presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance

May 28th, 2020

Quotes of Day

	“We believe that the extra capacity of sidewalk and street seating could make the difference for survival for restaurants and businesses. That’s allowed during the pandemic, that would be allowed now.” – Hon. Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive
	“For children and adults with special needs, routine and interaction are vital to maintain stability. Dalton, and residential staff that include DSPs, nurses and clinicians, have done an incredible job keeping the children healthy, learning and not stressed-out. Many of us can relate, staying home is not easy, especially with the rigorous new disinfecting procedures.” – Hon. Melissa Miller, NYS Assemblywoman
	“In the face of the coronavirus, the residents and employees of our village responded with courage, patience, ingenuity and an ongoing commitment to one another. Citizens supported first responders, local merchants accommodated loyal shoppers and a hospital/medical facility was created, designed and built on site by generous, unselfish neighbors facilitated by a village government eager to help in so noble an effort.” – Hon. Alex Edelman Village of Lawrence Mayor
The following are an ongoing collection of quotes in opposition to a proposal to remove local zoning in the middle of this pandemic.
	“Zoning laws were created for the simple purpose of protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the people. This can only be achieved in its purist form by keeping this function under local control where the people live, who know the land,the environment and the community best.” – Hon. Steve Flotteron, Suffolk County Legislator
	“Zoning is the single most important element of local government.  Zoning is what makes our communities what they are, what allows our residents to have their voices heard, and what ensures local control of our future.  Mineola has a tremendous track record in recent years leading the way in Smartgrowth development and offering real tax relief using local zoning.  The State should refrain from involving itself in areas which are purely of local concern.  Instead, we hope that the State focuses its efforts on financial assistance to local municipalities who can then deploy these funds to areas most impacted by this devastating pandemic.” – Hon. Scott P. Strauss, Village of Mineola Mayor

A message from Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance…

Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown

Day 74 of economic shutdown – Thursday May 28th, 2020

The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 74.   The Nassau County Executive made it out to downtown Farmingdale to announce openness to outdoor dining on County roads fast tracking permits along with 1000 packs of personal protective and sanitation equipment for local businesses.  Long Island Townships, without prompting from any group, are looking at their service delivery and seeking creative solutions to save money and improve efficiency.  Local municipalities, chambers and local residents are collaborating in numerous communities across Long Island on plans for reopening. 

Today’s downtown profiled today is the Village of Lawrence.  Our Communities Helping Communities segment takes us to Lido Beach.    

Here are some updates:

• In a surprise to no one LI’s unemployment has soared in April to 16% with 16.4% in Suffolk and 15.6% in Nassau.  This is higher than NYC, Westchester and higher than any time during the 1989-92 recession which were the highest in recent decades.  For those saying this shutdown is an inconvenience maybe speak with someone out of work.

• Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.32 which extends the period for paying property taxes​ 21 days, without interest or penalty, for the certain municipalities. This EO includes Suffolk County. The order is attached and can also be found here.

• The Governor signed an Executive Order allowing businesses to deny entry to customers without masks.

• The state has launched the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF), a $100 million fund to provide flexible and affordable loans to help our small businesses, especially MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) that did not receive federal Covid-19 assistance. The program will take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on truly small businesses, with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. If you’re a small business who didn’t get federal assistance, check out esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans for more information and to pre-apply

• The Nassau County BAR Association is accepting emails for COVID-19 related legal inquiries. Emails should be sent to Covidhelp@nassaubar.org.  Member volunteers are helping residents with a variety of issues, especially landlord/tenant and employment.  They can also help answer questions about Federal Small Business Administration loans. 

• There is an enormous amount of confusion out there. There is no comprehensive reopening as there are first steps taken to reopen. NYS will allow Long Island communities to have select categories of businesses reopen in addition to the industries already allowed to work if they are an “essential” businesses.
Industries that are eligible for Phase 1 reopening include:
– Construction
– Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
– Retail – (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
– Manufacturing
– Wholesale Trade
All businesses eligible to operate in Phase 1 should read the guidelines for their industry and submit an affirmation. In addition, they should print and complete the safety plan and display in their business.
Phase Two
– Professional Services
– Retail
– Administrative Support
– Real Estate / Rental & Leasing
Phase Three
– Restaurants / Food Services
Phase Four
– Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
– Education
Read https://forward.ny.gov/ to review the regulations and affirm their industries safety guidelines.
Having said all that there will be more announcements and guidelines from the State later today.
Check out this initial article in Huntington Now. Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci is quoted along with the Huntington Chamber and Vision.

