done other direct outreach and have been amazed that as many as 1/3 of the local businesses knew nothing about it.

Here is a Q and A that is helpful for folks who are not familiar with the program or the new rules.

If folks are having problems accessing the program please reach out and we can put you in touch with folks who can help.

• In a measure that would help downtown restaurants it seems the majority of NY'ers want to see the temporary law allowing takeout of alchoholic beverages made permanent. Check out the poll.

• Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State will decide whether schools will reopen in the fall during the first week of August. New York State is now consulting with stakeholders on guidance, which will be finalized on July 13. Plans to reopen schools are due on July 31.

• Survey shows New Yorkers want in-person schooling to resume this fall.

"A screen cannot take the role of the teacher"--that was one of the top-rated "thoughts" for Long Island in a recent crowdsourcing of ideas regarding how community members feel about returning to school in the fall. Using the virtual conversation tool Thoughtexchange, the BOCES statewide gathered input from more than 60,000 participants.

Overall, in New York State, these participants were mostly parents (67%) or teachers (33%). And one of the most important issues: "[they] felt it was important for in-person schooling to be held in the fall, even if it is not full-time." The reasons included that parents aren't trained to teach and that teacher/student and peer interactions are an important component of learning.

Other top areas of concern: cleaning and disinfecting policies and dissatisfaction with remote learning. When Long Island's results were looked at separately, the top themes were the same. Specifically, high-rated comments included: "All classrooms should have cleaning products, tissues and hand sanitizers. We need to continue practicing clean hygiene;" and "Students need to interact and move. Not sit in one room all day."

For more details about the data that was collected, and to download the state-wide report, visit the Nassau BOCES website.

• Rent Relief is available through The Emergency Rent Relief Act of 2020 signed by Governor Cuomo has made $100 million available to assist low-income renters in New York impacted by the pandemic through the COVID Rent Relief Program. HCR will host a webinar on July 9 to explain the program, detail the application process and answer questions. You must register to attend. Please register by emailing NewsFromHCR@nyshcr.org

The webinar will be held on:

Thursday, July 9 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST

• Please see the below information on Travel Advisories. Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma have been added to the incoming travel advisory. For additional information about the travel advisory, please see the links below:​

COVID-19 Travel Advisory Webpage (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory)

Interim Guidance on Travel Advisory (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/06/interimguidance_traveladvisory.pdf)

Interim Guidance for Professional Sports on Advisory (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/professional-sports-travel-advisory-guidance.pdf)

Interim Guidance for Medical Appointments/Treatment on Advisory (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/medical-and-travel-advisory-20-final.pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Advisory (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/nys-covid-travel-advisory-faq.pdf)

• All sorts of questions and confusion about the NYS travel advisories have emerged.   Thankfully there is now a hotline that can assist as well as a website to provide clearer guidelines.

Questions about the travel advisory can be director to the NYS Coronavirus hotline. Phone: 1-888-364-3065,  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

• Deadline on evictions extended:

Governor Cuomo signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act, sponsored by Sens. Hoylman and Krueger and Assembly member Dinowitz, prohibits evictions of eligible tenants if any part of the county is still shut down by government as a result of the Coronavirus.

• Take your kids out of the house….

An article in the New York Times explained the importance of outdoors and children's mental health: "Research has shown that access to green space is linked to a child's well-being. For example, adding greenery to school play yards has been shown to increase prosocial behavior in kids. They help, cooperate, comfort and share more; the loss of access to this greenery has the opposite effect."

Reporter Meg St-Esprit McKivigan interviewed parents in New York, California and Chicago who observed changes in their children's behavior when COVID-19 trapped everyone indoors. And she talked to a psychologist who told her that "Prioritizing time in nature, exercise, and even some unstructured downtime is analogous to prioritizing our children's mental health, which is more important now than ever."

Read more.

• Suffolk Transit changes - EFFECTIVE JUNE 29, 2020

Suffolk County Transit will resume front door boarding and fare collection on all buses.

