*[image: Inline image 1]*





Dear Neighbor,



This email offers some legislative updates, as well as health information,
upcoming events, and useful resources.



This past Wednesday was the first day of the 2023 legislative session, and
my first day representing the new 28th District in the State Senate.
Although I am losing parts of Murray Hill and Kips Bay, I am excited to be
representing more of Midtown, the Garment District, and Times Square, as
well as adding Roosevelt Island and parts of Chelsea to our district, while
continuing to represent East Midtown, Turtle Bay, Lenox Hill, Yorkville,
and the Upper East Side. Click here for a map of our new district
<[link removed]>.



This month will be a very active one in Albany. In addition to beginning to
move legislation at our regular sessions, we will also be hearing from the
Governor in her State of the State address, which is scheduled for January
10th. In the State of the State, the Governor will lay out her priorities
for the coming year, including some details about what we can expect in her
Executive Budget proposal.



Sometime toward the end of January, the Governor will release her Executive
Budget proposal, and following that the Legislature will announce the
schedule for our joint budget hearings, which I convene as Chair of the
Senate Finance Committee, with Assembly Member Helene Weinstein, Chair of
the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. Those hearings will run through
February.



March is the time when the Senate, Assembly, and Governor’s office
negotiate what will be in the final budget, which must be passed by April
1st. Then between April 1st and the last day of session, which is scheduled
for June 8th this year, we work on all the remaining bills that do not have
direct budgetary implications.



You can find more information about what is happening in the Senate,
including livestreams of sessions, debates, votes, and hearings, at
nysenate.gov.



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.



Best,



Liz Krueger

State Senator







*Governor Hochul Signs and Vetoes Key Bills*



Last month Governor Hochul signed and vetoed many important bills,
including several that I carried. Here is a rundown of a few bills of
interest:



*Signed:*

· S.8591, which I carried, will address issues with the Medical
Indemnity Fund, which exists to provide a funding source for future health
care costs for infants who sustained birth-related neurological injuries,
in order to reduce medical malpractice premium costs. The fixes provided
for in this bill were identified by families enrolled in the MIF, and will
improve access to vital health care services, as well as streamlining
information sharing and benefit utilization.



· S.6291, carried by Sen. Hoylman, prohibits the manufacture and sale
of common apparel to which PFAS substances have been intentionally added.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances are a class of
chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the
environment and in the human body. PFAS chemicals have been linked to a
variety of adverse health effects, including tumors and reproductive,
developmental, liver, kidney, and immunological effects.



· S.5027C, carried by Sen. Kavanagh, creates an Extended Producer
Responsibility program to recycle carpets. New York State generates about
515 million pounds of carpet waste annually, less than 1% of which is
recycled. While there is existing demand for more than 90% of the materials
in recycled carpets, the cost of collection, transportation, and processing
is higher than the market can bear. This new law will reduce carpet waste,
encourage closed-loop carpet recycling, and provide a mechanism for carpet
producer stewardship of their product through its life cycle.



· S.7867, carried by Sen. Biaggi, will establish a statewide
electronic tracking system for rape kits. Currently 33 states and
Washington DC have either implemented or are in the process of implementing
sexual assault kit tracking systems. These tracking systems give survivors
agency and allow them to access information about the status of their rape
kit, when and if, they are ready.



· S.8922, the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, carried by Sen. Ramos,
will support warehouse workers who currently have no protections from
inhumane work quotas. It puts safeguards on the algorithms which are
monitoring, punishing and pushing workers to burn out or get injured. The
new law prevents the algorithm from placing workloads on employees that
could injure the worker. Every workplace will have an ergonomic assessment
of all tasks and based on that assessment will be provided safe workloads.



· S.6809A, carried by Sen. Reichlin-Melnick, restores many of the
State Comptroller’s oversight powers over state contracts. The Comptroller
will once again have the authority to review major state contracts by SUNY,
CUNY, and the Office of General Services before they are signed. Oversight
by the Comptroller is crucial for ensuring the integrity of state contracts
and saving taxpayer dollars.



*Vetoed:*

· S.9387, which I carried with Assm. Gottfried, would prohibit the
future establishment or increased capacity of for-profit hospices. A recent
article in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that
"for-profit compared with nonprofit hospices provide narrower ranges of
services to patients, use less skilled clinical staff, care for patients
with lower-skilled needs over longer enrollment periods, have higher rates
of complaint allegations and deficiencies, and provide fewer community
benefits, including training, research, and charity care. For-profit
hospices are more likely than nonprofit hospices to discharge patients
prior to death, to discharge patients with dementia, and to have higher
rates of hospital and emergency department use." New York is uniquely
situated to prevent the deterioration of end-of-life care described above,
as currently only two of 41 hospices in New York are for-profit, compared
to a national average of two-thirds as of 2017. I continue to believe that
now is the time to place the care and safety of persons who are dying first
and foremost over profit.



· S.7453, which I carried, would have created an Electric Landscaping
Equipment Rebate program, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air
quality, and reduce noise pollution by promoting the adoption of electric
landscaping equipment. In addition to being a noisy nuisance, gas-powered
landscaping equipment emits a stunning amount of greenhouse gases and other
air pollutants. Operating a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour creates as
much smog-forming pollution as driving a car 1,100 miles, and gas-powered
lawn mowers account for 5% of all the air pollution in the United States.



· S.7337, carried by Sen. Comrie, would have restored powers to the
Public Authorities Control Board (PACB) that were significantly curtailed
by former Governor Cuomo in the 2019 budget. The PACB has oversight of
large economic development projects, including, for example, the Penn
Station area redevelopment.



*Still Awaiting Action:*

· S.8815, which I carried, would close a loophole in New York's False
Claims Act that had allowed wealthy individuals and large corporations to
avoid penalties for knowingly not filing necessary tax returns in order to
avoid their tax obligations.







*Liz Krueger’s 2023 Virtual Roundtable for Boomers and Seniors*



*“Living Well: Age-Friendly Housing”*



Senator Krueger’s 2023 five-part Virtual Roundtable for Boomers and Seniors
will focus on housing for older people. Access to safe affordable housing
is critical to ensure that we are able to age well in the community.



While affordable housing is a scarce commodity in New York City, the first
session of the series will provide information about what types of housing
are available and how to apply. During subsequent sessions, you will hear
from the experts about the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
Program designed to keep your rent regulated apartment affordable, learn
strategies to ensure your landlord makes needed repairs, and find out how
to assess your apartment to determine if it’s safe and best suited to meet
your needs as you age.