• A new bill led by Rep. Carolyn Maloney would create a federally backed business interruption insurance fund to cover losses from a pandemic.

• Lots of folks were talking about this Washington Post article about NYC residents contemplating moving. 

• The NYS Legislature returned to Albany to debate a number of Coronavirus related bills with looming $13 billion deficit as a backdrop

• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, its important that no New Yorker feel unsafe at work or be put into harms way unnecessarily. If your employer doesn’t make appropriate accommodations for your safety, for the safety of the public, or fails to provide you with PPE to do your job safely, you’re urged to call the state coronavirus hotline at 888-364-3065

• If you are outside more with your kid here are some resources to get you child more appreciative of the natural world courtesy of Nassau BOCES and the LI PreK Initiative

RECENT NEWS FROM GOVERNMENT

• Governor Cuomo’s May 28th message

• Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s May 27th message

• Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s May 27th message

• US Senator Kirstin Gillibrand sent out a memo outlining some cases of fraud concerning SBA applications – please review and report and suspicious activity:
1)     Emails impersonating SBA to a borrower regarding PPP loan applications. SBA DOES NOT communicate with borrowers regarding specific PPP loan applications. All PPP loan correspondence should be between the lender and the borrower. 
2)     Emails impersonating SBA asking for borrowers to complete and sign attached documents to “complete” their disaster “Grant Application.” SBA does not process grants. All EIDL loan processing now occurs through the EIDL portal, and legitimate loan approval emails clearly reference the original confirmation #. If additional documentation is required (95% of loans do not require more documentation), it is electronically handled in the portal. EIDL Advances process with NO action required on the part of the applicant.
3)     These phishing emails are sophisticated, with SBA logos and styling consistent with legitimate SBA communications. If in doubt, the borrower may contact our office. 
Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online here.

• NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has developed a Covid-19 Financial Survival Toolkit for New Yorkers with links and resources for residents, government entities, nonprofits and businesses. Check it out here.

• Updated NYS guidance document on essential vs nonessential businesses.

• Towns and local governments have individualized resource pages for coronavirus updates:

New York City

Nassau County

Suffolk County

Town of Hempstead

Town of North Hempstead

Town of Oyster Bay

Town of Babylon

Town of Brookhaven

Town of East Hampton

Town of Huntington

Town of Islip

Town of Riverhead

Town of Shelter Island

Town of Smithtown

Town of Southampton

Town of Southold

City of Glen Cove

City of Long Beach

RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS

• US Senator Kristin Gillibrand has provided this thorough Q&A on the CARES Act.

• The US Senate has provided this resource guide for small businesses and the CARES act.

• A Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act.

• Here is a direct link to the Federal Reserve and initial documents for its Main Street lending program.

• The NYS Department of Labor has instituted a new system to spread out applications.  Check out the PSA that explains their new guidelines to get folks their benefits.

• The LI Main Street Alliances “We Are Open” Facebook page is now live sharing all of the local businesses still operating in 40 local communities.   Like it and share it and most importantly support your Main Street.

• Our friends at LISTnet have a Coronavirus support page.

• NYS Sen Anna Kaplan hosted “Preparing Your Small Business for a Reopened Community,” featuring practical steps you can take right now to prepare your business for the next phase of this crisis. If you weren’t able to participate live, you can watch the replay any time on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMKaplan/videos/2929655900462446/

• National Federation of Independent Businesses is holding webinars on small business loans and has videos of past ones on their site.

• If you are in the construction industry here is a very thoughtful webinar from the KOW consulting group on changes underway.

• Updated information regarding REVISED SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan application can be found here.

• SBA’s Coronavirus landing page has been updated and has important information including on the SBA Bridge Loan Program

• NYS has developed a Shared Work program for folks to apply for partial unemployment to supplement a reduced work schedule

• Dining Bonds created to help local small businesses

• The free New York State business advisement services of the Small Business Centers at Stony Brook University and Farmingdale are also available to assist

• Facebook has grants for small businesses

• Kiva has grants for small business

• Verizon has set up a small business recovery fund

• The US Chamber of Commerce has a small grant program for small businesses employing between 3-20 people is already oversubscribed after a few hours open. Check it out. 