Passengers are encouraged to pre-pay their fares using the FastFare app, which is available for download through Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Pursuant to Governor Cuomo's Executive Order, face coverings must be worn when onboard the bus.

https://www.sct-bus.org/

• We had a great call with the LI Main Street Alliance this week where we had over 30 different communities represented on the call that are working on reopening safely and looking for resources to help their downtown areas.  Kudos to Ms. Huey-Min Chuang Senior Director of Business and Economic Development of Empire State Development for presenting the New York Forward loan fund.

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

• There is a new bill in the NYS legislature that will enforce mask wearing to protect public health and allows businesses and other activities to remain open. LIBN

• If you’re looking for a fun activity for your child this summer, consider join this year’s Summer Reading Program! This year, libraries across the state will be offering a selection of exciting online and virtual programming – special events, reading challenges, fun activities, and more – throughout the summer months from June through August. To sign up for Summer Reading and find out what YOUR local library has planned for summer reading and summer learning programs, check out your local library’s website.

• La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corp. provides economic growth opportunities to low-income, minority and women owned enterprises. It serves Nassau and Suffolk counties. For information about SBA disaster relief, visit https://lafuerzacdc.org/ or call or text 516-666-5071, or email Covid19@Lafuerzacdc.org

• The Main Street Lending Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is intended to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. For more information, visit this website.

• Through funding from the federal Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) program, the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. is offering financial assistance to eligible individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding originates from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Financial hardships/need include mortgage assistance, rental assistance, help with utility bills, food costs, transportation, funeral costs, medical expenses, etc. Applicants’ household income must not exceed 200 percent of poverty guidelines. 

For information on how to apply, please contact: Halim Kaygisiz at hkaygisiz@eoc-suffolk.com or (631) 241-2119.

• Island Harvest has launched a free food package distribution program specifically to help out our seniors in need. Food packages include items like cereal, rice, pasta, beans, canned vegetables and fruits, canned proteins, cheese, shelf-stable milk, juice, peanut butter, and soup. To qualify, you must be 60 or over, a NY State resident (US & Non-US citizens are eligible) and verify your income. To see if you qualify, contact marilyn@islandharvest.org or call 631-873-4775

• There is a website that provides training materials for Certified Nursing Assistants, and one of the skills that CNAs must demonstrate properly before being certified is handwashing.

It is a good idea to put together a handwashing guide page on our website using material from CNA training resources to help better educate the public on the proper steps for handwashing to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

• Safely accessing public transportation is critical in getting back to work and back to normal.   Here is a guide from the NY Public Transit Association on the safety measures they are undergoing.   Important for public to know what they are doing to help make riders have a safe experience.

• Great news that allows support in the form of grants and loans for truly small businesses with under 50 employees. Kudos to Nassau IDA's Richie Kessel, other IDA's and the many folks who supported this change in policy. Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance provided letters of support on this. Chalk this up as a victory for the little guy!

• Vision was a co-sponsor of a transit chat with US Senator Chuck Schumer who committed to securing $4billion from the federal government to assist the MTA and spoke of his efforts to combat fare hikes and support all forms of transit and walkability in general.  Check out the video of the session.

• One new resource was previewed from John Keating, Director of Economic Development at PSEG for a new grant program for local Main Streets. This grant will help local businesses build their outdoor venues for dining.

PSEG Long Island is providing grants of up to $5,000 to reimburse the purchase of materials including, but not limited to: outdoor seating, tables and lighting; durable safety materials; signage.

Funding is limited and is available first come, first served. Eligible grantees include Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts and will consider grants of higher amounts on a case-by-case-basis.

This is a great opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of and kudos to PSEG Long Island for helping local during this difficult time: https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization/chambers

PSEG-LI also launched a Small Business First program to provide upwards of $2,500 in rebates to upgrade to more efficient lighting, which can help lower electric bills.  Learn more about the program and how to apply at the PSEGLI Website

 • The New York State Department of Financial Services has reached an agreement with New York's credit reporting industry to help New York consumers facing hardship caused by COVID-19 to avoid unjustified negative impacts on consumers' credit reports. DFS also urges New York State-regulated financial institutions to furnish credit information in ways that minimizes negative impacts on consumers.

