Senator Roxanne J. Persaud's Weekly E-newsletter

September 18, 2020

Dear Constituents:

Autumn is in the air and I hope you and your family are well. Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s e-newsletter. I hope you also share the information with others.

Friday evening marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. I want to wish all my Jewish constituents a safe and blessed Rosh Hashana. Shana Tova U’Metukah. Please remember to continue to practice social distancing and keep gatherings during this holiday small as we are still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

A delay regarding in-classroom instruction in schools across New York City will not commence fully until October 1, 2020. Please review the current in-person instruction dates outlined in this e-newsletter. I am urging students, parents, and educators to remain patient as the new opening date reflects the concerns many teachers and parents had for safe classroom instruction. This school year will be untraditional, but the City agencies, Department of Education, and UFT are all taking the necessary precautions to ensure and promote a learning environment focusing on the wellbeing of all families during these difficult times.

NYC restaurants are still moving forward with the proposed indoor dining date beginning on September 30. Several criteria must be met for this development to be a success and ensure the health and safety of patrons. Please review the dedicated section in this e-newsletter.

Less than 2 weeks remain for you to complete the 2020 Census online or by telephone. Have you and your family filed your Census forms? If yes, thank you. By completing your Census information, you are helping your community to receive its fair share of federal funding. I urge you to take ten minutes or less out of your day and complete the ten questions for ten years of resources. Please take a moment to answer the survey today by phone at (844) 330-2020 or online at my2020census.gov. There are No immigration or citizenship questions asked. It’s fast, easy, and completely confidential.

Election Day less than two months away and this has become the most critical election cycle in our lifetime. Please review the Election section in this e-newsletter to see important registration dates if you are not already registered to vote and how to apply for an absentee ballot if you plan on submitting your ballot by mail. You will also have an opportunity to vote in person during early voting or on election day, November 3, 2020.

Lastly, our nation will celebrate Veterans Day on November 11. I am asking veterans in SD-19 to contact my office and give us your veteran status. Call us at 718-649-7653 or email senatorpersaud@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

NYS Senate

19th District

“WE ARE HERE TO SERVE, AND YOU DESERVE TO BE SERVED.”

About Us

The Office of Senator Roxanne J. Persaud proudly serves constituents in the communities of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, and Starrett City.

For more information, check the official website. To stay updated on events and meetings, frequent the Senate District 19 Calendar. If assistance is needed, an upcoming event requires sharing, or someone wishes to sign up for this newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our office can also be followed via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Upcoming Events

Around the District

Food, Mask & Hand Sanitizer Distributions Across SD-19

My office has been continuously fighting the COVID-19 battle, with areas of SD-19 being some of the hardest-hit in all of New York City. I have held PPE distribution events across our district and will continue to do so. From Bergen Beach to Brownville, East New York to Sheepshead Bay and all communities in between, we have been tirelessly distributing facial masks and hand sanitizer at events across SD-19.

Kings Bay Y’s Rosh Hashanah Food Pantry

On September 11, 2020, staff member Michael Benjamin represented me and joined Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz and Kings Bay Y Director Leonard Petlach at the Kings Bay Y’s Rosh Hashanah Food Pantry at the Y’s main site at 3495 Nostrand Ave. Hundreds of vulnerable seniors in our community received the holiday staples they need to participate in the traditions of the Jewish New Year.

For more photos, please click the above picture

Penn-Wortman Houses Food Distribution

On September 17, 2020, 400 constituents received food provided by the Campaign Against Hunger at NYCHA’s Penn-Wortman Houses. The fruits, vegetables, and grocery items were put in reusable bags provided by the NYC Dept. of Sanitation. Thank you to Bishop Nathan Williams and the Millennium Development staff at Penn Wortman Senior center, the volunteers who come out every week, and the 75th Pct NCOs who delivered boxes of food to many families in East NY.

And of course, we had to be sure that residents of our district were completing the census. Thanks to Mr. Tillman (Census Bureau) for doing the outreach today. Thanks to everyone who allowed him to complete their census information.

For more photos from this event, click on the picture above

911 Memorial Service - Marine Park

On September 11, 2020, staff member Michael Benjamin represented my office and joined District Leader Frank Seddio, District Leader Sue Ann Partnow, and Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club President Henry Bolus at Marine Park’s Carmine Carro Center to remember and pay tribute to all those we lost 19 years ago.

