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Dear Neighbors,

I'm very pleased to share the news that curbside composting will resume this Fall, now that the City's financial position is beginning to improve. The service will be available to the 3.5 million residents who previously had weekly collection, with buildings and residents able to voluntarily opt-in.

Enrollment will launch in August, with collection services set to begin in October and expand as more buildings opt in. Significant expansions of community composting, reuse, and hazardous waste disposal programs are also planned. Learn more here ([link removed]) and here ([link removed]) .

You can compost now: the number of food scrap drop-off locations in our area continues to increase!
* Find the location closest to you here ([link removed]) .
* Do you want to host a new Food Scrap Drop Off site? Click here to learn how ([link removed]) .

A reminder that the Mayor recently announced other sanitation service improvements:
* 100 additional Dept of Sanitation trucks will be assigned to litter basket service every week. Sunday basket collection is also resuming.
* A new "Precision Cleaning Initiative" will conduct targeted cleanings of litter, illegal dumping, and overflowing litter baskets. Borough-based teams will be sent out based on DSNY field observations, 311 complaints, and referrals from other City agencies and community groups.
* Finally, DSNY will begin to deploy a "Community Clean-up Van," which will provide support and resources for local community groups performing cleanups this Spring. Residents interested in joining or hosting a community cleanup should call 311.

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Ban on Glyphosate Use in City Parks
Last week the City Council passed legislation which bans the use of non-biological pesticides, such as glyphosates, in playgrounds, parks, or other property owned or leased by the City. The bill provides limited exceptions in cases of invasive and harmful species, or when use of an alternative would pose a safety hazard for workers. Read the legislation ([link removed]) .

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Save the Date: May 5th Housing Clinic
Tenants with legal and/or housing court-related questions are warmly invited to join us for our May Housing Clinic, led by TakeRoot Justice and Goddard Riverside Law Project. This month's topic is "The State’s Rent Relief (CERAP) overview. What we know, and what we don’t know." The clinic will be conducted via Zoom on Wednesday, May 5th, from 6 to 7pm. We will send out viewing information on Monday.

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The application deadline for New York City's Summer Youth Employment Initiative has been extended to April 30th. SYEI offers a range of paid work experiences and project-based learning opportunities for young people.
Applications and information now available by clicking here ([link removed]) ! You can also call 311 or the NYC Dept of Youth & Community Development's Community Connect at 1-800-246-4646. Scroll below to see other summer opportunities!

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NYCHA Residents: Apply to Join the Resident Roundtable!
NYCHA is establishing a Resident Roundtable so that residents can give input on the implementation of its Transformation Plan ([link removed]) . The Roundtable will make recommendations to NYCHA on critical aspects of the plan, such as lease enforcement and compliance; quality of life and stewardship; safety and security; feedback channels and quality assurance; and other areas, identified by both residents and staff.

The Roundtable launches in June, consisting of approximately 30 residents. It will be reflective of NYCHA’s diverse population and represent each of the Authority’s Neighborhood portfolios.

Join an information session this Monday, May 3rd at 6pm to review Roundtable position requirements, compensation, and application details. Applications accepted through May 10th. Click here to learn more ([link removed]) .

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NYPD Exam Registration Deadline Extended
The deadline to register for the NYPD's next Police Officer exam has been extended to May 4th, 2021. Learn more about becoming an officer here ([link removed]) . Register for the exam: www.nyc.gov/oasys ([link removed]) . For more information, contact 212-RECRUIT or visit the NYPD's website ([link removed]) .

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A reminder that New York City's Primary Elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, and members of the City Council are on June 22nd. Ranked-choice voting will be used in this year’s Primary and Special Elections. Learn more here ([link removed]) or here ([link removed]) . Watch a helpful video here! ([link removed])

Are you registered to vote? To vote in the June 22nd Primary, voter registration applications must be postmarked no later than May 28th, and received by the Board of Elections no later than June 2nd. You can also register on-line. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

If you wish to vote using an absentee ballot, please request one as soon as possible. You can request an Absentee Ballot here ([link removed]) ; and request an Accessible Ballot here ([link removed]) .

Please call 1-866-VOTE-NYC or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) with questions. Assistance is available in multiple languages.

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NY Public Library Enters Phase 2 of Re-Opening on May 10th
* 26 NYPL branch libraries currently open for grab-and-go service will expand their offerings to include public computer reservations and limited browsing. Click here to see the branches and what services will be available ([link removed]) .