*To RSVP for any or all of the sessions in this year's series, please go to
[link removed]
<[link removed]>.*



You will have the *option of joining the events online through Zoom*, a
webinar hosting service.

You will also have the *option to view the events online through Facebook*.
Please note that *you do not need a Facebook account or profile* to view
the event through Facebook.

If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or other electronic
device, *you can listen in by telephone*.

**If you register for an event, *a confirmation email* with the Zoom link
and the call-in information will be sent *at least a week in advance* of
the event.**





*Thursday, January 12th – Affordable Housing Options for Older Adults *

10 am – 11:30 am



- Paul Freitag, Executive Director, Westside Federation for Senior Housing
(WSFSH)

- Paul Nagle, Executive Director, Stonewall CDC

- Alison Nickerson, Executive Director, LiveOn New York

- Kai Usher, Housing Ambassador Program Assistant, and EVH Navigator





*Thursday, February 9th - SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption)
Program*

10 am – 11:30 am



- Kim Lerner, Director, Benefits Outreach Program, LiveOn NY

- Inie Park, Ombudsperson, Office of the Tax Payer Advocate, NYC Department
of Finance





*Wednesday, March 8th – Get It Fixed: How To Get Repairs In Your Rental
Apartment*

**7 pm – 8:30 pm** (note evening time)



- Speakers TBD





*Thursday, April 13th – Is Your Home Age Friendly? How to Assess Your
Apartment*

10 am – 11:30 am



- Josh Krasner, Home Safety and Fall Prevention Coordinator, Health
Advocates for Older People

- Anna Martinez, Director of the Equal Access Project, NYC Commission on
Human Rights



*Thursday, May 11th – Housing Advocacy Issues*

10 am – 11:30 am


- Speakers TBD



*To RSVP for any or all of the sessions in this year's series, please go to
[link removed]
<[link removed]>.*







*City Retiree Health Benefits Update*

*January 9th NYC Council Hearing*



This update pertains to City retirees who are currently enrolled in a City
Medicare plan (GHI/EBCBS Senior Care Plan, HIP VIP plan, etc.).



*On Monday, January 9th at 9:30 a.m.,* the NYC Council Committee on Civil
Service and Labor is holding a hearing
<[link removed]>
on Int. 874
<[link removed]>,
a bill that would “amend the administrative code of the city of New York,
in relation to health insurance coverage for city employees, city retirees,
and their dependents”. For more information about how this legislative
action relates to the City’s ongoing efforts to transition City retirees
from the Senior Care Plan to a City Medicare Advantage Plan, please see
this City Paper article
<[link removed]>,
Council Member Gale Brewer’s Statement on Medicare Advantage
<[link removed]>,
and this article in The Chief
<[link removed]>
.



If you would like to testify during the hearing, please click here for
instructions on how to sign up <[link removed]>. You may
also submit written testimony up to 72 hours after the hearing has been
adjourned.







*Contents:*

Please click on the following links to go directly to the specified content
further below in this email. *If links do not work properly, you may need
to click “view entire message” at the end of this page.*



*Health Update Contents:*

· COVID-19 Resources <#covid19resources>

· COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Updates <#COVID19FluAndRSVUpdates>

· COVID Treatment <#covid19treatment>



*Community Update Contents:*

· Apply to Be on Your Community Board <#communityboard>

· Financing Electrification Retrofits for New York's Small Buildings
<#FinancingElectificationRetrofits>

· <#m_4834321690110804701_link_5>Online & In-Person Meetings, Town
Halls, and Webinars <#m_4834321690110804701_link_5>

· COVID-19 and the Economy <#covid19economy>

· Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health,
Research <#m_4834321690110804701_link_7>

· <#m_4834321690110804701_link_8>Food <#m_4834321690110804701_link_8>

· Housing <#m_4834321690110804701_link_9>

· Education <#education>

· <#m_4834321690110804701_link_11>Jobs, Job Training, Residencies,
Internships, Fellowships <#m_4834321690110804701_link_11>

· Donation and Volunteer Opportunities <#m_4834321690110804701_link_13>

· <#m_4834321690110804701_link_14>Social and Legal Services
<#m_4834321690110804701_link_14>

· <#m_4834321690110804701_link_15>Resources for Older Adults &
Caregivers <#m_4834321690110804701_link_15>

· <#m_4834321690110804701_link_16>Resources for Small Businesses &
Non-Profits <#m_4834321690110804701_link_16>

· In-Person & Virtual Community Activities <#inperson>







*COVID-19 Resources*



*COVID-19 Vaccinations*

· General Vaccine Information and Eligibility
<[link removed]>

· NYC Vaccine Finder <[link removed]>: Find COVID-19
and flu vaccine sites online or call 877-829-4692

· NYC Health + Hospitals Vaccine Sites*:* Call 877-829-4692 or Schedule
Online
<[link removed]>

· Local and Nationwide vaccine sites: [link removed]

· CVS Pharmacy: Call 800-746-7287 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Rite Aid Pharmacy: Call 800-748-3243 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Walgreens Pharmacy: Call 800-925-4733 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Request an in-home vaccination, including the new Bivalent Pfizer
booster shot, (Pfizer vaccine only) if you are an NYC resident who is
homebound or age 65+. Sign up online <[link removed]>
or by calling 877-820-4692.



*COVID-19 Testing*

· Order Free at-home COVID-19 tests <[link removed]>

· Find NYC Health + Hospital Testing Sites
<[link removed]>

· Check the wait time at NYC Health + Hospital Testing Sites
<[link removed]>

· NYC COVID-19 Test Site Finder <[link removed]>



*COVID-19 Treatment*

· Visit the NYC Health Department COVID-19: When You Are Sick
<[link removed]> web page for
information about how to access available treatment if you contract
COVID-19 or Long COVID.



*COVID-19 Data*

· NYC Health Department Prevention Guidance
<[link removed]>

· NYC Health Department COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· NYS Health Department COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· CDC COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· Check the transmission level in your neighborhood at: NYC Health
Department COVID-19 data web page
<[link removed]>.
Click “Transmission” and then “Your Neighborhood.”



*COVID-19 Supplies*

· *Order free COVID-19 at-home rapid testing kits from the federal
government* (current maximum is 4 testing kits per household). Order online
<[link removed]> or call 800-232-0233

· *Pick up free COVID-19 at-home rapid tests from City-distribution
sites.* Click here to see a list of community sites and times when you can
pick up a free rapid test kit
<[link removed]>.

