Dear Neighbor,
This email focuses on issue updates, upcoming events and useful resources.
Immediately below, I provide updates on the NYS Legislature’s response to the Supreme Court’s decisions on abortion and guns, the hearing on the Penn Station redevelopment plan, and the Monkeypox vaccine. Please see further below for election and other community updates; however, I do want to note here that if you wish to vote by absentee ballot for the August 23rd Primary Election (even if you requested an absentee ballot for the June Primary Election), you will need to request a new absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot online is August 8th.
Responding to the Supreme Court’s Decisions on Abortion and Guns
Last week the State legislature returned to Albany and passed legislation (S.51002) to update the Equal Rights Amendment to be fully inclusive and codify the right to access abortion and other reproductive health services in the State Constitution. In addition, the Senate passed legislation (S.51001) updating New York’s concealed carry laws to establish new standards for granting permits, and limiting where concealed weapons are permitted. New Yorkers will continue to fight back against the Supreme Court’s efforts to reverse progress on individual rights and provide reasonable regulation of dangerous firearms. I was proud to support these critical bills to ensure that the rights and safety of New Yorkers are protected.
The current State Constitution's equal rights amendment, adopted in 1938, prohibits discrimination based on "race, color, creed, or religion." The new amendment would add to that list ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy. The broadly inclusive language of the amendment surpasses the equal rights provisions of every other state in the nation, as well as that of the U.S. Constitution.
The 1930s-era equal rights language in our State Constitution is long overdue for an update. Women have waited far too long to be included, but so have LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, Latinx people, and everyone who has faced discrimination based on characteristics that are beyond their control. In addition, with the Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, New York is ensuring the strongest protection for abortion and other reproductive care by enshrining these rights in our Constitution.
The amendment will need to pass again in the next legislative session and then will be put before the voters who have the final say in amending the constitution.
The legislature also passed a bill to address the Supreme Court decision (NY. Rifle and Pistol Assn. v. Bruen) overturning New York’s concealed carry law. The court’s decision did suggest that specific eligibility requirements and bans on concealed carry for sensitive locations could be permitted, and the new law addresses those areas.
The legislation adds specific eligibility requirements, including the taking and passing of firearm training courses for permit applicants. It will enable the State to regulate and standardize training for license applicants. The legislation also identifies sensitive locations where it is prohibited to carry a concealed weapon and establishes that private property owners must expressly allow a person to possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun on their property. Individuals who carry concealed weapons in sensitive locations or in contravention of the authority of an owner of private property will face criminal penalties.
The legislation also provides for long-delayed implementation of a statewide license and ammunition database and strengthens the law relating to the sale of body armor and the safe storage of firearms.
This legislation is critical to protect the safety of New Yorkers in the wake of the Supreme Court’s misguided decision. Statistics illustrate that states having no or lax permitting laws have higher rates of gun violence than those with more strict requirements. A comprehensive and rigorous study of concealed carry laws found that states with weak permitting laws have violent crime rates 13% to 15% higher than would have been predicted if such laws had not been in place.
Hearing on Penn Station Redevelopment Plans
On June 24th, the Senate held a joint committee hearing on the Penn Station Redevelopment Plans The video and written testimony from the hearing are available online at https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/public-hearings/june-24-2022/joint-public-hearing-receive-update-penn-station.
As the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I have long been concerned about ensuring that there is transparency around the financing of this project, which relies in part on proceeds generated by a development plan for the area. I came out of the hearing with a great deal more information, but still many unanswered questions on the financing of the project, as well as about the overall design and how planning is being coordinated between the various entities involved in different aspects of the project.
The General Project Plan for the area is expected to be released shortly, and Empire State Development will be voting on it towards the end of the month. I will share links to the Plan and how to provide comments on it as soon as that information is available.
Monkeypox Vaccine Update
As of July 8, there are 160 people in NYC who have tested positive for Orthopoxvirus and likely have Monkeypox; however, as testing capacity increases, the number of cases will go up as well.
Some good news - as you may already be aware, the City received the 6,000 doses of the JYNNEOS Monkeypox vaccine that was most recently allocated by the federal government. An initial block of vaccine appointments was made available Wednesday, all of which were quickly reserved. The NYC Health Department expects to make more appointments available early next week. Make sure to check the NYC Health Department’s Monkeypox website for vaccine appointment updates. The vaccine clinic is unable to accept walk-ins at this time due to the current shortage of the vaccine. Additional shipments of the Monkeypox vaccine are expected in mid-July and in the fall.