As part of this agreement, credit reporting agencies will:

Provide one free credit report each month through November 2020; inform financial institutions of procedures that allow institutions to report missed or delinquent payments in ways that minimize the impact on consumers' credit histories and credit scores; apprise financial institutions of their credit reporting obligations under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides relief for consumers; and communicate with financial institutions about credit reporting that may not comply with the requirements of the CARES Act.

• Some good news - for all independent contractors, gig workers etc the SBA’s EIDL loan applications are back open and a small portion of the loan is a grant that does not have to be paid back. Check it out here.

• The LIRR unveiled a new app for train times with new features.   You can check a demonstration out here.  The fully revamped app - which still contains all your original TrainTime features - is now available for a free download through the App Store

• There are now over 800 locations statewide where New Yorkers can get diagnostic testing, and in order to make sure more New Yorkers are getting tested, Governor Cuomo has further relaxed the criteria for who can get a test and created some helpful online resources. 

If you are concerned you might need a test, but you’re not sure if you meet the criteria, take the online self-assessment at https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/ 

To locate a testing site near you, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you and enter your address to view a list and a map view of the nearest testing sites. The state has also partnered with Google Maps to display testing site results when you search "COVID testing near me" on Google Maps.

Please remember you must always schedule an appointment to get a COVID-19 diagnostic test by calling 1-888-364-3065 or your healthcare provider.

• Nassau has partnered with the Nassau County IDA’s sister organization, LEAC and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, to introduce the “Boost Nassau” initiative which launched two new programs specifically designed to support small businesses and non-profits during this challenging time:

- Small Business Recovery Loan Program for eligible small businesses, non-profits, and MWBEs.

- PPE Kit Giveaway for eligible small businesses and non-profits, fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.

- Apply for both programs at: www.boostnassau.net

• The Governor also announced he would issue an Executive Order allowing commercial buildings to conduct temperature checks for anyone entering the building as office workers begin to return to the workplace. That executive order can be found here.

• If you’re a small business owner who offers paid family leave and medical leave to your employees, and you have an employee unable to work due to the coronavirus, you may be entitled to receive a credit in the full amount of the required sick leave and family leave. Learn more at go.usa.gov/xVwTS

• Nassau County began accepting applications from small businesses for free face masks, hand sanitizer and other personal protection equipment. Owners of businesses that have been open at least one year, have 20 or fewer employees and gross revenue of less than $3 million are eligible for the free "PPE starter kits" from the county. Each kit comes with a no-contact digital forehead thermometer, five face shields, 400 face masks, 100 pairs of gloves, 1,800 sanitary wipes and two gallons of hand sanitizer. The one-page application may be found at boostnassau.net.

• We would like to make you all aware of the Suffolk County Small Business COVID -19 Supply Request Information. You can find the form here.

Submission of this form is an agreement with Suffolk County that this business will use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by Suffolk County only for the purpose of addressing the threat to the public health posed by Covid-19 in compliance with State Executive Orders and guidance for reopening businesses. PPE provided will consist of two reusable cloth face coverings per employee and one gallon of hand sanitizer per business/organization.

• The New York State Liquor Authority has posted new guidance on outdoor expansion of licensed premises. This is following the Governor's early announcement that outdoor dining is permitted in phase two of reopening.​ SLA guidance can be found at this link.

The Town of Babylon sets aside a $2.5 million fund for its local small businesses.

• 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. 

• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, its important that no New Yorker feel unsafe at work or be put into harm’s 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.