· COVID.gov: <[link removed]> a federal website where you can
look up information on where to get free masks, as well as COVID-19
vaccinations, treatment, and testing.



Return to Top <#Index>





*COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Updates*

In the U.S. and New York, we continue to experience high case rates of
respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The good news,
however, is that some of these illnesses are on the decline.



· *RSV and Flu:* In her January 5th update on the state of the
Triple-demic, epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina reported that *we are now
seeing a notable decrease in cases of RSV*, as evidenced by CDC data. *We
are also experiencing a gradual decrease in cases of the flu*, however, it
is possible that the remainder of our flu season will mirror that of
countries in the Southern Hemisphere, which had two waves of the flu that
were caused by two different flu strains. *Whether we have one or two waves
of the flu, it is not too late to benefit from getting a flu shot.* You can
find vaccine sites that are administering the flu shot at NYC Vaccine Finder
<[link removed]>.



· *COVID-19:* Unlike RSV and the flu, we are experiencing an increase
in cases of Coronavirus, driven by the most recent and most transmissible
Omicron variant to date: XBB.1.5. The World Health Organization (WHO) is
performing a risk assessment of XBB.1.5, details of which will be available
in the coming days.



The presence of a new and more transmissible Omicron variant is not new to
us; however, the following is why I want to make sure you have information
about this variant:

Ø XBB.1.5 has rapidly become the dominant variant in the Northeast and New
York, and is quickly spreading to the rest of the U.S. As of December 31,
51.9% of cases in NYS were caused by XBB.1.5 vs. 27.6% of cases as of
December 17.

Ø Dr. Ashish K. Jha addressed
<[link removed]>
the degree of protection that the COVID-19 vaccines or recent infections
have against this new variant: “*If you had an infection before July OR
your last vaccine was before bivalent update in September your protection
against an XBB.1.5 infection is probably not that great…You likely have
very little protection against infection and for older folks, diminishing
protection against serious illness*”.

*At this time, 12.9% of NYC residents have received the COVID-19 bivalent
booster.* It is never too late to get up to date with your COVID-19
vaccinations, including the bivalent booster vaccination, in order to have
maximum protection against serious illness, as well as to help prevent
against infection and Long COVID. *You can find vaccine sites that are
administering Coronavirus vaccines at **NYC Vaccine Finder*
<[link removed]>*.*



As a friendly reminder, due to the high volume of RSV, flu, and Coronavirus
cases, the NYC Health Commissioner issued a Health Advisory
<[link removed]>
on December 9, 2022, urging NYC residents, regardless of vaccination
status, to wear high-quality masks when in public indoor settings and in
crowded outdoor settings. *This means that it is important to wear masks
such as the N95, KN95, and KF94.* If you do not have access to one of these
high-quality masks, you can wear a cloth mask over a disposable mask for
added protection. *A disposable/surgical mask alone does not provide
sufficient protection against these highly transmissible variants.*

Return to Top <#Index>





*COVID-19 Treatment*



A friendly reminder that the best way to prevent getting COVID-19 and Long
COVID is to stay up to date with Coronavirus vaccinations and boosters, and
follow other preventive safety measures. However, Paxlovid is a medication
that provides life-saving treatment and reduces the chance of
hospitalization for people who contract the Coronavirus and are at higher
risk of severe illness.



*To access Paxlovid:*

· Make sure to get tested as soon as you experience possible symptoms
of COVID-19

· Speak with your primary care provider to discuss eligibility for
COVID-19 treatment. If you do not have a primary care provider, or if you
are uninsured, you can call 212-268-4319 and press option 9 to reach the
NYC Health + Hospitals emergency telehealth service. You will have intake
with a nurse and then speak with a clinician to determine eligibility.

Return to Top <#Index>





*Apply to Be on Your Community Board*


Community Boards are the independent and representative voices of their
communities—the most grass-roots form of local government. The Boards are
pivotal in shaping their communities and work to enhance and preserve the
character of the city’s many unique neighborhoods. Manhattan’s 12 Community
Boards are composed of 50 volunteer members serving staggered two-year
terms– thus, 25 members are appointed (or reappointed) each year.

Each year, the Manhattan Borough President appoints 300 members to the
borough’s 12 Community Boards to serve two-year terms, and* applications
are now open through 5 pm on March 17, 2023. *You can apply here
<[link removed]>.

The Borough President is especially interested in appointing Manhattanites
who have historically been less represented on Community Boards, including
youth 16 years or older, public housing residents, and people holding
marginalized identities. Borough President Levine is committed to ensuring
that Community Boards authentically reflect the diversity of the
neighborhoods they represent, lifting up the lived experience and concerns
of Manhattanites who have long been disenfranchised.

Community Board members must live, work, or have an otherwise significant
interest in the neighborhoods served by the community district, and be a
New York City resident. In addition, we look for applicants with histories
of community involvement, expertise and skill sets, and attendance at Board
meetings. No more than 25 percent of the members of any board may be New
York City employees.

Each Board has a budget, a district manager and staff, and has three
distinct responsibilities:

- Monitoring the delivery of city services such as sanitation and street
maintenance;
- Planning and reviewing land use applications including zoning changes;
and
- Making recommendations for each year’s city budget.

Community Boards consider a wide range of issues, including distribution of
liquor licenses, consideration of sidewalk café applications, and permits
for street fairs and other outdoor events. They may also weigh in issues
before the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Board of Standards and
Appeals (the city agency dedicated to land-use and zoning regulation), and
provide input on proposals from city agencies.

Members are officially appointed by the Manhattan Borough President. Half
of the members of these boards are selected unilaterally by the Manhattan
Borough President, and half are nominated by the City Council Members whose
districts overlap with the Community District.

Return to Top <#Index>





*Financing Electrification Retrofits for New York's Small Buildings*



The Climate Friendly Homes Fund (CFHF), administered by The Community
Preservation Corporation, provides financing for existing, 5-50-unit
buildings in New York State, with a focus on replacing older and less
energy-efficient systems with all-electric, high-performance heating,
cooling, and hot water heating systems.



With $250 million in New York State funding, CPC and New York State Homes
and Community Renewal aim to finance electrification retrofits in at least
10,000 units of multifamily housing that serve economically disadvantaged
communities. These funds will empower small building owners to identify and
execute a scope of work to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings
and decrease their greenhouse gas emissions.