At this time, people who are eligible for the vaccine include:
· Gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary
· Age 18 or older
· Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days
Eligibility may change as the outbreak evolves and as vaccine supply increases. The NYC Health Department has posted the following FAQs about the JYNNEOS vaccine that you can review: JYNNEOS Vaccine for Monkeypox: Frequently Asked Questions
Stay safe and healthy. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or 212-490-9535. If you need assistance with an unemployment issue, please follow this link to complete an unemployment intake web form so that my office can provide assistance: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF5eMgY_Jrjh_1_qXlx0ri7coPS01j4GvWJ4Lu7mpWTG2kNQ/viewform.
Best,
Liz Krueger
State Senator
Community Update Contents:
· 2022 Election & Voting Updates
· Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars
· Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research
· Food
· Housing
· Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships
· Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
· Resources for Small Businesses & Non-Profits
· In-Person & Virtual Community Activities
Updates as of Friday Afternoon, 7/8/22:
·
Social
Security Administration (SSA) – The Best Ways to Contact Social Security: Social Security Administration offices continue to
expand in-person service, however, you are strongly encouraged to continue
going online, calling for assistance, and scheduling appointments in advance.
o
Online
services allow you to apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits,
check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social
Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more.
o If you are unable to complete your business online, you can call the SSA at 1‑800‑772‑1213 from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. to speak to a representative. For quicker access to a representative, try calling between 8 - 10 a.m. or between 4 - 7 p.m. SSA is less busy Wednesday – Friday and later in the month. SSA also offers many automated telephone services 24 hours a day, without speaking to a representative.
While appointments are not required, they are strongly recommended. An appointment reduces wait times, ensures that you know what documents to bring, and reduces the number of visits to SSA offices. SSA offices tend to be less busy later in the day, later in the week, and later in the month. To learn more about scheduling an appointment and safety measures and restrictions before visiting SSA offices, visit the SSA webpage, How to Get Help from Social Security.
State Updates
· July 6: Applications Open for Law Enforcement Career Exams
· July 6: Governor Hochul Announces Launch of First Statewide Mobile Air Monitoring Initiative
City Updates
· The New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Project Access for All, and the Office of the Public Advocate present the first hybrid Disability Unite Festival on July 17th at the Central Park Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, New York City from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Featuring performances by Blessing Offor, Lachi, Gaelynn Lea, Wheelchair Sports Camp and more, the festival will commemorate the 32nd anniversary of theAmericans with Disabilities Act and honor the milestones in equity and accessibility achieved by advocates in the disability community over past three decades. As the first ever hybrid festival celebrating disability pride, everyone can join either in person or virtually. Attendees register at no cost here.
Disability Unite Festival also offers city agencies, organizations and employee resource groups the opportunity to connect with NYC communities. Organizations can partner in this event by becoming a Project Access For All Partner here, or signing up for a table. Limited table space available, sign up here.
City Agency Updates
· NYC DOT Update – Alternate Side Parking: Car-owners, please be aware that as of July 5th, street cleaning in NYC has returned to its pre-pandemic frequency. Drivers will once again be required to move their cars for street sweeping on all days indicated by alternate side parking signs, or face $65 fines.
o Learn more about Alternate Side Parking on the NYC DOT website and on the City’s 311 information page.
o You can look up the ASP rules on street cleaning signs on specific streets by using the Parking Sign Locator map
· NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) – HRA Waverly Job and SNAP Centers Notification: The HRA Waverly Job and SNAP Centers, which are currently located at 8-12 West 14th Street in Manhattan, will be relocated. On Friday, July 29 at 5 p.m., HRA will end operations at the current location. On Monday, August 1 at 8:30 a.m., Job Center operations will reopen at 109 East 16th Street, and SNAP Center operations will reopen at the East End SNAP Center at 2322 Third Avenue. Regular operating hours are from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday at both locations.
HRA encourages clients to use their remote or online services through ACCESS HRA to complete and submit Cash Assistance (CA), Emergency Assistance (EA), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and SNAP applications and recertifications, submit supporting documentation, manage their case, and receive case information.
Clients who are unable to utilize HRA’s online services may submit completed SNAP, CA, and HEAP applications, as well as supporting documentation, using self-service drop boxes at all CA and SNAP sites, or self-service PC banks and scanners, which are available at all HRA SNAP and Job Centers, including the HRA facilities at 109 East 16th Street and 2322 Third Avenue.
