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Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, the City Council overwhelmingly passed my legislation establishing an advisory board to address gender and racial discrimination and harassment experienced by staff in NYC healthcare institutions. The Council also passed my resolution calling for implicit bias training in medical schools across New York State.

Our healthcare institutions should be centers of healing. My legislation seeks to improve patient outcomes over the long-term, both by improving workplace conditions for health staff, and tackling implicit bias head-on. Learn more here.

Please see below for important community updates and the latest information on available resources. Of particular interest -- 

"Open Culture" Streets
The City Council's recently passed "Open Culture" legislation allows eligible arts and cultural institutions to use approved public street space for community programs.

Beginning in March, organizations will be able to apply for expedited permits, through the NYC Street Activity Permitting Office (SAPO), to use approved streets for artistic and cultural programming. We encourage our local performance arts organizations to apply! Learn more here.

Two Upper West Side streets -- W. 63rd between Broadway & Columbus Ave and W. 75th between Broadway & Amsterdam Ave -- have been approved for Open Culture programming.
 

“Sweet Dreams” Pajama + Book Drive
We are very pleased to support Muslim Volunteers for New York (MV4NY)'s 4th annual “Sweet Dreams” Pajama and Book Drive. The drive benefits underserved babies and children (ages 0-18) by supporting two outstanding organizations; The Pajama Program and Room to Grow.

The Pajama and Book Drive is specifically for at-risk families and young children -- too many of whom experience poverty, abandonment and hunger. You can provide a child with the simple comfort of a new pair of pajamas and the enjoyment of a lovely book. Donations accepted through February 14th, 2021. Donate here!
 

Deadline to Update Party Affiliation in Primary Elections
To vote for candidates running in the Democratic, Republican, or other party primaries, you must be registered with that political party. This Sunday, February 14th is the deadline to update your affiliation for the June 22nd primary elections for city offices including Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council. 

Check your party affiliation here. Update your party affiliation by:

Regulating Commercial Helicopter Traffic
Congressman Jerrold Nadler has introduced legislation which will direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to adopt measures that will reduce the disruption of commercial helicopter tours and increase public safety. Congressman Nadler's legislation is a critical step as only the Federal government can regulate air travel.

H.R. 389 mandates strict regulation of commercial helicopter air tour operations to address defense risks and community disruption, including no overflights of defense, park, cemetery, and other sensitive installations, as well as minimum altitude and maximum noise limits on all flights. Learn more about the legislation here.
 


Cardinal in Central Park. (Photo: Central Park Conservancy Facebook Page)
COVID-19 Updates

Indoor Dining Re-Opens Today at 25% Capacity
As you've no doubt heard, restaurants and bars may reopen indoor dining at 25 percent capacity this Friday (2/12).

Restaurants and bars are required to close indoor and outdoor dining from 10pm to 5am daily. Takeout and delivery are still allowed after 10pm, except for alcoholic beverages. Click here to read NYS guidance for reopening indoor dining.

Vaccinations
Effective February 15th, vaccine eligibility will be expanded to adults with a variety of pre-existing medical conditions. Click here to see all New Yorkers who are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

We know that many of you have had difficulty scheduling your vaccinations. As the City replenishes and expands its vaccine supply, the situation should improve. We will share any useful information we receive, and please check these sources regularly for updates.
Contingent on supply -- vaccinations can be scheduled via the City of NY’s Vaccine Hub or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

Veterans: VA New York Harbor is offering vaccinations to veterans 65 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare. Click here to learn more or call 1-877-877-9267.

Webinar: Building Trust and Confidence for Older New Yorkers to get Vaccinated Against Covid-19. (Recorded on February 9th.) Speakers include NYC Dept for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez and community leaders. Watch here.

Seniors: By State order beginning February 11th, adults 65 and older are being prioritized for vaccination by pharmacies and mass vaccination sites. If you are 65+, call your local pharmacy to ask if they are (or will be) providing vaccines. You may also want to ask if they are maintaining a waiting list.

Transportation for Seniors to Vaccination Appointments
New Yorkers age 65+ who make a vaccination appointment at a City-operated site will be asked if they need transportation to get to and from their appointment. Seniors will be directed to options including Access-a-Ride, ambulette services, and cab service via Curb.

Seniors living in NYCHA developments: please be advised that the City is starting to open clinics at NYCHA buildings, providing vaccinations for residents 65 and older. A clinic at the Polo Grounds Towers in Manhattan has opened and we will keep you posted about additional sites.
 
Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps is providing special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts:
  • “Take Care” packages which include enough personal protective equipment for a household of three to quarantine for 10-14 days. Learn more here.
  • A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Click here to learn more or call (212) 268-4319 to book a room.
  • Free dog walking and other pet drop-in services to ensure New Yorkers can remain safely separated in a hotel or at home. Learn more here.
COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment for Manhattan Businesses
Business owners in need of supplies for themselves and their employees should email the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].

Did You Get Your Flu Shot?
Every year about 2,000 New Yorkers die as a result of seasonal influenza and flu-related pneumonia. 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, or text “FLU” to 877877.
Especially for Tenants

Eviction Moratorium
A reminder that the NYS Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 essentially blocks evictions through May 1st.

The Act pauses all eviction proceedings until the end of February. After that, tenants will need to sign hardship declarations which attest either to financial hardship due to COVID-19 or increased risk of contracting COVID. Signing this declaration will protect the tenant from eviction through May 1st, 2021. 

If you have questions about these new protections and/or are in danger of eviction:
  • Please contact one of the housing organizations listed on our website. Click on "Housing."
  • Watch our January 13th Virtual Housing Clinic, which includes a presentation on the Eviction Prevention Act. Our great thanks to TakeRoot Justice for its very thorough presentation. Watch the clinic here.
  • Visit the City's Tenant Resource Portal which connects residential renters with free public and private resources to help prevent evictions.
  • Contact the City's Tenant Helpline by clicking here or calling 311 for legal advice, counseling, and access to other useful resources.
  • Call the Housing Court Answers hotline at (212) 962-4795, Monday thru Friday, 9am-5pm. Language interpreters available. Information on Housing Court / housing law, plus rent arrears assistance and homelessness prevention guidance. NYCHA tenants also assisted.
Assistance With Submitting Your Eviction Moratorium Hardship Form
Right to Counsel, Housing Justice for All, and JustFix.nyc have launched a new website to help tenants submit their hardship declaration forms on-line.

EvictionFreeNY.org provides an accessible, easy to use format that ensures tenants can take full advantage of the temporary protections provided by the new law.
  • Fill out your hardship declaration form on-line
  • Automatically populate your landlord's information if you live in NYC
  • Send your form by email to your landlord and the courts
  • Send your form by USPS Certified Mail for FREE to your landlord
Resources for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities

Wellness Programs
Mount Sinai's Karpas Health Education & Community Outreach Dept provides wellness programs to thousands of New Yorkers so that they can remain safe, active, and vital members of their community. Click here to learn more.

Relieving Stress & Loneliness Through Humor
A recent report found that when wellness callers checked in with isolated seniors, 50 percent of the seniors asked to hear a joke.

Laughter has many proven health benefits, besides just feeling good. Comedians on Call is a phone helpline that connects seniors with over 50 volunteer local comedians and improv artists who simply want to make their day a little better. Comedians on Call has also worked with JASA and other older adult organizations. Click here to learn more!

DOROT Technology Coaching Program
Learn to use your smartphone, tablet, or computer, as well as Zoom, FaceTime, email, and on-line shopping, with the assistance of a DOROT Tech Coach.  

This free, one-on-one program is tailored to your goals, and conducted remotely by phone or videoconference. Please email [email protected]; or call (917) 411-3706 to schedule your tech coaching appointment.

Getting Older Adults Online
In the U.S. nearly 22 million seniors 65 and older still lack broadband access at home. Aging Connected is a new national campaign dedicated to closing the technology adoption gap for older adults -- the goal is to bring one million seniors online with high-speed internet by 2022. Visit agingconnected.org to learn more.

Aging Connected is helping to connect older adults with low-cost internet options and learning opportunities through Senior Planet. If you're a new internet user, visit seniorplanet.org/aging-connected to find a selection of introductory classes curated just for you. 

UPDATE: SCHE/DHE Renewals
Due to a new law passed in response to COVID-19, most current Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) recipients are not required to renew their benefits this year.

The NYC Dept of Finance (DOF) will mail homeowners a renewal letter if you need to take any action before the March 15th renewal deadline; otherwise, the benefit will automatically renew at its current level.

Please Note: renewal applications are still required in the event of:
  • Changes to the recipient’s primary residence
  • The addition of another owner to the deed
  • The transfer of the property to a new owner 
Also, if your income decreased in 2020, you have the option to submit a renewal application so that DOF can determine whether you are eligible for a larger benefit. (If your income last year was less than $50,000, you are almost certainly receiving the largest possible benefit.)  