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Beloved Coffee Shop 'Sip This' Closes

Sip This, the arts and community friendly Rockaway Avenue coffeehouse shuttered its doors on June 26th, after nine years of bringing delicious coffee, baked goods, and unique entertainment and perspective to Valley Stream. Opened in 2011, longtime friends Stephanie Pontillo and David Sabatino sought to not only bring quality coffee to their hometown, but also new and interesting ideas to their community.

In a 2014 Q & A with Build A Better Burb, Sabatino explained, “It has been a goal of my business partner and me to have our coffeehouse be a “third place” for people. I think that sitting with someone over a cup of coffee or tea is disarming. Whether you are coming with a friend to catch up on life or you are meeting for a job interview, you can feel welcomed by the comfort and casualness of a coffeehouse.  Our events—open mic, poetry, magic, art shows, vinyl night, comedy, trivia—also help create the atmosphere of learning, discussion, and fun.”

Sip This occupied the former location of legendary record shop Slipped Disc in downtown Valley Stream. According to Sabatino, “We chose a downtown setting because we saw the potential of being part of a fabric of businesses. By fabric I mean the time, money, commitment, diversity, and established relationships other businesses have invested in and developed. We also placed value on the downtown being a destination.”

The goal was never to be just another coffeehouse with eclectic seating and a couple of brick walls, but to make it so much more, and the community responded. Sip This quickly became a mainstay in downtown Valley Stream, hosting art shows, poetry open mics, comedy shows, music performances and networking events. It served as a welcoming community social space for creative, charity and business endeavors.

Word of its closing surprised and saddened the Valley Stream community. “For nine years we have enjoyed serving you. We thought Sip This would last much longer and we, our staff, and our families, are deeply saddened by this outcome.” Pontillo and Sabatino told their followers on Facebook.

Hundreds of good wishes, thanks, and stories of memories have flooded Facebook since the announcement. “This is so sad! I will truly miss you as an important part of our community. You were a safe place for my daughter and her friends during their high school years. When they were there, I was at peace. Be well and all the best in your future endeavors,” one parent wrote. Another explained, “We are so sorry to hear this. You have been such a wonderful supporter of the community. I remember, on a personal note, how you gave the VS South theatre kids a chance to showcase their productions, before opening night. As a mom of one of those kids, I was so grateful. So disappointed that our community is losing such a vital piece.”

Pontillo and Sabatino posted, “There are wonderful memories and friendships that will continue. We know our time here was not for naught. There is so much good that was created in our time at Sip This: new love, countless hours of fun, business deals, random connections, shared art, and community coming together through events we helped facilitate.”

The friends and business partners continued, “It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to serve our community. This place represented an idea that perhaps we could all come together, set our differences aside and find common ground. We wish you peace love and happiness and to keep this dream alive in your hearts.”

Vision Long Island wishes everyone at Sip This good luck in future endeavors. Their hard work, dedication, and love of community is a shining example of how important downtowns are to the fabric of a town’s distinctiveness, character and strength.

Long Island Enters Reopening Phase 4

Today marks Phase 4 for the Long Island economy as more businesses were allowed to reopen under certain circumstances.

The new phase will allow for the reopening of higher education institutions, media production businesses, and some indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment venues.  This will include colleges as well as medical and technical schools, museums, historical sites, aquariums, and botanical gardens.  However, occupancy will be limited to 25% for indoor venues and 33% for outdoors according to state protocols.

Phase 4 marks the final phase of reopening but that does not release all businesses from previous restrictions.  Masks are also still required by patrons of those businesses.  Theaters, gyms, and malls will all remain closed as of now and there is no indication as to when they will be allowed to reopen. 

The restriction on gyms and movie theaters has rankled local business owners as those were originally part of the Phase 4 allowances before being removed.  Eleven Town Supervisors on Long Island have urged the state to allow them to reopen, noting that they are capable of observing occupancy protocols.

State officials remain in discussion with local officials about when those businesses can safely reopen.  In the meantime they remain in a holding pattern as they wait for some sign on when health and safety restrictions are relaxed.

You can read more at litimes.org. You can also check out the full phase 4 guidelines from New York State here.