· NYC Small Business Services (SBS) – NYC “storefront” small business owner survey: NYC SBS is asking NYC “storefront” small business owners to complete a 5-minute survey to help better understand the experiences and interactions of these small business owners with city agencies. “Storefront” is defined by the NYC Department of Finance as renting a ground-floor or second-floor commercial space for sale of goods and services. Click here to take the survey and additional feedback may be shared by email at [email protected]
· The NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) is launching NYC’s first ever citywide Participatory Budgeting process! Residents across the 5 boroughs will be able to decide how to spend $5 million of public funding.
To kick-off Phase 1: Idea Generation, the CEC is releasing a Request for Information (RFI) application for groups, entities, and organizations to apply for funding to hold Idea Generation Sessions and to support civic engagement activities in their community. In these sessions, residents can discuss their needs and priorities, learn about Participatory Budgeting, and share ideas. The application will be open to all NYC residents, including but not limited to community-based organizations, faith-based groups, school clubs, community boards, and M/WBEs.
Applicants must submit an RFI by July 8, 2022 to be considered.
Important Details:
o RFI Application: on.nyc.gov/citywidepb
o Accessible Version of RFI for applicants who use screen readers: https://bit.ly/CECRFIAV
o Applicants can view Frequently Asked Questions here: https://bit.ly/CECRFIFAQ.
o Applicants with brief, clarifying questions can contact us at: [email protected]
o To discuss more detailed questions, applicants can schedule a virtual office hours appointment with the CEC staff using this form: https://bit.ly/CECIGOH
2022 Election & Voting Updates
The next Primary Election Day is August 23, at which time New Yorkers will vote for State Senators and Congressional Representatives. Please see the following for upcoming voting deadlines and other information.
· Voting Tips
o You are required to wear a mask/face covering and maintain 6 feet of distance when entering any Board of Elections facility
o Important: If you request an absentee ballot, you may not cast a ballot on a voting machine for that election
o If you do not want to worry about the NYC Board of Elections receiving your absentee ballot by mail before the deadline, absentee ballots can be dropped off in person at the Manhattan Board of Elections office, as well as at Manhattan Early Voting and Election Day poll sites.
o If you requested an absentee ballot for the June 28 Primary and you wish to vote by absentee ballot for the August 23 Primary, you must request an additional absentee ballot (the deadline is August 8)
o Early Voting is quicker and less crowded
· Important Dates and Deadlines
o July 29: Voter registration deadline for the August 23 Primary
o August 3: Deadline to update your address in advance of the August 23 Primary
o August 8: Last day to submit a request for an absentee ballot for the August 23 Primary (online)
o August 13 – August 21: Early Voting for the August 23 Primary
o August 23: Primary Election Day (polls are open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
o August 23: Deadline to postmark and mail your absentee ballot, or return your absentee ballot in person
o October 29 – November 6: Early Voting for the November 8 General Election
o November 8: General Election Day (polls are open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
· Voting Resources
o Look up your Early Voting and Primary Election Day Poll Sites and View a Sample Ballot: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/
o Check the Wait Time to Vote at Your Early Voting Poll Site: https://vote.nyc/page/wait-time-map
o Request an absentee ballot for the August 23 Primary Election: https://nycabsentee.com/absentee
o Track your absentee ballot: https://nycabsentee.com/tracking
o NYC Board of Elections: 1-866-868-3692
Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars
· Why Parents Resist COVID Vaccines for Their Children, Sunday, July 10, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Dr. Celia Fisher will host a discussion about why parents resist vaccinating their children against COVID-19 and how such a decision affects their children’s health. You may attend in-person if fully vaccinated; proof of vaccination, photo ID, and mask are required. The event will be held in the Ceremonial Hall on the 4th floor of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th Street. You also have the option to attend the event via Zoom. Click Here to view additional details and to access the Zoom link.