By catalyzing the adoption of new, energy-efficient technologies, the
program will advance New York State and CPC’s commitments to supporting
multifamily building owners in their transition to a green economy and
delivering the benefits of climate friendly homes to residents of low- and
moderate-income neighborhoods.
New York State and CPC announced
<[link removed]>
the
program in September 2022. CPC was selected, through a Notice of Funding
Availability, to administer the CFHF.



*Program Overview*

*Use of Funds*

Owners of eligible buildings may apply for funds to cover the cost of
eligible building upgrades including electrification of heating, cooling,
and water heating systems and additional building envelope improvements.
Funds may be used for approved retrofit work scope items (see below), as
well as certain soft costs.

Retrofit Scope of Work items eligible for funding include:

- Electrical service upgrades
- HVAC systems replacement with high-efficiency heat pumps
- Domestic Hot Water replacement with high efficiency heat pumps
- Additional energy conservation measures to optimize new system
performance
- Systems commissioning



*Eligibility*

- Buildings must have 5-50 residential units and be located in New York
State.
- Owners of regulated affordable and unregulated multifamily rental
buildings in eligible locations may apply; Buildings must currently be
subject to a regulatory agreement with a public agency or be located in one
of the following locations:
- Low-Moderate Income Qualified Census Tract as defined by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Disadvantaged Communities as defined in the New York State Climate
Leadership and Community Protection Act.



*Find out if your building location is eligible:* See HUD Qualified Census
Tract Areas here <[link removed]> and
view a map of NYSERDA Disadvantaged Communities Areas here.
<[link removed]>



*Application Process*

- Building owners may apply for funding by submitting eligibility
documentation.
- Applications are expected to open in the first quarter of 2023. Sign
up here
<[link removed]>
to receive notifications.

Return to Top <#Index>





*Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars*



· *Civilian Complaint Review Board January Meeting*: Wednesday,
January 11th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, in person at Harlem Hospital Center
Auditorium (506 Lenox Ave) and virtually via Webex
<[link removed]>
.



· *What To Know About RSV:* Thursday, January 12th, 6 - 7:30 pm, a
virtual presentation by Lenox Hill Greenwich Village, cosponsored by State
Sen. Brad Hoylman, Rep. Jerry Nadler, B.P. Mark Levine, Assembly Members
Deborah Glick, Danny O'Donnell, Linda Rosenthal, and Council Members Shawn
Abreu, Erik Bottcher, and Gale Brewer. Register here
<[link removed]>
.



· *Navigating the System for People With Developmental Disabilities: *YAI
is offering online trainings to provide information about eligibility and
access to services through the New York State Office for People with
Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Information offered in this workshop is
relevant only to New York State services. Workshops are open to people with
I / DD, parents, family members, caregivers and professionals. To respect
the privacy of our attendees, this workshop will not be recorded. Upcoming
dates for workshops are:

o January 18, Noon – 1 p.m. Register here
<[link removed]>

o February 8, 6-7 p.m. Register here
<[link removed]>



· *Employment Rights for People with HIV, Substance Use Disorders and
Viral Hepatitis: *Wednesday, January 18th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This 90-minute webinar
explains the employment rights of people with HIV, viral hepatitis, and
substance use disorders. It focuses on anti-discrimination laws, such as
New York City and State Human Rights Laws and the Americans with
Disabilities Act.



*As a result of this training, participants will be able to: *Describe what
employers may ask about disabilities, including HIV status, Viral
Hepatitis, and substance use disorders; Describe the basic workplace
anti-discrimination protections for people with HIV, Viral Hepatitis and
substance use disorders; List legal remedies available to people who have
experienced workplace discrimination; and Identify useful resources to help
clients understand their employment rights and seek legal help when they
believe their rights have been violated.



*Audience: *Health and social service providers working with individuals
who have HIV, hepatitis, and/or substance use disorders and who are
employed or seeking employment.



*Important Registration Information!*

To register for this training, click here
<[link removed]>
and
enter your account log-in information. If you do not have an account with NYS
DOH AIDS Institute HIV Education & Training Program
<[link removed]>,
you will need to sign up for one before registering for this course.



· *Retirement Readiness Base Camp: Estate Tax Planning*: Thursday,
Jan. 26, 2023, 1:00 to 2:00 PM Instructor Ron Fatoullah, Esq. addresses why
no estate is too small to avoid some tax planning. Life happens and you
never know what can creep up to put your estate into a taxable category.
Learn:

o What are the ways to protect your estate?

o How does succession planning work?

o Why should you think of multiple generations?

o How do capital gains factor in?

Sponsored by Presbyterian Social Services. Register here
<[link removed]>.



· *Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine's State of the Borough
Address:* Tuesday, January 31st, 6pm, at City College of NY Shepard’s Hall,
160 Convent Ave, Manhattan. Register here
<[link removed]>
.



· *Grants Workshops for Small Businesses and Community Groups:*
CitizensNYC is hosting a series of workshops on their grants programs. Find
out more about their Neighborhood Business Grants of up to $10,000 and
Community Building Grants of up to $3,000 by participating in an upcoming
workshop. More information on the grants and workshops is available at
[link removed].

Return to Top <#Index>





*COVID-19 and the Economy*



· New York by the Numbers - Monthly Economic and Fiscal Outlook,
<[link removed]>
by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander

Return to Top <#Index>





*Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research*



· *The FDA has approved certified pharmacies to dispense abortion
medication: *As of January 3, 2023, people who seek a medication abortion
may get a prescription for Mifepristone Tablets filled at local pharmacies
that are certified to dispense the medication. The prescription must have
been issued by a certified prescriber. Mifepristone may be dispensed
in-person or by mail.

The FDA ruling is a step in the right direction. Medication abortion is
safe and must be made more accessible for individuals seeking abortion
care. For more information, please see Dr. Daniel Grossman’s explanation
<[link removed]>
of the FDA decision, this NY Times article
<[link removed]>,
and the FDA webpage on Mifepristone
<[link removed]>
.

· *Changes to Medicare Savings Programs in 2023: *While Medicare open
enrollment for 2023 is now closed, those eligible can still apply for a
Medicare Savings Program. Beginning next year, income limits will be raised
for the Medicare Savings Program, allowing more people to save money on
their healthcare costs.

