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Dear Neighbors,

We now know who will lead New York City beginning January 1, 2022. Eric Adams' clearest message centers around running our city more equitably, efficiently, and effectively. I agree that getting government to work for New Yorkers is paramount.  

Working with you and for you, our office has tried its best to connect residents to the services they need: affordable housing, government benefits, emergency food, public education, health care, and more. Our community, day care, and senior centers would be even more effective if we could cut more of the bureaucratic red tape that holds them back. Cutting red tape would not only make services more efficient, there are real savings to be had.

I also agree with Mayor-elect Adams that the question of equity must be central to his administration. As the pandemic laid bare: systemic inequities in housing, health care, and education continue to have a profound impact on too many New Yorkers. This is an issue that many have talked about, but government's ability to address it has been limited so far.

It will take all of us, working together, to create a more fair and sustainable city. I send my very best wishes to our new Mayor, and to Council Member-elect Brewer, who will be representing the Upper West Side once again.
 

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday evening for our November Housing Clinic featuring a presentation on the rights of rent stabilized and rent controlled tenants, led by Goddard Riverside Law Project.

You can watch the full clinic here. 

A reminder that legal protections from eviction for most NYS tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended through January 15, 2022. Also -- $125 million in State funding is now available to assist landlords who have been unable to participate in the State's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Scroll down to "Important News for Tenants & Landlords" to learn more.
 

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children ages 5 to 11. The vaccine dose for this age group is smaller than the dose given to people 12 and older. Children can be vaccinated at their doctor’s office, pharmacies and vaccine sites across the city. Learn more here.

****NYC schools are also offering the first dose of Pfizer vaccinations to eligible students ages 5-11. School sites will be open starting Monday, November 8. Learn more here.

Are you eligible for a COVID-19 "booster" shot? Please read the latest guidance from the NYC Dept of Health here. 

Separate from booster shots, people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (meaning they have a weakened immune system) are eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as part of their initial vaccination series. Learn more here.

It's easier than ever to get vaccinated! 

Broken Sidewalk Pedestrian Ramps
We have received multiple complaints from constituents regarding pedestrian ramps on sidewalks which have been covered with a new plastic surface, and the plastic has since become damaged. We are pushing the City to repair these ramps. Please email us at [email protected] and alert of us any locations where the ramps are broken.
 

Curbside Composting Service Delayed on the Upper West Side
The Dept of Sanitation has announced that curbside composting in Manhattan Community Boards 7 and 6, and Brooklyn CB 7, has been postponed until further notice.

Residents who have signed up for composting service will be notified of the new start dates and should check this webpage for updates. Our office will share any additional information as we receive it.

A reminder that curbside composting is voluntary, and residents must sign up. Click here to sign up and learn more. The City is gradually resuming collecting food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from residents so that it can be turned into compost or renewable energy. 
 

Volunteer with DOROT's Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Program! 
Sign up today to help DOROT deliver Thanksgiving meals and share warmth and companionship with older adults in our community. Join DOROT on November 21st and 22nd in Manhattan (East or West Side) or Westchester for this wonderful opportunity to bring holiday joy to isolated older adults. Volunteers will: 
  • Pick up a Thanksgiving meal 
  • Deliver the meal to a DOROT client  
  • Connect by phone with the older adult for a 20-30-minute friendly phone call. 
 To register, please visit: https://www.dorotusa.org/thanksgiving. 
 

The Fair Fares NYC program provides a 50 percent discount on subway and certain bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips to New York City residents ages 18 to 64. Find out if you are eligible for Fair Fares and apply here!
 

Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program 
Scholarships are available for City employees who want to pursue a graduate degree, but you must apply soon! The Dept of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is accepting applications for the 2022- 2023 Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program (MGSP). This is a competitive program - a limited number of scholarships are available.

The citywide deadline for City employees to apply through their Agency Personnel Office is November 22, 2021. Some agencies might have earlier/later submission dates. Check with your Agency Personnel Office regarding agency-specific deadlines.