· Leading medical voices on the need for greater diversity in clinical trials, Monday, July 11, 12 p.m.: Although individuals may experience the same disease differently, medical research has historically excluded diverse groups of populations. Join Washington Post Live for conversations with Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, and Michael Makanga, executive director of the European and Development Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, about how to make medical research more representative and the lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic. Register Here
· CB 8 Transportation Committee, Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 pm: NYCDOT/MTA Presentation - Proposed Changes to the 1st Avenue Bus Lane between 61st Street and 79th Street; Public Hearing: Revocable Consent application to construct, maintain, and use a stoop and fenced-in area at 890 Park Avenue; Public Hearing: Revocable Consent application to construct, maintain and use a fenced-in area including steps and accessible wheelchair lift at 26 East 78th Street; East 82nd Street Cul de Sac (east of East End Ave.) - Request for a change of parking regulations from "no parking" to "no standing" Register Here for access to the Zoom meeting
· Entrepreneurs on the path from uncertainty to reinvention, Wednesday, July 13, 1:30 p.m.: Small businesses are a powerful engine for economic growth and job creation. Record high inflation, supply chain disruptions and the challenges of an evolving pandemic have forced many entrepreneurs to rethink their business models and how their employees work. Join Washington Post Live for conversations with three entrepreneurs about how they have reinvented their businesses in the face of economic uncertainty. Register Here
· Deputy Labor Secretary discusses the future of work and the role of technology, Thursday, July 14, 12 p.m.: The increasing use of technology in the workplace has rapidly boosted productivity and fostered team building with new ways of communicating. From automation to artificial intelligence to machine learning, employers and employees are adapting as they navigate the future of work. Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su joins Washington Post Live to discuss the impact of these new technologies on our workplace and our workforce. Register Here
· CB 8 Voting Reform Task Force, Tuesday, July 19, 6:30 pm: Review NYC Redistricting Commission’s proposed map reconfiguring District 4 and District 5; Discussion on requesting moving a city council district from another borough to Manhattan due to the large population growth in Manhattan. Register Here for access to the Zoom meeting.
· WCC Redistricting Workshop with Citizens Union, Tuesday, July 19, 6pm: Redistricting is happening now and it will change how communities are represented at the New York City Council for the coming decade. Your Council Member makes laws, gives out millions of dollars a year to improve the neighborhood, and often influences decisions on rezoning and housing projects. Register here.
· CB 6 Executive Committee, Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 p.m.: Agenda TBD. Register Here
In Case You Missed Viewing It:
· In case you were unable to attend Council Member Brewer’s July Housing Clinic, which covered how to form a tenant association, a recording of the webinar is now available to view online.
· COVID-19 Economic Update, by James A. Parrott, Center for New York City Affairs: Interest rate increases likely will slow the recovery in the state’s three regions; NYC’s tech industry has 6.4 percent more jobs than pre-pandemic, but lags the nation.
· New York by the Numbers - Monthly Economic and Fiscal Outlook, by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander
Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research
· Free Wellness Sessions at Lincoln Center: This summer, NewYork-Presbyterian and Lincoln Center invite you to join us for free weekly wellness sessions at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium. These workshops use the power of art to engage the mind, body, and spirit through meditation, gentle movement-based lessons, and world-class performances. Check out the schedule here!
· Smoking - NYC Quits: If you are interested in quitting, or need support managing cravings and staying smoke-free when you want to, help is available:
Quitting will:
ü Reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.
ü Protect your loved ones from secondhand smoke.
ü Save you money.
Learn more: https://on.nyc.gov/2RSk8YU
· Get Food NYC: Visit this online map to find locations that offer free food (food pantries, soup kitchens), as well as grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
· NYC Department of Education (DOE) Summer Meals: Starting June 28, NYC DOE will offer free breakfast and lunch meals at sites across the City, including schools, parks, and pools. No identification or application is required, and meals will be available Monday – Friday. Breakfast will be served from 8 – 9:15 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at designated sites. Click here to view additional details
· GrowNYC Update: The 92nd Street Greenmarket, on 1st Avenue between 92nd and 93rd Streets in Manhattan is now open on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. GrowNYC farmers markets are a great chance for community members to access the freshest, most nutritious locally-grown food the region has to offer.
Please note that shoppers can use their SNAP/EBT/P-EBT benefits at the market! When customers spend $2 in SNAP/EBT/P-EBT, they receive a bonus $2 Health Buck (up to $10 per day) to purchase additional fruits and vegetables!
· NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides: Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center has compiled these resource guides to help New Yorkers find free and low-cost food resources in their community, as well as social services and additional resources for New Yorkers.
o NYC Food Resource Guide: Upper East Side
o NYC Food Resource Guide: Midtown
o NYC Food Resource Guide: Stuyvesant Town/Turtle Bay
· Looking for Affordable Housing in New York? Here’s Where to Find It - Enter your household income and size, and we’ll tell you what housing programs you may be eligible for and how to apply (NY Times)
· Henry Phipps Plaza South – Waiting List Opening: Henry Phipps Plaza South, located in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan, is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for studio, one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments for the waiting list. Households must meet the income and family size requirements. Click Here to view occupancy and income guidelines, additional details, and to apply.