Blackout Day 2020 Encourages Spending at Black-Owned Businesses

This past Tuesday, July 7th marked the culmination of a campaign to urge people to limit spending to black owned businesses in order to give this important slice of the American economy a boost.

The campaign was originally created by activist Calvin Martyr, who has been promoting the idea so as to highlight the spending power and influence of black Americans.  The initiative is a direct response to the recent news of police brutality and the ongoing wage gape across racial lines in the country according Mr. Martyr.

We spend across the nation well over a trillion dollars,” said Hempstead Village Trustee Jeffery Daniels of Black Americans. “One way to get change is to utilize or leverage that spending power."

Black owned businesses have long struggled in a reality that sees barriers to accessing much-needed resources.  This was demonstrated when black executives had harder times accessing Paycheck Protection Program funds with black-owned businesses having their applications denied at a higher rate.  Only a little more than 30% of black-owned firms received approval while nearly 50% off white-owned firms were approved for loans.

The Blackout Day initiative is a way for people to give back to their local black-owned communities while also demonstrating how important they are to the local economy.  It also serves to shed light on the troubles that these businesses face as they try to navigate a system that can be less than favorable to them.  Across the country black-owned businesses saw a boost in sales that was a demonstration of the buying power that the community enjoys but often doesn’t flex.

For those who missed it but are interested in patronizing black owned businesses, you can find a list created by Shades of Long Island here.  Please also visit the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce’s website as well, which helps to support these important parts of our local economy.

You can read more at Newsday.

'Zoom' to New Heights with Project Independence

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the Project Independence and You radio show wanted to continue to provide timely and important information to the senior residents of North Hempstead, caretakers and service professionals. Previous guests and topics included Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Congressman Tom Suozzi, Latest Tips on Frauds & Scams, Financial Concerns surrounding COVID-19 Pandemic, NY State Attorney General Scam Awareness and From Crisis to Calm Coping in an Ever Changing Normal. After listening to an informative guest, be sure to listen to the Talk of the Town to find out about updates, programs and what’s going on around Town!

The radio show uses the Zoom platform to organize and coordinate the shows, which is then broadcasted during the normally scheduled time. Project Independence and You airs on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tune in on WCWP 88.1 FM or wcwp.org or download the app! Past episodes are available at northhempsteadny.gov/pi-home.

Upcoming Schedule:

•July 10 - Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman to discuss Office of Nassau County Comptroller Office Updates
•July 17 - Kathleen Otte (Bi-Regional Administrator, Administration for Community Living (ACL) to discuss Aging in Place Issues during these Challenging Times
•July 24 - NYS Senator Anna Kaplan to discuss NYS Senate Updates in regards to Covid-19 Pandemic
•July 31 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran to discuss Nassau County Updates in dealing with COVID-19 Pandemic and Moving Forward

Don’t forget to listen to Talk of the Town where they discuss everything that is happening in the Town and in the World. Learn about new programs, events and exciting initiatives.

Click here to learn more.

2021 Long Island Arts Grant Workshop Schedule Released

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Decentralization Grants help to support:

·     Individual artists in the creation of new work
·     Teaching artists with in depth opportunities for students and life long learners to create
and experience the arts
·     Arts and cultural organizations with community based arts & cultural projects

Attendance to one of the following workshops is mandatory in order to apply for a 2021 NYSCA Decentralization grant.

The dates, locations and times for the workshops are listed below. Virtual workshops will be presented through ZOOM. Additional information and the login link will be provided after you register for a specific day and time.

The dates, locations* and times for the workshops are listed below:
·     Thursday, 7/9, 6PM
·     This is a dual format workshop which will be available with limited capacity in person at Huntington Arts Council, as well as virtually
·     Tuesday, 7/14 Virtual Workshop, 6PM
·     Thursday, 7/16 Virtual Workshop, 6 PM
·     Tuesday, 7/21, 2PM
·     This is a dual format workshop will be available with limited capacity in person at Westbury Village Hall, as well as virtually
·     Thursday, 7/23 Virtual Workshop, 6PM
·     Tuesday, 7/28 Virtual Workshop, 6PM
·     Thursday, 7/30 Virtual Workshop, 2PM
·     Tuesday, 8/4 Virtual Workshop, 6 PM
·     Thursday, 8/6 Virtual Workshop, 6PM

You can register for these workshops here.