* All of NYPL’s research libraries will open limited spaces to patrons by appointment only. Appointments can only be made following a virtual consultation with research staff. Click here for NYPL updates ([link removed]) .

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Community Board 7 Environmental Justice Survey
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and full involvement of all persons (regardless of race, color, national origin or income) in the process of carrying out environmental laws, regulations, policies, and activities, including the distribution of environmental benefits to all.

Please click here to share your thoughts on environmental justice ([link removed]) with our local community board. You can also complete the form in Spanish ([link removed]) .
COVID-19 Updates

1.) All City-run vaccination sites are now open to ALL New Yorkers. This includes City-run "walk-up" sites (age 16+ accepted at Pfizer sites; age 18+ accepted at Moderna sites). See the most up-to-date list of walk-up vaccination sites here ([link removed]) .

A reminder that all New Yorkers 16 years and older are eligible ([link removed]) for the vaccine. Vaccinations can also be scheduled via the City of NY’s Vaccine Hub ([link removed]) , its Vaccine Finder ([link removed]) , or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

Please check the NYS Dept of Health website ([link removed]) and the NYC Dept of Health website ([link removed]) regularly for vaccination updates and additional information.

2.) Masks for Children: The MTA has begun distribution of 60,000 child-size masks throughout the subway system. Donated by the State, child size masks are available upon request at all MTA staffed booths and at Staten Island's St. George railway station. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

3.) NYCHA's Douglass Houses is offering COVID-19 vaccinations in their senior center through May 2nd. The pop-up center is open Thursday - Sunday, from 8am-6pm, and is offering the Moderna vaccine.

To make a vaccination appointment, NYCHA residents should phone (332) 240-3330. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

4.) Live performance, film and tv workers have a new dedicated vaccination site in Times Square, located at 47th Street & 7th Avenue. To schedule an appointment, please call (917) 281-5937 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) with your name and phone number.
5.) Fully homebound New Yorkers who wish to receive an in-home vaccination: Please click here ([link removed]) or call 877-829-4692. You will receive a phone call to confirm your eligibility and schedule the appointment; on that call, please also make sure to request in-home vaccination for other eligible household members (eligibility criteria listed here ([link removed]) ). Please note that there is high interest in this program -- but you will receive a call back.

6.) The Vaccine for All Corps is enlisting 2,000 New Yorkers to support City vaccination efforts across the five boroughs. Hiring for the first tranche of these positions is live at nyc.gov/vaccinejobs. Healthcare experience is not required for many of the positions.
Residents from NYC communities hit hardest by COVID-19 are especially invited to apply.

7.) Assistance with Pandemic-Related Funeral Expenses. FEMA is now accepting applications from persons seeking financial assistance with COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Please check FEMA's website to learn more ([link removed]) .

Veterans: VA New York Harbor is offering vaccinations to veterans 65 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare. Click here ([link removed]) to learn more or call 1-877-877-9267.
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, and a variety of options will be provided.

Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19
Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter their immigration status or ability to pay. View the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) resource guide at nyc.gov/immigrants/coronavirus.

If you have questions about immigration or how to access City services during the COVID-19 crisis, call the City's hotline at (212) 788-7654 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: nyc.gov/publiccharge.

Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include:
* Up-to-date information on NYC's COVID response ([link removed]) .
* COVID testing and locations of testing sites ([link removed]) . New Yorkers can also call 212-COV-ID19; or text COVID TEST to 855 - 48.
* NYC Health + Hospitals Testing Sites ([link removed]) .
* Learn more about NYC Care, the City’s healthcare access program ([link removed]) .

Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps ([link removed]) provides special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts. This includes equipment so a household can quarantine safely, free hotel rooms if quarantining at home is impossible, pet care, and more.

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] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Resources for Small Businesses

City Support for Small Businesses
Mayor de Blasio has announced that over $159 million will be allocated for small business recovery and job training in emerging markets in his Fiscal Year 2022 budget.