· Lower Manhattan Cultural Council announced the launch of its three 2023 grants programs: Creative Engagement, Creative Learning, and UMEZ Arts Engagement. All three have one deadline: Tuesday, September 13th at 5 p.m.
The grants offer Manhattan-based artists and arts organizations access to up to four sources of funding, opportunities to combine multiple grants for a single project, and one of LMCC’s largest overall regrant budgets in recent years. Information sessions about the programs are on the following dates; RSVP at the links.
Creative Engagement & Creative Learning:
o Wednesday, 7/20, 6 – 8 pm: Hosted in partnership with FABnyc.
o Monday, 8/1, 3 – 5 pm: Hosted in partnership with Chinese American Arts Council. Chatham Square Library, 33 East Broadway: Presented in Mandarin Chinese.
o Tuesday, 8/30, 4 – 6 pm: Hosted in partnership with Community Word Project & NYC Arts in Education Roundtable. ASL interpretation available.
o Wednesday, 9/7, 6 – 8 pm: Hosted in partnership with The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York.
Creative Engagement & Umez Arts Engagement:
o Thursday, 7/28, 6 – 8 pm: Hosted in partnership with the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance Esta sesión será en ingles y español. This session presented in English and Spanish
o Tuesday, August 16, 4 – 6 pm: Hosted in partnership with Harlem Arts Alliance. ASL interpretation available.
· William Greaves Funds: Applications are now open for William Greaves Funds for mid-career filmmakers of color; click the links below to learn more:
o The newly established PBS/Firelight William Greaves Production Fund will “resource” documentary productions intended for distribution on PBS by mid-career filmmakers from diverse communities.
o The William Greaves Research & Development Fund, now in its third year, targets filmmakers based in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, with a particular interest in those who identify as being of Indigenous and/or of African descent. The Research & Development Fund will make grants up to $40,000 to support research and development on a feature-length nonfiction film.
MTA/Transportation
· Masks Are Required When Riding Public Transportation: All individuals regardless of vaccination status are required to wear a mask when taking public transportation, including subways, buses, taxis, ride sharing services, trains, and airplanes. This is a federal requirement and an important safety measure to protect yourself, others, and public health.
· New York City’s Speed Cameras to Begin Operating 24/7 on August 1: The City has 2,000 automated speed cameras, which until recently were permitted to operate on weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. A new state law now authorizes the cameras to be operational 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in order to capture those periods of time when 59% of traffic fatalities occur. A month-long public awareness campaign is currently underway to prepare New York drivers for the change, which will occur on August 1. Click Here for additional details.
Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships
· NYPD Police Officer Exam: Become a NYC Police Officer and embark on a fulfilling career in public service that ensures the safety and prosperity of this great city and its citizens. The Police Officer Exam will be open for filing until July 15. Register for the Police Officer Exam
· New York City Virtual Career Fair, Wednesday, July 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Virtual Career Fairs offer you the chance to interact with dozens of employers without leaving your home. At NYS Department of Labor virtual career fairs, you can upload your resume, browse employer virtual booths, and participate in virtual interviews with businesses hiring in your area. Click here to view additional details, participating businesses, and to register.
· Volunteer to Support Older Adults: On June 9, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) launched a new volunteer portal to make it easier for individuals and public/private partners to sign up for opportunities to support older adults. With the portal's new streamlined process, New Yorkers can see what opportunities are available and register online.
To learn more about these opportunities, click here to explore the new portal.
· NYC Care Health Care Access Program: NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals.
NYC Care is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive initiative to guarantee health care for New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Eligibility:
o You must live in the five boroughs of New York City
o Must not qualify for any health insurance plan available in New York State
o Not be able to afford health insurance based on government guidelines
To enroll: 646-NYC-CARE
· NYLAG Free Summer Legal Clinics for Advance Planning, July 12 and September 21: These are free legal clinics for New Yorkers of modest means. Attendees can create any of the following documents: Health Care Proxy, Living Will regarding medical wishes, Power of Attorney, and Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains.
o The July 12 legal clinic is being held in downtown Manhattan near the World Trade Center from 3 – 5 p.m.
o The September 21 legal clinic is being held in midtown Manhattan near the Rockefeller Center in the late afternoon.