• The State established a new partnership with the New York State Court System to create a pro bono network of volunteer lawyers to provide New Yorkers in need with free legal assistance. Volunteers will begin to receive training and start offering assistance next week. Lawyers interested in volunteering can sign up at www.nysba.org/covidvolunteer

• If you are at home do you dream about going back to your office or workplace?   If you are a boss or a manager here is what you should know from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration about making your workplace safe upon return.

• National Grid has created a targeted grants to help manufacturers who need assistance to develop new products or implement lean manufacturing, to produce critical items to support the pandemic response.

• Grants for Artists impacted by Coronavirus.

• Grants for Restaurant workers.

• Nassau County and Suffolk County are surveying small businesses: The Nassau County survey is here.  The Suffolk County survey is here.

• RXR has set up a series of volunteer resources to help your business during the shutdown.  Check it out.

• LISTnet hosted a webinar with Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance on adapting to the technology of working at home.  Here is the video link of the session.

• NYS Assemblywoman Judy Griffin hosted an event with local chambers and the LI Main Street Alliance on programs that can help small business.   You can check out the call here. (Access password: 1j@44H@5)

• NYS Senator Anna Kaplan held her second Small Business Support webinar with experts from the SBA and ESD giving an update about programs available to small businesses, and answering questions from business owners on Facebook Live. If you weren’t able to catch it the first time, you can watch it anytime at https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMKaplan/videos/931428823960667/

RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT / SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

• The NYS Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has weblinks for assistance here.

• Newsday has set up a page on their website for free messages for community organizations.   

• If you are a school providing meals during the Coronavirus crisis grants are available.

• The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has grants for nonprofit organizations serving low-income individuals, families and communities in New York State.

• The American Heart Association has grants for efforts to access healthy food and active living.

• VHB has put together a thoughtful resource guide on transportation, real estate and energy.   Check it out.

BILLS BILLS BILLS

• The IRS has created a Q&A page with information on what you need to do with your taxes

• Up to date information in accessing unemployment from NYS DOL

• If you filed for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, you do not need to prove you are searching for employment to make a claim. Department of Labor Commissioner Reardon has signed a new order that limits all work search activities for all unemployment claimants. No activities are required during the pandemic to receive unemployment benefits.

• Life Insurance payments deferred – For a 90-day period, New Yorkers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may defer paying life insurance premiums. Late payments will be payable over a one-year period. Additionally, consumers and small businesses experiencing Coronavirus-related financial hardship may defer paying premiums for property and casualty insurance for a 60-day period. This includes auto, homeowners, renters and other kinds of insurance. (No late fees will be assessed and there will be no negative impact to your credit.)

• There is now a 90 day waiver on mortgage payments which is a relief to the thousands of Long Islanders that had those bills hanging over their head during an extended forced shutdown.

• Student loan borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can obtain relief for loans not covered by the CARES Act. Available relief includes 90 days of deferred monthly payments, waived late fees, no negative reporting to credit agencies and enrolling eligible borrowers in available long-term assistance programs. New York student loan borrowers should visit the Department of Financial Services’ website at dfs.ny.gov for more information about available student loan relief.

• Resources for displaced bartenders.

• Resources for displaced hospitality workers.

• If you are an artist the NYS Foundation for the Arts has Emergency Grants.

• PSEG has a Coronavirus page that is updated regularly

• All NYS Department of Motor Vehicles licenses, ID’s and registrations are extended.   All offices closed and transactions are shifted to online service.

• If you are struggling with various bills to pay and worry about automatic payments from your bank account here is guidance on how to stop them.

• Got wireless bills?  AT&T and Verizon have given guidance on how to handle them – here is Sprint’s

• Auto insurance bills?  Many car insurance companies are providing discounts and credits to customers as a result of the dramatic reduction in driving that’s been taking place during the pandemic.  Check with your provider to see if they’re offering one, and if there are any steps you need to take in order to receive the discount.

HUMAN NEEDS

• Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you. Give them a call at 631-873-4775 for assistance.

• Umbrella is coordinating grocery delivery for adults 60+ across Long Island. Individuals can place an order online at askumbrella.com or call 516-882-4498 to get matched with a local volunteer to shop on their behalf. There is a $10 suggested contribution per order to help offset some of our overhead costs – but it is up to the individual to pay what they wish. No one is turned away. With questions about the service, please contact emma@askumbrella.com. 

