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Dear Neighbors,

Monday is the first day of in-person learning for some public school students across New York City. This is an incredibly challenging time for families, teachers, and all school staff, and I am wishing everyone well as the school year begins.

The Dept of Education has just announced ([link removed]) that in-person learning will be phased-in, based on grade level, over the next two weeks:
* Monday (9/21): Blended learning students in grades 3-K & Pre-K, as well as all grades in District 75.
* Tuesday (9/29): Blended learning students enrolled in K-5 and K-8 schools.
* Thursday (10/1): Blended learning students enrolled in middle schools, high schools, secondary schools (schools spanning grades 6-12), and transfer schools/adult education.

I urge families to regularly check the DOE website ([link removed]) for additional updates.

The Dept of Education's Learning Bridges program will provide free child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grade on days when they are scheduled for remote learning. Click here to learn more and apply ([link removed]) . If you already filled out the expression of interest form, you do not need to complete another application. Families can call 311 if they are having difficulty completing the application.

More information will be shared by the DOE (for children in 3-K and pre-K) or the Dept of Youth & Community Development (for children in grades K-8) about potential placements. Programs will become available on a rolling basis.

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I'll be at several Upper West Side schools on Monday the 21st and Tuesday the 29th, welcoming children and their families. I'll also be distributing information about the upcoming deadline (October 9th) to register to vote in the Presidential Election, as well as the urgent need for Upper West Siders to complete the Census (last day is September 30th).

Read below to learn more about both of these deadlines.
2020 Census: Only 13 Days Left

Despite legal efforts to extend the deadline, the 2020 Census appears to be on track to end on September 30th.

It is absolutely essential --for fair representation in government, equitable public funding, and much more-- that all New Yorkers participate in the Census. Go to my2020census.gov ([link removed]) or call 844-330-2020 to complete your Census today -- it's fast and confidential. New York City’s future depends on it.

Census workers are in the field, following up with Upper West Siders who still have not responded. Please assist their efforts -- if you live in a building with a doorman, please urge building management to allow Census workers with identification to enter and do their job.
2020 Presidential Election
Are You Registered to Vote?
* If you are not registered, you must do so by October 9th! Go to vote.nyc ([link removed]) , or call 1-866-868-3692, to check your registration & register if necessary.
* Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd.
* Early Voting will be available from October 24th -- November 1st. We will follow up shortly with information about early voting sites in our area.

Absentee Ballots: Apply ASAP
It's easy and simple to apply online for a general absentee ballot for the November 3rd election. Click here to apply ([link removed]) . Remember: if you applied for an absentee ballot for the primary election, you must apply again for the general election. Deadline to request an absentee ballot: October 27th.

The NYC Board of Elections will begin mailing out absentee ballots later this month. The BOE now provides an Absentee Ballot Tracking System. Click here ([link removed]) to check the status of your application and track your ballot. The system is updated every 24 hours, and applications take up to 72 hours to be entered.

Tonight: Making Your Vote Count -- Sen. Liz Krueger Town Hall
If you have questions about to how to apply for an absentee ballot, how to track your ballot, where to vote early, changes to NYS election laws, how to become a poll worker or poll monitor, or you just want to make sure that your vote will count, join Senator Liz Krueger, along with representatives of Common Cause NY and the League of Women Voters NYC, for a discussion this Thursday, September 17th, from 7– 8:30 pm.

Sen. Krueger's Town Hall will be streamed live via Facebook. You do not need a Facebook account or profile to watch. Go to [link removed]. Persons without internet access may call in. When you register for the event you will receive a confirmation email with the call-in information. Register and submit your voting questions here ([link removed]) .
Important Community Updates

Together with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, NYS Assemblymembers, Senators and other Council Members, I sent this letter today ([link removed]) to Mayor de Blasio and Dept of Homeless Services Commissioner Steven Banks. We are calling on the Administration to reverse its decision to move all homeless shelter clients out of the Lucerne Hotel.
(Yesterday, I joined with UWS Open Hearts and many other Upper West Siders to express solidarity with the Lucerne shelter residents. Watch the video here ([link removed]) .)

It's important to remember that thousands of New Yorkers living in congregate shelters have been moved into hotels to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and this policy has been successful. The City's plan to move the Lucerne shelter residents carries a high cost. They will displace residents of the Harmonia, a long-term shelter on the East Side which houses adult families and people with disabilities.

Over 40 Lucerne shelter residents have moved out in the last several weeks. Project Renewal, UWS community organizations, my office and so many others are committed to ensuring that those remaining at the Lucerne receive the services and support they need to move forward.

Now more than ever, New York City desperately needs a comprehensive and public health centered approach to support all persons experiencing homelessness. Read our press release ([link removed]) .

Support Our Neighbors
September is Hunger Action Month ([link removed]) . Even before the pandemic, well over a million New York City residents were food insecure and that number continues to rise. There are many ways to help. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

New Compost Drop-Off Location
Good news for our environment -- composting has resumed at a limited number of locations ([link removed]) across the city. Upper West Siders can now bring their food and organic waste to 107th Street and Columbus on Wednesdays, from 4-6pm. Learn more here ([link removed]) !
Spread the Word!

It's Time to Get Your Flu Shot!
Every year about 2,000 New Yorkers die as a result of seasonal influenza and flu-related pneumonia. As both the flu and the coronavirus will be in our community this fall, getting your flu shot is more important than ever.

Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and quick -- it’s available now at low cost or for free at locations around the city. Click here to learn more ([link removed] ) , or text “FLU” to 877877.

Voices of the Disabled: Planning for Emergencies
As part of National Preparedness Month, join NYC Emergency Management for a panel discussion on September 24th at 1pm where people with disabilities will speak about steps they take to be prepared for emergencies.

Additional discussion topics include: supplies that should be considered when evacuating or sheltering in place, how to stay informed, and challenges that people with disabilities have faced in the community during Covid-19.

Register for the webinar here ([link removed]) . Registrants will receive a link to the event on Monday, 9/21. If an accommodations is needed, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) by Friday, 9/18.

To view a recent NYCOEM webinar on emergency preparedness for pets and service animals, click here ([link removed]) .
We're Here to Help

My office assists people with housing issues, seniors, the disabled, the recently un (or under) employed, the food insecure, and all those suffering the many consequences of this pandemic, to help in any way we can.

Please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com ([link removed]) . We update it on a daily basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis.

Warmly,

P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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