If you are interested in attending, please complete the following online form: https://survey.legal/doOF2GvvyGOF or call (212) 613-6514 and leave a voicemail with your name and phone number.
Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
· Classes for Seniors in New York City: If you’re an older adult in New York, you can take part in live, in-person and online classes to learn new skills, discover ways to save money, and find a community where you can get in shape and make new friends. Senior Planet offers courses, programs, and activities that enhance the lives of older adults. Please join us! Got questions? Call our Senior Planet in NYC hotline:(917) 936-4410
· Medicare Orientation - Understand Your Costs and Choices in Medicare: Are you new to Medicare or want to better understand how Medicare works? Come join the NYC Department for the Aging's Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at one of our bi-weekly Medicare orientation sessions. You'll learn about eligibility and enrollment rules, choices in Medicare, when you can make changes to your coverage, and ways that you may be able to save money on Medicare costs. The next orientation dates are Tuesday, July 12 (10 -11:30 a.m.) and Wednesday, July 27 (2 – 3:30 p.m.). Register Here
Resources for Small Businesses and Non-Profits
· NYS Small Business Grant Funding: Does your small business need help to recover from the pandemic? Grants up to $50k are available with New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Apply today
In-Person & Virtual Community Activities
· FIAF’s Bastille Day Celebration, Sunday, July 10, 12 – 5 p.m.: FIAF’s popular Bastille Day celebration is back in person. Abounding with French cuisine, musique, dance, and myriad attractions for the whole family, this fête Populaire invites New Yorkers to revel in the flavors, sounds, and joie de vivre of France. This year’s event will include live music and dance performances, wine and champagne tastings, a sneak preview screening of Azuro, fun activities in French for kids and adults, a chance to win a dream getaway to France’s Occitanie region and other exciting prizes, and more than 40 booths showcasing the best of French food and Francophone culture. Location: Madison Avenue, from 59th to 63rd Street, Manhattan. Click Here for additional details.
· Celebrate Love: A (Re) Wedding, Sunday, July 10, 5:30 p.m.: After two years of having collective rituals diminished by the pandemic, Lincoln Center invites you to celebrate love once again. This is a special day for newlyweds, those whose weddings were canceled or diminished, and people who want to recommit their love to their partners and the city they love. Participants are welcome to bring up to two guests. Register Here
· Second Sutton Sunset Celebration, Monday, July 11, 6 – 8:30 p.m.: Sutton Place Parks Conservancy is hosting the Second Sutton Sunset Celebration. The event features live music, pro photo tips, dance lessons, and more! The rain date is July 12th. Location: Sutton Place Park & East 57th Street. Click Here for additional details
· This year’s first production of Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park is Richard III (through until 7/17), followed by As You Like It (playing from 8/10 - 9/11). Not only is it back, but all ticketing options are as well: in-person distribution in Central Park; in-person lottery at The Public Theater; in-person distribution in the boroughs; a digital lottery with TodayTix; and in-person standby line in Central Park
· City Parks Foundation Programs:
o The
City Parks Free Youth Tennis Program provides free tennis instruction to children and
adolescents age 6-17. Tennis pros use fun games and drills to help teach kids
the basics of tennis. Experienced juniors have the opportunity to compete in
weekly competitions and qualify for a citywide tournament. Click here for additional
details. Register
Here or call 718-760-6999 for information.
o Partnerships for Parks, It’s My Park Program: The It’s My Park program provides opportunities to help care for parks across the city by lending a hand to beautify a neighborhood green space. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and groups year-round. Click here for more information.
· Picnic Performances at Bryant Park: From May 27-September 17, enjoy 26 live, in-person music, dance, and theater events. Click here to view additional details.
· Concerts in the Park: The schedule for the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks is now available to view. The first concert in Central Park is scheduled for June 15. All performances start at 8 p.m. except for the indoor performance on Staten Island. Click here for the performance schedule and details.
· Lincoln Center calendar of July activities
· NYC Parks Free Summer Movies Under the Stars: view the calendar of movie viewings scheduled throughout the 5 boroughs.
Albany Office: Legislative Office Building, Room 808 | Albany, NY 12247 | (518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874
Email: [email protected] | On the Web: http://wwwnysenate.gov/senators/liz-krueger
Facebook: /statesenatorlizkrueger | Twitter: @LizKrueger | Instagram: @senatorlizkrueger