• New York State will provide child care scholarships to essential workers. Child care costs will be covered for essential staff whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level — or $78,600 for a family of four. Essential workers (including health care providers, law enforcement, food delivery workers, grocery store employees and others) can use these scholarships to pay for their existing care arrangement.
If an essential worker needs child care, they can use the below link to begin the application process (select by language spoken)

• Folks need Food: If you are in need of food Island Harvest has their food locater and is working round the clock to continue supplies to those in need

• Domestic Violence is up 10%:  Many experts in the area of domestic violence prevention have pointed out lately that Isolation and unemployment are a recipe for disaster in a household with a history of intimate partner violence. If you need help, contact the Safe Center 24/7 at 516-542-0404 or the NY Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 800-942-6906. If you are in any personal crisis, you can also call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline at 516-679-1111.

• How is your mental health? A mental health hotline is available to New Yorkers who need it. We can’t underestimate the impact this pandemic is having on mental health. Over 6,000 mental health professionals have volunteered their time to help with New York’s Coronavirus response. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314

• If you are pregnant?  Many pregnant women and their families are facing uncertainty about what the COVID-19 outbreak means for their ability to have a safe, supported delivery in Nassau County hospitals.   In response to these concerns, Nassau County has launched a hotline: 516-4UR-CARE. Pregnant patients can call this line and get answers and advice about how to have a safe childbirth under COVID-19 conditions.

• Salvation Army has a Coronavirus hotline for their services of food, counseling and other emergency services

• Stay Clean – NYS is supplying their hand sanitizer to front line providers on an as need basis.   Here is the request form.

• New York State has a Coronavirus hotline and website for information or to schedule a test.  Please call 888-364-3065 or navigate here.

• If you lost your health care, NYS has reopened its health exchange.

• If you are a Senior check out the AARP Thursday conference call with info on social security, tax deadlines and other services.

• Supervisor Bosworth and the Town of North Hempstead launched a new program to provide our seniors with remote companionship during these isolating times. The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program matches volunteers with seniors in the Project Independence program, and is designed to provide a sense of reassurance and comfort. To participate or to volunteer, call 311 or 516-869-6311

• If you live in the Huntington area a very thorough Coronavirus Resource Guide is available from the Office of Legislator William Doc Spencer.

• The CDC has issued guidance for pet owners: don’t let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household, keep cats indoors when possible, walk dogs on a leash, staying 6 feet away from other people and animals. Avoid dog parks or places where a large number of people and dogs gather.  

HELP NEEDED

• Blood donations are needed: The New York Blood Center said it is in urgent need of donors, since coronavirus concerns have resulted in “critically low blood and platelet appointments” across Long Island. The NYBC has six centers in Nassau and Suffolk and said safety protocols are in place as they urge healthy individuals, who have not been exposed to coronavirus, to donate. The NYBC said if you are unsure if you can donate, you can ask their experts at 800-688-0900 or navigate to their webpage here.

St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is calling for people to make appointments to donate blood.

• New York is calling for qualified health professionals and related professionals to supplement hospital capacity on a temporary basis to help treat seriously ill coronavirus patients.

HELP WANTED

• Tens of thousands of Long Islanders are out of work.   There are many service industry positions seeking temporary or permanent employment.   Please check Here are some general Listings:

Indeed
Long Island’s Craigslist
New York Jobs
Simply Hired

• There are nearly 2 million folks currently out of work but the good news for some is that NYS is hiring 17,000 tracers at $57,000 a year. Check it out in Patch.

• If someone is looking for a procurement opportunity through the state you can fill out this form here.

• If someone is looking for a procurement opportunity with the federal government check out this source

• NYS is hiring 17,000 tracers at $57,000 a year. Apply online here.

HOME & STIR CRAZY

• Having trouble with your new job description as a home school teacher?  Check out Nassau Boces and their PreK initiative for all sorts of resources to help figure it out.

• Walking is important during this shutdown and is a form of self care.

• Folks are at home with their families and children for extended periods.   It’s important to know how to talk to your kids about Coronavirus.  Here is also some guidance from PBS.

• If you are trying to figure out what to do at home with your kid while they have very limited hours with their teachers online.  Western Suffolk BOCES has produced an online toolkit for learning.

An added bonus to the toolkit is an activity with Mo Willems, Author of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and many other cool stories

• If you are home and desperately trying to figure out what to do with your child that is remotely productive here are 16 simple things that count as learning.