The following new and existing programs will be available in FY22 (begins July 1, 2021). We have included available links to the programs and will share additional information as we have it. Updates can also be found at NYC Small Business Services ([link removed]) .
* NYC Small Business Loan Fund (helps businesses retain staff and keep their doors open. Directed at communities hardest hit by COVID-19 -- approximately 2,000 businesses will receive low-interest loans of up to $100,000.)
* Small Business Grant Program (direct support to small businesses -- including $50 million in rental assistance for businesses in the arts, entertainment, recreation, food services & accommodation sectors, and $50 million focused on businesses in low- to moderate income communities.)
* Commercial Lease Assistance Program (expanded free legal services to help businesses sign, change or terminate leases, or address a commercial lease issue.)
* Accelerate Small Business Reopening/Opening (“one-stop shop” service to help businesses meet requirements for opening/reopening inspections, licensing and permitting as the pandemic subsides.)
* Career Pathways ([link removed]) (training in technology, healthcare, commercial driver, cable installation, and food service, with a special focus on connecting underrepresented groups to careers in web development, data analysis, nursing and medical assistance.)
* Apprentice NYC ([link removed]) (training for workers while they begin careers in healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and food service)
* Green Jobs & Manufacturing (connects NYCHA residents and low-income New Yorkers to the construction trades / also assists manufacturing businesses)
* "Shop Your City" Campaign to support local businesses ([link removed])

Free Assistance for UWS Small Business Owners
The NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) ([link removed]) is a private/public partnership providing local businesses with free, personalized guidance during the pandemic. Business owners should complete a brief intake form here ([link removed]) , and they will be matched with their own Business Support Specialist who will guide them through a variety of economic recovery resources.

SBRN is funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and led by the Partnership for New York City, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and all five borough Chambers of Commerce. It leverages the city’s corporate, financial and professional services sectors, as well as universities, philanthropies and expert volunteers to help small business owners gain access to a range of programs and services.

Support for Black Entrepreneurs
NYC SBS has launched BE NYC Startup Intensive ([link removed]) , an initiative to advance Black Entrepreneurship in NYC. The no-cost, 40-hour intensive instructional course provides Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to launch and run successful businesses in NYC. Application deadline: May 2nd. For more information, click here ([link removed]) .

The program features the unique perspectives of thriving Black entrepreneurs. With the guidance of experienced facilitators, business experts, and a network of supportive peers, participants will:
* Learn techniques to overcome barriers such as limited access to capital, atypical work experience, and continuing education needs;
* Learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and refine their business concepts;
* Identify the components of a strong business plan; and
* Gain the knowledge and skills they need to launch a profitable business, including identifying existing opportunities, organizations, and resources available for Black entrepreneurs in NYC.

Federal Relief for Businesses
The deadline for applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ([link removed]) has been extended to May 31st. The program currently offers:
* First Draw PPP Loans ([link removed]) for first time program participants, and
* Second Draw PPP Loans ([link removed]) for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan.

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched Fair Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/PPP ([link removed]) or call 888-SBS-4NYC.

Listen to City of NY "town calls" for arts, entertainment, hospitality and nightlife businesses and workers re: the latest federal loans and other assistance programs:
* Federal Financial Assistance for Businesses ([link removed])
* Federal Financial Assistance for Workers ([link removed])

Pace University offers a variety of grants for small businesses. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

Webinars for Businesses
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers on-line programs covering a variety of topics important to small businesses. Click here for viewing information ([link removed]) .


** For Public School Families
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Virtual Summer Enrichment Program
Children in grades 3 – 8 can participate in a FREE virtual enrichment program this summer with Practice Makes Perfect ([link removed]) . In addition to enrichment activities, students will be working on reading and math to help stem the summer learning loss.

The program is open to all NYC public school students, and there are currently only 1,000 spots available. Please register your interest in English here ([link removed]) or in Spanish here ([link removed]) .

Summer Rising, the DOE's new free summer program, is available to all K-12th grade students, including students with disabilities. Families of students in grades K-8 can sign up through Discover DYCD ([link removed]) . Schools will be reaching out to high school students and students with 12-month IEPs to discuss participation and program options. Learn more here. ([link removed])
3-K for All Expansion
The DOE is expanding 3-K for All to every school district, and will be adding up to 15,000 more seats by the end of the 2021-22 school year. The City says there will be approximately 43,000 3-K seats available across all 32 community school districts.

Applications for 3-K for All have been extended to May 28th. Programs in new school districts will be added to the applications as options for families in April and May. Families can visit nyc.gov/3k ([link removed]) to sign up to receive email updates when new programs are added, and to learn how to create a MySchools account to explore and apply to programs.