To compete for a scholarship, you must:
  • Be a full-time City employee
  • Have a bachelor's degree by the start of the fall 2022 semester
  • Be willing to pursue a graduate degree on your own time
  • Meet other requirements, as explained at www.nyc.gov/mgsp.
Scholarships will be offered for classes that begin in the fall of 2022. For more information about participating schools and eligible degree programs, visit the MGSP Web site at www.nyc.gov/mgsp. For general information or assistance, email [email protected] or call (212) 386-0059.
 

Child Tax Credit 
Families who have not received advance  Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments—worth up to $3,600 per child—must act by 11/15/2021. Kids aged 0-17 with a Social Security number qualify. Free help is available. Learn more at http://on.nyc.gov/ChildTaxCredit.

NYC Families: Save up to $50 Per Month on Internet Service
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched the short-term Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), which provides eligible households with a temporary discount on monthly broadband internet bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All households with a student enrolled in a NYC Dept of Education school or program are eligible for two types of benefits:
  • Monthly Benefit: Provides a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband service, equipment, and device rentals; and
  • One-Time Device Discount: This is a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, where available.
These benefits are also available to residents receiving certain types of income-based supports, like SNAP or Medicaid. Click here to learn more and see if you are eligible!
 

Discounts for City Fines Imposed During the Pandemic
Until December 20th, 2021, the City of NY will be offering residents and small businesses discounts of up to 75% for fines imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more via the City's FAIRER (Fines and Interest Reduction Enabling Recovery) program. Scroll to the “How to Participate” section and click the link. Questions? Call 311.
  • Unpaid Environmental Control Board (ECB) judgments may be eligible for a reduction under the FAIRER program. Depending upon whether you had a hearing and whether the judgment was entered during the COVID-19 pandemic, your savings can be up to 75%. This savings includes the abatement of any interest associated with your judgments. 
NY Public Library Updates: All Fines Forgiven!
A reminder that the New York Public Library announced in October that all late fines have been eliminated going forward—and all existing fines and fees in patron accounts have been cleared. Learn more here!
 

UWS Open Hearts is hosting a Winter Wear Drive this Saturday, November 6th, from 1-3pm. Location: 483 West End Avenue at 83rd Street. Please drop off gently used coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves and boots for women, men and children. If you're not wearing them, pass them on!
 

National Council of Jewish Women NY is hiring for a brand new role of Bilingual (English/Spanish) Part-Time Caseworker for their Food Pantry. Learn more here.
 

Service Changes: A & C Subway Lines
Due to planned work, there will be subway service changes from November 1st- 5th and November 8th-12th, from 9:45pm to 5am.
  • A & C trains will run express between 59th St-Columbus Circle and 125th St in both directions. 
  • For service to/from 72nd St, 81st St, 86th St and 96th St, take the 1 or 2 at nearby stations via transfer at 59th St-Columbus Circle.
  • For service to/from 103rd St, 110th St, and 116th St., take the shuttle bus and/or 1 at nearby stations. Transfer at 96th St via 1, 2, or shuttle, or at 125th St via A, C, or shuttle. 
  • The C train does not run overnight. 
Important News for Older Residents & Residents with Disabilities

Changes to Health Coverage for City of NY Retirees: Important Updates
The City Council's Committee on Civil Service & Labor held an oversight hearing last Thursday regarding changes to healthcare coverage for municipal retirees. As you know, the current Senior Care program -- a free supplement to traditional Medicare -- is being replaced with a Medicare Advantage Plus Plan. For information from the City about the switch to Medicare Advantage, click here.
  • Last Thursday's hearing can be viewed here.
  • The Committee report for the hearing, which contains a great deal of useful information, can be found here.
Representatives of the Mayor's Office of Labor Relations ("OLR") and members of the public both testified. OLR representatives stated unequivocally that the quality of care and the choice of doctors will remain the same under Medicare Advantage as compared to the Senior Care Plan. I will be following this issue carefully.

Please be advised that the opt-out period for the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan (to purchase another health plan, including the Senior Care program and HIP VIP) has been extended until further notice by order of the NYS Supreme Court. Pursuant to the Court's decision, the City must retain the status quo for retirees and their dependents until deficiencies with the implementation of the proposed Medicare Advantage Plan are addressed.  