• Bored at home – Fifty libraries in Nassau County now offer digital cards, allowing residents to explore their hometown library’s book, music and art collections online from the comfort of their couch.

• If you need some info on how to make your own mask.

• Can’t find hand sanitizer and need to make your own?  Here is one recipe.

• How to make homemade disinfectant spray and wipes.

• Do you miss Dinner and a movie?   The Cinema Arts Center offers free cooking videos to pair with your favorite independent films they can virtually screen. Check out their YouTube page for all the videos.

• Need Chocolate Activity Kits for kids?  Chocolate Works provides decorating kits and other home kits to make with you kids.   For every one you buy Pink Tie donates one to local food pantries in Hempstead and Medford!

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• NYS has an established COVID tracker web site that provides data regarding the virus outbreak in the state, including a breakdown of fatalities by age, ethnicity, risk factors, etc.

• Thinking Globally?   Here is a website documenting the world impact of Coronavirus.

• The International Center on Not for Profit Law has a global civic freedoms tracker tied to the Coronavirus crisis

HOW CAN I HELP?

There are hundreds of thousands unemployed in NY but there are many more as folks can’t or haven’t navigated the system for benefits to date.

That is not simply an eye catching statistic but real people with lives upended.

For the folks that are still working I hope you are:

1) humble, sober and aware of the fact that right now millions of americans are in pain,
2) if you have resources to help local folks – patronize open small businesses to limit further job loss,
3) donate to local food pantries,
4) donate other resources directly to real people you may know in need and
5) if you have resources to give to groups make it very local groups who are on the ground and getting them needed help in this time.

CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY

• We are starting to see some Corporate Philanthropy develop that has been missing through this crisis.   Stay tuned for a more thorough report.

Locally
– The Long Island Community Foundation has set up a Coronavirus fund for community services and organizations.
– Pink Tie and the LI Nets have developed a Pink Tie delivers program.
– Trader Joe’s has been making donations to local food pantries
– The Long Island East End Group purchased 15,000 masks for distribution to front line providers.
– The Estée Lauder Companies provided 10,000 hand sanitizer bottles (8 ounces each) per week for 4-5 weeks
– Owners of Shinn Estate Vineyards donate $100,000 to Eastern Long Island Hospitals
– LI Jobs with Justice Solidarity Fund
– Long Island Ambulatory Surgery Center donated a Ventilator
– In addition the United Way, The Townwide Fund of Huntington and the 1763 Foundation are all raising money to distribute to folks that meet their guidelines.  
– The Long Island Chinese American Association volunteers, donated 10,000 masks and delivered lunch to first responders.
– Jim Hagedorn from Scotts Miracle-Gro donated $110,000 worth of protective equipment for first responders. 
– $250,000 New York Jets for direct worker assistance
– $250,000 Bank of America for direct worker assistance
– The Knapp Swezey Foundation has donated $500,000 to Patchogue charities.
– Sterling Bank provided $5,000 to Central Islip Food Bank
– National Grid provides support to local food pantries

• The United Way has a fund to assist low income wage earners who were either (1) laid off or (2) furloughed from their jobs due to COVID-19.  People can search for assistance here.

• Nationwide Sales and Service Inc, a Long Island based manufacturer and distributor of janitorial products, donated $800,000 worth of PPE equipment to Long Island Police Officers

Nationally
– JP Morgan Chase has committed $50 million
– Lowes has announced $25 million in grants and in-kind donations
– Citi Foundation has announced a $15 million fund
– Google has announced $15 million in cash grants
– Citizens Bank has announced $5 million
– Anna Wintour has set up a fund for folks in the fashion industry who are displaced.
– A number of grants for displaced local artists are starting to emerge
– Bank of America has dedicated a $100 million fund nationwide.
– Verizon has set up a small business recovery fund.

• While we have not seen much in the corporate philanthropy department one fantastic exception has been the LI Community Foundation.   They have distributed $450,000 to a number of local organizations helping real people.   Check it out.

There is still a dearth of real community level information and tons of questions from folks stay tuned daily for updates on the range of actions taken to get us through this public health and economic crisis. 

We need you out there to tell is what is happening and what resources are available.   No matter what please join the LI Main Street Alliance by emailing us at ea@visionlongisland.org or call 631-804-9128.  

You can read previous editions of Long Island Main Street News here.