For more photos from this event, click the above picture

Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Gerard Davis

Congratulations on your 100th Birthday to constituent Mr. Gerard Davis, affectionately called Harold by his relatives.

I was delighted to visit Mr. Davis on September 16, 2020, at his home in East New York and presented him with a New York State Citation and balloons to commemorate this occasion. Also, I gave him a cookie arrangement compliments of Palermo Pastry Shop in Mill Basin.

Joining my staffer Jennifer and I, was Detective Marcus Johnson, 75th Pct. Community Affairs and P.O. Naz Abdul and P.O. Horacio Delgado, who are the NCOs for the area. Ms. Alba Hall, a neighbor to Mr. Davis, came out to present him with a gift and balloons. Ms. Hall, who is 80 years old, says her neighbor keeps her active and is grateful for their friendship.

While we were there, Mr. Davis demonstrated his fitness routine and danced to some calypso music. Mr. Davis was born in St. Lucia then moved to Trinidad at the age of 6 before moving to the United States. He will be celebrating this milestone with his family, including his wife and children.

I wish Mr. Davis a Happy Birthday and many more! Please view the pictures and read the message on the back of his birthday t-shirt.

For more photos, please click on the picture above

Virtual Town Hall Community Conversation on the Causalities & Casualties of Gun Violence

On September 16, 2020, I held a virtual Town Hall Community Conversation on the Causalities & Casualties of Gun Violence on Facebook Live. Panelists included Rabbi Avrohom Hecht of Canarsie JCC, Rev. Timothy Taylor, Sr. of Hebron Baptist Church, Dr. Jeffrey R. Gardere from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Brother Paul Muhammad of Community Board 5, Camara Jackson of Elite Learners, Digna Layne from the 73rd Precinct Community Council, Gardy Brazela from the 69th Precinct Community Council, and Vincent Riggins of Brite Leadership Coalition/ENY, and PSA 2 Youth Explorer Ariel Palmer. To view this virtual town hall, please click HERE.

2020 Census Event on E. 103rd Street

On September 17, 2020, I joined Assembly Member Jaime Williams as we met with Mayor Bill de Blasio, First Lady Chirlane McCray, NYC Census 2020 Director Julie Menin, and NYC Census 2020 Field Director Kathleen Daniel for a 2020 Census “Countdown to our Future” initiative in Canarsie. Unfortunately, Canarsie has one of the lowest response rates in all of New York. I joined my colleagues going door to door, visiting constituents and making sure their households filled for the Census. Did you or your family complete the census? If not, go to www.my2020census.gov and file today!

For more photos of this event, click on the picture above

New York State Senate Woman of Distinction for the 19th Senatorial District

The New York State Senate annually honors a select group of extraordinary women whose talents, achievements, and attributes set positive examples to inspire future generations of New Yorkers. These women are proven leaders and visionaries in their fields. One woman is selected by each Senator and honored at the Women of Distinction Ceremony in Albany. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event was held virtually throughout the month of August in the Capital.

For the 2020 award, I nominated Ms. Cass Johnson, RN. Ms. Johnson, RN is a nurse at Brookdale University Hospital where she began her career in 2004 in the infectious disease/medical surgical unit providing compassionate care to patients diagnosed with AIDS and their families. As COVID-19 ran rampant in Brooklyn, Ms. Johnson, RN spearheaded the new Medical Intensive Unit that helped diagnose patients.

On September 17, 2020, I went to Brookdale University hospital to present Ms. Cass Johnson, RN with the Woman of Distinction award and share in the jubilation with Ms. Johnson’s friends, family and colleagues in the hospital’s executive board room for an intimate award presentation. President and CEO, Mr. Dominick Stanzione referred to Ms. Johnson as a “true leader and teacher” and “well respected by her peers.”