When asked by the City Council, OLR was not certain of the timeline for addressing the deficiencies. The Council has urged OLR to notify retirees as soon as possible when the issues are resolved, and provide a significant period of time in which to opt out of Medicare Advantage. We are also urging OLR to improve communications about their rollout plan. 

During the hearing, I especially stressed the need to add phone lines and resources so that retirees can get through when they call the hotline below with their questions. 
  • Retirees should phone 1-833-325-1190, Monday to Friday, 8am to 9pm, with questions about the switch to Medicare Advantage.
  • Retirees can email OLR directly at [email protected] regarding any health insurance enrollment or Medicare Part B reimbursement issues.  
You can also email our office at [email protected] and we will send OLR your name and contact information, along with the issue topic (e.g. enrollment, MA Plan, Medicare reimbursement, etc.). OLR will respond directly to you. 
 
 
City of NY Emergency Food Delivery Program
A reminder that the City has ended its Emergency Food Home-Delivered Meal Program (EFD). The City says it is in the process of contacting all New Yorkers who participated in the program to identify anyone needing long-term food assistance. Those New Yorkers will be connected to ongoing programs and agencies.

Food insecurity remains widespread across New York City. If you or someone you know is in need, available resources include:

Last Chance to Participate in Our Fresh Food for Seniors Program!
Now in its eighth year, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer's and my Fresh Food for Seniors program provides seniors with low cost, mixed bags of fresh produce grown by New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania farmers -- all sourced by GrowNYC. Scroll below to learn more.



Wednesday, November 17th is the final Food Bag delivery date for the Upper West Side. The process is simple:
  • Seniors pay $9 cash for their produce bag a week in advance at participating sites, and pick up their produce the following week.
  • Each bag contains five to six varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Sign-up dates/times vary by site - please contact your desired site for information.
Goddard Riverside Senior Center
Project Find: Hamilton House
Nat'l Council of Jewish Women Lifetime Learning
Bloomingdale Aging in Place
DOROT
Lincoln House Outreach

For more information, please contact:
  • Shula at Manhattan Borough President Brewer's office at (212) 669-2392 or [email protected] or
  • Rita at Council Member Rosenthal's office at (212) 873-0282, 206 or [email protected].
 
Reminder: Open Enrollment for 2022 Medicare Programs Ends on December 7th. Learn more here.
 
Together with the Medicare Rights Center, our office hosted a special webinar in July regarding assistance for older adults with their Medicare costs. We also reviewed COVID-19 Medicare coverage, Medicaid "Spend Down," and other important topics.

Older adults may be eligible for a wide range of benefits, including assistance with food, medical, and utility costs, as well as rent freezes and lower property taxes.

For benefits screening and application assistance, phone (212) 398-5045, or email [email protected]. You can also complete an intake form with LiveOn NY here. 
 

Legal Resources for Older Adults
The Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) Senior Law Project provides free legal services for life planning documents including Last Will & Testament, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Will and Control of Remains for New Yorkers age 60 and older. Click here to learn more.  
Upcoming Events of Interest

For local and citywide environmental news and events, sign up for newsletters from UWS Recycling, which come out 6 times/year. Read the November/December Eco Letter here!

Rat Prevention Trainings
Please join the NYC Dept of Health for "Rat Academy" virtual trainings to learn about rat prevention methods. Free, virtual trainings are available for:
  • Building supers & staff
  • Homeowners & tenants
  • Managing companies
Please see the Dept of Health's schedule of rat prevention trainings here. To pre-register, please click on the dates available and download calendar when prompted. Upcoming trainings:  
 


Virtual Veterans Day Legal Clinic (November 15th - 19th)
Fordham Law School’s Feerick Center for Social Justice and its Veterans Rights Project (FCVRP) serves low-income veterans, military members, and their families who have unmet civil legal needs.

FCVRP's Legal Clinic will include know-your-rights presentations (via Zoom) in the afternoons and evenings on November 15th, 16th, and 17th, followed by one-on-one legal consultations (via phone or video) on November 18th and 19th during the day. Please click here to fill out the clinic's interest form.