IMPORTANT WEBSITES TO TRACK:

Northwell Health Digital Resource Center

The US Small Business Administration

New York State Department of Labor

NYS Department of Health

CDC Website

Occupational Safety and Health

MTA Information

School Closings

AARP’s Updates on the Coronavirus

Island Harvest’s Food Pantry Tracker

Suffolk County Alliance of Chamber’s Disaster Relief Information

Global Dashboard of Infection Data

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 Watch us on YouTube

Join us on LinkedIn 

View us on Instagram 

Visit our website 

At this time of uncertainty, we are beginning to see a number of downtowns being shuttered as bars, restaurants, and any place where multiple people congregate are running up against fears of and caution at spreading the Coronavirus. While this is a socially responsible action that will help to save lives, in the short term these actions are having a number of adverse effects on our local communities.

Vision Long Island and Long Island Main Street Alliance members have collected a number of experiences from local restaurants and service businesses, but before we go into that we would like to encourage everyone reading this to find a way to responsibly patronize local establishments. Many stores are offering curbside pickup or online shopping to help them get through this difficult time. And your favorite restaurants are also currently open for business with takeout available.

We also urge you to consider gift cards in order to purchase something at a later date for yourself, or perhaps to give as a present.

Local shops are in a capable position to provide you with what you need in the short-term. Many will also be willing to accommodate you if you contact them ahead of time with requests that will minimize contact and help to lower the spread of this virus.

Vision has connected to over 600 small businesses in nearly 50 downtowns as they weather the economic storm through the Coronavirus. We encourage people to responsibly patronize these and other open establishments who need your help in this time of crisis.

Many of these businesses have been there for local organizations and philanthropy – they now need our support.

In the meantime, here is the featured downtown for today.

For a complete list of downtowns profiles, please check out our website here.

Village of Lawrence

The Village of Lawrence has experienced many transformations through the years. What was once vast farmlands, and originally developed by brothers Alfred, Newbold and George Lawrence as a summer resort, is now a thriving community of over 6,500 residents. The Village is characterized by a wide variety of eateries and its commercial area offers a full range of services that accommodates shoppers looking for specialty shops, boutiques, and professional services.

Lawrence is home to many Village-owned recreational facilities, including golf, tennis, and marina, but is also a destination community where diversity and cohesiveness unite in appreciation of community and neighborhood.  All these elements ensure that the spirit of community, which has made Lawrence such a wonderful place to live and raise a family, continues.

Speaking about the present health crisis, Lawrence Mayor Alex Edelman states, “In the face of the coronavirus, the residents and employees of our village responded with courage, patience, ingenuity and an ongoing commitment to one another.” He notes, “Citizens supported first responders, local merchants accommodated loyal shoppers and a hospital/medical facility was created, designed and built on site by generous, unselfish neighbors facilitated by a village government eager to help in so noble an effort.”  As the first stage of reopening emerges, Mayor Edelman assures residents that the Village of Lawrence is here to assist in any way it can so please do not hesitate to call.

Here is a list of some restaurants in Lawrence open for takeout, delivery and/or curbside pick-up.

Burnside Deli
(516) 792-6842

Carisma Dominicana
(516) 239-1611

Carlos & Gabby’s
(516) 239-8226

Chimichurri Charcoal Kitchen
(516) 371-3600

Cho-Sen Island
(516) 374-1199

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
(516) 239-2410

Giant Bagel
(516) 239-0440

Gino’s Pizza
(516) 569-5755

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant
(516) 239-0110

Jerusalem Pizza
(516) 569-0074

Lollibop Cafe & Play
(516) 341-7777

Lucky Boy
(516) 239-9352

Meisner’s Gourmet Catering
(516) 569-6411

Petencito Latin Grill
(516) 341-0550

Prime Bistro
(516) 374-7772

Sherwood Diner
(516) 371-4616

Sunflower Cafe
(516) 569-4522

Sushi Pie
(973) 467-8744

Sushi Tokyo
(516) 882-2244

The Coffee Bar and Restaurant
(516) 791-5200

Traditions
(516) 295-3630

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss

Assemblywoman Melissa Miller, 20th District, Nassau County, has been taking the time to acknowledge and highlight local heroes in her district. Most recently, Assemblywoman Miller recognized an amazing young professional, Dalton George, who creates community recreation activities for 18 children with autism in Lido Beach.

The children live in three groups homes and it is Dalton’s responsibility to create in-home and community-based activities that support the children’s education, growth, development and socialization. An exacting job in a pre COVID world, all the more challenging now.