In New York, individuals with monthly incomes of up to $2,107, and couples
with monthly incomes of up to $2,838, will be eligible for the Medicare
Savings Program. With this increase taking place, it is estimated that as
many as 300,000 New York residents can receive the benefits of this program.

Those on Medicare Savings Program will automatically be enrolled into Extra
Help, which can pay for your drug premium plan, while reducing your drug
costs at the pharmacy. In addition, vaccines under Medicare Part D drug
plans (including Shingles) will be covered in full. If you have a
prescription for insulin, your monthly co-pay is capped at $35.

If you have any questions or need assistance to apply, do not hesitate to
contact our Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance
Program (HIICAP)
<[link removed]>
team by calling Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NY (212-244-6469).



· *Open Enrollment for Healthcare Marketplace Coverage in 2023*

We have entered the Open Enrollment Period for the Healthcare Marketplace
in New York, which runs from November 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023. During
the Open Enrollment Period, you can enroll for health insurance through the
individual marketplace, as well as make changes to your current health
insurance coverage in 2023. Cost-sharing subsidies are available for
eligible policy holders to help make the cost of health insurance more
affordable. *Please note that if you already have a health insurance policy
through the individual marketplace and want to make a change, you can do so
on or after November 16th.*



2023 health insurance plan details are now available. If you would like to
consult with a trained representative about plan options or subsidies at no
charge prior to selecting your health insurance plan, Navigator Sites are
an excellent resource. The following is the contact information for a local
Navigator Site:

*Community Service Society of New York *

Phone: 888-614-5400

Please make sure to call and schedule an appointment before January 31st to
ensure health care coverage in 2023. *You will need to sign up for a health
insurance policy by December 15th in order for it to take effect January 1,
2023. *



· *Do More, Feel Better – A Community Program Against Depression:* People
60+ experiencing depression can enroll in a nine-week research program to
explore how increasing participation in pleasurable and rewarding
activities can lead to improvement in depressive symptoms. The program is
conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine, and individual sessions will be
completed via telephone or video chat. If you are eligible to participate,
you will receive compensation over the course of the
program. For more information, contact Kiana, Caroline, or the study team
at 844-333-3579 ext. 720 / ext. 714 or [email protected].



· *Important Changes Coming to New York Medicaid, Child Health Plus
and the Essential Plan *Do you or a family member currently have health
insurance through New York State Medicaid, Child Health Plus or the
Essential Plan? When the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, New York
State will resume eligibility reviews and renewals for people enrolled in
these programs. This means you may need to take action to renew your health
insurance or the insurance of your family members. Please visit this web
page <[link removed]> to view updates
as new information becomes available, including when the COVID-19 public
health emergency will end.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Yorkers enrolled through NY State of
Health
<[link removed]>

Frequently Asked Questions for New Yorkers enrolled through their Local
Department of Social Services or the New York City Human Resources
Administration
<[link removed]>



*Here are some things you can do now to get ready.*

o *Sign up to receive SMS/MMS Text alerts *from NY State of Health so you
don't miss important health insurance updates, including when it's time to
renew your coverage.

*To subscribe, text START to 1-866-988-0327*

Learn more:

o SMS/MMS Text Messaging Privacy Policy
<[link removed]>

o SMS/MMS Text Messaging Consent and Terms of Service
<[link removed]>

o *Make sure your address and contact information is up to date. *Make
sure NY State of Health has your current mailing address, phone number and
email address so they can contact you about your health insurance. To
update your information:

o Call NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220)

o Log into your account at nystateofhealth.ny.gov,
<[link removed]> or

o Contact an enrollment assistor
<[link removed]>

If you enrolled in Medicaid through your county’s Medicaid office or
through New York City’s Human Resources Administration
<[link removed]>, contact that office
to update your address and contact information.



· *NYLAG Webinars on Medicaid Changes:* Big changes are happening for
older adults and people with disabilities who receive Medicaid in New York
State. Register now for TWO free webinars from the New York Legal
Assistance Group on these changes scheduled for early 2023. CLE credit
pending.

*Wednesday, January 18, 2023, *10 AM – 12 PM: Medicaid & MSP Eligibility
Increases
<[link removed]>
*Wednesday, February 8, 2023,* 10 AM – 12 PM: Update on NY Independent
Assessor
<[link removed]>



· *NYC Well:* Free, confidential mental health support in more than
200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.



· *Mental Health for All: *A comprehensive hub with helplines and
services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of
all New Yorkers. Access resources at [link removed].

Return to Top <#Index>





*Food*



· *Greenmarkets:* The 82nd Street Greenmarket
<[link removed]> on East 82nd
Street between First and York is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.



The Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket
<[link removed]> at 2nd
Avenue and 47th Street is open Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.



The Union Square Greenmarket
<[link removed]> is open
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.



The Roosevelt Island Greenmarket
<[link removed]> is open Saturdays from 7:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m just under the Helix, near Foodtown.



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!



· *Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Fresh Food Box*: Every Tuesday from
2:30-6:30 at First Avenue and 70th Street. Pay one week in advance for an
equitably-priced, pre-assembled box of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables
grown primarily by regional farmers and sourced through GrowNYC Wholesale!!
(Yes, equitably-priced - just $7 for SNAP card holders - and with generous
enough portions some folks share a weekly box!!) More information
available here. <[link removed]>



· *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
<[link removed]>

o NYC Food Resource Guide: Midtown
<[link removed]>

o NYC Food Resource Guide: Stuyvesant Town/Turtle Bay
<[link removed]>

Return to Top <#Index>





*Housing*



· *New Rules Regarding Surcharges for Air Conditioners in Rent
Regulated Apartments: *Prior to the rent laws being updated by Chapter 619
of the Laws of 2022, a five dollar ($5.00) per air conditioner per month
surcharge was lawful. Effective November 21, 2022, in rent stabilized and
rent controlled apartments, owners are prohibited from the continued
collection and from the prospective imposition of a surcharge on a tenant
for the use of a tenant-installed air conditioning unit if the tenant pays
for the electric utility service. For more information, see HCR Fact Sheet
#27 – “Air Conditioners”: [link removed].



· *Affordable Housing Lotteries: *You can view open affordable housing
lotteries on the NYC Housing Connect website here:
[link removed]



· *Waitlist Open For Affordable Apartments in Murray Hill:* A waitlist
has opened to fill affordable apartments available now and for future
vacancies at The Copper, originally known as the American Copper Buildings
<[link removed]>, a pair of luxury
rental towers at 626 First Avenue
<[link removed]>
with
a three-story sky bridge connecting the two buildings. New Yorkers earning
60 percent of the area median income can apply for a spot on the wait list
for the apartments, which are priced between $832/month to $1,311/month on NYC
Housing Connect <[link removed]>.