FCVRP recruits subject matter experts from various legal services organizations to lead these know-your-rights presentations and one-on-one limited scope consultations. Planned topics are subject to change but currently include:
  • Consumer bankruptcy 
  • Consumer debt 
  • Discharge upgrades
  • Family law 
  • Housing 
  • Micro-enterprise and small business 
  • NYC veterans legal protections 
  • Tax 
  • VA benefits 
  • Wills and end-of-life planning 
  • Women veterans, military sexual trauma
NOTE: For those who schedule a one-on-one consultation, depending on the subject area, the volunteer lawyer may conduct an intake, ask eligibility questions, and/or have the client sign an acknowledgment form stating that the attorney will be providing brief legal advice. 
 
Community events at Goddard Riverside are back! See the schedule here.

Community Programs at Lincoln Center
  • The Passport to the Arts program for children, teens, and adults with disabilities and their families is back this fall! The program provides a welcoming, accessible, and affordable introduction to the performing arts across Lincoln Center at no cost. Families can attend dance, music, or drama classes on Zoom, watch exclusive performances, check out behind-the-scenes content, and even meet performers. Families can register here and learn more here.
  • Moments At Home is a free performance-based program specially designed for people with dementia and their caregivers. Each virtual event includes a performance, followed by activities facilitated by educators and music therapists that explore the work through discussion, movement, music, and art-making. Registration is now open here. 
The Bloomingdale School of Music 2021-2022 Faculty Concert series has begun! Click here to learn more and see the concert calendar for the year. BSM will also begin streaming concerts live from the school this spring. 

"It’s My Park" Projects Happening this Fall!
Join one of the community-led parks clean-up projects happening across New York City! Learn more, and sign up to join or host an It’s My Park project here. See a current project list here.

For cultural & environmental events in our parks: visit the City Parks Foundation's Green / Arts Live NYC Event Calendar.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccination Information
 
COVID-19 has made it more important than ever to get your flu shot! Everyone 6 months and older should receive a seasonal flu vaccination each year. It is best to get vaccinated in the fall, but you can be vaccinated through late spring.

1.) New York Vaccine Literacy Campaign
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy and CONVINCE USA launched the New York Vaccine Literacy Campaign in Spring 2021. The Campaign's mission is to work with community and direct service organizations to increase access to vaccine education, and build support for COVID-19 immunization and the science behind it. Learn more here. 

Community organizations can email program manager Hannah Stuart Lathan at [email protected] with inquiries and requests for branded educational materials.  

2.) "Key to NYC" Vaccination Mandate
As ordered by the City, indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment establishments now require proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. To enter one of these establishments, you'll need to show your paper CDC card, Excelsior Pass, NYC COVID Safe App, or any other vaccine record.
  • Learn more at nyc.gov/keytonyc or by calling 311.
  • Applies to NYers 12 and older -- customers, workers, patrons -- with reasonable accommodations for health, disability, and religion.
  • Businesses with questions should call: 1-888-SBS-4NYC or visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com and search for “Key to NYC Guidelines and Resources to Help Your Business."
3.) Have you lost your COVID-19 vaccination card?
If you are fully vaccinated and need verification of your vaccine status, you can request a record of your COVID-19 vaccination online, or via fax or mail. Click here to learn more!

New Yorkers can meet vaccine and/or testing requirements by carrying their paper vaccination card with them or scanning and storing it in one of two authorized mobile apps - Excelsior Pass Wallet and NYC Covid Safe. Learn more here.

4.) In-home COVID-19 testing is now available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those ages 65 and older. Appointments are available seven days per week, from 9am to 7pm. Please call 929-298-9400 to schedule.
  • The City will provide a molecular PCR test administered by a trained clinician at no cost.
  • Once a test is requested, it will be performed the next day or the day following, depending on when the patient is available.
  • Results will be returned within two days by text, e-mail or phone.
5.) Vaccination Incentives 
For New Yorkers
New Yorkers receiving their first vaccine dose at a City-run vaccine location are now eligible for incentives, including a $100 pre-paid debit card. Click here to learn more.