To read further about the accomplishments of Ms. Cass Johnson, RN as well as be introduced to all of the New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction, a video is posted on my official Senate website at Cass Johnson, RN

For more photos of this event, click on the picture above

Tax/Water Lien Assistance for Property Owners

Please be aware that the NYC Department of Finance Outreach Team has scheduled additional Virtual Outreach Sessions to assist property owners with resolving their tax/water liens. Attendees can register by visiting the DOF lien sale page at www.nyc.gov/liensale. There is a call-in number that allows anyone to participate over the phone. The next event will take place on September 21, 2020 at 5:00 PM on WebEx and can be accessed HERE.

Constituents with limited computer access can also join this event by telephone by calling 1-408-418-9388; Access/Event Code: 173 875 2063 Password: 2020LS.

Brooklyn Developmental Center Mixed Use Project

In March 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the “Vital Brooklyn” comprehensive community development initiative to address chronic social, economic and health disparities in Central Brooklyn, one of the most underserved areas in New York State. Vital Brooklyn will create a stronger, more sustainable community by leveraging New York State programs and resources to improve the well-being of Central Brooklyn residents.

As part of the Vital Brooklyn initiative, the proposed Brooklyn Developmental Center Mixed-Use Project seeks to redevelop an approximately 27-acre site in East New York, Brooklyn, with affordable and supportive housing, commercial space, community facilities, light manufacturing uses, and open space.

Empire State Development (ESD), in collaboration with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HRC), published a Request for Proposals seeking high-quality mixed-use, wellness-oriented redevelopment proposals with affordable and supportive housing components for the former Brooklyn Developmental Center (BDC), where New York State provided residential care and treatment service to New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities between 1974 and 2015. A team—comprising Apex Building Company, L+M Development Partners, RiseBoro Community Partnership, and Services for the Underserved (S:US)—was selected to redevelop the site with a proposal based on “Blue Zones” planning, modeled after communities worldwide that have the longest lifespans.

To view the public hearing notice and register for the virtual public meeting scheduled for October 14, 2020, please click HERE.

Indoor Dining Resumes September 30th!

The Governor’s office has announced that restaurants can once again reopen for indoor dining starting on September 30, 2020. To the cheers of the many restaurateurs that I represent in SD-19, this has been a long awaited step toward normalcy. Please review the guidelines below as they are not completely identical to indoor dining options on Long Island or Upstate New York.

Important Update on In-Person Learning Start Dates

The New York City Department of Education made a pledge ensuring that they would put health and safety first. Additionally, the DOE plans to make rich, high-quality learning experiences available to all students, regardless of where they are learning from.

In order to live up to that pledge, the DOE has made some updates on this year’s in-person learning start dates:

Children who are enrolled in fully remote programs will still begin full-day instruction on Monday, September 21.
Children in blended learning will be learning remotely on Monday, September 21 until their in-person start date as outlined below. Students should report to school according to their specific blended learning schedules -- check with your child’s school to see when they should report.

Students in Grades 3K and Pre-K: In-Person Learning begins on Monday, September 21

All grades in District 75 schools: In-Person Learning begins on Monday, September 21

All Elementary Schools (K-5 and K-8) including students in Grades 6-8 in K-8 schools:

In-Person Learning begins on Tuesday, September 29

Middle Schools (Grades 6-8): In-Person Learning begins on Thursday, October 1

High Schools (Grades 9-12): In-Person Learning beings on Thursday, October 1

Secondary Schools (Grades 6-12): In-Person Learning begins on Thursday, October 1

Transfer Schools, Adult Education, Evening Schools: In-Person Learning begins on Thursday, October 1

K-2 and K-3 Schools: In-Person Learning begins on Tuesday, September 29

K-12 Schools: Grades K-8: In-Person Learning begins on Tuesday, September 29

Grades 9-12: In-Person Learning begins on Thursday, October 1

Learning Bridges Programs

As the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) resumes in-person schooling this fall, schools will operate on a blended learning model. Each week students will have some school days in person, and some school days remotely. Learning Bridges is a new program offering no-cost preschool and school age child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grade on days when they are scheduled for remote learning.

Learning Bridges child care programs (preschool for three and four year olds and Learning Labs for K-8) will provide opportunities for children to connect to their remote learning activities, and include time for art, recreation and other age-appropriate activities. The programs will follow rigorous health and safety precautions and will be operated by community based organizations. Daily breakfast, lunch and a snack will be provided.

To sign up, visit schools.nyc.gov/learningbridges. Families will be notified of their options on a rolling basis.