AARP Hosts Disrupt Disparities

AARP is hosting a series of digital roundtables to discuss how the COVID-19 crisis has affected New York’s 50+ and aging populations, with special attention paid to the racial and ethnic disparities apparent in the impact of the virus.

These roundtables are utilized to brainstorm policy solutions that can be supported by community influencers and elected officials, and help implemented.  We will be discussing the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population, and cover a range of issues, such as senior meal deliveries, senior centers, and social isolation, while also thinking through policy solutions that would begin to resolve these issues.  We would like for all attendees to perhaps bring with them ideas and insights into policy solutions for this conversation.

July 14th 11 am - 12 noon for Suffolk & July 22nd 11 am - 12 noon for Nassau. 

For more information, contact Bernard Macias.

FMC Hosts 'Fast Chat' Series Starting July 21st

Fair Media Council introduces Fast Chat, a series of live Zoom conversations with notables in news, media & business. This series begins on Tuesday, July 21 at 2 p.m. with our first guest: One of the most influential business thought leaders in business today, Jeffrey Hayzlett, discussing the future of business amid COVID19 and, in particular, how to attract new customers, clients and advertisers during a time when we can't network, shake hands or break bread. 

With Fast Chat, expect engaging conversations that get right to the point, providing you with expert insight and advice to help you improve your life, business and community. 

The format: 20 minutes chat, then 10 minutes audience Q & A. In 30 minutes, you’re in the know. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Jeffrey Hayzlett is the primetime television host of C-Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett and Executive Perspectives LIVE on C-Suite TV and is the host of the award-winning All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett on C-Suite Radio. Hayzlett is a global business celebrity, Hall of Fame speaker, Chairman and CEO of C-Suite Network, home of the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders and best-selling author. His most recent book is The Hero Factor: How Great Leaders Transform Organizations and Create Winning Cultures. 

About Reserving Your Virtual Seat:

Tickets for Fast Chat are free for FMC members and news media, but advance registration is required. Not a member? Either join now to get access to the series of Fast Chats, along with other perks of membership, or make a donation of $25 or more to enjoy this Fast Chat. Both options are tax deductible. 

For more information, visit LIBN. To register, click here.

Babylon IDA Offers Grants to Businesses & Nonprofits

The Town of Babylon Business Improvement District is offering grants and interest-free loans as part of a new initiative geared to help businesses affected by Covid-19. The “Babylon is Back” Emergency Assistance program offers grants up to $10,000 and inter loans up to $25,000.

For more information, visit LIBN.

New York State Accepting Applications for NY Forward Loan Fund

New York State has 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. This loan can be paid back over five years with first year being interest only.  However, if small businesses have received either a PPP loan or an EIDL loan from SBA, they would not be eligible to apply. NYS has set a goal of 18% of total funds under this Program for Long Island

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 Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

Know how it spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should...

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are around others and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternal icon  will work.

Monitor Your Health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
  • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

Our Daily Sponsor

Posillico

For three generations, Posillico has combined an ironclad commitment to quality performance with an unequaled family work ethic, making the company a leader in public works projects. Incorporated in 1946 under the presidency of Joseph D. Posillico, Sr. as a small trucking contractor, the company has grown to become one of the top engineering contracting firms in New York. They employ as many as four hundred people and serve the entire Tri-State area.

Posillico is dedicated to setting the standard for excellence in the construction industry relative to: infrastructure, quality of life and making a difference through innovation and solid relationships at all levels. They know how to solve complex construction problems, completing all projects safely, on time, on target, and on budget.