Owners with questions should contact www.nyc.gov/contactpropexemptions.

Not yet a SCHE or DHE recipient? The deadline for initial applications is March 15, 2021! Learn how to apply on-line here. Attend a DOF on-line information session by clicking here.

Events & Resources for Public School Families


Track COVID-19 cases in New York City public schools by clicking here.

3-K + Pre-K Applications
Families can begin submitting applications for free, full-day 3-K and Pre-K for the 2021-22 school year on February 24th.

Apply online at MySchools.nyc; or by phone at (718) 935-2009. Applications accepted in multiple languages.
  • Pre-K application deadline: April 7. All children born in 2017 can apply. 
  • 3-K application deadline: April 30. All children born in 2018 can apply.
  • Not all school districts have 3-K sites.
  • Families who meet income requirements can apply for free or low-cost Pre-K and 3-K programs with an extended day and year.
  • Sign up for DOE email updates at schools.nyc.gov/Sign-Up.
  • Families seeking an open 3-K or pre-K seat for the current school year can call (718) 935-2009 or email [email protected] to learn about available options in their community.
It's Time to Apply to High School! All current eighth grade students in NYC must apply to high school by February 23, 2021. Log in to MySchools.nyc to explore high schools and apply. Learn more about the application process.

NYC Dept of Education Virtual High School Admissions Events. DOE representatives explain high school admissions in NYC, and changes to the process due to COVID-19. Watch the video series here.

Have questions about applying to middle or high school for students with IEPs? Watch Advocates for Children of NY's recent webinar about the application process for students with disabilities.

The Student Leadership Network provides free resources to help guide high school seniors through the college application process. Click here to learn more

Free Trainings from Asphalt Green
The shift to virtual learning leaves few opportunities during the school day for physical activity and social connections for kids. Asphalt Green is working to reverse this trend by providing free virtual resources for educators, school staff, and other youth development workers. Learn more here.

High school juniors and seniors can earn a free lifeguard certification in Asphalt Green's friendly and Covid-safe environment. Apply here!

Financial Resources for Residents & Businesses


Free Tax Prep Services for New Yorkers
If you earned $68,000 or less in 2020, you can file for free— including from home — with the help of an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. Preparers can help you file your taxes safely now, and transmit the returns to the IRS when they open the tax season this Friday, February 12, 2021.

Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep; or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance. Services available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Russian. Additional languages available through phone interpretation. 
Important: Any preparer promising a tax refund BEFORE February 12 may be selling you a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL), which may come with fees and high interest rates.

Additional Tax Season Resources: Financial Empowerment Services 
  • The City of NY's "Financial Empowerment Centers" provide professional financial counselors who can help you manage your bills and credit. Most financial counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone. Book an appointment here.
  • The NY Legal Assistance Group can help you improve your finances and remove barriers to economic security—for free. NYLAG financial counselors and coaches assist New Yorkers in developing strategies to pay off debt, manage personal finances more efficiently, navigate through financial crises, and build long-term financial stability. Click here to learn more and make an appointment.
 NYS Unemployment Insurance Updates
  • Governor Cuomo recently announced a plan to ensure that unemployed New Yorkers who accept part-time work are not penalized. Learn more here.
Cash Assistance: You may be eligible for an emergency cash grant if it will meet certain special needs. For more information call the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Infoline at (718) 557-1399 or visit: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/.

Assistance with Public Benefits
The Legal Aid Society’s Access to Benefits Helpline can assist if you or a loved one are having difficulty with an application or recertification for HRA Cash Assistance, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits. Tel: (888) 663-6880; Monday – Friday, 10am – 3pm.
 
Obtain assistance with:
  • HRA benefits problems including: application, recertification, adding a person to budget, change of address, report of change or loss of income, request to close case.
  • Accessing Medicaid services and service denials, and other health care needs.
Federal Relief for Small Businesses
The NYC Dept of Small Business Services is connecting small business owners to federal relief funds, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance. 

Available resources include: 
  • Daily webinars to review the PPP and EIDL Advance programs and how to apply 
  • One-on-one assistance to find the best financing options and get help applying 
  • Connections to PPP lenders 
  • Information about additional SBA resources   
Resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Chinese. Businesses can learn more about the PPP and available assistance by visiting www.nyc.gov/ppp or calling the SBS Hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC.  
 
Information about federal relief continues to be released -- check the Small Business Administration's website regularly for updates. 