Learning Bridges FAQ

Enrollment

Who is eligible to attend a Learning Bridges program?

Students who have selected blended learning in 3-K through eighth grade are eligible to attend Learning Bridges. This includes NYCDOE elementary and middle school students and students enrolled with contracted 3-K and Pre-K programs.

The Learning Bridges program will prioritize the following populations:

Children living in temporary housing and NYCHA developments
Children of NYCDOE school and program personnel, including staff of Learning Bridges sites and NYCDOE staff who have been deployed for in-person teaching
Children receiving child welfare services
Students with IEPs
Children whose parent/guardian is an essential worker or were previously enrolled in a Regional Enrichment Center

How does a family enroll a child in Learning Bridges?

Parents may complete the Learning Bridges application form that can be found at schools.nyc.gov/learningbridges. Students will be matched with a local Learning Bridges program linked to their child’s school. Offer letters will be sent to families with program information.

Children will be matched to Learning Bridges programs in close proximity to their school(s), allowing them to attend programming with other children from their school(s) who have a similar schedule.

Where are the programs located?

Programs are available in all five boroughs. Program locations are linked to nearby schools and will be selected with consideration given to communities hard hit by COVID-19 and other disparities.

What is the schedule for drop-off/pick-up?

Learning Bridges programs are open from 8am to 3pm, five days a week. Students will attend programs on days when they are not in school. Specific drop-off and pick-up locations and practices as well as attendance schedules will be provided to parents by the program.

Will siblings be served at the same program?

Sibling enrollment will be considered to the extent possible.

Health & Safety

What kind of precautions will be in place to keep children and staff healthy?

Health and safety are the top priority at Learning Bridges programs. Risk mitigation is key to prevent outbreaks and avert the spread of the virus.

All programs will adopt “High Five”:

Wearing masks and daily health screening for children and staff,
Frequent hand washing,
Cleaning and disinfecting program space and common areas,
Physical distancing, and,
Cohorting that maintains group stability from school to program and small group size.

Nurses will be available for all programs for on-site visits and tele-health from 8am-8pm.

How will Learning Bridges manage a case of COVID-19?

Learning Bridges will follow New York State and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) guidance for handling confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in children, employees, and parents/guardians.
Health and safety practices will mirror those in place at DOE schools including reporting, closure and 14-day quarantine protocols for confirmed cases; and contact tracing.
Childcare providers will notify DOHMH and NYSDOH immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 test result by an employee or child at their site.
Parents will be asked to report symptoms (child or family member) to Learning Bridges staff and to adhere to 14 day quarantine if necessary.
Children who become ill during the day will be isolated and monitored and parents will be contacted for early pick-up and referral for testing.

Elite Learners, Inc. Mentorship Through Robotics Program

Elite Learners, Inc. is offering a Mentorship Through Robotics program for young men and women, ages 7-18 years old. The program is designed to introduce STEM-related activities through robotics activities with adult mentors. Students learn new skills, gain an understanding of how science, engineering, and math concepts work together, develop their creativity, and make lifelong connections to community leaders. For more information on this and other programs offered by Elite Learners, Inc., please click HERE.

Important Dates Leading Up to Election Day (November 3, 2020)

Please review these upcoming voter registration deadlines.

Absentee Voting Information

Please review these procedures in obtaining an absentee ballot if you do not plan on going to your local polling site on election day.

To Apply for an Absentee Ballot online, please click on the graphic below.

For other methods of obtaining an absentee ballot

Please click HERE to download the application.

Email application to Apply4Absentee@boe.nyc
* Applications must be saved in a (.pdf) format to avoid delays *
Fax application to 212-487-5349
Mail application to local borough office
Calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)

New Ballot Box Design

Ballot boxes will be strategically placed in all borough Board of Election offices, Early Voting Sites and Election Day Poll Sites across the five boroughs, affording voters over 1,300 locations to hand-deliver their ballots safely.