· *NYC Property Tax Rebate Program Deadline Extended: *The deadline to
apply for a $150 property tax rebate has been extended to March 15, 2023,
for homeowners who couldn’t apply by the Nov. 15 deadline due to an
extenuating circumstance. Think you qualify? More info on how to apply
here: www.nyc.gov/propertytaxrebate. To be eligible, the property (a one,
two or three-family residence or a co-op or condominium unit) must be the
primary residence of owners with a combined annual adjusted gross income
under $250,000 in tax year 2020. If you did not already receive the rebate
earlier this year you can learn more and apply here
<[link removed]>.
You can also view this short YouTube tutorial
<[link removed]> on how to apply (which shows
how to start at that DOF page).



· *Home Fire Safety Information: *The FDNY offers information on fire
safety best practices at www.fdnysmart.org.



· *Heat Season Rules: *The City Housing Maintenance Code and State
Multiple Dwelling Law require building owners to provide heat and hot water
to all tenants. Building owners are required to provide hot water 365 days
a year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.



Between October 1st and May 31st, a period designated as “Heat Season,”
building owners are also required to provide tenants with heat under the
following conditions:

• Between the hours of 6AM and 10PM if the outside temperature
falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least
68 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Between the hours of 10PM and 6AM the inside temperature is
required to be at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that there is no longer
any outside temperature requirement for night hours



Tenants who are cold in their apartments should first attempt to notify the
building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored,
the tenant should call the City’s Citizen Service Center at 311. For the
hearing-impaired, the TTY number is (212) 504-4115. The Center is open 24
hours a day, seven days a week.



· *NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) *hosts *Buildings After Hours*,
their in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 – 7
pm in each local DOB borough office. (Manhattan’s DOB office is at 280
Broadway, 4th Floor). More details are available here:
[link removed].



· *Council Member Erik Bottcher Monthly Housing Clinic*: An
opportunity for residents of City Council District 3 to meet individually
with housing attorneys regarding tenant-landlord issues. The second Tuesday
of every month, from 4pm to 6pm. To sign up, click here
<[link removed]>.


Return to Top <#Index>





*Education*

· *Kindergarten Applications: *The kindergarten application is open.
Apply by January 20, 2023. This year you can add G&T programs to it, too.
In New York City, children enter kindergarten in the fall of the calendar
year they turn five, and are guaranteed a kindergarten seat at a public
school. Once your child starts kindergarten, they can remain at the same
school until its final elementary grade. Watch this video series
<[link removed]>
to learn more about kindergarten admissions.

Need an elementary school for your child now? Learn if your child has a
zoned school by entering your address at [link removed]
or by calling 311.Contact your zoned school directly to enroll. If you
don't have a zoned school, contact schools of interest directly or visit a
Family Welcome Center for help finding a school.

Return to Top <#Index>





*Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships*



· *Train and Earn: *Train & Earn
<[link removed]>
is a vocational training program for young adults (16-24) who are out of
school/out of work. Participants receive customer service and food handling
certificates, employment readiness and financial literacy training.
Instruction is hybrid, and participants receive a Chromebook. Successful
participants earn $500 upon completion. Some participants will do 175 hours
of paid internship experience. Job placement and access to advanced
trainings. Click here
<[link removed]>
to apply.



· *Housing Court Answers Hotline Specialist: *Housing Court Answers,
an independent nonprofit, seeks a full time Hotline Specialist. They
provide non-lawyer assistance to people from information tables in Housing
Courts in all 5 boroughs, through a hotline, and for NYCHA tenants at the
impartial hearing office. HCA also works on policy issues surrounding
Housing Court. Hotline Specialists assist callers with rent arrears and
eviction issues, utility arrears, public benefits problems or questions,
questions about Housing Court and Housing Court procedures and questions
about housing rights and responsibilities. Salary (currently, salary is
$51,819) and benefits are negotiated through collective bargaining. Send
resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Hotline Position” in
the subject.



· *Try Out to Become a Lifeguard for Summer 2023: *Lifeguard
Qualifying Tests are being offered this month at various locations around
NYC to find out more about becoming a lifeguard, click here
<[link removed]>.



· *NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship: *The NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship
<[link removed]> is a $8,000
unrestricted cash grant available to artists living in New York State
(and/or an Indian Nation within state boundaries). They are currently
accepting applications in the categories of Craft/Sculpture,
Digital/Electronic Arts, Nonfiction Literature, Poetry, and
Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts. Visit the link at New York Foundation for
the Arts to learn more. Application deadline is Wednesday, 1/25/2023 and
successful applicants will be notified Summer, 2023.



· *Part-time Medical Escorts Needed to Accompany Older Adults on Vital
Appointments: *Search and Care seeks compassionate chaperones – Medical
Escorts -- to accompany older adults safely from the upper east or upper
west side to/from medical and other vital healthcare appointments. Candidates
will be asked for proof of COVID vaccinations and have at least one weekday
availability for 4-6 hours between 8:30 and 5pm. Bilingual (Spanish) a
plus. Pay rate is hourly, no benefits; agency covers cost of background
check. Please contact Robin Strashun at 212-289-5781 or
[email protected].



· *New York State Career Center Events and Recruitment:* New York's
Career Centers offer a variety of classes, workshops, job fairs, job clubs
including virtual career fairs and virtual workshops, including
informational sessions on a variety of topics.For a complete schedule,
visit [link removed].



· *Helpful Resource Available for New UI Customers**: *Applying for
unemployment insurance (UI) may be daunting for new claimants, so NYSDOL
has created a new online guide that simplifies the process
<[link removed]>
. The resource provides a brief overview of eligibility criteria, items
needed for filing a claim, how to file, payment options, and what to expect
after submitting a claim. Claimants looking for answers to more in-depth
questions can easily navigate to DOL’s UI FAQs
<[link removed]>
, claimant handbook
<[link removed]>,
or How To Apply video
<[link removed]>
.



· *For UI Recipients, 1099-G Forms Coming in January: *With tax season
approaching, the 1099-G tax form will soon be available for anyone who
received unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in 2022. UI benefits are
taxable, and the 1099-G form shows how much an individual was paid during
the previous calendar year. If you received UI benefits in 2022, you must
include your 1099-G form when filing your taxes.