New Yorkers 18 and older can also win exclusive prizes. Once your first vaccine dose is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to select your money or incentive and enter the contest.
 
For Community Organizations
The City is offering $100 to community and faith-based organizations for each person they refer for a first vaccine dose at a City-run vaccination site.

New Yorkers who make an appointment ahead of time, or who use a walk-in vaccination site, simply need to identify which community organization referred them. Organizations can earn up to $20,000 each. Interested organizations should sign up at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus. 

6.) Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
 
Important News for Tenants & Landlords
 
The NYS Eviction Moratorium has been extended to January 15th, 2022. 

Important: tenants can still be evicted in certain cases. Read our overview of the moratorium here. 

Tenants whose eviction cases are scheduled for appearance in Housing Court --including hearings about Hardship Declarations-- have access to free legal services, regardless of ZIP code, under NYC’s right-to-counsel law.
  • Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline
  • Visit the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Office of Civil Justice online at www.nyc.gov/civiljustice
  • Call Housing Court Answers at (718) 557-1379

Financial Assistance for Landlords
Governor Hochul has announced that $125 million in State funding is now available to assist landlords who have been unable to participate in the State's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) because their tenants either declined to complete an application or vacated the residence with arrears. Priority will be given to those landlords owning small-to-medium-sized properties.

The Landlord Rental Assistance Program provides up to 12 months of past-due rent to landlords who are ineligible for ERAP. Learn more here. 
 

NYS Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP)
New York State reports that federal funding for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) program is almost fully committed to eligible New Yorkers who applied. ERAP provides eligible tenants with up to 12 months of rental and utility arrears assistance, as well as three prospective months of rent. Click here to learn more.

While applications are still being accepted, funding is not likely to be available except for certain categories. If you have already applied to the ERAP program and have not received any information about your application status, you may email our office and we will follow up on your behalf.

For questions about ERAP: call New York State at 844-NY1-RENT (844-691-7368; or the TTY phone number, 833-843-8829, for the hearing impaired.).

Read about other resources for tenants here.

Important Resources for Our Community

 
Free Legal Services
Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) provides free, civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. VOLS serves seniors, older veterans, small business owners, immigrant youth, unemployed workers, mothers in prison or jail, as well as children and their families.

VOLS is currently offering remote services. Please call (212) 966-4400 or reach out to their specific programs:
  • Small businesses/ VOLS Microenterprise Project: (347) 521-5729
  • Seniors/ VOLS Elderly Project: (347) 521-5704
  • Older Veterans/ VOLS Veterans Initiative: (347) 521-5725
  • Immigrant Youth/ VOLS Immigration Project: (347) 521-5722
  • Unemployed Workers/ VOLS Unemployed Workers Project: (347) 521-5735

Resources for Residential Property Owners
COVID-19 has been a challenging time for owners as well as tenants. Click here to read the City's summary of resources which can assist property owners in securing rent payments, loans, foreclosure protections, and individualized assistance.

Keeping Buildings Free of Rats & Other Pests
Rats pose an ongoing threat to public health. Click here to view City rat inspection results and follow-up actions on an interactive map, and to learn about resources for property owners. The NYC Dept of Health has prepared these helpful materials for residents, and building owners and managers.

Hurricane Season is Here: Sign Up for Notify NYC
Notify NYC, part of NYC Emergency Management, is the official information source regarding emergency events and important City services. Sign up to receive free emergency alerts and updates by visiting NYC.gov/notifynyc, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device. Notify NYC messages are available in multiple languages, audio format, and American Sign Language (ASL) video format.
 

Mental Health Resources for District 6 Residents
Don't suffer alone. Support is available for any New Yorker coping with issues like depression, anxiety, substance misuse, crime victimization, and serious mental illness. Targeted services are being offered to older New Yorkers, veterans, families with young children, students, and people harmed by crime or abuse.
  • NYC Well is 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.

Free Membership at City Recreation Centers
Free membership at City of NY recreation centers is available to any New Yorker who signs up before December 31, 2021. The membership term will last for one year from the date of sign-up, and will grant access to facilities across the city. Learn more here. 

Free Wellness Classes: a wide variety of free, on-line wellness programs are available from:
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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