Community Resources & Upcoming Deadlines


City Council Funding for Non-Profits
A reminder that the application period for City Council FY22 expense funding for non-profit organizations is closing soon. Expense funding is for programs and includes operating expenses, supplies, and/or personnel costs. Deadline for submission: Tuesday, February 16th.

The City Council also provides funding for capital --bricks and mortar-- projects. Please visit my website to learn about our specific requirements and for funding applications.

Health Coverage: NYS Enrollment Period Extended to March 31st 
If you have lost your health insurance or have not had coverage, go to https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ for a comprehensive list of affordable options -- including subsidized individual health plans and Medicaid. New York State's current open enrollment period has been extended until March 31st, 2021. New Yorkers can enroll in Medicaid all year long.

No-Cost Mammograms
Early detection of breast cancer is proven to save lives. No-cost mammograms are available now via the American-Italian Cancer Foundation. No co-pays required and deductibles are waived. Uninsured patients are welcome. 

For more information and to make an appointment, call 1-877-628-9090. Click here to learn more. Eligibility:
  • Women age 40 - 79
  • Currently living in New York City
  • No Mammogram in the past 12 months
Free Vision Screenings: University Eye Center
Free screenings are available Monday, March 1st, from 1pm to 3pm.

Screenings are by appointment only. All ages welcome. Infants under 18 months can have a complete eye exam done for free instead of a screening.
  • Phone (212) 938-4001, Monday - Friday (9am - 5pm) and Saturday (8:30am - 4:30pm)
  • Location: University Eye Center, SUNY College of Optometry, 33 W. 42nd Street
Inspections of UWS Gas Piping Systems
UWS building owners: please be advised that per Local Law 152 (2016), gas piping systems in all buildings, except 1 and 2-family homes, must be inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber (or a qualified person under the supervision of a LMP) at least once every four years. As part of an ongoing schedule, buildings in Upper West Side Community District 7 are being inspected this year. Learn more about the inspections here.

2021 Manhattan Community Board Applications: Deadline Extended
Do you want to serve your local community? Joining your community board is a great way to get involved in improving quality of life, and bringing forward your concerns and those of your neighbors.

New York City's community boards are the front-line of local government. They encourage and facilitate the participation of residents within their neighborhoods -- providing a forum to evaluate new development, zoning changes, street & sidewalk planning, and more. The boards work directly with City agencies, and are essential to the efficient and effective delivery of municipal services. Apply on-line here. Deadline: Monday, February 22nd (5pm).

Stay Connected!
Are you missing your library? Click here for the latest on-line and telephone-based programs and services from St. Agnes Library. 
 
Mental Health Support
As we all know, this is a profoundly stressful time. If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, please reach out for support and help. One option is NYC Well, the City's confidential helpline for mental health and substance misuse services. Trained counselors can provide you with support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages. Click here; call: 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355); or text: “Well” to 65173.

Support For City Employees
If managing your stress is beginning to feel like a full-time job, consider reaching out to the NYC Employee Assistance Program. All EAP services are available Monday through Friday, 8am – 9pm. Contact the EAP by email at [email protected] or leave a message at (212) 306-7660.

Race, Health and You: Separating Facts From Fiction. Join WorkWell NYC’s Project BUILD and a panel of distinguished guests, including Dr. Alexie Puran, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, as we explore the history and impact of racialized health care and how we break the cycle of systemic racism in health care. Wednesday, February 17th, 12:30pm. Register here.
Donate Your Devices!

Devices for Students
Thousands of NYC public school students have struggled to obtain working devices for use in remote learning. The new Community Board 7 Chair, Steven Brown, has initiated a partnership with Goddard Riverside to collect devices and related accessories, which Goddard will distribute to children and students enrolled in their educational programs. (Age 3 to college students.)

Goddard Riverside will be accepting devices on Tuesday, February 16th between 5-7 pm at the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center. Location: 250 W. 65th St. (between Amsterdam and West End Aves, side door).

Please note that these dates are only for dropping off donated devices, not to request one. Both laptops and tablets are needed, as well as accessories such as headsets and chargers. Devices must be in good condition, and must be wiped of all personal information prior to donation. Additional donation days will be scheduled. Click here for more information. 

Devices for Seniors
TeleHealth for Seniors provide seniors and low-income communities with devices, instructions, and free tech-support to connect them to their physicians, friends and family, and wellness tools.

TeleHealth for Seniors accepts iPhone 4s and above, as well as 2nd generation iPads and above. They also accept Android models and laptops. Learn more and donate here!
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. We also provide on-going advocacy with our public schools and other public services.

Please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected]; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com. We update it on a regular 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. Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram.
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