This year, receiving your 1099-G form became a whole lot easier. 1099-G
forms will be automatically mailed out in mid-January to those individuals
who require them, unless they opted to only receive this information
electronically.

For more information about the 1099-G form, visit on.ny.gov/1099-G
<[link removed]>
.

Return to Top <#Index>





*Volunteer and Donation Opportunities*



· *Join a Team TLC shift to welcome new neighbors arriving at the Port
Authority.: *Team TLC NYC
<[link removed]>,
an affiliate group of Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden, is a grassroots
organization committed to providing basic needs and support to asylum
seekers and immigrants. They have been leading the effort to greet migrants
who are arriving in NYC by bus (some at Port Authority and some at the
Megabus stop at W. 34th St), and they need volunteers every day of the
week. In addition to providing a warm welcome, volunteers help migrants
make their way to shelters, connect with family or friends, and secure bus
tickets if they want to travel elsewhere. Volunteers also provide food,
clothing, and toiletries to help meet folks' immediate needs. Volunteers
who speak Spanish are especially needed, but folks who don't can be
helpful, too. Learn more and sign up for a shift here.
<[link removed]>



· *GENuine Connections Intergenerational Volunteer Opportunity: *DOROT
is excited to launch GENuine Connections, a free, virtual program, where
teens and older adults connect in small groups on a weekly basis to bridge
the generational gap and have fun doing it. Do you know an adult aged 65+
or a high school student looking for a new volunteer opportunity? Find out
more here <[link removed]>.



· *DOROT Winter Package Delivery:* Join DOROT for Winter Package
Delivery on Sunday, January 29 or Monday, January 30. Share warmth and
companionship with an older neighbor. Deliver a bag filled with winter
staples and treats. Stay for a visit or follow up with a phone call to show
you care. Help DOROT address social isolation and loneliness in our
community. For more information and to register, please visit:
[link removed]



· *Volunteer Opportunities for those interested in helping Asylum
Seekers:*

o NYC/Catholic Charities is looking for people to volunteer at the asylum
seeker navigation center: [link removed]
<[link removed]>

o NY Immigration Coalition: [link removed]

o Grannies Respond (one of the primary groups greeting people at Port
Authority): [link removed].



· *Donation Drive for Asylum Seekers: *Manhattan Borough President
Mark Levine and the New York Immigration Coalition are sponsoring a
clothing and toiletry donation drive for newly arrived asylum seekers,
migrants and immigrants.

o *What to Donate: Toiletries *(body wash, shampoo, conditioner,
deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, nail clippers,
menstrual products (unopened), baby/body wipes, bath towels, face cloths,
diapers). *New and Packaged Clothing *(underwear, socks, t-shirts for men,
women and children).

o *Where to Donate: *1 Centre Street, 19th Floor, South Side, M-F 9am-5pm
or 431 West 125th Street, M-F 10am-5pm.

For questions or information, visit tinyurl.com/57bfye67
<[link removed]>, email [email protected] or call 212-669-8300.



· *The Civilian Complaint Review Board's Youth Advisory Council
application process is open: *The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a council
of young New Yorkers who are committed to criminal justice issues and
improving police-community relations. The YAC counsels the CCRB and finds
innovative ways to bring young New Yorkers into the narrative about
civilian oversight of the NYPD.

Applications are open to New Yorkers ages 10-18 years old. Video and audio
statements can be submitted via link in the application's "Please describe
why you would be an ideal member of the CCRB Youth Advisory Council"
section. The deadline is Tuesday, January 31st, 2023. Eligible applicants
can apply here (
[link removed]
<[link removed]>)
to join our 2023 class. To learn more about the YAC visit
www.nyc.gov/ccrbyouthcouncil
<[link removed]>

Return to Top <#Index>





*Social and Legal Services*



· *Affordable Connectivity Program: *The Affordable Connectivity
Program is available to help you pay for broadband internet service!
Qualifying individuals and families can receive up to $30 per month off
their broadband costs. You can learn more about and sign up for the
Affordable Connectivity Program here: GetInternet.gov.

Return to Top <#Index>





*Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers*



· *LiveOn NY Benefits Outreach and Assistance: *LiveOn NY’s Benefits
Outreach and Assistance program works to ensure older New Yorkers can make
ends meet through easy access to public benefits in New York City. They
offer benefits screenings and application assistance for SNAP (Food Stamps)
and other benefits programs. For assistance call 212-398-5045, email
[email protected] or complete their Confidential Benefits Screening
Form <[link removed]>.



· *VOLS Legal Support for Older Adults: *The VOLS Senior Law Project
serves low income New Yorkers age 60+ by partnering with pro bono attorneys
to provide wills, powers of attorney, and other essential life planning
documents free of charge. For more information and to access support, visit
[link removed]. They also publish a helpful
guide to live planning documents and decision making which is accessible
here



· *Health Advocates for Older Adults Healthy Aging Calendar: *Health
Advocates’ Healthy Aging Program strives to help seniors remain healthy,
active, and connected to their communities, both online and in person. They
offer a wide array of activities, including exercise classes, technology
training, music, movies and tours of local venues- some weekly and others
on various dates throughout the year. For a list of upcoming activities and
dates/times, please view their calendar here
<[link removed]>.



· *Classes for Seniors in New York City: *If you’re an older adult in
New York, you can take part in live, in-person
<[link removed]>
and online
classes <[link removed]> 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



· *Attorney General’s Nursing Home Hotline*: The NY Attorney General
has recently uncovered fraud and abuse at several nursing homes. If you
believe that a loved one could be at risk, please call the AG’s Hotline:
1-800-771-7755.

Return to Top <#Index>





*Resources for Small Businesses and Non-Profits*

· *Small Business Growth Accelerator Course: *The NYPL has opened
applications for a free Small Biz Growth Accelerator course; the deadline
to apply is 1/17/23. The program starts Tuesday, 1/24/23, 5 – 8 pm, at the
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (455 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Floor). It's
led by instructor Jimmy Newson, and includes:

o Two 3-hour in-person workshop-style classes

o Two additional virtual sessions for Q&A, workshop accountability, and
peer networking

o Strategic Planning Template

o 5 Action Plan Workbooks

o Financial Literacy Program

o Accessibility Training Program

o In-Depth Software demos

For more information, or to apply, click here
<[link removed]>
.