According to Assemblywoman Miller, Dalton and all the staff at these facilities prioritize health, learning, and creative activities and projects for these children, which has been so important during this time of isolation. “These have been challenging times for all of us – but Dalton has had to keep re-imagining how to keep 18 boys under the age of 21 active and engaged while being required to stay home,” Miller stated.

“For children and adults with special needs, routine and interaction are vital to maintain stability. Dalton, and residential staff that include DSPs, nurses and clinicians, have done an incredible job keeping the children healthy, learning and not stressed-out. Many of us can relate, staying home is not easy, especially with the rigorous new disinfecting procedures,” explains Miller.

Dalton has organized game nights, karaoke, baking nights, and they have started a garden. On Mother’s Day, all the residents made cards, and the staff added flowers and made sure they got to their moms.

“Thank you to Dalton and the staff,” Assemblywoman Miller states, “for being so adaptable! Keep up the great work!”

Nassau County Executive Curran Announces Initiatives to Help Main Street

Vision and members of the LI Main Street Alliance were out today in downtown Farmingdale with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Mayor Ralph Ekstrand as she rolled out three initiatives to help Nassau’s Main Streets.

The first is to allow outdoor dining in County roadways that traverse through downtown areas. The second is a program to donate 1000 sanitizer and personal protective gear packages to local businesses that apply. The third is the Nassau IDA’s boost Nassau loan program that also leveraged funding from the NYS loan program that has a number of banks participating.

“We believe that the extra capacity of sidewalk and street seating could make the difference for survival for restaurants and businesses,” said County Executive Curran. “That’s allowed during the pandemic, that would be allowed now.”

Kudos to the partnership between the County and our Main Street business districts, Towns, Villages and local chambers to implement these income generating programs and safety equipment.

You can read more at Long Island Business News.

PinkTie Delivers Makes 3 Stops in One Day to Deliver Much-needed Supplies

Vision Long Island was proud to be a part of the massive group effort this past week for the Pink Tie Delivers team.

Dime Savings Bank, LI University students, 1st Equity Title, Late Night Chauffers, Keller Williams, Trinity Solar, Vision Long Island, ReCommerce, Remove It Man and Napoli Marble & Granite all teamed up for the day to make three stops that required a box truck and 5 other vehicles to get food and other requested items to three local food pantries.

The first stop of the day was in Wyandanch at the Community Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Solomon.  Their pantry has been hard hit and it was great to hear about the good work they are doing in the community.  NYS Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Peirre joined us and spoke about the issues the Coronavirus has brought to her district beyond food insecurity.

After that, the next stop was Brentwood & Central Islip at the Youth Enrichment Services center at the Little Church of God In Christ.  Carolyn, Mariann and Andre all spoke of the work they are doing to feed families of essential workers and all members of the community with a massive increase in demand.  Town of Islip Councilman Jim O’Connor joined the effort and shared the work the Town is doing to respond to the Coronavirus shutdown and assist hard hit communities.  Debbie Cavanaugh from the Central Islip Coalition of Good Neighbors helped coordinate this stop as well.

Our final stop for the day was over to Valley Stream at the Holy Name of Mary Parish Outreach. Sr. Margie shared the experiences of increased needs from not only her parish but members of the community.  She has been providing these services for 35 years and it was great to see her and her team’s good work.  Tom McAleer from the Village of Valley Stream joined us at that stop and spoke about the efforts the Village is making to respond to the many community needs.

A big thank you to volunteer Kevin Aberto who helped us connect to the Parish.

Beyond the food, financial donations from Pink Tie were made to each of the pantries.

This brought the PinkTie Delivers service to a total number of 5 stops for last week.  There is another 5 planned this week, so keep an eye on our newsletter for reporting on that.

In the meantime, if you want to assist the Pink Tie Delivers team by either 1) sponsoring a food drop; 2) doing the Doorstep Donation Program with the employees of your company or 3) simply donating a bag/box of food to be picked up by the team, head on over to http://www.pinktie.org for more information.

Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Authorizing Businesses to Deny Entry to Individuals Not Wearing Masks

The following is an update from Governor Cuomo’s website:

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an Executive Order authorizing businesses to deny entry to individuals who do not wear masks or face-coverings. The Executive Order builds on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers and slow the spread.