Employment Opportunities

H+H (Health & Hospitals) is hiring for several positions. Apply here: http://nyc.gov/getwork.
NYC is hiring 2,500 Contact Tracers. Apply here: Careers.
NYC is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need: NYC Food Delivery Driver Portal.
Available New York State Jobs and application deadlines can be found HERE.
Constituents looking for New York City employment can search HERE.
If you are interesting in becoming a poll worker for Election Day on November 3rd, please go to https://nyc.electiondayworker.com/start.aspx

Department of Labor - Unemployment Claims

To file unemployment claims or to make complaints regarding working during this pandemic, please click HERE. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my district office.

In order to continue receiving your UI or PUA benefits, you must continue to certify every week. You do not need to re-apply or contact the NYS DOL, unless you are specifically told to do so. New Yorkers can certify online at labor.ny.gov/signin or on the phone by calling 1-888-581-5812 (for UI) or 1-833-324-0366 (for PUA).

To learn more about Extended Benefits, please visit the PEUC and EB FAQs at http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/extended-benefits-faq.pdf.

Food Assistance Programs

Are you or someone you know is in need of food assistance but cannot leave their home or cannot afford the costs?

Click HERE to find a Meal Hub near you. No ID is required and each person can pick up 3 meals at a time (adults can pick up meals for their children).

Sisters with Purpose have been helping our community for months throughout the pandemic by partnering with New York Cares and the Food Bank for New York City to supply food for families in SD-19. Below please find their calendar for their remaining August dates at the Brooklyn Sports Club. Please share this information with those that may be in need.

Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in SD-19

Please click HERE for a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in our district.

Health & Wellness

YAI to offer Social Skills & Ballet-Yoga for Children with Autism in Brooklyn

YAI is excited to announce that registration is now open for the virtual Social Skills and Ballet-Yoga program. The 10-week program will begin Tuesday, September 29.

The combined Ballet-Yoga and Social Skills program is open to children ages 4-12 on the autism spectrum. Groups cover topics including communication, feelings, and friendship while incorporating creative movement and introductory yoga poses.

The hour-lone Zoom sessions will be on Tuesday and Thursdays at 4 PM from September 29 - December 10. To submit an interest form, please click HERE.

NYC Infant Safe Sleep Summit

ACS’s Infant Safe Sleep team is preparing for the annual Infant Safe Sleep Summit, which will take place virtually this year throughout the month of October. The NYC Infant Safe Sleep Initiative focuses on protecting NYC babies from preventable sleep-related infant deaths through citywide outreach, training, and awareness efforts to help educate parents and caregivers.

ACS is offering this year’s Infant Safe Sleep Summit via weekly Zoom sessions throughout October. The theme is “Closing the Gap: An Intersectional Approach to Reducing Infant Mortality.” ACS will share information about safe sleep best practices and policies, and examine root causes of social and health inequities that impact families of color, with presentations from experts in the field.

Please visit the Safe Sleep Awareness Website by clicking HERE to register for October events. Sessions are filling up quickly.

Express Emergency Room at Brookdale Hospital

Mental Health & Domestic Violence Resources

You do not have to feel alone. If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, please contact the New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. Thousands of mental health professionals are available to help us during this pandemic.

NYC Counts Contest ends September 21

All New Yorkers are being mobilized to complete the census immediately -- and now, they can win more than $15,000 in exciting prizes for doing it!

NYC’s future and recovery from COVID-19 depends on a complete count. Due to challenges like the pandemic, we are in danger of being undercounted and losing out on billions in funding and the political representation that are rightfully ours.

To improve self-response rates, NYC Census 2020 has launched a brand new contest series to boost our self-response rates. All New Yorkers, no matter where they live in the city, who complete the census can enter to win exciting prizes from Seamless, Lyft/Citi Bike, and MoMA over the next five weeks. There will be more than 100 winners in total!

To learn more and enter, please go to nyc.gov/CensusContest.

Public Safety

FDNY

Even though FDNY CPR classes are currently postponed, watch this #FDNYSmart video to gain an overall awareness of hands-only CPR, and to learn how #CPRSavesLives.

Visit www.fdnysmart.org/connect to watch the full presentation. Use these safety tips when performing Hands Only CPR, and remember that early recognition and action improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.

If you are interested in becoming part of NY’s Bravest, please click the graphic below to learn about employment opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. #JoinFDNY

NYPD

Find out more on the New York City Police Department Precincts in the district, including crime statistics so you are aware of the trends and able to identify changes to help us fight for a safer community.