· *National Broadband Census:* The Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) is conducting a national broadband census. To help ensure the most
affordable and accessible internet for every New York home and business,
the New York State ConnectALL Office is mobilizing people and organizations
to help raise awareness about the FCC national broadband map, the
importance of its accuracy and how to submit a challenge to update the
map. However, our federal partners have given the public a narrow window
in which to submit challenges and the deadline for submitting a challenge
is January 13, 2023. Challenges submitted after this date can still update
the map, but will not increase New York’s allocation of federal funds



We encourage local business owners and residents to review their address on
the FCC national broadband map
<[link removed]>
and
submit a challenge if needed (from your home or business, smart phone,
local library or a community based organization that can provide access to
a computer terminal).



We need as many New Yorker’s as possible to participate in the national
broadband census to confirm the accuracy of their broadband
service—millions of dollars in federal funding are at stake.



Residents and businesses in your community can contact the ConnectALL
<[link removed]>
team
for additional support and if you have any questions on this process.



· *Free Tech help for Businesses: *The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
offers free tech help to small businesses. At a 30-minute, one-on-one phone
consultation with their tech expert, learn how to improve your online
strategy and get advice about a range of digital business processes, from
building and managing a website, honing your marketing strategy, online
payments, or setting up a database or how to use Customer Relationship
Management software for yourself or your team. Click here
<[link removed]> to make an
appointment.



· *The PACE Small Business Development Center* provides no-cost,
one-on-one business counseling to entrepreneurs in New York City. Our
advisors guide both existing small business owners as well as entrepreneurs
with emerging ventures and discuss a range of topics including marketing,
digital media, financing, business planning, government contracting, and
more. Sign up here to schedule an appointment:
[link removed]. They also host regular webinars on
issues impacting businesses which can be viewed here:
[link removed].



· *NY DOB Small Business Help Form*: Need assistance on your latest
construction project? Now small business owners and entrepreneurs can use
the Small Business Help Form
<[link removed]>
to
get one-on-one guidance on planned or ongoing construction projects,
including inspections, permits, and general advice. DOB’s new Small
Business Support Team (SBST) will handle the inquiries and project
applications coming from our City’s small business community. Whether
opening a new place of business or renovating an existing one, owners and
entrepreneurs can get the dedicated support they need. Contact SBST through
the Small Business Help Form
<[link removed]>
to
get your project to completion and your business up and running faster. For
additional resources and support, contact the NYC Department of Small
Business Services' NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST)
<[link removed]>.

Return to Top <#Index>





*In-Person & Virtual Community Activities*

· *Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association Holiday Show*: The RIVAA
Gallery’s annual Holiday Exhibition runs from December 17th to January 11th .
This year’s exhibition, Into Light, will open on December 17, 2022 from
6-9. Amish Darr an acoustic performer based out of Greenpoint, Brooklyn
will be playing at RIVAA holiday show on December 17th at 7:30pm. The RIVAA
Galery is located at 527 Main Street on Roosevelt Island. For more
information, email [email protected].

· *The New York Jewish Film Festival*: On Thursday, January 12th at
Lincoln Center, The New York Jewish Film Festival
<[link removed]>
opens
with “America
<[link removed]>”
by Ofir Raul Graizer, in Hebrew with English subtitles; Q&A with Ofir Raul
Graizer after the screening. The festival continues through January 23rd.
Complete schedule at the festival link above.



· *Community Board 8 Manhattan’s Winter Crafts Show: *Open call for
NYC Crafters. Show date February 11th, 11am to 4pm at Church of the Holy
Trinity, 316 E 88th Street. Submit a photo sample of your work by January 13
th to [email protected] using “Craft Submission” in the subject line. Free to
apply and participate.



· *Mulch Your Christmas Tree:* It's that time again! Mulchfest runs
December 26 through January 8! Wrap up your holiday season and say goodbye
to your tree at Mulchfest. Join NYC Parks and the New York City Department
of Sanitation
<[link removed]>
in
the NYC holiday tradition of recycling your Christmas tree! Put on your
boots and haul your tree to a Mulchfest location
<[link removed]>
—
we'll chip your tree into wood chips that we'll use to nourish trees and
make NYC even greener. DSNY will also conduct curbside collections of
Christmas trees for mulching and recycling Friday, 1/6 through Saturday,
1/14.



· *City Parks Foundation Programs:*

o *Senior Fitness Classes* for those 60+ at NYC parks. In Manhattan, they
offer yoga in Carl Schurz Park and tennis in Central Park, among many other
classes. View more classes and register here
<[link removed]>
or contact [email protected] or call (718) 760-6999 with any
questions.



·
<[link removed]>Lincoln
Center calendar of events
<[link removed]>



· *The 2023 Open Streets application is now live: *Apply today!
<[link removed]>

With a streamlined process for returning partners & resources available for
those looking to manage Open Streets, we're excited to work with
communities across NYC to grow the program this year! Visit
www.nyc.gov/openstreets#apply to access the application and to learn more
about the program. Email [email protected] with any questions,
concerns, or if you need assistance completing an application.

New York City's Open Streets program transforms streets into public space
open to all. These transformations allow for a range of activities that
promote economic development, support schools, and provide new ways for New
Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community.



Application Deadlines:

The 2023 application features important deadlines partners should consider
before applying:

• If your Open Street will launch on or before June 30th, 2023,
you must apply by January 31st, 2023.

• If your Open Street will launch on or after July 1st, 2023, you
must apply by April 14th, 2023. This deadline is also for any school
applying for the 2023-2024 academic year.



NYC DOT works with community-based organizations, educational institutions,
and groups of businesses to execute Open Streets citywide. In coordination
with community partners, NYC DOT can also help to develop operational plans
to manage the street for multiple uses, including outdoor dining,
programming, and outdoor learning/recreation for schools. NYC DOT works
with partners and local stakeholders to ensure loading, deliveries, and
emergency access is coordinated as part of the Open Streets' operations.

Return to Top <#Index>





*District Office*: 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1201 | New York, NY 10017
<[link removed]>
|
(212) 490-9535 | Fax: (212) 499-2558
*Albany Office*: Legislative Office Building, Room 808 | Albany, NY 12247 |
(518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874
*Email*: [email protected] | *On the Web*:
[link removed]
<[link removed]>
*Facebook* <[link removed]>:
/statesenatorlizkrueger | *Twitter* <[link removed]>:
@LizKrueger | *Instagram* <[link removed]>:
@senatorlizkrueger
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