Governor Cuomo also announced a partnership with Rosie Perez and Chris Rock, who will help New York State build communication and education on the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing and the availability of testing and healthcare in the state.

The Governor also announced that New York State will distribute 1 million masks to New York City’s hardest-hit neighborhoods today. The state has already distributed more than 8 million masks across New York City, including to NYCHA developments, food banks, churches and homeless shelters. New York State maintains a comprehensive testing network throughout the state, including more than 225 sites in New York City. New York’s extensive testing—the state currently conducts tens of thousands of tests per day—now allows the government to pinpoint the state’s hardest-hit neighborhoods for additional supplies and other aid.

The Governor also announced that the MTA will pilot the use of proven UV light technology to kill COVID-19 in subway cars and crew facilities. The MTA currently cleans and disinfects trains every day.

“I’ve been working to communicate this message about masks and how effective they are. They are deceptively effective, they are amazingly effective. And we’ve made them mandatory in public settings, public transportation, et cetera,” Governor Cuomo said. “But when we’re talking about reopening stores and places of business, we’re giving the store owners the right to say, if you’re not wearing a mask, you can’t come in. That store owner has the right to protect themselves. That store owner has a right to protect the other patrons in that store. You don’t want to wear a mask, fine. But you don’t then have a right to then go into that store if that store owner doesn’t want you to.”

Finally, the Governor confirmed 1,768 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 366,733 confirmed cases in New York State.

You can watch the Governor’s full press conference here.

Calendar of Events

The INN Organization will Hold Curbside Food Drive on May 30th

The INN organization will hold its first ever curbside food drive this coming Saturday, May 30th from 11 am to 2 pm at the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen, 100 Madison Avenue in Hempstead.  This will be a safe, no-contact drive where donors will place donations on a table with a masked volunteer standing at a safe distance.  The volunteer will then retrieve the donation after the donor leaves.

If you’re interested in donating you can view a full list of items they are accepting here.  For any questions, please call 516-732-6009.

The following is a list of upcoming and ongoing calendar events. Check back on each publication for updates:

• Virtual Walks: The Health Education Council will be holding Virtual Walks every Monday at 12:30 pm EST and Wednesday at 3 pm EST, with a Spanish language virtual walk each Friday at 3 pm EST.

If you’re interested in taking a walk with friends while still practicing social distancing you can head to the the website here to sign up for a virtual walk. A Spanish speaking version is available here. You will then receive a zoom link and all you’ll need is a smart phone and a good pair of shoes and you’ll be in business!

• LIBN invites you to join their team every Friday at 2PM on libnow, LIBN’s live end-of-week recap, where they take the pulse of the Long Island business community and chat with experts on the state of their industry.

This Friday, we’ll chat with District Attorney Timothy Sini and Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President & CEO of Family & Children’s Association.

Participate in an interactive Q&A where YOU tell them what your business needs to know to stay ahead of the curve, as Long Island inches toward going back-to-business.

You can register for the event here.

• A forum series on suburban labor organizing and worker power in the COVID pandemic and beyond will be presented by Hofstra Labor Studies and the Center for Labor and Democracy in collaboration with Long Island Jobs with Justice and A.L.L.O.W. (Advancing Local Leadership Opportunities for Women).
Forum #1 will be “What is workplace safety? Who is responsible?“

The event will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Advance registration is required: RSVP HERE. Registrants will be sent an event link to attend prior to the event.

• Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Long Island Advancement of Small Business presents  ZOOM Video Conference “Office 365 Unleashed for Small & Medium-sized Businesses” 8:00AM to 10:00AM RSVP at www.liasb.com or call 516-473-7202.  Registration is Free, but you must register for this event.

New York State Launches NY Forward Loan Fund

Yesterday, New York State opened pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund. Loans from this fund are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords in New York State that did not receive a loan from either the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for COVID-19 in 2020. New York Forward loans must be fully repaid over a 5-year term with fixed annual interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and landlords.

Small businesses may apply for the lesser of $100,000 or up to 100% of the average monthly revenues in any 3-month period from 2019 or the first quarter of 2020.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as industries and regions reopen however, priority for New York Forward Loans will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Resources are available to assist in preparing applications for small businesses, landlords and nonprofits in industries and regions that have not yet reopened.

CDC Guidelines on Coronavirus Prevention

As concern about the ever-expanding impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) grows, we can minimize or prevent the spread of coronavirus by taking these steps:

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

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