2021 Education Council Elections
From May 1 to May 11, parents of public school students can vote for members of NYC's Education Councils -- parent candidates are running to represent their school community at the citywide and local levels. Learn more about the Education Councils and the upcoming elections in this Voting Guide FAQ ([link removed]) , and find a list of upcoming forums on the DOE website ([link removed]) .

Financial Aid for College
The Student Leadership Network ([link removed]) has put together free resources to help guide high school seniors through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. Click here to learn more! ([link removed])

Families are reminded that applications to the Shawn Carter College Scholarship Fund --specifically for households with an income of $75,000 or less-- are due by April 30th. Learn more here ([link removed]) .


** Community Reminders & Resources
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Series 2: "Mission to Clean the Environment"
Seniors and retirees are again invited to join NYC Community Green Makers for COVID-safe environmental activities and free zoom classes. The first of four Wednesday classes is on May 12th. Participants will learn via videos and Zoom classes, along with visits to local gardens. Topics include: microplastics, climate change and the oceans, the herbarium project at New York Botanical Garden, and gardening at Riverside Park with native plants.

Learn more at NYC Community Green Makers Facebook page ([link removed]) , and sign-up by sending an email to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . Please include your name, phone number, and address. You can also call Joyce Bialik at (347) 562-8708.

1 in 2 NYC households are eligible for FREE tax prep!
Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for “tax preparation assistance.” Services available in multiple languages.
* The deadline to file 2020 tax returns has been extended to May 17, 2021.
* Do you have questions about federal stimulus payments or claiming tax credits? Did you receive unemployment insurance in 2020 and need help filing your taxes?
* Use NYC Free Tax Prep to file for free and keep your WHOLE refund.

If you earned $68,000 or less in 2020, learn how you can file for free with the help of an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. Preparers can help you file your taxes, claim important tax credits (including federal stimulus payments), and avoid tax preparer fees.

Use the safe and reliable online options – including Self-Prep with Help - to save you time. Please note that in-person and drop-off services are extremely limited.

The Visiting Nurse Service of NY provides free, in-home mental health services for seniors who are coping with depression. Available in Manhattan & Queens. Multiple languages spoken, including English, Spanish and Chinese. Phone (718) 888-6884. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
Webinars for Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's
CaringKind's ([link removed]) training and education programs help caregivers and professionals understand and navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. The live webinars are led by staff members, volunteer attorneys, and guest speakers. See the May webinar schedule here ([link removed]) .

To register for upcoming webinars or for information on programming available in Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese, contact CaringKind's Helpline at (646) 744-2900. Registration is free.

NYC Veterans Survey
Are you a veteran, active duty service member, reservist, guardsman, veteran family member, military spouse, or military caregiver who lives in New York City? NYC Dept of Veterans’ Services (DVS) ([link removed]) is conducting a survey to help NYC policymakers identify and best understand the needs of our veteran community. Your response will remain anonymous unless you opt-in to receive support services from DVS. Take the survey here ([link removed]) .

Take a Stand Against Street Harassment with Hollaback
Have you ever witnessed street harassment, wanted to step in, but had no idea what to do? Hollaback! ([link removed]) , L’Oréal Paris, the NYC Commission on Gender Equity ([link removed]) , and the NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic & Gender-Based Violence ([link removed]) have joined forces to help people safely intervene when they experience or witness harassment in public spaces through virtual bystander intervention trainings. Women.nyc will be hosting a training on Thursday, 5/13 at noon. Click here to sign up! ([link removed])

On-Line Cultural Programs
* New York Music Month Extended Play is New York City’s official celebration of its music scene, offering free classes, workshops, performances, and talks to support artists, industry, and fans during the pandemic. Runs through June, 2021. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
* Free musical concerts and performances from the Kaufman Music Center's Merkin Hall. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
* Lincoln Center Theater's annual gala, "Tales from the Wings," will stream free of charge on LCT's YouTube channel from May 13th at 7pm to May 17th. Learn more here ([link removed]) .
* Watch "The Line," a play crafted from firsthand interviews with NYC medical first responders during the pandemic. It reveals the lived experiences of frontline workers and their battle to save lives in a medical system "built to serve the bottom line." First performed live on-line last July, this drama is available to watch now via The Public’s Play Now platform ([link removed]) through June 21st, 2021.

"Restart Stages" Outdoor Programming at Lincoln Center
Residents are invited to enjoy free performing arts and civic programming in outdoor spaces across the Lincoln Center campus. Learn more 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. 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] (mailto:[email protected]) ; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com ([link removed]) . 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 ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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